George Eliot
Adam Bede
Book First
Chapter I
The Workshop
With a single drop of ink for a mirror the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to
reveal to any chance comer farreaching visions of the past This is what I
undertake to do for you reader With this drop of ink at the end of my pen I
will show you the roomy workshop of Mr Jonathan Burge carpenter and builder
in the village of Hayslope as it appeared on the eighteenth of June in the
year of our Lord 1799
The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there busy upon doors and
windowframes and wainscoting A scent of pinewood from a tentlike pile of
planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elderbushes
which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite the
slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the
steady plane and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped
against the wall On a heap of those soft shavings a rough grey shepherddog had
made himself a pleasant bed and was lying with his nose between his forepaws
occasionally wrinkling his brows to cast a glance at the tallest of the five
workmen who was carving a shield in the centre of a wooden mantelpiece It was
to this workman that the strong barytone belonged which was heard above the
sound of plane and hammer singing
»Awake my soul and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run
Shake off dull sloth «
Here some measurement was to be taken which required more concentrated
attention and the sonorous voice subsided into a low whistle but it presently
broke out again with renewed vigour
»Let all thy converse be sincere
Thy conscience as the noonday clear«
Such a voice could only come from a broad chest and the broad chest belonged to
a largeboned muscular man nearly six feet high with a back so flat and a head
so well poised that when he drew himself up to take a more distant survey of his
work he had the air of a soldier standing at ease The sleeve rolled up above
the elbow showed an arm that was likely to win the prize for feats of strength
yet the long supple hand with its broad fingertips looked ready for works of
skill In his tall stalwartness Adam Bede was a Saxon and justified his name
but the jetblack hair made the more noticeable by its contrast with the light
paper cap and the keen glance of the dark eyes that shone from under strongly
marked prominent and mobile eyebrows indicated a mixture of Celtic blood The
face was large and roughly hewn and when in repose had no other beauty than
such as belongs to an expression of goodhumoured honest intelligence
It is clear at a glance that the next workman is Adams brother He is
nearly as tall he has the same type of features the same hue of hair and
complexion but the strength of the family likeness seems only to render more
conspicuous the remarkable difference of expression both in form and face
Seths broad shoulders have a slight stoop his eyes are grey his eyebrows have
less prominence and more repose than his brothers and his glance instead of
being keen is confiding and benignant He has thrown off his paper cap and you
see that his hair is not thick and straight like Adams but thin and wavy
allowing you to discern the exact contour of a coronal arch that predominates
very decidedly over the brow
The idle tramps always felt sure they could get a copper from Seth they
scarcely ever spoke to Adam
The concert of the tools and Adams voice was at last broken by Seth who
lifting the door at which he had been working intently placed it against the
wall and said
»There Ive finished my door today anyhow«
The workmen all looked up Jim Salt a burly redhaired man known as Sandy
Jim paused from his planing and Adam said to Seth with a sharp glance of
surprise
»What dost think theest finished the door«
»Ay sure« said Seth with answering surprise »whats awanting tot«
A loud roar of laughter from the other three workmen made Seth look round
confusedly Adam did not join in the laughter but there was a slight smile on
his face as he said in a gentler tone than before
»Why theest forgot the panels«
The laughter burst out afresh as Seth clapped his hands to his head and
coloured over brow and crown
»Hoorray« shouted a small lithe fellow called Wiry Ben running forward
and seizing the door »Well hang up th door at fur end o th shop an write
ont Seth Bede the Methody his work Here Jim lends hould o th redpot«
»Nonsense« said Adam »Let it alone Ben Cranage Youll mayhap be making
such a slip yourself some day youll laugh o th other side o your mouth
then«
»Catch me at it Adam Itll be a good while afore my heads full o th
Methodies« said Ben
»Nay but its often full o drink and thats worse«
Ben however had now got the »redpot« in his hand and was about to begin
writing his inscription making by way of preliminary an imaginary S in the
air
»Let it alone will you« Adam called out laying down his tools striding
up to Ben and seizing his right shoulder »Let it alone or Ill shake the soul
out o your body«
Ben shook in Adams iron grasp but like a plucky small man as he was he
didnt mean to give in With his left hand he snatched the brush from his
powerless right and made a movement as if he would perform the feat of writing
with his left In a moment Adam turned him round seized his other shoulder
and pushing him along pinned him against the wall But now Seth spoke
»Let be Addy let be Ben will be joking Why hes i the right to laugh
at me I canna help laughing at myself«
»I shant loose him till he promises to let the door alone« said Adam
»Come Ben lad« said Seth in a persuasive tone »dont lets have a
quarrel about it You know Adam will have his way You mays well try to turn a
waggon in a narrow lane Say youll leave the door alone and make an end ont«
»I binna frighted at Adam« said Ben »but I donna mind sayin as Ill let
t alone at your askin Seth«
»Come thats wise of you Ben« said Adam laughing and relaxing his grasp
They all returned to their work now but Wiry Ben having had the worst in
the bodily contest was bent on retrieving that humiliation by a success in
sarcasm
»Which was ye thinkin on Seth« he began »the pretty parsons face or
her sarmunt when ye forgot the panels«
»Come and hear her Ben« said Seth goodhumouredly »shes going to preach
on the Green tonight happen yed get something to think on yourself then
instead o those wicked songs youre so fond on Ye might get religion and that
ud be the best days earnings y ever made«
»All i good time for that Seth Ill think about that when Im agoin to
settle i life bachelors doesnt want such heavy earnins Happen I shall do the
coortin an the religion both together as ye do Seth but ye wouldna ha me
get converted an chop in atween ye an the pretty preacher an carry her aff«
»No fear o that Ben shes neither for you nor for me to win I doubt
Only you come and hear her and you wont speak lightly on her again«
»Well In half a mind t ha a look at her tonight if there isnt good
company at th Holly Bush Whatll she take for her text Happen ye can tell me
Seth if so be as I shouldna come up i time fort Willt be What come ye
out for to see A prophetess Yea I say unto you and more than a prophetess
a uncommon pretty young woman«
»Come Ben« said Adam rather sternly »you let the words o the Bible
alone youre going too far now«
»What are ye aturnin roun Adam I thought ye war dead again th women
preachin a while agoo«
»Nay Im not turnin noway I said nought about the women preachin I
said You let the Bible alone youve got a jestbook hant you as youre rare
and proud on Keep your dirty fingers to that«
»Why y are gettin as big a saint as Seth Y are goin to th preachin
tonight I should think Yell do finely t lead the singin But I don know
what Parson Irwine ull say at his gran favright Adam Bede aturnin Methody«
»Never do you bother yourself about me Ben Im not agoing to turn
Methodist any more nor you are though its like enough youll turn to
something worse Mester Irwines got more sense nor to meddle wi peoples doing
as they like in religion Thats between themselves and God as hes said to me
many a time«
»Ay ay but hes none so fond o your dissenters for all that«
»Maybe Im none so fond o Josh Tods thick ale but I dont hinder you
from making a fool o yourself wit«
There was a laugh at this thrust of Adams but Seth said very seriously
»Nay nay Addy thee mustna say as anybodys religions like thick ale
Thee dostna believe but what the dissenters and the Methodists have got the root
o the matter as well as the church folks«
»Nay Seth lad Im not for laughing at no mans religion Let em follow
their consciences thats all Only I think it ud be better if their
consciences ud let em stay quiet i the church theres a deal to be learnt
there And theres such a thing as being oversperitial we must have something
beside Gospel i this world Look at the canals an th aqueducs an th
coalpit engines and Arkwrights mills there at Cromford a man must learn
summat beside Gospel to make them things I reckon But t hear some o them
preachers youd think as a man must be doing nothing all s life but shutting
s eyes and looking whats agoing on inside him I know a man must have the
love o God in his soul and the Bibles Gods word But what does the Bible
say Why it says as God put his sperrit into the workman as built the
tabernacle to make him do all the carved work and things as wanted a nice hand
And this is my way o looking at it theres the sperrit o God in all things
and all times weekday as well as Sunday and i the great works and
inventions and i the figuring and the mechanics And God helps us with our
headpieces and our hands as well as with our souls and if a man does bits o
jobs out o working hours builds a oven for s wife to save her from going to
the bakehouse or scrats at his bit o garden and makes two potatoes grow istead
o one hes doing more good and hes just as near to God as if he was running
after some preacher and apraying and agroaning«
»Well done Adam« said Sandy Jim who had paused from his planing to shift
his planks while Adam was speaking »thats the best sarmunt Ive heared this
long while By th same token my wifes been aplaguin on me to build her a
oven this twelvemont«
»Theres reason in what thee sayst Adam« observed Seth gravely »But
thee knowst thyself as its hearing the preachers thee findst so much fault
with has turned many an idle fellow into an industrious un Its the preacher as
empties th alehouse and if a man gets religion hell do his work none the
worse for that«
»Ony hell lave the panels out o th doors sometimes eh Seth« said Wiry
Ben
»Ah Ben youve got a joke again me as ll last you your life But it isna
religion as was i fault there it was Seth Bede as was allays a woolgathering
chap and religion hasna cured him the mores the pity«
»Neer heed me Seth« said Wiry Ben »y are a downright goodhearted chap
panels or no panels an ye donna set up your bristles at every bit o fun like
some o your kin as is mayhap cliverer«
»Seth lad« said Adam taking no notice of the sarcasm against himself
»thee mustna take me unkind I wasna driving at thee in what I said just now
Some s got one way o looking at things and some s got another«
»Nay nay Addy thee meanst me no unkindness« said Seth »I know that
well enough Theet like thy dog Gyp thee barkst at me sometimes but thee
allays lickst my hand after«
All hands worked on in silence for some minutes until the church clock
began to strike six Before the first stroke had died away Sandy Jim had loosed
his plane and was reaching his jacket Wiry Ben had left a screw half driven in
and thrown his screwdriver into his toolbasket Mum Taft who true to his
name had kept silence throughout the previous conversation had flung down his
hammer as he was in the act of lifting it and Seth too had straightened his
back and was putting out his hand towards his paper cap Adam alone had gone on
with his work as if nothing had happened But observing the cessation of the
tools he looked up and said in a tone of indignation
»Look there now I cant abide to see men throw away their tools i that
way the minute the clock begins to strike as if they took no pleasure i their
work and was afraid o doing a stroke too much«
Seth looked a little conscious and began to be slower in his preparations
for going but Mum Taft broke silence and said
»Ay ay Adam lad ye talk like a young un When y are sixanforty like
me istid o sixantwenty ye wonna be so flush o workin for nought«
»Nonsense« said Adam still wrathful »whats age got to do with it I
wonder Ye arena getting stiff yet I reckon I hate to see a mans arms drop
down as if he was shot before the clocks fairly struck just as if hed never
a bit o pride and delight in s work The very grindstone ull go on turning a
bit after you loose it«
»Bodderation Adam« exclaimed Wiry Ben »lave a chap aloon will ee Ye
war afinding faut wi preachers a while agoo y are fond enough o preachin
yoursen Ye may like work better nor play but I like play better nor work
thatll commodate ye it laves ye th more to do«
With this exit speech which he considered effective Wiry Ben shouldered
his basket and left the workshop quickly followed by Mum Taft and Sandy Jim
Seth lingered and looked wistfully at Adam as if he expected him to say
something
»Shalt go home before thee gost to the preaching« Adam asked looking up
»Nay Ive got my hat and things at Will Maskerys I shant be home before
going for ten Ill happen see Dinah Morris safe home if shes willing Theres
nobody comes with her from Poysers thee knowst«
»Then Ill tell mother not to look for thee« said Adam
»Thee artna going to Poysers thyself tonight« said Seth rather timidly
as he turned to leave the workshop
»Nay Im going to th school«
Hitherto Gyp had kept his comfortable bed only lifting up his head and
watching Adam more closely as he noticed the other workmen departing But no
sooner did Adam put his ruler in his pocket and begin to twist his apron round
his waist than Gyp ran forward and looked up in his masters face with patient
expectation If Gyp had had a tail he would doubtless have wagged it but being
destitute of that vehicle for his emotions he was like many other worthy
personages destined to appear more phlegmatic than nature had made him
»What art ready for the basket eh Gyp« said Adam with the same gentle
modulation of voice as when he spoke to Seth
Gyp jumped and gave a short bark as much as to say »Of course« Poor
fellow he had not a great range of expression
The basket was the one which on workdays held Adams and Seths dinner and
no official walking in procession could look more resolutely unconscious of
all acquaintances than Gyp with his basket trotting at his masters heels
On leaving the workshop Adam locked the door took the key out and carried
it to the house on the other side of the woodyard It was a low house with
smooth grey thatch and buff walls looking pleasant and mellow in the evening
light The leaded windows were bright and speckless and the doorstone was as
clean as a white boulder at ebb tide On the doorstone stood a clean old woman
in a darkstripped linen gown a red kerchief and a linen cap talking to some
speckled fowls which appeared to have been drawn towards her by an illusory
expectation of cold potatoes or barley The old womans sight seemed to be dim
for she did not recognise Adam till he said
»Heres the key Dolly lay it down for me in the house will you«
»Ay sure but wunna ye come in Adam Miss Marys i th house an Mester
Burge ull be back anon hed be glad t ha ye to supper wim Ill bes
warrand«
»No Dolly thank you Im off home Goodevening«
Adam hastened with long strides Gyp close to his heels out of the
workyard and along the highroad leading away from the village and down to the
valley As he reached the foot of the slope an elderly horseman with his
portmanteau strapped behind him stopped his horse when Adam had passed him and
turned round to have another long look at the stalwart workman in paper cap
leather breeches and darkblue worsted stockings
Adam unconscious of the admiration he was exciting presently struck across
the fields and now broke out into the tune which had all day long been running
in his head
»Let all thy converse be sincere
Thy conscience as the noonday clear
For Gods allseeing eye surveys
Thy secret thoughts thy works and ways«
Chapter II
The Preaching
About a quarter to seven there was an unusual appearance of excitement in the
village of Hayslope and through the whole length of its little street from the
Donnithorne Arms to the churchyard gate the inhabitants had evidently been
drawn out of their houses by something more than the pleasure of lounging in the
evening sunshine The Donnithorne Arms stood at the entrance of the village and
a small farmyard and stackyard which flanked it indicating that there was a
pretty take of land attached to the inn gave the traveller a promise of good
feed for himself and his horse which might well console him for the ignorance
in which the weatherbeaten sign left him as to the heraldic bearings of that
ancient family the Donnithornes Mr Casson the landlord had been for some
time standing at the door with his hands in his pockets balancing himself on
his heels and toes and looking towards a piece of unenclosed ground with a
maple in the middle of it which he knew to be the destination of certain
gravelooking men and women whom he had observed passing at intervals
Mr Cassons person was by no means of that common type which can be allowed
to pass without description On a front view it appeared to consist principally
of two spheres bearing about the same relation to each other as the earth and
the moon that is to say the lower sphere might be said at a rough guess to
be thirteen times larger than the upper which naturally performed the function
of a mere satellite and tributary But here the resemblance ceased for Mr
Cassons head was not at all a melancholylooking satellite nor was it a
»spotty globe« as Milton has irreverently called the moon on the contrary no
head and face could look more sleek and healthy and its expression which was
chiefly confined to a pair of round and ruddy cheeks the slight knot and
interruptions forming the nose and eyes being scarcely worth mention was one of
jolly contentment only tempered by that sense of personal dignity which usually
made itself felt in his attitude and bearing This sense of dignity could hardly
be considered excessive in a man who had been butler to »the family« for fifteen
years and who in his present high position was necessarily very much in
contact with his inferiors How to reconcile his dignity with the satisfaction
of his curiosity by walking towards the Green was the problem that Mr Casson
had been revolving in his mind for the last five minutes but when he had partly
solved it by taking his hands out of his pockets and thrusting them into the
armholes of his waistcoat by throwing his head on one side and providing
himself with an air of contemptuous indifference to whatever might fall under
his notice his thoughts were diverted by the approach of the horseman whom we
lately saw pausing to have another look at our friend Adam and who now pulled
up at the door of the Donnithorne Arms
»Take off the bridle and give him a drink ostler« said the traveller to
the lad in a smockfrock who had come out of the yard at the sound of the
horses hoofs
»Why whats up in your pretty village landlord« he continued getting
down »There seems to be quite a stir«
»Its a Methodis preaching sir its been gev hout as a young womans
agoing to preach on the Green« answered Mr Casson in a treble and wheezy
voice with a slightly mincing accent »Will you please to step in sir an tek
somethink«
»No I must be getting on to Rosseter I only want a drink for my horse And
what does your parson say I wonder to a young woman preaching just under his
nose«
»Parson Irwine sir doesnt live here he lives at Broxon over the hill
there The parsonage heres a tumbledown place sir not fit for gentry to live
in He comes here to preach of a Sunday afternoon sir an puts up his hoss
here Its a grey cob sir an he sets great store byt Hes allays put up his
hoss here sir iver since before I hed the Donnithorne Arms Im not this
countryman you may tell by my tongue sir Theyre curous talkers i this
country sir the gentrys hard work to hunderstand em I was brought hup among
the gentry sir an got the turn o their tongue when I was a bye Why what do
you think the folks here says for hevnt you the gentry you know says
hevnt you well the people about here says hanna yey Its what they call the
dileck as is spoke hereabout sir Thats what Ive heard Squire Donnithorne say
many a time its the dileck says he«
»Ay ay« said the stranger smiling »I know it very well But youve not
got many Methodists about here surely in this agricultural spot I should
have thought there would hardly be such a thing as a Methodist to be found about
here Youre all farmers arent you The Methodists can seldom lay much hold on
them«
»Why sir theres a pretty lot o workmen round about sir Theres Mester
Burge as owns the timberyard over there he underteks a good bit o building
an repairs An theres the stonepits not far off Theres plenty of emply i
this countryside sir An theres a fine batch o Methodisses at Treddleson
thats the markettown about three mile off youll maybe ha come through it
sir Theres pretty nigh a score of em on the Green now as come from there
Thats where our people gets it from though theres only two men of em in all
Hayslope thats Will Maskery the wheelwright and Seth Bede a young man as
works at the carpenterin«
»The preacher comes from Treddleston then does she«
»Nay sir she comes out o Stonyshire pretty nigh thirty mile off But
shes avisitin hereabout at Mester Poysers at the Hall Farm its them barns
an big walnut trees right away to the left sir Shes own niece to Poysers
wife an theyll be fine an vexed at her for making a fool of herself i that
way But Ive heared as theres no holding these Methodisses when the maggits
once got i their head many of em goes stark starin mad wi their religion
Though this young womans quiet enough to look at by what I can make out Ive
not seen her myself«
»Well I wish I had time to wait and see her but I must get on Ive been
out of my way for the last twenty minutes to have a look at that place in the
valley Its Squire Donnithornes I suppose«
»Yes sir thats Donnithorne Chase that is Fine hoaks there isnt there
sir I should know what it is sir for Ive lived butler there agoing i
fifteen year Its Captain Donnithorne as is th heir sir Squire
Donnithornes grandson Hell be comin of hage this ayarvest sir an we
shall hev fine doins He owns all the land about here sir Squire Donnithorne
does«
»Well its a pretty spot whoever may own it« said the traveller mounting
his horse »and one meets some fine strapping fellows about too I met as fine a
young fellow as ever I saw in my life about half an hour ago before I came up
the hill a carpenter a tall broadshouldered fellow with black hair and black
eyes marching along like a soldier We want such fellows as he to lick the
French«
»Ay sir thats Adam Bede that is Ill be bound Thias Bedes son
everybody knows him hereabout Hes an uncommon clever stiddy fellow an
wonderful strong Lord bless you sir if youll hexcuse me for saying so he
can walk forty mile aday an lift a matter o sixty ston Hes an uncommon
favourite wi the gentry sir Captain Donnithorne and Parson Irwine meks a fine
fuss wi him But hes a little lifted up an pepperylike«
»Well good evening to you landlord I must get on«
»Your servant sir good evenin«
The traveller put his horse into a quick walk up the village but when he
approached the Green the beauty of the view that lay on his right hand the
singular contrast presented by the groups of villagers with the knot of
Methodists near the maple and perhaps yet more curiosity to see the young
female preacher proved too much for his anxiety to get to the end of his
journey and he paused
The Green lay at the extremity of the village and from it the road branched
off in two directions one leading farther up the hill by the church and the
other winding gently down towards the valley On the side of the Green that led
towards the church the broken line of thatched cottages was continued nearly to
the churchyard gate but on the opposite northwestern side there was nothing
to obstruct the view of gentlyswelling meadow and wooded valley and dark
masses of distant hill That rich undulating district of Loamshire to which
Hayslope belonged lies close to a grim outskirt of Stonyshire overlooked by
its barren hills as a pretty blooming sister may sometimes be seen linked in the
arm of a rugged tall swarthy brother and in two or three hours ride the
traveller might exchange a bleak treeless region intersected by lines of cold
grey stone for one where his road wound under the shelter of woods or up
swelling hills muffled with hedgerows and long meadowgrass and thick corn and
where at every turn he came upon some fine old countryseat nestled in the
valley or crowning the slope some homestead with its long length of barn and
its cluster of golden ricks some grey steeple looking out from a pretty
confusion of trees and thatch and darkred tiles It was just such a picture as
this last that Hayslope Church had made to the traveller as he began to mount
the gentle slope leading to its pleasant uplands and now from his station near
the Green he had before him in one view nearly all the other typical features of
this pleasant land High up against the horizon were the huge conical masses of
hill like giant mounds intended to fortify this region of corn and grass
against the keen and hungry winds of the north not distant enough to be clothed
in purple mystery but with sombre greenish sides visibly specked with sheep
whose motion was only revealed by memory not detected by sight wooed from day
to day by the changing hours but responding with no change in themselves left
for ever grim and sullen after the flush of morning the winged gleams of the
April noonday the parting crimson glory of the ripening summer sun And
directly below them the eye rested on a more advanced line of hanging woods
divided by bright patches of pasture or furrowed crops and not yet deepened
into the uniform leafy curtains of high summer but still showing the warm tints
of the young oak and the tender green of the ash and lime Then came the valley
where the woods grew thicker as if they had rolled down and hurried together
from the patches left smooth on the slope that they might take the better care
of the tall mansion which lifted its parapets and sent its faint blue summer
smoke among them Doubtless there was a large sweep of park and a broad glassy
pool in front of that mansion but the swelling slope of meadow would not let
our traveller see them from the village green He saw instead a foreground which
was just as lovely the level sunlight lying like transparent gold among the
gentlycurving stems of the feathered grass and the tall red sorrel and the
white umbels of the hemlocks lining the bushy hedgerows It was that moment in
summer when the sound of the scythe being whetted makes us cast more lingering
looks at the flowersprinkled tresses of the meadows
He might have seen other beauties in the landscape if he had turned a little
in his saddle and looked eastward beyond Jonathan Burges pasture and woodyard
towards the green cornfields and walnuttrees of the Hall Farm but apparently
there was more interest for him in the living groups close at hand Every
generation in the village was there from old »Feyther Taft« in his brown
worsted nightcap who was bent nearly double but seemed tough enough to keep
on his legs a long while leaning on his short stick down to the babies with
their little round heads lolling forward in quilted linen caps Now and then
there was a new arrival perhaps a slouching labourer who having eaten his
supper came out to look at the unusual scene with a slow bovine gaze willing
to hear what any one had to say in explanation of it but by no means excited
enough to ask a question But all took care not to join the Methodists on the
Green and identify themselves in that way with the expectant audience for
there was not one of them that would not have disclaimed the imputation of
having come out to hear the »preacherwoman« they had only come out to see
»what war agoin on like« The men were chiefly gathered in the neighbourhood
of the blacksmiths shop But do not imagine them gathered in a knot Villagers
never swarm a whisper is unknown among them and they seem almost as incapable
of an undertone as a cow or a stag Your true rustic turns his back on his
interlocutor throwing a question over his shoulder as if he meant to run away
from the answer and walking a step or two farther off when the interest of the
dialogue culminates So the group in the vicinity of the blacksmiths door was
by no means a close one and formed no screen in front of Chad Cranage the
blacksmith himself who stood with his black brawny arms folded leaning against
the doorpost and occasionally sending forth a bellowing laugh at his own
jokes giving them a marked preference over the sarcasms of Wiry Ben who had
renounced the pleasures of the Holly Bush for the sake of seeing life under a
new form But both styles of wit were treated with equal contempt by Mr Joshua
Rann Mr Ranns leathern apron and subdued griminess can leave no one in any
doubt that he is the village shoemaker the thrusting out of his chin and
stomach and the twirling of his thumbs are more subtle indications intended
to prepare unwary strangers for the discovery that they are in the presence of
the parish clerk »Old Joshway« as he is irreverently called by his neighbours
is in a state of simmering indignation but he has not yet opened his lips
except to say in a resounding bass undertone like the tuning of a violoncello
»Sehon King of the Amorites for His mercy endureth for ever and Og the King
of Basan for His mercy endureth for ever« a quotation which may seem to have
slight bearing on the present occasion but as with every other anomaly
adequate knowledge will show it to be a natural sequence Mr Rann was inwardly
maintaining the dignity of the Church in the face of this scandalous irruption
of Methodism and as that dignity was bound up with his own sonorous utterance
of the responses his argument naturally suggested a quotation from the psalm he
had read the last Sunday afternoon
The stronger curiosity of the women had drawn them quite to the edge of the
Green where they could examine more closely the Quakerlike costume and odd
deportment of the female Methodists Underneath the maple there was a small cart
which had been brought from the wheelwrights to serve as a pulpit and round
this a couple of benches and a few chairs had been placed Some of the
Methodists were resting on these with their eyes closed as if wrapt in prayer
or meditation Others chose to continue standing and had turned their faces
towards the villagers with a look of melancholy compassion which was highly
amusing to Bessy Cranage the blacksmiths buxom daughter known to her
neighbours as Chads Bess who wondered »why the folks war amakin faces a
thatns« Chads Bess was the object of peculiar compassion because her hair
being turned back under a cap which was set at the top of her head exposed to
view an ornament of which she was much prouder than of her red cheeks namely a
pair of large round earrings with false garnets in them ornaments contemned
not only by the Methodists but by her own cousin and namesake Timothys Bess
who with much cousinly feeling often wished »them earrings« might come to
good
Timothys Bess though retaining her maiden appellation among her familiars
had long been the wife of Sandy Jim and possessed a handsome set of matronly
jewels of which it is enough to mention the heavy baby she was rocking in her
arms and the sturdy fellow of five in kneebreeches and red legs who had a
rusty milkcan round his neck by way of drum and was very carefully avoided by
Chads small terrier This young olivebranch notorious under the name of
Timothys Besss Ben being of an inquiring disposition unchecked by any false
modesty had advanced beyond the group of women and children and was walking
round the Methodists looking up in their faces with his mouth wide open and
beating his stick against the milkcan by way of musical accompaniment But one
of the elderly women bending down to take him by the shoulder with an air of
grave remonstrance Timothys Besss Ben first kicked out vigorously then took
to his heels and sought refuge behind his fathers legs
»Ye gallows young dog« said Sandy Jim with some paternal pride »if ye
donna keep that stick quiet Ill tek it from ye What dye mane by kickin
foulks«
»Here gie him here to me Jim« said Chad Cranage »Ill tie him up an
shoe him as I do th hosses Well Mester Casson« he continued as that
personage sauntered up towards the group of men »how are ye t naight Are ye
coom t help groon They say folks allays groon when theyre hearkenin to th
Methodys as if they war bad i th inside I mane to groon as loud as your cow
did th other naight an then the praicher ull think Im i th raight way«
»Id advise you not to be up to no nonsense Chad« said Mr Casson with
some dignity »Poyser wouldnt like to hear as his wifes niece was treated any
ways disrespectful for all he maynt be fond of her taking on herself to
preach«
»Ay an shes a pleasantlooked un too« said Wiry Ben »Im stick up for
the pretty women preachin I know theyd persuade me over a deal sooner nor th
ugly men I shouldna wonder if I turn Methody afore the nights out an begin
to coort the preacher like Seth Bede«
»Why Seths looking rether too high I should think« said Mr Casson
»This womans kin wouldnt like her to demean herself to a common carpenter«
»Tchu« said Ben with a long treble intonation »whats folkss kin got to
do wit Not a chip Poysers wife may turn her nose up an forget bygones
but this Dinah Morris they tell me s as poor as iver she was works at a
mill ans much ado to keep hersen A strappin young carpenter as is a
readymade Methody like Seth wouldna be a bad match for her Why Poysers make
as big a fuss wi Adam Bede as if he war a nevvy o their own«
»Idle talk idle talk« said Mr Joshua Rann »Adam an Seths two men you
wunna fit them two wi the same last«
»Maybe« said Wiry Ben contemptuously »but Seths the lad for me though
he war a Methody twice oer Im fair beat wi Seth for Ive been teazin him
iver sin weve been workin together an he bears me no more malice nor a
lamb An hes a stouthearted feller too for when we saw the old tree all
afire acomin across the fields one night an we thought as it war a boguy
Seth made no more ado but he up tot as bold as a constable Why there he
comes out o Will Maskerys an theres Will hisself lookin as meek as if he
couldna knock a nail o the head for fear o hurtint An theres the pretty
preacherwoman My eye shes got her bonnet off I mun go a bit nearer«
Several of the men followed Bens lead and the traveller pushed his horse
on to the Green as Dinah walked rather quickly and in advance of her
companions towards the cart under the mapletree While she was near Seths
tall figure she looked short but when she had mounted the cart and was away
from all comparison she seemed above the middle height of woman though in
reality she did not exceed it an effect which was due to the slimness of her
figure and the simple line of her black stuff dress The stranger was struck
with surprise as he saw her approach and mount the cart surprise not so much
at the feminine delicacy of her appearance as at the total absence of
selfconsciousness in her demeanour He had made up his mind to see her advance
with a measured step and a demure solemnity of countenance he had felt sure
that her face would be mantled with the smile of conscious saintship or else
charged with denunciatory bitterness He knew but two types of Methodist the
ecstatic and the bilious But Dinah walked as simply as if she were going to
market and seemed as unconscious of her outward appearance as a little boy
there was no blush no tremulousness which said »I know you think me a pretty
woman too young to preach« no casting up or down of the eyelids no
compression of the lips no attitude of the arms that said »But you must think
of me as a saint« She held no book in her ungloved hands but let them hang
down lightly crossed before her as she stood and turned her grey eyes on the
people There was no keenness in the eyes they seemed rather to be shedding
love than making observations they had the liquid look which tells that the
mind is full of what it has to give out rather than impressed by external
objects She stood with her left hand towards the descending sun and leafy
boughs screened her from its rays but in this sober light the delicate
colouring of her face seemed to gather a calm vividness like flowers at
evening It was a small oval face of a uniform transparent whiteness with an
egglike line of cheek and chin a full but firm mouth a delicate nostril and
a low perpendicular brow surmounted by a rising arch of parting between smooth
locks of pale reddish hair The hair was drawn straight back behind the ears
and covered except for an inch or two above the brow by a net Quaker cap The
eyebrows of the same colour as the hair were perfectly horizontal and firmly
pencilled the eyelashes though no darker were long and abundant nothing was
left blurred or unfinished It was one of those faces that make one think of
white flowers with light touches of colour on their pure petals The eyes had no
peculiar beauty beyond that of expression they looked so simple so candid so
gravely loving that no accusing scowl no light sneer could help melting away
before their glance Joshua Rann gave a long cough as if he were clearing his
throat in order to come to a new understanding with himself Chad Cranage lifted
up his leather skullcap and scratched his head and Wiry Ben wondered how Seth
had the pluck to think of courting her
»A sweet woman« the stranger said to himself »but surely nature never
meant her for a preacher«
Perhaps he was one of those who think that nature has theatrical properties
and with the considerate view of facilitating art and psychology »makes up«
her characters so that there may be no mistake about them But Dinah began to
speak
»Dear friends« she said in a clear but not loud voice »let us pray for a
blessing«
She closed her eyes and hanging her head down a little continued in the
same moderate tone as if speaking to some one quite near her
»Saviour of sinners when a poor woman laden with sins went out to the
well to draw water she found Thee sitting at the well She knew Thee not she
had not sought Thee her mind was dark her life was unholy But Thou didst
speak to her Thou didst teach her Thou didst show her that her life lay open
before Thee and yet Thou wast ready to give her that blessing which she had
never sought Jesus Thou art in the midst of us and Thou knowest all men if
there is any here like that poor woman if their minds are dark their lives
unholy if they have come out not seeking Thee not desiring to be taught deal
with them according to the free mercy which Thou didst show to her Speak to
them Lord open their ears to my message bring their sins to their minds and
make them thirst for that salvation which Thou art ready to give
Lord Thou art with Thy people still they see Thee in the nightwatches
and their hearts burn within them as Thou talkest with them by the way And Thou
art near to those who have not known Thee open their eyes that they may see
Thee see Thee weeping over them and saying Ye will not come unto me that ye
might have life see Thee hanging on the cross and saying Father forgive
them for they know not what they do see Thee as Thou wilt come again in Thy
glory to judge them at the last Amen«
Dinah opened her eyes again and paused looking at the group of villagers
who were now gathered rather more closely on her right hand
»Dear friends« she began raising her voice a little »you have all of you
been to church and I think you must have heard the clergyman read these words
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he hath anointed me to preach the
gospel to the poor Jesus Christ spoke those words he said he came to preach
the Gospel to the poor I dont know whether you ever thought about those words
much but I will tell you when I remember first hearing them It was on just
such a sort of evening as this when I was a little girl and my aunt as brought
me up took me to hear a good man preach out of doors just as we are here I
remember his face well he was a very old man and had very long white hair his
voice was very soft and beautiful not like any voice I had ever heard before I
was a little girl and scarcely knew anything and this old man seemed to me
such a different sort of a man from anybody I had ever seen before that I
thought he had perhaps come down from the sky to preach to us and I said Aunt
will he go back to the sky tonight like the picture in the Bible
That man of God was Mr Wesley who spent his life in doing what our blessed
Lord did preaching the Gospel to the poor and he entered into his rest eight
years ago I came to know more about him years after but I was a foolish
thoughtless child then and I remembered only one thing he told us in his
sermon He told us as Gospel meant good news The Gospel you know is what the
Bible tells us about God
Think of that now Jesus Christ did really come down from heaven as I like
a silly child thought Mr Wesley did and what he came down for was to tell
good news about God to the poor Why you and me dear friends are poor We
have been brought up in poor cottages and have been reared on oatcake and
lived coarse and we havent been to school much nor read books and we dont
know much about anything but what happens just round us We are just the sort of
people that want to hear good news For when anybodys well off they dont much
mind about hearing news from distant parts but if a poor man or womans in
trouble and has hard work to make out a living they like to have a letter to
tell em theyve got a friend as will help em To be sure we cant help
knowing something about God even if weve never heard the Gospel the good news
that our Saviour brought us For we know everything comes from God dont you
say almost every day This and that will happen please God and We shall begin
to cut the grass soon please God to send us a little more sunshine We know
very well we are altogether in the hands of God we didnt bring ourselves into
the world we cant keep ourselves alive while were sleeping the daylight and
the wind and the corn and the cows to give us milk everything we have comes
from God And he gave us our souls and put love between parents and children
and husband and wife But is that as much as we want to know about God We see
he is great and mighty and can do what he will we are lost as if we was
struggling in great waters when we try to think of him
But perhaps doubts come into your mind like this Can God take much notice
of us poor people Perhaps he only made the world for the great and the wise and
the rich It doesnt cost him much to give us our little handful of victual and
bit of clothing but how do we know he cares for us any more than we care for
the worms and things in the garden so as we rear our carrots and onions Will
God take care of us when we die and has he any comfort for us when we are lame
and sick and helpless Perhaps too he is angry with us else why does the
blight come and the bad harvests and the fever and all sorts of pain and
trouble For our life is full of trouble and if God sends us good he seems to
send bad too How is it how is it
Ah dear friends we are in sad want of good news about God and what does
other good news signify if we havent that For everything else comes to an end
and when we die we leave it all But God lasts when everything else is gone
What shall we do if he is not our friend«
Then Dinah told how the good news had been brought and how the mind of God
towards the poor had been made manifest in the life of Jesus dwelling on its
lowliness and its acts of mercy
»So you see dear friends« she went on »Jesus spent his time almost all in
doing good to poor people he preached out of doors to them and he made friends
of poor workmen and taught them and took pains with them Not but what he did
good to the rich too for he was full of love to all men only he saw as the
poor were more in want of his help So he cured the lame and the sick and the
blind and he worked miracles to feed the hungry because he said he was
sorry for them and he was very kind to the little children and comforted those
who had lost their friends and he spoke very tenderly to poor sinners that were
sorry for their sins
Ah wouldnt you love such a man if you saw him if he was here in this
village What a kind heart he must have What a friend he would be to go to in
trouble How pleasant it must be to be taught by him
Well dear friends who was this man Was he only a good man a very good
man and no more like our dear Mr Wesley who has been taken from us He
was the Son of God in the image of the Father the Bible says that means
just like God who is the beginning and end of all things the God we want to
know about So then all the love that Jesus showed to the poor is the same love
that God has for us We can understand what Jesus felt because he came in a
body like ours and spoke words such as we speak to each other We were afraid
to think what God was before the God who made the world and the sky and the
thunder and lightning We could never see him we could only see the things he
had made and some of these things was very terrible so as we might well
tremble when we thought of him But our blessed Saviour has showed us what God
is in a way us poor ignorant people can understand he has showed us what Gods
heart is what are his feelings towards us
But let us see a little more about what Jesus came on earth for Another
time he said I came to seek and to save that which was lost and another time
I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance
The lost SinnersAh dear friends does that mean you and me«
Hitherto the traveller had been chained to the spot against his will by the
charm of Dinahs mellow treble tones which had a variety of modulation like
that of a fine instrument touched with the unconscious skill of musical
instinct The simple things she said seemed like novelties as a melody strikes
us with a new feeling when we hear it sung by the pure voice of a boyish
chorister the quiet depth of conviction with which she spoke seemed in itself
an evidence for the truth of her message He saw that she had thoroughly
arrested her hearers The villagers had pressed nearer to her and there was no
longer anything but grave attention on all faces She spoke slowly though quite
fluently often pausing after a question or before any transition of ideas
There was no change of attitude no gesture the effect of her speech was
produced entirely by the inflections of her voice and when she came to the
question »Will God take care of us when we die« she uttered it in such a tone
of plaintive appeal that the tears came into some of the hardest eyes The
stranger had ceased to doubt as he had done at the first glance that she could
fix the attention of her rougher hearers but still he wondered whether she
could have that power of rousing their more violent emotions which must surely
be a necessary seal of her vocation as a Methodist preacher until she came to
the words »Lost Sinners« when there was a great change in her voice and
manner She had made a long pause before the exclamation and the pause seemed
to be filled by agitating thoughts that showed themselves in her features Her
pale face became paler the circles under her eyes deepened as they do when
tears half gather without falling and the mild loving eyes took an expression
of appalled pity as if she had suddenly discerned a destroying angel hovering
over the heads of the people Her voice became deep and muffled but there was
still no gesture Nothing could be less like the ordinary type of the Ranter
than Dinah She was not preaching as she heard others preach but speaking
directly from her own emotions and under the inspiration of her own simple
faith
But now she had entered into a new current of feeling Her manner became
less calm her utterance more rapid and agitated as she tried to bring home to
the people their guilt their wilful darkness their state of disobedience to
God as she dwelt on the hatefulness of sin the Divine holiness and the
sufferings of the Saviour by which a way had been opened for their salvation
At last it seemed as if in her yearning desire to reclaim the lost sheep she
could not be satisfied by addressing her hearers as a body She appealed first
to one and then to another beseeching them with tears to turn to God while
there was yet time painting to them the desolation of their souls lost in sin
feeding on the husks of this miserable world far away from God their Father
and then the love of the Saviour who was waiting and watching for their return
There was many a responsive sigh and groan from her fellowMethodists but
the village mind does not easily take fire and a little smouldering vague
anxiety that might easily die out again was the utmost effect Dinahs
preaching had wrought in them at present Yet no one had retired except the
children and »old Feyther Taft« who being too deaf to catch many words had
some time ago gone back to his inglenook Wiry Ben was feeling very
uncomfortable and almost wishing he had not come to hear Dinah he thought what
she said would haunt him somehow Yet he couldnt help liking to look at her and
listen to her though he dreaded every moment that she would fix her eyes on
him and address him in particular She had already addressed Sandy Jim who was
now holding the baby to relieve his wife and the big softhearted man had
rubbed away some tears with his fist with a confused intention of being a
better fellow going less to the Holly Bush down by the Stonepits and cleaning
himself more regularly of a Sunday
In front of Sandy Jim stood Chads Bess who had shown an unwonted quietude
and fixity of attention ever since Dinah had begun to speak Not that the matter
of the discourse had arrested her at once for she was lost in a puzzling
speculation as to what pleasure and satisfaction there could be in life to a
young woman who wore a cap like Dinahs Giving up this inquiry in despair she
took to studying Dinahs nose eyes mouth and hair and wondering whether it
was better to have such a sort of pale face as that or fat red cheeks and round
black eyes like her own But gradually the influence of the general gravity told
upon her and she became conscious of what Dinah was saying The gentle tones
the loving persuasion did not touch her but when the more severe appeals came
she began to be frightened Poor Bessy had always been considered a naughty
girl she was conscious of it if it was necessary to be very good it was clear
she must be in a bad way She couldnt find her places at church as Sally Rann
could she had often been tittering when she »curcheyed« to Mr Irwine and
these religious deficiencies were accompanied by a corresponding slackness in
the minor morals for Bessy belonged unquestionably to that unsoaped lazy class
of feminine characters with whom you may venture to »eat an egg an apple or a
nut« All this she was generally conscious of and hitherto had not been greatly
ashamed of it But now she began to feel very much as if the constable had come
to take her up and carry her before the justice for some undefined offence She
had a terrified sense that God whom she had always thought of as very far off
was very near to her and that Jesus was close by looking at her though she
could not see him For Dinah had that belief in visible manifestations of Jesus
which is common among the Methodists and she communicated it irresistibly to
her hearers she made them feel that he was among them bodily and might at any
moment show himself to them in some way that would strike anguish and penitence
into their hearts
»See« she exclaimed turning to the left with her eyes fixed on a point
above the heads of the people »see where our blessed Lord stands and weeps
and stretches out his arms towards you Hear what he says How often would I
have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would
not and ye would not« she repeated in a tone of pleading reproach
turning her eyes on the people again »See the print of the nails on his dear
hands and feet It is your sins that made them Ah how pale and worn he looks
He has gone through all that great agony in the garden when his soul was
exceeding sorrowful even unto death and the great drops of sweat fell like
blood to the ground They spat upon him and buffeted him they scourged him
they mocked him they laid the heavy cross on his bruised shoulders Then they
nailed him up Ah what pain His lips are parched with thirst and they mock
him still in this great agony yet with those parched lips he prays for them
Father forgive them for they know not what they do Then a horror of great
darkness fell upon him and he felt what sinners feel when they are for ever
shut out from God That was the last drop in the cup of bitterness My God my
God he cries why hast Thou forsaken me
All this he bore for you For you and you never think of him for you
and you turn your backs on him you dont care what he has gone through for you
Yet he is not weary of toiling for you he has risen from the dead he is
praying for you at the right hand of God Father forgive them for they know
not what they do And he is upon this earth too he is among us he is there
close to you now I see his wounded body and his look of love«
Here Dinah turned to Bessy Cranage whose bonny youth and evident vanity had
touched her with pity
»Poor child poor child He is beseeching you and you dont listen to him
You think of earrings and fine gowns and caps and you never think of the
Saviour who died to save your precious soul Your cheeks will be shrivelled one
day your hair will be grey your poor body will be thin and tottering Then you
will begin to feel that your soul is not saved then you will have to stand
before God dressed in your sins in your evil tempers and vain thoughts And
Jesus who stands ready to help you now wont help you then because you wont
have him to be your Saviour he will be your judge Now he looks at you with
love and mercy and says Come to me that you may have life then he will turn
away from you and say Depart from me into everlasting fire«
Poor Bessys wideopen black eyes began to fill with tears her great red
cheeks and lips became quite pale and her face was distorted like a little
childs before a burst of crying
»Ah poor blind child« Dinah went on »think if it should happen to you as
it once happened to a servant of God in the days of her vanity She thought of
her lace caps and saved all her money to buy em she thought nothing about how
she might get a clean heart and a right spirit she only wanted to have better
lace than other girls And one day when she put her new cap on and looked in the
glass she saw a bleeding Face crowned with thorns That face is looking at you
now« here Dinah pointed to a spot close in front of Bessy »Ah tear off
those follies cast them away from you as if they were stinging adders They
are stinging you they are poisoning your soul they are dragging you down
into a dark bottomless pit where you will sink for ever and for ever and for
ever further away from light and God«
Bessy could bear it no longer a great terror was upon her and wrenching
her earrings from her ears she threw them down before her sobbing aloud Her
father Chad frightened lest he should be »laid hold on« too this impression
on the rebellious Bess striking him as nothing less than a miracle walked
hastily away and began to work at his anvil by way of reassuring himself
»Folks mun ha hossshoes praichin or no praichin the divil canna lay hould
o me for that« he muttered to himself
But now Dinah began to tell of the joys that were in store for the penitent
and to describe in her simple way the divine peace and love with which the soul
of the believer is filled how the sense of Gods love turns poverty into
riches and satisfies the soul so that no uneasy desire vexes it no fear
alarms it how at last the very temptation to sin is extinguished and heaven
is begun upon earth because no cloud passes between the soul and God who is
its eternal sun
»Dear friends« she said at last »brothers and sisters whom I love as
those for whom my Lord has died believe me I know what this great blessedness
is and because I know it I want you to have it too I am poor like you I
have to get my living with my hands but no lord nor lady can be so happy as me
if they havent got the love of God in their souls Think what it is not to
hate anything but sin to be full of love to every creature to be frightened at
nothing to be sure that all things will turn to good not to mind pain because
it is our Fathers will to know that nothing no not if the earth was to be
burnt up or the waters come and drown us nothing could part us from God who
loves us and who fills our souls with peace and joy because we are sure that
whatever he wills is holy just and good
Dear friends come and take this blessedness it is offered to you it is
the good news that Jesus came to preach to the poor It is not like the riches
of this world so that the more one gets the less the rest can have God is
without end his love is without end
Its streams the whole creation reach
So plenteous is the store
Enough for all enough for each
Enough for evermore«
Dinah had been speaking at least an hour and the reddening light of the
parting day seemed to give a solemn emphasis to her closing words The stranger
who had been interested in the course of her sermon as if it had been the
development of a drama for there is this sort of fascination in all sincere
unpremeditated eloquence which opens to one the inward drama of the speakers
emotions now turned his horse aside and pursued his way while Dinah said
»Let us sing a little dear friends« and as he was still winding down the
slope the voices of the Methodists reached him rising and falling in that
strange blending of exultation and sadness which belongs to the cadence of a
hymn
Chapter III
After the Preaching
In less than an hour from that time Seth Bede was walking by Dinahs side along
the hedgerowpath that skirted the pastures and green cornfields which lay
between the village and the Hall Farm Dinah had taken off her little Quaker
bonnet again and was holding it in her hands that she might have a freer
enjoyment of the cool evening twilight and Seth could see the expression of her
face quite clearly as he walked by her side timidly revolving something he
wanted to say to her It was an expression of unconscious placid gravity of
absorption in thoughts that had no connection with the present moment or with
her own personality an expression that is most of all discouraging to a lover
Her very walk was discouraging it had that quiet elasticity that asks for no
support Seth felt this dimly he said to himself »Shes too good and holy for
any man let alone me« and the words he had been summoning rushed back again
before they had reached his lips But another thought gave him courage »Theres
no man could love her better and leave her freer to follow the Lords work«
They had been silent for many minutes now since they had done talking about
Bessy Cranage Dinah seemed almost to have forgotten Seths presence and her
pace was becoming so much quicker that the sense of their being only a few
minutes walk from the yardgates of the Hall Farm at last gave Seth courage to
speak
»Youve quite made up your mind to go back to Snowfield o Saturday Dinah«
»Yes« said Dinah quietly »Im called there It was borne in upon my mind
while I was meditating on Sunday night as sister Allen whos in a decline is
in need of me I saw her as plain as we see that bit of thin white cloud
lifting up her poor thin hand and beckoning to me And this morning when I
opened the Bible for direction the first words my eyes fell on were And after
we had seen the vision immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia If it
wasnt for that clear showing of the Lords will I should be loth to go for my
heart yearns over my aunt and her little ones and that poor wandering lamb
Hetty Sorrel Ive been much drawn out in prayer for her of late and I look on
it as a token that there may be mercy in store for her«
»God grant it« said Seth »For I doubt Adams heart is so set on her hell
never turn to anybody else and yet it ud go to my heart if he was to marry
her for I canna think as shed make him happy Its a deep mystery the way
the heart of man turns to one woman out of all the rest hes seen i the world
and makes it easier for him to work seven year for her like Jacob did for
Rachel sooner than have any other woman for th asking I often think of them
words And Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few
days for the love he had to her I know those words ud come true with me
Dinah if so be youd give me hope as I might win you after seven years was
over I know you think a husband ud be taking up too much o your thoughts
because St Paul says She thats married careth for the things of the world how
she may please her husband and may happen youll think me overbold to speak to
you about it again after what you told me o your mind last Saturday But Ive
been thinking it over again by night and by day and Ive prayed not to be
blinded by my own desires to think whats only good for me must be good for you
too And it seems to me theres more texts for your marrying than ever you can
find against it For St Paul says as plain as can be in another place I will
that the younger women marry bear children guide the house give none occasion
to the adversary to speak reproachfully and then two are better than one and
that holds good with marriage as well as with other things For we should be o
one heart and o one mind Dinah We both serve the same Master and are
striving after the same gifts and Id never be the husband to make a claim on
you as could interfere with your doing the work God has fitted you for Id make
a shift and fend indoor and out to give you more liberty more than you can
have now for youve got to get your own living now and Im strong enough to
work for us both«
When Seth had once begun to urge his suit he went on earnestly and almost
hurriedly lest Dinah should speak some decisive word before he had poured forth
all the arguments he had prepared His cheeks became flushed as he went on his
mild grey eyes filled with tears and his voice trembled as he spoke the last
sentence They had reached one of those very narrow passes between two tall
stones which performed the office of a stile in Loamshire and Dinah paused as
she turned towards Seth and said in her tender but calm treble notes
»Seth Bede I thank you for your love towards me and if I could think of
any man as more than a Christian brother I think it would be you But my heart
is not free to marry That is good for other women and it is a great and a
blessed thing to be a wife and mother but as God has distributed to every man
as the Lord hath called every man so let him walk God has called me to
minister to others not to have any joys or sorrows of my own but to rejoice
with them that do rejoice and to weep with those that weep He has called me to
speak his word and he has greatly owned my work It could only be on a very
clear showing that I could leave the brethren and sisters at Snowfield who are
favoured with very little of this worlds good where the trees are few so that
a child might count them and theres very hard living for the poor in the
winter It has been given me to help to comfort and strengthen the little
flock there and to call in many wanderers and my soul is filled with these
things from my rising up till my lying down My life is too short and Gods
work is too great for me to think of making a home for myself in this world
Ive not turned a deaf ear to your words Seth for when I saw as your love was
given to me I thought it might be a leading of Providence for me to change my
way of life and that we should be fellowhelpers and I spread the matter
before the Lord But whenever I tried to fix my mind on marriage and our living
together other thoughts always came in the times when Ive prayed by the sick
and dying and the happy hours Ive had preaching when my heart was filled with
love and the Word was given to me abundantly And when Ive opened the Bible
for direction Ive always lighted on some clear word to tell me where my work
lay I believe what you say Seth that you would try to be a help and not a
hindrance to my work but I see that our marriage is not Gods will He draws
my heart another way I desire to live and die without husband or children I
seem to have no room in my soul for wants and fears of my own it has pleased
God to fill my heart so full with the wants and sufferings of his poor people«
Seth was unable to reply and they walked on in silence At last as they
were nearly at the yardgate he said
»Well Dinah I must seek for strength to bear it and to endure as seeing
Him who is invisible But I feel now how weak my faith is It seems as if when
you are gone I could never joy in anything any more I think its something
passing the love of women as I feel for you for I could be content without your
marrying me if I could go and live at Snowfield and be near you I trusted as
the strong love God had given me towards you was a leading for us both but it
seems it was only meant for my trial Perhaps I feel more for you than I ought
to feel for any creature for I often cant help saying of you what the hymn
says
In darkest shades if she appear
My dawning is begun
She is my souls bright morningstar
And she my rising sun
That may be wrong and I am to be taught better But you wouldnt be displeased
with me if things turned out so as I could leave this country and go to live at
Snowfield«
»No Seth but I counsel you to wait patiently and not lightly to leave
your own country and kindred Do nothing without the Lords clear bidding Its
a bleak and barren country there not like this land of Goshen youve been used
to We mustnt be in a hurry to fix and choose our own lot we must wait to be
guided«
»But youd let me write you a letter Dinah if there was anything I wanted
to tell you«
»Yes sure let me know if youre in any trouble Youll be continually in
my prayers«
They had now reached the yardgate and Seth said »I wont go in Dinah so
farewell« He paused and hesitated after she had given him her hand and then
said »Theres no knowing but what you may see things different after a while
There may be a new leading«
»Let us leave that Seth Its good to live only a moment at a time as Ive
read in one of Mr Wesleys books It isnt for you and me to lay plans weve
nothing to do but to obey and to trust Farewell«
Dinah pressed his hand with rather a sad look in her loving eyes and then
passed through the gate while Seth turned away to walk lingeringly home But
instead of taking the direct road he chose to turn back along the fields
through which he and Dinah had already passed and I think his blue linen
handkerchief was very wet with tears long before he had made up his mind that it
was time for him to set his face steadily homewards He was but
threeandtwenty and had only just learned what it is to love to love with
that adoration which a young man gives to a woman whom he feels to be greater
and better than himself Love of this sort is hardly distinguishable from
religious feeling What deep and worthy love is so whether of woman or child
or art or music Our caresses our tender words our still rapture under the
influence of autumn sunsets or pillared vistas or calm majestic statues or
Beethoven symphonies all bring with them the consciousness that they are mere
waves and ripples in an unfathomable ocean of love and beauty our emotion in
its keenest moment passes from expression into silence our love at its highest
flood rushes beyond its object and loses itself in the sense of divine mystery
And this blessed gift of venerating love has been given to too many humble
craftsmen since the world began for us to feel any surprise that it should have
existed in the soul of a Methodist carpenter half a century ago while there was
yet a lingering afterglow from the time when Wesley and his fellowlabourer fed
on the hips and haws of the Cornwall hedges after exhausting limbs and lungs in
carrying a divine message to the poor
That afterglow has long faded away and the picture we are apt to make of
Methodism in our imagination is not an amphitheatre of green hills or the deep
shade of broadleaved sycamores where a crowd of rough men and wearyhearted
women drank in a faith which was a rudimentary culture which linked their
thoughts with the past lifted their imagination above the sordid details of
their own narrow lives and suffused their souls with the sense of a pitying
loving infinite Presence sweet as summer to the houseless needy It is too
possible that to some of my readers Methodism may mean nothing more than
lowpitched gables up dingy streets sleek grocers sponging preachers and
hypocritical jargon elements which are regarded as an exhaustive analysis of
Methodism in many fashionable quarters
That would be a pity for I cannot pretend that Seth and Dinah were anything
else than Methodists not indeed of that modern type which reads quarterly
reviews and attends in chapels with pillared porticoes but of a very
oldfashioned kind They believed in present miracles in instantaneous
conversions in revelations by dreams and visions they drew lots and sought
for Divine guidance by opening the Bible at hazard having a literal way of
interpreting the Scriptures which is not at all sanctioned by approved
commentators and it is impossible for me to represent their diction as correct
or their instruction as liberal Stillif I have read religious history
arightfaith hope and charity have not always been found in a direct ratio
with a sensibility to the three concords and it is possible thank Heaven to
have very erroneous theories and very sublime feelings The raw bacon which
clumsy Molly spares from her own scanty store that she may carry it to her
neighbours child to »stop the fits« may be a piteously inefficacious remedy
but the generous stirring of neighbourly kindness that prompted the deed has a
beneficent radiation that is not lost
Considering these things we can hardly think Dinah and Seth beneath our
sympathy accustomed as we may be to weep over the loftier sorrows of heroines
in satin boots and crinoline and of heroes riding fiery horses themselves
ridden by still more fiery passions
Poor Seth he was never on horseback in his life except once when he was a
little lad and Mr Jonathan Burge took him up behind telling him to »hold on
tight« and instead of bursting out into wild accusing apostrophes to God and
destiny he is resolving as he now walks homeward under the solemn starlight
to repress his sadness to be less bent on having his own will and to live more
for others as Dinah does
Chapter IV
Home and its Sorrows
A green valley with a brook running through it full almost to overflowing with
the late rains overhung by low stooping willows Across this brook a plank is
thrown and over this plank Adam Bede is passing with his undoubting step
followed close by Gyp with the basket evidently making his way to the thatched
house with a stack of timber by the side of it about twenty yards up the
opposite slope
The door of the house is open and an elderly woman is looking out but she
is not placidly contemplating the evening sunshine she has been watching with
dim eyes the gradually enlarging speck which for the last few minutes she has
been quite sure is her darling son Adam Lisbeth Bede loves her son with the
love of a woman to whom her firstborn has come late in life She is an anxious
spare yet vigorous old woman clean as a snowdrop Her grey hair is turned
neatly back under a pure linen cap with a black band round it her broad chest
is covered with a buff neckerchief and below this you see a sort of short
bedgown made of bluecheckered linen tied round the waist and descending to
the hips from whence there is a considerable length of linseywolsey petticoat
For Lisbeth is tall and in other points too there is a strong likeness between
her and her son Adam Her dark eyes are somewhat dim now perhaps from too much
crying but her broadlymarked eyebrows are still black her teeth are sound
and as she stands knitting rapidly and unconsciously with her workhardened
hands she has as firmlyupright an attitude as when she is carrying a pail of
water on her head from the spring There is the same type of frame and the same
keen activity of temperament in mother and son but it was not from her that
Adam got his wellfilled brow and his expression of largehearted intelligence
Family likeness has often a deep sadness in it Nature that great tragic
dramatist knits us together by bone and muscle and divides us by the subtler
web of our brains blends yearning and repulsion and ties us by our
heartstrings to the beings that jar us at every movement We hear a voice with
the very cadence of our own uttering the thoughts we despise we see eyes ah
so like our mothers averted from us in cold alienation and our last darling
child startles us with the air and gestures of the sister we parted from in
bitterness long years ago The father to whom we owe our best heritage the
mechanical instinct the keen sensibility to harmony the unconscious skill of
the modelling hand galls us and puts us to shame by his daily errors the
longlost mother whose face we begin to see in the glass as our own wrinkles
come once fretted our young souls with her anxious humours and irrational
persistence
It is such a fond anxious mothers voice that you hear as Lisbeth says
»Well my lad its gone seven by th clock Theet allays stay till the
last childs born Thee wants thy supper Ill warrand Wheres Seth gone arter
some os chapellin I reckon«
»Ay ay Seths at no harm mother thee mayst be sure But wheres father«
said Adam quickly as he entered the house and glanced into the room on the left
hand which was used as a workshop »Hasnt he done the coffin for Tholer
Theres the stuff standing just as I left it this morning«
»Done the coffin« said Lisbeth following him and knitting
uninterruptedly though she looked at her son very anxiously »Eh my lad he
went aff to Treddleson this forenoon ans niver come back I doubt hes got to
th Waggin Overthrow again«
A deep flush of anger passed rapidly over Adams face He said nothing but
threw off his jacket and began to roll up his shirtsleeves again
»What art goin to do Adam« said the mother with a tone and look of
alarm »Thee wouldstna go to work again wiout hain thy bit o supper«
Adam too angry to speak walked into the workshop But his mother threw
down her knitting and hurrying after him took hold of his arm and said in a
tone of plaintive remonstrance
»Nay my lad my lad thee munna go wiout thy supper theres the taters
wi the gravy in em just as thee likst em I saved em o purpose for thee
Come an ha thy supper come«
»Let be« said Adam impetuously shaking her off and seizing one of the
planks that stood against the wall »Its fine talking about having supper when
heres a coffin promised to be ready at Broxon by seven oclock tomorrow
morning and ought to ha been there now and not a nail struck yet My throats
too full to swallow victuals«
»Why thee canstna get the coffin ready« said Lisbeth »Theet work thyself
to death It ud take thee all night to dot«
»What signifies how long it takes me Isnt the coffin promised Can they
bury the man without a coffin Id work my right hand off sooner than deceive
people with lies i that way It makes me mad to think ont I shall overrun
these doings before long Ive stood enough of em«
Poor Lisbeth did not hear this threat for the first time and if she had
been wise she would have gone away quietly and said nothing for the next hour
But one of the lessons a woman most rarely learns is never to talk to an angry
or a drunken man Lisbeth sat down on the chopping bench and began to cry and
by the time she had cried enough to make her voice very piteous she burst out
into words
»Nay my lad my lad thee wouldstna go away an break thy mothers heart
an leave thy feyther to ruin Thee wouldstna ha em carry me to th
churchyard an thee not to follow me I shanna rest i my grave if I donna see
thee at th last an hows they to let thee know as Im adyin if theet gone
aworkin i distant parts an Seth belike gone arter thee and thy feyther not
able to hold a pen fors hand shakin besides not knowin where thee art Thee
mun forgie thy feyther thee munna be so bitter again him He war a good
feyther to thee afore he took to th drink Hes a clever workman an taught
thee thy trade remember ans niver gen me a blow nor so much as an ill word
no not even ins drink Thee wouldstna ham go to the workhus thy own feyther
an him as was a finegrowed man an handy at everythin amost as thee art
thysen fiveantwenty ear ago when thee wast a baby at the breast«
Lisbeths voice became louder and choked with sobs a sort of wail the
most irritating of all sounds where real sorrows are to be borne and real work
to be done Adam broke in impatiently
»Now mother dont cry and talk so Havent I got enough to vex me without
that Whats th use o telling me things as I only think too much on every day
If I didna think on em why should I do as I do for the sake o keeping things
together here But I hate to be talking where its no use I like to keep my
breath for doing istead o talking«
»I know thee dost things as nobody else ud do my lad But theet allays so
hard upo thy feyther Adam Thee thinkst nothing too much to do for Seth thee
snappst me up if iver I find faut wi th lad But theet so angered wi thy
feyther more nor wi anybody else«
»Thats better than speaking soft and letting things go the wrong way I
reckon isnt if If I wasnt sharp with him hed sell every bit o stuff i
th yard and spend it on drink I know theres a duty to be done by my father
but it isnt my duty to encourage him in running headlong to ruin And what has
Seth got to do with it The lad does no harm as I know of But leave me alone
mother and let me get on with the work«
Lisbeth dared not say any more but she got up and called Gyp thinking to
console herself somewhat for Adams refusal of the supper she had spread out in
the loving expectation of looking at him while he ate it by feeding Adams dog
with extra liberality But Gyp was watching his master with wrinkled brow and
ears erect puzzled at this unusual course of things and though he glanced at
Lisbeth when she called him and moved his forepaws uneasily well knowing that
she was inviting him to supper he was in a divided state of mind and remained
seated on his haunches again fixing his eyes anxiously on his master Adam
noticed Gyps mental conflict and though his anger had made him less tender
than usual to his mother it did not prevent him from caring as much as usual
for his dog We are apt to be kinder to the brutes that love us than to the
women that love us Is it because the brutes are dumb
»Go Gyp go lad« Adam said in a tone of encouraging command and Gyp
apparently satisfied that duty and pleasure were one followed Lisbeth into the
houseplace
But no sooner had he licked up his supper than he went back to his master
while Lisbeth sat down alone to cry over her knitting Women who are never
bitter and resentful are often the most querulous and if Solomon was as wise as
he is reputed to be I feel sure that when he compared a contentious woman to a
continual dropping on a very rainy day he had not a vixen in his eye a fury
with long nails acrid and selfish Depend upon it he meant a good creature
who had no joy but in the happiness of the loved ones whom she contributed to
make uncomfortable putting by all the tidbits for them and spending nothing
on herself Such a woman as Lisbeth for example at once patient and
complaining selfrenouncing and exacting brooding the livelong day over what
happened yesterday and what is likely to happen tomorrow and crying very
readily both at the good and the evil But a certain awe mingled itself with her
idolatrous love of Adam and when he said »Leave me alone« she was always
silenced
So the hours passed to the loud ticking of the old dayclock and the sound
of Adams tools At last he called for a light and a draught of water beer was
a thing only to be drunk on holidays and Lisbeth ventured to say as she took
it in »Thy supper stans ready for thee when thee likst«
»Donna thee sit up mother« said Adam in a gentle tone He had worked off
his anger now and whenever he wished to be especially kind to his mother he
fell into his strongest native accent and dialect with which at other times his
speech was less deeply tinged »Ill see to father when he comes home maybe he
wonna come at all tonight I shall be easier if theet i bed«
»Nay Ill bide till Seth comes He wonna be long now I reckon«
It was then past nine by the clock which was always in advance of the day
and before it had struck ten the latch was lifted and Seth entered He had heard
the sound of the tools as he was approaching
»Why mother« he said »how is it as fathers working so late«
»Its none o thy feyther as is aworkin thee might know that well anoof
if thy head warna full o chapellin its thy brother as does iverything for
theres niver nobody else i th way to do nothin«
Lisbeth was going on for she was not at all afraid of Seth and usually
poured into his ears all the querulousness which was repressed by her awe of
Adam Seth had never in his life spoken a harsh word to his mother and timid
people always wreak their peevishness on the gentle But Seth with an anxious
look had passed into the workshop and said
»Addy hows this What fathers forgot the coffin«
»Ay lad th old tale but I shall get it done« said Adam looking up and
casting one of his bright keen glances at his brother »Why whats the matter
with thee Theet in trouble«
Seths eyes were red and there was a look of deep depression on his mild
face
»Yes Addy but its what must be borne and cant be helped Why theest
never been to the school then«
»School no that screw can wait« said Adam hammering away again
»Let me take my turn now and do thee go to bed« said Seth
»No lad Id rather go on now Im in harness Theet help me to carry it
to Broxon when its done Ill call thee up at sunrise Go and eat thy supper
and shut the door so as I maynt hear mothers talk«
Seth knew that Adam always meant what he said and was not to be persuaded
into meaning anything else So he turned with rather a heavy heart into the
houseplace
»Adams niver touched a bit o victual sin home hes come« said Lisbeth
»I reckon theest hed thy supper at some o thy Methody folks«
»Nay mother« said Seth »Ive had no supper yet«
»Come then« said Lisbeth »but donna thee ate the taters for Adam ull
happen ate em if I leave em stannin He loves a bit o taters an gravy But
hes been so sore an angered he wouldnt ate em for all Id putten em by o
purpose for him An hes been athreatenin to go away again« she went on
whimpering »an Im fast sure hell go some dawnin afore Im up an niver let
me know aforehand an hell niver come back again when once hes gone An Id
better niver ha had a son as is like no other bodys son for the deftness an
th handiness an so looked on by th grit folks an tall an upright like a
poplartree an me to be parted from him an niver see m no more«
»Come mother donna grieve thyself in vain« said Seth in a soothing
voice »Theest not half so good reason to think as Adam ull go away as to
think hell stay with thee He may say such a thing when hes in wrath and
hes got excuse for being wrathful sometimes but his heart ud never let him
go Think how hes stood by us all when its been none so easy paying his
savings to free me from going for a soldier an turnin his earnins into wood
for father when hes got plenty o uses for his money and many a young man
like him ud ha been married and settled before now Hell never turn round and
knock down his own work and forsake them as its been the labour of his life to
stand by«
»Donna talk to me abouts marrin« said Lisbeth crying afresh »Hes
sets heart on that Hetty Sorrel as ull niver save a penny an ull toss up
her head ats old mother An to think as he might ha Mary Burge an be took
partners an be a big man wi workmen under him like Mester Burge Dollys
told me so oer an oer again if it warna as hes sets heart on that bit of
a wench as is o no more use nor the gillyflower on the wall An he so wise at
bookin an figurin an not to know no better nor that«
»But mother thee knowst we canna love just where other folks ud have us
Theres nobody but God can control the heart of man I could ha wished myself
as Adam could ha made another choice but I wouldnt reproach him for what he
cant help And Im not sure but what he tries to oercome it But its a matter
as he doesnt like to be spoke to about and I can only pray to the Lord to
bless and direct him«
»Ay theet allays ready enough at prayin but I donna see as thee gets
much wi thy prayin Thee wotna get double earnins o this side Yule Th
Methodies ll niver make thee half the man thy brother is for all theyre
amakin a preacher on thee«
»Its partly truth thee speakst there mother« said Seth mildly »Adams
far before me ans done more for me than I can ever do for him God distributes
talents to every man according as He sees good But thee mustna undervally
prayer Prayer mayna bring money but it brings us what no money can buy a
power to keep from sin and be content with Gods will whatever He may please
to send If thee wouldst pray to God to help thee and trust in His goodness
thee wouldstna be so uneasy about things«
»Unaisy Im i th right ont to be unaisy Its well seen on thee what it
is niver to be unaisy Theet gi away all thy earnins an niver be unaisy as
theest nothin laid up again a rainy day If Adam had been as aisy as thee
hed niver ha had no money to pay for thee Take no thought for the morrow
take no thought thats what theet allays sayin an what comes ont Why as
Adam has to take thought for thee«
»Those are the words o the Bible mother« said Seth »They dont mean as
we should be idle They mean we shouldnt be over anxious and worreting
ourselves about whatll happen tomorrow but do our duty and leave the rest to
Gods will«
»Ay ay thats the way wi thee thee allays makes a peck o thy own words
out o a pint o the Bibles I donna see how theet to know as take no thought
for the morrow means all that An when the Bibles such a big book an thee
canst read all throt an ha the pick o the texes I canna think why thee
dostna pick better words as donna mean so much more nor they say Adam doesna
pick a thatn I can understan the tex as hes allays asayin God helps them
as helps theirsens«
»Nay mother« said Seth »thats no text o the Bible It comes out of a
book as Adam picked up at the stall at Treddleson It was wrote by a knowing
man but overworldly I doubt However that sayings partly true for the
Bible tells us we must be workers together with God«
»Well howm I to know It sounds like a tex But whats th matter wi th
lad Theet hardly atin a bit o supper Dostna mean to ha no more nor that
bit o oatcake An thee lookst as white as a flick o new bacon Whats th
matter wi thee«
»Nothing to mind about mother Im not hungry Ill just look in at Adam
again and see if hell let me go on with the coffin«
»Ha a drop o warm broth« said Lisbeth whose motherly feeling now got the
better of her »nattering« habit »Ill set twothree sticks alight in a
minute«
»Nay mother thank thee theet very good« said Seth gratefully and
encouraged by this touch of tenderness he went on »Let me pray a bit with thee
for father and Adam and all of us itll comfort thee happen more than thee
thinkst«
»Well Ive nothin to say again it«
Lisbeth though disposed always to take the negative side in her
conversations with Seth had a vague sense that there was some comfort and
safety in the fact of his piety and that it somehow relieved her from the
trouble of any spiritual transactions on her own behalf
So the mother and son knelt down together and Seth prayed for the poor
wandering father and for those who were sorrowing for him at home And when he
came to the petition that Adam might never be called to set up his tent in a far
country but that his mother might be cheered and comforted by his presence all
the days of her pilgrimage Lisbeths ready tears flowed again and she wept
aloud
When they rose from their knees Seth went to Adam again and said »Wilt
only lie down for an hour or two and let me go on the while«
»No Seth no Make mother go to bed and go thyself«
Meantime Lisbeth had dried her eyes and now followed Seth holding
something in her hands It was the brownandyellow platter containing the baked
potatoes with the gravy in them and bits of meat which she had cut and mixed
among them Those were dear times when wheaten bread and fresh meat were
delicacies to working people She set the dish down rather timidly on the bench
by Adams side and said »Thee canst pick a bit while theet workin Ill
bring thee another drop o water«
»Ay mother do« said Adam kindly »Im getting very thirsty«
In half an hour all was quiet no sound was to be heard in the house but the
loud ticking of the old dayclock and the ringing of Adams tools The night
was very still when Adam opened the door to look out at twelve oclock the
only motion seemed to be in the glowing twinkling stars every blade of grass
was asleep
Bodily haste and exertion usually leave our thoughts very much at the mercy
of our feelings and imagination and it was so tonight with Adam While his
muscles were working lustily his mind seemed as passive as a spectator at a
diorama scenes of the sad past and probably sad future floating before him
and giving place one to the other in swift succession
He saw how it would be tomorrow morning when he had carried the coffin to
Broxton and was at home again having his breakfast his father perhaps would
come in ashamed to meet his sons glance would sit down looking older and
more tottering than he had done the morning before and hang down his head
examining the floorquarries while Lisbeth would ask him how he supposed the
coffin had been got ready that he had slinked off and left undone for Lisbeth
was always the first to utter the word of reproach although she cried at Adams
severity towards his father
»So it will go on worsening and worsening« thought Adam »theres no
slipping uphill again and no standing still when once youve begun to slip
down« And then the day came back to him when he was a little fellow and used to
run by his fathers side proud to be taken out to work and prouder still to
hear his father boasting to his fellowworkmen how »the little chap had an
uncommon notion o carpentering« What a fine active fellow his father was then
When people asked Adam whose little lad he was he had a sense of distinction as
he answered »Im Thias Bedes lad« he was quite sure everybody knew Thias
Bede didnt he make the wonderful pigeonhouse at Broxton parsonage Those were
happy days especially when Seth who was three years the younger began to go
out working too and Adam began to be a teacher as well as a learner But then
came the days of sadness when Adam was someway on in his teens and Thias began
to loiter at the publichouses and Lisbeth began to cry at home and to pour
forth her plaints in the hearing of her sons Adam remembered well the night of
shame and anguish when he first saw his father quite wild and foolish shouting
a song out fitfully among his drunken companions at the »Waggon Overthrown« He
had run away once when he was only eighteen making his escape in the morning
twilight with a little blue bundle over his shoulder and his »mensuration book«
in his pocket and saying to himself very decidedly that he could bear the
vexations of home no longer he would go and seek his fortune setting up his
stick at the crossways and bending his steps the way it fell But by the time he
got to Stoniton the thought of his mother and Seth left behind to endure
everything without him became too importunate and his resolution failed him
He came back the next day but the misery and terror his mother had gone through
in those two days had haunted her ever since
»No« Adam said to himself tonight »that must never happen again It ud
make a poor balance when my doings are cast up at the last if my poor old
mother stood o the wrong side My backs broad enough and strong enough I
should be no better than a coward to go away and leave the troubles to be borne
by them as arent half so able They that are strong ought to bear the
infirmities of those that are weak and not to please themselves Theres a text
wants no candle to showt it shines by its own light Its plain enough you get
into the wrong road i this life if you run after this and that only for the
sake o making things easy and pleasant to yourself A pig may poke his nose
into the trough and think o nothing outside it but if youve got a mans heart
and soul in you you cant be easy amaking your own bed an leaving the rest to
lie on the stones Nay nay Ill never slip my neck out o the yoke and leave
the load to be drawn by the weak uns Fathers a sore cross to me ans likely
to be for many a long year to come What then Ive got th health and the
limbs and the sperrit to bear it«
At this moment a smart rap as if with a willow wand was given at the house
door and Gyp instead of barking as might have been expected gave a loud
howl Adam very much startled went at once to the door and opened it Nothing
was there all was still as when he opened it an hour before the leaves were
motionless and the light of the stars showed the placid fields on both sides of
the brook quite empty of visible life Adam walked round the house and still
saw nothing except a rat which darted into the woodshed as he passed He went in
again wondering the sound was so peculiar that the moment he heard it it
called up the image of the willow wand striking the door He could not help a
little shudder as he remembered how often his mother had told him of just such
a sound coming as a sign when some one was dying Adam was not a man to be
gratuitously superstitious but he had the blood of the peasant in him as well
as of the artisan and a peasant can no more help believing in a traditional
superstition than a horse can help trembling when he sees a camel Besides he
had that mental combination which is at once humble in the region of mystery
and keen in the region of knowledge it was the depth of his reverence quite as
much as his hard commonsense which gave him his disinclination to doctrinal
religion and he often checked Seths argumentative spiritualism by saying »Eh
its a big mystery thee knowst but little about it« And so it happened that
Adam was at once penetrating and credulous If a new building had fallen down
and he had been told that this was a divine judgment he would have said »May
be but the bearing o the roof and walls wasnt right else it wouldnt ha
come down« yet he believed in dreams and prognostics and to his dying day he
bated his breath a little when he told the story of the stroke with the willow
wand I tell it as he told it not attempting to reduce it to its natural
elements in our eagerness to explain impressions we often lose our hold of the
sympathy that comprehends them
But he had the best antidote against imaginative dread in the necessity for
getting on with the coffin and for the next ten minutes his hammer was ringing
so uninterruptedly that other sounds if there were any might well be
overpowered A pause came however when he had to take up his ruler and now
again came the strange rap and again Gyp howled Adam was at the door without
the loss of a moment but again all was still and the starlight showed there
was nothing but the dewladen grass in front of the cottage
Adam for a moment thought uncomfortably about his father but of late years
he had never come home at dark hours from Treddleston and there was every
reason for believing that he was then sleeping off his drunkenness at the
»Waggon Overthrown« Besides to Adam the conception of the future was so
inseparable from the painful image of his father that the fear of any fatal
accident to him was excluded by the deeplyinfixed fear of his continual
degradation The next thought that occurred to him was one that made him slip
off his shoes and tread lightly upstairs to listen at the bedroom doors But
both Seth and his mother were breathing regularly
Adam came down and set to work again saying to himself »I wont open the
door again Its no use staring about to catch sight of a sound Maybe theres a
world about us as we cant see but th ears quicker than the eye and catches
a sound fromt now and then Some people think they get a sight ont too but
theyre mostly folks whose eyes are not much use to em at anything else For my
part I think its better to see when your perpendiculars true than to see a
ghost«
Such thoughts as these are apt to grow stronger and stronger as daylight
quenches the candles and the birds begin to sing By the time the red sunlight
shone on the brass nails that formed the initials on the lid of the coffin any
lingering foreboding from the sound of the willow wand was merged in
satisfaction that the work was done and the promise redeemed There was no need
to call Seth for he was already moving overhead and presently came
downstairs
»Now lad« said Adam as Seth made his appearance »the coffins done and
we can take it over to Broxon and be back again before half after six Ill
take a mouthful o oatcake and then well be off«
The coffin was soon propped on the tall shoulders of the two brothers and
they were making their way followed close by Gyp out of the little woodyard
into the lane at the back of the house It was but about a mile and a half to
Broxton over the opposite slope and their road wound very pleasantly along
lanes and across fields where the pale woodbines and the dogroses were
scenting the hedgerows and the birds were twittering and trilling in the tall
leafy boughs of oak and elm It was a strangelymingled picture the fresh
youth of the summer morning with its Edenlike peace and loveliness the
stalwart strength of the two brothers in their rusty working clothes and the
long coffin on their shoulders They paused for the last time before a small
farmhouse outside the village of Broxton By six oclock the task was done the
coffin nailed down and Adam and Seth were on their way home They chose a
shorter way homeward which would take them across the fields and the brook in
front of the house Adam had not mentioned to Seth what had happened in the
night but he still retained sufficient impression from it himself to say
»Seth lad if father isnt come home by the time weve had our breakfast I
think itll be as well for thee to go over to Treddleson and look after him
and thee canst get me the brass wire I want Never mind about losing an hour at
thy work we can make that up What dost say«
»Im willing« said Seth »But see what clouds have gathered since we set
out Im thinking we shall have more rain Itll be a sore time for th
haymaking if the meadows are flooded again The brooks fine and full now
another days rain ud cover the plank and we should have to go round by the
road«
They were coming across the valley now and had entered the pasture through
which the brook ran
»Why whats that sticking against the willow« continued Seth beginning to
walk faster Adams heart rose to his mouth the vague anxiety about his father
was changed into a great dread He made no answer to Seth but ran forward
preceded by Gyp who began to bark uneasily and in two moments he was at the
bridge
This was what the omen meant then And the greyhaired father of whom he
had thought with a sort of hardness a few hours ago as certain to live to be a
thorn in his side was perhaps even then struggling with that watery death This
was the first thought that flashed through Adams conscience before he had time
to seize the coat and drag out the tall heavy body Seth was already by his
side helping him and when they had it on the bank the two sons in the first
moments knelt and looked with mute awe at the glazed eyes forgetting that there
was need for action forgetting everything but that their father lay dead
before them Adam was the first to speak
»Ill run to mother« he said in a loud whisper »Ill be back to thee in a
minute«
Poor Lisbeth was busy preparing her sons breakfast and their porridge was
already steaming on the fire Her kitchen always looked the pink of cleanliness
but this morning she was more than usually bent on making her hearth and
breakfasttable look comfortable and inviting
»The lads ull be fine an hungry« she said half aloud as she stirred the
porridge »Its a good step to Broxon an its hungry air oer the hill wi
that heavy coffin too Eh its heavier now wi poor Bob Tholer int Howiver
Ive made a drap more porridge nor common this mornin The feyther ull happen
come in arter a bit Not as hell ate much porridge He swallers sixpennorth o
ale an saves a haporth o porridge thats his way o layin by money as
Ive told him many a time an am likely to tell him again afore the days out
Eh poor mon he takes it quiet enough theres no denyin that«
But now Lisbeth heard the heavy »thud« of a running footstep on the turf
and turning quickly towards the door she saw Adam enter looking so pale and
overwhelmed that she screamed aloud and rushed towards him before he had time to
speak
»Hush mother« Adam said rather hoarsely »dont be frightened Fathers
tumbled into the water Belike we may bring him round again Seth and me are
going to carry him in Get a blanket and make it hot at the fire«
In reality Adam was convinced that his father was dead but he knew there
was no other way of repressing his mothers impetuous wailing grief than by
occupying her with some active task which had hope in it
He ran back to Seth and the two sons lifted the sad burden in heartstricken
silence The wideopen glazed eyes were grey like Seths and had once looked
with mild pride on the boys before whom Thias had lived to hang his head in
shame Seths chief feeling was awe and distress at this sudden snatching away
of his fathers soul but Adams mind rushed back over the past in a flood of
relenting and pity When death the great Reconciler has come it is never our
tenderness that we repent of but our severity
Chapter V
The Rector
Before twelve oclock there had been some heavy storms of rain and the water
lay in deep gutters on the sides of the gravelwalks in the garden of Broxton
Parsonage the great Provence roses had been cruelly tossed by the wind and
beaten by the rain and all the delicatestemmed border flowers had been dashed
down and stained with the wet soil A melancholy morning because it was nearly
time hayharvest should begin and instead of that the meadows were likely to be
flooded
But people who have pleasant homes get indoor enjoyments that they would
never think of but for the rain If it had not been a wet morning Mr Irwine
would not have been in the diningroom playing at chess with his mother and he
loves both his mother and chess quite well enough to pass some cloudy hours very
easily by their help Let me take you into that diningroom and show you the
Rev Adolphus Irwine Rector of Broxton Vicar of Hayslope and Vicar of Blythe
a pluralist at whom the severest Churchreformer would have found it difficult
to look sour We will enter very softly and stand still in the open doorway
without awaking the glossy brown setter who is stretched across the hearth with
her two puppies beside her or the pug who is dosing with his black muzzle
aloft like a sleepy president
The room is a large and lofty one with an ample mullioned oriel window at
one end the walls you see are new and not yet painted but the furniture
though originally of an expensive sort is old and scanty and there is no
drapery about the window The crimson cloth over the large diningtable is very
threadbare though it contrasts pleasantly enough with the dead hue of the
plaster on the walls but on this cloth there is a massive silver waiter with a
decanter of water on it of the same pattern as two larger ones that are propped
up on the sideboard with a coat of arms conspicuous in their centre You suspect
at once that the inhabitants of this room have inherited more blood than wealth
and would not be surprised to find that Mr Irwine had a finelycut nostril and
upper lip but at present we can only see that he has a broad flat back and an
abundance of powdered hair all thrown backward and tied behind with a black
ribbon a bit of conservatism in costume which tells you that he is not a young
man He will perhaps turn round byandby and in the meantime we can look at
that stately old lady his mother a beautiful aged brunette whose richtoned
complexion is well set off by the complex wrappings of pure white cambric and
lace about her head and neck She is as erect in her comely embonpoint as a
statue of Ceres and her dark face with its delicate aquiline nose firm proud
mouth and small intense black eye is so keen and sarcastic in its expression
that you instinctively substitute a pack of cards for the chessmen and imagine
her telling your fortune The small brown hand with which she is lifting her
queen is laden with pearls diamonds and turquoises and a large black veil is
very carefully adjusted over the crown of her cap and falls in sharp contrast
on the white folds about her neck It must take a long time to dress that old
lady in the morning But it seems a law of nature that she should be dressed so
she is clearly one of those children of royalty who have never doubted their
right divine and never met with any one so absurd as to question it
»There Dauphin tell me what that is« says this magnificent old lady as
she deposits her queen very quietly and folds her arms »I should be sorry to
utter a word disagreeable to your feelings«
»Ah you witchmother you sorceress How is a Christian man to win a game
off you I should have sprinkled the board with holy water before we began
Youve not won that game by fair means now so dont pretend it«
»Yes yes thats what the beaten have always said of great conquerors But
see theres the sunshine falling on the board to show you more clearly what a
foolish move you made with that pawn Come shall I give you another chance«
»No mother I shall leave you to your own conscience now its clearing up
We must go and plash up the mud a little mustnt we Juno« This was addressed
to the brown setter who had jumped up at the sound of the voices and laid her
nose in an insinuating way on her masters leg »But I must go upstairs first
and see Anne I was called away to Tholers funeral just when I was going
before«
»Its of no use child she cant speak to you Kate says she has one of her
worst headaches this morning«
»Oh she likes me to go and see her just the same shes never too ill to
care about that«
If you know how much of human speech is mere purposeless impulse or habit
you will not wonder when I tell you that this identical objection had been made
and had received the same kind of answer many hundred times in the course of
the fifteen years that Mr Irwines sister Anne had been an invalid Splendid
old ladies who take a long time to dress in the morning have often slight
sympathy with sickly daughters
But while Mr Irwine was still seated leaning back in his chair and
stroking Junos head the servant came to the door and said »If you please
sir Joshua Rann wishes to speak with you if youre at liberty«
»Let him be shown in here« said Mrs Irwine taking up her knitting »I
always like to hear what Mr Rann has got to say His shoes will be dirty but
see that he wipes them Carroll«
In two minutes Mr Rann appeared at the door with very deferential bows
which however were far from conciliating Pug who gave a sharp bark and ran
across the room to reconnoitre the strangers legs while the two puppies
regarding Mr Ranns prominent calf and ribbed worsted stockings from a more
sensuous point of view plunged and growled over them in great enjoyment
Meantime Mr Irwine turned round his chair and said
»Well Joshua anything the matter at Hayslope that youve come over this
damp morning Sit down sit down Never mind the dogs give them a friendly
kick Here Pug you rascal«
It is very pleasant to see some men turn round pleasant as a sudden rush of
warm air in winter or the flash of firelight in the chill dusk Mr Irwine was
one of those men He bore the same sort of resemblance to his mother that our
loving memory of a friends face often bears to the face itself the lines were
all more generous the smile brighter the expression heartier If the outline
had been less finely cut his face might have been called jolly but that was
not the right word for its mixture of bonhommie and distinction
»Thank your reverence« answered Mr Rann endeavouring to look unconcerned
about his legs but shaking them alternately to keep off the puppies »Ill
stand if you please as more becoming I hope I see you and Mrs Irwine well
an Miss Irwine an Miss Anne I hopes as well as usual«
»Yes Joshua thank you You see how blooming my mother looks She beats us
younger people hollow But whats the matter«
»Why sir I had to come to Broxon to deliver some work and I thought it
but right to call and let you know the goinson as theres been i the village
such as I hanna seen i my time and Ive lived in it man and boy sixty year
come St Thomas and collected th Easter dues for Mr Blick before your
reverence come into the parish and been at the ringin o every bell and the
diggin o every grave and sung i the quire long afore Bartle Massey come from
nobody knows where wi his countersignin and fine anthems as puts everybody
out but himself one takin it up after another like sheep ableatin i th
fold I know what belongs to bein a parish clerk and I know as I should be
wantin i respect to your reverence an church an king if I was t allow
such goinson wiout speakin I was took by surprise an knowed nothin on it
beforehand an I was so flustered I was clean as if Id lost my tools I hanna
slep more nor four hour this night as is past an gone an then it was nothin
but nightmare as tired me worse nor wakin«
»Why what in the world is the matter Joshua Have the thieves been at the
church lead again«
»Thieves no sir an yet as I may say it is thieves an athievin
the church too Its the Methodisses as is like to get th upper hand i th
parish if your reverence an his honour Squire Donnithorne doesna think well
to say the word an forbid it Not as Im adictatin to you sir Im not
forgettin myself so far as to be wise above my betters Howiver whether Im
wise or no thats neither here nor there but what Ive got to say I say as
the young Methodis woman as is at Mester Poysers was apreachin an
apraying on the Green last night as sure as Im astannin afore your
reverence now«
»Preaching on the Green« said Mr Irwine looking surprised but quite
serene »What that pale pretty young woman Ive seen at Poysers I saw she was
a Methodist or Quaker or something of that sort by her dress but I didnt
know she was a preacher«
»Its a true word as I say sir« rejoined Mr Rann compressing his mouth
into a semicircular form and pausing long enough to indicate three notes of
exclamation »She preached on the Green last night an shes laid hold of
Chads Bess as the girls been i fits welly iver sin«
»Well Bessy Cranage is a heartylooking lass I daresay shell come round
again Joshua Did anybody else go into fits«
»No sir I canna say as they did But theres no knowin whatll come if
were t have such preachins as that agoin on ivery week therell be no
livin i th village For them Methodisses make folks believe as if they take a
mug o drink extry an make theirselves a bit comfortable theyll have to go
to hell fort as sure as theyre born Im not a tipplin man nor a drunkard
nobody can say it on me but I like a extry quart at Easter or Christmas time
as is natral when were goin the rounds asingin an folks offert you for
nothin or when Im acollectin the dues an I like a pint wi my pipe an a
neighbourly chat at Mester Cassons now an then for I was brought up i the
Church thank God an ha been a parish clerk this twoahthirty year I
should know what the church religion is«
»Well whats your advice Joshua What do you think should be done«
»Well your reverence Im not for takin any measures again the young
woman Shes well enough if shed let alone preachin an I hear as shes
agoin away back to her own country soon Shes Mr Poysers own niece an I
donna wish to say whats anyways disrespectful o th family at th Hall Farm
as Ive measured for shoes little an big welly iver sin Ive been a
shoemaker But theres that Will Maskery sir as is the rampageousest Methodis
as can be an I make no doubt it was him as stirred up th young woman to
preach last night an hell be abringin other folks to preach from
Treddleson if his comb isnt cut a bit an I think as he should be let know
as he isna t have the makin an mendin o church carts an implemens let
alone stayin i that house an yard as is Squire Donnithornes«
»Well but you say yourself Joshua that you never knew any one come to
preach on the Green before why should you think theyll come again The
Methodists dont come to preach in little villages like Hayslope where theres
only a handful of labourers too tired to listen to them They might almost as
well go and preach on the Binton Hills Will Maskery is no preacher himself I
think«
»Nay sir hes no gift at stringin the words together wiout book hed be
stuck fast like a cow i wet clay But hes got tongue enough to speak
disrespectful abouts neebors for he said as I was a blind Pharisee ausin
the Bible i that way to find nicknames for folks as are his elders an betters
and whats worse hes been heard to say very unbecomin words about your
reverence for I could bring them as ud swear as he called you a dumb dog an
a idle shepherd Youll forgie me for sayin such things over again«
»Better not better not Joshua Let evil words die as soon as theyre
spoken Will Maskery might be a great deal worse fellow than he is He used to
be a wild drunken rascal neglecting his work and beating his wife they told
me now hes thrifty and decent and he and his wife look comfortable together
If you can bring me any proof that he interferes with his neighbours and
creates any disturbance I shall think it my duty as a clergyman and a
magistrate to interfere But it wouldnt become wise people like you and me to
be making a fuss about trifles as if we thought the Church was in danger
because Will Maskery lets his tongue wag rather foolishly or a young woman
talks in a serious way to a handful of people on the Green We must live and let
live Joshua in religion as well as in other things You go on doing your duty
as parish clerk and sexton as well as youve always done it and making those
capital thick boots for your neighbours and things wont go far wrong in
Hayslope depend upon it«
»Your reverence is very good to say so an Im sensable as you not livin
i the parish theres more upo my shoulders«
»To be sure and you must mind and not lower the Church in peoples eyes by
seeming to be frightened about it for a little thing Joshua I shall trust to
your good sense now to take no notice at all of what Will Maskery says either
about you or me You and your neighbours can go on taking your pot of beer
soberly when youve done your days work like good churchmen and if Will
Maskery doesnt like to join you but to go to a prayermeeting at Treddleston
instead let him thats no business of yours so long as he doesnt hinder you
from doing what you like And as to people saying a few idle words about us we
must not mind that any more than the old churchsteeple minds the rooks cawing
about it Will Maskery comes to church every Sunday afternoon and does his
wheelwrights business steadily in the weekdays and as long as he does that he
must be let alone«
»Ah sir but when he comes to church he sits an shakes his head an
looks as sour an as coxy when were asingin as I should like to fetch him a
rap across the jowl God forgie me an Mrs Irwine an your reverence too
for speakin so afore you An he said as our Christmas singin was no better
nor the cracklin o thorns under a pot«
»Well hes got a bad ear for music Joshua When people have wooden heads
you know it cant be helped He wont bring the other people in Hayslope round
to his opinion while you go on singing as well as you do«
»Yes sir but it turns a mans stomach t hear the Scripture misused i
that way I know as much o the words o the Bible as he does an could say the
Psalms right through i my sleep if you was to pinch me but I know better nor
to take em to say my own say wi I might as well take the Sacrimentcup home
and use it at meals«
»Thats a very sensible remark of yours Joshua but as I said before «
While Mr Irwine was speaking the sound of a booted step and the clink of
a spur were heard on the stone floor of the entrancehall and Joshua Rann
moved hastily aside from the doorway to make room for some one who paused there
and said in a ringing tenor voice
»Godson Arthur may he come in«
»Come in come in godson« Mrs Irwine answered in the deep halfmasculine
tone which belongs to the vigorous old woman and there entered a young
gentleman in a ridingdress with his right arm in a sling whereupon followed
that pleasant confusion of laughing interjections and hand and »How are
yous« mingled with joyous short barks and wagging of tails on the part of the
canine members of the family which tells that the visitor is on the best terms
with the visited The young gentleman was Arthur Donnithorne known in Hayslope
variously as »the young squire« »the heir« and »the captain« He was only a
captain in the Loamshire Militia but to the Hayslope tenants he was more
intensely a captain than all the young gentlemen of the same rank in his
Majestys regulars he outshone them as the planet Jupiter outshines the Milky
Way If you want to know more particularly how he looked call to your
remembrance some tawnywhiskered brownlocked clearcomplexioned young
Englishman whom you have met with in a foreign town and been proud of as a
fellowcountryman wellwashed highbred whitehanded yet looking as if he
could deliver well from the left shoulder and floor his man I will not be so
much of a tailor as to trouble your imagination with the difference of costume
and insist on the striped waistcoat longtailed coat and low topboots
Turning round to take a chair Captain Donnithorne said »But dont let me
interrupt Joshuas business he has something to say«
»Humbly begging your honours pardon« said Joshua bowing low »there was
one thing I had to say to his reverence as other things had drove out o my
head«
»Out with it Joshua quickly« said Mr Irwine
»Belike sir you havena heared as Thias Bedes dead drownded this
morning or more like overnight i the Willow Brook again the bridge right i
front o the house«
»Ah« exclaimed both the gentlemen at once as if they were a good deal
interested in the information
»An Seth Bedes been to me this morning to say he wished me to tell your
reverence as his brother Adam begged of you particular t allow his fathers
grave to be dug by the White Thorn because his mothers set her heart on it on
account of a dream as she had an theyd ha come theirselves to ask you but
theyve so much to see after with the crowner an that an their mothers took
on so an wants em to make sure o the spot for fear somebody else should take
it An if your reverence sees well and good Ill send my boy to tell em as
soon as I get home an thats why I make bold to trouble you wi it his honour
being present«
»To be sure Joshua to be sure they shall have it Ill ride round to Adam
myself and see him Send your boy however to say they shall have the grave
lest anything should happen to detain me And now good morning Joshua go into
the kitchen and have some ale«
»Poor old Thias« said Mr Irwine when Joshua was gone »Im afraid the
drink helped the brook to drown him I should have been glad for the load to
have been taken off my friend Adams shoulders in a less painful way That fine
fellow has been propping up his father from ruin for the last five or six
years«
»Hes a regular trump is Adam« said Captain Donnithorne »When I was a
little fellow and Adam was a strapping lad of fifteen and taught me
carpentering I used to think if ever I was a rich sultan I would make Adam my
grandvizier And I believe now he would bear the exaltation as well as any
poor wise man in an Eastern story If ever I live to be a largeacred man
instead of a poor devil with a mortgaged allowance of pocketmoney Ill have
Adam for my righthand He shall manage my woods for me for he seems to have a
better notion of those things than any man I ever met with and I know he would
make twice the money of them that my grandfather does with that miserable old
Satchell to manage who understands no more about timber than an old carp Ive
mentioned the subject to my grandfather once or twice but for some reason or
other he has a dislike to Adam and I can do nothing But come your reverence
are you for a ride with me Its splendid out of doors now We can go to Adams
together if you like but I want to call at the Hall Farm on my way to look at
the whelps Poyser is keeping for me«
»You must stay and have lunch first Arthur« said Mrs Irwine »Its nearly
two Carroll will bring it in directly«
»I want to go to the Hall Farm too« said Mr Irwine »to have another look
at the little Methodist who is staying there Joshua tells me she was preaching
on the Green last night«
»Oh by Jove« said Captain Donnithorne laughing »Why she looks as quiet
as a mouse Theres something rather striking about her though I positively
felt quite bashful the first time I saw her she was sitting stooping over her
sewing in the sunshine outside the house when I rode up and called out without
noticing that she was a stranger Is Martin Poyser at home I declare when she
got up and looked at me and just said Hes in the house I believe Ill go
and call him I felt quite ashamed of having spoken so abruptly to her She
looked like St Catherine in a Quaker dress Its a type of face one rarely sees
among our common people«
»I should like to see the young woman Dauphin« said Mrs Irwine »Make her
come here on some pretext or other«
»I dont know how I can manage that mother it will hardly do for me to
patronise a Methodist preacher even if she would consent to be patronised by an
idle shepherd as Will Maskery calls me You should have come in a little
sooner Arthur to hear Joshuas denunciation of his neighbour Will Maskery The
old fellow wants me to excommunicate the wheelwright and then deliver him over
to the civil arm that is to say to your grandfather to be turned out of
house and yard If I chose to interfere in this business now I might get up as
pretty a story of hatred and persecution as the Methodists need desire to
publish in the next number of their magazine It wouldnt take me much trouble
to persuade Chad Cranage and halfadozen other bullheaded fellows that they
would be doing an acceptable service to the Church by hunting Will Maskery out
of the village with ropeends and pitchforks and then when I had furnished
them with half a sovereign to get gloriously drunk after their exertions I
should have put the climax to as pretty a farce as any of my brother clergy have
set going in their parishes for the last thirty years«
»It is really insolent of the man though to call you an idle shepherd and
a dumb dog« said Mrs Irwine »I should be inclined to check him a little
there You are too easytempered Dauphin«
»Why mother you dont think it would be a good way of sustaining my
dignity to set about vindicating myself from the aspersions of Will Maskery
Besides Im not so sure that they are aspersions I am a lazy fellow and get
terribly heavy in my saddle not to mention that Im always spending more than I
can afford in bricks and mortar so that I get savage at a lame beggar when he
asks me for sixpence Those poor lean cobblers who think they can help to
regenerate mankind by setting out to preach in the morning twilight before they
begin their days work may well have a poor opinion of me But come let us
have our luncheon Isnt Kate coming to lunch«
»Miss Irwine told Bridget to take her lunch upstairs« said Carroll »she
cant leave Miss Anne«
»Oh very well Tell Bridget to say Ill go up and see Miss Anne presently
You can use your right arm quite well now Arthur« Mr Irwine continued
observing that Captain Donnithorne had taken his arm out of the sling
»Yes pretty well but Godwin insists on my keeping it up constantly for
some time to come I hope I shall be able to get away to the regiment though
in the beginning of August Its a desperately dull business being shut up at
the Chase in the summer months when one can neither hunt nor shoot so as to
make ones self pleasantly sleepy in the evening However we are to astonish
the echoes on the 30th of July My grandfather has given me carte blanche for
once and I promise you the entertainment shall be worthy of the occasion The
world will not see the grand epoch of my majority twice I think I shall have a
lofty throne for you godmamma or rather two one on the lawn and another in
the ballroom that you may sit and look down upon us like an Olympian goddess«
»I mean to bring out my best brocade that I wore at your christening twenty
years ago« said Mrs Irwine »Ah I think I shall see your poor mother flitting
about in her white dress which looked to me almost like a shroud that very day
and it was her shroud only three months after and your little cap and
christening dress were buried with her too She had set her heart on that sweet
soul Thank God you take after your mothers family Arthur If you had been a
puny wiry yellow baby I wouldnt have stood godmother to you I should have
been sure you would turn out a Donnithorne But you were such a broadfaced
broadchested loudscreaming rascal I knew you were every inch of you a
Tradgett«
»But you might have been a little too hasty there mother« said Mr Irwine
smiling »Dont you remember how it was with Junos last pups One of them was
the very image of its mother but it had two or three of its fathers tricks
notwithstanding Nature is clever enough to cheat even you mother«
»Nonsense child Nature never makes a ferret in the shape of a mastiff
Youll never persuade me that I cant tell what men are by their outsides If I
dont like a mans looks depend upon it I shall never like him I dont want to
know people that look ugly and disagreeable any more than I want to taste
dishes that look disagreeable If they make me shudder at the first glance I
say take them away An ugly piggish or fishy eye now makes me feel quite
ill its like a bad smell«
»Talking of eyes« said Captain Donnithorne »that reminds me that Ive got
a book I meant to bring you godmamma It came down in a parcel from London the
other day I know yon are fond of queer wizardlike stories Its a volume of
poems Lyrical Ballads most of them seem to be twaddling stuff but the first
is in a different style The Ancient Mariner is the title I can hardly make
head or tail of it as a story but its a strange striking thing Ill send it
over to you and there are some other books that you may like to see Irwine
pamphlets about Antinomianism and Evangelicalism whatever they may be I cant
think what the fellow means by sending such things to me Ive written to him
to desire that from henceforth he will send me no book or pamphlet on anything
that ends in ism«
»Well I dont know that Im very fond of isms myself but I may as well
look at the pamphlets they let one see what is going on Ive a little matter
to attend to Arthur« continued Mr Irwine rising to leave the room »and then
I shall be ready to set out with you«
The little matter that Mr Irwine had to attend to took him up the old stone
staircase part of the house was very old and made him pause before a door at
which he knocked gently »Come in« said a womans voice and he entered a room
so darkened by blinds and curtains that Miss Kate the thin middleaged lady
standing by the bedside would not have had light enough for any other sort of
work than the knitting which lay on the little table near her But at present
she was doing what required only the dimmest light sponging the aching head
that lay on the pillow with fresh vinegar It was a small face that of the poor
sufferer perhaps it had once been pretty but now it was worn and sallow Miss
Kate came towards her brother and whispered »Dont speak to her she cant bear
to be spoken to today« Annes eyes were closed and her brow contracted as if
from intense pain Mr Irwine went to the bedside and took up one of the
delicate hands and kissed it a slight pressure from the small fingers told him
that it was worth while to have come upstairs for the sake of doing that He
lingered a moment looking at her and then turned away and left the room
treading very gently he had taken off his boots and put on slippers before he
came upstairs Whoever remembers how many things he has declined to do even for
himself rather than have the trouble of putting on or taking off his boots
will not think this last detail insignificant
And Mr Irwines sisters as any person of family within ten miles of
Broxton could have testified were such stupid uninteresting women It was
quite a pity handsome clever Mrs Irwine should have had such commonplace
daughters That fine old lady herself was worth driving ten miles to see any
day her beauty her wellpreserved faculties and her oldfashioned dignity
made her a graceful subject for conversation in turn with the Kings health the
sweet new patterns in cotton dresses the news from Egypt and Lord Daceys
lawsuit which was fretting poor Lady Dacey to death But no one ever thought of
mentioning the Miss Irwines except the poor people in Broxton village who
regarded them as deep in the science of medicine and spoke of them vaguely as
»the gentlefolks« If any one had asked old Job Dummilow who gave him his
flannel jacket he would have answered »the gentlefolks last winter« and
widow Steene dwelt much on the virtues of the »stuff« the gentlefolks gave her
for her cough Under this name too they were used with great effect as a means
of taming refractory children so that at the sight of poor Miss Annes sallow
face several small urchins had a terrified sense that she was cognisant of all
their worst misdemeanours and knew the precise number of stones with which they
had intended to hit farmer Brittons ducks But for all who saw them through a
less mythical medium the Miss Irwines were quite superfluous existences
inartistic figures crowding the canvas of life without adequate effect Miss
Anne indeed if her chronic headaches could have been accounted for by a
pathetic story of disappointed love might have had some romantic interest
attached to her but no such story had either been known or invented concerning
her and the general impression was quite in accordance with the fact that both
the sisters were old maids for the prosaic reason that they had never received
an eligible offer
Nevertheless to speak paradoxically the existence of insignificant people
has very important consequences in the world It can be shown to affect the
price of bread and the rate of wages to call forth many evil tempers from the
selfish and many heroisms from the sympathetic and in other ways to play no
small part in the tragedy of life And if that handsome generousblooded
clergyman the Rev Adolphus Irwine had not had these two hopelesslymaiden
sisters his lot would have been shaped quite differently he would very likely
have taken a comely wife in his youth and now when his hair was getting grey
under the powder would have had tall sons and blooming daughters such
possessions in short as men commonly think will repay them for all the labour
they take under the sun As it was having with all his three livings no more
than seven hundred ayear and seeing no way of keeping his splendid mother and
his sickly sister not to reckon a second sister who was usually spoken of
without any adjective in such ladylike ease as became their birth and habits
and at the same time providing for a family of his own he remained you see
at the age of eightandforty a bachelor not making any merit of that
renunciation but saying laughingly if any one alluded to it that he made it
an excuse for many indulgences which a wife would never have allowed him And
perhaps he was the only person in the world who did not think his sisters
uninteresting and superfluous for his was one of those largehearted
sweetblooded natures that never know a narrow or a grudging thought epicurean
if you will with no enthusiasm no selfscourging sense of duty but yet as
you have seen of a sufficiently subtle moral fibre to have an unwearying
tenderness for obscure and monotonous suffering It was his largehearted
indulgence that made him ignore his mothers hardness towards her daughters
which was the more striking from its contrast with her doting fondness towards
himself he held it no virtue to frown at irremediable faults
See the difference between the impression a man makes on you when you walk
by his side in familiar talk or look at him in his home and the figure he
makes when seen from a lofty historical level or even in the eyes of a critical
neighbour who thinks of him as an embodied system or opinion rather than as a
man Mr Roe the »travelling preacher« stationed at Treddleston had included
Mr Irwine in a general statement concerning the Church clergy in the
surrounding district whom he described as men given up to the lusts of the
flesh and the pride of life hunting and shooting and adorning their own
houses asking what shall we eat and what shall we drink and wherewithal shall
we be clothed careless of dispensing the bread of life to their flocks
preaching at best but a carnal and soulbenumbing morality and trafficking in
the souls of men by receiving money for discharging the pastoral office in
parishes where they did not so much as look on the faces of the people more than
once ayear The ecclesiastical historian too looking into parliamentary
reports of that period finds honourable members zealous for the Church and
untainted with any sympathy for the »tribe of canting Methodists« making
statements scarcely less melancholy than that of Mr Roe And it is impossible
for me to say that Mr Irwine was altogether belied by the generic
classification assigned him He really had no very lofty aims no theological
enthusiasm if I were closely questioned I should be obliged to confess that he
felt no serious alarms about the souls of his parishioners and would have
thought it a mere loss of time to talk in a doctrinal and awakening manner to
old »Feyther Taft« or even to Chad Cranage the blacksmith If he had been in
the habit of speaking theoretically he would perhaps have said that the only
healthy form religion could take in such minds was that of certain dim but
strong emotions suffusing themselves as a hallowing influence over the family
affections and neighbourly duties He thought the custom of baptism more
important than its doctrine and that the religious benefits the peasant drew
from the church where his fathers worshipped and the sacred piece of turf where
they lay buried were but slightly dependent on a clear understanding of the
Liturgy or the sermon Clearly the Rector was not what is called in these days
an »earnest« man he was fonder of church history than of divinity and had much
more insight into mens characters than interest in their opinions he was
neither laborious nor obviously selfdenying nor very copious in almsgiving
and his theology you perceive was lax His mental palate indeed was rather
pagan and found a savouriness in a quotation from Sophocles or Theocritus that
was quite absent from any text in Isaiah or Amos But if you feed your young
setter on raw flesh how can you wonder at its retaining a relish for uncooked
partridge in afterlife and Mr Irwines recollections of young enthusiasm and
ambition were all associated with poetry and ethics that lay aloof from the
Bible
On the other hand I must plead for I have an affectionate partiality
towards the Rectors memory that he was not vindictive and some
philanthropists have been so that he was not intolerant and there is a rumour
that some zealous theologians have not been altogether free from that blemish
that although he would probably have declined to give his body to be burned in
any public cause and was far from bestowing all his goods to feed the poor he
had that charity which has sometimes been lacking to very illustrious virtue
he was tender to other mens failings and unwilling to impute evil He was one
of those men and they are not the commonest of whom we can know the best only
by following them away from the marketplace the platform and the pulpit
entering with them into their own homes hearing the voice with which they speak
to the young and aged about their own hearthstone and witnessing their
thoughtful care for the everyday wants of everyday companions who take all
their kindness as a matter of course and not as a subject for panegyric
Such men happily have lived in times when great abuses flourished and
have sometimes even been the living representatives of the abuses That is a
thought which might comfort us a little under the opposite fact that it is
better sometimes not to follow great reformers of abuses beyond the threshold of
their homes
But whatever you may think of Mr Irwine now if you had met him that June
afternoon riding on his grey cob with his dogs running beside him portly
upright manly with a goodnatured smile on his finelyturned lips as he talked
to his dashing young companion on the bay mare you must have felt that however
ill he harmonised with sound theories of the clerical office he somehow
harmonised extremely well with that peaceful landscape
See them in the bright sunlight interrupted every now and then by rolling
masses of cloud ascending the slope from the Broxton side where the tall
gables and elms of the rectory predominate over the tiny whitewashed church
They will soon be in the parish of Hayslope the grey churchtower and village
roofs lie before them to the left and farther on to the right they can just
see the chimneys of the Hall Farm
Chapter VI
The Hall Farm
Evidently that gate is never opened for the long grass and the great hemlocks
grow close against it and if it were opened it is so rusty that the force
necessary to turn it on its hinges would be likely to pull down the square
stonebuilt pillars to the detriment of the two stone lionesses which grin with
a doubtful carnivorous affability above a coat of arms surmounting each of the
pillars It would be easy enough by the aid of the nicks in the stone pillars
to climb over the brick wall with its smooth stone coping but by putting our
eyes close to the rusty bars of the gate we can see the house well enough and
all but the very corners of the grassy enclosure
It is a very fine old place of red brick softened by a pale powdery
lichen which has dispersed itself with happy irregularity so as to bring the
red brick into terms of friendly companionship with the limestone ornaments
surrounding the three gables the windows and the doorplace But the windows
are patched with wooden panes and the door I think is like the gate it is
never opened how it would groan and grate against the stone floor if it were
For it is a solid heavy handsome door and must once have been in the habit of
shutting with a sonorous bang behind a liveried lackey who had just seen his
master and mistress off the grounds in a carriage and pair
But at present one might fancy the house in the early stage of a chancery
suit and that the fruit from that grand double row of walnuttrees on the right
hand of the enclosure would fall and rot among the grass if it were not that we
heard the booming bark of dogs echoing from great buildings at the back And now
the halfweaned calves that have been sheltering themselves in a gorsebuilt
hovel against the lefthand wall come out and set up a silly answer to that
terrible bark doubtless supposing that it has reference to buckets of milk
Yes the house must be inhabited and we will see by whom for imagination
is a licensed trespasser it has no fear of dogs but may climb over walls and
peep in at windows with impunity Put your face to one of the glass panes in the
righthand window what do you see A large open fireplace with rusty dogs in
it and a bare boardedfloor at the far end fleeces of wool stacked up in the
middle of the floor some empty cornbags That is the furniture of the
diningroom And what through the lefthand window Several clotheshorses a
pillion a spinningwheel and an old box wide open and stuffed full of
coloured rags At the edge of this box there lies a great wooden doll which so
far as mutilation is concerned bears a strong resemblance to the finest Greek
sculpture and especially in the total loss of its nose Near it there is a
little chair and the buttend of a boys leather longlashed whip
The history of the house is plain now It was once the residence of a
country squire whose family probably dwindling down to mere spinsterhood got
merged in the more territorial name of Donnithorne It was once the Hall it is
now the Hall Farm Like the life in some coasttown that was once a
wateringplace and is now a port where the genteel streets are silent and
grassgrown and the docks and warehouses busy and resonant the life at the
Hall has changed its focus and no longer radiates from the parlour but from
the kitchen and the farmyard
Plenty of life there though this is the drowsiest time of the year just
before hayharvest and it is the drowsiest time of the day too for it is close
upon three by the sun and it is halfpast three by Mrs Poysers handsome
eightday clock But there is always a stronger sense of life when the sun is
brilliant after rain and now he is pouring down his beams and making sparkles
among the wet straw and lighting up every patch of vivid green moss on the red
tiles of the cowshed and turning even the muddy water that is hurrying along
the channel to the drain into a mirror for the yellowbilled ducks who are
seizing the opportunity of getting a drink with as much body in it as possible
There is quite a concert of noises the great bulldog chained against the
stables is thrown into furious exasperation by the unwary approach of a cock
too near the mouth of his kennel and sends forth a thundering bark which is
answered by two foxhounds shut up in the opposite cowhouse the old
topknotted hens scratching with their chicks among the straw set up a
sympathetic croaking as the discomfited cock joins them a sow with her brood
all very muddy as to the legs and curled as to the tail throws in some deep
staccato notes our friends the calves are bleating from the home croft and
under all a fine ear discerns the continuous hum of human voices
For the great barndoors are thrown wide open and men are busy there
mending the harness under the superintendence of Mr Goby the »whittaw«
otherwise saddler who entertains them with the latest Treddleston gossip It is
certainly rather an unfortunate day that Alick the shepherd has chosen for
having the whittaws since the morning turned out so wet and Mrs Poyser has
spoken her mind pretty strongly as to the dirt which the extra number of mens
shoes brought into the house at dinnertime Indeed she has not yet recovered
her equanimity on the subject though it is now nearly three hours since dinner
and the housefloor is perfectly clean again as clean as everything else in
that wonderful houseplace where the only chance of collecting a few grains of
dust would be to climb on the saltcoffer and put your finger on the high
mantelshelf on which the glittering brass candlesticks are enjoying their
summer sinecure for at this time of year of course every one goes to bed
while it is yet light or at least light enough to discern the outline of
objects after you have bruised your shins against them Surely nowhere else
could an oak clockcase and an oak table have got to such a polish by the hand
genuine »elbow polish« as Mrs Poyser called it for she thanked God she never
had any of your varnished rubbish in her house Hetty Sorrel often took the
opportunity when her aunts back was turned of looking at the pleasing
reflection of herself in those polished surfaces for the oak table was usually
turned up like a screen and was more for ornament than for use and she could
see herself sometimes in the great round pewter dishes that were ranged on the
shelves above the long deal dinnertable or in the hobs of the grate which
always shone like jasper
Everything was looking at its brightest at this moment for the sun shone
right on the pewter dishes and from their reflecting surfaces pleasant jets of
light were thrown on mellow oak and bright brass and on a still pleasanter
object than these for some of the rays fell on Dinahs finely moulded cheek
and lit up her pale red hair to auburn as she bent over the heavy household
linen which she was mending for her aunt No scene could have been more
peaceful if Mrs Poyser who was ironing a few things that still remained from
the Mondays wash had not been making a frequent clinking with her iron and
moving to and fro whenever she wanted it to cool carrying the keen glance of
her bluegrey eye from the kitchen to the dairy where Hetty was making up the
butter and from the dairy to the backkitchen where Nancy was taking the pies
out of the oven Do not suppose however that Mrs Poyser was elderly or
shrewish in her appearance she was a goodlooking woman not more than
eightandthirty of fair complexion and sandy hair wellshapen lightfooted
the most conspicuous article in her attire was an ample checkered linen apron
which almost covered her skirt and nothing could be plainer or less noticeable
than her cap and gown for there was no weakness of which she was less tolerant
than feminine vanity and the preference of ornament to utility The family
likeness between her and her niece Dinah Morris with the contrast between her
keenness and Dinahs seraphic gentleness of expression might have served a
painter as an excellent suggestion for a Martha and Mary Their eyes were just
of the same colour but a striking test of the difference in their operation was
seen in the demeanour of Trip the blackandtan terrier whenever that
muchsuspected dog unwarily exposed himself to the freezing arctic ray of Mrs
Poysers glance Her tongue was not less keen than her eye and whenever a
damsel came within earshot seemed to take up an unfinished lecture as a
barrelorgan takes up a tune precisely at the point where it had left off
The fact that it was churningday was another reason why it was inconvenient
to have the »whittaws« and why consequently Mrs Poyser should scold Molly
the housemaid with unusual severity To all appearance Molly had got through her
afterdinner work in an exemplary manner had »cleaned herself« with great
despatch and now came to ask submissively if she should sit down to her
spinning till milkingtime But this blameless conduct according to Mrs
Poyser shrouded a secret indulgence of unbecoming wishes which she now dragged
forth and held up to Mollys view with cutting eloquence
»Spinning indeed It isnt spinning as youd be at Ill be bound and let
you have your own way I never knew your equals for gallowsness To think of a
gell o your age wanting to go and sit with halfadozen men Id ha been
ashamed to let the words pass over my lips if Id been you And you as have
been here ever since last Michaelmas and I hired you at Treddleson stattits
without a bit o character as I say you might be grateful to be hired in that
way to a respectable place and you knew no more o what belongs to work when
you come here than the mawkin i the field As poor a twofisted thing as ever I
saw you know you was Who taught you to scrub a floor I should like to know
Why youd leave the dirt in heaps i the corners anybody ud think youd
never been brought up among Christians And as for spinning why youve wasted
as much as your wage i the flax youve spoiled learning to spin And youve a
right to feel that and not to go about as gaping and as thoughtless as if you
was beholding to nobody Comb the wool for the whittaws indeed Thats what
youd like to be doing is it Thats the way with you thats the road youd
all like to go headlongs to ruin Youre never easy till youve got some
sweetheart as is as big a fool as yourself you think youll be finely off when
youre married I daresay and have got a threelegged stool to sit on and
never a blanket to cover you and a bit o oatcake for your dinner as three
children are asnatching at«
»Im sure I donna want t go wi the whittaws« said Molly whimpering and
quite overcome by this Dantean picture of her future »ony we allays used to
comb the wool forn at Mester Ottleys an so I just axed ye I donna want to
set eyes on the whittaws again I wish I may never stir if I do«
»Mr Ottleys indeed Its fine talking o what you did at Mr Ottleys
Your missis there might like her floors dirted wi whittaws for what I know
Theres no knowing what people wonna like such ways as Ive heard of I never
had a gell come into my house as seemed to know what cleaning was I think
people live like pigs for my part And as to that Betty as was dairymaid at
Trents before she come to me shed ha left the cheeses without turning from
weeks end to weeks end and the dairy thralls I might ha wrote my name on
em when I come downstairs after my illness as the doctor said it was
inflammation it was a mercy I got well of it And to think o your knowing no
better Molly and been here agoing i nine months and not for want o talking
to neither and what are you stanning there for like a jack as is run down
istead o getting your wheel out Youre a rare un for sitting down to your work
a little while after its time to put by«
»Munny my irons twite told pease put it down to warm«
The small chirruping voice that uttered this request came from a little
sunnyhaired girl between three and four who seated on a high chair at the end
of the ironingtable was arduously clutching the handle of a miniature iron
with her tiny fat fist and ironing rags with an assiduity that required her to
put her little red tongue out as far as anatomy would allow
»Cold is it my darling Bless your sweet face« said Mrs Poyser who was
remarkable for the facility with which she could relapse from her official
objurgatory tone to one of fondness or of friendly converse »Never mind
Mothers done her ironing now Shes going to put the ironing things away«
»Munny I tould ike to do into de barn to Tommy to see de whittawd«
»No no no Totty ud get her feet wet« said Mrs Poyser carrying away
her iron »Run into the dairy and see cousin Hetty make the butter«
»I tould ike a bit o pumtake« rejoined Totty who seemed to be provided
with several relays of requests at the same time taking the opportunity of her
momentary leisure to put her fingers into a bowl of starch and drag it down
so as to empty the contents with tolerable completeness on to the ironingsheet
»Did ever anybody see the like« screamed Mrs Poyser running towards the
table when her eye had fallen on the blue stream »The childs allays i
mischief if your backs turned a minute What shall I do to you you naughty
naughty gell«
Totty however had descended from her chair with great swiftness and was
already in retreat towards the dairy with a sort of waddling run and an amount
of fat on the nape of her neck which made her look like the metamorphosis of a
white suckingpig
The starch having been wiped up by Mollys help and the ironing apparatus
put by Mrs Poyser took up her knitting which always lay ready at hand and
was the work she liked best because she could carry it on automatically as she
walked to and fro But now she came and sat down opposite Dinah whom she looked
at in a meditative way as she knitted her grey worsted stocking
»You look th image o your aunt Judith Dinah when you sit asewing I
could almost fancy it was thirty years back and I was a little gell at home
looking at Judith as she sat at her work after shed done th house up only it
was a little cottage fathers was and not a big rambling house as gets dirty
i one corner as fast as you clean it in another but for all that I could
fancy you was your aunt Judith only her hair was a deal darker than yours and
she was stouter and broader i the shoulders Judith and me allays hung
together though she had such queer ways but your mother and her never could
agree Ah your mother little thought as shed have a daughter just cut out
after the very pattern o Judith and leave her an orphan too for Judith to
take care on and bring up with a spoon when she was in the graveyard at
Stoniton I allays said that o Judith as shed bear a pound weight any day to
save anybody else carrying a ounce And she was just the same from the first o
my remembering her it made no difference in her as I could see when she took
to the Methodists only she talked a bit different and wore a different sort o
cap but shed never in her life spent a penny on herself more than keeping
herself decent«
»She was a blessed woman« said Dinah »God had given her a loving
selfforgetting nature and He perfected it by grace And she was very fond of
you too aunt Rachel Ive often heard her talk of you in the same sort of way
When she had that bad illness and I was only eleven years old she used to say
Youll have a friend on earth in your aunt Rachel if Im taken from you for
she has a kind heart and Im sure Ive found it so«
»I dont know how child anybody ud be cunning to do anything for you I
think youre like the birds o th air and live nobody knows how Id ha been
glad to behave to you like a mothers sister if youd come and live i this
country where theres some shelter and victual for man and beast and folks
dont live on the naked hills like poultry ascratching on a gravel bank And
then you might get married to some decent man and thered be plenty ready to
have you if youd only leave off that preaching as is ten times worse than
anything your aunt Judith ever did And even if youd marry Seth Bede as is a
poor woolgathering Methodist ands never like to have a penny beforehand I
know your uncle ud help you with a pig and very like a cow for hes allays
been goodnaturd to my kin for all theyre poor and made em welcome to the
house and ud do for you Ill be bound as much as ever hed do for Hetty
though shes his own niece And theres linen in the house as I could well spare
you for Ive got lots o sheeting and tableclothing and towelling as isnt
made up Theres a piece o sheeting I could give you as that squinting Kitty
spun she was a rare girl to spin for all she squinted and the children
couldnt abide her and you know the spinnings going on constant and theres
new linen wove twice as fast as the old wears out But wheres the use o
talking if ye wonna be persuaded and settle down like any other woman in her
senses istead o wearing yourself out with walking and preaching and giving
away every penny you get so as youve nothing saved against sickness and all
the things youve got i the world I verily believe ud go into a bundle no
bigger nor a double cheese And all because youve got notions i your head
about religion more nor whats i the Catechism and the Prayerbook«
»But not more than whats in the Bible aunt« said Dinah
»Yes and the Bible too for that matter« Mrs Poyser rejoined rather
sharply »else why shouldnt them as know best whats in the Bible the parsons
and people as have got nothing to do but learn it do the same as you do But
for the matter o that if everybody was to do like you the world must come to
a standstill for if everybody tried to do without house and home and with poor
eating and drinking and was allays talking as we must despise the things o the
world as you say I should like to know where the pick o the stock and the
corn and the best newmilk cheeses ud have to go Everybody ud be wanting
bread made o tailends and everybody ud be running after everybody else to
preach to em istead o bringing up their families and laying by against a bad
harvest It stands to sense as that cant be the right religion«
»Nay dear aunt you never heard me say that all people are called to
forsake their work and their families Its quite right the land should be
ploughed and sowed and the precious corn stored and the things of this life
cared for and right that people should rejoice in their families and provide
for them so that this is done in the fear of the Lord and that they are not
unmindful of the souls wants while they are caring for the body We can all be
servants of God wherever our lot is cast but He gives us different sorts of
work according as He fits us for it and calls us to it I can no more help
spending my life in trying to do what I can for the souls of others than you
could help running if you heard little Totty crying at the other end of the
house the voice would go to your heart you would think the dear child was in
trouble or in danger and you couldnt rest without running to help her and
comfort her«
»Ah« said Mrs Poyser rising and walking towards the door »I know it ud
be just the same if I was to talk to you for hours Youd make me the same
answer at th end I might as well talk to the running brook and tell it to
stan still«
The causeway outside the kitchen door was dry enough now for Mrs Poyser to
stand there quite pleasantly and see what was going on in the yard the grey
worsted stocking making a steady progress in her hands all the while But she
had not been standing there more than five minutes before she came in again and
said to Dinah in rather a flurried awestricken tone
»If there isnt Captain Donnithorne and Mr Irwine acoming into the yard
Ill lay my life theyre come to speak about your preaching on the Green Dinah
its you must answer em for Im dumb Ive said enough aready about your
bringing such disgrace upo your uncles family I wouldnt ha minded if youd
been Mr Poysers own niece folks must put up wi their own kin as they put
up wi their own noses its their own flesh and blood But to think of a niece
o mine being cause o my husbands being turned out of his farm and me brought
him no fortin but my savins «
»Nay dear aunt Rachel« said Dinah gently »youve no cause for such fears
Ive strong assurance that no evil will happen to you and my uncle and the
children from anything Ive done I didnt preach without direction«
»Direction I know very well what you mean by direction« said Mrs Poyser
knitting in a rapid and agitated manner »When theres a bigger maggot than
usial in your head you call it direction and then nothing can stir you you
look like the statty o the outside o Treddleson church astarin and
asmilin whether its fair weather or foul I hanna common patience with you«
By this time the two gentlemen had reached the palings and had got down
from their horses it was plain they meant to come in Mrs Poyser advanced to
the door to meet them curtsying low and trembling between anger with Dinah and
anxiety to conduct herself with perfect propriety on the occasion For in those
days the keenest of bucolic minds felt a whispering awe at the sight of the
gentry such as of old men felt when they stood on tiptoe to watch the gods
passing by in tall human shape
»Well Mrs Poyser how are you after this stormy morning« said Mr Irwine
with his stately cordiality »Our feet are quite dry we shall not soil your
beautiful floor«
»Oh sir dont mention it« said Mrs Poyser »Will you and the Captain
please to walk into the parlour«
»No indeed thank you Mrs Poyser« said the Captain looking eagerly
round the kitchen as if his eye were seeking something it could not find »I
delight in your kitchen I think it is the most charming room I know I should
like every farmers wife to come and look at it for a pattern«
»Oh youre pleased to say so sir Pray take a seat« said Mrs Poyser
relieved a little by this compliment and the Captains evident goodhumour but
still glancing anxiously at Mr Irwine who she saw was looking at Dinah and
advancing towards her
»Poyser is not at home is he« said Captain Donnithorne seating himself
where he could see along the short passage to the open dairydoor
»No sir he isnt hes gone to Rosseter to see Mr West the factor about
the wool But theres father i the barn sir if hed be of any use«
»No thank you Ill just look at the whelps and leave a message about them
with your shepherd I must come another day and see your husband I want to have
a consultation with him about horses Do you know when hes likely to be at
liberty«
»Why sir you can hardly miss him except its o Treddleson marketday
thats of a Friday you know For if hes anywhere on the farm we can send for
him in a minute If wed got rid o the Scantlands we should have no outlying
fields and I should be glad of it for if ever anything happens hes sure to be
gone to the Scantlands Things allays happen so contrairy if theyve a chance
and its an unnatral thing to have one bit o your farm in one county and all
the rest in another«
»Ah the Scantlands would go much better with Choyces farm especially as
he wants dairyland and youve got plenty I think yours is the prettiest farm
on the estate though and do you know Mrs Poyser if I were going to marry
and settle I should be tempted to turn you out and do up this fine old house
and turn farmer myself«
»Oh sir« said Mrs Poyser rather alarmed »you wouldnt like it at all
As for farming its putting money into your pocket wi your right hand and
fetching it out wi your left As fur as I can see its raising victual for
other folks and just getting a mouthful for yourself and your children as you
go along Not as youd be like a poor man as wants to get his bread you could
afford to lose as much money as you liked i farming but its poor fun losing
money I should think though I understan its what the great folks i London
play at more than anything For my husband heard at market as Lord Daceys
eldest son had lost thousands upo thousands to the Prince o Wales and they
said my lady was going to pawn her jewels to pay for him But you know more
about that than I do sir But as for farming sir I canna think as youd like
it and this house the draughts in it are enough to cut you through and its
my opinion the floors upstairs are very rotten and the rats i the cellar are
beyond anything«
»Why thats a terrible picture Mrs Poyser I think I should be doing you
a service to turn you out of such a place But theres no chance of that Im
not likely to settle for the next twenty years till Im a stout gentleman of
forty and my grandfather would never consent to part with such good tenants as
you«
»Well sir if he thinks so well o Mr Poyser for a tenant I wish you
could put in a word for him to allow us some new gates for the Five closes for
my husbands been asking and asking till hes tired and to think o what hes
done for the farm ands never had a penny allowed him be the times bad or
good And as Ive said to my husband often and often Im sure if the Captain
had anything to do with it it wouldnt be so Not as I wish to speak
disrespectful o them as have got the power i their hands but its more than
flesh and blood ull bear sometimes to be toiling and striving and up early
and down late and hardly sleeping a wink when you lie down for thinking as the
cheese may swell or the cows may slip their calf or the wheat may grow green
again i the sheaf and after all at th end o the year its like as if
youd been cooking a feast and had got the smell of it for your pains«
Mrs Poyser once launched into conversation always sailed along without
any check from her preliminary awe of the gentry The confidence she felt in her
own powers of exposition was a motive force that overcame all resistance
»Im afraid I should only do harm instead of good if I were to speak about
the gates Mrs Poyser« said the Captain »though I assure you theres no man
on the estate I would sooner say a word for than your husband I know his farm
is in better order than any other within ten miles of us and as for the
kitchen« he added smiling »I dont believe theres one in the kingdom to beat
it By the by Ive never seen your dairy I must see your dairy Mrs Poyser«
»Indeed sir its not fit for you to go in for Hettys in the middle o
making the butter for the churning was thrown late and Im quite ashamed«
This Mrs Poyser said blushing and believing that the Captain was really
interested in her milkpans and would adjust his opinion of her to the
appearance of her dairy
»Oh Ive no doubt its in capital order Take me in« said the Captain
himself leading the way while Mrs Poyser followed
Chapter VII
The Dairy
The dairy was certainly worth looking at it was a scene to sicken for with a
sort of calenture in hot and dusty streets such coolness such purity such
fresh fragrance of newpressed cheese of firm butter of wooden vessels
perpetually bathed in pure water such soft colouring of red earthenware and
creamy surfaces brown wood and polished tin grey limestone and rich orangered
rust on the iron weights and hooks and hinges But one gets only a confused
notion of these details when they surround a distractingly pretty girl of
seventeen standing on little pattens and rounding her dimpled arm to lift a
pound of butter out of the scale
Hetty blushed a deep rosecolour when Captain Donnithorne entered the dairy
and spoke to her but it was not at all a distressed blush for it was
inwreathed with smiles and dimples and with sparkles from under long curled
dark eyelashes and while her aunt was discoursing to him about the limited
amount of milk that was to be spared for butter and cheese so long as the calves
were not all weaned and a large quantity but inferior quality of milk yielded
by the shorthorn which had been bought on experiment together with other
matters which must be interesting to a young gentleman who would one day be a
landlord Hetty tossed and patted her pound of butter with quite a
selfpossessed coquettish air slily conscious that no turn of her head was
lost
There are various orders of beauty causing men to make fools of themselves
in various styles from the desperate to the sheepish but there is one order of
beauty which seems made to turn the heads not only of men but of all
intelligent mammals even of women It is a beauty like that of kittens or very
small downy ducks making gentle rippling noises with their soft bills or babies
just beginning to toddle and to engage in conscious mischief a beauty with
which you can never be angry but that you feel ready to crush for inability to
comprehend the state of mind into which it throws you Hetty Sorrels was that
sort of beauty Her aunt Mrs Poyser who professed to despise all personal
attractions and intended to be the severest of mentors continually gazed at
Hettys charms by the sly fascinated in spite of herself and after
administering such a scolding as naturally flowed from her anxiety to do well by
her husbands niece who had no mother of her own to scold her poor thing
she would often confess to her husband when they were safe out of hearing that
she firmly believed »the naughtier the little huzzy behaved the prettier she
looked«
It is of little use for me to tell you that Hettys cheek was like a
rosepetal that dimples played about her pouting lips that her large dark eyes
hid a soft roguishness under their long lashes and that her curly hair though
all pushed back under her round cap while she was at work stole back in dark
delicate rings on her forehead and about her white shelllike ears it is of
little use for me to say how lovely was the contour of her pinkandwhite
neckerchief tucked into her low plumcoloured stuff boddice or how the linen
buttermaking apron with its bib seemed a thing to be imitated in silk by
duchesses since it fell in such charming lines or how her brown stockings and
thicksoled buckled shoes lost all that clumsiness which they must certainly
have had when empty of her foot and ankle of little use unless you have seen
a woman who affected you as Hetty affected her beholders for otherwise though
you might conjure up the image of a lovely woman she would not in the least
resemble that distracting kittenlike maiden I might mention all the divine
charms of a bright spring day but if you had never in your life utterly
forgotten yourself in straining your eyes after the mounting lark or in
wandering through the still lanes when the freshopened blossoms fill them with
a sacred silent beauty like that of fretted aisles where would be the use of my
descriptive catalogue I could never make you know what I meant by a bright
spring day Hettys was a springtide beauty it was the beauty of young
frisking things roundlimbed gambolling circumventing you by a false air of
innocence the innocence of a young starbrowed calf for example that being
inclined for a promenade out of bounds leads you a severe steeplechase over
hedge and ditch and only comes to a stand in the middle of a bog
And they are the prettiest attitudes and movements into which a pretty girl
is thrown in making up butter tossing movements that give a charming curve to
the arm and a sideward inclination of the round white neck little patting and
rolling movements with the palm of the hand and nice adaptations and finishings
which cannot at all be effected without a great play of the pouting mouth and
the dark eyes And then the butter itself seems to communicate a fresh charm
it is so pure so sweetscented it is turned off the mould with such a
beautiful firm surface like marble in a pale yellow light Moreover Hetty was
particularly clever at making up the butter it was the one performance of hers
that her aunt allowed to pass without severe criticism so she handled it with
all the grace that belongs to mastery
»I hope you will be ready for a great holiday on the thirtieth of July Mrs
Poyser« said Captain Donnithorne when he had sufficiently admired the dairy
and given several improvised opinions on Swede turnips and shorthorns »You
know what is to happen then and I shall expect you to be one of the guests who
come earliest and leave latest Will you promise me your hand for two dances
Miss Hetty If I dont get your promise now I know I shall hardly have a
chance for all the smart young farmers will take care to secure you«
Hetty smiled and blushed but before she could answer Mrs Poyser
interposed scandalised at the mere suggestion that the young squire could be
excluded by any meaner partners
»Indeed sir you are very kind to take that notice of her And Im sure
whenever youre pleased to dance with her shell be proud and thankful if she
stood still all the rest o th evening«
»Oh no no that would be too cruel to all the other young fellows who can
dance But you will promise me two dances wont you« the Captain continued
determined to make Hetty look at him and speak to him
Hetty dropped the prettiest little curtsy and stole a halfshy
halfcoquettish glance at him as she said
»Yes thank you sir«
»And you must bring all your children you know Mrs Poyser your little
Totty as well as the boys I want all the youngest children on the estate to be
there all those who will be fine young men and women when Im a bald old
fellow«
»Oh dear sir that ull be a long time first« said Mrs Poyser quite
overcome at the young squires speaking so lightly of himself and thinking how
her husband would be interested in hearing her recount this remarkable specimen
of highborn humour The Captain was thought to be »very full of his jokes« and
was a great favourite throughout the estate on account of his free manners
Every tenant was quite sure things would be different when the reins got into
his hands there was to be a millennial abundance of new gates allowances of
lime and returns of ten per cent
»But where is Totty today« he said »I want to see her«
»Where is the little un Hetty« said Mrs Poyser »She came in here not
long ago«
»I dont know She went into the brewhouse to Nancy I think«
The proud mother unable to resist the temptation to show her Totty passed
at once into the backkitchen in search of her not however without
misgivings lest something should have happened to render her person and attire
unfit for presentation
»And do you carry the butter to market when youve made it« said the
Captain to Hetty meanwhile
»Oh no sir not when its so heavy Im not strong enough to carry it
Alick takes it on horseback«
»No Im sure your pretty arms were never meant for such heavy weights But
you go out a walk sometimes these pleasant evenings dont you Why dont you
have a walk in the Chase sometimes now its so green and pleasant I hardly
ever see you anywhere except at home and at church«
»Aunt doesnt like me to go awalking only when Im going somewhere« said
Hetty »But I go through the Chase sometimes«
»And dont you ever go to see Mrs Best the housekeeper I think I saw you
once in the housekeepers room«
»It isnt Mrs Best its Mrs Pomfret the ladys maid as I go to see
Shes teaching me tentstitch and the lacemending Im going to tea with her
tomorrow afternoon«
The reason why there had been space for this têteàtête can only be known
by looking into the backkitchen where Totty had been discovered rubbing a
stray bluebag against her nose and in the same moment allowing some liberal
indigo drops to fall on her afternoon pinafore But now she appeared holding her
mothers hand the end of her round nose rather shiny from a recent and hurried
application of soap and water
»Here she is« said the Captain lifting her up and setting her on the low
stone shelf »Heres Totty By the by whats her other name She wasnt
christened Totty«
»Oh sir we call her sadly out of her name Charlottes her christened
name Its a name i Mr Poysers family his grandmother was named Charlotte
But we began with calling her Lotty and now its got to Totty To be sure its
more like a name for a dog than a Christian child«
»Tottys a capital name Why she looks like a Totty Has she got a pocket
on« said the Captain feeling in his own waistcoat pockets
Totty immediately with great gravity lifted up her frock and showed a tiny
pink pocket at present in a state of collapse
»It dot notin in it« she said as she looked down at it very earnestly
»No what a pity such a pretty pocket Well I think Ive got some things
in mine that will make a pretty jingle in it Yes I declare Ive got five
little round silver things and hear what a pretty noise they make in Tottys
pink pocket« Here he shook the pocket with the five sixpences in it and Totty
showed her teeth and wrinkled her nose in great glee but divining that there
was nothing more to be got by staying she jumped off the shelf and ran away to
jingle her pocket in the hearing of Nancy while her mother called after her
»Oh for shame you naughty gell not to thank the Captain for what hes given
you Im sure sir its very kind of you but shes spoiled shameful her
father wont have her said nay in anything and theres no managing her Its
being the youngest and th only gell«
»Oh shes a funny little fatty I wouldnt have her different But I must
be going now for I suppose the Rector is waiting for me«
With a »goodby« a bright glance and a bow to Hetty Arthur left the
dairy But he was mistaken in imagining himself waited for The Rector had been
so much interested in his conversation with Dinah that he would not have chosen
to close it earlier and you shall hear now what they had been saying to each
other
Chapter VIII
A Vocation
Dinah who had risen when the gentlemen came in but still kept hold of the
sheet she was mending curtsied respectfully when she saw Mr Irwine looking at
her and advancing towards her He had never yet spoken to her or stood face to
face with her and her first thought as her eyes met his was »What a
wellfavoured countenance Oh that the good seed might fall on that soil for it
would surely flourish« The agreeable impression must have been mutual for Mr
Irwine bowed to her with a benignant deference which would have been equally in
place if she had been the most dignified lady of his acquaintance
»You are only a visitor in this neighbourhood I think« were his first
words as he seated himself opposite to her
»No sir I come from Snowfield in Stonyshire But my aunt was very kind
wanting me to have rest from my work there because Id been ill and she
invited me to come and stay with her for a while«
»Ah I remember Snowfield very well I once had occasion to go there Its a
dreary bleak place They were building a cottonmill there but thats many
years ago now I suppose the place is a good deal changed by the employment that
mill must have brought«
»It is changed so far as the mill has brought people there who get a
livelihood for themselves by working in it and make it better for the
tradesfolks I work in it myself and have reason to be grateful for thereby I
have enough and to spare But its still a bleak place as you say sir very
different from this country«
»You have relations living there probably so that you are attached to the
place as your home«
»I had an aunt there once she brought me up for I was an orphan But she
was taken away seven years ago and I have no other kindred that I know of
besides my aunt Poyser who is very good to me and would have me come and live
in this country which to be sure is a good land wherein they eat bread without
scarceness But Im not free to leave Snowfield where I was first planted and
have grown deep into it like the small grass on the hilltop«
»Ah I daresay you have many religious friends and companions there you are
a Methodist a Wesleyan I think«
»Yes my aunt at Snowfield belonged to the Society and I have cause to be
thankful for the privileges I have had thereby from my earliest childhood«
»And have you been long in the habit of preaching for I understand you
preached at Hayslope last night«
»I first took to the work four years since when I was twentyone«
»Your Society sanctions womens preaching then«
»It doesnt forbid them sir when theyve a clear call to the work and
when their ministry is owned by the conversion of sinners and the strengthening
of Gods people Mrs Fletcher as you may have heard about was the first woman
to preach in the Society I believe before she was married when she was Miss
Bosanquet and Mr Wesley approved of her undertaking the work She had a great
gift and there are many others now living who are precious fellowhelpers in
the work of the ministry I understand theres been voices raised against it in
the Society of late but I cannot but think their counsel will come to nought
It isnt for men to make channels for Gods Spirit as they make channels for
the watercourses and say Flow here but flow not there«
»But dont you find some danger among your people I dont mean to say that
it is so with you far from it but dont you find sometimes that both men and
women fancy themselves channels for Gods Spirit and are quite mistaken so
that they set about a work for which they are unfit and bring holy things into
contempt«
»Doubtless it is so sometimes for there have been evildoers among us who
have sought to deceive the brethren and some there are who deceive their own
selves But we are not without discipline and correction to put a check upon
these things Theres a very strict order kept among us and the brethren and
sisters watch for each others souls as they that must give account They dont
go every one his own way and say Am I my brothers keeper«
»But tell me if I may ask and I am really interested in knowing it how
you first came to think of preaching«
»Indeed sir I didnt think of it at all Id been used from the time I
was sixteen to talk to the little children and teach them and sometimes I had
had my heart enlarged to speak in class and was much drawn out in prayer with
the sick But I had felt no call to preach for when Im not greatly wrought
upon Im too much given to sit still and keep by myself it seems as if I could
sit silent all day long with the thought of God overflowing my soul as the
pebbles lie bathed in the Willow Brook For thoughts are so great arent they
sir They seem to lie upon us like a deep flood and its my besetment to forget
where I am and everything about me and lose myself in thoughts that I could
give no account of for I could neither make a beginning nor ending of them in
words That was my way as long as I can remember but sometimes it seemed as if
speech came to me without any will of my own and words were given to me that
came out as the tears come because our hearts are full and we cant help it
And those were always times of great blessing though I had never thought it
could be so with me before a congregation of people But sir we are led on
like the little children by a way that we know not I was called to preach
quite suddenly and since then I have never been left in doubt about the work
that was laid upon me«
»But tell me the circumstances just how it was the very day you began to
preach«
»It was one Sunday I walked with brother Marlowe who was an aged man one
of the local preachers all the way to HettonDeeps thats a village where the
people get their living by working in the leadmines and where theres no
church nor preacher but they live like sheep without a shepherd Its better
than twelve miles from Snowfield so we set out early in the morning for it was
summertime and I had a wonderful sense of the Divine love as we walked over
the hills where theres no trees you know sir as there is here to make the
sky look smaller but you see the heavens stretched out like a tent and you
feel the everlasting arms around you But before we got to Hetton brother
Marlowe was seized with a dizziness that made him afraid of falling for he
overworked himself sadly at his years in watching and praying and walking so
many miles to speak the Word as well as carrying on his trade of linenweaving
And when we got to the village the people were expecting him for hed
appointed the time and the place when he was there before and such of them as
cared to hear the Word of Life were assembled on a spot where the cottages was
thickest so as others might be drawn to come But he felt as he couldnt stand
up to preach and he was forced to lie down in the first of the cottages we came
to So I went to tell the people thinking wed go into one of the houses and I
would read and pray with them But as I passed along by the cottages and saw the
aged and trembling women at the doors and the hard looks of the men who seemed
to have their eyes no more filled with the sight of the Sabbath morning than if
they had been dumb oxen that never looked up to the sky I felt a great movement
in my soul and I trembled as if I was shaken by a strong spirit entering into
my weak body And I went to where the little flock of people was gathered
together and stepped on the low wall that was built against the green hillside
and I spoke the words that were given to me abundantly And they all came round
me out of all the cottages and many wept over their sins and have since been
joined to the Lord That was the beginning of my preaching sir and Ive
preached ever since«
Dinah had let her work fall during this narrative which she uttered in her
usual simple way but with that sincere articulate thrilling treble by which
she always mastered her audience She stooped now to gather up her sewing and
then went on with it as before Mr Irwine was deeply interested He said to
himself »He must be a miserable prig who would act the pedagogue here one
might as well go and lecture the trees for growing in their own shape«
»And you never feel any embarrassment from the sense of your youth that
you are a lovely young woman on whom mens eyes are fixed« he said aloud
»No Ive no room for such feelings and I dont believe the people ever
take notice about that I think sir when God makes His presence felt through
us we are like the burning bush Moses never took any heed what sort of bush it
was he only saw the brightness of the Lord Ive preached to as rough ignorant
people as can be in the villages about Snowfield men that looked very hard and
wild but they never said an uncivil word to me and often thanked me kindly as
they made way for me to pass through the midst of them«
»That I can believe that I can well believe« said Mr Irwine
emphatically »And what did you think of your hearers last night now Did you
find them quiet and attentive«
»Very quiet sir but I saw no signs of any great work upon them except in
a young girl named Bessy Cranage towards whom my heart yearned greatly when my
eyes first fell on her blooming youth given up to folly and vanity I had some
private talk and prayer with her afterwards and I trust her heart is touched
But Ive noticed that in these villages where the people lead a quiet life
among the green pastures and the still waters tilling the ground and tending
the cattle theres a strange deadness to the Word as different as can be from
the great towns like Leeds where I once went to visit a holy woman who
preaches there Its wonderful how rich is the harvest of souls up those
highwalled streets where you seemed to walk as in a prisonyard and the ear
is deafened with the sounds of worldly toil I think maybe it is because the
promise is sweeter when this life is so dark and weary and the soul gets more
hungry when the body is ill at ease«
»Why yes our farmlabourers are not easily roused They take life almost
as slowly as the sheep and cows But we have some intelligent workmen about
here I daresay you know the Bedes Seth Bede by the by is a Methodist«
»Yes I know Seth well and his brother Adam a little Seth is a gracious
young man sincere and without offence and Adam is like the patriarch Joseph
for his great skill and knowledge and the kindness he shows to his brother and
his parents«
»Perhaps you dont know the trouble that has just happened to them Their
father Matthias Bede was drowned in the Willow Brook last night not far from
his own door Im going now to see Adam«
»Ah their poor aged mother« said Dinah dropping her hands and looking
before her with pitying eyes as if she saw the object of her sympathy »She
will mourn heavily for Seth has told me shes of an anxious troubled heart I
must go and see if I can give her any help«
As she rose and was beginning to fold up her work Captain Donnithorne
having exhausted all plausible pretexts for remaining among the milkpans came
out of the dairy followed by Mrs Poyser Mr Irwine now rose also and
advancing towards Dinah held out his hand and said
»Goodby I hear you are going away soon but this will not be the last
visit you will pay your aunt so we shall meet again I hope«
His cordiality towards Dinah set all Mrs Poysers anxieties at rest and
her face was brighter than usual as she said
»Ive never asked after Mrs Irwine and the Miss Irwines sir I hope
theyre as well as usual«
»Yes thank you Mrs Poyser except that Miss Anne has one of her bad
headaches today By the by we all liked that nice creamcheese you sent us
my mother especially«
»Im very glad indeed sir It is but seldom I make one but I remembered
Mrs Irwine was fond of em Please to give my duty to her and to Miss Kate and
Miss Anne Theyve never been to look at my poultry this long while and Ive
got some beautiful speckled chickens black and white as Miss Kate might like
to have some of amongst hers«
»Well Ill tell her she must come and see them Goodby« said the Rector
mounting his horse
»Just ride slowly on Irwine« said Captain Donnithorne mounting also
»Ill overtake you in three minutes Im only going to speak to the shepherd
about the whelps Goodby Mrs Poyser tell your husband I shall come and have
a long talk with him soon«
Mrs Poyser curtsied duly and watched the two horses until they had
disappeared from the yard amidst great excitement on the part of the pigs and
the poultry and under the furious indignation of the bulldog who performed a
Pyrrhic dance that every moment seemed to threaten the breaking of his chain
Mrs Poyser delighted in this noisy exit it was a fresh assurance to her that
the farmyard was well guarded and that no loiterers could enter unobserved and
it was not until the gate had closed behind the Captain that she turned into the
kitchen again where Dinah stood with her bonnet in her hand waiting to speak
to her aunt before she set out for Lisbeth Bedes cottage
Mrs Poyser however though she noticed the bonnet deferred remarking on
it until she had disburdened herself of her surprise at Mr Irwines behaviour
»Why Mr Irwine wasnt angry then What did he say to you Dinah Didnt
he scold you for preaching«
»No he was not at all angry he was very friendly to me I was quite drawn
out to speak to him I hardly know how for I had always thought of him as a
worldly Sadducee But his countenance is as pleasant as the morning sunshine«
»Pleasant and what else did y expect to find him but pleasant« said Mrs
Poyser impatiently resuming her knitting »I should think his countenance is
pleasant indeed and him a gentleman born ands got a mother like a picter You
may go the country round and not find such another woman turned sixtysix Its
summatlike to see such a man as that i the desk of a Sunday As I say to
Poyser its like looking at a full crop o wheat or a pasture with a fine
dairy o cows in it it makes you think the worlds comfortablelike But as for
such creaturs as you Methodisses run after Id as soon go to look at a lot o
bareribbed runts on a common Fine folks they are to tell you whats right as
look as if theyd never tasted nothing better than baconsword and sourcake i
their lives But what did Mr Irwine say to you about that fools trick o
preaching on the Green«
»He only said hed heard of it he didnt seem to feel any displeasure about
it But dear aunt dont think any more about that He told me something that
Im sure will cause you sorrow as it does me Thias Bede was drowned last night
in the Willow Brook and Im thinking that the aged mother will be greatly in
need of comfort Perhaps I can be of use to her so I have fetched my bonnet and
am going to set out«
»Dear heart dear heart But you must have a cup o tea first child« said
Mrs Poyser falling at once from the key of B with five sharps to the frank and
genial C »The kettles boiling well have it ready in a minute and the young
uns ull be in and wanting theirs directly Im quite willing you should go and
see th old woman for youre one as is allays welcome in trouble Methodist or
no Methodist but for the matter o that its the flesh and blood folks are
made on as makes the difference Some cheeses are made o skimmed milk and some
o new milk and its no matter what you call em you may tell which is which
by the look and the smell But as to Thias Bede hes better out o the way nor
in God forgi me for saying so for hes done little this ten year but make
trouble for them as belonged to him and I think it ud be well for you to take
a little bottle o rum for th old woman for I daresay shes got never a drop
o nothing to comfort her inside Sit down child and be easy for you shant
stir out till youve had a cup o tea and so I tell you«
During the latter part of this speech Mrs Poyser had been reaching down
the teathings from the shelves and was on her way towards the pantry for the
loaf followed close by Totty who had made her appearance on the rattling of
the teacups when Hetty came out of the dairy relieving her tired arms by
lifting them up and clasping her hands at the back of her head
»Molly« she said rather languidly »just run out and get me a bunch of
dockleaves the butters ready to pack up now«
»D you hear whats happened Hetty« said her aunt
»No how should I hear anything« was the answer in a pettish tone
»Not as youd care much I daresay if you did hear for youre too
featherheaded to mind if everybody was dead so as you could stay upstairs
adressing yourself for two hours by the clock But anybody besides yourself ud
mind about such things happening to them as think a deal more of you than you
deserve But Adam Bede and all his kin might be drownded for what youd care
youd be perking at the glass the next minute«
»Adam Bede drowned« said Hetty letting her arms fall and looking rather
bewildered but suspecting that her aunt was as usual exaggerating with a
didactic purpose
»No my dear no« said Dinah kindly for Mrs Poyser had passed on to the
pantry without deigning more precise information »Not Adam Adams father the
old man is drowned He was drowned last night in the Willow Brook Mr Irwine
has just told me about it«
»Oh how dreadful« said Hetty looking serious but not deeply affected
and as Molly now entered with the dockleaves she took them silently and
returned to the dairy without asking further questions
Chapter IX
Hettys World
While she adjusted the broad leaves that set off the pale fragrant butter as the
primrose is set off by its nest of green I am afraid Hetty was thinking a great
deal more of the looks Captain Donnithorne had cast at her than of Adam and his
troubles Bright admiring glances from a handsome young gentleman with white
hands a gold chain occasional regimentals and wealth and grandeur
immeasurable those were the warm rays that set poor Hettys heart vibrating
and playing its little foolish tunes over and over again We do not hear that
Memnons statue gave forth its melody at all under the rushing of the mightiest
wind or in response to any other influence divine or human than certain
shortlived sunbeams of morning and we must learn to accommodate ourselves to
the discovery that some of those cunninglyfashioned instruments called human
souls have only a very limited range of music and will not vibrate in the least
under a touch that fills others with tremulous rapture or quivering agony
Hetty was quite used to the thought that people liked to look at her She
was not blind to the fact that young Luke Britton of Broxton came to Hayslope
Church on a Sunday afternoon on purpose that he might see her and that he would
have made much more decided advances if her uncle Poyser thinking but lightly
of a young man whose fathers land was so foul as old Luke Brittons had not
forbidden her aunt to encourage him by any civilities She was aware too that
Mr Craig the gardener at the Chase was over head and ears in love with her
and had lately made unmistakable avowals in luscious strawberries and
hyperbolical peas She knew still better that Adam Bede tall upright
clever brave Adam Bede who carried such authority with all the people round
about and whom her uncle was always delighted to see of an evening saying that
»Adam knew a fine sight more o the natur o things than those as thought
themselves his betters« she knew that this Adam who was often rather stern to
other people and not much given to run after the lasses could be made to turn
pale or red any day by a word or a look from her Hettys sphere of comparison
was not large but she couldnt help perceiving that Adam was »something like« a
man always knew what to say about things could tell her uncle how to prop the
hovel and had mended the churn in no time knew with only looking at it the
value of the chestnut tree that was blown down and why the damp came in the
walls and what they must do to stop the rats and wrote a beautiful hand that
you could read off and could do figures in his head a degree of
accomplishment totally unknown among the richest farmers of that countryside
Not at all like that slouching Luke Britton who when she once walked with him
all the way from Broxton to Hayslope had only broken silence to remark that the
grey goose had begun to lay And as for Mr Craig the gardener he was a
sensible man enough to be sure but he was knockkneed and had a queer sort of
singsong in his talk moreover on the most charitable supposition he must be
far on the way to forty
Hetty was quite certain her uncle wanted her to encourage Adam and would be
pleased for her to marry him For those were times when there was no rigid
demarcation of rank between the farmer and the respectable artisan and on the
home hearth as well as in the publichouse they might be seen taking their jug
of ale together the farmer having a latent sense of capital and of weight in
parish affairs which sustained him under his conspicuous inferiority in
conversation Martin Poyser was not a frequenter of publichouses but he liked
a friendly chat over his own homebrewed and though it was pleasant to lay down
the law to a stupid neighbour who had no notion how to make the best of his
farm it was also an agreeable variety to learn something from a clever fellow
like Adam Bede Accordingly for the last three years ever since he had
superintended the building of the new barn Adam had always been made welcome
at the Hall Farm especially of a winter evening when the whole family in
patriarchal fashion master and mistress children and servants were assembled
in that glorious kitchen at wellgraduated distances from the blazing fire And
for the last two years at least Hetty had been in the habit of hearing her
uncle say »Adam Bede may be working for wage now but hell be a masterman
some day as sure as I sit in this chair Mester Burge is in the right ont to
want him to go partners and marry his daughter if its true what they say the
woman as marries him ull have a good take bet Ladyday or Michaelmas« a
remark which Mrs Poyser always followed up with her cordial assent »Ah« she
would say »its all very fine having a readymade rich man but mayhappen
hell be a readymade fool and its no use filling your pocket full of money if
youve got a hole in the corner Itll do you no good to sit in a springcart o
your own if youve got a soft to drive you hell soon turn you over into the
ditch I allays said Id never marry a man as had got no brains for wheres the
use of a woman having brains of her own if shes tackled to a geck as
everybodys alaughing at She might as well dress herself fine to sit backards
on a donkey«
These expressions though figurative sufficiently indicated the bent of
Mrs Poysers mind with regard to Adam and though she and her husband might
have viewed the subject differently if Hetty had been a daughter of their own
it was clear that they would have welcomed the match with Adam for a penniless
niece For what could Hetty have been but a servant elsewhere if her uncle had
not taken her in and brought her up as a domestic help to her aunt whose health
since the birth of Totty had not been equal to more positive labour than the
superintendence of servants and children But Hetty had never given Adam any
steady encouragement Even in the moments when she was most thoroughly conscious
of his superiority to her other admirers she had never brought herself to think
of accepting him She liked to feel that this strong skilful keeneyed man was
in her power and would have been indignant if he had shown the least sign of
slipping from under the yoke of her coquettish tyranny and attaching himself to
the gentle Mary Burge who would have been grateful enough for the most trifling
notice from him »Mary Burge indeed such a sallowfaced girl if she put on a
bit of pink ribbon she looked as yellow as a crowflower and her hair was as
straight as a hank of cotton« And always when Adam stayed away for several
weeks from the Hall Farm and otherwise made some show of resistance to his
passion as a foolish one Hetty took care to entice him back into the net by
little airs of meekness and timidity as if she were in trouble at his neglect
But as to marrying Adam that was a very different affair There was nothing in
the world to tempt her to do that Her cheeks never grew a shade deeper when his
name was mentioned she felt no thrill when she saw him passing along the
causeway by the window or advancing towards her unexpectedly in the footpath
across the meadow she felt nothing when his eyes rested on her but the cold
triumph of knowing that he loved her and would not care to look at Mary Burge
he could no more stir in her the emotions that make the sweet intoxication of
young love than the mere picture of a sun can stir the spring sap in the subtle
fibres of the plant She saw him as he was a poor man with old parents to
keep who would not be able for a long while to come to give her even such
luxuries as she shared in her uncles house And Hettys dreams were all of
luxuries to sit in a carpeted parlour and always wear white stockings to have
some large beautiful earrings such as were all the fashion to have Nottingham
lace round the top of her gown and something to make her handkerchief smell
nice like Miss Lydia Donnithornes when she drew it out at church and not to
be obliged to get up early or be scolded by anybody She thought if Adam had
been rich and could have given her these things she loved him well enough to
marry him
But for the last few weeks a new influence had come over Hetty vague
atmospheric shaping itself into no selfconfessed hopes or prospects but
producing a pleasant narcotic effect making her tread the ground and go about
her work in a sort of dream unconscious of weight or effort and showing her
all things through a soft liquid veil as if she were living not in this solid
world of brick and stone but in a beatified world such as the sun lights up
for us in the waters Hetty had become aware that Mr Arthur Donnithorne would
take a good deal of trouble for the chance of seeing her that he always placed
himself at church so as to have the fullest view of her both sitting and
standing that he was constantly finding reasons for calling at the Hall Farm
and always would contrive to say something for the sake of making her speak to
him and look at him The poor child no more conceived at present the idea that
the young squire could ever be her lover than a bakers pretty daughter in the
crowd whom a young emperor distinguishes by an imperial but admiring smile
conceives that she shall be made empress But the bakers daughter goes home and
dreams of the handsome young emperor and perhaps weighs the flour amiss while
she is thinking what a heavenly lot it must be to have him for a husband and so
poor Hetty had got a face and a presence haunting her waking and sleeping
dreams bright soft glances had penetrated her and suffused her life with a
strange happy languor The eyes that shed those glances were really not half so
fine as Adams which sometimes looked at her with a sad beseeching tenderness
but they had found a ready medium in Hettys little silly imagination whereas
Adams could get no entrance through that atmosphere For three weeks at least
her inward life had consisted of little else than living through in memory the
looks and words Arthur had directed towards her of little else than recalling
the sensations with which she heard his voice outside the house and saw him
enter and became conscious that his eyes were fixed on her and then became
conscious that a tall figure looking down on her with eyes that seemed to touch
her was coming nearer in clothes of beautiful texture with an odour like that
of a flowergarden borne on the evening breeze Foolish thoughts but all this
happened you must remember nearly sixty years ago and Hetty was quite
uneducated a simple farmers girl to whom a gentleman with a white hand was
dazzling as an Olympian god Until today she had never looked farther into the
future than to the next time Captain Donnithorne would come to the Farm or the
next Sunday when she should see him at church but now she thought perhaps he
would try to meet her when she went to the Chase tomorrow and if he should
speak to her and walk a little way when nobody was by That had never happened
yet and now her imagination instead of retracing the past was busy fashioning
what would happen tomorrow whereabout in the Chase she should see him coming
towards her how she should put her new rosecoloured ribbon on which he had
never seen and what he would say to her to make her return his glance a
glance which she would be living through in her memory over and over again all
the rest of the day
In this state of mind how could Hetty give any feeling to Adams troubles
or think much about poor old Thias being drowned Young souls in such pleasant
delirium as hers are as unsympathetic as butterflies sipping nectar they are
isolated from all appeals by a barrier of dreams by invisible looks and
impalpable arms
While Hettys hands were busy packing up the butter and her head filled
with these pictures of the morrow Arthur Donnithorne riding by Mr Irwines
side towards the valley of the Willow Brook had also certain indistinct
anticipations running as an undercurrent in his mind while he was listening to
Mr Irwines account of Dinah indistinct yet strong enough to make him feel
rather conscious when Mr Irwine suddenly said
»What fascinated you so in Mrs Poysers dairy Arthur Have you become an
amateur of damp quarries and skimmingdishes«
Arthur knew the Rector too well to suppose that a clever invention would be
of any use so he said with his accustomed frankness
»No I went to look at the pretty buttermaker Hetty Sorrel Shes a
perfect Hebe and if I were an artist I would paint her Its amazing what
pretty girls one sees among the farmers daughters when the men are such
clowns That common round red face one sees sometimes in the men all cheek and
no features like Martin Poysers comes out in the women of the family as the
most charming phiz imaginable«
»Well I have no objection to your contemplating Hetty in an artistic light
but I must not have you feeding her vanity and filling her little noddle with
the notion that shes a great beauty attractive to fine gentlemen or you will
spoil her for a poor mans wife honest Craigs for example whom I have seen
bestowing soft glances on her The little puss seems already to have airs enough
to make a husband as miserable as its a law of nature for a quiet man to be
when he marries a beauty Apropos of marrying I hope our friend Adam will get
settled now the poor old mans gone He will only have his mother to keep in
future and Ive a notion that theres a kindness between him and that nice
modest girl Mary Burge from something that fell from old Jonathan one day when
I was talking to him But when I mentioned the subject to Adam he looked uneasy
and turned the conversation I suppose the lovemaking doesnt run smooth or
perhaps Adam hangs back till hes in a better position He has independence of
spirit enough for two men rather an excess of pride if anything«
»That would be a capital match for Adam He would slip into old Burges
shoes and make a fine thing of that building business Ill answer for him I
should like to see him well settled in this parish he would be ready then to
act as my grandvizier when I wanted one We could plan no end of repairs and
improvements together Ive never seen the girl though I think at least Ive
never looked at her«
»Look at her next Sunday at church she sits with her father on the left of
the readingdesk You neednt look quite so much at Hetty Sorrel then When Ive
made up my mind that I cant afford to buy a tempting dog I take no notice of
him because if he took a strong fancy to me and looked lovingly at me the
struggle between arithmetic and inclination might become unpleasantly severe I
pique myself on my wisdom there Arthur and as an old fellow to whom wisdom has
become cheap I bestow it upon you«
»Thank you It may stand me in good stead some day though I dont know that
I have any present use for it Bless me how the brook has overflowed Suppose
we have a canter now were at the bottom of the hill«
That is the great advantage of dialogue on horseback it can be merged any
minute into a trot or canter and one might have escaped from Socrates himself
in the saddle The two friends were free from the necessity of further
conversation till they pulled up in the lane behind Adams cottage
Chapter X
Dinah Visits Lisbeth
At five oclock Lisbeth came downstairs with a large key in her hand it was
the key of the chamber where her husband lay dead Throughout the day except in
her occasional outbursts of wailing grief she had been in incessant movement
performing the initial duties to her dead with the awe and exactitude that
belong to religious rites She had brought out her little store of bleached
linen which she had for long years kept in reserve for this supreme use It
seemed but yesterday that time so many midsummers ago when she had told Thias
where this linen lay that he might be sure and reach it out for her when she
died for she was the elder of the two Then there had been the work of
cleansing to the strictest purity every object in the sacred chamber and of
removing from it every trace of common daily occupation The small window which
had hitherto freely let in the frosty moonlight or the warm summer sunrise on
the workingmans slumber must now be darkened with a fair white sheet for
this was the sleep which is as sacred under the bare rafters as in ceiled
houses Lisbeth had even mended a longneglected and unnoticeable rent in the
checkered bit of bedcurtain for the moments were few and precious now in which
she would be able to do the smallest office of respect or love for the still
corpse to which in all her thoughts she attributed some consciousness Our dead
are never dead to us until we have forgotten them they can be injured by us
they can be wounded they know all our penitence all our aching sense that
their place is empty all the kisses we bestow on the smallest relic of their
presence And the aged peasantwoman most of all believes that her dead are
conscious Decent burial was what Lisbeth had been thinking of for herself
through years of thrift with an indistinct expectation that she should know
when she was being carried to the churchyard followed by her husband and her
sons and now she felt as if the greatest work of her life were to be done in
seeing that Thias was buried decently before her under the white thorn where
once in a dream she had thought she lay in the coffin yet all the while saw
the sunshine above and smelt the white blossoms that were so thick upon the
thorn the Sunday she went to be churched after Adam was born
But now she had done everything that could be done today in the chamber of
death had done it all herself with some aid from her sons in lifting for she
would let no one be fetched to help her from the village not being fond of
female neighbours generally and her favourite Dolly the old housekeeper at Mr
Burges who had come to condole with her in the morning as soon as she heard of
Thiass death was too dimsighted to be of much use She had locked the door
and now held the key in her hand as she threw herself wearily into a chair that
stood out of its place in the middle of the house floor where in ordinary times
she would never have consented to sit The kitchen had had none of her attention
that day it was soiled with the tread of muddy shoes and untidy with clothes
and other objects out of place But what at another time would have been
intolerable to Lisbeths habits of order and cleanliness seemed to her now just
what should be it was right that things should look strange and disordered and
wretched now the old man had come to his end in that sad way the kitchen ought
not to look as if nothing had happened Adam overcome with the agitations and
exertions of the day after his night of hard work had fallen asleep on a bench
in the workshop and Seth was in the back kitchen making a fire of sticks that
he might get the kettle to boil and persuade his mother to have a cup of tea
an indulgence which she rarely allowed herself
There was no one in the kitchen when Lisbeth entered and threw herself into
the chair She looked round with blank eyes at the dirt and confusion on which
the bright afternoons sun shone dismally it was all of a piece with the sad
confusion of her mind that confusion which belongs to the first hours of a
sudden sorrow when the poor human soul is like one who has been deposited
sleeping among the ruins of a vast city and wakes up in dreary amazement not
knowing whether it is the growing or the dying day not knowing why and whence
came this illimitable scene of desolation or why he too finds himself desolate
in the midst of it
At another time Lisbeths first thought would have been »Where is Adam«
but the sudden death of her husband had restored him in these hours to that
first place in her affections which he had held sixandtwenty years ago she
had forgotten his faults as we forget the sorrows of our departed childhood and
thought of nothing but the young husbands kindness and the old mans patience
Her eyes continued to wander blankly until Seth came in and began to remove some
of the scattered things and clear the small round deal table that he might set
out his mothers tea upon it
»What art goin to do« she said rather peevishly
»I want thee to have a cup of tea mother« answered Seth tenderly »Itll
do thee good and Ill put two or three of these things away and make the house
look more comfortable«
»Comfortable How canst talk o main things comfortable Let abe let
abe Theres no comfort for me no more« she went on the tears coming when she
began to speak »now thy poor feythers gone as In washed for and mended an
gots victual for him for thirty ear an him allays so pleased wi iverything
I done for him an used to be so handy an do the jobs for me when I war ill
an cumbered wi th babby an made me the posset an brought it upstairs as
proud as could be an carried the lad as war as heavy as two children for five
mile an neer grumbled all the way to Warson Wake cause I wanted to go an
see my sister as war dead an gone the very next Christmas as eer come An
him to be drownded in the brook as we passed oer the day we war married an
come home together an hed made them lots o shelves for me to put my plates
an things on an showed em me as proud as could be cause he knowd I should
be pleased An he war to die an me not to know but to be asleepin i my
bed as if I caredna nought about it Eh an me to live to see that An us as
war young folks once an thought we should do rarely when we war married Let
abe lad let abe I wonna ha no tay I carena if I neer ate nor drink no
more When one end o th bridge tumbles down wheres th use o th other
stannin I mays well die an foller my old man Theres no knowin but hell
want me«
Here Lisbeth broke from words into moans swaying herself backwards and
forwards on her chair Seth always timid in his behaviour towards his mother
from the sense that he had no influence over her felt it was useless to attempt
to persuade or soothe her till this passion was past so he contented himself
with tending the backkitchen fire and folding up his fathers clothes which
had been hanging out to dry since morning afraid to move about in the room
where his mother was lest he should irritate her further
But after Lisbeth had been rocking herself and moaning for some minutes she
suddenly paused and said aloud to herself
»Ill go an see arter Adam for I canna think where hes gotten an I want
him to go upstairs wi me afore its dark for the minutes to look at the
corpse is like the meltin snow«
Seth overheard this and coming into the kitchen again as his mother rose
from her chair he said
»Adams asleep in the workshop mother Theedst better not wake him He was
oerwrought with work and trouble«
»Wake him Whos agoin to wake him I shanna wake him wi lookin at him
I hanna seen the lad this two hour Id welly forgot as hed eer growed up
from a babby whens feyther carried him«
Adam was seated on a rough bench his head supported by his arm which
rested from the shoulder to the elbow on the long planingtable in the middle of
the workshop It seemed as if he had sat down for a few minutes rest and had
fallen asleep without slipping from his first attitude of sad fatigued thought
His face unwashed since yesterday looked pallid and clammy his hair was
tossed shaggily about his forehead and his closed eyes had the sunken look
which follows upon watching and sorrow His brow was knit and his whole face
had an expression of weariness and pain Gyp was evidently uneasy for he sat on
his haunches resting his nose on his masters stretchedout leg and dividing
the time between licking the hand that hung listlessly down and glancing with a
listening air towards the door The poor dog was hungry and restless but would
not leave his master and was waiting impatiently for some change in the scene
It was owing to this feeling on Gyps part that when Lisbeth came into the
workshop and advanced towards Adam as noiselessly as she could her intention
not to awake him was immediately defeated for Gyps excitement was too great to
find vent in anything short of a sharp bark and in a moment Adam opened his
eyes and saw his mother standing before him It was not very unlike his dream
for his sleep had been little more than living through again in a fevered
delirious way all that had happened since daybreak and his mother with her
fretful grief was present to him through it all The chief difference between
the reality and the vision was that in his dream Hetty was continually coming
before him in bodily presence strangely mingling herself as an actor in scenes
with which she had nothing to do She was even by the Willow Brook she made his
mother angry by coming into the house and he met her with her smart clothes
quite wet through as he walked in the rain to Treddleston to tell the coroner
But wherever Hetty came his mother was sure to follow soon and when he opened
his eyes it was not at all startling to see her standing near him
»Eh my lad my lad« Lisbeth burst out immediately her wailing impulse
returning for grief in its freshness feels the need of associating its loss and
its lament with every change of scene and incident »theest got nobody now but
thy old mother to torment thee and be a burden to thee thy poor feyther ull
neer anger thee no more an thy mother mays well go arter him the sooner
the better for Im no good to nobody now One old coat ull do to patch
another but its good for nought else Theedst like to ha a wife to mend thy
clothes an get thy victual better nor thy old mother An I shall be nought
but cumber asittin i th chimneycorner Adam winced and moved uneasily he
dreaded of all things to hear his mother speak of Hetty But if thy feyther
had lived hed neer ha wanted me to go to make room for another for he could
no more ha done wiout me nor one side o the scissars can do wiout th other
Eh we should ha been both flung away together an then I shouldna ha seen
this day an one buryin ud ha done for us both«
Here Lisbeth paused but Adam sat in pained silence he could not speak
otherwise than tenderly to his mother today but he could not help being
irritated by this plaint It was not possible for poor Lisbeth to know how it
affected Adam any more than it is possible for a wounded dog to know how his
moans affect the nerves of his master Like all complaining women she
complained in the expectation of being soothed and when Adam said nothing she
was only prompted to complain more bitterly
»I know thee couldst do better wiout me for thee couldst go where thee
likedst an marry them as thee likedst But I donna want to say thee nay let
thee bring home who thee wut Id neer open my lips to find faut for when
folks is old an o no use they may think theirsens well off to get the bit an
the sup though theyn to swallow ill words wit An if theest set thy heart
on a lass asll bring thee nought and waste all when thee mightst ha them as
ud make a man on thee Ill say nought now thy feythers dead an drownded
for Im no better nor an old haft when the blades gone«
Adam unable to bear this any longer rose silently from the bench and
walked out of the workshop into the kitchen But Lisbeth followed him
»Thee wutna go upstairs an see thy feyther then In done everythin now
an hed like thee to go an look at him for he war allays so pleased when thee
wast mild to him«
Adam turned round at once and said »Yes mother let us go upstairs
Come Seth let us go together«
They went upstairs and for five minutes all was silence Then the key was
turned again and there was a sound of footsteps on the stairs But Adam did not
come down again he was too weary and wornout to encounter more of his mothers
querulous grief and he went to rest on his bed Lisbeth no sooner entered the
kitchen and sat down than she threw her apron over her head and began to cry
and moan and rock herself as before Seth thought »She will be quieter
byandby now we have been upstairs« and he went into the backkitchen again
to tend his little fire hoping that he should presently induce her to have some
tea
Lisbeth had been rocking herself in this way for more than five minutes
giving a low moan with every forward movement of her body when she suddenly
felt a hand placed gently on hers and a sweet treble voice said to her »Dear
sister the Lord has sent me to see if I can be a comfort to you«
Lisbeth paused in a listening attitude without removing her apron from her
face The voice was strange to her Could it be her sisters spirit come back to
her from the dead after all those years She trembled and dared not look
Dinah believing that this pause of wonder was in itself a relief for the
sorrowing woman said no more just yet but quietly took off her bonnet and
then motioning silence to Seth who on hearing her voice had come in with a
beating heart laid one hand on the back of Lisbeths chair and leaned over
her that she might be aware of a friendly presence
Slowly Lisbeth drew down her apron and timidly she opened her dim dark
eyes She saw nothing at first but a face a pure pale face with loving grey
eyes and it was quite unknown to her Her wonder increased perhaps it was an
angel But in the same instant Dinah had laid her hand on Lisbeths again and
the old woman looked down at it It was a much smaller hand than her own but it
was not white and delicate for Dinah had never worn a glove in her life and
her hand bore the traces of labour from her childhood upwards Lisbeth looked
earnestly at the hand for a moment and then fixing her eyes again on Dinahs
face said with something of restored courage but in a tone of surprise
»Why yere a workin woman«
»Yes I am Dinah Morris and I work in the cottonmill when I am at home«
»Ah« said Lisbeth slowly still wondering »ye comed in so light like the
shadow on the wall an spoke i my ear as I thought ye might be a sperrit
Yeve got amost the face o one as is asittin on the grave i Adams new
Bible«
»I come from the Hall Farm now You know Mrs Poyser shes my aunt and
she has heard of your great affliction and is very sorry and Im come to see
if I can be any help to you in your trouble for I know your sons Adam and Seth
and I know you have no daughter and when the clergyman told me how the hand of
God was heavy upon you my heart went out towards you and I felt a command to
come and be to you in the place of a daughter in this grief if you will let
me«
»Ah I know who y are now y are a Methody like Seth hes tould me on
you« said Lisbeth fretfully her overpowering sense of pain returning now her
wonder was gone »Yell make it out as troubles a good thing like he allays
does But wheres the use o talkin to me athatn Ye canna make the smart
less wi talkin Yell neer make me believe as its better for me not to ha
my old man die ins bed if he must die an ha the parson to pray by him an
me to sit by him an tell him neer to mind th ill words Ive gien him
sometimes when I war angered an to gi him a bit an a sup as long as a bit
an a sup hed swallow But eh to die i the cold water an us close to him
an neer to know an me asleepin as if I neer belonged to him no more nor
if hed been a journeyman tramp from nobody knows where«
Here Lisbeth began to cry and rock herself again and Dinah said »Yes
dear friend your affliction is great It would be hardness of heart to say that
your trouble was not heavy to bear God didnt send me to you to make light of
your sorrow but to mourn with you if you will let me If you had a table
spread for a feast and was making merry with your friends you would think it
was kind to let me come and sit down and rejoice with you because youd think I
should like to share those good things but I should like better to share in
your trouble and your labour and it would seem harder to me if you denied me
that You wont send me away Youre not angry with me for coming«
»Nay nay angered who said I war angered It war good on you to come An
Seth why donna ye get her some tay Ye war in a hurry to get some for me as
had no need but ye donna think o gettin t for them as wants it Sit ye down
sit ye down I thank you kindly for comin for its little wage ye get by
walkin through the wet fields to see an old woman like me Nay In got no
daughter o my own neer had one an I warna sorry for theyre poor queechy
things gells is I allays wanted to ha lads as could fend for theirsens An
the lads ull be marryin I shall ha daughters eno an too many But now
do ye make the tay as ye like it for In got no taste i my mouth this day
its all one what I swaller its all got the taste o sorrow wit«
Dinah took care not to betray that she had had her tea and accepted
Lisbeths invitation very readily for the sake of persuading the old woman
herself to take the food and drink she so much needed after a day of hard work
and fasting
Seth was so happy now Dinah was in the house that he could not help thinking
her presence was worth purchasing with a life in which grief incessantly
followed upon grief but the next moment he reproached himself it was almost
as if he were rejoicing in his fathers sad death Nevertheless the joy of being
with Dinah would triumph it was like the influence of climate which no
resistance can overcome And the feeling even suffused itself over his face so
as to attract his mothers notice while she was drinking her tea
»Thee mayst well talk o trouble bein a good thing Seth for thee
thrivst ont Thee lookst as if thee knowdst no more o care an cumber nor
when thee wast a babby alyin awake i th cradle For theedst allays lie
still wi thy eyes open an Adam neer ud lie still a minute when he wakened
Thee wast allays like a bag o meal as can neer be bruised though for the
matter o that thy poor feyther war just such another But yeve got the same
look too« here Lisbeth turned to Dinah »I reckon its wi bein a Methody
Not as Im afindin faut wi ye fort for yeve no call to be frettin an
somehow ye looken sorry too Eh well if the Methodies are fond o trouble
theyre like to thrive its a pity they canna hat all an take it away from
them as donna like it I could ha gien em plenty for when Id gotten my old
man I war worreted from morn till night and nows hes gone Id be glad for
the worst oer again«
»Yes« said Dinah careful not to oppose any feeling of Lisbeths for her
reliance in her smallest words and deeds on a divine guidance always issued
in that finest womans tact which proceeds from acute and ready sympathy »yes
I remember too when my dear aunt died I longed for the sound of her bad cough
in the nights instead of the silence that came when she was gone But now dear
friend drink this other cup of tea and eat a little more«
»What« said Lisbeth taking the cup and speaking in a less querulous tone
»had ye got no feyther and mother then as ye war so sorry about your aunt«
»No I never knew a father or mother my aunt brought me up from a baby She
had no children for she was never married and she brought me up as tenderly as
if Id been her own child«
»Eh shed fine work wi ye Ill warrant bringin ye up from a babby an
her a lone woman its ill bringin up a cade lamb But I daresay ye warna
franzy for ye look as if yed neer been angered i your life But what did ye
do when your aunt died an why didna ye come to live in this country bein as
Mrs Poysers your aunt too«
Dinah seeing that Lisbeths attention was attracted told her the story of
her early life how she had been brought up to work hard and what sort of
place Snowfield was and how many people had a hard life there all the details
that she thought likely to interest Lisbeth The old woman listened and forgot
to be fretful unconsciously subject to the soothing influence of Dinahs face
and voice After a while she was persuaded to let the kitchen be made tidy for
Dinah was bent on this believing that the sense of order and quietude around
her would help in disposing Lisbeth to join in the prayer she longed to pour
forth at her side Seth meanwhile went out to chop wood for he surmised that
Dinah would like to be left alone with his mother
Lisbeth sat watching her as she moved about in her still quick way and said
at last »Yeve got a notion o cleanin up I wouldna mind hain ye for a
daughter for ye wouldna spend the lads wage i fine clothes an waste Yere
not like the lasses o this countryside I reckon folks is different at
Snowfield from what they are here«
»They have a different sort of life many of em« said Dinah »they work at
different things some in the mill and many in the mines in the villages
round about But the heart of man is the same everywhere and there are the
children of this world and the children of light there as well as elsewhere But
weve many more Methodists there than in this country«
»Well I didna know as the Methody women war like ye for theres Will
Maskerys wife as they says a big Methody isna pleasant to look at at all
Id as lief look at a tooad An Im thinkin I wouldna mind if yed stay an
sleep here for I should like to see ye i th house i th mornin But
mayhappen theyll be lookin for ye at Mester Poysers«
»No« said Dinah »they dont expect me and I should like to stay if
youll let me«
»Well theres room In got my bed laid i th little room oer the
backkitchen an ye can lie beside me Id be glad to ha ye wi me to speak to
i th night for yeve got a nice way o talkin It puts me i mind o the
swallows as was under the thack last ear when they fust begun to sing low an
softlike i th mornin Eh but my old man war fond o them birds an so war
Adam but theyn neer comed again this ear Happen theyre dead too«
»There« said Dinah »now the kitchen looks tidy and now dear mother for
Im your daughter tonight you know I should like you to wash your face and
have a clean cap on Do you remember what David did when God took away his
child from him While the child was yet alive he fasted and prayed to God to
spare it and he would neither eat nor drink but lay on the ground all night
beseeching God for the child But when he knew it was dead he rose up from the
ground and washed and anointed himself and changed his clothes and ate and
drank and when they asked him how it was that he seemed to have left off
grieving now the child was dead he said While the child was yet alive I
fasted and wept for I said Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me
that the child may live But now he is dead wherefore should I fast can I
bring him back again I shall go to him but he shall not return to me«
»Eh thats a true word« said Lisbeth »Yea my old man wonna come back to
me but I shall go to him the sooner the better Well ye may do as ye like
wi me theres a clean cap i that drawer an Ill go i the backkitchen an
wash my face An Seth thee mayst reach down Adams new Bible wi th picters
in an she shall read us a chapter Eh I like them words I shall go to him
but he wonna come back to me«
Dinah and Seth were both inwardly offering thanks for the greater quietness
of spirit that had come over Lisbeth This was what Dinah had been trying to
bring about through all her still sympathy and absence from exhortation From
her girlhood upwards she had had experience among the sick and the mourning
among minds hardened and shrivelled through poverty and ignorance and had
gained the subtlest perception of the mode in which they could best be touched
and softened into willingness to receive words of spiritual consolation or
warning As Dinah expressed it »she was never left to herself but it was
always given her when to keep silence and when to speak« And do we not all
agree to call rapid thought and noble impulse by the name of inspiration After
our subtlest analysis of the mental process we must still say as Dinah did
that our highest thoughts and our best deeds are all given to us
And so there was earnest prayer there was faith love and hope pouring
itself forth that evening in the little kitchen And poor aged fretful Lisbeth
without grasping any distinct idea without going through any course of
religious emotions felt a vague sense of goodness and love and of something
right lying underneath and beyond all this sorrowing life She couldnt
understand the sorrow but for these moments under the subduing influence of
Dinahs spirit she felt that she must be patient and still
Chapter XI
In the Cottage
It was but halfpast four the next morning when Dinah tired of lying awake
listening to the birds and watching the growing light through the little window
in the garret roof rose and began to dress herself very quietly lest she
should disturb Lisbeth But already some one else was astir in the house and
had gone downstairs preceded by Gyp The dogs pattering step was a sure sign
that it was Adam who went down but Dinah was not aware of this and she thought
it was more likely to be Seth for he had told her how Adam had stayed up
working the night before Seth however had only just awakened at the sound of
the opening door The exciting influence of the previous day heightened at last
by Dinahs unexpected presence had not been counteracted by any bodily
weariness for he had not done his ordinary amount of hard work and so when he
went to bed it was not till he had tired himself with hours of tossing
wakefulness that drowsiness came and led on a heavier morning sleep than was
usual with him
But Adam had been refreshed by his long rest and with his habitual
impatience of mere passivity he was eager to begin the new day and subdue
sadness by his strong will and strong arm The white mist lay in the valley it
was going to be a bright warm day and he would start to work again when he had
had his breakfast
»Theres nothing but whats bearable as long as a man can work« he said to
himself »the natur o things doesnt change though it seems as if ones own
life was nothing but change The square o four is sixteen and you must
lengthen your lever in proportion to your weight is as true when a mans
miserable as when hes happy and the best o working is it gives you a grip
hold o things outside your own lot«
As he dashed the cold water over his head and face he felt completely
himself again and with his black eyes as keen as ever and his thick black hair
all glistening with the fresh moisture he went into the workshop to look out
the wood for his fathers coffin intending that he and Seth should carry it
with them to Jonathan Burges and have the coffin made by one of the workmen
there so that his mother might not see and hear the sad task going forward at
home
He had just gone into the workshop when his quick ear detected a light
rapid foot on the stairs certainly not his mothers He had been in bed and
asleep when Dinah had come in in the evening and now he wondered whose step
this could be A foolish thought came and moved him strangely As if it could
be Hetty She was the last person likely to be in the house And yet he felt
reluctant to go and look and hate the clear proof that it was some one else He
stood leaning on a plank he had taken hold of listening to sounds which his
imagination interpreted for him so pleasantly that the keen strong face became
suffused with a timid tenderness The light footstep moved about the kitchen
followed by the sound of the sweeping brush hardly making so much noise as the
lightest breeze that chases the autumn leaves along the dusty path and Adams
imagination saw a dimpled face with dark bright eyes and roguish smiles
looking backward at this brush and a rounded figure just leaning a little to
clasp the handle A very foolish thought it could not be Hetty but the only
way of dismissing such nonsense from his head was to go and see who it was for
his fancy only got nearer and nearer to belief while he stood there listening
He loosed the plank and went to the kitchen door
»How do you do Adam Bede« said Dinah in her calm treble pausing from her
sweeping and fixing her mild grave eyes upon him »I trust you feel rested and
strengthened again to bear the burthen and heat of the day«
It was like dreaming of the sunshine and awaking in the moonlight Adam had
seen Dinah several times but always at the Hall Farm where he was not very
vividly conscious of any womans presence except Hettys and he had only in the
last day or two begun to suspect that Seth was in love with her so that his
attention had not hitherto been drawn towards her for his brothers sake But
now her slim figure her plain black gown and her pale serene face impressed
him with all the force that belongs to a reality contrasted with a preoccupying
fancy For the first moment or two he made no answer but looked at her with the
concentrated examining glance which a man gives to an object in which he has
suddenly begun to be interested Dinah for the first time in her life felt a
painful selfconsciousness there was something in the dark penetrating glance
of this strong man so different from the mildness and timidity of his brother
Seth A faint blush came which deepened as she wondered at it This blush
recalled Adam from his forgetfulness
»I was quite taken by surprise it was very good of you to come and see my
mother in her trouble« he said in a gentle grateful tone for his quick mind
told him at once how she came to be there »I hope my mother was thankful to
have you« he added wondering rather anxiously what had been Dinahs reception
»Yes« said Dinah resuming her work »she seemed greatly comforted after a
while and shes had a good deal of rest in the night by times She was fast
asleep when I left her«
»Who was it took the news to the Hall Farm« said Adam his thoughts
reverting to some one there he wondered whether she had felt anything about it
»It was Mr Irwine the clergyman told me and my aunt was grieved for your
mother when she heard it and wanted me to come and so is my uncle Im sure
now hes heard it but he was gone out to Rosseter all yesterday Theyll look
for you there as soon as youve got time to go for theres nobody round that
hearth but whats glad to see you«
Dinah with her sympathetic divination knew quite well that Adam was
longing to hear if Hetty had said anything about their trouble she was too
rigorously truthful for benevolent invention but she had contrived to say
something in which Hetty was tacitly included Love has a way of cheating itself
consciously like a child who plays at solitary hideandseek it is pleased
with assurances that it all the while disbelieves Adam liked what Dinah had
said so much that his mind was directly full of the next visit he should pay to
the Hall Farm when Hetty would perhaps behave more kindly to him than she had
ever done before
»But you wont be there yourself any longer« he said to Dinah
»No I go back to Snowfield on Saturday and I shall have to set out to
Treddleston early to be in time for the Oakbourne carrier So I must go back to
the farm tonight that I may have the last day with my aunt and her children
But I can stay here all today if your mother would like me and her heart
seemed inclined towards me last night«
»Ah then shes sure to want you today If mother takes to people at the
beginning shes sure to get fond of em but shes a strange way of not liking
young women Though to be sure« Adam went on smiling »her not liking other
young women is no reason why she shouldnt like you«
Hitherto Gyp had been assisting at this conversation in motionless silence
seated on his haunches and alternately looking up in his masters face to watch
its expression and observing Dinahs movements about the kitchen The kind
smile with which Adam uttered the last words was apparently decisive with Gyp of
the light in which the stranger was to be regarded and as she turned round
after putting aside her sweepingbrush he trotted towards her and put up his
muzzle against her hand in a friendly way
»You see Gyp bids you welcome« said Adam »and hes very slow to welcome
strangers«
»Poor dog« said Dinah patting the rough grey coat »Ive a strange feeling
about the dumb things as if they wanted to speak and it was a trouble to em
because they couldnt I cant help being sorry for the dogs always though
perhaps theres no need But they may well have more in them than they know how
to make us understand for we cant say half what we feel with all our words«
Seth came down now and was pleased to find Adam talking with Dinah he
wanted Adam to know how much better she was than all other women But after a
few words of greeting Adam drew him into the workshop to consult about the
coffin and Dinah went on with her cleaning
By six oclock they were all at breakfast with Lisbeth in a kitchen as clean
as she could have made it herself The window and door were open and the
morning air brought with it a mingled scent of southernwood thyme and
sweetbriar from the patch of garden by the side of the cottage Dinah did not
sit down at first but moved about serving the others with the warm porridge
and the toasted oatcake which she had got ready in the usual way for she had
asked Seth to tell her just what his mother gave them for breakfast Lisbeth had
been unusually silent since she came downstairs apparently requiring some time
to adjust her ideas to a state of things in which she came down like a lady to
find all the work done and sat still to be waited on Her new sensations seemed
to exclude the remembrance of her grief At last after tasting the porridge
she broke silence
»Ye might ha made the parridge worse« she said to Dinah »I can ate it
wiout its turnin my stomach It might ha been a trifle thicker an no harm
an I allays putten a sprig o mint in mysen but hows ye t know that The
lads arena like to get folks as ll make their parridge as In made it for em
its well if they get onybody as ll make parridge at all But ye might do wi
a bit o showin for yere a stirrin body in a mornin an yeve a light
heel an yeve cleaned th house well enough for a mashift«
»Makeshift mother« said Adam »Why I think the house looks beautiful I
dont know how it could look better«
»Thee dostna know nay hows thee to know Th men neer know whether the
floors clean or catlicked But theelt know when thee gets thy parridge burnt
as its like enough to be when In gien oer makin it Theelt think thy
mother war good for summat then«
»Dinah« said Seth »do come and sit down now and have your breakfast Were
all served now«
»Ay come an sit ye down do« said Lisbeth »an ate a morsel yed need
arter bein upo your legs this hour an half aready Come then« she added
in a tone of complaining affection as Dinah sat down by her side »Ill be
loath for ye t go but ye canna stay much longer I doubt I could put up wi
ye i th house better nor wi most folks«
»Ill stay till tonight if youre willing« said Dinah »Id stay longer
only Im going back to Snowfield on Saturday and I must be with my aunt
tomorrow«
»Eh Id neer go back to that country My old man come from that Stonyshire
side but he left it when he war a young un an i the right ont too for he
said as there war no wood there an it ud ha been a bad country for a
carpenter«
»Ah« said Adam »I remember father telling me when I was a little lad that
he made up his mind if ever he moved it should be southard But Im not so sure
about it Bartle Massey says and he knows the South as the northern men are
a finer breed than the southern harderheaded and strongerbodied and a deal
taller And then he says in some o those counties its as flat as the back o
your hand and you can see nothing of a distance without climbing up the
highest trees I couldnt abide that I like to go to work by a road thatll
take me up a bit of a hill and see the fields for miles round me and a bridge
or a town or a bit of a steeple here and there It makes you feel the worlds a
big place and theres other men working in it with their heads and hands
besides yourself«
»I like th hills best« said Seth »when the clouds are over your head and
you see the sun shining ever so far off over the Loamford way as Ive often
done o late on the stormy days it seems to me as if that was heaven where
theres always joy and sunshine though this lifes dark and cloudy«
»Oh I love the Stonyshire side« said Dinah »I shouldnt like to set my
face towards the countries where theyre rich in corn and cattle and the ground
so level and easy to tread and to turn my back on the hills where the poor
people have to live such a hard life and the men spend their days in the mines
away from the sunlight Its very blessed on a bleak cold day when the sky is
hanging dark over the hill to feel the love of God in ones soul and carry it
to the lonely bare stone houses where theres nothing else to give comfort«
»Eh« said Lisbeth »thats very well for ye to talk as looks welly like
the snowdropflowers as ha lived for days an days when In gethered em wi
nothin but a drop o water an a peep o daylight but the hungry foulks had
better leave th hungry country It makes less mouths for the scant cake But«
she went on looking at Adam »donna thee talk o goin southard or northard
an leavin thy feyther and mother i the churchyard an goin to a country as
they know nothin on Ill neer rest i my grave if I donna see thee i the
churchyard of a Sunday«
»Donna fear mother« said Adam »If I hadna made up my mind not to go I
should ha been gone before now«
He had finished his breakfast now and rose as he was speaking
»What art goin to do« asked Lisbeth »Set about thy feythers coffin«
»No mother« said Adam »were going to take the wood to the village and
have it made there«
»Nay my lad nay« Lisbeth burst out in an eager wailing tone »thee wotna
let nobody make thy feythers coffin but thysen Whod make it so well An him
as knowd what good work war ans got a son as is the head o the village an
all Treddleson too for cleverness«
»Very well mother if thats thy wish Ill make the coffin at home but I
thought thee wouldstna like to hear the work going on«
»An why shouldna I liket Its the right thing to be done An whats
liking got to do wit Its choice o mislikings is all In got i this world
One morsels as good as another when your mouths out o taste Thee mun set
about it now this mornin fust thing I wonna ha nobody to touch the coffin but
thee«
Adams eyes met Seths which looked from Dinah to him rather wistfully
»No mother« he said »Ill not consent but Seth shall have a hand in it
too if its to be done at home Ill go to the village this forenoon because
Mr Burge ull want to see me and Seth shall stay at home and begin the coffin
I can come back at noon and then he can go«
»Nay nay« persisted Lisbeth beginning to cry »In set my heart ont as
thee shalt ma thy feythers coffin Theet so stiff an masterful theet neer
do as thy mother wants thee Thee wast often angered wi thy feyther when he war
alive thee must be the better to him now hes gone Hed ha thought nothin
ont for Seth to mas coffin«
»Say no more Adam say no more« said Seth gently though his voice told
that he spoke with some effort »mothers in the right Ill go to work and do
thee stay at home«
He passed into the workshop immediately followed by Adam while Lisbeth
automatically obeying her old habits began to put away the breakfast things as
if she did not mean Dinah to take her place any longer Dinah said nothing but
presently used the opportunity of quietly joining the brothers in the workshop
They had already got on their aprons and papercaps and Adam was standing
with his left hand on Seths shoulder while he pointed with the hammer in his
right to some boards which they were looking at Their backs were turned towards
the door by which Dinah entered and she came in so gently that they were not
aware of her presence till they heard her voice saying »Seth Bede« Seth
started and they both turned round Dinah looked as if she did not see Adam
and fixed her eyes on Seths face saying with calm kindness
»I wont say farewell I shall see you again when you come from work So as
Im at the farm before dark it will be quite soon enough«
»Thank you Dinah I should like to walk home with you once more Itll
perhaps be the last time«
There was a little tremor in Seths voice Dinah put out her hand and said
»Youll have sweet peace in your mind today Seth for your tenderness and
longsuffering towards your aged mother«
She turned round and left the workshop as quickly and quietly as she had
entered it Adam had been observing her closely all the while but she had not
looked at him As soon as she was gone he said
»I dont wonder at thee for loving her Seth Shes got a face like a lily«
Seths soul rushed to his eyes and lips he had never yet confessed his
secret to Adam but now he felt a delicious sense of disburthenment as he
answered
»Ay Addy I do love her too much I doubt But she doesna love me lad
only as one child o God loves another Shell never love any man as a husband
thats my belief«
»Nay lad theres no telling thee mustna lose heart Shes made out o
stuff with a finer grain than most o the women I can see that clear enough
But if shes better than they are in other things I canna think shell fall
short of em in loving«
No more was said Seth set out to the village and Adam began his work on
the coffin
»God help the lad and me too« he thought as he lifted the board »Were
like enough to find life a tough job hard work inside and out Its a strange
thing to think of a man as can lift a chair with his teeth and walk fifty mile
on end trembling and turning hot and cold at only a look from one woman out of
all the rest i the world Its a mystery we can give no account of but no more
we can of the sprouting o the seed for that matter«
Chapter XII
In the Wood
That same Thursday morning as Arthur Donnithorne was moving about in his
dressingroom seeing his welllooking British person reflected in the
oldfashioned mirrors and stared at from a dingy olivegreen piece of
tapestry by Pharaohs daughter and her maidens who ought to have been minding
the infant Moses he was holding a discussion with himself which by the time
his valet was tying the black silk sling over his shoulder had issued in a
distinct practical resolution
»I mean to go to Eagledale and fish for a week or so« he said aloud »I
shall take you with me Pym and set off this morning so be ready by halfpast
eleven«
The low whistle which had assisted him in arriving at this resolution here
broke out into his loudest ringing tenor and the corridor as he hurried along
it echoed to his favourite song from the »Beggars Opera« »When the heart of a
man is oppressed with care« Not an heroic strain nevertheless Arthur felt
himself very heroic as he strode towards the stables to give his orders about
the horses His own approbation was necessary to him and it was not an
approbation to be enjoyed quite gratuitously it must be won by a fair amount of
merit He had never yet forfeited that approbation and he had considerable
reliance on his own virtues No young man could confess his faults more
candidly candour was one of his favourite virtues and how can a mans candour
be seen in all its lustre unless he has a few failings to talk of But he had an
agreeable confidence that his faults were all of a generous kind impetuous
warmblooded leonine never crawling crafty reptilian It was not possible
for Arthur Donnithorne to do anything mean dastardly or cruel »No Im a
devil of a fellow for getting myself into a hobble but I always take care the
load shall fall on my own shoulders« Unhappily there is no inherent poetical
justice in hobbles and they will sometimes obstinately refuse to inflict their
worst consequences on the prime offender in spite of his loudly expressed wish
It was entirely owing to this deficiency in the scheme of things that Arthur had
ever brought any one into trouble besides himself He was nothing if not
goodnatured and all his pictures of the future when he should come into the
estate were made up of a prosperous contented tenantry adoring their
landlord who would be the model of an English gentleman mansion in firstrate
order all elegance and high taste jolly housekeeping finest stud in
Loamshire purse open to all public objects in short everything as different
as possible from what was now associated with the name of Donnithorne And one
of the first good actions he would perform in that future should be to increase
Irwines income for the vicarage of Hayslope so that he might keep a carriage
for his mother and sisters His hearty affection for the Rector dated from the
age of frocks and trousers It was an affection partly filial partly fraternal
fraternal enough to make him like Irwines company better than that of most
younger men and filial enough to make him shrink strongly from incurring
Irwines disapprobation
You perceive that Arthur Donnithorne was »a good fellow« all his college
friends thought him such he couldnt bear to see any one uncomfortable he
would have been sorry even in his angriest moods for any harm to happen to his
grandfather and his aunt Lydia herself had the benefit of that softheartedness
which he bore towards the whole sex Whether he would have selfmastery enough
to be always as harmless and purely beneficent as his good nature led him to
desire was a question that no one had yet decided against him he was but
twentyone you remember and we dont inquire too closely into character in the
case of a handsome generous young fellow who will have property enough to
support numerous peccadilloes who if he should unfortunately break a mans
legs in his rash driving will be able to pension him handsomely or if he
should happen to spoil a womans existence for her will make it up to her with
expensive bonbons packed up and directed by his own hand It would be
ridiculous to be prying and analytic in such cases as if one were inquiring
into the character of a confidential clerk We use round general gentlemanly
epithets about a young man of birth and fortune and ladies with that fine
intuition which is the distinguishing attribute of their sex see at once that
he is »nice« The chances are that he will go through life without scandalising
any one a seaworthy vessel that no one would refuse to insure Ships
certainly are liable to casualties which sometimes make terribly evident some
flaw in their construction that would never have been discoverable in smooth
water and many a »good fellow« through a disastrous combination of
circumstances has undergone a like betrayal
But we have no fair ground for entertaining unfavourable auguries concerning
Arthur Donnithorne who this morning proves himself capable of a prudent
resolution founded on conscience One thing is clear Nature has taken care that
he shall never go far astray with perfect comfort and satisfaction to himself
he will never get beyond that borderland of sin where he will be perpetually
harassed by assaults from the other side of the boundary He will never be a
courtier of Vice and wear her orders in his buttonhole
It was about ten oclock and the sun was shining brilliantly everything
was looking lovelier for the yesterdays rain It is a pleasant thing on such a
morning to walk along the wellrolled gravel on ones way to the stables
meditating an excursion But the scent of the stables which in a natural state
of things ought to be among the soothing influences of a mans life always
brought with it some irritation to Arthur There was no having his own way in
the stables everything was managed in the stingiest fashion His grandfather
persisted in retaining as head groom an old dolt whom no sort of lever could
move out of his old habits and who was allowed to hire a succession of raw
Loamshire lads as his subordinates one of whom had lately tested a new pair of
shears by clipping an oblong patch on Arthurs bay mare This state of things is
naturally embittering one can put up with annoyances in the house but to have
the stable made a scene of vexation and disgust is a point beyond what human
flesh and blood can be expected to endure long together without danger of
misanthropy
Old Johns wooden deepwrinkled face was the first object that met Arthurs
eyes as he entered the stableyard and it quite poisoned for him the bark of
the two bloodhounds that kept watch there He could never speak quite patiently
to the old blockhead
»You must have Meg saddled for me and brought to the door at halfpast
eleven and I shall want Rattler saddled for Pym at the same time Do you hear«
»Yes I hear I hear Capn« said old John very deliberately following
the young master into the stable John considered a young master as the natural
enemy of an old servant and young people in general as a poor contrivance for
carrying on the world
Arthur went in for the sake of patting Meg declining as far as possible to
see anything in the stables lest he should lose his temper before breakfast
The pretty creature was in one of the inner stables and turned her mild head as
her master came beside her Little Trot a tiny spaniel her inseparable
companion in the stable was comfortably curled up on her back
»Well Meg my pretty girl« said Arthur patting her neck »well have a
glorious canter this morning«
»Nay your honour I donna see as that can be« said John
»Not be Why not«
»Why shes got lamed«
»Lamed confound you what do you mean«
»Why th lad took her too close to Daltons hosses an one on em flung
out at her an shes got her shank bruised o the near foreleg«
The judicious historian abstains from narrating precisely what ensued You
understand that there was a great deal of strong language mingled with soothing
»whohos« while the leg was examined that John stood by with quite as much
emotion as if he had been a cunningly carved crabtree walkingstick and that
Arthur Donnithorne presently repassed the iron gates of the pleasureground
without singing as he went
He considered himself thoroughly disappointed and annoyed There was not
another mount in the stable for himself and his servant besides Meg and Rattler
It was vexatious just when he wanted to get out of the way for a week or two
It seemed culpable in Providence to allow such a combination of circumstances
To be shut up at the Chase with a broken arm when every other fellow in his
regiment was enjoying himself at Windsor shut up with his grandfather who had
the same sort of affection for him as for his parchment deeds And to be
disgusted at every turn with the management of the house and the estate In such
circumstances a man necessarily gets in an ill humour and works off the
irritation by some excess or other »Salkeld would have drunk a bottle of port
every day« he muttered to himself »but Im not well seasoned enough for that
Well since I cant go to Eagledale Ill have a gallop on Rattler to Norburne
this morning and lunch with Gawaine«
Behind this explicit resolution there lay an implicit one If he lunched
with Gawaine and lingered chatting he should not reach the Chase again till
nearly five when Hetty would be safe out of his sight in the housekeepers
room and when she set out to go home it would be his lazy time after dinner
so he should keep out of her way altogether There really would have been no
harm in being kind to the little thing and it was worth dancing with a dozen
ballroom belles only to look at Hetty for half an hour But perhaps he had
better not take any more notice of her it might put notions into her head as
Irwine had hinted though Arthur for his part thought girls were not by any
means so soft and easily bruised indeed he had generally found them twice as
cool and cunning as he was himself As for any real harm in Hettys case it was
out of the question Arthur Donnithorne accepted his own bond for himself with
perfect confidence
So the twelve oclock sun saw him galloping towards Norburne and by good
fortune Halsell Common lay in his road and gave him some fine leaps for
Rattler Nothing like »taking« a few bushes and ditches for exorcising a demon
and it is really astonishing that the Centaurs with their immense advantages in
this way have left so bad a reputation in history
After this you will perhaps be surprised to hear that although Gawaine was
at home the hand of the dial in the courtyard had scarcely cleared the last
stroke of three when Arthur returned through the entrancegates got down from
the panting Rattler and went into the house to take a hasty luncheon But I
believe there have been men since his day who have ridden a long way to avoid a
rencontre and then galloped hastily back lest they should miss it It is the
favourite stratagem of our passions to sham a retreat and to turn sharp round
upon us at the moment we have made up our minds that the day is our own
»The Capns been ridin the devils own pace« said Dalton the coachman
whose person stood out in high relief as he smoked his pipe against the stable
wall when John brought up Rattler
»An I wish hed get the devil to dos grooming forn« growled John
»Ay hed hev a deal haimabler groom nor what he has now« observed Dalton
and the joke appeared to him so good that being left alone upon the scene he
continued at intervals to take his pipe from his mouth in order to wink at an
imaginary audience and shake luxuriously with a silent ventral laughter
mentally rehearsing the dialogue from the beginning that he might recite it
with effect in the servants hall
When Arthur went up to his dressingroom again after luncheon it was
inevitable that the debate he had had with himself there earlier in the day
should flash across his mind but it was impossible for him now to dwell on the
remembrance impossible to recall the feelings and reflections which had been
decisive with him then any more than to recall the peculiar scent of the air
that had freshened him when he first opened his window The desire to see Hetty
had rushed back like an illstemmed current he was amazed himself at the force
with which this trivial fancy seemed to grasp him he was even rather tremulous
as he brushed his hair pooh it was riding in that breakneck way It was
because he had made a serious affair of an idle matter by thinking of it as if
it were of any consequence He would amuse himself by seeing Hetty today and
get rid of the whole thing from his mind It was all Irwines fault »If Irwine
had said nothing I shouldnt have thought half so much of Hetty as of Megs
lameness« However it was just the sort of day for lolling in the Hermitage
and he would go and finish Dr Moores Zeluco there before dinner The Hermitage
stood in Firtree Grove the way Hetty was sure to come in walking from the
Hall Farm So nothing could be simpler and more natural meeting Hetty was a
mere circumstance of his walk not its object
Arthurs shadow flitted rather faster among the sturdy oaks of the Chase
than might have been expected from the shadow of a tired man on a warm
afternoon and it was still scarcely four oclock when he stood before the tall
narrow gate leading into the delicious labyrinthine wood which skirted one side
of the Chase and which was called Firtree Grove not because the firs were
many but because they were few It was a wood of beeches and limes with here
and there a light silverstemmed birch just the sort of wood most haunted by
the nymphs you see their white sunlit limbs gleaming athwart the boughs or
peeping from behind the smoothsweeping outline of a tall lime you hear their
soft liquid laughter but if you look with a too curious sacrilegious eye they
vanish behind the silvery beeches they make you believe that their voice was
only a running brooklet perhaps they metamorphose themselves into a tawny
squirrel that scampers away and mocks you from the topmost bough It was not a
grove with measured grass or rolled gravel for you to tread upon but with
narrow hollowshaped earthy paths edged with faint dashes of delicate moss
paths which look as if they were made by the freewill of the trees and
underwood moving reverently aside to look at the tall queen of the whitefooted
nymphs
It was along the broadest of these paths that Arthur Donnithorne passed
under an avenue of limes and beeches It was a still afternoon the golden
light was lingering languidly among the upper boughs only glancing down here
and there on the purple pathway and its edge of faintly sprinkled moss an
afternoon in which destiny disguises her cold awful face behind a hazy radiant
veil encloses us in warm downy wings and poisons us with violetscented
breath Arthur strolled along carelessly with a book under his arm but not
looking on the ground as meditative men are apt to do his eyes would fix
themselves on the distant bend in the road round which a little figure must
surely appear before long Ah there she comes first a bright patch of colour
like a tropic bird among the boughs then a tripping figure with a round hat
on and a small basket under her arm then a deepblushing almost frightened
but brightsmiling girl making her curtsy with a fluttered yet happy glance as
Arthur came up to her If Arthur had had time to think at all he would have
thought it strange that he should feel fluttered too be conscious of blushing
too in fact look and feel as foolish as if he had been taken by surprise
instead of meeting just what he expected Poor things It was a pity they were
not in that golden age of childhood when they would have stood face to face
eyeing each other with timid liking then given each other a little butterfly
kiss and toddled off to play together Arthur would have gone home to his
silkcurtained cot and Hetty to her homespun pillow and both would have slept
without dreams and tomorrow would have been a life hardly conscious of a
yesterday
Arthur turned round and walked by Hettys side without giving a reason They
were alone together for the first time What an overpowering presence that first
privacy is He actually dared not look at this little buttermaker for the first
minute or two As for Hetty her feet rested on a cloud and she was borne along
by warm zephyrs she had forgotten her rosecoloured ribbons she was no more
conscious of her limbs than if her childish soul had passed into a waterlily
resting on a liquid bed and warmed by the midsummer sunbeams It may seem a
contradiction but Arthur gathered a certain carelessness and confidence from
his timidity it was an entirely different state of mind from what he had
expected in such a meeting with Hetty and full as he was of vague feeling
there was room in those moments of silence for the thought that his previous
debates and scruples were needless
»You are quite right to choose this way of coming to the Chase« he said at
last looking down at Hetty »it is so much prettier as well as shorter than
coming by either of the lodges«
»Yes sir« Hetty answered with a tremulous almost whispering voice She
didnt know one bit how to speak to a gentleman like Mr Arthur and her very
vanity made her more coy of speech
»Do you come every week to see Mrs Pomfret«
»Yes sir every Thursday only when shes got to go out with Miss
Donnithorne«
»And shes teaching you something is she«
»Yes sir the lacemending as she learnt abroad and the stockingmending
it looks just like the stocking you cant tell its been mended and she
teaches me cuttingout too«
»What are you going to be a ladysmaid«
»I should like to be one very much indeed« Hetty spoke more audibly now
but still rather tremulously she thought perhaps she seemed as stupid to
Captain Donnithorne as Luke Britton did to her
»I suppose Mrs Pomfret always expects you at this time«
»She expects me at four oclock Im rather late today because my aunt
couldnt spare me but the regular time is four because that gives us time
before Miss Donnithornes bell rings«
»Ah then I must not keep you now else I should like to show you the
Hermitage Did you ever see it«
»No sir«
»This is the walk where we turn up to it But we must not go now Ill show
it you some other time if youd like to see it«
»Yes please sir«
»Do you always come back this way in the evening or are you afraid to come
so lonely a road«
»Oh no sir its never late I always set out by eight oclock and its so
light now in the evening My aunt would be angry with me if I didnt get home
before nine«
»Perhaps Craig the gardener comes to take care of you«
A deep blush overspread Hettys face and neck »Im sure he doesnt Im
sure he never did I wouldnt let him I dont like him« she said hastily and
the tears of vexation had come so fast that before she had done speaking a
bright drop rolled down her hot cheek Then she felt ashamed to death that she
was crying and for one long instant her happiness was all gone But in the next
she felt an arm steal round her and a gentle voice said
»Why Hetty what makes you cry I didnt mean to vex you I wouldnt vex
you for the world you little blossom Come dont cry look at me else I shall
think you wont forgive me«
Arthur had laid his hand on the soft arm that was nearest to him and was
stooping towards Hetty with a look of coaxing entreaty Hetty lifted her long
dewy lashes and met the eyes that were bent towards her with a sweet timid
beseeching look What a space of time those three moments were while their eyes
met and his arms touched her Love is such a simple thing when we have only
oneandtwenty summers and a sweet girl of seventeen trembles under our glance
as if she were a bud first opening her heart with wondering rapture to the
morning Such young unfurrowed souls roll to meet each other like two velvet
peaches that touch softly and are at rest they mingle as easily as two
brooklets that ask for nothing but to entwine themselves and ripple with
everinterlacing curves in the leafiest hidingplaces While Arthur gazed into
Hettys dark beseeching eyes it made no difference to him what sort of English
she spoke and even if hoops and powder had been in fashion he would very
likely not have been sensible just then that Hetty wanted those signs of high
breeding
But they started asunder with beating hearts something had fallen on the
ground with a rattling noise it was Hettys basket all her little workwomans
matters were scattered on the path some of them showing a capability of rolling
to great lengths There was much to be done in picking up and not a word was
spoken but when Arthur hung the basket over her arm again the poor child felt
a strange difference in his look and manner He just pressed her hand and said
with a look and tone that were almost chilling to her
»I have been hindering you I must not keep you any longer now You will be
expected at the house Goodbye«
Without waiting for her to speak he turned away from her and hurried back
towards the road that led to the Hermitage leaving Hetty to pursue her way in a
strange dream that seemed to have begun in bewildering delight and was now
passing into contrarieties and sadness Would he meet her again as she came
home Why had he spoken almost as if he were displeased with her and then run
away so suddenly She cried hardly knowing why
Arthur too was very uneasy but his feelings were lit up for him by a more
distinct conciousness He hurried to the Hermitage which stood in the heart of
the wood unlocked the door with a hasty wrench slammed it after him pitched
Zeluco into the most distant corner and thrusting his right hand into his
pocket first walked four or five times up and down the scanty length of the
little room and then seated himself on the ottoman in an uncomfortable stiff
way as we often do when we wish not to abandon ourselves to feeling
He was getting in love with Hetty that was quite plain He was ready to
pitch everything else no matter where for the sake of surrendering himself
to this delicious feeling which had just disclosed itself It was no use
blinking the fact now they would get too fond of each other if he went on
taking notice of her and what would come of it He should have to go away in a
few weeks and the poor little thing would be miserable He must not see her
alone again he must keep out of her way What a fool he was for coming back
from Gawaines
He got up and threw open the windows to let in the soft breath of the
afternoon and the healthy scent of the firs that made a belt round the
Hermitage The soft air did not help his resolutions as he leaned out and
looked into the leafy distance But he considered his resolution sufficiently
fixed there was no need to debate with himself any longer He had made up his
mind not to meet Hetty again and now he might give himself up to thinking how
immensely agreeable it would be if circumstances were different how pleasant
it would have been to meet her this evening as she came back and put his arm
round her again and look into her sweet face He wondered if the dear little
thing were thinking of him too twenty to one she was How beautiful her eyes
were with the tear on their lashes He would like to satisfy his soul for a day
with looking at them and he must see her again he must see her simply to
remove any false impression from her mind about his manner to her just now He
would behave in a quiet kind way to her just to prevent her from going home
with her head full of wrong fancies Yes that would be the best thing to do
after all
It was a long while more than an hour before Arthur had brought his
meditations to this point but once arrived there he could stay no longer at
the Hermitage The time must be filled up with movement until he should see
Hetty again And it was already late enough to go and dress for dinner for his
grandfathers dinnerhour was six
Chapter XIII
Evening in the Wood
It happened that Mrs Pomfret had had a slight quarrel with Mrs Best the
housekeeper on this Thursday morning a fact which had two consequences highly
convenient to Hetty It caused Mrs Pomfret to have tea sent up to her own room
and it inspired that exemplary ladysmaid with so lively a recollection of
former passages in Mrs Bests conduct and of dialogues in which Mrs Best had
decidedly the inferiority as an interlocutor with Mrs Pomfret that Hetty
required no more presence of mind than was demanded for using her needle and
throwing in an occasional »yes« or »no« She would have wanted to put on her hat
earlier than usual only she had told Captain Donnithorne that she usually set
out about eight oclock and if he should go to the Grove again expecting to see
her and she should be gone Would he come Her little butterflysoul fluttered
incessantly between memory and dubious expectation At last the minutehand of
the oldfashioned brazenfaced timepiece was on the last quarter to eight and
there was every reason for its being time to get ready for departure Even Mrs
Pomfrets preoccupied mind did not prevent her from noticing what looked like a
new flush of beauty in the little thing as she tied on her hat before the
lookingglass
»That child gets prettier and prettier every day I do believe« was her
inward comment »The mores the pity Shell get neither a place nor a husband
any the sooner for it Sober welltodo men dont like such pretty wives When I
was a girl I was more admired than if I had been so very pretty However shes
reason to be grateful to me for teaching her something to get her bread with
better than farmhouse work They always told me I was goodnatured and thats
the truth and to my hurt too else theres them in this house that wouldnt be
here now to lord it over me in the housekeepers room«
Hetty walked hastily across the short space of pleasureground which she had
to traverse dreading to meet Mr Craig to whom she could hardly have spoken
civilly How relieved she was when she had got safely under the oaks and among
the fern of the Chase Even then she was as ready to be startled as the deer
that leaped away at her approach She thought nothing of the evening light that
lay gently in the grassy alleys between the fern and made the beauty of their
living green more visible than it had been in the overpowering flood of noon
she thought of nothing that was present She only saw something that was
possible Mr Arthur Donnithorne coming to meet her again along the Firtree
Grove That was the foreground of Hettys picture behind it lay a bright hazy
something days that were not to be as the other days of her life had been It
was as if she had been wooed by a rivergod who might any time take her to his
wondrous halls below a watery heaven There was no knowing what would come
since this strange entrancing delight had come If a chest full of lace and
satin and jewels had been sent her from some unknown source how could she but
have thought that her whole lot was going to change and that tomorrow some
still more bewildering joy would befall her Hetty had never read a novel if
she had ever seen one I think the words would have been too hard for her how
then could she find a shape for her expectations They were as formless as the
sweet languid odours of the garden at the Chase which had floated past her as
she walked by the gate
She is at another gate now that leading into Firtree Grove She enters
the wood where it is already twilight and at every step she takes the fear at
her heart becomes colder If he should not come Oh how dreary it was the
thought of going out at the other end of the wood into the unsheltered road
without having seen him She reaches the first turning towards the Hermitage
walking slowly he is not there She hates the leveret that runs across the
path she hates everything that is not what she longs for She walks on happy
whenever she is coming to a bend in the road for perhaps he is behind it No
She is beginning to cry her heart has swelled so the tears stand in her eyes
she gives one great sob while the corners of her mouth quiver and the tears
roll down
She doesnt know that there is another turning to the Hermitage that she is
close against it and that Arthur Donnithorne is only a few yards from her full
of one thought and a thought of which she only is the object He is going to
see Hetty again that is the longing which has been growing through the last
three hours to a feverish thirst Not of course to speak in the caressing way
into which he had unguardedly fallen before dinner but to set things right with
her by a kindness which would have the air of friendly civility and prevent her
from running away with wrong notions about their mutual relation
If Hetty had known he was there she would not have cried and it would have
been better for then Arthur would perhaps have behaved as wisely as he had
intended As it was she started when he appeared at the end of the sidealley
and looked up at him with two great drops rolling down her cheeks What else
could he do but speak to her in a soft soothing tone as if she were a
brighteyed spaniel with a thorn in her foot
»Has something frightened you Hetty Have you seen anything in the wood
Dont be frightened Ill take care of you now«
Hetty was blushing so she didnt know whether she was happy or miserable
To be crying again what did gentlemen think of girls who cried in that way
She felt unable even to say »no« but could only look away from him and wipe
the tears from her cheek Not before a great drop had fallen on her
rosecoloured strings she knew that quite well
»Come be cheerful again Smile at me and tell me whats the matter Come
tell me«
Hetty turned her head towards him whispered »I thought you wouldnt come«
and slowly got courage to lift her eyes to him That look was too much he must
have had eyes of Egyptian granite not to look too lovingly in return
»You little frightened bird little tearful rose silly pet You wont cry
again now Im with you will you«
Ah he doesnt know in the least what he is saying This is not what he
meant to say His arm is stealing round the waist again it is tightening its
clasp he is bending his face nearer and nearer to the round cheek his lips are
meeting those pouting childlips and for a long moment time has vanished He
may be a shepherd in Arcadia for aught he knows he may be the first youth
kissing the first maiden he may be Eros himself sipping the lips of Psyche
it is all one
There was no speaking for minutes after They walked along with beating
hearts till they came within sight of the gate at the end of the wood Then they
looked at each other not quite as they had looked before for in their eyes
there was the memory of a kiss
But already something bitter had begun to mingle itself with the fountain of
sweets already Arthur was uncomfortable He took his arm from Hettys waist
and said
»Here we are almost at the end of the Grove I wonder how late it is« he
added pulling out his watch »Twenty minutes past eight but my watch is too
fast However Id better not go any further now Trot along quickly with your
little feet and get home safely Goodbye«
He took her hand and looked at her half sadly half with a constrained
smile Hettys eyes seemed to beseech him not to go away yet but he patted her
cheek and said »Goodbye« again She was obliged to turn away from him and go
on
As for Arthur he rushed back through the wood as if he wanted to put a
wide space between himself and Hetty He would not go to the Hermitage again he
remembered how he had debated with himself there before dinner and it had all
come to nothing worse than nothing He walked right on into the Chase glad to
get out of the Grove which surely was haunted by his evil genius Those beeches
and smooth limes there was something enervating in the very sight of them but
the strong knotted old oaks had no bending languor in them the sight of them
would give a man some energy Arthur lost himself among the narrow openings in
the fern winding about without seeking any issue till the twilight deepened
almost to night under the great boughs and the hare looked black as it darted
across his path
He was feeling much more strongly than he had done in the morning it was as
if his horse had wheeled round from a leap and dared to dispute his mastery He
was dissatisfied with himself irritated mortified He no sooner fixed his mind
on the probable consequences of giving way to the emotions which had stolen over
him today of continuing to notice Hetty of allowing himself any opportunity
for such slight caresses as he had been betrayed into already than he refused
to believe such a future possible for himself To flirt with Hetty was a very
different affair from flirting with a pretty girl of his own station that was
understood to be an amusement on both sides or if it became serious there was
no obstacle to marriage But this little thing would be spoken ill of directly
if she happened to be seen walking with him and then those excellent people
the Poysers to whom a good name was as precious as if they had the best blood
in the land in their veins he should hate himself if he made a scandal of that
sort on the estate that was to be his own some day and among tenants by whom
he liked above all to be respected He could no more believe that he should so
fall in his own esteem than that he should break both his legs and go on
crutches all the rest of his life He couldnt imagine himself in that position
it was too odious too unlike him
And even if no one knew anything about it they might get too fond of each
other and then there could be nothing but the misery of parting after all No
gentleman out of a ballad could marry a farmers niece There must be an end
to the whole thing at once It was too foolish
And yet he had been so determined this morning before he went to Gawaines
and while he was there something had taken hold of him and made him gallop back
It seemed he couldnt quite depend on his own resolution as he had thought he
could he almost wished his arm would get painful again and then he should
think of nothing but the comfort it would be to get rid of the pain There was
no knowing what impulse might seize him tomorrow in this confounded place
where there was nothing to occupy him imperiously through the livelong day
What could he do to secure himself from any more of this folly
There was but one resource He would go and tell Irwine tell him
everything The mere act of telling it would make it seem trivial the
temptation would vanish as the charm of fond words vanishes when one repeats
them to the indifferent In every way it would help him to tell Irwine He
would ride to Broxton Rectory the first thing after breakfast tomorrow
Arthur had no sooner come to this determination than he began to think which
of the paths would lead him home and made as short a walk thither as he could
He felt sure he should sleep now he had had enough to tire him and there was
no more need for him to think
Chapter XIV
The Return Home
While that parting in the wood was happening there was a parting in the cottage
too and Lisbeth had stood with Adam at the door straining her aged eyes to get
the last glimpse of Seth and Dinah as they mounted the opposite slope
»Eh Im loath to see the last on her« she said to Adam as they turned
into the house again »Id ha been willin t ha her about me till I died and
went to lie by my old man Shed make it easier dyin she spakes so gentle an
moves about so still I could be fast sure that pictur was drawed for her i thy
new Bible th angel asittin on the big stone by the grave Eh I wouldna
mind hain a daughter like that but nobody neer marries them as is good for
aught«
»Well mother I hope thee wilt have her for a daughter for Seths got a
liking for her and I hope shell get a liking for Seth in time«
»Wheres th use o talkin athatn She caresna for Seth Shes goin away
twenty mile aff Hows she to get a likin for him Id like to know No more
nor the cake ull come wiout the leaven Thy figurin books might ha tould
thee better nor that I should think else thee mightst as well read the commin
print as Seth allays does«
»Nay mother« said Adam laughing »the figures tell us a fine deal and we
couldnt go far without em but they dont tell us about folkss feelings Its
a nicer job to calculate them But Seths as goodhearted a lad as ever handled
a tool and plenty o sense and goodlooking too and hes got the same way o
thinking as Dinah He deserves to win her though theres no denying shes a
rare bit o workmanship You dont see such women turned off the wheel every
day«
»Eh theet allays stick up for thy brother Theest been just the same
eer sin ye war little uns together Thee wart allays for halving iverything
wi him But whats Seth got to do with marryin as is ony threeantwenty
Hed more need to learn an lay by sixpence An as for his desarving her
shes two ear older nor Seth shes pretty near as old as thee But thats the
way folks mun allays choose by contrairies as if they must be sorted like the
pork a bit o good meat wi a bit o offal«
To the feminine mind in some of its moods all things that might be receive
a temporary charm from comparison with what is and since Adam did not want to
marry Dinah himself Lisbeth felt rather peevish on that score as peevish as
she would have been if he had wanted to marry her and so shut himself out from
Mary Burge and the partnership as effectually as by marrying Hetty
It was more than halfpast eight when Adam and his mother were talking in
this way so that when about ten minutes later Hetty reached the turning of
the lane that led to the farmyard gate she saw Dinah and Seth approaching it
from the opposite direction and waited for them to come up to her They too
like Hetty had lingered a little in their walk for Dinah was trying to speak
words of comfort and strength to Seth in these parting moments But when they
saw Hetty they paused and shook hands Seth turned homewards and Dinah came on
alone
»Seth Bede would have come and spoken to you my dear« she said as she
reached Hetty »but hes very full of trouble tonight«
Hetty answered with a dimpled smile as if she did not quite know what had
been said and it made a strange contrast to see that sparkling selfengrossed
loveliness looked at by Dinahs calm pitying face with its open glance which
told that her heart lived in no cherished secrets of its own but in feelings
which it longed to share with all the world Hetty liked Dinah as well as she
had ever liked any woman how was it possible to feel otherwise towards one who
always put in a kind word for her when her aunt was finding fault and who was
always ready to take Totty off her hands little tiresome Totty that was made
such a pet of by every one and that Hetty could see no interest in at all
Dinah had never said anything disapproving or reproachful to Hetty during her
whole visit to the Hall Farm she had talked to her a great deal in a serious
way but Hetty didnt mind that much for she never listened whatever Dinah
might say she almost always stroked Hettys cheek after it and wanted to do
some mending for her Dinah was a riddle to her Hetty looked at her much in the
same way as one might imagine a little perching bird that could only flutter
from bough to bough to look at the swoop of the swallow or the mounting of the
lark but she did not care to solve such riddles any more than she cared to
know what was meant by the pictures in the Pilgrims Progress or in the old
folio Bible that Marty and Tommy always plagued her about on a Sunday
Dinah took her hand now and drew it under her own arm
»You look very happy tonight dear child« she said »I shall think of you
often when Im at Snowfield and see your face before me as it is now Its a
strange thing sometimes when Im quite alone sitting in my room with my eyes
closed or walking over the hills the people Ive seen and known if its only
been for a few days are brought before me and I hear their voices and see them
look and move almost plainer than I ever did when they were really with me so as
I could touch them And then my heart is drawn out towards them and I feel
their lot as if it was my own and I take comfort in spreading it before the
Lord and resting in His love on their behalf as well as my own And so I feel
sure you will come before me«
She paused a moment but Hetty said nothing
»It has been a very precious time to me« Dinah went on »last night and
today seeing two such good sons as Adam and Seth Bede They are so tender and
thoughtful for their aged mother And she has been telling me what Adam has
done for these many years to help his father and his brother its wonderful
what a spirit of wisdom and knowledge he has and how hes ready to use it all
in behalf of them that are feeble And Im sure he has a loving spirit too Ive
noticed it often among my own people around Snowfield that the strong skilful
men are often the gentlest to the women and children and its pretty to see em
carrying the little babies as if they were no heavier than little birds And the
babies always seem to like the strong arm best I feel sure it would be so with
Adam Bede Dont you think so Hetty«
»Yes« said Hetty abstractedly for her mind had been all the while in the
wood and she would have found it difficult to say what she was assenting to
Dinah saw she was not inclined to talk but there would not have been time to
say much more for they were now at the yardgate
The still twilight with its dying western red and its few faint struggling
stars rested on the farmyard where there was not a sound to be heard but the
stamping of the carthorses in the stable It was about twenty minutes after
sunset the fowls were all gone to roost and the bulldog lay stretched on the
straw outside his kennel with the blackandtan terrier by his side when the
fallingto of the gate disturbed them and set them barking like good
officials before they had any distinct knowledge of the reason
The barking had its effect in the house for as Dinah and Hetty approached
the doorway was filled by a portly figure with a ruddy blackeyed face which
bore in it the possibility of looking extremely acute and occasionally
contemptuous on marketdays but had now a predominant aftersupper expression
of hearty good nature It is well known that great scholars who have shown the
most pitiless acerbity in their criticism of other mens scholarship have yet
been of a relenting and indulgent temper in private life and I have heard of a
learned man meekly rocking the twins in the cradle with his left hand while
with his right he inflicted the most lacerating sarcasms on an opponent who had
betrayed a brutal ignorance of Hebrew Weaknesses and errors must be forgiven
alas they are not alien to us but the man who takes the wrong side on the
momentous subject of the Hebrew points must be treated as the enemy of his race
There was the same sort of antithetic mixture in Martin Poyser he was of so
excellent a disposition that he had been kinder and more respectful than ever to
his old father since he had made a deed of gift of all his property and no man
judged his neighbours more charitably on all personal matters but for a farmer
like Luke Britton for example whose fallows were not well cleaned who didnt
know the rudiments of hedging and ditching and showed but a small share of
judgment in the purchase of winter stock Martin Poyser was as hard and
implacable as the northeast wind Luke Britton could not make a remark even on
the weather but Martin Poyser detected in it a taint of that unsoundness and
general ignorance which was palpable in all his farming operations He hated to
see the fellow lift the pewter pint to his mouth in the bar of the Royal George
on marketday and the mere sight of him on the other side of the road brought a
severe and critical expression into his black eyes as different as possible
from the fatherly glance he bent on his two nieces as they approached the door
Mr Poyser had smoked his evening pipe and now held his hands in his pockets
as the only resource of a man who continues to sit up after the days business
is done
»Why lasses yere rather late tonight« he said when they reached the
little gate leading into the causeway »The mothers begun to fidget about you
an shes got the little un ill An how did you leave the old woman Bede
Dinah Is she much down about the old man Hed been but a poor bargain to her
this five year«
»Shes been greatly distressed for the loss of him« said Dinah »but shes
seemed more comforted today Her son Adams been at home all day working at
his fathers coffin and she loves to have him at home Shes been talking about
him to me almost all the day She has a loving heart though shes sorely given
to fret and be fearful I wish she had a surer trust to comfort her in her old
age«
»Adams sure enough« said Mr Poyser misunderstanding Dinahs wish
»Theres no fear but hell yield well i the threshing Hes not one o them as
is all straw and no grain Ill be bond for him any day as hell be a good son
to the last Did he say hed be coming to see us soon But come in come in« he
added making way for them »I hadnt need keep y out any longer«
The tall buildings round the yard shut out a good deal of the sky but the
large window let in abundant light to show every corner of the houseplace
Mrs Poyser seated in the rockingchair which had been brought out of the
»righthand parlour« was trying to soothe Totty to sleep But Totty was not
disposed to sleep and when her cousins entered she raised herself up and
showed a pair of flushed cheeks which looked fatter than ever now they were
defined by the edge of her linen nightcap
In the large wickerbottomed armchair in the lefthand chimneynook sat old
Martin Poyser a hale but shrunken and bleached image of his portly blackhaired
son his head hanging forward a little and his elbows pushed backwards so as
to allow the whole of his forearm to rest on the arm of the chair His blue
handkerchief was spread over his knees as was usual indoors when it was not
hanging over his head and he sat watching what went forward with the quiet
outward glance of healthy old age which disengaged from any interest in an
inward drama spies out pins upon the floor follows ones minutest motions with
an unexpectant purposeless tenacity watches the flickering of the flame or the
sungleams on the wall counts the quarries on the floor watches even the hand
of the clock and pleases itself with detecting a rhythm in the tick
»What a time o night this is to come home Hetty« said Mrs Poyser »Look
at the clock do why its going on for halfpast nine and Ive sent the gells
to bed this halfhour and late enough too when theyve got to get up at half
after four and the mowers bottles to fill and the baking and heres this
blessed child wi the fever for what I know and as wakeful as if it was
dinnertime and nobody to help me to give her the physic but your uncle and
fine work theres been and half of it spilt on her nightgown its well if
shes swallowed more nor ull make her worse istead o better But folks as have
no mind to be o use have allays the luck to be out o the road when theres
anything to be done«
»I did set out before eight aunt« said Hetty in a pettish tone with a
slight toss of her head »But this clocks so much before the clock at the
Chase theres no telling what time itll be when I get here«
»What youd be wanting the clock set by gentlefolkss time would you an
sit up burnin candle an lie abed wi the sun abakin you like a cowcumber
i the frame The clock hasnt been put forrard for the first time today I
reckon«
The fact was Hetty had really forgotten the difference of the clocks when
she told Captain Donnithorne that she set out at eight and this with her
lingering pace had made her nearly half an hour later than usual But here her
aunts attention was diverted from this tender subject by Totty who perceiving
at length that the arrival of her cousins was not likely to bring anything
satisfactory to her in particular began to cry »Munny munny« in an explosive
manner
»Well then my pet mothers got her mother wont leave her Totty be a
good dilling and go to sleep now« said Mrs Poyser leaning back and rocking
the chair while she tried to make Totty nestle against her But Totty only
cried louder and said »Dont yock« So the mother with that wondrous patience
which love gives to the quickest temperament sat up again and pressed her
cheek against the linen nightcap and kissed it and forgot to scold Hetty any
longer
»Come Hetty« said Martin Poyser in a conciliatory tone »go and get your
supper i the pantry as the things are all put away an then you can come an
take the little un while your aunt undresses herself for she wont lie down in
bed without her mother An I reckon you could eat a bit Dinah for they dont
keep much of a house down there«
»No thank you uncle« said Dinah »I ate a good meal before I came away
for Mrs Bede would make a kettlecake for me«
»I dont want any supper« said Hetty taking off her hat »I can hold Totty
now if aunt wants me«
»Why what nonsense that is to talk« said Mrs Poyser »Do you think you
can live wiout eatin an nourish your inside wi stickin red ribbons on your
head Go an get your supper this minute child theres a nice bit o cold
pudding i the safe just what youre fond of«
Hetty complied silently by going towards the pantry and Mrs Poyser went on
speaking to Dinah
»Sit down my dear an look as if you knowed what it was to make yourself a
bit comfortable i the world I warrant the old woman was glad to see you since
you stayed so long«
»She seemed to like having me there at last but her sons say she doesnt
like young women about her commonly and I thought just at first she was almost
angry with me for going«
»Eh its a poor lookout when th ould foulks doesna like the young uns«
said old Martin bending his head down lower and seeming to trace the pattern
of the quarries with his eye
»Ay its ill livin in a henroost for them as doesnt like fleas« said
Mrs Poyser »Weve all had our turn at bein young I reckon bet good luck or
ill«
»But she must learn to commodate herself to young women« said Mr Poyser
»for it isnt to be counted on as Adam and Seth ull keep bachelors for the next
ten year to please their mother That ud be unreasonable It isnt right for
old nor young nayther to make a bargain all o their own side Whats good for
ones good all round i the longrun Im no friend to young fellows amarrying
afore they know the difference atween a crab an a applet but they may wait
oer long«
»To be sure« said Mrs Poyser »if you go past your dinnertime therell
be little relish o your meat You turn it oer an oer wi your fork an
dont eat it after all You find faut wi your meat an the fauts all i your
own stomach«
Hetty now came back from the pantry and said »I can take Totty now aunt
if you like«
»Come Rachel« said Mr Poyser as his wife seemed to hesitate seeing that
Totty was at last nestling quietly »theedst better let Hetty carry her
upstairs while thee takst thy things off Theet tired Its time thee wast
in bed Theet bring on the pain in thy side again«
»Well she may hold her if the child ull go to her« said Mrs Poyser
Hetty went close to the rockingchair and stood without her usual smile
and without any attempt to entice Totty simply waiting for her aunt to give the
child into her hands
»Wilt go to cousin Hetty my dilling while mother gets ready to go to bed
Then Totty shall go into mothers bed and sleep there all night«
Before her mother had done speaking Totty had given her answer in an
unmistakable manner by knitting her brow setting her tiny teeth against her
underlip and leaning forward to slap Hetty on the arm with her utmost force
Then without speaking she nestled to her mother again
»Hey hey« said Mr Poyser while Hetty stood without moving »not go to
cousin Hetty Thats like a babby Tottys a little woman an not a babby«
»Its no use trying to persuade her« said Mrs Poyser »She allays takes
against Hetty when she isnt well Happen shell go to Dinah«
Dinah having taken off her bonnet and shawl had hitherto kept quietly
seated in the background not liking to thrust herself between Hetty and what
was considered Hettys proper work But now she came forward and putting out
her arms said »Come Totty come and let Dinah carry her upstairs along with
mother poor poor mother shes so tired she wants to go to bed«
Totty turned her face towards Dinah and looked at her an instant then
lifted herself up put out her little arms and let Dinah lift her from her
mothers lap Hetty turned away without any sign of illhumour and taking her
hat from the table stood waiting with an air of indifference to see if she
should be told to do anything else
»You may make the door fast now Poyser Alicks been come in this long
while« said Mrs Poyser rising with an appearance of relief from her low
chair »Get me the matches down Hetty for I must have the rushlight burning i
my room Come father«
The heavy wooden bolts began to roll in the house doors and old Martin
prepared to move by gathering up his blue handkerchief and reaching his bright
knobbed walnuttree stick from the corner Mrs Poyser then led the way out of
the kitchen followed by the grandfather and Dinah with Totty in her arms all
going to bed by twilight like the birds Mrs Poyser on her way peeped into
the room where her two boys lay just to see their ruddy round cheeks on the
pillow and to hear for a moment their light regular breathing
»Come Hetty get to bed« said Mr Poyser in a soothing tone as he
himself turned to go upstairs »You didna mean to be late Ill be bound but
your aunts been worrited today Goodnight my wench goodnight«
Chapter XV
The Two BedChambers
Hetty and Dinah both slept in the second story in rooms adjoining each other
meagrelyfurnished rooms with no blinds to shut out the light which was now
beginning to gather new strength from the rising of the moon more than enough
strength to enable Hetty to move about and undress with perfect comfort She
could see quite well the pegs in the old painted linenpress on which she hung
her hat and gown she could see the head of every pin on her red cloth
pincushion she could see a reflection of herself in the oldfashioned
lookingglass quite as distinct as was needful considering that she had only
to brush her hair and put on her nightcap A queer old lookingglass Hetty got
into an illtemper with it almost every time she dressed It had been considered
a handsome glass in its day and had probably been bought into the Poyser family
a quarter of a century before at a sale of genteel household furniture Even
now an auctioneer could say something for it it had a great deal of tarnished
gilding about it it had a firm mahogany base well supplied with drawers which
opened with a decided jerk and sent the contents leaping out from the farthest
corners without giving you the trouble of reaching them above all it had a
brass candlesocket on each side which would give it an aristocratic air to the
very last But Hetty objected to it because it had numerous dim blotches
sprinkled over the mirror which no rubbing would remove and because instead
of swinging backwards and forwards it was fixed in an upright position so that
she could only get one good view of her head and neck and that was to be had
only by sitting down on a low chair before her dressingtable And the
dressingtable was no dressingtable at all but a small old chest of drawers
the most awkward thing in the world to sit down before for the big brass
handles quite hurt her knees and she couldnt get near the glass at all
comfortably But devout worshippers never allow inconveniences to prevent them
from performing their religious rites and Hetty this evening was more bent on
her peculiar form of worship than usual
Having taken off her gown and white kerchief she drew a key from the large
pocket that hung outside her petticoat and unlocking one of the lower drawers
in the chest reached from it two short bits of wax candle secretly bought at
Treddleston and stuck them in the two brass sockets Then she drew forth a
bundle of matches and lighted the candles and last of all a small redframed
shilling lookingglass without blotches It was into this small glass that she
chose to look first after seating herself She looked into it smiling and
turning her head on one side for a minute then laid it down and took out her
brush and comb from an upper drawer She was going to let down her hair and
make herself look like that picture of a lady in Miss Lydia Donnithornes
dressingroom It was soon done and the dark hyacinthine curves fell on her
neck It was not heavy massive merely rippling hair but soft and silken
running at every opportunity into delicate rings But she pushed it all backward
to look like the picture and form a dark curtain throwing into relief her
round white neck Then she put down her brush and comb and looked at herself
folding her arms before her still like the picture Even the old mottled glass
couldnt help sending back a lovely image none the less lovely because Hettys
stays were not of white satin such as I feel sure heroines must generally wear
but of a dark greenish cotton texture
O yes she was very pretty Captain Donnithorne thought so Prettier than
anybody about Hayslope prettier than any of the ladies she had ever seen
visiting at the Chase indeed it seemed fine ladies were rather old and ugly
and prettier than Miss Bacon the millers daughter who was called the beauty
of Treddleston And Hetty looked at herself tonight with quite a different
sensation from what she had ever felt before there was an invisible spectator
whose eye rested on her like morning on the flowers His soft voice was saying
over and over again those pretty things she had heard in the wood his arm was
round her and the delicate rosescent of his hair was with her still The
vainest woman is never thoroughly conscious of her own beauty till she is loved
by the man who sets her own passion vibrating in return
But Hetty seemed to have made up her mind that something was wanting for
she got up and reached an old black lace scarf out of the linenpress and a
pair of large earrings out of the sacred drawer from which she had taken her
candles It was an old old scarf full of rents but it would make a becoming
border round her shoulders and set off the whiteness of her upper arm And she
would take out the little earrings she had in her ears oh how her aunt had
scolded her for having her ears bored and put in those large ones they were
but coloured glass and gilding but if you didnt know what they were made of
they looked just as well as what the ladies wore And so she sat down again
with the large earrings in her ears and the black lace scarf adjusted round her
shoulders She looked down at her arms no arms could be prettier down to a
little way below the elbow they were white and plump and dimpled to match her
cheeks but towards the wrist she thought with vexation that they were
coarsened by buttermaking and other work that ladies never did
Captain Donnithorne couldnt like her to go on doing work he would like to
see her in nice clothes and thin shoes and white stockings perhaps with silk
clocks to them for he must love her very much no one else had ever put his
arm round her and kissed her in that way He would want to marry her and make a
lady of her she could hardly dare to shape the thought yet how else could it
be Marry her quite secretly as Mr James the Doctors assistant married the
Doctors niece and nobody ever found it out for a long while after and then it
was of no use to be angry The Doctor had told her aunt all about it in Hettys
hearing She didnt know how it would be but it was quite plain the old Squire
could never be told anything about it for Hetty was ready to faint with awe and
fright if she came across him at the Chase He might have been earthborn for
what she knew it had never entered her mind that he had been young like other
men he had always been the old Squire at whom everybody was frightened Oh it
was impossible to think how it would be But Captain Donnithorne would know he
was a great gentleman and could have his way in everything and could buy
everything he liked And nothing could be as it had been again perhaps some day
she should be a grand lady and ride in her coach and dress for dinner in a
brocaded silk with feathers in her hair and her dress sweeping the ground
like Miss Lydia and Lady Dacey when she saw them going into the diningroom one
evening as she peeped through the little round window in the lobby only she
should not be old and ugly like Miss Lydia or all the same thickness like Lady
Dacey but very pretty with her hair done in a great many different ways and
sometimes in a pink dress and sometimes in a white one she didnt know which
she liked best and Mary Burge and everybody would perhaps see her going out in
her carriage or rather they would hear of it it was impossible to imagine
these things happening at Hayslope in sight of her aunt At the thought of all
this splendour Hetty got up from her chair and in doing so caught the little
redframed glass with the edge of her scarf so that it fell with a bang on the
floor but she was too eagerly occupied with her vision to care about picking it
up and after a momentary start began to pace with a pigeonlike stateliness
backwards and forwards along her room in her coloured stays and coloured skirt
and the old black lace scarf round her shoulders and the great glass earrings
in her ears
How pretty the little puss looks in that odd dress It would be the easiest
folly in the world to fall in love with her there is such a sweet babylike
roundness about her face and figure the delicate dark rings of hair lie so
charmingly about her ears and neck her great dark eyes with their long
eyelashes touch one so strangely as if an imprisoned frisky sprite looked out
of them
Ah what a prize the man gets who wins a sweet bride like Hetty How the men
envy him who come to the wedding breakfast and see her hanging on his arm in
her white lace and orange blossoms The dear young round soft flexible
thing Her heart must be just as soft her temper just as free from angles her
character just as pliant If anything ever goes wrong it must be the husbands
fault there he can make her what he likes that is plain And the lover
himself thinks so too the little darling is so fond of him her little vanities
are so bewitching he wouldnt consent to her being a bit wiser those
kittenlike glances and movements are just what one wants to make ones hearth a
paradise Every man under such circumstances is conscious of being a great
physiognomist Nature he knows has a language of her own which she uses with
strict veracity and he considers himself an adept in the language Nature has
written out his brides character for him in those exquisite lines of cheek and
lip and chin in those eyelids delicate as petals in those long lashes curled
like the stamen of a flower in the dark liquid depths of those wonderful eyes
How she will dote on her children She is almost a child herself and the little
pink round things will hang about her like florets round the central flower and
the husband will look on smiling benignly able whenever he chooses to
withdraw into the sanctuary of his wisdom towards which his sweet wife will
look reverently and never lift the curtain It is a marriage such as they made
in the golden age when the men were all wise and majestic and the women all
lovely and loving
It was very much in this way that our friend Adam Bede thought about Hetty
only he put his thoughts into different words If ever she behaved with cold
vanity towards him he said to himself it is only because she doesnt love me
well enough and he was sure that her love whenever she gave it would be the
most precious thing a man could possess on earth Before you despise Adam as
deficient in penetration pray ask yourself if you were ever predisposed to
believe evil of any pretty woman if you ever could without hard headbreaking
demonstration believe evil of the one supremely pretty woman who has bewitched
you No people who love downy peaches are apt not to think of the stone and
sometimes jar their teeth terribly against it
Arthur Donnithorne too had the same sort of notion about Hetty so far as
he had thought of her nature at all He felt sure she was a dear affectionate
good little thing The man who awakes the wondering tremulous passion of a young
girl always thinks her affectionate and if he chances to look forward to future
years probably imagines himself being virtuously tender to her because the
poor thing is so clingingly fond of him
God made these dear women so and it is a convenient arrangement in case of
sickness
After all I believe the wisest of us must be beguiled in this way
sometimes and must think both better and worse of people than they deserve
Nature has her language and she is not unveracious but we dont know all the
intricacies of her syntax just yet and in a hasty reading we may happen to
extract the very opposite of her real meaning Long dark eyelashes now what
can be more exquisite I find it impossible not to expect some depth of soul
behind a deep grey eye with a long dark eyelash in spite of an experience which
has shown me that they may go along with deceit peculation and stupidity But
if in the reaction of disgust I have betaken myself to a fishy eye there has
been a surprising similarity of result One begins to suspect at length that
there is no direct correlation between eyelashes and morals or else that the
eyelashes express the disposition of the fair ones grandmother which is on the
whole less important to us
No eyelashes could be more beautiful than Hettys and now while she walks
with her pigeonlike stateliness along the room and looks down on her shoulders
bordered by the old black lace the dark fringe shows to perfection on her pink
cheek They are but dim illdefined pictures that her narrow bit of an
imagination can make of the future but of every picture she is the central
figure in fine clothes Captain Donnithorne is very close to her putting his
arm round her perhaps kissing her and everybody else is admiring and envying
her especially Mary Burge whose new print dress looks very contemptible by
the side of Hettys resplendent toilette Does any sweet or sad memory mingle
with this dream of the future any loving thought of her second parents of
the children she had helped to tend of any youthful companion any pet animal
any relic of her own childhood even Not one There are some plants that have
hardly any roots you may tear them from their native nook of rock or wall and
just lay them over your ornamental flowerpot and they blossom none the worse
Hetty could have cast all her past life behind her and never cared to be
reminded of it again I think she had no feeling at all towards the old house
and did not like the Jacobs Ladder and the long row of hollyhocks in the garden
better than other flowers perhaps not so well It was wonderful how little she
seemed to care about waiting on her uncle who had been a good father to her
she hardly ever remembered to reach him his pipe at the right time without being
told unless a visitor happened to be there who would have a better opportunity
of seeing her as she walked across the hearth Hetty did not understand how
anybody could be very fond of middleaged people And as for those tiresome
children Marty and Tommy and Totty they had been the very nuisance of her life
as bad as buzzing insects that will come teasing you on a hot day when you
want to be quiet Marty the eldest was a baby when she first came to the farm
for the children born before him had died and so Hetty had had them all three
one after the other toddling by her side in the meadow or playing about her on
wet days in the halfempty rooms of the large old house The boys were out of
hand now but Totty was still a daylong plague worse than either of the others
had been because there was more fuss made about her And there was no end to
the making and mending of clothes Hetty would have been glad to hear that she
should never see a child again they were worse than the nasty little lambs that
the shepherd was always bringing in to be taken special care of in lambing time
for the lambs were got rid of sooner or later As for the young chickens and
turkeys Hetty would have hated the very word »hatching« if her aunt had not
bribed her to attend to the young poultry by promising her the proceeds of one
out of every brood The round downy chicks peeping out from under their mothers
wing never touched Hetty with any pleasure that was not the sort of prettiness
she cared about but she did care about the prettiness of the new things she
would buy for herself at Treddleston fair with the money they fetched And yet
she looked so dimpled so charming as she stooped down to put the soaked bread
under the hencoop that you must have been a very acute personage indeed to
suspect her of that hardness Molly the housemaid with a turnup nose and a
protuberant jaw was really a tenderhearted girl and as Mrs Poyser said a
jewel to look after the poultry but her stolid face showed nothing of this
maternal delight any more than a brown earthenware pitcher will show the light
of the lamp within it
It is generally a feminine eye that first detects the moral deficiencies
hidden under the »dear deceit« of beauty so it is not surprising that Mrs
Poyser with her keenness and abundant opportunity for observation should have
formed a tolerably fair estimate of what might be expected from Hetty in the way
of feeling and in moments of indignation she had sometimes spoken with great
openness on the subject to her husband
»Shes no better than a peacock as ud strut about on the wall and spread
its tail when the sun shone if all the folks i the parish was dying theres
nothing seems to give her a turn i th inside not even when we thought Totty
had tumbled into the pit To think o that dear cherub And we found her wi her
little shoes stuck i the mud and crying fit to break her heart by the far
horsepit But Hetty niver minded it I could see though shes been at the
nussin o the child ever since it was a babby Its my belief her hearts as
hard as a pebble«
»Nay nay« said Mr Poyser »thee mustnt judge Hetty too hard Them young
gells are like th unripe grain theyll make good meal byandby but theyre
squashy as yet Theet see Hetty ll be all right when shes got a good husband
and children of her own«
»I dont want to be hard upo the gell Shes got cliver fingers of her own
and can be useful enough when she likes and I should miss her wi the butter
for shes got a cool hand An let be what may Id strive to do my part by a
niece o yours an that Ive done for Ive taught her everything as belongs to
a house an Ive told her her duty often enough though God knows Ive no
breath to spare an that catchin pain comes on dreadful by times Wi them
three gells in the house Id need have twice the strength to keep em up to
their work Its like having roastmeat at three fires as soon as youve basted
one anothers burnin«
Hetty stood sufficiently in awe of her aunt to be anxious to conceal from
her so much of her vanity as could be hidden without too great a sacrifice She
could not resist spending her money in bits of finery which Mrs Poyser
disapproved but she would have been ready to die with shame vexation and
fright if her aunt had this moment opened the door and seen her with her bits
of candle lighted and strutting about decked in her scarf and earrings To
prevent such a surprise she always bolted her door and she had not forgotten
to do so tonight It was well for there now came a light tap and Hetty with
a leaping heart rushed to blow out the candles and throw them into the drawer
She dared not stay to take out her earrings but she threw off her scarf and
let it fall on the floor before the light tap came again We shall know how it
was that the light tap came if we leave Hetty for a short time and return to
Dinah at the moment when she had delivered Totty to her mothers arms and was
come upstairs to her bedroom adjoining Hettys
Dinah delighted in her bedroom window Being on the second story of that
tall house it gave her a wide view over the fields The thickness of the wall
formed a broad step about a yard below the window where she could place her
chair
And now the first thing she did on entering her room was to seat herself
in this chair and look out on the peaceful fields beyond which the large moon
was rising just above the hedgerow elms She liked the pasture best where the
milch cows were lying and next to that the meadow where the grass was half
mown and lay in silvered sweeping lines Her heart was very full for there was
to be only one more night on which she would look out on those fields for a long
time to come but she thought little of leaving the mere scene for to her
bleak Snowfield had just as many charms she thought of all the dear people whom
she had learned to care for among these peaceful fields and who would now have
a place in her loving remembrance for ever She thought of the struggles and the
weariness that might lie before them in the rest of their lifes journey when
she would be away from them and know nothing of what was befalling them and
the pressure of this thought soon became too strong for her to enjoy the
unresponding stillness of the moonlit fields She closed her eyes that she
might feel more intensely the presence of a Love and Sympathy deeper and more
tender than was breathed from the earth and sky That was often Dinahs mode of
praying in solitude Simply to close her eyes and to feel herself enclosed by
the Divine Presence then gradually her fears her yearning anxieties for
others melted away like icecrystals in a warm ocean She had sat in this way
perfectly still with her hands crossed on her lap and the pale light resting
on her calm face for at least ten minutes when she was startled by a loud
sound apparently of something falling in Hettys room But like all sounds that
fall on our ears in a state of abstraction it had no distinct character but
was simply loud and startling so that she felt uncertain whether she had
interpreted it rightly She rose and listened but all was quiet afterwards and
she reflected that Hetty might merely have knocked something down in getting
into bed She began slowly to undress but now owing to the suggestions of this
sound her thoughts became concentrated on Hetty that sweet young thing with
life and all its trials before her the solemn daily duties of the wife and
mother and her mind so unprepared for them all bent merely on little foolish
selfish pleasures like a child hugging its toys in the beginning of a long
toilsome journey in which it will have to bear hunger and cold and unsheltered
darkness Dinah felt a double care for Hetty because she shared Seths anxious
interest in his brothers lot and she had not come to the conclusion that Hetty
did not love Adam well enough to marry him She saw too clearly the absence of
any warm selfdevoting love in Hettys nature to regard the coldness of her
behaviour towards Adam as any indication that he was not the man she would like
to have for a husband And this blank in Hettys nature instead of exciting
Dinahs dislike only touched her with a deeper pity the lovely face and form
affected her as beauty always affects a pure and tender mind free from selfish
jealousies it was an excellent divine gift that gave a deeper pathos to the
need the sin the sorrow with which it was mingled as the canker in a
lilywhite bud is more grievous to behold than in a common potherb
By the time Dinah had undressed and put on her nightgown this feeling
about Hetty had gathered a painful intensity her imagination had created a
thorny thicket of sin and sorrow in which she saw the poor thing struggling
torn and bleeding looking with tears for rescue and finding none It was in
this way that Dinahs imagination and sympathy acted and reacted habitually
each heightening the other She felt a deep longing to go now and pour into
Hettys ear all the words of tender warning and appeal that rushed into her
mind But perhaps Hetty was already asleep Dinah put her ear to the partition
and heard still some slight noises which convinced her that Hetty was not yet
in bed Still she hesitated she was not quite certain of a divine direction
the voice that told her to go to Hetty seemed no stronger than the other voice
which said that Hetty was weary and that going to her now in an unseasonable
moment would only tend to close her heart more obstinately Dinah was not
satisfied without a more unmistakable guidance than those inward voices There
was light enough for her if she opened her Bible to discern the text
sufficiently to know what it would say to her She knew the physiognomy of every
page and could tell on what book she opened sometimes on what chapter without
seeing title or number It was a small thick Bible worn quite round at the
edges Dinah laid it sideways on the window ledge where the light was
strongest and then opened it with her forefinger The first words she looked at
were those at the top of the lefthand page »And they all wept sore and fell
on Pauls neck and kissed him« That was enough for Dinah she had opened on
that memorable parting at Ephesus when Paul had felt bound to open his heart in
a last exhortation and warning She hesitated no longer but opening her own
door gently went and tapped at Hettys We know she had to tap twice because
Hetty had to put out her candles and throw off her black lace scarf but after
the second tap the door was opened immediately Dinah said »Will you let me
come in Hetty« and Hetty without speaking for she was confused and vexed
opened the door wider and let her in
What a strange contrast the two figures made Visible enough in that mingled
twilight and moonlight Hetty her cheeks flushed and her eyes glistening from
her imaginary drama her beautiful neck and arms bare her hair hanging in a
curly tangle down her back and the baubles in her ears Dinah covered with her
long white dress her pale fate full of subdued emotion almost like a lovely
corpse into which the soul has returned charged with sublimer secrets and a
sublimer love They were nearly of the same height Dinah evidently a little the
taller as she put her arm round Hettys waist and kissed her forehead
»I knew you were not in bed my dear« she said in her sweet clear voice
which was irritating to Hetty mingling with her own peevish vexation like music
with jangling chains »for I heard you moving and I longed to speak to you
again tonight for it is the last but one that I shall be here and we dont
know what may happen tomorrow to keep us apart Shall I sit down with you while
you do up your hair«
»Oh yes« said Hetty hastily turning round and reaching the second chair in
the room glad that Dinah looked as if she did not notice her earrings
Dinah sat down and Hetty began to brush together her hair before twisting
it up doing it with that air of excessive indifference which belongs to
confused selfconsciousness But the expression of Dinahs eyes gradually
relieved her they seemed unobservant of all details
»Dear Hetty« she said »it has been borne in upon my mind tonight that you
may some day be in trouble trouble is appointed for us all here below and
there comes a time when we need more comfort and help than the things of this
life can give I want to tell you that if ever you are in trouble and need a
friend that will always feel for you and love you you have got that friend in
Dinah Morris at Snowfield and if you come to her or send for her shell never
forget this night and the words she is speaking to you now Will you remember
it Hetty«
»Yes« said Hetty rather frightened »But why should you think I shall be
in trouble Do you know of anything«
Hetty had seated herself as she tied on her cap and now Dinah leaned
forwards and took her hands as she answered
»Because dear trouble comes to us all in this life we set our hearts on
things which it isnt Gods will for us to have and then we go sorrowing the
people we love are taken from us and we can joy in nothing because they are not
with us sickness comes and we faint under the burden of our feeble bodies we
go astray and do wrong and bring ourselves into trouble with our fellowmen
There is no man or woman born into this world to whom some of these trials do
not fall and so I feel that some of them must happen to you and I desire for
you that while you are young you should seek for strength from your Heavenly
Father that you may have a support which will not fail you in the evil day«
Dinah paused and released Hettys hands that she might not hinder her
Hetty sat quite still she felt no response within herself to Dinahs anxious
affection but Dinahs words uttered with solemn pathetic distinctness
affected her with a chill fear Her flush had died away almost to paleness she
had the timidity of a luxurious pleasureseeking nature which shrinks from the
hint of pain Dinah saw the effect and her tender anxious pleading became the
more earnest till Hetty full of a vague fear that something evil was some time
to befall her began to cry
It is our habit to say that while the lower nature can never understand the
higher the higher nature commands a complete view of the lower But I think the
higher nature has to learn this comprehension as we learn the art of vision by
a good deal of hard experience often with bruises and gashes incurred in taking
things up by the wrong end and fancying our space wider than it is Dinah had
never seen Hetty affected in this way before and with her usual benignant
hopefulness she trusted it was the stirring of a divine impulse She kissed the
sobbing thing and began to cry with her for grateful joy But Hetty was simply
in that excitable state of mind in which there is no calculating what turn the
feelings may take from one moment to another and for the first time she became
irritated under Dinahs caress She pushed her away impatiently and said with
a childish sobbing voice
»Dont talk to me so Dinah Why do you come to frighten me Ive never done
anything to you Why cant you let me be«
Poor Dinah felt a pang She was too wise to persist and only said mildly
»Yes my dear youre tired I wont hinder you any longer Make haste and get
into bed Goodnight«
She went out of the room almost as quietly and quickly as if she had been a
ghost but once by the side of her own bed she threw herself on her knees and
poured out in deep silence all the passionate pity that filled her heart
As for Hetty she was soon in the wood again her waking dreams being
merged in a sleeping life scarcely more fragmentary and confused
Chapter XVI
Links
Arthur Donnithorne you remember is under an engagement with himself to go and
see Mr Irwine this Friday morning and he is awake and dressing so early that
he determines to go before breakfast instead of after The Rector he knows
breakfasts alone at halfpast nine the ladies of the family having a different
breakfasthour Arthur will have an early ride over the hill and breakfast with
him One can say everything best over a meal
The progress of civilisation has made a breakfast or a dinner an easy and
cheerful substitute for more troublesome and disagreeable ceremonies We take a
less gloomy view of our errors now our father confessor listens to us over his
egg and coffee We are more distinctly conscious that rude penances are out of
the question for gentlemen in an enlightened age and that mortal sin is not
incompatible with an appetite for muffins An assault on our pockets which in
more barbarous times would have been made in the brusque form of a pistolshot
is quite a wellbred and smiling procedure now it has become a request for a
loan thrown in as an easy parenthesis between the second and third glasses of
claret
Still there was this advantage in the old rigid forms that they committed
you to the fulfilment of a resolution by some outward deed when you have put
your mouth to one end of a hole in a stone wall and are aware that there is an
expectant ear at the other end you are more likely to say what you came out
with the intention of saying than if you were seated with your legs in an easy
attitude under the mahogany with a companion who will have no reason to be
surprised if you have nothing particular to say
However Arthur Donnithorne as he winds among the pleasant lanes on
horseback in the morning sunshine has a sincere determination to open his heart
to the Rector and the swirling sound of the scythe as he passes by the meadow
is all the pleasanter to him because of this honest purpose He is glad to see
the promise of settled weather now for getting in the hay about which the
farmers have been fearful and there is something so healthful in the sharing of
a joy that is general and not merely personal that this thought about the
hayharvest reacts on his state of mind and makes his resolution seem an easier
matter A man about town might perhaps consider that these influences were not
to be felt out of a childs storybook but when you are among the fields and
hedgerows it is impossible to maintain a consistent superiority to simple
natural pleasures
Arthur had passed the village of Hayslope and was approaching the Broxton
side of the hill when at a turning in the road he saw a figure about a
hundred yards before him which it was impossible to mistake for any one else
than Adam Bede even if there had been no grey tailless shepherddog at his
heels He was striding along at his usual rapid pace and Arthur pushed on his
horse to overtake him for he retained too much of his boyish feeling for Adam
to miss an opportunity of chatting with him I will not say that his love for
that good fellow did not owe some of its force to the love of patronage our
friend Arthur liked to do everything that was handsome and to have his handsome
deeds recognised
Adam looked round as he heard the quickening clatter of the horses heels
and waited for the horseman lifting his paper cap from his head with a bright
smile of recognition Next to his own brother Seth Adam would have done more
for Arthur Donnithorne than for any other young man in the world There was
hardly anything he would not rather have lost than the twofeet ruler which he
always carried in his pocket it was Arthurs present bought with his
pocketmoney when he was a fairhaired lad of eleven and when he had profited
so well by Adams lessons in carpentering and turning as to embarrass every
female in the house with gifts of superfluous threadreels and round boxes Adam
had quite a pride in the little squire in those early days and the feeling had
only become slightly modified as the fairhaired lad had grown into the
whiskered young man Adam I confess was very susceptible to the influence of
rank and quite ready to give an extra amount of respect to every one who had
more advantages than himself not being a philosopher or a proletaire with
democratic ideas but simply a stoutlimbed clever carpenter with a large fund
of reverence in his nature which inclined him to admit all established claims
unless he saw very clear grounds for questioning them He had no theories about
setting the world to rights but he saw there was a great deal of damage done by
building with illseasoned timber by ignorant men in fine clothes making plans
for outhouses and workshops and the like without knowing the bearings of things
by slovenly joiners work and by hasty contracts that could never be
fulfilled without ruining somebody and he resolved for his part to set his
face against such doings On these points he would have maintained his opinion
against the largest landed proprietor in Loamshire or Stonyshire either but he
felt that beyond these it would be better for him to defer to people who were
more knowing than himself He saw as plainly as possible how ill the woods on
the estate were managed and the shameful state of the farmbuildings and if
old Squire Donnithorne had asked him the effect of this mismanagement he would
have spoken his opinion without flinching but the impulse to a respectful
demeanour towards a »gentleman« would have been strong within him all the while
The word »gentleman« had a spell for Adam and as he often said he »couldnt
abide a fellow who thought he made himself fine by being coxy tos betters« I
must remind you again that Adam had the blood of the peasant in his veins and
that since he was in his prime half a century ago you must expect some of his
characteristics to be obsolete
Towards the young squire this instinctive reverence of Adams was assisted
by boyish memories and personal regard so you may imagine that he thought far
more of Arthurs good qualities and attached far more value to very slight
actions of his than if they had been the qualities and actions of a common
workman like himself He felt sure it would be a fine day for everybody about
Hayslope when the young squire came into the estate such a generous
openhearted disposition as he had and an »uncommon« notion about improvements
and repairs considering he was only just coming of age Thus there was both
respect and affection in the smile with which he raised his paper cap as Arthur
Donnithorne rode up
»Well Adam how are you« said Arthur holding out his hand He never shook
hands with any of the farmers and Adam felt the honour keenly »I could swear
to your back a long way off Its just the same back only broader as when you
used to carry me on it Do you remember«
»Ay sir I remember It ud be a poor lookout if folks didnt remember
what they did and said when they were lads We should think no more about old
friends than we do about new uns then«
»Youre going to Broxton I suppose« said Arthur putting his horse on at a
slow pace while Adam walked by his side »Are you going to the Rectory«
»No sir Im going to see about Bradwells barn Theyre afraid of the roof
pushing the walls out and Im going to see what can be done with it before we
send the stuff and the workmen«
»Why Burge trusts almost everything to you now Adam doesnt he I should
think he will make you his partner soon He will if hes wise«
»Nay sir I dont see as hed be much the better off for that A foreman
if hes got a conscience and delights in his work will do his business as well
as if he was a partner I wouldnt give a penny for a man as ud drive a nail in
slack because he didnt get extra pay for it«
»I know that Adam I know you work for him as well as if you were working
for yourself But you would have more power than you have now and could turn
the business to better account perhaps The old man must give up his business
some time and he has no son I suppose hell want a soninlaw who can take to
it But he has rather grasping fingers of his own I fancy I daresay he wants a
man who can put some money into the business If I were not as poor as a rat I
would gladly invest some money in that way for the sake of having you settled
on the estate Im sure I should profit by it in the end And perhaps I shall be
better off in a year or two I shall have a larger allowance now Im of age and
when Ive paid off a debt or two I shall be able to look about me«
»Youre very good to say so sir and Im not unthankful But« Adam
continued in a decided tone »I shouldnt like to make any offers to Mr
Burge or t have any made for me I see no clear road to a partnership If he
should ever want to dispose of the business that ud be a different matter I
should be glad of some money at a fair interest then for I feel sure I could
pay it off in time«
»Very well Adam« said Arthur remembering what Mr Irwine had said about a
probable hitch in the lovemaking between Adam and Mary Burge »well say no
more about it at present When is your father to be buried«
»On Sunday sir Mr Irwines coming earlier on purpose I shall be glad
when its over for I think my mother ull perhaps get easier then It cuts one
sadly to see the grief of old people theyve no way o working it off and the
new spring brings no new shoots out on the withered tree«
»Ah youve had a good deal of trouble and vexation in your life Adam I
dont think youve ever been harebrained and lighthearted like other
youngsters Youve always had some care on your mind«
»Why yes sir but thats nothing to make a fuss about If were men and
have mens feelings I reckon we must have mens troubles We cant be like the
birds as fly from their nest as soon as theyve got their wings and never know
their kin when they see em and get a fresh lot every year Ive had enough to
be thankful for Ive allays had health and strength and brains to give me a
delight in my work and I count it a great thing as Ive had Bartle Masseys
nightschool to go to Hes helped me to knowledge I could never ha got by
myself«
»What a rare fellow you are Adam« said Arthur after a pause in which he
had looked musingly at the big fellow walking by his side »I could hit out
better than most men at Oxford and yet I believe you would knock me into next
week if I were to have a battle with you«
»God forbid I should ever do that sir« said Adam looking round at Arthur
and smiling »I used to fight for fun but Ive never done that since I was the
cause o poor Gil Tranter being laid up for a fortnight Ill never fight any
man again only when he behaves like a scoundrel If you get hold of a chap
thats got no shame nor conscience to stop him you must try what you can do by
bunging his eyes up«
Arthur did not laugh for he was preoccupied with some thought that made him
say presently
»I should think now Adam you never have any struggles within yourself I
fancy you would master a wish that you had made up your mind it was not quite
right to indulge as easily as you would knock down a drunken fellow who was
quarrelsome with you I mean you are never shillyshally first making up your
mind that you wont do a thing and then doing it after all«
»Well« said Adam slowly after a moments hesitation »no I dont
remember ever being seesaw in that way when Id made my mind up as you say
that a thing was wrong It takes the taste out o my mouth for things when I
know I should have a heavy conscience after em Ive seen pretty clear ever
since I could cast up a sum as you can never do whats wrong without breeding
sin and trouble more than you can ever see Its like a bit o bad workmanship
you never see th end o the mischief itll do And its a poor lookout to come
into the world to make your fellowcreatures worse off instead o better But
theres a difference between the things folks call wrong Im not for making a
sin of every little fools trick or bit o nonsense anybody may be let into
like some o them dissenters And a man may have two minds whether it isnt
worth while to get a bruise or two for tie sake of a bit o fun But it isnt my
way to be seesaw about anything I think my fault lies th other way When Ive
said a thing if its only to myself its hard for me to go back«
»Yes thats just what I expected of you« said Arthur »Youve got an iron
will as well as an iron arm But however strong a mans resolution may be it
costs him something to carry it out now and then We may determine not to
gather any cherries and keep our hands sturdily in our pockets but we cant
prevent our mouths from watering«
»Thats true sir but theres nothing like settling with ourselves as
theres a deal we must do without i this life Its no use looking on life as
if it was Treddleson fair where folks only go to see shows and get fairings
If we do we shall find it different But wheres the use o me talking to you
sir You know better than I do«
»Im not so sure of that Adam Youve had four or five years of experience
more than Ive had and I think your life has been a better school to you than
college has been to me«
»Why sir you seem to think o college something like what Bartle Massey
does He says college mostly makes people like bladders just good for nothing
but t hold the stuff as is poured into em But hes got a tongue like a sharp
blade Bartle has it never touches anything but it cuts Heres the turning
sir I must bid you goodmorning as youre going to the Rectory«
»Goodbye Adam goodbye«
Arthur gave his horse to the groom at the Rectory gate and walked along the
gravel towards the door which opened on the garden He knew that the Rector
always breakfasted in his study and the study lay on the left hand of this
door opposite the diningroom It was a small low room belonging to the old
part of the house dark with the sombre covers of the books that lined the
walls yet it looked very cheery this morning as Arthur reached the open window
For the morning sun fell aslant on the great glass globe with gold fish in it
which stood on a scagliola pillar in front of the readyspread bachelor
breakfasttable and by the side of this breakfasttable was a group which would
have made any room enticing In the crimson damask easychair sat Mr Irwine
with that radiant freshness which he always had when he came from his morning
toilet his finelyformed plump white hand was playing along Junos brown curly
back and close to Junos tail which was wagging with calm matronly pleasure
the two brown pups were rolling over each other in an ecstatic duet of worrying
noises On a cushion a little removed sat Pug with the air of a maiden lady
who looked on these familiarities as animal weaknesses which she made as little
show as possible of observing On the table at Mr Irwines elbow lay the
first volume of the Foulis Æschylus which Arthur knew well by sight and the
silver coffeepot which Carroll was bringing in sent forth a fragrant steam
which completed the delights of a bachelor breakfast
»Hallo Arthur thats a good fellow Youre just in time« said Mr Irwine
as Arthur paused and stepped in over the low windowsill »Carroll we shall
want more coffee and eggs and havent you got some cold fowl for us to eat with
that ham Why this is like old days Arthur you havent been to breakfast with
me these five years«
»It was a tempting morning for a ride before breakfast« said Arthur »and I
used to like breakfasting with you so when I was reading with you My
grandfather is always a few degrees colder at breakfast than at any other hour
in the day I think his morning bath doesnt agree with him«
Arthur was anxious not to imply that he came with any special purpose He
had no sooner found himself in Mr Irwines presence than the confidence which
he had thought quite easy before suddenly appeared the most difficult thing in
the world to him and at the very moment of shaking hands he saw his purpose in
quite a new light How could he make Irwine understand his position unless he
told him those little scenes in the wood and how could he tell them without
looking like a fool And then his weakness in coming back from Gawaines and
doing the very opposite of what he intended Irwine would think him a
shillyshally fellow ever after However it must come out in an unpremeditated
way the conversation might lead up to it
»I like breakfasttime better than any other moment in the day« said Mr
Irwine »No dust has settled on ones mind then and it presents a clear mirror
to the rays of things I always have a favourite book by me at breakfast and I
enjoy the bits I pick up then so much that regularly every morning it seems to
me as if I should certainly become studious again But presently Dent brings up
a poor fellow who has killed a hare and when Ive got through my justicing as
Carroll calls it Im inclined for a ride round the glebe and on my way back I
meet with the master of the workhouse who has got a long story of a mutinous
pauper to tell me and so the day goes on and Im always the same lazy fellow
before evening sets in Besides one wants the stimulus of sympathy and I have
never had that since poor DOyley left Treddleston If you had stuck to your
books well you rascal I should nave had a pleasanter prospect before me But
scholarship doesnt run in your family blood«
»No indeed Its well if I can remember a little inapplicable Latin to adorn
my maiden speech in Parliament six or seven years hence Cras ingens iterabimus
æquor and a few shreds of that sort will perhaps stick to me and I shall
arrange my opinions so as to introduce them But I dont think a knowledge of
the classics is a pressing want to a country gentleman as far as I can see
hed much better have a knowledge of manures Ive been reading your friend
Arthur Youngs books lately and theres nothing I should like better than to
carry out some of his ideas in putting the farmers on a better management of
their land and as he says making what was a wild country all of the same
dark hue bright and variegated with corn and cattle My grandfather will never
let me have any power while he lives but theres nothing I should like better
than to undertake the Stonyshire side of the estate its in a dismal condition
and set improvements on foot and gallop about from one place to another and
overlook them I should like to know all the labourers and see them touching
their hats to me with a look of goodwill«
»Bravo Arthur a man who has no feeling for the classics couldnt make a
better apology for coming into the world than by increasing the quantity of food
to maintain scholars and rectors who appreciate scholars And whenever you
enter on your career of model landlord may I be there to see Youll want a
portly rector to complete the picture and take his tithe of all the respect and
honour you get by your hard work Only dont set your heart too strongly on the
goodwill you are to get in consequence Im not sure that men are the fondest of
those who try to be useful to them You know Gawaine has got the curses of the
whole neighbourhood upon him about that enclosure You must make it quite clear
to your mind which you are most bent upon old boy popularity or usefulness
else you may happen to miss both«
»Oh Gawaine is harsh in his manners he doesnt make himself personally
agreeable to his tenants I dont believe theres anything you cant prevail on
people to do with kindness For my part I couldnt live in a neighbourhood
where I was not respected and beloved and its very pleasant to go among the
tenants here they seem all so well inclined to me I suppose it seems only the
other day to them since I was a little lad riding on a pony about as big as a
sheep And if fair allowances were made to them and their buildings attended
to one could persuade them to farm on a better plan stupid as they are«
»Then mind you fall in love in the right place and dont get a wife who
will drain your purse and make you niggardly in spite of yourself My mother and
I have a little discussion about you sometimes she says Ill never risk a
single prophecy on Arthur until I see the woman he falls in love with She
thinks your ladylove will rule you as the moon rules the tides But I feel
bound to stand up for you as my pupil you know and I maintain that youre not
of that watery quality So mind you dont disgrace my judgment«
Arthur winced under this speech for keen old Mrs Irwines opinion about
him had the disagreeable effect of a sinister omen This to be sure was only
another reason for persevering in his intention and getting an additional
security against himself Nevertheless at this point in the conversation he
was conscious of increased disinclination to tell his story about Hetty He was
of an impressible nature and lived a great deal in other peoples opinions and
feelings concerning himself and the mere fact that he was in the presence of an
intimate friend who had not the slightest notion that he had had any such
serious internal struggle as he came to confide rather shook his own belief in
the seriousness of the struggle It was not after all a thing to make a fuss
about and what could Irwine do for him that he could not do for himself He
would go to Eagledale in spite of Megs lameness go on Rattler and let Pym
follow as well as he could on the old hack That was his thought as he sugared
his coffee but the next minute as he was lifting the cup to his lips he
remembered how thoroughly he had made up his mind last night to tell Irwine No
he would not be vacillating again he would do what he had meant to do this
time So it would be well not to let the personal tone of the conversation
altogether drop If they went to quite indifferent topics his difficulty would
be heightened It had required no noticeable pause for this rush and rebound of
feeling before he answered
»But I think it is hardly an argument against a mans general strength of
character that he should be apt to be mastered by love A fine constitution
doesnt insure one against smallpox or any other of those inevitable diseases A
man may be very firm in other matters and yet be under a sort of witchery from
a woman«
»Yes but theres this difference between love and smallpox or bewitchment
either that if you detect the disease at an early stage and try change of air
there is every chance of complete escape without any further development of
symptoms And there are certain alterative doses which a man may administer to
himself by keeping unpleasant consequences before his mind this gives you a
sort of smoked glass through which you may look at the resplendent fair one and
discern her true outline though Im afraid by the by the smoked glass is apt
to be missing just at the moment it is most wanted I daresay now even a man
fortified with a knowledge of the classics might be lured into an imprudent
marriage in spite of the warning given him by the chorus in the Prometheus«
The smile that flitted across Arthurs face was a faint one and instead of
following Mr Irwines playful lead he said quite seriously »Yes thats the
worst of it Its a desperately vexatious thing that after all ones
reflections and quiet determinations we should be ruled by moods that one cant
calculate on beforehand I dont think a man ought to be blamed so much if he is
betrayed into doing things in that way in spite of his resolutions«
»Ah but the moods lie in his nature my boy just as much as his
reflections did and more A man can never do anything at variance with his own
nature He carries within him the germ of his most exceptional action and if we
wise people make eminent fools of ourselves on any particular occasion we must
endure the legitimate conclusion that we carry a few grains of folly to our
ounce of wisdom«
»Well but one may be betrayed into doing things by a combination of
circumstances which one might never have done otherwise«
»Why yes a man cant very well steal a banknote unless the banknote lies
within convenient reach but he wont make us think him an honest man because he
begins to howl at the banknote for falling in his way«
»But surely you dont think a man who struggles against a temptation into
which he falls at last as bad as the man who never struggles at all«
»No certainly I pity him in proportion to his struggles for they
foreshadow the inward suffering which is the worst form of Nemesis Consequences
are unpitying Our deeds carry their terrible consequences quite apart from any
fluctuations that went before consequences that are hardly ever confined to
ourselves And it is best to fix our minds on that certainty instead of
considering what may be the elements of excuse for us But I never knew you so
inclined for moral discussion Arthur Is it some danger of your own that you
are considering in this philosophical general way«
In asking this question Mr Irwine pushed his plate away threw himself
back in his chair and looked straight at Arthur He really suspected that
Arthur wanted to tell him something and thought of smoothing the way for him by
this direct question But he was mistaken Brought suddenly and involuntarily to
the brink of confession Arthur shrank back and felt less disposed towards it
than ever The conversation had taken a more serious tone than he had intended
it would quite mislead Irwine he would imagine there was a deep passion for
Hetty while there was no such thing He was conscious of colouring and was
annoyed at his boyishness
»Oh no no danger« he said as indifferently as he could »I dont know that
I am more liable to irresolution than other people only there are little
incidents now and then that set one speculating on what might happen in the
future«
Was there a motive at work under this strange reluctance of Arthurs which
had a sort of backstairs influence not admitted to himself Our mental business
is carried on much in the same way as the business of the State a great deal of
hard work is done by agents who are not acknowledged In a piece of machinery
too I believe there is often a small unnoticeable wheel which has a great deal
to do with the motion of the large obvious ones Possibly there was some such
unrecognised agent secretly busy in Arthurs mind at this moment possibly it
was the fear lest he might hereafter find the fact of having made a confession
to the Rector a serious annoyance in case he should not be able quite to carry
out his good resolutions I dare not assert that it was not so The human soul
is a very complex thing
The idea of Hetty had just crossed Mr Irwines mind as he looked
inquiringly at Arthur but his disclaiming indifferent answer confirmed the
thought which had quickly followed that there could be nothing serious in that
direction There was no probability that Arthur ever saw her except at church
and at her own home under the eye of Mrs Poyser and the hint he had given
Arthur about her the other day had no more serious meaning than to prevent him
from noticing her so as to rouse the little chits vanity and in this way
perturb the rustic drama of her life Arthur would soon join his regiment and
be far away no there could be no danger in that quarter even if Arthurs
character had not been a strong security against it His honest patronising
pride in the goodwill and respect of everybody about him was a safeguard even
against foolish romance still more against a lower kind of folly If there had
been anything special on Arthurs mind in the previous conversation it was
clear he was not inclined to enter into details and Mr Irwine was too delicate
to imply even a friendly curiosity He perceived a change of subject would be
welcome and said
»By the way Arthur at your colonels birthday fête there were some
transparencies that made a great effect in honour of Britannia and Pitt and
the Loamshire Militia and above all the generous youth the hero of the day
Dont you think you should get up something of the same sort to astonish our
weak minds«
The opportunity was gone While Arthur was hesitating the rope to which he
might have clung had drifted away he must trust now to his own swimming
In ten minutes from that time Mr Irwine was called for on business and
Arthur bidding him goodbye mounted his horse again with a sense of
dissatisfaction which he tried to quell by determining to set off for Eagledale
without an hours delay
Book Second
Chapter XVII
In Which the Story Pauses a Little
»This Rector of Broxton is little better than a pagan« I hear one of my readers
exclaim »How much more edifying it would have been if you had made him give
Arthur some truly spiritual advice You might have put into his mouth the most
beautiful things quite as good as reading a sermon«
Certainly I could if I held it the highest vocation of the novelist to
represent things as they never have been and never will be Then of course I
might refashion life and character entirely after my own liking I might select
the most unexceptionable type of clergyman and put my own admirable opinions
into his mouth on all occasions But it happens on the contrary that my
strongest effort is to avoid any such arbitrary picture and to give a faithful
account of men and things as they have mirrored themselves in my mind The
mirror is doubtless defective the outlines will sometimes be disturbed the
reflection faint or confused but I feel as much bound to tell you as precisely
as I can what that reflection is as if I were in the witnessbox narrating my
experience on oath
Sixty years ago it is a long time so no wonder things have changed all
clergymen were not zealous indeed there is reason to believe that the number of
zealous clergyman was small and it is probable that if one among the small
minority had owned the livings of Broxton and Hayslope in the year 1799 you
would have liked him no better than you like Mr Irwine Ten to one you would
have thought him a tasteless indiscreet methodistical man It is so very
rarely that facts hit that nice medium required by our own enlightened opinions
and refined taste Perhaps you will say »Do improve the facts a little then
make them more accordant with those correct views which it is our privilege to
possess The world is not just what we like do touch it up with a tasteful
pencil and make believe it is not quite such a mixed entangled affair Let all
people who hold unexceptionable opinions act unexceptionably Let your most
faulty characters always be on the wrong side and your virtuous ones on the
right Then we shall see at a glance whom we are to condemn and whom we are to
approve Then we shall be able to admire without the slightest disturbance of
our prepossessions we shall hate and despise with that true ruminant relish
which belongs to undoubting confidence«
But my good friend what will you do then with your fellowparishioner who
opposes your husband in the vestry with your newlyappointed vicar whose
style of preaching you find painfully below that of his regretted predecessor
with the honest servant who worries your soul with her one failing with your
neighbour Mrs Green who was really kind to you in your last illness but has
said several illnatured things about you since your convalescence nay with
your excellent husband himself who has other irritating habits besides that of
not wiping his shoes These fellowmortals every one must be accepted as they
are you can neither straighten their noses nor brighten their wit nor rectify
their dispositions and it is these people amongst whom your life is passed
that it is needful you should tolerate pity and love it is these more or less
ugly stupid inconsistent people whose movements of goodness you should be
able to admire for whom you should cherish all possible hopes all possible
patience And I would not even if I had the choice be the clever novelist who
could create a world so much better than this in which we get up in the morning
to do our daily work that you would be likely to turn a harder colder eye on
the dusty streets and the common green fields on the real breathing men and
women who can be chilled by your indifference or injured by your prejudice who
can be cheered and helped onward by your fellowfeeling your forbearance your
outspoken brave justice
So I am content to tell my simple story without trying to make things seem
better than they were dreading nothing indeed but falsity which in spite of
ones best efforts there is reason to dread Falsehood is so easy truth so
difficult The pencil is conscious of a delightful facility in drawing a griffin
the longer the claws and the larger the wings the better but that
marvellous facility which we mistook for genius is apt to forsake us when we
want to draw a real unexaggerated lion Examine your words well and you will
find that even when you have no motive to be false it is a very hard thing to
say the exact truth even about your own immediate feelings much harder than
to say something fine about them which is not the exact truth
It is for this rare precious quality of truthfulness that I delight in many
Dutch paintings which loftyminded people despise I find a source of delicious
sympathy in these faithful pictures of a monotonous homely existence which has
been the fate of so many more among my fellowmortals than a life of pomp or of
absolute indigence of tragic suffering or of worldstirring actions I turn
without shrinking from cloudborne angels from prophets sibyls and heroic
warriors to an old woman bending over her flowerpot or eating her solitary
dinner while the noonday light softened perhaps by a screen of leaves falls
on her mobcap and just touches the rim of her spinningwheel and her stone
jug and all those cheap common things which are the precious necessaries of
life to her or I turn to that village wedding kept between four brown walls
where an awkward bridegroom opens the dance with a highshouldered broadfaced
bride while elderly and middleaged friends look on with very irregular noses
and lips and probably with quartpots in their hands but with an expression of
unmistakable contentment and goodwill »Foh« says my idealistic friend »what
vulgar details What good is there in taking all these pains to give an exact
likeness of old women and clowns What a low phase of life what clumsy ugly
people«
But bless us things may be lovable that are not altogether handsome I
hope I am not at all sure that the majority of the human race have not been
ugly and even among those »lords of their kind« the British squat figures
illshapen nostrils and dingy complexions are not startling exceptions Yet
there is a great deal of family love amongst us I have a friend or two whose
class of features is such that the Apollo curl on the summit of their brows
would be decidedly trying yet to my certain knowledge tender hearts have beaten
for them and their miniatures flattering but still not lovely are kissed
in secret by motherly lips I have seen many an excellent matron who could
never in her best days have been handsome and yet she had a packet of yellow
loveletters in a private drawer and sweet children showered kisses on her
sallow cheeks And I believe there have been plenty of young heroes of middle
stature and feeble beards who have felt quite sure they could never love
anything more insignificant than a Diana and yet have found themselves in
middle life happily settled with a wife who waddles Yes thank God human
feeling is like the mighty rivers that bless the earth it does not wait for
beauty it flows with resistless force and brings beauty with it
All honour and reverence to the divine beauty of form Let us cultivate it
to the utmost in men women and children in our gardens and in our houses
But let us love that other beauty too which lies in no secret of proportion
but in the secret of deep human sympathy Paint us an angel if you can with a
floating violet robe and a face paled by the celestial light paint us yet
oftener a Madonna turning her mild face upward and opening her arms to welcome
the divine glory but do not impose on us any æsthetic rules which shall banish
from the region of Art those old women scraping carrots with their workworn
hands those heavy clowns taking holiday in a dingy pothouse those rounded
backs and stupid weatherbeaten faces that have bent over the spade and done the
rough work of the world those homes with their tin pans their brown pitchers
their rough curs and their clusters of onions In this world there are so many
of these common coarse people who have no picturesque sentimental wretchedness
It is so needful we should remember their existence else we may happen to leave
them quite out of our religion and philosophy and frame lofty theories which
only fit a world of extremes Therefore let Art always remind us of them
therefore let us always have men ready to give the loving pains of a life to the
faithful representing of commonplace things men who see beauty in these
commonplace things and delight in showing how kindly the light of heaven falls
on them There are few prophets in the world few sublimely beautiful women few
heroes I cant afford to give all my love and reverence to such rarities I
want a great deal of those feelings for my everyday fellowmen especially for
the few in the foreground of the great multitude whose faces I know whose
hands I touch for whom I have to make way with kindly courtesy Neither are
picturesque lazzaroni or romantic criminals half so frequent as your common
labourer who gets his own bread and eats it vulgarly but creditably with his
own pocketknife It is more needful that I should have a fibre of sympathy
connecting me with that vulgar citizen who weighs out my sugar in a
vilelyassorted cravat and waistcoat than with the handsomest rascal in red
scarf and green feathers more needful that my heart should swell with loving
admiration at some trait of gentle goodness in the faulty people who sit at the
same hearth with me or in the clergyman of my own parish who is perhaps rather
too corpulent and in other respects is not an Oberlin or a Tillotson than at
the deeds of heroes whom I shall never know except by hearsay or at the
sublimest abstract of all clerical graces that was ever conceived by an able
novelist
And so I come back to Mr Irwine with whom I desire you to be in perfect
charity far as he may be from satisfying your demands on the clerical
character Perhaps you think he was not as he ought to have been a living
demonstration of the benefits attached to a national church But I am not sure
of that at least I know that the people in Broxton and Hayslope would have been
very sorry to part with their clergyman and that most faces brightened at his
approach and until it can be proved that hatred is a better thing for the soul
than love I must believe that Mr Irwines influence in his parish was a more
wholesome one than that of the zealous Mr Ryde who came there twenty years
afterwards when Mr Irwine had been gathered to his fathers It is true Mr
Ryde insisted strongly on the doctrines of the Reformation visited his flock a
great deal in their own homes and was severe in rebuking the aberrations of the
flesh put a stop indeed to the Christmas rounds of the church singers as
promoting drunkenness and too light a handling of sacred things But I gathered
from Adam Bede to whom I talked of these matters in his old age that few
clergymen could be less successful in winning the hearts of their parishioners
than Mr Ryde They learned a great many notions about doctrine from him so
that almost every churchgoer under fifty began to distinguish as well between
the genuine gospel and what did not come precisely up to that standard as if he
had been born and bred a Dissenter and for some time after his arrival there
seemed to be quite a religious movement in that quiet rural district »But«
said Adam »Ive seen pretty clear ever since I was a young un as religions
something else besides notions It isnt notions sets people doing the right
thing its feelings Its the same with the notions in religion as it is with
mathmatics a man may be able to work problems straight off ins head as he
sits by the fire and smokes his pipe but if he has to make a machine or a
building he must have a will and a resolution and love something else better
than his own ease Somehow the congregation began to fall off and people began
to speak light o Mr Ryde I believe he meant right at bottom but you see he
was sourishtempered and was for beating down prices with the people as worked
for him and his preaching wouldnt go down well with that sauce And he wanted
to be like my lord judge i the parish punishing folks for doing wrong and he
scolded em from the pulpit as if hed been a Ranter and yet he couldnt abide
the Dissenters and was a deal more set against em than Mr Irwine was And
then he didnt keep within his income for he seemed to think at first gooff
that six hundred ayear was to make him as big a man as Mr Donnithorne thats
a sore mischief Ive often seen with the poor curates jumping into a bit of a
living all of a sudden Mr Ryde was a deal thought on at a distance I believe
and he wrote books but as for mathmatics and the natur o things he was as
ignorant as a woman He was very knowing about doctrines and used to call em
the bulwarks of the Reformation but Ive always mistrusted that sort o
learning as leaves folks foolish and unreasonable about business Now Mester
Irwine was as different as could be as quick he understood what you meant in
a minute and he knew all about building and could see when youd made a good
job And he behaved as much like a gentleman to the farmers and th old women
and the labourers as he did to the gentry You never saw him interfering and
scolding and trying to play th emperor Ah he was a fine man as ever you set
eyes on and so kind tos mother and sisters That poor sickly Miss Anne he
seemed to think more of her than of anybody else in the world There wasnt a
soul in the parish had a word to say against him and his servants stayed with
him till they were so old and pottering he had to hire other folks to do their
work«
»Well« I said »that was an excellent way of preaching in the weekdays
but I daresay if your old friend Mr Irwine were to come to life again and get
into the pulpit next Sunday you would be rather ashamed that he didnt preach
better after all your praise of him«
»Nay nay« said Adam broadening his chest and throwing himself back in his
chair as if he were ready to meet all inferences »nobody has ever heard me say
Mr Irwine was much of a preacher He didnt go into deep speritial experience
and I know theres a deal in a mans inward life as you cant measure by the
square and say Do this and that ll follow and Do that and this ll follow
Theres things go on in the soul and times when feelings come into you like a
rushing mighty wind as the Scripture says and part your life in two amost so
as you look back on yourself as if you was somebody else Those are things as
you cant bottle up in a do this and do that and Ill go so far with the
strongest Methodist ever youll find That shows me theres deep speritial
things in religion You cant make much out wi talking about it but you feel
it Mr Irwine didnt go into those things he preached short moral sermons and
that was all But then he acted pretty much up to what he said he didnt set up
for being so different from other folks one day and then be as like em as two
peas the next And he made folks love him and respect him and that was better
nor stirring up their gall wi being overbusy Mrs Poyser used to say you
know she would have her word about everything she said Mr Irwine was like a
good meal o victual you were the better for him without thinking on it and
Mr Ryde was like a dose o physic he gripped you and worreted you and after
all he left you much the same«
»But didnt Mr Ryde preach a great deal more about that spiritual part of
religion than you talk of Adam Couldnt you get more out of his sermons than
out of Mr Irwines«
»Eh I knowna He preached a deal about doctrines But Ive seen pretty
clear ever since I was a young un as religions something else besides
doctrines and notions I look at it as if the doctrines was like finding names
for your feelings so as you can talk of em when youve never known em just
as a man may talk o tools when he knows their names though hes never so much
as seen em still less handled em Ive heard a deal o doctrine i my time
for I used to go after the Dissenting preachers along wi Seth when I was a lad
o seventeen and got puzzling myself a deal about th Arminians and the
Calvinists The Wesleyans you know are strong Arminians and Seth who could
never abide anything harsh and was always for hoping the best held fast by the
Wesleyans from the very first but I thought I could pick a hole or two in their
notions and I got disputing wi one o the class leaders down at Treddleson
and harassed him so first o this side and then o that till at last he said
Young man its the devil making use o your pride and conceit as a weapon to
war against the simplicity o the truth I couldnt help laughing then but as I
was going home I thought the man wasnt far wrong I began to see as all this
weighing and sifting what this text means and that text means and whether folks
are saved all by Gods grace or whether there goes an ounce o their own will
to t was no part o real religion at all You may talk o these things for
hours on end and youll only be all the more coxy and conceited for t So I
took to going nowhere but to church and hearing nobody but Mr Irwine for he
said nothing but what was good and what youd be the wiser for remembering And
I found it better for my soul to be humble before the mysteries o Gods
dealings and not be making a clatter about what I could never understand And
theyre poor foolish questions after all for what have we got either inside or
outside of us but what comes from God If weve got a resolution to do right He
gave it us I reckon first or last but I see plain enough we shall never do it
without a resolution and thats enough for me«
Adam you perceive was a warm admirer perhaps a partial judge of Mr
Irwine as happily some of us still are of the people we have known
familiarly Doubtless it will be despised as a weakness by that lofty order of
minds who pant after the ideal and are oppressed by a general sense that their
emotions are of too exquisite a character to find fit objects among their
everyday fellowmen I have often been favoured with the confidence of these
select natures and find them concur in the experience that great men are
overestimated and small men are insupportable that if you would love a woman
without ever looking back on your love as a folly she must die while you are
courting her and if you would maintain the slightest belief in human heroism
you must never make a pilgrimage to see the hero I confess I have often meanly
shrunk from confessing to these accomplished and acute gentlemen what my own
experience has been I am afraid I have often smiled with hypocritical assent
and gratified them with an epigram on the fleeting nature of our illusions
which any one moderately acquainted with French literature can command at a
moments notice Human converse I think some wise man has remarked is not
rigidly sincere But I herewith discharge my conscience and declare that I
have had quite enthusiastic movements of admiration towards old gentlemen who
spoke the worst English who were occasionally fretful in their temper and who
had never moved in a higher sphere of influence than that of parish overseer
and that the way in which I have come to the conclusion that human nature is
lovable the way I have learnt something of its deep pathos its sublime
mysteries has been by living a great deal among people more or less
commonplace and vulgar of whom you would perhaps hear nothing very surprising
if you were to inquire about them in the neighbourhoods where they dwelt Ten to
one most of the small shopkeepers in their vicinity saw nothing at all in them
For I have observed this remarkable coincidence that the select natures who
pant after the ideal and find nothing in pantaloons or petticoats great enough
to command their reverence and love are curiously in unison with the narrowest
and pettiest For example I have often heard Mr Gedge the landlord of the
Royal Oak who used to turn a bloodshot eye on his neighbours in the village of
Shepperton sum up his opinion of the people in his own parish and they were
all the people he knew in these emphatic words »Ay sir Ive said it often
and Ill say it again theyre a poor lot i this parish a poor lot sir big
and little« I think he had a dim idea that if he could migrate to a distant
parish he might find neighbours worthy of him and indeed he did subsequently
transfer himself to the Saracens Head which was doing a thriving business in
the back street of a neighbouring markettown But oddly enough he has found
the people up that back street of precisely the same stamp as the inhabitants of
Shepperton »a poor lot sir big and little and them as comes for a go o gin
are no better than them as comes for a pint o twopenny a poor lot«
Chapter XVIII
Church
»Hetty Hetty dont you know church begins at two and its gone half after one
aready Have you got nothing better to think on this good Sunday as poor old
Thias Bedes to be put into the ground and him drownded i th dead o the
night as its enough to make ones back run cold but you must be dizening
yourself as if there was a wedding istid of a funeral«
»Well aunt« said Hetty »I cant be ready so soon as everybody else when
Ive got Tottys things to put on And Id ever such work to make her stand
still«
Hetty was coming downstairs and Mrs Poyser in her plain bonnet and
shawl was standing below If ever a girl looked as if she had been made of
roses that girl was Hetty in her Sunday hat and frock For her hat was trimmed
with pink and her frock had pink spots sprinkled on a white ground There was
nothing but pink and white about her except in her dark hair and eyes and her
little buckled shoes Mrs Poyser was provoked at herself for she could hardly
keep from smiling as any mortal is inclined to do at the sight of pretty round
things So she turned without speaking and joined the group outside the house
door followed by Hetty whose heart was fluttering so at the thought of some
one she expected to see at church that she hardly felt the ground she trod on
And now the little procession set off Mr Poyser was in his Sunday suit of
drab with a redandgreen waistcoat and a green watchribbon having a large
cornelian seal attached pendant like a plumbline from that promontory where
his watchpocket was situated a silk handkerchief of a yellow tone round his
neck and excellent grey ribbed stockings knitted by Mrs Poysers own hand
setting off the proportions of his leg Mr Poyser had no reason to be ashamed
of his leg and suspected that the growing abuse of topboots and other fashions
tending to disguise the nether limbs had their origin in a pitiable degeneracy
of the human calf Still less had he reason to be ashamed of his round jolly
face which was goodhumour itself as he said »Come Hetty come little uns«
and giving his arm to his wife led the way through the causeway gate into the
yard
The »little uns« addressed were Marty and Tommy boys of nine and seven in
little fustian tailed coats and kneebreeches relieved by rosy cheeks and black
eyes looking as much like their father as a very small elephant is like a very
large one Hetty walked between them and behind came patient Molly whose task
it was to carry Totty through the yard and over all the wet places on the road
for Totty having speedily recovered from her threatened fever had insisted on
going to church today and especially on wearing her redandblack necklace
outside her tippet And there were many wet places for her to be carried over
this afternoon for there had been heavy showers in the morning though now the
clouds had rolled off and lay in towering silvery masses on the horizon
You might have known it was Sunday if you had only waked up in the farmyard
The cocks and hens seemed to know it and made only crooning subdued noises the
very bulldog looked less savage as if he would have been satisfied with a
smaller bite than usual The sunshine seemed to call all things to rest and not
to labour it was asleep itself on the mossgrown cowshed on the group of
white ducks nestling together with their bills tucked under their wings on the
old black sow stretched languidly on the straw while her largest young one
found an excellent springbed on his mothers fat ribs on Alick the shepherd
in his new smockfrock taking an uneasy siesta halfsitting halfstanding on
the granary steps Alick was of opinion that church like other luxuries was
not to be indulged in often by a foreman who had the weather and the ewes on his
mind »Church Nay In gotten summat else to think on« was an answer which he
often uttered in a tone of bitter significance that silenced further question I
feel sure Alick meant no irreverence indeed I know that his mind was not of a
speculative negative cast and he would on no account have missed going to
church on Christmas Day Easter Sunday and »Whissuntide« But he had a general
impression that public worship and religious ceremonies like other
nonproductive employments were intended for people who had leisure
»Theres father astanding at the yardgate« said Martin Poyser »I reckon
he wants to watch us down the field Its wonderful what sight he has and him
turned seventyfive«
»Ah I often think its wi th old folks as it is wi the babbies« said
Mrs Poyser »theyre satisfied wi looking no matter what theyre looking at
Its God Amightys way o quietening em I reckon afore they go to sleep«
Old Martin opened the gate as he saw the family procession approaching and
held it wide open leaning on his stick pleased to do this bit of work for
like all old men whose life has been spent in labour he liked to feel that he
was still useful that there was a better crop of onions in the garden because
he was by at the sowing and that the cows would be milked the better if he
stayed at home on a Sunday afternoon to look on He always went to church on
Sacrament Sundays but not very regularly at other times on wet Sundays or
whenever he had a touch of rheumatism he used to read the three first chapters
of Genesis instead
»Theyll ha putten Thias Bede i the ground afore ye get to the
churchyard« he said as his son came up »It ud ha been better luck if theyd
ha buried him i the forenoon when the rain was fallin theres no likelihoods
of a drop now an the moon lies like a boat there dost see Thats a sure sign
o fair weather theres a many as is false but thats sure«
»Ay ay« said the son »Im in hopes itll hold up now«
»Mind what the parson says mind what the parson says my lads« said
Grandfather to the blackeyed youngsters in kneebreeches conscious of a marble
or two in their pockets which they looked forward to handling a little
secretly during the sermon
»Goodbye dandad« said Totty »Me doin to church Me dot my netlace on
Dive me a peppermint«
Grandad shaking with laughter at this »deep little wench« slowly
transferred his stick to his left hand which held the gate open and slowly
thrust his finger into the waistcoatpocket on which Totty had fixed her eyes
with a confident look of expectation
And when they were all gone the old man leaned on the gate again watching
them across the lane along the Home Close and through the far gate till they
disappeared behind a bend in the hedge For the hedgerows in those days shut out
ones view even on the bettermanaged farms and this afternoon the dogroses
were tossing out their pink wreaths the nightshade was in its yellow and purple
glory the pale honeysuckle grew out of reach peeping high up out of a holly
bush and over all an ash or a sycamore every now and then threw its shadow
across the path
There were acquaintances at other gates who had to move aside and let them
pass at the gate of the Home Close there was half the dairy of cows standing
one behind the other extremely slow to understand that their large bodies might
be in the way at the far gate there was the mare holding her head over the
bars and beside her the livercoloured foal with its head towards its mothers
flank apparently still much embarrassed by its own straddling existence The
way lay entirely through Mr Poysers own fields till they reached the main road
leading to the village and he turned a keen eye on the stock and the crops as
they went along while Mrs Poyser was ready to supply a running commentary on
them all The woman who manages a dairy has a large share in making the rent so
she may well be allowed to have her opinion on stock and their »keep« an
exercise which strengthens her understanding so much that she finds herself able
to give her husband advice on most other subjects
»Theres that shorthorned Sally« she said as they entered the Home Close
and she caught sight of the meek beast that lay chewing the cud and looking at
her with a sleepy eye »I begin to hate the sight o the cow and I say now what
I said three weeks ago the sooner we get rid of her the better for theres
that little yallow cow as doesnt give half the milk and yet Ive twice as much
butter from her«
»Why theet not like the women in general« said Mr Poyser »they like the
shorthorns as give such a lot o milk Theres Chownes wife wants him to buy
no other sort«
»Whats it sinnify what Chownes wife likes a poor soft thing wi no
more headpiece nor a sparrow Shed take a big cullender to strain her lard
wi and then wonder as the scratchins run through Ive seen enough of her to
know as Ill niver take a servant from her house again all huggermugger and
youd niver know when you went in whether it was Monday or Friday the wash
draggin on to th end o the week and as for her cheese I know well enough it
rose like a loaf in a tin last year And then she talks o the weather bein i
fault as theres folks ud stand on their heads and then say the fault was i
their boots«
»Well Chownes been wanting to buy Sally so we can get rid of her if thee
likst« said Mr Poyser secretly proud of his wifes superior power of putting
two and two together indeed on recent marketdays he had more than once
boasted of her discernment in this very matter of shorthorns
»Ay them as choose a soft for a wife mays well buy up the shorthorns for
if you get your head stuck in a bog your legs mays well go after it Eh talk
o legs theres legs for you« Mrs Poyser continued as Totty who had been
set down now the road was dry toddled on in front of her father and mother
»Theres shapes An shes got such a long foot shell be her fathers own
child«
»Ay shell be welly such a one as Hetty i ten years time ony shes got
thy coloured eyes I niver remember a blue eye i my family my mother had eyes
as black as sloes just like Hettys«
»The child ull be none the worse for having summat as isnt like Hetty An
Im none for having her so over pretty Though for the matter o that theres
people wi light hair an blue eyes as pretty as them wi black If Dinah had
got a bit o colour in her cheeks an didnt stick that Methodist cap on her
head enough to frighten the cows folks ud think her as pretty as Hetty«
»Nay nay« said Mr Poyser with rather a contemptuous emphasis »thee
dostna know the pints of a woman The men ud niver run after Dinah as they
would after Hetty«
»What care I what the men ud run after Its well seen what choice the most
of em know how to make by the poor draggletails o wives you see like bits
o gauze ribbin good for nothing when the colours gone«
»Well well thee canstna say but what I knowed how to make a choice when I
married thee« said Mr Poyser who usually settled little conjugal disputes by
a compliment of this sort »and thee wast twice as buxom as Dinah ten year ago«
»I niver said as a woman had need to be ugly to make a good missis of a
house Theres Chownes wife ugly enough to turn the milk an save the rennet
but shell niver save nothing any other way But as for Dinah poor child shes
niver likely to be buxom as long as shell make her dinner o cake and water
for the sake o giving to them as want She provoked me past bearing sometimes
and as I told her she went clean again the Scriptur for that says Love
your neighbour as yourself but I said if you loved your neighbour no better
nor you do yourself Dinah its little enough youd do for him Youd be
thinking he might do well enough on a halfempty stomach Eh I wonder where she
is this blessed Sunday sitting by that sick woman I daresay as shed set
her heart on going to all of a sudden«
»Ah it was a pity she should take such megrims into her head when she
might ha stayed wi us all summer and eaten twice as much as she wanted and
it ud niver ha been missed She made no odds in th house at all for she sat
as still at her sewing as a bird on the nest and was uncommon nimble at running
to fetch anything If Hetty gets married theedst like to ha Dinah wi thee
constant«
»Its no use thinking o that« said Mrs Poyser »You might as well beckon
to the flying swallow as ask Dinah to come an live here comfortable like
other folks If anything could turn her I should ha turned her for Ive
talked to her for a hour on end and scolded her too for shes my own sisters
child and it behoves me to do what I can for her But eh poor thing as soon
as shed said us goodbye an got into the cart an looked back at me with her
pale face as is welly like her aunt Judith come back from heaven I begun to be
frightened to think o the setdowns I had given her for it comes over you
sometimes as if shed a way o knowing the rights o things more nor other folks
have But Ill niver give in as thats cause shes a Methodist no more nor a
white calfs white cause it eats out o the same bucket wi a black un«
»Nay« said Mr Poyser with as near an approach to a snarl as his
goodnature would allow »In no opinion o the Methodists Its ony
tradesfolks as turn Methodists you niver knew a farmer bitten wi them maggots
Theres maybe a workman now an then as isnt over clever ats work takes to
preachin an that like Seth Bede But you see Adam as has got one o the best
headpieces hereabout knows better hes a good Churchman else Id never
encourage him for a sweetheart for Hetty«
»Why goodness me« said Mrs Poyser who had looked back while her husband
was speaking »look where Molly is with them lads Theyre the fields length
behind us How could you let em do so Hetty Anybody might as well set a
pictur to watch the children as you Run back and tell em to come on«
Mr and Mrs Poyser were now at the end of the second field so they set
Totty on the top of one of the large stones forming the true Loamshire stile
and awaited the loiterers Totty observing with complacency »Dey naughty
naughty boys me dood«
The fact was that this Sunday walk through the fields was fraught with great
excitement to Marty and Tommy who saw a perpetual drama going on in the
hedgerows and could no more refrain from stopping and peeping than if they had
been a couple of spaniels or terriers Marty was quite sure he saw a
yellowhammer on the boughs of the great ash and while he was peeping he missed
the sight of a whitethroated stoat which had run across the path and was
described with much fervour by the junior Tommy Then there was a little
greenfinch just fledged fluttering along the ground and it seemed quite
possible to catch it till it managed to flutter under the blackberry bush
Hetty could not be got to give any heed to these things so Molly was called on
for her ready sympathy and peeped with open mouth wherever she was told and
said »Lawks« whenever she was expected to wonder
Molly hastened on with some alarm when Hetty had come back and called to
them that her aunt was angry but Marty ran on first shouting »Weve found the
speckled turkeys nest mother« with the instinctive confidence that people who
bring good news are never in fault
»Ah« said Mrs Poyser really forgetting all discipline in this pleasant
surprise »thats a good lad why where is it«
»Down in ever such a hole under the hedge I saw it first looking after
the greenfinch and she sat on the nest«
»You didnt frighten her I hope« said the mother »else shell forsake
it«
»No I went away as still as still and whispered to Molly didnt I
Molly«
»Well well now come on« said Mrs Poyser »and walk before father and
mother and take your little sister by the hand We must go straight on now
Good boys dont look after the birds of a Sunday«
»But mother« said Marty »you said youd give halfacrown to find the
speckled turkeys nest Maynt I have the halfcrown put into my moneybox«
»Well see about that my lad if you walk along now like a good boy«
The father and mother exchanged a significant glance of amusement at their
eldestborns acuteness but on Tommys round face there was a cloud
»Mother« he said half crying »Martys got ever so much more money in his
box nor Ive got in mine«
»Munny me want halfatoun in my bots« said Totty
»Hush hush hush« said Mrs Poyser »did ever anybody hear such naughty
children Nobody shall ever see their moneyboxes any more if they dont make
haste and go on to church«
This dreadful threat had the desired effect and through the two remaining
fields the three pair of small legs trotted on without any serious interruption
notwithstanding a small pond full of tadpoles alias »bullheads« which the lads
looked at wistfully
The damp hay that must be scattered and turned afresh tomorrow was not a
cheering sight to Mr Poyser who during hay and corn harvest had often some
mental struggles as to the benefits of a day of rest but no temptation would
have induced him to carry on any fieldwork however early in the morning on a
Sunday for had not Michael Holdsworth had a pair of oxen »sweltered« while he
was ploughing on Good Friday That was a demonstration that work on sacred days
was a wicked thing and with wickedness of any sort Martin Poyser was quite
clear that he would have nothing to do since money got by such means would
never prosper
»It amost makes your fingers itch to be at the hay now the sun shines so«
he observed as they passed through the »Big Meadow« »But its poor foolishness
to think o saving by going against your conscience Theres that Jim Wakefield
as they used to call Gentleman Wakefield used to do the same of a Sunday as o
weekdays and took no heed to right or wrong as if there was nayther God nor
devil An whats he come to Why I saw him myself last marketday acarrying a
basket wi oranges int«
»Ah to be sure« said Mrs Poyser emphatically »you make but a poor trap
to catch luck if you go and bait it wi wickedness The money as is got sos
like to burn holes i your pocket Id niver wish us to leave our lads a
sixpence but what was got i the rightful way And as for the weather theres
One above makes it and we must put up wit its nothing of a plague to what
the wenches are«
Notwithstanding the interruption in their walk the excellent habit which
Mrs Poysers clock had of taking time by the forelock had secured their
arrival at the village while it was still a quarter to two though almost every
one who meant to go to church was already within the churchyard gates Those who
stayed at home were chiefly mothers like Timothys Bess who stood at her own
door nursing her baby and feeling as women feel in that position that nothing
else can be expected of them
It was not entirely to see Thias Bedes funeral that the people were
standing about the churchyard so long before service began that was their
common practice The women indeed usually entered the church at once and the
farmers wives talked in an undertone to each other over the tall pews about
their illnesses and the total failure of doctors stuff recommending
dandeliontea and other homemade specifics as far preferable about the
servants and their growing exorbitance as to wages whereas the quality of
their services declined from year to year and there was no girl nowadays to be
trusted any further than you could see her about the bad price Mr Dingall
the Treddleston grocer was giving for butter and the reasonable doubts that
might be held as to his solvency notwithstanding that Mrs Dingall was a
sensible woman and they were all sorry for her for she had very good kin
Meantime the men lingered outside and hardly any of them except the singers
who had a humming and fragmentary rehearsal to go through entered the church
until Mr Irwine was in the desk They saw no reason for that premature
entrance what could they do in church if they were there before service
began and they did not conceive that any power in the universe could take it
ill of them if they stayed out and talked a little about »busness«
Chad Cranage looks like quite a new acquaintance today for he has got his
clean Sunday face which always makes his little granddaughter cry at him as a
stranger But an experienced eye would have fixed on him at once as the village
blacksmith after seeing the humble deference with which the big saucy fellow
took off his hat and stroked his hair to the farmers for Chad was accustomed to
say that a working man must hold a candle to a personage understood to be as
black as he was himself on weekdays by which evilsounding rule of conduct he
meant what was after all rather virtuous than otherwise namely that men who
had horses to be shod must be treated with respect Chad and the rougher sort of
workmen kept aloof from the grave under the white thorn where the burial was
going forward but Sandy Jim and several of the farmlabourers made a group
round it and stood with their hats off as fellowmourners with the mother and
sons Others held a midway position sometimes watching the group at the grave
sometimes listening to the conversation of the farmers who stood in a knot near
the church door and were now joined by Martin Poyser while his family passed
into the church On the outside of this knot stood Mr Casson the landlord of
the Donnithorne Arms in his most striking attitude that is to say with the
forefinger of his right hand thrust between the buttons of his waistcoat his
left hand in his breechespocket and his head very much on one side looking
on the whole like an actor who has only a monosyllabic part intrusted to him
but feels sure that the audience discern his fitness for the leading business
curiously in contrast with old Jonathan Burge who held his hands behind him
and leaned forward coughing asthmatically with an inward scorn of all
knowingness that could not be turned into cash The talk was in rather a lower
tone than usual today hushed a little by the sound of Mr Irwines voice
reading the final prayers of the burialservice They had all had their word of
pity for poor Thias but now they had got upon the nearer subject of their own
grievances against Satchell the Squires bailiff who played the part of
steward so far as it was not performed by old Mr Donnithorne himself for that
gentleman had the meanness to receive his own rents and make bargains about his
own timber This subject of conversation was an additional reason for not being
loud since Satchell himself might presently be walking up the paved road to the
church door And soon they became suddenly silent for Mr Irwines voice had
ceased and the group round the white thorn was dispersing itself towards the
church
They all moved aside and stood with their hats off while Mr Irwine
passed Adam and Seth were coming next with their mother between them for
Joshua Rann officiated as head sexton as well as clerk and was not yet ready to
follow the rector into the vestry But there was a pause before the three
mourners came on Lisbeth had turned round to look again towards the grave Ah
there was nothing now but the brown earth under the white thorn Yet she cried
less today than she had done any day since her husbands death along with all
her grief there was mixed an unusual sense of her own importance in having a
»burial« and in Mr Irwines reading a special service for her husband and
besides she knew the funeral psalm was going to be sung for him She felt this
counterexcitement to her sorrow still more strongly as she walked with her sons
towards the church door and saw the friendly sympathetic nods of their
fellowparishioners
The mother and sons passed into the church and one by one the loiterers
followed though some still lingered without the sight of Mr Donnithornes
carriage which was winding slowly up the hill perhaps helping to make them
feel that there was no need for haste
But presently the sound of the bassoon and the keybugles burst forth the
evening hymn which always opened the service had begun and every one must now
enter and take his place
I cannot say that the interior of Hayslope Church was remarkable for
anything except for the grey age of its oaken pews great square pews mostly
ranged on each side of a narrow aisle It was free indeed from the modern
blemish of galleries The choir had two narrow pews to themselves in the middle
of the righthand row so that it was a short process for Joshua Rann to take
his place among them as principal bass and return to his desk after the singing
was over The pulpit and desk grey and old as the pews stood on one side of
the arch leading into the chancel which also had its grey square pews for Mr
Donnithornes family and servants Yet I assure you these grey pews with the
buffwashed walls gave a very pleasing tone to this shabby interior and agreed
extremely well with the ruddy faces and bright waistcoats And there were
liberal touches of crimson toward the chancel for the pulpit and Mr
Donnithornes own pew had handsome crimson cloth cushions and to close the
vista there was a crimson altarcloth embroidered with golden rays by Miss
Lydias own hand
But even without the crimson cloth the effect must have been warm and
cheering when Mr Irwine was in the desk looking benignly round on that simple
congregation on the hardy old men with bent knees and shoulders perhaps but
with vigour left for much hedgeclipping and thatching on the tall stalwart
frames and roughlycut bronzed faces of the stonecutters and carpenters on the
halfdozen welltodo farmers with their applecheeked families and on the
clean old women mostly farmlabourers wives with their bit of snowwhite
capborder under their black bonnets and with their withered arms bare from
the elbow folded passively over their chests For none of the old people held
books why should they not one of them could read But they knew a few »good
words« by heart and their withered lips now and then moved silently following
the service without any very clear comprehension indeed but with a simple faith
in its efficacy to ward off harm and bring blessing And now all faces were
visible for all were standing up the little children on the seats peeping
over the edge of the grey pews while good Bishop Kens evening hymn was being
sung to one of those lively psalmtunes which died out with the last generation
of rectors and choral parishclerks Melodies die out like the pipe of Pan
with the ears that love them and listen for them Adam was not in his usual
place among the singers today for he sat with his mother and Seth and he
noticed with surprise that Bartle Massey was absent too all the more agreeable
for Mr Joshua Rann who gave out his bass notes with unusual complacency and
threw an extra ray of severity into the glances he sent over his spectacles at
the recusant Will Maskery
I beseech you to imagine Mr Irwine looking round on this scene in his
ample white surplice that became him so well with his powdered hair thrown
back his rich brown complexion and his finelycut nostril and upper lip for
there was a certain virtue in that benignant yet keen countenance as there is
in all human faces from which a generous soul beams out And over all streamed
the delicious June sunshine through the old windows with their desultory
patches of yellow red and blue that threw pleasant touches of colour on the
opposite wall
I think as Mr Irwine looked round today his eyes rested an instant
longer than usual on the square pew occupied by Martin Poyser and his family
And there was another pair of dark eyes that found it impossible not to wander
thither and rest on that round pinkandwhite figure But Hetty was at that
moment quite careless of any glances she was absorbed in the thought that
Arthur Donnithorne would soon be coming into church for the carriage must
surely be at the church gate by this time She had never seen him since she
parted with him in the wood on Thursday evening and oh how long the time had
seemed Things had gone on just the same as ever since that evening the wonders
that had happened then had brought no changes after them they were already like
a dream When she heard the church door swinging her heart beat so she dared
not look up She felt that her aunt was curtsying she curtsied herself That
must be old Mr Donnithorne he always came first the wrinkled small old man
peering round with shortsighted glances at the bowing and curtsying
congregation then she knew Miss Lydia was passing and though Hetty liked so
much to look at her fashionable little coalscuttle bonnet with the wreath of
small roses round it she didnt mind it today But there were no more curtsies
no he was not come she felt sure there was nothing else passing the pew door
but the housekeepers black bonnet and the ladysmaids beautiful straw that
had once been Miss Lydias and then the powdered heads of the butler and
footman No he was not there yet she would look now she might be mistaken
for after all she had not looked So she lifted up her eyelids and glanced
timidly at the cushioned pew in the chancel there was no one but old Mr
Donnithorne rubbing his spectacles with his white handkerchief and Miss Lydia
opening the large giltedged prayerbook The chill disappointment was too hard
to bear she felt herself turning pale her lips trembling she was ready to
cry Oh what should she do Everybody would know the reason they would know
she was crying because Arthur was not there And Mr Craig with the wonderful
hothouse plant in his buttonhole was staring at her she knew It was
dreadfully long before the General Confession began so that she could kneel
down Two great drops would fall then but no one saw them except goodnatured
Molly for her aunt and uncle knelt with their backs towards her Molly unable
to imagine any cause for tears in church except faintness of which she had a
vague traditional knowledge drew out of her pocket a queer little flat blue
smellingbottle and after much labour in pulling the cork out thrust the
narrow neck against Hettys nostrils »It donna smell« she whispered thinking
this was a great advantage which old salts had over fresh ones they did you
good without biting your nose Hetty pushed it away peevishly but this little
flash of temper did what the salts could not have done it roused her to wipe
away the traces of her tears and try with all her might not to shed any more
Hetty had a certain strength in her vain little nature she would have borne
anything rather than be laughed at or pointed at with any other feeling than
admiration she would have pressed her own nails into her tender flesh rather
than people should know a secret she did not want them to know
What fluctuations there were in her busy thoughts and feelings while Mr
Irwine was pronouncing the solemn »Absolution« in her deaf ears and through all
the tones of petition that followed Anger lay very close to disappointment and
soon won the victory over the conjectures her small ingenuity could devise to
account for Arthurs absence on the supposition that he really wanted to come
really wanted to see her again And by the time she rose from her knees
mechanically because all the rest were rising the colour had returned to her
cheeks even with a heightened glow for she was framing little indignant
speeches to herself saying she hated Arthur for giving her this pain she
would like him to suffer too Yet while this selfish tumult was going on in her
soul her eyes were bent down on her prayerbook and the eyelids with their
dark fringe looked as lovely as ever Adam Bede thought so as he glanced at her
for a moment on rising from his knees
But Adams thoughts of Hetty did not deafen him to the service they rather
blended with all the other deep feelings for which the church service was a
channel to him this afternoon as a certain consciousness of our entire past and
our imagined future blends itself with all our moments of keen sensibility And
to Adam the church service was the best channel he could have found for his
mingled regret yearning and resignation its interchange of beseeching cries
for help with outbursts of faith and praise its recurrent responses and the
familiar rhythm of its collects seemed to speak for him as no other form of
worship could have done as to those early Christians who had worshipped from
their childhood upward in catacombs the torchlight and shadows must have
seemed nearer the Divine presence than the heathenish daylight of the street
The secret of our emotions never lies in the bare object but in its subtle
relations to our own past no wonder the secret escapes the unsympathising
observer who might as well put on his spectacles to discern odours
But there was one reason why even a chance comer would have found the
service in Hayslope Church more impressive than in most other village nooks in
the kingdom a reason of which I am sure you have not the slightest suspicion
It was the reading of our friend Joshua Rann Where that good shoemaker got his
notion of reading from remained a mystery even to his most intimate
acquaintances I believe after all he got it chiefly from Nature who had
poured some of her music into this honest conceited soul as she had been known
to do into other narrow souls before his She had given him at least a fine
bass voice and a musical ear but I cannot positively say whether these alone
had sufficed to inspire him with the rich chant in which he delivered the
responses The way he rolled from a rich deep forte into a melancholy cadence
subsiding at the end of the last word into a sort of faint resonance like the
lingering vibrations of a fine violoncello I can compare to nothing for its
strong calm melancholy but the rush and cadence of the wind among the autumn
boughs This may seem a strange mode of speaking about the reading of a
parishclerk a man in rusty spectacles with stubbly hair a large occiput
and a prominent crown But that is Natures way she will allow a gentleman of
splendid physiognomy and poetic aspirations to sing woefully out of tune and
not give him the slightest hint of it and takes care that some narrowbrowed
fellow trolling a ballad in the corner of a pothouse shall be as true to his
intervals as a bird
Joshua himself was less proud of his reading than of his singing and it was
always with a sense of heightened importance that he passed from the desk to the
choir Still more today it was a special occasion for an old man familiar to
all the parish had died a sad death not in his bed a circumstance the most
painful to the mind of the peasant and now the funeral psalm was to be sung in
memory of his sudden departure Moreover Bartle Massey was not at church and
Joshuas importance in the choir suffered no eclipse It was a solemn minor
strain they sang The old psalmtunes have many a wail among them and the words
»Thou sweepst us off as with a flood
We vanish hence like dreams«
seemed to have a closer application than usual in the death of poor Thias The
mother and sons listened each with peculiar feelings Lisbeth had a vague
belief that the psalm was doing her husband good it was part of that decent
burial which she would have thought it a greater wrong to withhold from him than
to have caused him many unhappy days while he was living The more there was
said about her husband the more there was done for him surely the safer he
would be It was poor Lisbeths blind way of feeling that human love and pity
are a ground of faith in some other love Seth who was easily touched shed
tears and tried to recall as he had done continually since his fathers death
all that he had heard of the possibility that a single moment of consciousness
at the last might be a moment of pardon and reconcilement for was it not
written in the very psalm they were singing that the divine dealings were not
measured and circumscribed by time Adam had never been unable to join in a
psalm before He had known plenty of trouble and vexation since he had been a
lad but this was the first sorrow that had hemmed in his voice and strangely
enough it was sorrow because the chief source of his past trouble and vexation
was for ever gone out of his reach He had not been able to press his fathers
hand before their parting and say »Father you know it was all right between
us I never forgot what I owed you when I was a lad you forgive me if I have
been too hot and hasty now and then« Adam thought but little today of the hard
work and the earnings he had spent on his father his thoughts ran constantly on
what the old mans feelings had been in moments of humiliation when he had held
down his head before the rebukes of his son When our indignation is borne in
submissive silence we are apt to feel twinges of doubt afterwards as to our own
generosity if not justice how much more when the object of our anger has gone
into everlasting silence and we have seen his face for the last time in the
meekness of death
»Ah I was always too hard« Adam said to himself »Its a sore fault in me
as Im so hot and out o patience with people when they do wrong and my heart
gets shut up against em so as I cant bring myself to forgive em I see clear
enough theres more pride nor love in my soul for I could sooner make a
thousand strokes with th hammer for my father than bring myself to say a kind
word to him And there went plenty o pride and temper to the strokes as the
devil will be having his finger in what we call our duties as well as our sins
Mayhap the best thing I ever did in my life was only doing what was easiest for
myself Its allays been easier for me to work nor to sit still but the real
tough job for me ud be to master my own will and temper and go right against
my own pride It seems to me now if I was to find father at home tonight I
should behave different but theres no knowing perhaps nothing ud be a
lesson to us if it didnt come too late Its well we should feel as lifes a
reckoning we cant make twice over theres no real making amends in this world
any more nor you can mend a wrong subtraction by doing your addition right«
This was the keynote to which Adams thoughts had perpetually returned
since his fathers death and the solemn wail of the funeral psalm was only an
influence that brought back the old thoughts with stronger emphasis So was the
sermon which Mr Irwine had chosen with reference to Thiass funeral It spoke
briefly and simply of the words »In the midst of life we are in death« how
the present moment is all we can call our own for works of mercy of righteous
dealing and of family tenderness All very old truths but what we thought the
oldest truth becomes the most startling to us in the week when we have looked on
the dead face of one who has made a part of our own lives For when men want to
impress us with the effect of a new and wonderfully vivid light do they not let
it fall on the most familiar objects that we may measure its intensity by
remembering the former dimness
Then came the moment of the final blessing when the forever sublime words
»The peace of God which passeth all understanding« seemed to blend with the
calm afternoon sunshine that fell on the bowed heads of the congregation and
then the quiet rising the mothers tying on the bonnets of the little maidens
who had slept through the sermon the fathers collecting the prayerbooks until
all streamed out through the old archway into the green churchyard and began
their neighbourly talk their simple civilities and their invitations to tea
for on a Sunday every one was ready to receive a guest it was the day when all
must be in their best clothes and their best humour
Mr and Mrs Poyser paused a minute at pie church gate they were waiting
for Adam to come up not being contented to go away without saying a kind word
to the widow and her sons
»Well Mrs Bede« said Mrs Poyser as they walked on together »you must
keep up your heart husbands and wives must be content when theyve lived to
rear their children and see one anothers hair grey«
»Ay ay« said Mr Poyser »they wonna have long to wait for one another
then anyhow And yeve got two o the strappingst sons i th country and
well you may for I remember poor Thias as fine a broadshouldered fellow as
need to be and as for you Mrs Bede why youre straighter i the back nor
half the young women now«
»Eh« said Lisbeth »its poor luck for the platter to wear well when its
broke i two The sooner Im laid under the thorn the better Im no good to
nobody now«
Adam never took notice of his mothers little unjust plaints but Seth said
»Nay mother thee mustna say so Thy sons ull never get another mother«
»Thats true lad thats true« said Mr Poyser »and its wrong on us to
give way to grief Mrs Bede for its like the children cryin when the fathers
and mothers take things from em Theres One above knows better nor us«
»Ah« said Mrs Poyser »an its poor work allays settin the dead above
the livin We shall all on us be dead some time I reckon it ud be better if
folks ud make much on us beforehand istid o beginnin when were gone Its
but little good youll do awatering the last years crop«
»Well Adam« said Mr Poyser feeling that his wifes words were as usual
rather incisive than soothing and that it would be well to change the subject
»youll come and see us again now I hope I hanna had a talk with you this long
while and the missis here wants you to see what can be done with her best
spinningwheel for its got broke and itll be a nice job to mend it
therell want a bit o turning Youll come as soon as you can now will you«
Mr Poyser paused and looked round while he was speaking as if to see where
Hetty was for the children were running on before Hetty was not without a
companion and she had besides more pink and white about her than ever for
she held in her hand the wonderful pinkandwhite hothouse plant with a very
long name a Scotch name she supposed since people said Mr Craig the
gardener was Scotch Adam took the opportunity of looking round too and I am
sure you will not require of him that he should feel any vexation in observing a
pouting expression on Hettys face as she listened to the gardeners smalltalk
Yet in her secret heart she was glad to have him by her side for she would
perhaps learn from him how it was Arthur had not come to church Not that she
cared to ask him the question but she hoped the information would be given
spontaneously for Mr Craig like a superior man was very fond of giving
information
Mr Craig was never aware that his conversation and advances were received
coldly for to shift ones point of view beyond certain limits is impossible to
the most liberal and expansive mind we are none of us aware of the impression
we produce on Brazilian monkeys of feeble understanding it is possible they
see hardly anything in us Moreover Mr Craig was a man of sober passions and
was already in his tenth year of hesitation as to the relative advantages of
matrimony and bachelorhood It is true that now and then when he had been a
little heated by an extra glass of grog he had been heard to say of Hetty that
the »lass was well enough« and that »a man might do worse« but on convivial
occasions men are apt to express themselves strongly
Martin Poyser held Mr Craig in honour as a man who »knew his business«
and who had great lights concerning soils and compost but he was less of a
favourite with Mrs Poyser who had more than once said in confidence to her
husband »Youre mighty fond o Craig but for my part I think hes welly like
a cock as thinks the suns rose o purpose to hear him crow« For the rest Mr
Craig was an estimable gardener and was not without reasons for having a high
opinion of himself He had also high shoulders and high cheekbones and hung
his head forward a little as he walked along with his hands in his
breechespockets I think it was his pedigree only that had the advantage of
being Scotch and not his »bringing up« for except that he had a stronger burr
in his accent his speech differed little from that of the Loamshire people
about him But a gardener is Scotch as a French teacher is Parisian
»Well Mr Poyser« he said before the good slow farmer had time to speak
»yell not be carrying your hay tomorrow Im thinking the glass sticks at
change and ye may rely upo my word as well ha more downfall afore
twentyfour hours is past Ye see that darkish blue cloud there upo the rizon
ye know what I mean by the rizon where the land and sky seems to meet«
»Ay ay I see the cloud« said Mr Poyser »rizon or no rizon Its right
oer Mike Holdsworths fallow and a foul fallow it is«
»Well you mark my words as that cloud ull spread oer the sky pretty nigh
as quick as youd spread a tarpaulin over one o your hayricks Its a great
thing to ha studied the look o the clouds Lord bless you th metorological
almanecks can learn me nothing but theres a pretty sight o things I could let
them up to if theyd just come to me And how are you Mrs Poyser thinking
o getherin the red currants soon I reckon Youd a deal better gether em
afore theyre oerripe wi such weather as weve got to look forward to How
do ye do Mistress Bede« Mr Craig continued without a pause nodding by the
way to Adam and Seth »I hope y enjoyed them spinach and gooseberries as I sent
Chester with th other day If ye want vegetables while yere in trouble ye
know where to come to Its well known Im not giving other folks things away
for when Ive supplied the house the gardens my own spekilation and it isna
every man th old Squire could get as ud be equil to the undertaking let alone
asking whether hed be willing Ive got to run my calkilation fine I can tell
you to make sure o getting back the money as I pay the Squire I should like
to see some o them fellows as make the almanecks looking as far before their
noses as Ive got to do every year as comes«
»They look pretty fur though« said Mr Poyser turning his head on one
side and speaking in rather a subdued reverential tone »Why what could come
truer nor that pictur o the cock wi the big spurs as has got its head knocked
down wi th anchor an th firin an the ships behind Why that pictur was
made afore Christmas and yit its come as true as th Bible Why th cocks
France an th anchors Nelson an they told us that beforehand«
»Pee eeeh« said Mr Craig »A man doesna want to see fur to know as th
English ull beat the French Why I know upo good authority as its a big
Frenchman as reaches five foot high an they live upo spoonmeat mostly I
knew a man as his father had a particular knowledge o the French I should like
to know what them grasshoppers are to do against such fine fellows as our young
Captain Arthur Why it ud astonish a Frenchman only to look at him his arms
thicker nor a Frenchmans body Ill be bound for they pinch theirsells in wi
stays and its easy enough for theyve got nothing i their insides«
»Where is the Captain as he wasna at church today« said Adam »I was
talking to him o Friday and he said nothing about his going away«
»Oh hes only gone to Eagledale for a bit o fishing I reckon hell be
back again afore many days are oer for hes to be at all th arranging and
preparing o things for the comin o age o the 30th o July But hes fond o
getting away for a bit now and then Him and th old Squire fit one another
like frost and flowers«
Mr Craig smiled and winked slowly as he made this last observation but the
subject was not developed farther for now they had reached the turning in the
road where Adam and his companions must say »goodbye« The gardener too would
have had to turn off in the same direction if he had not accepted Mr Poysers
invitation to tea Mrs Poyser duly seconded the invitation for she would have
held it a deep disgrace not to make her neighbours welcome to her house
personal likes and dislikes must not interfere with that sacred custom
Moreover Mr Craig had always been full of civilities to the family at the Hall
Farm and Mrs Poyser was scrupulous in declaring that she had »nothing to say
again him ony it was a pity he couldna be hatched oer again an hatched
different«
So Adam and Seth with their mother between them wound their way down to
the valley and up again to the old house where a saddened memory had taken the
place of a long long anxiety where Adam would never have to ask again as he
entered »Wheres father«
And the other family party with Mr Craig for company went back to the
pleasant bright houseplace at the Hall Farm all with quiet minds except
Hetty who knew now where Arthur was gone but was only the more puzzled and
uneasy For it appeared that his absence was quite voluntary he need not have
gone he would not have gone if he had wanted to see her She had a sickening
sense that no lot could ever be pleasant to her again if her Thursday nights
vision was not to be fulfilled and in this moment of chill bare wintry
disappointment and doubt she looked towards the possibility of being with
Arthur again of meeting his loving glance and hearing his soft words with
that eager yearning which one may call the »growing pain« of passion
Chapter XIX
Adam on a Working Day
Notwithstanding Mr Craigs prophecy the darkblue cloud dispersed itself
without having produced the threatened consequences »The weather« as he
observed the next morning »the weather you see s a ticklish thing an a
fool ull hit ont sometimes when a wise man misses thats why the almanecks
get so much credit Its one o them chancy things as fools thrive on«
This unreasonable behaviour of the weather however could displease no one
else in Hayslope beside Mr Craig All hands were to be out in the meadows this
morning as soon as the dew had risen the wives and daughters did double work in
every farmhouse that the maids might give their help in tossing the hay and
when Adam was marching along the lanes with his basket of tools over his
shoulder he caught the sound of jocose talk and ringing laughter from behind
the hedges The jocose talk of haymakers is best at a distance like those
clumsy bells round the cows necks it has rather a coarse sound when it comes
close and may even grate on your ears painfully but heard from far off it
mingles very prettily with the other joyous sounds of nature Mens muscles move
better when their souls are making merry music though their merriment is of a
poor blundering sort not at all like the merriment of birds
And perhaps there is no time in a summers day more cheering than when the
warmth of the sun is just beginning to triumph over the freshness of the morning
when there is just a lingering hint of early coolness to keep off languor
under the delicious influence of warmth The reason Adam was walking along the
lanes at this time was because his work for the rest of the day lay at a country
house about three miles off which was being put in repair for the son of a
neighbouring squire and he had been busy since early morning with the packing
of panels doors and chimneypieces in a waggon which was now gone on before
him while Jonathan Burge himself had ridden to the spot on horseback to await
its arrival and direct the workmen
This little walk was a rest to Adam and he was unconsciously under the
charm of the moment It was summer morning in his heart and he saw Hetty in the
sunshine a sunshine without glare with slanting rays that tremble between the
delicate shadows of the leaves He thought yesterday when he put out his hand
to her as they came out of church that there was a touch of melancholy kindness
in her face such as he had not seen before and he took it as a sign that she
had some sympathy with his family trouble Poor fellow that touch of melancholy
came from quite another source but how was he to know We look at the one
little womans face we love as we look at the face of our mother earth and see
all sorts of answers to our own yearnings It was impossible for Adam not to
feel that what had happened in the last week had brought the prospect of
marriage nearer to him Hitherto he had felt keenly the danger that some other
man might step in and get possession of Hettys heart and hand while he himself
was still in a position that made him shrink from asking her to accept him Even
if he had had a strong hope that she was fond of him and his hope was far from
being strong he had been too heavily burthened with other claims to provide a
home for himself and Hetty a home such as he could expect her to be content
with after the comfort and plenty of the Farm Like all strong natures Adam had
confidence in his ability to achieve something in the future he felt sure he
should some day if he lived be able to maintain a family and make a good
broad path for himself but he had too cool a head not to estimate to the full
the obstacles that were to be overcome And the time would be so long And there
was Hetty like a brightcheeked apple hanging over the orchard wall within
sight of everybody and everybody must long for her To be sure if she loved
him very much she would be content to wait for him but did she love him His
hopes had never risen so high that he had dared to ask her He was clearsighted
enough to be aware that her uncle and aunt would have looked kindly on his suit
and indeed without this encouragement he would never have persevered in going to
the Farm but it was impossible to come to any but fluctuating conclusions about
Hettys feelings She was like a kitten and had the same distractingly pretty
looks that meant nothing for everybody that came near her
But now he could not help saying to himself that the heaviest part of his
burden was removed and that even before the end of another year his
circumstances might be brought into a shape that would allow him to think of
marrying It would always be a hard struggle with his mother he knew she would
be jealous of any wife he might choose and she had set her mind especially
against Hetty perhaps for no other reason than that she suspected Hetty to be
the woman he had chosen It would never do he feared for his mother to live in
the same house with him when he was married and yet how hard she would think it
if he asked her to leave him Yes there was a great deal of pain to be gone
through with his mother but it was a case in which he must make her feel that
his will was strong it would be better for her in the end For himself he
would have liked that they should all live together till Seth was married and
they might have built a bit themselves to the old house and made more room He
did not like »to part wi th lad« they had hardly ever been separated for more
than a day since they were born
But Adam had no sooner caught his imagination leaping forward in this way
making arrangements for an uncertain future than he checked himself »A pretty
building Im making without either bricks or timber Im up i the garret
aready and havent so much as dug the foundation« Whenever Adam was strongly
convinced of any proposition it took the form of a principle in his mind it
was knowledge to be acted on as much as the knowledge that damp will cause
rust Perhaps here lay the secret of the hardness he had accused himself of he
had too little fellowfeeling with the weakness that errs in spite of foreseen
consequences Without this fellowfeeling how are we to get enough patience and
charity towards our stumbling falling companions in the long and changeful
journey And there is but one way in which a strong determined soul can learn it
by getting his heartstrings bound round the weak and erring so that he must
share not only the outward consequence of their error but their inward
suffering That is a long and hard lesson and Adam had at present only learned
the alphabet of it in his fathers sudden death which by annihilating in an
instant all that had stimulated his indignation had sent a sudden rush of
thought and memory over what had claimed his pity and tenderness
But it was Adams strength not its correlative hardness that influenced
his meditations this morning He had long made up his mind that it would be
wrong as well as foolish for him to marry a blooming young girl so long as he
had no other prospect than that of growing poverty with a growing family And
his savings had been so constantly drawn upon besides the terrible sweep of
paying for Seths substitute in the militia that he had not enough money
beforehand to furnish even a small cottage and keep something in reserve
against a rainy day He had good hope that he should be »firmer on his legs«
byandby but he could not be satisfied with a vague confidence in his arm and
brain he must have definite plans and set about them at once The partnership
with Jonathan Burge was not to be thought of at present there were things
implicitly tacked to it that he could not accept but Adam thought that he and
Seth might carry on a little business for themselves in addition to their
journeymans work by buying a small stock of superior wood and making articles
of household furniture for which Adam had no end of contrivances Seth might
gain more by working at separate jobs under Adams direction than by his
journeymans work and Adam in his overhours could do all the »nice« work
that required peculiar skill The money gained in this way with the good wages
he received as foreman would soon enable them to get beforehand with the world
so sparingly as they would all live now No sooner had this little plan shaped
itself in his mind than he began to be busy with exact calculations about the
wood to be bought and the particular article of furniture that should be
undertaken first a kitchen cupboard of his own contrivance with such an
ingenious arrangement of slidingdoors and bolts such convenient nooks for
stowing household provender and such a symmetrical result to the eye that
every good housewife would be in raptures with it and fall through all the
gradations of melancholy longing till her husband promised to buy it for her
Adam pictured to himself Mrs Poyser examining it with her keen eye and trying
in vain to find out a deficiency and of course close to Mrs Poyser stood
Hetty and Adam was again beguiled from calculations and contrivances into
dreams and hopes Yes he would go and see her this evening it was so long
since he had been at the Hall Farm He would have liked to go to the
nightschool to see why Bartle Massey had not been at church yesterday for he
feared his old friend was ill but unless he could manage both visits this
last must be put off till tomorrow the desire to be near Hetty and to speak
to her again was too strong
As he made up his mind to this he was coming very near to the end of his
walk within the sound of the hammers at work on the refitting of the old house
The sound of tools to a clever workman who loves his work is like the tentative
sounds of the orchestra to the violinist who has to bear his part in the
overture the strong fibres begin their accustomed thrill and what was a moment
before joy vexation or ambition begins its change into energy All passion
become strength when it has an outlet from the narrow limits of our personal lot
in the labour of our right arm the cunning of our right hand or the still
creative activity of our thought Look at Adam through the rest of the day as
he stands on the scaffolding with the twofeet ruler in his hand whistling low
while he considers how a difficulty about a floorjoist or a windowframe is to
be overcome or as he pushes one of the younger workmen aside and takes his
place in upheaving a weight of timber saying »Let alone lad theest got too
much gristle i thy bones yet« or as he fixes his keen black eyes on the
motions of a workman on the other side of the room and warns him that his
distances are not right Look at this broadshouldered man with the bare
muscular arms and the thick firm black hair tossed about like trodden
meadowgrass whenever he takes off his paper cap and with the strong barytone
voice bursting every now and then into loud and solemn psalmtunes as if
seeking an outlet for superfluous strength yet presently checking himself
apparently crossed by some thought which jars with the singing Perhaps if you
had not been already in the secret you might not have guessed what sad
memories what warm affection what tender fluttering hopes had their home in
this athletic body with the broken fingernails in this rough man who knew no
better lyrics than he could find in the Old and New Version and an occasional
hymn who knew the smallest possible amount of profane history and for whom the
motion and shape of the earth the course of the sun and the changes of the
seasons lay in the region of mystery just made visible by fragmentary
knowledge It had cost Adam a great deal of trouble and work in overhours to
know what he knew over and above the secrets of his handicraft and that
acquaintance with mechanics and figures and the nature of the materials he
worked with which was made easy to him by inborn inherited faculty to get the
mastery of his pen and write a plain hand to spell without any other mistakes
than must in fairness be attributed to the unreasonable character of orthography
rather than to any deficiency in the speller and moreover to learn his
musical notes and partsinging Besides all this he had read his Bible
including the apocryphal books Poor Richards Almanac Taylors Holy Living and
Dying The Pilgrims Progress with Bunyans Life and Holy War a great deal of
Baileys Dictionary Valentine and Orson and part of a History of Babylon
which Bartle Massey had lent him He might have had many more books from Bartle
Massey but he had no time for reading »the commin print« as Lisbeth called it
so busy as he was with figures in all the leisure moments which he did not fill
up with extra carpentry
Adam you perceive was by no means a marvellous man nor properly
speaking a genius yet I will not pretend that his was an ordinary character
among workmen and it would not be at all a safe conclusion that the next best
man you may happen to see with a basket of tools over his shoulder and a paper
cap on his head has the strong conscience and the strong sense the blended
susceptibility and selfcommand of our friend Adam He was not an average man
Yet such men as he are reared here and there in every generation of our peasant
artisans with an inheritance of affections nurtured by a simple family life of
common need and common industry and an inheritance of faculties trained in
skilful courageous labour they make their way upward rarely as geniuses most
commonly as painstaking honest men with the skill and conscience to do well the
tasks that lie before them Their lives have no discernible echo beyond the
neighbourhood where they dwelt but you are almost sure to find there some good
piece of road some building some application of mineral produce some
improvement in farming practice some reform of parish abuses with which their
names are associated by one or two generations after them Their employers were
the richer for them the work of their hands has worn well and the work of
their brains has guided well the hands of other men They went about in their
youth in flannel or paper caps in coats black with coaldust or streaked with
lime and red paint in old age their white hairs are seen in a place of honour
at church and at market and they tell their welldressed sons and daughters
seated round the bright hearth on winter evenings how pleased they were when
they first earned their twopence aday Others there are who die poor and never
put off the workmans coat on weekdays they have not had the art of getting
rich but they are men of trust and when they die before the work is all out of
them it is as if some main screw had got loose in a machine the master who
employed them says »Where shall I find their like«
Chapter XX
Adam Visits the Hall Farm
Adam came back from his work in the empty waggon that was why he had changed
his clothes and was ready to set out to the Hall Farm when it still wanted a
quarter to seven
»Whats thee got thy Sunday cloose on for« said Lisbeth complainingly as
he came downstairs »Thee artna goin to th school i thy best coat«
»No mother« said Adam quietly »Im going to the Hall Farm but mayhap I
may go to the school after so thee mustna wonder if Im a bit late Seth ull
be at home in half an hour hes only gone to the village so thee wutna mind«
»Eh an whats thee got thy best cloose on for to go to th Hall Farm The
Poyser folks seed thee in em yesterday I warrand What dost mean by turnin
workiday into Sunday athatn Its poor keepin company wi folks as donna
like to see thee i thy workin jacket«
»Goodbye mother I cant stay« said Adam putting on his hat and going
out
But he had no sooner gone a few paces beyond the door than Lisbeth became
uneasy at the thought that she had vexed him Of course the secret of her
objection to the best clothes was her suspicion that they were put on for
Hettys sake but deeper than all her peevishness lay the need that her son
should love her She hurried after him and laid hold of his arm before he had
got halfway down to the brook and said »Nay my lad thee wutna go away
angered wi thy mother an her got nought to do but to sit by hersen an think
on thee«
»Nay nay mother« said Adam gravely and standing still while he put his
arm on her shoulder »Im not angered But I wish for thy own sake theedst be
more contented to let me do what Ive made up my mind to do Ill never be no
other than a good son to thee as long as we live But a man has other feelings
besides what he owes tos father and mother and thee oughtna to want to rule
over me body and soul And thee must make up thy mind as Ill not give way to
thee where Ive a right to do what I like So let us have no more words about
it«
»Eh« said Lisbeth not willing to show that she felt the real bearing of
Adams words »an who likes to see thee i thy best cloose better nor thy
mother An when theest got thy face washed as clean as the smooth white
pibble an thy hair combed so nice and thy eyes asparklin what else is
there as thy old mother should like to look at half so well An thee shat put
on thy Sunday cloose when thee likst for me Ill neer plague thee no moor
aboutn«
»Well well goodbye mother« said Adam kissing her and hurrying away
He saw there was no other means of putting an end to the dialogue Lisbeth stood
still on the spot shading her eyes and looking after him till he was quite out
of sight She felt to the full all the meaning that had lain in Adams words
and as she lost sight of him and turned back slowly into the house she said
aloud to herself for it was her way to speak her thoughts aloud in the long
days when her husband and sons were at their work »Eh hell be tellin me as
hes goin to bring her home one o these days an shell be missis oer me
and I mun look on belike while she uses the blueedged platters and breaks
em mayhap though theres neer been one broke sin my old man an me bought
em at the fair twenty ear come next Whissuntide Eh« she went on still
louder as she caught up her knitting from the table »but shell neer knit the
lads stockins nor foot em nayther while I live an when Im gone hell
bethink him as nobody ull neer fits leg an foot as his old mother did
Shell know nothin o narrowin an heelin I warrand an shell make a long
toe as he canna gets boot on Thats what comes o marrin young wenches I
war gone thirty an th feyther too afore we war married an young enough
too Shell be a poor dratchell by then shes thirty amarrin athatn afore
her teeths all come«
Adam walked so fast that he was at the yard gate before seven Martin Poyser
and the grandfather were not yet come in from the meadow every one was in the
meadow even to the blackandtan terrier no one kept watch in the yard but
the bulldog and when Adam reached the housedoor which stood wide open he
saw there was no one in the bright clean houseplace But he guessed where Mrs
Poyser and some one else would be quite within hearing so he knocked on the
door and said in his strong voice »Mrs Poyser within«
»Come in Mr Bede come in« Mrs Poyser called out from the dairy She
always gave Adam this title when she received him in her own house »You may
come into the dairy if you will for I canna justly leave the cheese«
Adam walked into the dairy where Mrs Poyser and Nancy were crushing the
first evening cheese
»Why you might think you war come to a deadhouse« said Mrs Poyser as he
stood in the open doorway »theyre all i the meadow but Martins sure to be
in afore long for theyre leaving the hay cocked tonight ready for carrying
first thing tomorrow Ive been forced t have Nancy in upo count as Hetty
must gether the red currans to night the fruit allays ripens so contrairy
just when every hands wanted An theres no trustin the children to gether
it for they put more into their own mouths nor into the basket you might as
well set the wasps to gether the fruit«
Adam longed to say he would go into the garden till Mr Poyser came in but
he was not quite courageous enough so he said »I could be looking at your
spinningwheel then and see what wants doing to it Perhaps it stands in the
house where I can find it«
»No Ive put it away in the righthand parlour but let it be till I can
fetch it and show it you Id be glad now if youd go into the garden and tell
Hetty to send Totty in The child ull run in if shes told an I know Hettys
lettin her eat too many currans Ill be much obliged to you Mr Bede if
youll go and send her in an theres the York and Lankester roses beautiful in
the garden now youll like to see em But youd like a drink o whey first
praps I know youre fond o whey as most folks is when they hanna got to
crush it out«
»Thank you Mrs Poyser« said Adam »a drink o wheys allays a treat to
me Id rather have it than beer any day«
»Ay ay« said Mrs Poyser reaching a small white basin that stood on the
shelf and dipping it into the wheytub »the smell o breads sweet t
everybody but the baker The Miss Irwines allays say Oh Mrs Poyser I envy
you your dairy and I envy you your chickens and what a beautiful thing a
farmhouse is to be sure An I say Yes a farmhouse is a fine thing for them
as look on an dont know the liftin an the stannin an the worritin o
th inside as belongs tot«
»Why Mrs Poyser you wouldnt like to live anywhere else but in a
farmhouse so well as you manage it« said Adam taking the basin »and there
can be nothing to look at pleasanter nor a fine milch cow standing up tots
knees in pasture and the new milk frothing in the pail and the fresh butter
ready for market and the calves and the poultry Heres to your health and
may you allays have strength to look after your own dairy and set a pattern t
all the farmers wives in the country«
Mrs Poyser was not to be caught in the weakness of smiling at a compliment
but a quiet complacency overspread her face like a stealing sunbeam and gave a
milder glance than usual to her bluegrey eyes as she looked at Adam drinking
the whey Ah I think I taste that whey now with a flavour so delicate that
one can hardly distinguish it from an odour and with that soft gliding warmth
that fills ones imagination with a still happy dreaminess And the light music
of the dropping whey is in my ears mingling with the twittering of a bird
outside the wire network window the window overlooking the garden and shaded
by tall Gueldres roses
»Have a little more Mr Bede« said Mrs Poyser as Adam set down the
basin
»No thank you Ill go into the garden now and send in the little lass«
»Ay do and tell her to come to her mother in the dairy«
Adam walked round by the rickyard at present empty of ricks to the little
wooden gate leading into the garden once the welltended kitchengarden of a
manorhouse now but for the handsome brick wall with stone coping that ran
along one side of it a true farmhouse garden with hardy perennial flowers
unpruned fruittrees and kitchen vegetables growing together in careless
halfneglected abundance In that leafy flowery bushy time to look for any
one in this garden was like playing at »hideandseek« There were the tall
hollyhocks beginning to flower and dazzle the eye with their pink white and
yellow there were the syringas and Gueldres roses all large and disorderly for
want of trimming there were leafy walls of scarlet beans and late peas there
was a row of bushy filberts in one direction and in another a huge appletree
making a barren circle under its lowspreading boughs But what signified a
barren patch or two The garden was so large There was always a superfluity of
broad beans it took nine or ten of Adams strides to get to the end of the
uncut grass walk that ran by the side of them and as for other vegetables
there was so much more room than was necessary for them that in the rotation of
crops a large flourishing bed of groundsel was of yearly occurrence on one spot
or other The very rosetrees at which Adam stopped to pluck one looked as if
they grew wild they were all huddled together in bushy masses now flaunting
with wide open petals almost all of them of the streaked pinkandwhite kind
which doubtless dated from the union of the houses of York and Lancaster Adam
was wise enough to choose a compact Provence rose that peeped out halfsmothered
by its flaunting scentless neighbours and held it in his hand he thought he
should be more at ease holding something in his hand as he walked on to the
far end of the garden where he remembered there was the largest row of
curranttrees not far off from the great yewtree arbour
But he had not gone many steps beyond the roses when he heard the shaking
of a bough and a boys voice saying
»Now then Totty hold out your pinny theres a duck«
The voice came from the boughs of a tall cherrytree where Adam had no
difficulty in discerning a small bluepinafored figure perched in a commodious
position where the fruit was thickest Doubtless Totty was below behind the
screen of peas Yes with her bonnet hanging down her back and her fat face
dreadfully smeared with red juice turned up towards the cherrytree while she
held her little round hole of a mouth and her redstained pinafore to receive
the promised downfall I am sorry to say more than half the cherries that fell
were hard and yellow instead of juicy and red but Totty spent no time in
useless regrets and she was already sucking the third juiciest when Adam said
»There now Totty youve got your cherries Run into the house with em to
mother she wants you shes in the dairy Run in this minute theres a good
little girl«
He lifted her up in his strong arms and kissed her as he spoke a ceremony
which Totty regarded as a tiresome interruption to cherryeating and when he
set her down she trotted off quite silently towards the house sucking her
cherries as she went along
»Tommy my lad take care youre not shot for a little thieving bird« said
Adam as he walked on towards the curranttrees
He could see there was a large basket at the end of the row Hetty would not
be far off and Adam already felt as if she were looking at him Yet when he
turned the corner she was standing with her back towards him and stooping to
gather the lowhanging fruit Strange that she had not heard him coming perhaps
it was because she was making the leaves rustle She started when she became
conscious that some one was near started so violently that she dropped the
basin with the currants in it and then when she saw it was Adam she turned
from pale to deep red That blush made his heart beat with a new happiness
Hetty had never blushed at seeing him before
»I frightened you« he said with a delicious sense that it didnt signify
what he said since Hetty seemed to feel as much as he did »let me pick the
currants up«
That was soon done for they had only fallen in a tangled mass on the
grassplot and Adam as he rose and gave her the basin again looked straight
into her eyes with the subdued tenderness that belongs to the first moments of
hopeful love
Hetty did not turn away her eyes her blush had subsided and she met his
glance with a quiet sadness which contented Adam because it was so unlike
anything he had seen in her before
»Theres not many more currants to get« she said »I shall soon ha done
now«
»Ill help you« said Adam and he fetched the large basket which was nearly
full of currants and set it close to them
Not a word more was spoken as they gathered the currants Adams heart was
too full to speak and he thought Hetty knew all that was in it She was not
indifferent to his presence after all she had blushed when she saw him and
then there was that touch of sadness about her which must surely mean love
since it was the opposite of her usual manner which had often impressed him as
indifference And he could glance at her continually as she bent over the fruit
while the level evening sunbeams stole through the thick appletree boughs and
rested on her round cheek and neck as if they too were in love with her It was
to Adam the time that a man can least forget in afterlife the time when he
believes that the first woman he has ever loved betrays by a slight something
a word a tone a glance the quivering of a lip or an eyelid that she is at
least beginning to love him in return The sign is so slight it is scarcely
perceptible to the ear or eye he could describe it to no one it is a mere
feathertouch yet it seems to have changed his whole being to have merged an
uneasy yearning into a delicious unconsciousness of everything but the present
moment So much of our early gladness vanishes utterly from our memory we can
never recall the joy with which we laid our heads on our mothers bosom or rode
on our fathers back in childhood doubtless that joy is wrought up into our
nature as the sunlight of longpast mornings is wrought up in the soft
mellowness of the apricot but it is gone for ever from our imagination and we
can only believe in the joy of childhood But the first glad moment in our first
love is a vision which returns to us to the last and brings with it a thrill of
feeling intense and special as the recurrent sensation of a sweet odour breathed
in a faroff hour of happiness It is a memory that gives a more exquisite touch
to tenderness that feeds the madness of jealousy and adds the last keenness to
the agony of despair
Hetty bending over the red bunches the level rays piercing the screen of
appletree boughs the length of bushy garden beyond his own emotion as he
looked at her and believed that she was thinking of him and that there was no
need for them to talk Adam remembered it all to the last moment of his life
And Hetty You know quite well that Adam was mistaken about her Like many
other men he thought the signs of love for another were signs of love towards
himself When Adam was approaching unseen by her she was absorbed as usual in
thinking and wondering about Arthurs possible return the sound of any mans
footstep would have affected her just in the same way she would have felt it
might be Arthur before she had time to see and the blood that forsook her cheek
in the agitation of that momentary feeling would have rushed back again at the
sight of any one else just as much as at the sight of Adam He was not wrong in
thinking that a change had come over Hetty the anxieties and fears of a first
passion with which she was trembling had become stronger than vanity had
given her for the first time that sense of helpless dependence on anothers
feeling which awakens the clinging deprecating womanhood even in the shallowest
girl that can ever experience it and creates in her a sensibility to kindness
which found her quite hard before For the first time Hetty felt that there was
something soothing to her in Adams timid yet manly tenderness she wanted to be
treated lovingly oh it was very hard to bear this blank of absence silence
apparent indifference after those moments of glowing love She was not afraid
that Adam would tease her with lovemaking and flattering speeches like her
other admirers he had always been so reserved to her she could enjoy without
any fear the sense that this strong brave man loved her and was near her It
never entered into her mind that Adam was pitiable too that Adam too must
suffer one day
Hetty we know was not the first woman that had behaved more gently to the
man who loved her in vain because she had herself begun to love another It was
a very old story but Adam knew nothing about it so he drank in the sweet
delusion
»Thatll do« said Hetty after a little while »Aunt wants me to leave some
on the trees Ill take em in now«
»Its very well I came to carry the basket« said Adam »for it ud ha been
too heavy for your little arms«
»No I could ha carried it with both hands«
»Oh I daresay« said Adam smiling »and been as long getting into the
house as a little ant carrying a caterpillar Have you ever seen those tiny
fellows carrying things four times as big as themselves«
»No« said Hetty indifferently not caring to know the difficulties of
antlife
»Oh I used to watch em often when I was a lad But now you see I can
carry the basket with one arm as if it was an empty nutshell and give you th
other arm to lean on Wont you Such big arms as mine were made for little arms
like yours to lean on«
Hetty smiled faintly and put her arm within his Adam looked down at her
but her eyes were turned dreamily towards another corner of the garden
»Have you ever been to Eagledale« she said as they walked slowly along
»Yes« said Adam pleased to have her ask a question about himself »ten
years ago when I was a lad I went with father to see about some work there
Its a wonderful sight rocks and caves such as you never saw in your life I
never had a right notion o rocks till I went there«
»How long did it take to get there«
»Why it took us the best part o two days walking But its nothing of a
days journey for anybody as has got a firstrate nag The Captain ud get there
in nine or ten hours Ill be bound hes such a rider And I shouldnt wonder
if hes back again tomorrow hes too active to rest long in that lonely place
all by himself for theres nothing but a bit of a inn i that part where hes
gone to fish I wish hed got th estate in his hands that ud be the right
thing for him for it ud give him plenty to do and hed dot well too for all
hes so young hes got better notions o things than many a man twice his age
He spoke very handsome to me th other day about lending me money to set up i
business and if things came round that way Id rather be beholding to him nor
to any man i the world«
Poor Adam was led on to speak about Arthur because he thought Hetty would be
pleased to know that the young squire was so ready to befriend him the fact
entered into his future prospects which he would like to seem promising in her
eyes And it was true that Hetty listened with an interest which brought a new
light into her eyes and a half smile upon her lips
»How pretty the roses are now« Adam continued pausing to look at them
»See I stole the prettiest but I didna mean to keep it myself I think these
as are all pink and have got a finer sort o green leaves are prettier than
the striped uns dont you«
He set down the basket and took the rose from his buttonhole
»It smells very sweet« he said »those striped uns have no smell Stick it
in your frock and then you can put it in water after It ud be a pity to let
it fade«
Hetty took the rose smiling as she did so at the pleasant thought that
Arthur could so soon get back if he liked There was a flash of hope and
happiness in her mind and with a sudden impulse of gaiety she did what she had
very often done before stuck the rose in her hair a little above the left ear
The tender admiration in Adams face was slightly shadowed by reluctant
disapproval Hettys love of finery was just the thing that would most provoke
his mother and he himself disliked it as much as it was possible for him to
dislike anything that belonged to her
»Ah« he said »thats like the ladies in the pictures at the Chase theyve
mostly got flowers or feathers or gold things i their hair but somehow I dont
like to see em they allays put me i mind o the painted women outside the
shows at Treddleson fair What can a woman have to set her off better than her
own hair when it curls so like yours If a womans young and pretty I think
you can see her good looks all the better for her being plain dressed Why
Dinah Morris looks very nice for all she wears such a plain cap and gown It
seems to me as a womans face doesna want flowers its almost like a flower
itself Im sure yours is«
»Oh very well« said Hetty with a little playful pout taking the rose out
of her hair »Ill put one o Dinahs caps on when we go in and youll see if I
look better in it She left one behind so I can take the pattern«
»Nay nay I dont want you to wear a Methodist cap like Dinahs I daresay
its a very ugly cap and I used to think when I saw her here as it was
nonsense for her to dress different t other people but I never rightly noticed
her till she came to see mother last week and then I thought the cap seemed to
fit her face somehow as th acorn cup fits th acorn and I shouldnt like to
see her so well without it But youve got another sort o face Id have you
just as you are now without anything t interfere with your own looks Its
like when a mans singing a good tune you dont want t hear bells tinkling and
interfering wi the sound«
He took her arm and put it within his again looking down on her fondly He
was afraid she should think he had lectured her imagining as we are apt to do
that she had perceived all the thoughts he had only half expressed And the
thing he dreaded most was lest any cloud should come over this evenings
happiness For the world he would not have spoken of his love to Hetty yet till
this commencing kindness towards him should have grown into unmistakable love
In his imagination he saw long years of his future life stretching before him
blest with the right to call Hetty his own he could be content with very little
at present So he took up the basket of currants once more and they went on
towards the house
The scene had quite changed in the halfhour that Adam had been in the
garden The yard was full of life now Marty was letting the screaming geese
through the gate and wickedly provoking the gander by hissing at him the
granarydoor was groaning on its hinges as Alick shut it after dealing out the
corn the horses were being led out to watering amidst much barking of all the
three dogs and many »whups« from Tim the ploughman as if the heavy animals who
held down their meek intelligent heads and lifted their shaggy feet so
deliberately were likely to rush wildly in every direction but the right
Everybody was come back from the meadow and when Hetty and Adam entered the
houseplace Mr Poyser was seated in the threecornered chair and the
grandfather in the large armchair opposite looking on with pleasant
expectation while the supper was being laid on the oak table Mrs Poyser had
laid the cloth herself a cloth made of homespun linen with a shining
checkered pattern on it and of an agreeable whiteybrown hue such as all
sensible housewives like to see none of your bleached »shoprag« that would
wear into holes in no time but good homespun that would last for two
generations The cold veal the fresh lettuces and the stuffed chine might
well look tempting to hungry men who had dined at halfpast twelve oclock On
the large deal table against the wall there were bright pewter plates and spoons
and cans ready for Alick and his companions for the master and servants ate
their supper not far off each other which was all the pleasanter because if a
remark about tomorrow mornings work occurred to Mr Poyser Alick was at hand
to hear it
»Well Adam Im glad to see ye« said Mr Poyser »What yeve been helping
Hetty to gether the currans eh Come sit ye down sit ye down Why its
pretty near a threeweek since y had your supper with us and the missis has
got one of her rare stuffed chines Im glad yere come«
»Hetty« said Mrs Poyser as she looked into the basket of currants to see
if the fruit was fine »run upstairs and send Molly down Shes putting Totty
to bed and I want her to draw th ale for Nancys busy yet i the dairy You
can see to the child But whativer did you let her run away from you along wi
Tommy for and stuff herself wi fruit as she cant eat a bit o good victual«
This was said in a lower tone than usual while her husband was talking to
Adam for Mrs Poyser was strict in adherence to her own rules of propriety and
she considered that a young girl was not to be treated sharply in the presence
of a respectable man who was courting her That would not be fairplay every
woman was young in her turn and had her chances of matrimony which it was a
point of honour for other women not to spoil just as one marketwoman who has
sold her own eggs must not try to balk another of a customer
Hetty made haste to run away upstairs not easily finding an answer to her
aunts question and Mrs Poyser went out to see after Marty and Tommy and
bring them in to supper
Soon they were all seated the two rosy lads one on each side by the pale
mother a place being left for Hetty between Adam and her uncle Alick too was
come in and was seated in his far corner eating cold broad beans out of a
large dish with his pocketknife and finding a flavour in them which he would
not have exchanged for the finest pineapple
»What a time that gell is drawing th ale to be sure« said Mrs Poyser
when she was dispensing her slices of stuffed chine »I think she sets the jug
under and forgets to turn the tap as theres nothing you cant believe o them
wenches theyll set the empty kettle o the fire and then come an hour after
to see if the water boils«
»Shes drawin for the men too« said Mr Poyser »Thee shouldst ha told
her to bring our jug up first«
»Told her« said Mrs Poyser »yes I might spend all the wind i my body
an take the bellows too if I was to tell them gells everything as their own
sharpness wonna tell em Mr Bede will you take some vinegar with your
lettuce Ay youre i the right not It spoils the flavour o the chine to my
thinking Its poor eating where the flavour o the meat lies i the cruets
Theres folks as make bad butter and trusten to the salt t hide it«
Mrs Poysers attention was here diverted by the appearance of Molly
carrying a large jug two small mugs and four drinkingcans all full of ale or
small beer an interesting example of the prehensile power possessed by the
human hand Poor Mollys mouth was rather wider open than usual as she walked
along with her eyes fixed on the double cluster of vessels in her hands quite
innocent of the expression in her mistresss eye
»Molly I niver knew your equils to think o your poor mother as is a
widow an I took you wi as good as no character an the times an times Ive
told you«
Molly had not seen the lightning and the thunder shook her nerves the more
for the want of that preparation With a vague alarmed sense that she must
somehow comport herself differently she hastened her step a little towards the
far deal table where she might set down her cans caught her foot in her
apron which had become untied and fell with a crash and a splash into a pool
of beer whereupon a tittering explosion from Marty and Tommy and a serious
»Ello« from Mr Poyser who saw his draught of ale unpleasantly deferred
»There you go« resumed Mrs Poyser in a cutting tone as she rose and went
towards the cupboard while Molly began dolefully to pick up the fragments of
pottery »Its what I told you ud come over and over again and theres your
months wage gone and more to pay for that jug as Ive had i the house this
ten year and nothing ever happened tot before but the crockery youve broke
sin here in th house youve been ud make a parson swear God forgi me for
saying so an if it had been boiling wort out o the copper it ud ha been
the same and youd ha been scalded and very like lamed for life as theres
no knowing but what you will be some day if you go on for anybody ud think
youd got the St Vituss Dance to see the things youve throwed down Its a
pity but what the bits was stacked up for you to see though its neither seeing
nor hearing as ull make much odds to you anybody ud think you war
casehardened«
Poor Mollys tears were dropping fast by this time and in her desperation
at the lively movement of the beerstream towards Alicks legs she was
converting her apron into a mop while Mrs Poyser opening the cupboard turned
a blighting eye upon her
»Ah« she went on »youll do no good wi crying an making more wet to wipe
up Its all your own wilfulness as I tell you for theres nobody no call to
break anything if theyll only go the right way to work But wooden folks had
need ha wooden things t handle And here must I take the brownandwhite jug
as its niver been used three times this year and go down i the cellar myself
and belike catch my death and be laid up wi inflammation«
Mrs Poyser had turned round from the cupboard with the brownandwhite jug
in her hand when she caught sight of something at the other end of the kitchen
perhaps it was because she was already trembling and nervous that the apparition
had so strong an effect on her perhaps jugbreaking like other crimes has a
contagious influence However it was she stared and started like a ghostseer
and the precious brownandwhite jug fell to the ground parting for ever with
its spout and handle
»Did ever anybody see the like« she said with a suddenly lowered tone
after a moments bewildered glance round the room »The jugs are bewitched I
think Its them nasty glazed handles they slip oer the finger like a snail«
»Why theest let thy own whip fly i thy face« said her husband who had
now joined in the laugh of the young ones
»Its all very fine to look on and grin« rejoined Mrs Poyser »but theres
times when the crockery seems alive an flies out o your hand like a bird
Its like the glass sometimes ull crack as it stands What is to be broke
will be broke for I never dropped a thing i my life for want o holding it
else I should never ha kept the crockery all these ears as I bought at my own
wedding And Hetty are you mad Whativer do you mean by coming down i that
way and making one think as theres a ghost awalking i th house«
A new outbreak of laughter while Mrs Poyser was speaking was caused less
by her sudden conversion to a fatalistic view of jugbreaking than by that
strange appearance of Hetty which had startled her aunt The little minx had
found a black gown of her aunts and pinned it close round her neck to look
like Dinahs had made her hair as flat as she could and had tied on one of
Dinahs highcrowned borderless netcaps The thought of Dinahs pale grave face
and mild grey eyes which the sight of the gown and cap brought with it made it
a laughable surprise enough to see them replaced by Hettys round rosy cheeks
and coquettish dark eyes The boys got off their chairs and jumped round her
clapping their hands and even Alick gave a low ventral laugh as he looked up
from his beans Under cover of the noise Mrs Poyser went into the back kitchen
to send Nancy into the cellar with the great pewter measure which had some
chance of being free from bewitchment
»Why Hetty lass are ye turned Methodist« said Mr Poyser with that
comfortable slow enjoyment of a laugh which one only sees in stout people »You
must pull your face a deal longer before youll do for one mustna she Adam
How come you to put them things on eh«
»Adam said he liked Dinahs cap and gown better nor my clothes« said Hetty
sitting down demurely »He says folks look better in ugly clothes«
»Nay nay« said Adam looking at her admiringly »I only said they seemed
to suit Dinah But if Id said youd look pretty in em I should ha said
nothing but what was true«
»Why thee thoughtst Hetty war a ghost didstna« said Mr Poyser to his
wife who now came back and took her seat again »Thee lookdst as scared as
scared«
»It little sinnifies how I looked« said Mrs Poyser »looks ull mend no
jugs nor laughing neither as I see Mr Bede Im sorry youve to wait so long
for your ale but its coming in a minute Make yourself at home wi th cold
potatoes I know you like em Tommy Ill send you to bed this minute if you
dont give over laughing What is there to laugh at I should like to know Id
sooner cry nor laugh at the sight o that poor things cap and theres them as
ud be better if they could make theirselves like her i more ways nor putting
on her cap It little becomes anybody i this house to make fun o my sisters
child an her just gone away from us as it went to my heart to part wi her
an I know one thing as if trouble was to come an I was to be laid up i my
bed an the children was to die as theres no knowing but what they will
an the murrain was to come among the cattle again an everything went to rack
an ruin I say we might be glad to get sight o Dinahs cap again wi her own
face under it border or no border For shes one o them things as looks the
brightest on a rainy day and loves you the best when youre most i need ont«
Mrs Poyser you perceive was aware that nothing would be so likely to
expel the comic as the terrible Tommy who was of a susceptible disposition
and very fond of his mother and who had besides eaten so many cherries as to
have his feelings less under command than usual was so affected by the dreadful
picture she had made of the possible future that he began to cry and the
goodnatured father indulgent to all weaknesses but those of negligent farmers
said to Hetty
»Youd better take the things off again my lass it hurts your aunt to see
em«
Hetty went upstairs again and the arrival of the ale made an agreeable
diversion for Adam had to give his opinion of the new tap which could not be
otherwise than complimentary to Mrs Poyser and then followed a discussion on
the secrets of good brewing the folly of stinginess in »hopping« and the
doubtful economy of a farmers making his own malt Mrs Poyser had so many
opportunities of expressing herself with weight on these subjects that by the
time supper was ended the ale jug refilled and Mr Poysers pipe alight she
was once more in high goodhumour and ready at Adams request to fetch the
broken spinningwheel for his inspection
»Ah« said Adam looking at it carefully »heres a nice bit o turning
wanted Its a pretty wheel I must have it up at the turningshop in the
village and do it there for Ive no convenence for turning at home If youll
send it to Mr Burges shop i the morning Ill get it done for you by
Wednesday Ive been turning it over in my mind« he continued looking at Mr
Poyser »to make a bit more convenence at home for nice jobs o cabinetmaking
Ive always done a deal at such little things in odd hours and theyre
profitable for theres more workmanship nor material in em I look for me and
Seth to get a little business for ourselves i that way for I know a man at
Rosseter as ull take as many things as we should make besides what we could
get orders for round about«
Mr Poyser entered with interest into a project which seemed a step towards
Adams becoming a »masterman« and Mrs Poyser gave her approbation to the
scheme of the movable kitchen cupboard which was to be capable of containing
grocery pickles crockery and houselinen in the utmost compactness without
confusion Hetty once more in her own dress with her neckerchief pushed a
little backwards on this warm evening was seated picking currants near the
window where Adam could see her quite well And so the time passed pleasantly
till Adam got up to go He was pressed to come again soon but not to stay
longer for at this busy time sensible people would not run the risk of being
sleepy at five oclock in the morning
»I shall take a step farther« said Adam »and go on to see Mester Massey
for he wasnt at church yesterday and Ive not seen him for a week past Ive
never hardly known him to miss church before«
»Ay« said Mr Poyser »weve heared nothing about him for its the boys
hollodays now so we can give you no account«
»But youll niver think o going there at this hour o the night« said Mrs
Poyser folding up her knitting
»Oh Mester Massey sits up late« said Adam »An the nightschools not
over yet Some o the men dont come till late theyve got so far to walk And
Bartle himselfs never in bed till its gone eleven«
»I wouldna have him to live wi me then« said Mrs Poyser »adropping
candlegrease about as youre like to tumble down o the floor the first thing
i the morning«
»Ay eleven oclocks late its late« said old Martin »I neer sot up so
i my life not to say as it warna a marrin or a christenin or a wake or
th harvestsupper Eleven oclocks late«
»Why I sit up till after twelve often« said Adam laughing »but it isnt
t eat and drink extry its to work extry Goodnight Mrs Poyser goodnight
Hetty«
Hetty could only smile and not shake hands for hers were dyed and damp with
currant juice but all the rest gave a hearty shake to the large palm that was
held out to them and said »Come again come again«
»Ay think o that now« said Mr Poyser when Adam was out on the causeway
»Sitting up till past twelve to do extry work Yell not find many men o
sixantwenty as ull do to put i the shafts wi him If you can catch Adam
for a husband Hetty youll ride i your own springcart some day Ill be your
warrant«
Hetty was moving across the kitchen with the currants so her uncle did not
see the little toss of the head with which she answered him To ride in a
springcart seemed a very miserable lot indeed to her now
Chapter XXI
The NightSchool and the Schoolmaster
Bartle Masseys was one of a few scattered houses on the edge of a common which
was divided by the road to Treddleston Adam reached it in a quarter of an hour
after leaving the Hall Farm and when he had his hand on the doorlatch he
could see through the curtainless window that there were eight or nine heads
bending over the desks lighted by thin dips
When he entered a reading lesson was going forward and Bartle Massey
merely nodded leaving him to take his place where he pleased He had not come
for the sake of a lesson tonight and his mind was too full of personal
matters too full of the last two hours he had passed in Hettys presence for
him to amuse himself with a book till school was over so he sat down in a
corner and looked on with an absent mind It was a sort of scene which Adam had
beheld almost weekly for years he knew by heart every arabesque flourish in the
framed specimen of Bartle Masseys handwriting which hung over the
schoolmasters head by way of keeping a lofty ideal before the minds of his
pupils he knew the backs of all the books on the shelf running along the
whitewashed wall above the pegs for the slates he knew exactly how many grains
were gone out of the ear of Indiancorn that hung from one of the rafters he
had long ago exhausted the resources of his imagination in trying to think how
the bunch of leathery seaweed had looked and grown in its native element and
from the place where he sat he could make nothing of the old map of England
that hung against the opposite wall for age had turned it of a fine yellow
brown something like that of a wellseasoned meerschaum The drama that was
going on was almost as familiar as the scene nevertheless habit had not made
him indifferent to it and even in his present selfabsorbed mood Adam felt a
momentary stirring of the old fellowfeeling as he looked at the rough men
painfully holding pen or pencil with their cramped hands or humbly labouring
through their reading lesson
The reading class now seated on the form in front of the schoolmasters
desk consisted of the three most backward pupils Adam would have known it
only by seeing Bartle Masseys face as he looked over his spectacles which he
had shifted to the ridge of his nose not requiring them for present purposes
The face wore its mildest expression the grizzled bushy eyebrows had taken
their more acute angle of compassionate kindness and the mouth habitually
compressed with a pout of the lower lip was relaxed so as to be ready to speak
a helpful word or syllable in a moment This gentle expression was the more
interesting because the schoolmasters nose an irregular aquiline twisted a
little on one side had rather a formidable character and his brow moreover
had that peculiar tension which always impresses one as a sign of a keen
impatient temperament the blue veins stood out like cords under the transparent
yellow skin and this intimidating brow was softened by no tendency to baldness
for the grey bristly hair cut down to about an inch in length stood round it
in as close ranks as ever
»Nay Bill nay« Bartle was saying in a kind tone as he nodded to Adam
»begin that again and then perhaps itll come to you what d r y spells
Its the same lesson you read last week you know«
»Bill« was a sturdy fellow aged fourandtwenty an excellent stonesawyer
who could get as good wages as any man in the trade of his years but he found a
reading lesson in words of one syllable a harder matter to deal with than the
hardest stone he had ever had to saw The letters he complained were so
»uncommon alike there was no tellin em one from another« the sawyers
business not being concerned with minute differences such as exist between a
letter with its tail turned up and a letter with its tail turned down But Bill
had a firm determination that he would learn to read founded chiefly on two
reasons first that Tom Hazelow his cousin could read anything »right off«
whether it was print or writing and Tom had sent him a letter from twenty miles
off saying how he was prospering in the world and had got an overlookers
place secondly that Sam Phillips who sawed with him had learned to read when
he was turned twenty and what could be done by a little fellow like Sam
Phillips Bill considered could be done by himself seeing that he could pound
Sam into wet clay if circumstances required it So here he was pointing his big
finger towards three words at once and turning his head on one side that he
might keep better hold with his eye of the one word which was to be
discriminated out of the group The amount of knowledge Bartle Massey must
possess was something so dim and vast that Bills imagination recoiled before
it he would hardly have ventured to deny that the schoolmaster might have
something to do in bringing about the regular return of daylight and the changes
in the weather
The man seated next to Bill was of a very different type he was a Methodist
brickmaker who after spending thirty years of his life in perfect satisfaction
with his ignorance had lately »got religion« and along with it the desire to
read the Bible But with him too learning was a heavy business and on his way
out tonight he had offered as usual a special prayer for help seeing that he
had undertaken this hard task with a single eye to the nourishment of his soul
that he might have a greater abundance of texts and hymns wherewith to banish
evil memories and the temptations of old habit or in brief language the
devil For the brickmaker had been a notorious poacher and was suspected
though there was no good evidence against him of being the man who had shot a
neighbouring gamekeeper in the leg However that might be it is certain that
shortly after the accident referred to which was coincident with the arrival of
an awakening Methodist preacher at Treddleston a great change had been observed
in the brickmaker and though he was still known in the neighbourhood by his old
sobriquet of »Brimstone« there was nothing he held in so much horror as any
farther transactions with that evilsmelling element He was a broadchested
fellow with a fervid temperament which helped him better in imbibing religious
ideas than in the dry process of acquiring the mere human knowledge of the
alphabet Indeed he had been already a little shaken in his resolution by a
brother Methodist who assured him that the letter was a mere obstruction to the
Spirit and expressed a fear that Brimstone was too eager for the knowledge that
puffeth up
The third beginner was a much more promising pupil He was a tall but thin
and wiry man nearly as old as Brimstone with a very pale face and hands
stained a deep blue He was a dyer who in the course of dipping homespun wool
and old womens petticoats had got fired with the ambition to learn a great
deal more about the strange secrets of colour He had already a high reputation
in the district for his dyes and he was bent on discovering some method by
which he could reduce the expense of crimsons and scarlets The druggist at
Treddleston had given him a notion that he might save himself a great deal of
labour and expense if he could learn to read and so he had begun to give his
spare hours to the nightschool resolving that his »little chap« should lose no
time in coming to Mr Masseys dayschool as soon as he was old enough
It was touching to see these three big men with the marks of their hard
labour about them anxiously bending over the worn books and painfully making
out »The grass is green« »The sticks are dry« »The corn is ripe« a very
hard lesson to pass to after columns of single words all alike except in the
first letter It was almost as if three rough animals were making humble efforts
to learn how they might become human And it touched the tenderest fibre in
Bartle Masseys nature for such fullgrown children as these were the only
pupils for whom he had no severe epithets and no impatient tones He was not
gifted with an imperturbable temper and on musicnights it was apparent that
patience could never be an easy virtue to him but this evening as he glances
over his spectacles at Bill Downes the sawyer who is turning his head on one
side with a desperate sense of blankness before the letters d r y his eyes
shed their mildest and most encouraging light
After the reading class two youths between sixteen and nineteen came up
with imaginary bills of parcels which they had been writing out on their
slates and were now required to calculate »offhand« a test which they stood
with such imperfect success that Bartle Massey whose eyes had been glaring at
them ominously through his spectacles for some minutes at length burst out in a
bitter highpitched tone pausing between every sentence to rap the floor with
a knobbed stick which rested between his legs
»Now you see you dont do this thing a bit better than you did a fortnight
ago and Ill tell you whats the reason You want to learn accounts thats
well and good But you think all you need do to learn accounts is to come to me
and do sums for an hour or so two or three times aweek and no sooner do you
get your caps on and turn out of doors again than you sweep the whole thing
clean out of your mind You go whistling about and take no more care what
youre thinking of than if your heads were gutters for any rubbish to swill
through that happened to be in the way and if you get a good notion in em
its pretty soon washed out again You think knowledge is to be got cheap
youll come and pay Bartle Massey sixpence aweek and hell make you clever at
figures without your taking any trouble But knowledge isnt to be got with
paying sixpence let me tell you if youre to know figures you must turn em
over in your own heads and keep your thoughts fixed on em Theres nothing you
cant turn into a sum for theres nothing but whats got number in it even a
fool You may say to yourselves Im one fool and Jacks another if my fools
head weighed four pound and Jacks three pound three ounces and three quarters
how many pennyweights heavier would my head be than Jacks A man that had got
his heart in learning figures would make sums for himself and work em in his
head when he sat at his shoemaking hed count his stitches by fives and then
put a price on his stitches say half a farthing and then see how much money he
could get in an hour and then ask himself how much money hed get in a day at
that rate and then how much ten workmen would get working three or twenty or
a hundred years at that rate and all the while his needle would be going just
as fast as if he left his head empty for the devil to dance in But the long and
the short of it is Ill have nobody in my nightschool that doesnt strive to
learn what he comes to learn as hard as if he was striving to get out of a dark
hole into broad daylight Ill send no man away because hes stupid if Billy
Taft the idiot wanted to learn anything Id not refuse to teach him But Ill
not throw away good knowledge on people who think they can get it by the
sixpennorth and carry it away with em as they would an ounce of snuff So
never come to me again if you cant show that youve been working with your own
heads instead of thinking you can pay for mine to work for you Thats the last
word Ive got to say to you«
With this final sentence Bartle Massey gave a sharper rap than ever with
his knobbed stick and the discomfited lads got up to go with a sulky look The
other pupils had happily only their writingbooks to show in various stages of
progress from pothooks to round text and mere penstrokes however perverse
were less exasperating to Bartle than false arithmetic He was a little more
severe than usual on Jacob Storeys Zs of which poor Jacob had written a
pageful all with their tops turned the wrong way with a puzzled sense that
they were not right »somehow« But he observed in apology that it was a letter
you never wanted hardly and he thought it had only been put there »to finish
off th alphabet like though ampusand amp would ha done as well for
what he could see«
At last the pupils had all taken their hats and said their »Goodnights«
and Adam knowing his old masters habits rose and said »Shall I put the
candles out Mr Massey«
»Yes my boy yes all but this which Ill carry into the house and just
lock the outer door now youre near it« said Bartle getting his stick in the
fitting angle to help him in descending from his stool He was no sooner on the
ground than it became obvious why the stick was necessary the left leg was
much shorter than the right But the schoolmaster was so active with his
lameness that it was hardly thought of as a misfortune and if you had seen him
make his way along the schoolroom floor and up the step into his kitchen you
would perhaps have understood why the naughty boys sometimes felt that his pace
might be indefinitely quickened and that he and his stick might overtake them
even in their swiftest run
The moment he appeared at the kitchen door with the candle in his hand a
faint whimpering began in the chimneycorner and a brownandtancoloured
bitch of that wiselooking breed with short legs and long body known to an
unmechanical generation as turnspits came creeping along the floor wagging her
tail and hesitating at every other step as if her affections were painfully
divided between the hamper in the chimneycorner and the master whom she could
not leave without a greeting
»Well Vixen well then how are the babbies« said the schoolmaster making
haste towards the chimneycorner and holding the candle over the low hamper
where two extremely blind puppies lifted up their heads towards the light from
a nest of flannel and wool Vixen could not even see her master look at them
without painful excitement she got into the hamper and got out again the next
moment and behaved with true feminine folly though looking all the while as
wise as a dwarf with a large oldfashioned head and body on the most abbreviated
legs
»Why youve got a family I see Mr Massey« said Adam smiling as he
came into the kitchen »Hows that I thought it was against the law here«
»Law Whats the use o law when a mans once such a fool as to let a woman
into his house« said Bartle turning away from the hamper with some bitterness
He always called Vixen a woman and seemed to have lost all consciousness that
he was using a figure of speech »If Id known Vixen was a woman Id never have
held the boys from drowning her but when Id got her into my hand I was forced
to take to her And now you see what shes brought me to the sly hypocritical
wench« Bartle spoke these last words in a rasping tone of reproach and looked
at Vixen who poked down her head and turned up her eyes towards him with a keen
sense of opprobrium »and contrived to be brought to bed on a Sunday at
churchtime Ive wished again and again Id been a bloodyminded man that I
could have strangled the mother and the brats with one cord«
»Im glad it was no worse a cause kept you from church« said Adam »I was
afraid you must be ill for the first time i your life And I was particular
sorry not to have you at church yesterday«
»Ah my boy I know why I know why« said Bartle kindly going up to Adam
and raising his hand up to the shoulder that was almost on a level with his own
head »Youve had a rough bit o road to get over since I saw you a rough bit
o road But Im in hopes there are better times coming for you Ive got some
news to tell you But I must get my supper first for Im hungry Im hungry
Sit down sit down«
Bartle went into his little pantry and brought out an excellent homebaked
loaf for it was his one extravagance in these dear times to eat bread once
aday instead of oatcake and he justified it by observing that what a
schoolmaster wanted was brains and oatcake ran too much to bone instead of
brains Then came a piece of cheese and a quart jug with a crown of foam upon
it He placed them all on the round deal table which stood against his large
armchair in the chimneycorner with Vixens hamper on one side of it and a
windowshelf with a few books piled up in it on the other The table was as
clean as if Vixen had been an excellent housewife in a checkered apron so was
the quarry floor and the old carved oaken press table and chairs which in
these days would be bought at a high price in aristocratic houses though in
that period of spiderlegs and inlaid cupids Bartle had got them for an old
song were as free from dust as things could be at the end of a summers day
»Now then my boy draw up draw up Well not talk about business till
weve had our supper No man can be wise on an empty stomach But« said Bartle
rising from his chair again »I must give Vixen her supper too confound her
though shell do nothing with it but nourish those unnecessary babbies Thats
the way with these women theyve got no headpieces to nourish and so their
food all runs either to fat or to brats«
He brought out of the pantry a dish of scraps which Vixen at once fixed her
eyes on and jumped out of her hamper to lick up with the utmost despatch
»Ive had my supper Mr Massey« said Adam »so Ill look on while you eat
yours Ive been at the Hall Farm and they always have their supper betimes
you know they dont keep your late hours«
»I know little about their hours« said Bartle dryly cutting his bread and
not shrinking from the crust »Its a house I seldom go into though Im fond of
the boys and Martin Poysers a good fellow Theres too many women in the house
for me I hate the sound of womens voices theyre always either abuzz or
asqueak always either abuzz or asqueak Mrs Poyser keeps at the top o the
talk like a fife and as for the young lasses Id as soon look at watergrubs
I know what theyll turn to stinging gnats stinging gnats Here take some
ale my boy its been drawn for you its been drawn for you«
»Nay Mr Massey« said Adam who took his old friends whim more seriously
than usual tonight »dont be so hard on the creaturs God has made to be
companions for us A working man ud be badly off without a wife to see to th
house and the victual and make things clean and comfortable«
»Nonsense Its the silliest lie a sensible man like you ever believed to
say a woman makes a house comfortable Its a story got up because the women
are there and something must be found for em to do I tell you there isnt a
thing under the sun that needs to be done at all but what a man can do better
than a woman unless its bearing children and they do that in a poor
makeshift way it had better ha been left to the men it had better ha been
left to the men I tell you a woman ull bake you a pie every week of her life
and never come to see that the hotter th oven the shorter the time I tell you
a woman ull make your porridge every day for twenty years and never think of
measuring the proportion between the meal and the milk a little more or less
shell think doesnt signify the porridge will be awkard now and then if
its wrong its summat in the meal or its summat in the milk or its summat
in the water Look at me I make my own bread and theres no difference between
one batch and another from years end to years end but if Id got any other
woman besides Vixen in the house I must pray to the Lord every baking to give
me patience if the bread turned out heavy And as for cleanliness my house is
cleaner than any other house on the Common though the half of em swarm with
women Will Bakers lad comes to help me in a morning and we get as much
cleaning done in one hour without any fuss as a woman ud get done in three
and all the while be sending buckets o water after your ankles and let the
fender and the fireirons stand in the middle o the floor half the day for you
to break your shins against em Dont tell me about God having made such
creatures to be companions for us I dont say but He might make Eve to be a
companion to Adam in Paradise there was no cooking to be spoilt there and no
other woman to cackle with and make mischief though you see what mischief she
did as soon as shed an opportunity But its an impious unscriptural opinion
to say a womans a blessing to a man now you might as well say adders and
wasps and foxes and wild beasts are a blessing when theyre only the evils
that belong to this state o probation which its lawful for a man to keep as
clear of as he can in this life hoping to get quit of em for ever in another
hoping to get quit of em for ever in another«
Bartle had become so excited and angry in the course of his invective that
he had forgotten his supper and only used the knife for the purpose of rapping
the table with the haft But towards the close the raps became so sharp and
frequent and his voice so quarrelsome that Vixen felt it incumbent on her to
jump out of the hamper and bark vaguely
»Quiet Vixen« snarled Bartle turning round upon her »Youre like the
rest o the women always putting in your word before you know why«
Vixen returned to her hamper again in humiliation and her master continued
his supper in a silence which Adam did not choose to interrupt he knew the old
man would be in a better humour when he had had his supper and lighted his pipe
Adam was used to hear him talk in this way but had never learned so much of
Bartles past life as to know whether his view of married comfort was founded on
experience On that point Bartle was mute and it was even a secret where he had
lived previous to the twenty years in which happily for the peasants and
artisans of this neighbourhood he had been settled among them as their only
schoolmaster If anything like a question was ventured on this subject Bartle
always replied »Oh Ive seen many places Ive been a deal in the south«
and the Loamshire men would as soon have thought of asking for a particular town
or village in Africa as in »the south«
»Now then my boy« said Bartle at last when he had poured out his second
mug of ale and lighted his pipe »now then well have a little talk But tell
me first have you heard any particular news today«
»No« said Adam »not as I remember«
»Ah theyll keep it close theyll keep it close I daresay But I found it
out by chance and its news that may concern you Adam else Im a man that
dont know a superficial square foot from a solid«
Here Bartle gave a series of fierce and rapid puffs looking earnestly the
while at Adam Your impatient loquacious man has never any notion of keeping his
pipe alight by gentle measured puffs he is always letting it go nearly out and
then punishing it for that negligence At last he said
»Satchells got a paralytic stroke I found it out from the lad they sent to
Treddleston for the doctor before seven oclock this morning Hes a good way
beyond sixty you know its much if he gets over it«
»Well« said Adam »I daresay thered be more rejoicing than sorrow in the
parish at his being laid up Hes been a selfish talebearing mischievous
fellow but after all theres nobody hes done so much harm to as to th old
Squire Though its the Squire himself as is to blame making a stupid fellow
like that a sort o manofallwork just to save th expense of having a proper
steward to look after th estate And hes lost more by illmanagement o the
woods Ill be bound than ud pay for two stewards If hes laid on the shelf
its to be hoped hell make way for a better man but I dont see how its like
to make any difference to me«
»But I see it but I see it« said Bartle »and others besides me The
Captains coming of age now you know that as well as I do and its to be
expected hell have a little more voice in things And I know and you know too
what ud be the Captains wish about the woods if there was a fair opportunity
for making a change Hes said in plenty of peoples hearing that hed make you
manager of the woods tomorrow if hed the power Why Carroll Mr Irwines
butler heard him say so to the parson not many days ago Carroll looked in when
we were smoking our pipes o Saturday night at Cassons and he told us about
it and whenever anybody says a good word for you the parsons ready to back
it that Ill answer for It was pretty well talked over I can tell you at
Cassons and one and another had their fling at you for if donkeys set to work
to sing youre pretty sure what the tune ull be«
»Why did they talk it over before Mr Burge« said Adam »or wasnt he
there o Saturday«
»Oh he went away before Carroll came and Casson hes always for setting
other folks right you know would have it Burge was the man to have the
management of the woods A substantial man says he with pretty near sixty
years experience o timber it ud be all very well for Adam Bede to act under
him but it isnt to be supposed the Squire ud appoint a young fellow like
Adam when theres his elders and betters at hand But I said Thats a pretty
notion o yours Casson Why Burge is the man to buy timber would you put the
woods into his hands and let him make his own bargains I think you dont leave
your customers to score their own drink do you And as for age what thats
worth depends on the quality o the liquor Its pretty well known whos the
backbone of Jonathan Burges business«
»I thank you for your good word Mr Massey« said Adam »But for all that
Casson was partly i the right for once Theres not much likelihood that th
old Squire ud ever consent t employ me I offended him about two years ago
and hes never forgiven me«
»Why how was that You never told me about it« said Bartle
»Oh it was a bit o nonsense Id made a frame for a screen for Miss Lyddy
shes allays making something with her worstedwork you know and shed
given me particular orders about this screen and there was as much talking and
measuring as if wed been planning a house However it was a nice bit o work
and I liked doing it for her But you know those little friggling things take
a deal o time I only worked at it in overhours often late at night and I
had to go to Treddleston over an over again about little bits o brass nails
and such gear and I turned the little knobs and the legs and carved th open
work after a pattern as nice as could be And I was uncommon pleased with it
when it was done And when I took it home Miss Lyddy sent for me to bring it
into her drawingroom so as she might give me directions about fastening on the
work very fine needlework Jacob and Rachel akissing one another among the
sheep like a picture and th old Squire was sitting there for he mostly sits
with her Well she was mighty pleased with the screen and then she wanted to
know what pay she was to give me I didnt speak at random you know its not
my way Id calculated pretty close though I hadnt made out a bill and I
said One pound thirteen That was paying for the materals and paying me but
none too much for my work Th old Squire looked up at this and peered in his
way at the screen and said One pound thirteen for a gimcrack like that Lydia
my dear if you must spend money on these things why dont you get them at
Rosseter instead of paying double price for clumsy work here Such things are
not work for a carpenter like Adam Give him a guinea and no more Well Miss
Lyddy I reckon believed what he told her and shes not overfond o parting
with the money herself shes not a bad woman at bottom but shes been brought
up under his thumb so she began fidgeting with her purse and turned as red as
her ribbon But I made a bow and said No thank you madam Ill make you a
present o the screen if you please Ive charged the regular price for my
work and I know its done well and I know begging his honours pardon that
you couldnt get such a screen at Rosseter under two guineas Im willing to
give you my work its been done in my own time and nobodys got anything to
do with it but me but if Im paid I cant take a smaller price than I asked
because that ud be like saying Id asked more than was just With your leave
madam Ill bid you goodmorning I made my bow and went out before shed time
to say any more for she stood with the purse in her hand looking almost
foolish I didnt mean to be disrespectful and I spoke as polite as I could
but I can give in to no man if he wants to make it out as Im trying t
overreach him And in the evening the footman brought me the one pound thirteen
wrapped in paper But since then Ive seen pretty clear as th old Squire cant
abide me«
»Thats likely enough thats likely enough« said Bartle meditatively
»The only way to bring him round would be to show him what was for his own
interest and that the Captain may do that the Captain may do«
»Nay I dont know« said Adam »the Squires cute enough but it takes
something else besides cuteness to make folks see whatll be their interest in
the longrun It takes some conscience and belief in right and wrong I see that
pretty clear Youd hardly ever bring round th old Squire to believe hed gain
as much in a straightforard way as by tricks and turns And besides Ive not
much mind to work under him I dont want to quarrel with any gentleman more
particular an old gentleman turned eighty and I know we couldnt agree long If
the Captain was master o th estate it ud be different hes got a conscience
and a will to do right and Id sooner work for him nor for any man living«
»Well well my boy if good luck knocks at your door dont you put your
head out at window and tell it to be gone about its business thats all You
must learn to deal with odd and even in life as well as in figures I tell you
now as I told you ten years ago when you pommelled young Mike Holdsworth for
wanting to pass a bad shilling before you knew whether he was in jest or
earnest youre overhasty and proud and apt to set your teeth against folks
that dont square to your notions Its no harm for me to be a bit fiery and
stiffbacked Im an old schoolmaster and shall never want to get on to a
higher perch But wheres the use of all the time Ive spent in teaching you
writing and mapping and mensuration if youre not to get forard in the world
and show folks theres some advantage in having a head on your shoulders
instead of a turnip Do you mean to go on turning up your nose at every
opportunity because its got a bit of a smell about it that nobody finds out
but yourself Its as foolish as that notion o yours that a wife is to make a
working man comfortable Stuff and nonsense stuff and nonsense Leave that to
fools that never got beyond a sum in simple addition Simple addition enough
Add one fool to another fool and in six years time six fools more theyre
all of the same denomination big and littles nothing to do with the sum«
During this rather heated exhortation to coolness and discretion the pipe
had gone out and Bartle gave the climax to his speech by striking a light
furiously after which he puffed with fierce resolution fixing his eye still on
Adam who was trying not to laugh
»Theres a good deal o sense in what you say Mr Massey« Adam began as
soon as he felt quite serious »as there always is But youll give in that its
no business o mine to be building on chances that may never happen What Ive
got to do is to work as well as I can with the tools and materals Ive got in
my hands If a good chance comes to me Ill think o what youve been saying
but till then Ive got nothing to do but to trust to my own hands and my own
headpiece Im turning over a little plan for Seth and me to go into the
cabinetmaking a bit by ourselves and win a extra pound or two in that way But
its getting late now itll be pretty near eleven before Im at home and
mother may happen to lie awake shes more fidgety nor usual now So Ill bid
you goodnight«
»Well well well go to the gate with you its a fine night« said
Bartle taking up his stick Vixen was at once on her legs and without further
words the three walked out into the starlight by the side of Bartles
potatobeds to the little gate
»Come to the music o Friday night if you can my boy« said the old man
as he closed the gate after Adam and leaned against it
»Ay ay« said Adam striding along towards the streak of pale road He was
the only object moving on the wide common The two grey donkeys just visible in
front of the gorse bushes stood as still as limestone images as still as the
greythatched roof of the mud cottage a little farther on Bartle kept his eye
on the moving figure till it passed into the darkness while Vixen in a state
of divided affection had twice run back to the house to bestow a parenthetic
lick on her puppies
»Ay ay« muttered the schoolmaster as Adam disappeared »there you go
stalking along stalking along but you wouldnt have been what you are if you
hadnt had a bit of old lame Bartle inside you The strongest calf must have
something to suck at Theres plenty of these big lumbering fellows ud never
have known their A B C if it hadnt been for Bartle Massey Well well Vixen
you foolish wench what is it what is it I must go in must I Ay ay Im
never to have a will o my own any more And those pups what do you think Im
to do with em when theyre twice as big as you for Im pretty sure the
father was that hulking bullterrier of Will Bakers wasnt he now eh you
sly hussey« Here Vixen tucked her tail between her legs and ran forward into
the house Subjects are sometimes broached which a wellbred female will
ignore
»But wheres the use of talking to a woman with babbies« continued Bartle
»shes got no conscience no conscience its all run to milk«
Book Third
Chapter XXII
Going to the Birthday Feast
The thirtieth of July was come and it was one of those halfdozen warm days
which sometimes occur in the middle of a rainy English summer No rain had
fallen for the last three or four days and the weather was perfect for that
time of the year there was less dust than usual on the darkgreen hedgerows
and on the wild camomile that starred the roadside yet the grass was dry enough
for the little children to roll on it and there was no cloud but a long dash of
light downy ripple high high up in the faroff blue sky Perfect weather for
an outdoor July merrymaking yet surely not the best time of year to be born in
Nature seems to make a hot pause just then all the loveliest flowers are gone
the sweet time of early growth and vague hopes is past and yet the time of
harvest and ingathering is not come and we tremble at the possible storms that
may ruin the precious fruit in the moment of its ripeness The woods are all one
dark monotonous green the waggonloads of hay no longer creep along the lanes
scattering their sweetsmelling fragments on the blackberry branches the
pastures are often a little tanned yet the corn has not got its last splendour
of red and gold the lambs and calves have lost all traces of their innocent
frisky prettiness and have become stupid young sheep and cows But it is a time
of leisure on the farm that pause between hay and corn harvest and so the
farmers and labourers in Hayslope and Broxton thought the Captain did well to
come of age just then when they could give their undivided minds to the flavour
of the great cask of ale which had been brewed the autumn after »the heir« was
born and was to be tapped on his twentyfirst birthday The air had been merry
with the ringing of churchbells very early this morning and every one had made
haste to get through the needful work before twelve when it would be time to
think of getting ready to go to the Chase
The midday sun was streaming into Hettys bedchamber and there was no
blind to temper the heat with which it fell on her head as she looked at herself
in the old specked glass Still that was the only glass she had in which she
could see her neck and arms for the small hanging glass she had fetched out of
the next room the room that had been Dinahs would show her nothing below
her little chin and that beautiful bit of neck where the roundness of her cheek
melted into another roundness shadowed by dark delicate curls And today she
thought more than usual about her neck and arms for at the dance this evening
she was not to wear any neckerchief and she had been busy yesterday with her
spotted pinkandwhite frock that she might make the sleeves either long or
short at will She was dressed now just as she was to be in the evening with a
tucker made of »real« lace which her aunt had lent her for this unparalleled
occasion but with no ornaments besides she had even taken out her small round
earrings which she wore every day But there was something more to be done
apparently before she put on her neckerchief and long sleeves which she was to
wear in the daytime for now she unlocked the drawer that held her private
treasures It is more than a month since we saw her unlock that drawer before
and now it holds new treasures so much more precious than the old ones that
these are thrust into the corner Hetty would not care to put the large coloured
glass earrings into her ears now for see she has got a beautiful pair of gold
and pearls and garnet lying snugly in a pretty little box lined with white
satin Oh the delight of taking out that little box and looking at the earrings
Do not reason about it my philosophical reader and say that Hetty being very
pretty must have known that it did not signify whether she had on any ornaments
or not and that moreover to look at earrings which she could not possibly
wear out of her bedroom could hardly be a satisfaction the essence of vanity
being a reference to the impressions produced on others you will never
understand womens natures if you are so excessively rational Try rather to
divest yourself of all your rational prejudices as much as if you were studying
the psychology of a canary bird and only watch the movements of this pretty
round creature as she turns her head on one side with an unconscious smile at
the earrings nestled in the little box Ah you think it is for the sake of the
person who has given them to her and her thoughts are gone back now to the
moment when they were put into her hands No else why should she have cared to
have earrings rather than anything else and I know that she had longed for
earrings from among all the ornaments she could imagine
»Little little ears« Arthur had said pretending to pinch them one
evening as Hetty sat beside him on the grass without her hat »I wish I had
some pretty earrings« she said in a moment almost before she knew what she was
saying the wish lay so close to her lips it would flutter past them at the
slightest breath And the next day it was only last week Arthur had ridden
over to Rosseter on purpose to buy them That little wish so naïvely uttered
seemed to him the prettiest bit of childishness he had never heard anything
like it before and he had wrapped the box up in a great many covers that he
might see Hetty unwrapping it with growing curiosity till at last her eyes
flashed back their new delight into his
No she was not thinking most of the giver when she smiled at the earrings
for now she is taking them out of the box not to press them to her lips but to
fasten them in her ears only for one moment to see how pretty they look as
she peeps at them in the glass against the wall with first one position of the
head and then another like a listening bird It is impossible to be wise on the
subject of earrings as one looks at her what should those delicate pearls and
crystals be made for if not for such ears One cannot even find fault with the
tiny round hole which they leave when they are taken out perhaps waternixies
and such lovely things without souls have these little round holes in their
ears by nature ready to hang jewels in And Hetty must be one of them it is
too painful to think that she is a woman with a womans destiny before her a
woman spinning in young ignorance a light web of folly and vain hopes which may
one day close round her and press upon her a rancorous poisoned garment
changing all at once her fluttering trivial butterfly sensations into a life of
deep human anguish
But she cannot keep in the earrings long else she may make her uncle and
aunt wait She puts them quickly into the box again and shuts them up Some day
she will be able to wear any earrings she likes and already she lives in an
invisible world of brilliant costumes shimmering gauze soft satin and velvet
such as the ladysmaid at the Chase has shown her in Miss Lydias wardrobe she
feels the bracelets on her arms and treads on a soft carpet in front of a tall
mirror But she has one thing in the drawer which she can venture to wear
today because she can hang it on the chain of darkbrown berries which she has
been used to wear on grand days with a tiny flat scentbottle at the end of it
tucked inside her frock and she must put on her brown berries her neck would
look so unfinished without it Hetty was not quite as fond of the locket as of
the earrings though it was a handsome large locket with enamelled flowers at
the back and a beautiful gold border round the glass which showed a lightbrown
slightly waving lock forming a background for two little dark rings She must
keep it under her clothes and no one would see it But Hetty had another
passion only a little less strong than her love of finery and that other
passion made her like to wear the locket even hidden in her bosom She would
always have worn it if she had dared to encounter her aunts questions about a
ribbon round her neck So now she slipped it on along her chain of darkbrown
berries and snapped the chain round her neck It was not a very long chain
only allowing the locket to hang a little way below the edge of her frock And
now she had nothing to do but to put on her long sleeves her new white gauze
neckerchief and her straw hat trimmed with white today instead of the pink
which had become rather faded under the July sun That hat made the drop of
bitterness in Hettys cup today for it was not quite new everybody would see
that it was a little tanned against the white ribbon and Mary Burge she felt
sure would have a new hat or bonnet on She looked for consolation at her fine
white cotton stockings they really were very nice indeed and she had given
almost all her spare money for them Hettys dream of the future could not make
her insensible to triumph in the present to be sure Captain Donnithorne loved
her so that he would never care about looking at other people but then those
other people didnt know how he loved her and she was not satisfied to appear
shabby and insignificant in their eyes even for a short space
The whole party was assembled in the houseplace when Hetty went down all
of course in their Sunday clothes and the bells had been ringing so this
morning in honour of the Captains twentyfirst birthday and the work had all
been got done so early that Marty and Tommy were not quite easy in their minds
until their mother had assured them that going to church was not part of the
days festivities Mr Poyser had once suggested that the house should be shut
up and left to take care of itself »for« said he »theres no danger of
anybodys breaking in everybody ll be at the Chase thieves an all If we
lock th house up all the men can go its a day they wonna see twice i their
lives« But Mrs Poyser answered with great decision »I never left th house to
take care of itself since I was a missis and I never will Theres been
illlooking tramps enoo about the place this last week to carry off every ham
an every spoon wen got and they all collogue together them tramps as its a
mercy they hanna come and pisoned the dogs and murdered us all in our beds afore
we knowed some Friday night when wen got the money in th house to pay the
men And its like enough the tramps know where were going as well as we do
oursens for if Old Harry wants any work done you may be sure hell find the
means«
»Nonsense about murdering us in our beds« said Mr Poyser »Ive got a gun
i our room hanna I and theest got ears as ud find it out if a mouse was
gnawing the bacon Howiver if thee wouldstna be easy Alick can stay at home i
the forepart o the day and Tim can come back towrds five oclock and let
Alick have his turn They may let Growler loose if anybody offers to do
mischief and theres Alicks dog too ready enough to set his tooth in a tramp
if Alick gives him a wink«
Mrs Poyser accepted this compromise but thought it advisable to bar and
bolt to the utmost and now at the last moment before starting Nancy the
dairymaid was closing the shutters of the houseplace although the window
lying under the immediate observation of Alick and the dogs might have been
supposed the least likely to be selected for a burglarious attempt
The covered cart without springs was standing ready to carry the whole
family except the menservants Mr Poyser and the grandfather sat on the seat
in front and within there was room for all the women and children the fuller
the cart the better because then the jolting would not hurt so much and
Nancys broad person and thick arms were an excellent cushion to be pitched on
But Mr Poyser drove at no more than a walking pace that there might be as
little risk of jolting as possible on this warm day and there was time to
exchange greetings and remarks with the footpassengers who were going the same
way specking the paths between the green meadows and the golden cornfields with
bits of movable bright colour a scarlet waistcoat to match the poppies that
nodded a little too thickly among the corn or a darkblue neckerchief with ends
flaunting across a brannew white smockfrock All Broxton and all Hayslope were
to be at the Chase and make merry there in honour of »th heir« and the old
men and women who had never been so far down this side of the hill for the last
twenty years were being brought from Broxton and Hayslope in one of the
farmers waggons at Mr Irwines suggestion The churchbells had struck up
again now a last tune before the ringers came down the hill to have their
share in the festival and before the bells had finished other music was heard
approaching so that even Old Brown the sober horse that was drawing Mr
Poysers cart began to prick up his ears It was the band of the Benefit Club
which had mustered in all its glory that is to say in brightblue scarfs and
blue favours and carrying its banner with the motto »Let brotherly love
continue« encircling a picture of a stonepit
The carts of course were not to enter the Chase Every one must get down
at the lodges and the vehicles must be sent back
»Why the Chase is like a fair aready« said Mrs Poyser as she got down
from the cart and saw the groups scattered under the great oaks and the boys
running about in the hot sunshine to survey the tall poles surmounted by the
fluttering garments that were to be the prize of the successful climbers »I
should ha thought there wasna so many people i the two parishes Mercy on us
how hot it is out o the shade Come here Totty else your little face ull be
burnt to a scratchin They might ha cooked the dinners i that open space an
saved the fires I shall go to Mrs Bests room an sit down«
»Stop a bit stop a bit« said Mr Poyser »Theres th waggin coming wi
th old folks int itll be such a sight as wonna come oer again to see em
get down an walk along all together You remember some on em i their prime
eh father«
»Ay ay« said old Martin walking slowly under the shade of the lodge
porch from which he could see the aged party descend »I remember Jacob Taft
walking fifty mile after the Scotch raybels when they turned back from
Stoniton«
He felt himself quite a youngster with a long life before him as he saw
the Hayslope patriarch old Feyther Taft descend from the waggon and walk
towards him in his brown nightcap and leaning on his two sticks
»Well Mester Taft« shouted old Martin at the utmost stretch of his voice
for though he knew the old man was stone deaf he could not omit the propriety
of a greeting »youre hearty yet You can enjoy yoursen today forall
youre ninety an better«
»Your sarvant mesters your sarvant« said Feyther Taft in a treble tone
perceiving that he was in company
The aged group under care of sons or daughters themselves worn and grey
passed on along the leastwinding carriageroad towards the house where a
special table was prepared for them while the Poyser party wisely struck across
the grass under the shade of the great trees but not out of view of the
housefront with its sloping lawn and flowerbeds or of the pretty striped
marquee at the edge of the lawn standing at right angles with two larger
marquees on each side of the open green space where the games were to be played
The house would have been nothing but a plain square mansion of Queen Annes
time but for the remnant of an old abbey to which it was united at one end in
much the same way as one may sometimes see a new farmhouse rising high and prim
at the end of older and lower farmoffices The fine old remnant stood a little
backward and under the shadow of tall beeches but the sun was now on the taller
and more advanced front the blinds were all down and the house seemed asleep
in the hot midday it made Hetty quite sad to look at it Arthur must be
somewhere in the back rooms with the grand company where he could not possibly
know that she was come and she should not see him for a long long while not
till after dinner when they said he was to come up and make a speech
But Hetty was wrong in part of her conjecture No grand company was come
except the Irwines for whom the carriage had been sent early and Arthur was at
that moment not in a back room but walking with the Rector into the broad stone
cloisters of the old abbey where the long tables were laid for all the cottage
tenants and the farmservants A very handsome young Briton he looked today in
high spirits and a brightblue frockcoat the highest mode his arm no longer
in a sling So openlooking and candid too but candid people have their
secrets and secrets leave no lines in young faces
»Upon my word« he said as they entered the cool cloisters »I think the
cottagers have the best of it these cloisters make a delightful diningroom on
a hot day That was capital advice of yours Irwine about the dinners to let
them be as orderly and comfortable as possible and only for the tenants
especially as I had only a limited sum after all for though my grandfather
talked of a carte blanche he couldnt make up his mind to trust me when it
came to the point«
»Never mind youll give more pleasure in this quiet way« said Mr Irwine
»In this sort of thing people are constantly confounding liberality with riot
and disorder It sounds very grand to say that so many sheep and oxen were
roasted whole and everybody ate who liked to come but in the end it generally
happens that no one has had an enjoyable meal If the people get a good dinner
and a moderate quantity of ale in the middle of the day theyll be able to
enjoy the games as the day cools You cant hinder some of them from getting too
much towards evening but drunkenness and darkness go better together than
drunkenness and daylight«
»Well I hope there wont be much of it Ive kept the Treddleston people
away by having a feast for them in the town and Ive got Casson and Adam Bede
and some other good fellows to look to the giving out of ale in the booths and
to take care things dont go too far Come let us go up above now and see the
dinnertables for the large tenants«
They went up the stone staircase leading simply to the long gallery above
the cloisters a gallery where all the dusty worthless old pictures had been
banished for the last three generations mouldy portraits of Queen Elizabeth
and her ladies General Monk with his eye knocked out Daniel very much in the
dark among the lions and Julius Cæsar on horseback with a high nose and laurel
crown holding his Commentaries in his hand
»What a capital thing it is that they saved this piece of the old abbey«
said Arthur »If Im ever master here I shall do up the gallery in firstrate
style weve got no room in the house a third as large as this That second
table is for the farmers wives and children Mrs Best said it would be more
comfortable for the mothers and children to be by themselves I was determined
to have the children and make a regular family thing of it I shall be the old
squire to those little lads and lasses some day and theyll tell their children
what a much finer young fellow I was than my own son Theres a table for the
women and children below as well But you will see them all you will come up
with me after dinner I hope«
»Yes to be sure« said Mr Irwine »I wouldnt miss your maiden speech to
the tenantry«
»And there will be something else youll like to hear« said Arthur »Let us
go into the library and Ill tell you all about it while my grandfather is in
the drawingroom with the ladies Something that will surprise you« he
continued as they sat down »My grandfather has come round after all«
»What about Adam«
»Yes I should have ridden over to tell you about it only I was so busy
You know I told you I had quite given up arguing the matter with him I thought
it was hopeless but yesterday morning he asked me to come in here to him before
I went out and astonished me by saying that he had decided on all the new
arrangements he should make in consequence of old Satchell being obliged to lay
by work and that he intended to employ Adam in superintending the woods at a
salary of a guinea aweek and the use of a pony to be kept here I believe the
secret of it is he saw from the first it would be a profitable plan but he had
some particular dislike of Adam to get over and besides the fact that I
propose a thing is generally a reason with him for rejecting it Theres the
most curious contradiction in my grandfather I know he means to leave me all
the money he has saved and he is likely enough to have cut off poor aunt Lydia
who has been a slave to him all her life with only five hundred ayear for the
sake of giving me all the more and yet I sometimes think he positively hates me
because Im his heir I believe if I were to break my neck he would feel it the
greatest misfortune that could befall him and yet it seems a pleasure to him to
make my life a series of petty annoyances«
»Ah my boy it is not only womans love that is aperotos eros as old
Æschylus calls it Theres plenty of unloving love in the world of a masculine
kind But tell me about Adam Has he accepted the post I dont see that it can
be much more profitable than his present work though to be sure it will leave
him a good deal of time on his own hands«
»Well I felt some doubt about it when I spoke to him and he seemed to
hesitate at first His objection was that he thought he should not be able to
satisfy my grandfather But I begged him as a personal favour to me not to let
any reason prevent him from accepting the place if he really liked the
employment and would not be giving up anything that was more profitable to him
And he assured me he should like it of all things it would be a great step
forward for him in business and it would enable him to do what he had long
wished to do to give up working for Burge He says he shall have plenty of
time to superintend a little business of his own which he and Seth will carry
on and will perhaps be able to enlarge by degrees So he has agreed at last
and I have arranged that he shall dine with the large tenants today and I mean
to announce the appointment to them and ask them to drink Adams health Its a
little drama Ive got up in honour of my friend Adam Hes a fine fellow and I
like the opportunity of letting people know that I think so«
»A drama in which friend Arthur piques himself on having a pretty part to
play« said Mr Irwine smiling But when he saw Arthur colour he went on
relentingly »My part you know is always that of the old Fogy who sees nothing
to admire in the young folks I dont like to admit that Im proud of my pupil
when he does graceful things But I must play the amiable old gentleman for
once and second your toast in honour of Adam Has your grandfather yielded on
the other point too and agreed to have a respectable man as steward«
»Oh no« said Arthur rising from his chair with an air of impatience and
walking along the room with his hands in his pockets »Hes got some project or
other about letting the Chase Farm and bargaining for a supply of milk and
butter for the house But I ask no questions about it it makes me too angry I
believe he means to do all the business himself and have nothing in the shape
of a steward Its amazing what energy he has though«
»Well well go to the ladies now« said Mr Irwine rising too »I want to
tell my mother what a splendid throne youve prepared for her under the
marquee«
»Yes and we must be going to luncheon too« said Arthur »It must be two
oclock for there is the gong beginning to sound for the tenants dinners«
Chapter XXIII
DinnerTime
When Adam heard that he was to dine upstairs with the large tenants he felt
rather uncomfortable at the idea of being exalted in this way above his mother
and Seth who were to dine in the cloisters below But Mr Mills the butler
assured him that Captain Donnithorne had given particular orders about it and
would be very angry if Adam was not there
Adam nodded and went up to Seth who was standing a few yards off »Seth
lad« he said »the Captain has sent to say Im to dine upstairs he wishes it
particular Mr Mills says so I suppose it ud be behaving ill for me not to
go But I dont like sitting up above thee and mother as if I was better than
my own flesh and blood Theet not take it unkind I hope«
»Nay nay lad« said Seth »thy honours our honour and if thee getst
respect theest won it by thy own deserts The further I see thee above me the
better so long as thee feelst like a brother to me Its because o thy being
appointed over the woods and its nothing but whats right Thats a place o
trust and theet above a common workman now«
»Ay« said Adam »but nobody knows a word about it yet I havent given
notice to Mr Burge about leaving him and I dont like to tell anybody else
about it before he knows for hell be a good bit hurt I doubt People ull be
wondering to see me there and theyll like enough be guessing the reason and
asking questions for theres been so much talk up and down about my having the
place this last three weeks«
»Well thee canst say thee wast ordered to come without being told the
reason Thats the truth And mother ull be fine and joyful about it Lets go
and tell her«
Adam was not the only guest invited to come upstairs on other grounds than
the amount he contributed to the rentroll There were other people in the two
parishes who derived dignity from their functions rather than from their pocket
and of these Bartle Massey was one His lame walk was rather slower than usual
on this warm day so Adam lingered behind when the bell rang for dinner that he
might walk up with his old friend for he was a little too shy to join the
Poyser party on this public occasion Opportunities of getting to Hettys side
would be sure to turn up in the course of the day and Adam contented himself
with that for he disliked any risk of being »joked« about Hetty the big
outspoken fearless man was very shy and diffident as to his love
»Well Mester Massey« said Adam as Bartle came up »Im going to dine
upstairs with you today the Captains sent me orders«
»Ah« said Bartle pausing with one hand on his back »Then theres
something in the wind theres something in the wind Have you heard anything
about what the old Squire means to do«
»Why yes« said Adam »Ill tell you what I know because I believe you can
keep a still tongue in your head if you like and I hope youll not let drop a
word till its common talk for Ive particular reasons against its being
known«
»Trust to me my boy trust to me Ive got no wife to worm it out of me and
then run out and cackle it in everybodys hearing If you trust a man let him
be a bachelor let him be a bachelor«
»Well then it was so far settled yesterday that Im to take the
management o the woods The Captain sent for me t offer it me when I was
seeing to the poles and things here and Ive agreed tot But if anybody asks
any questions upstairs just you take no notice and turn the talk to something
else and Ill be obliged to you Now let us go on for were pretty nigh the
last I think«
»I know what to do never fear« said Bartle moving on »The news will be
good sauce to my dinner Ay ay my boy youll get on Ill back you for an eye
at measuring and a headpiece for figures against any man in this county and
youve had good teaching youve had good teaching«
When they got upstairs the question which Arthur had left unsettled as to
who was to be president and who vice was still under discussion so that
Adams entrance passed without remark
»It stands to sense« Mr Casson was saying »as old Mr Poyser as is th
oldest man i the room should sit at top o the table I wasnt butler fifteen
year without learning the rights and the wrongs about dinner«
»Nay nay« said old Martin »In gien up to my son Im no tenant now let
my son take my place Th ould folks ha had their turn they mun make way for
the young uns«
»I should ha thought the biggest tenant had the best right more nor th
oldest« said Luke Britton who was not fond of the critical Mr Poyser
»theres Mester Holdsworth has more land nor anybody else on th estate«
»Well« said Mr Poyser »suppose we say th man wi the foulest land shall
sit at top then whoever gets th honour therell be no envying on him«
»Eh heres Mester Massey« said Mr Craig who being a neutral in the
dispute had no interest but in conciliation »the schoolmaster ought to be able
to tell you whats right Whos to sit at top o the table Mr Massey«
»Why the broadest man« said Bartle »and then he wont take up other
folks room and the next broadest must sit at bottom«
This happy mode of settling the dispute produced much laughter a smaller
joke would have sufficed for that Mr Casson however did not feel it
compatible with his dignity and superior knowledge to join in the laugh until
it turned out that he was fixed on as the second broadest man Martin Poyser
the younger as the broadest was to be president and Mr Casson as next
broadest was to be vice
Owing to this arrangement Adam being of course at the bottom of the
table fell under the immediate observation of Mr Casson who too much
occupied with the question of precedence had not hitherto noticed his entrance
Mr Casson we have seen considered Adam »rather lifted up and pepperylike«
he thought the gentry made more fuss about this young carpenter than was
necessary they made no fuss about Mr Casson although he had been an excellent
butler for fifteen years
»Well Mr Bede youre one o them as mounts hupards apace« he said when
Adam sat down »Youve niver dined here before as I remember«
»No Mr Casson« said Adam in his strong voice that could be heard along
the table »Ive never dined here before but I come by Captain Donnithornes
wish and I hope its not disagreeable to anybody here«
»Nay nay« said several voices at once »were glad yere come Whos got
anything to say again it«
»And yell sing us Over the hills and far away after dinner wonna ye«
said Mr Chowne »Thats a song Im uncommon fond on«
»Peeh« said Mr Craig »its not to be named by side o the Scotch tunes
Ive never cared about singing myself Ive had something better to do A man
thats got the names and the natur o plants ins head isna likely to keep a
hollow place t hold tunes in But a second cousin o mine a drovier was a
rare hand at remembering the Scotch tunes Hed got nothing else to think on«
»The Scotch tunes« said Bartle Massey contemptuously »Ive heard enough
o the Scotch tunes to last me while I live Theyre fit for nothing but to
frighten the birds with thats to say the English birds for the Scotch birds
may sing Scotch for what I know Give the lads a bagpipes instead of a rattle
and Ill answer for it the corn ll be safe«
»Yes theres folks as find a pleasure in undervallying what they know but
little about« said Mr Craig
»Why the Scotch tunes are just like a scolding nagging woman« Bartle went
on without deigning to notice Mr Craigs remark »They go on with the same
thing over and over again and never come to a reasonable end Anybody ud think
the Scotch tunes had always been asking a question of somebody as deaf as old
Taft and had never got an answer yet«
Adam minded the less about sitting by Mr Casson because this position
enabled him to see Hetty who was not far off him at the next table Hetty
however had not even noticed his presence yet for she was giving angry
attention to Totty who insisted on drawing up her feet on to the bench in
antique fashion and thereby threatened to make dusty marks on Hettys
pinkandwhite frock No sooner were the little fat legs pushed down than up
they came again for Tottys eyes were too busy in staring at the large dishes
to see where the plumpudding was for her to retain any consciousness of her
legs Hetty got quite out of patience and at last with a frown and pout and
gathering tears she said
»Oh dear aunt I wish youd speak to Totty she keeps putting her legs up
so and messing my frock«
»Whats the matter wi the child She can niver please you« said the
mother »Let her come by the side o me then I can put up wi her«
Adam was looking at Hetty and saw the frown and pout and the dark eyes
seeming to grow larger with pettish halfgathered tears Quiet Mary Burge who
sat near enough to see that Hetty was cross and that Adams eyes were fixed on
her thought that so sensible a man as Adam must be reflecting on the small
value of beauty in a woman whose temper was bad Mary was a good girl not given
to indulge in evil feelings but she said to herself that since Hetty had a
bad temper it was better Adam should know it And it was quite true that if
Hetty had been plain she would have looked very ugly and unamiable at that
moment and no ones moral judgment upon her would have been in the least
beguiled But really there was something quite charming in her pettishness it
looked so much more like innocent distress than illhumour and the severe Adam
felt no movement of disapprobation he only felt a sort of amused pity as if he
had seen a kitten setting up its back or a little bird with its feathers
ruffled He could not gather what was vexing her but it was impossible to him
to feel otherwise than that she was the prettiest thing in the world and that
if he could have his way nothing should ever vex her any more And presently
when Totty was gone she caught his eye and her face broke into one of its
brightest smiles as she nodded to him It was a bit of flirtation she knew
Mary Burge was looking at them But the smile was like wine to Adam
Chapter XXIV
The HealthDrinking
When the dinner was over and the first draughts from the great cask of birthday
ale were brought up room was made for the broad Mr Poyser at the side of the
table and two chairs were placed at the head It had been settled very
definitely what Mr Poyser was to do when the young Squire should appear and
for the last five minutes he had been in a state of abstraction with his eyes
fixed on the dark picture opposite and his hands busy with the loose cash and
other articles in his breechespockets
When the young Squire entered with Mr Irwine by his side every one stood
up and this moment of homage was very agreeable to Arthur He liked to feel his
own importance and besides that he cared a great deal for the goodwill of
these people he was fond of thinking that they had a hearty special regard for
him The pleasure he felt was in his face as he said
»My grandfather and I hope all our friends here have enjoyed their dinner
and find my birthday ale good Mr Irwine and I are come to taste it with you
and I am sure we shall all like anything the better that the Rector shares with
us«
All eyes were now turned on Mr Poyser who with his hands still busy in
his pockets began with the deliberateness of a slowstriking clock »Captain
my neighbours have put it upo me to speak for em today for where folks think
pretty much alike one spokesmans as good as a score And though weve
mayhappen got contrairy ways o thinking about a many things one man lays down
his land one way an another another an Ill not take it upon me to speak to
no mans farming but my own this Ill say as were all o one mind about our
young Squire Weve pretty nigh all on us known you when you war a little un
an weve niver known anything on you but what was good an honourable You
speak fair an y act fair an were joyful when we look forrard to your being
our landlord for we blieve you mean to do right by everybody an ull make no
mans bread bitter to him if you can help it Thats what I mean an thats
what we all mean and when a mans said what he means hed better stop for th
ale ull be none the better for stannin An Ill not say how we like th ale
yet for we couldna well taste it till wed drunk your health in it but the
dinner was good an if theres anybody hasna enjoyed it it must be the fault
of his own inside An as for the Rectors company its well known as thats
welcome t all the parish wherever he may be an I hope an we all hope as
hell live to see us old folks an our children grown to men an women an
your honour a family man Ive no more to say as concerns the present time an
so well drink our young Squires health three times three«
Hereupon a glorious shouting a rapping a jingling a clattering and a
shouting with plentiful da capo pleasanter than a strain of sublimest music in
the ears that receive such a tribute for the first time Arthur had felt a
twinge of conscience during Mr Poysers speech but it was too feeble to
nullify the pleasure he felt in being praised Did he not deserve what was said
of him on the whole If there was something in his conduct that Poyser wouldnt
have liked if he had known it why no mans conduct will bear too close an
inspection and Poyser was not likely to know it and after all what had he
done Gone a little too far perhaps in flirtation but another man in his
place would have acted much worse and no harm could come no harm should come
for the next time he was alone with Hetty he would explain to her that she must
not think seriously of him or of what had passed It was necessary to Arthur
you perceive to be satisfied with himself uncomfortable thoughts must be got
rid of by good intentions for the future which can be formed so rapidly that
he had time to be uncomfortable and to become easy again before Mr Poysers
slow speech was finished and when it was time for him to speak he was quite
lighthearted
»I thank you all my good friends and neighbours« Arthur said »for the
good opinion of me and the kind feelings towards me which Mr Poyser has been
expressing on your behalf and on his own and it will always be my heartiest
wish to deserve them In the course of things we may expect that if I live I
shall one day or other be your landlord indeed it is on the ground of that
expectation that my grandfather has wished me to celebrate this day and to come
among you now and I look forward to this position not merely as one of power
and pleasure for myself but as a means of benefiting my neighbours It hardly
becomes so young a man as I am to talk much about farming to you who are most
of you so much older and are men of experience still I have interested myself
a good deal in such matters and learned as much about them as my opportunities
have allowed and when the course of events shall place the estate in my hands
it will be my first desire to afford my tenants all the encouragement a landlord
can give them in improving their land and trying to bring about a better
practice of husbandry It will be my wish to be looked on by all my deserving
tenants as their best friend and nothing would make me so happy as to be able
to respect every man on the estate and to be respected by him in return It is
not my place at present to enter into particulars I only meet your good hopes
concerning me by telling you that my own hopes correspond to them that what
you expect from me I desire to fulfil and I am quite of Mr Poysers opinion
that when a man has said what he means he had better stop But the pleasure I
feel in having my own health drunk by you would not be perfect if we did not
drink the health of my grandfather who has filled the place of both parents to
me I will say no more until you have joined me in drinking his health on a day
when he has wished me to appear among you as the future representative of his
name and family«
Perhaps there was no one present except Mr Irwine who thoroughly understood
and approved Arthurs graceful mode of proposing his grandfathers health The
farmers thought the young Squire knew well enough that they hated the old
Squire and Mrs Poyser said »hed better not ha stirred a kettle o sour
broth« The bucolic mind does not readily apprehend the refinements of good
taste But the toast could not be rejected and when it had been drunk Arthur
said
»I thank you both for my grandfather and myself and now there is one more
thing I wish to tell you that you may share my pleasure about it as I hope and
believe you will I think there can be no man here who has not a respect and
some of you I am sure have a very high regard for my friend Adam Bede It is
well known to every one in this neighbourhood that there is no man whose word
can be more depended on than his that whatever he undertakes to do he does
well and is as careful for the interests of those who employ him as for his
own Im proud to say that I was very fond of Adam when I was a little boy and
I have never lost my old feeling for him I think that shows that I know a good
fellow when I find him It has long been my wish that he should have the
management of the woods on the estate which happen to be very valuable not
only because I think so highly of his character but because he has the
knowledge and the skill which fit him for the place And I am happy to tell you
that it is my grandfathers wish too and it is now settled that Adam shall
manage the woods a change which I am sure will be very much for the advantage
of the estate and I hope you will byandby join me in drinking his health and
in wishing him all the prosperity in life that he deserves But there is a still
older friend of mine than Adam Bede present and I need not tell you that it is
Mr Irwine Im sure you will agree with me that we must drink no other persons
health until we have drunk his I know you have all reason to love him but no
one of his parishioners has so much reason as I Come charge your glasses and
let us drink to our excellent Rector three times three«
This toast was drunk with all the enthusiasm that was wanting to the last
and it certainly was the most picturesque moment in the scene when Mr Irwine
got up to speak and all the faces in the room were turned towards him The
superior refinement of his face was much more striking than that of Arthurs
when seen in comparison with the people round them Arthurs was a much commoner
British face and the splendour of his newfashioned clothes was more akin to
the young farmers taste in costume than Mr Irwines powder and the
wellbrushed but wellworn black which seemed to be his chosen suit for great
occasions for he had the mysterious secret of never wearing a newlooking coat
»This is not the first time by a great many« he said »that I have had to
thank my parishioners for giving me tokens of their goodwill but neighbourly
kindness is among those things that are the more precious the older they get
Indeed our pleasant meeting today is a proof that when what is good comes of
age and is likely to live there is reason for rejoicing and the relation
between us as clergyman and parishioners came of age two years ago for it is
threeandtwenty years since I first came among you and I see some tall
finelooking young men here as well as some blooming young women that were far
from looking as pleasantly at me when I christened them as I am happy to see
them looking now But Im sure you will not wonder when I say that among all
those young men the one in whom I have the strongest interest is my friend Mr
Arthur Donnithorne for whom you have just expressed your regard I had the
pleasure of being his tutor for several years and have naturally had
opportunities of knowing him intimately which cannot have occurred to any one
else who is present and I have some pride as well as pleasure in assuring you
that I share your high hopes concerning him and your confidence in his
possession of those qualities which will make him an excellent landlord when the
time shall come for him to take that important position among you We feel alike
on most matters on which a man who is getting towards fifty can feel in common
with a young man of oneandtwenty and he has just been expressing a feeling
which I share very heartily and I would not willingly omit the opportunity of
saying so That feeling is his value and respect for Adam Bede People in a high
station are of course more thought of and talked about and have their virtues
more praised than those whose lives are passed in humble everyday work but
every sensible man knows how necessary that humble everyday work is and how
important it is to us that it should be done well And I agree with my friend
Mr Arthur Donnithorne in feeling that when a man whose duty lies in that sort
of work shows a character which would make him an example in any station his
merit should be acknowledged He is one of those to whom honour is due and his
friends should delight to honour him I know Adam Bede well I know what he is
as a workman and what he has been as a son and brother and I am saying the
simplest truth when I say that I respect him as much as I respect any man
living But I am not speaking to you about a stranger some of you are his
intimate friends and I believe there is not one here who does not know enough
of him to join heartily in drinking his health«
As Mr Irwine paused Arthur jumped up and filling his glass said »A
bumper to Adam Bede and may he live to have sons as faithful and clever as
himself«
No hearer not even Bartle Massey was so delighted with this toast as Mr
Poyser »tough work« as his first speech had been he would have started up to
make another if he had not known the extreme irregularity of such a course As
it was he found an outlet for his feeling in drinking his ale unusually fast
and setting down his glass with a swing of his arm and a determined rap If
Jonathan Burge and a few others felt less comfortable on the occasion they
tried their best to look contented and so the toast was drunk with a goodwill
apparently unanimous
Adam was rather paler than usual when he got up to thank his friends He was
a good deal moved by this public tribute very naturally for he was in the
presence of all his little world and it was uniting to do him honour But he
felt no shyness about speaking not being troubled with small vanity or lack of
words he looked neither awkward nor embarrassed but stood in his usual firm
upright attitude with his head thrown a little backward and his hands perfectly
still in that rough dignity which is peculiar to intelligent honest
wellbuilt workmen who are never wondering what is their business in the world
»Im quite taken by surprise« he said »I didnt expect anything o this
sort for its a good deal more than my wages But Ive the more reason to be
grateful to you Captain and to you Mr Irwine and to all my friends here
whove drunk my health and wished me well It ud be nonsense for me to be
saying I dont at all deserve th opinion you have of me that ud be poor
thanks to you to say that youve known me all these years and yet havent
sense enough to find out a great deal o the truth about me You think if I
undertake to do a bit o work Ill do it well be my pay big or little and
thats true Id be ashamed to stand before you here if it wasna true But it
seems to me thats a mans plain duty and nothing to be conceited about and
its pretty clear to me as Ive never done more than my duty for let us do what
we will its only making use o the sperrit and the powers that ha been given
to us And so this kindness o yours Im sure is no debt you owe me but a
free gift and as such I accept it and am thankful And as to this new
employment Ive taken in hand Ill only say that I took it at Captain
Donnithornes desire and that Ill try to fulfil his expectations Id wish for
no better lot than to work under him and to know that while I was getting my
own bread I was taking care of his intrests For I believe hes one o those
gentlemen as wishes to do the right thing and to leave the world a bit better
than he found it which its my belief every man may do whether hes gentle or
simple whether he sets a good bit o work going and finds the money or whether
he does the work with his own hands Theres no occasion for me to say any more
about what I feel towards him I hope to show it through the rest o my life in
my actions«
There were various opinions about Adams speech some of the women whispered
that he didnt show himself thankful enough and seemed to speak as proud as
could be but most of the men were of opinion that nobody could speak more
straightforard and that Adam was as fine a chap as need to be While such
observations were being buzzed about mingled with wonderings as to what the old
Squire meant to do for a bailiff and whether he was going to have a steward
the two gentlemen had risen and were walking round to the table where the wives
and children sat There was none of the strong ale here of course but wine and
dessert sparkling gooseberry for the young ones and some good sherry for the
mothers Mrs Poyser was at the head of this table and Totty was now seated in
her lap bending her small nose deep down into a wineglass in search of the
nuts floating there
»How do you do Mrs Poyser« said Arthur »Werent you pleased to hear your
husband make such a good speech today«
»Oh sir the men are mostly so tonguetied youre forced partly to guess
what they mean as you do wi the dumb creaturs«
»What you think you could have made it better for him« said Mr Irwine
laughing
»Well sir when I want to say anything I can mostly find words to say it
in thank God Not as Im afinding faut wi my husband for if hes a man o
few words what he says hell stand to«
»Im sure I never saw a prettier party than this« Arthur said looking
round at the applecheeked children »My aunt and the Miss Irwines will come up
and see you presently They were afraid of the noise of the toasts but it would
be a shame for them not to see you at table«
He walked on speaking to the mothers and patting the children while Mr
Irwine satisfied himself with standing still and nodding at a distance that no
ones attention might be disturbed from the young Squire the hero of the day
Arthur did not venture to stop near Hetty but merely bowed to her as he passed
along the opposite side The foolish child felt her heart swelling with
discontent for what woman was ever satisfied with apparent neglect even when
she knows it to be the mask of love Hetty thought this was going to be the most
miserable day she had had for a long while a moment of chill daylight and
reality came across her dream Arthur who had seemed so near to her only a few
hours before was separated from her as the hero of a great procession is
separated from a small outsider in the crowd
Chapter XXV
The Games
The great dance was not to begin until eight oclock but for any lads and
lasses who liked to dance on the shady grass before then there was music always
at hand for was not the band of the Benefit Club capable of playing excellent
jigs reels and hornpipes And besides this there was a grand band hired from
Rosseter who with their wonderful windinstruments and puffedout cheeks were
themselves a delightful show to the small boys and girls To say nothing of
Joshua Ranns fiddle which by an act of generous forethought he had provided
himself with in case any one should be of sufficiently pure taste to prefer
dancing to a solo on that instrument
Meantime when the sun had moved off the great open space in front of the
house the games began There were of course wellsoaped poles to be climbed by
the boys and youths races to be run by the old women races to be run in sacks
heavy weights to be lifted by the strong men and a long list of challenges to
such ambitious attempts as that of walking as many yards as possible on one leg
feats in which it was generally remarked that Wiry Ben being »the lissomst
springest fellow i the country« was sure to be preeminent To crown all
there was to be a donkeyrace that sublimest of all races conducted on the
grand socialistic idea of everybody encouraging everybody elses donkey and the
sorriest donkey winning
And soon after four oclock splendid old Mrs Irwine in her damask satin
and jewels and black lace was led out by Arthur followed by the whole family
party to her raised seat under the striped marquee where she was to give out
the prizes to the victors Staid formal Miss Lydia had requested to resign that
queenly office to the royal old lady and Arthur was pleased with this
opportunity of gratifying his godmothers taste for stateliness Old Mr
Donnithorne the delicatelyclean finelyscented withered old man led out
Miss Irwine with his air of punctilious acid politeness Mr Gawaine brought
Miss Lydia looking neutral and stiff in an elegant peachblossom silk and Mr
Irwine came last with his pale sister Anne No other friend of the family
besides Mr Gawaine was invited today there was to be a grand dinner for the
neighbouring gentry on the morrow but today all the forces were required for
the entertainment of the tenants
There was a sunk fence in front of the marquee dividing the lawn from the
park but a temporary bridge had been made for the passage of the victors and
the groups of people standing or seated here and there on benches stretched on
each side of the open space from the white marquees up to the sunk fence
»Upon my word its a pretty sight« said the old lady in her deep voice
when she was seated and looked round on the bright scene with its darkgreen
background »and its the last fêteday Im likely to see unless you make haste
and get married Arthur But take care you get a charming bride else I would
rather die without seeing her«
»Youre so terribly fastidious godmother« said Arthur »Im afraid I
should never satisfy you with my choice«
»Well I wont forgive you if shes not handsome I cant be put off with
amiability which is always the excuse people are making for the existence of
plain people And she must not be silly that will never do because youll want
managing and a silly woman cant manage you Who is that tall young man
Dauphin with the mild face There standing without his hat and taking such
care of that tall old woman by the side of him his mother of course I like
to see that«
»What dont you know him mother« said Mr Irwine »That is Seth Bede
Adams brother a Methodist but a very good fellow Poor Seth has looked
rather downhearted of late I thought it was because of his fathers dying in
that sad way but Joshua Rann tells me he wanted to marry that sweet little
Methodist preacher who was here about a month ago and I suppose she refused
him«
»Ah I remember hearing about her but there are no end of people here that
I dont know for theyre grown up and altered so since I used to go about«
»What excellent sight you have« said old Mr Donnithorne who was holding a
double glass up to his eyes »to see the expression of that young mans face so
far off His face is nothing but a pale blurred spot to me But I fancy I have
the advantage of you when we come to look close I can read small print without
spectacles«
»Ah my dear sir you began with being very nearsighted and those
nearsighted eyes always wear the best I want very strong spectacles to read
with but then I think my eyes get better and better for things at a distance I
suppose if I could live another fifty years I should be blind to everything
that wasnt out of other peoples sight like a man who stands in a well and
sees nothing but the stars«
»See« said Arthur »the old women are ready to set out on their race now
Which do you bet on Gawaine«
»The longlegged one unless theyre going to have several heats and then
the little wiry one may win«
»There are the Poysers mother not far off on the right hand« said Miss
Irwine »Mrs Poyser is looking at you Do take notice of her«
»To be sure I will« said the old lady giving a gracious bow to Mrs
Poyser »A woman who sends me such excellent creamcheese is not to be
neglected Bless me what a fat child that is she is holding on her knee But
who is that pretty girl with dark eyes«
»That is Hetty Sorrel« said Miss Lydia Donnithorne »Martin Poysers niece
a very likely young person and welllooking too My maid has taught her fine
needlework and she has mended some lace of mine very respectably indeed very
respectably«
»Why she has lived with the Poysers six or seven years mother you must
have seen her« said Miss Irwine
»No Ive never seen her child at least not as she is now« said Mrs
Irwine continuing to look at Hetty »Welllooking indeed Shes a perfect
beauty Ive never seen anything so pretty since my young days What a pity such
beauty as that should be thrown away among the farmers when its wanted so
terribly among the good families without fortune I daresay now shell marry a
man who would have thought her just as pretty if she had had round eyes and red
hair«
Arthur dared not turn his eyes towards Hetty while Mrs Irwine was speaking
of her He feigned not to hear and to be occupied with something on the
opposite side But he saw her plainly enough without looking saw her in
heightened beauty because he heard her beauty praised for other mens
opinion you know was like a native climate to Arthurs feelings it was the
air on which they thrived the best and grew strong Yes she was enough to turn
any mans head any man in his place would have done and felt the same And to
give her up after all as he was determined to do would be an act that he
should always look back upon with pride
»No mother« said Mr Irwine replying to her last words »I cant agree
with you there The common people are not quite so stupid as you imagine The
commonest man who has his ounce of sense and feeling is conscious of the
difference between a lovely delicate woman and a coarse one Even a dog feels
a difference in their presence The man may be no better able than the dog to
explain the influence the more refined beauty has on him but he feels it«
»Bless me Dauphin what does an old bachelor like you know about it«
»Oh that is one of the matters in which old bachelors are wiser than
married men because they have time for more general contemplation Your fine
critic of women must never shackle his judgment by calling one woman his own
But as an example of what I was saying that pretty Methodist preacher I
mentioned just now told me that she had preached to the roughest miners and
had never been treated with anything but the utmost respect and kindness by
them The reason is though she doesnt know it that theres so much
tenderness refinement and purity about her Such a woman as that brings with
her airs from heaven that the coarsest fellow is not insensible to«
»Heres a delicate bit of womanhood or girlhood coming to receive a prize
I suppose« said Mr Gawaine »She must be one of the racers in the sacks who
had set off before we came«
The »bit of womanhood« was our old acquaintance Bessy Cranage otherwise
Chads Bess whose large red cheeks and blowsy person had undergone an
exaggeration of colour which if she had happened to be a heavenly body would
have made her sublime Bessy I am sorry to say had taken to her earrings again
since Dinahs departure and was otherwise decked out in such small finery as
she could muster Any one who could have looked into poor Bessys heart would
have seen a striking resemblance between her little hopes and anxieties and
Hettys The advantage perhaps would have been on Bessys side in the matter
of feeling But then you see they were so very different outside You would
have been inclined to box Bessys ears and you would have longed to kiss Hetty
Bessy had been tempted to run the arduous race partly from mere hoidenish
gaiety partly because of the prize Some one had said there were to be cloaks
and other nice clothes for prizes and she approached the marquee fanning
herself with her handkerchief but with exultation sparkling in her round eyes
»Here is the prize for the first sackrace« said Miss Lydia taking a large
parcel from the table where the prizes were laid and giving it to Mrs Irwine
before Bessy came up »an excellent grogram gown and a piece of flannel«
»You didnt think the winner was to be so young I suppose aunt« said
Arthur »Couldnt you find something else for this girl and save that
grimlooking gown for one of the older women«
»I have bought nothing but what is useful and substantial« said Miss Lydia
adjusting her own lace »I should not think of encouraging a love of finery in
young women of that class I have a scarlet cloak but that is for the old woman
who wins«
This speech of Miss Lydias produced rather a mocking expression in Mrs
Irwines face as she looked at Arthur while Bessy came up and dropped a series
of curtsies
»This is Bessy Cranage mother« said Mr Irwine kindly »Chad Cranages
daughter You remember Chad Cranage the blacksmith«
»Yes to be sure« said Mrs Irwine »Well Bessy here is your prize
excellent warm things for winter Im sure you have had hard work to win them
this warm day«
Bessys lip fell as she saw the ugly heavy gown which felt so hot and
disagreeable too on this July day and was such a great ugly thing to carry
She dropped her curtsies again without looking up and with a growing
tremulousness about the corners of her mouth and then turned away
»Poor girl« said Arthur »I think shes disappointed I wish it had been
something more to her taste«
»Shes a boldlooking young person« observed Miss Lydia »Not at all one I
should like to encourage«
Arthur silently resolved that he would make Bessy a present of money before
the day was over that she might buy something more to her mind but she not
aware of the consolation in store for her turned out of the open space where
she was visible from the marquee and throwing down the odious bundle under a
tree began to cry very much tittered at the while by the small boys In this
situation she was descried by her discreet matronly cousin who lost no time in
coming up having just given the baby into her husbands charge
»Whats the matter wi ye« said Bess the matron taking up the bundle and
examining it »Yen sweltered yoursen I reckon running that fools race An
here theyn gien you lots o good grogram and flannel as should ha been
gien by good rights to them as had the sense to keep away from such foolery Ye
might spare me a bit o this grogram to make clothes for the lad ye war neer
illnatured Bess I neer said that on ye«
»Ye may take it all for what I care« said Bess the maiden with a pettish
movement beginning to wipe away her tears and recover herself
»Well I could do wit if so be ye want to get rid ont« said the
disinterested cousin walking quickly away with the bundle lest Chads Bess
should change her mind
But that bonnycheeked lass was blest with an elasticity of spirits that
secured her from any rankling grief and by the time the grand climax of the
donkeyrace came on her disappointment was entirely lost in the delightful
excitement of attempting to stimulate the last donkey by hisses while the boys
applied the argument of sticks But the strength of the donkey mind lies in
adopting a course inversely as the arguments urged which well considered
requires as great a mental force as the direct sequence and the present donkey
proved the firstrate order of his intelligence by coming to a dead standstill
just when the blows were thickest Great was the shouting of the crowd radiant
the grinning of Bill Downes the stonesawyer and the fortunate rider of this
superior beast which stood calm and stifflegged in the midst of its triumph
Arthur himself had provided the prizes for the men and Bill was made happy
with a splendid pocketknife supplied with blades and gimlets enough to make a
man at home on a desert island He had hardly returned from the marquee with the
prize in his hand when it began to be understood that Wiry Ben proposed to
amuse the company before the gentry went to dinner with an impromptu and
gratuitous performance namely a hornpipe the main idea of which was
doubtless borrowed but this was to be developed by the dancer in so peculiar
and complex a manner that no one could deny him the praise of originality Wiry
Bens pride in his dancing an accomplishment productive of great effect at the
yearly Wake had needed only slightly elevating by an extra quantity of good
ale to convince him that the gentry would be very much struck with his
performance of the hornpipe and he had been decidedly encouraged in this idea
by Joshua Rann who observed that it was nothing but right to do something to
please the young Squire in return for what he had done for them You will be
the less surprised at this opinion in so grave a personage when you learn that
Ben had requested Mr Rann to accompany him on the fiddle and Joshua felt quite
sure that though there might not be much in the dancing the music would make up
for it Adam Bede who was present in one of the large marquees where the plan
was being discussed told Ben he had better not make a fool of himself a
remark which at once fixed Bens determination he was not going to let anything
alone because Adam Bede turned up his nose at it
»Whats this whats this« said old Mr Donnithorne »Is it something
youve arranged Arthur Heres the clerk coming with his fiddle and a smart
fellow with a nosegay in his buttonhole«
»No« said Arthur »I know nothing about it By Jove hes going to dance
Its one of the carpenters I forget his name at this moment«
»Its Ben Cranage wiry Ben they call him« said Mr Irwine »rather a
loose fish I think Anne my dear I see that fiddlescraping is too much for
you youre getting tired Let me take you in now that you may rest till
dinner«
Miss Anne rose assentingly and the good brother took her away while
Joshuas preliminary scrapings burst into the »White Cockade« from which he
intended to pass to a variety of tunes by a series of transitions which his
good ear really taught him to execute with some skill It would have been an
exasperating fact to him if he had known it that the general attention was too
thoroughly absorbed by Bens dancing for any one to give much heed to the music
Have you ever seen a real English rustic perform a solo dance Perhaps you
have only seen a ballet rustic smiling like a merry countryman in crockery
with graceful turns of the haunch and insinuating movements of the head That is
as much like the real thing as the »Bird Waltz« is like the song of birds Wiry
Ben never smiled he looked as serious as a dancing monkey as serious as if he
had been an experimental philosopher ascertaining in his own person the amount
of shaking and the varieties of angularity that could be given to the human
limbs
To make amends for the abundant laughter in the striped marquee Arthur
clapped his hands continually and cried »Bravo« But Ben had one admirer whose
eyes followed his movements with a fervid gravity that equalled his own It was
Martin Poyser who was seated on a bench with Tommy between his legs
»What dost think o that« he said to his wife »He goes as pat to the music
as if he was made o clockwork I used to be a pretty good un at dancing myself
when I was lighter but I could niver ha hit it just to th hair like that«
»Its little matter what his limbs are to my thinking« returned Mrs
Poyser »Hes empty enough i the upper story or hed niver come jigging an
stamping i that way like a mad grasshopper for the gentry to look at him
Theyre fit to die wi laughing I can see«
»Well well so much the better it amuses em« said Mr Poyser who did
not easily take an irritable view of things »But theyre going away now t
have their dinner I reckon Well move about a bit shall we and see what Adam
Bedes doing Hes got to look after the drinking and things I doubt he hasna
had much fun«
Chapter XXVI
The Dance
Arthur had chosen the entrancehall for the ballroom very wisely for no other
room could have been so airy or would have had the advantage of the wide doors
opening into the garden as well as a ready entrance into the other rooms To be
sure a stone floor was not the pleasantest to dance on but then most of the
dancers had known what it was to enjoy a Christmas dance on kitchen quarries It
was one of those entrancehalls which make the surrounding rooms look like
closets with stucco angels trumpets and flower wreaths on the lofty ceiling
and great medallions of miscellaneous heroes on the walls alternating with
statues in niches Just the sort of place to be ornamented well with green
boughs and Mr Craig had been proud to show his taste and his hothouse plants
on the occasion The broad steps of the stone staircase were covered with
cushions to serve as seats for the children who were to stay till halfpast
nine with the servantmaids to see the dancing and as this dance was confined
to the chief tenants there was abundant room for every one The lights were
charmingly disposed in colouredpaper lamps high up among green boughs and the
farmers wives and daughters as they peeped in believed no scene could be more
splendid they knew now quite well in what sort of rooms the king and queen
lived and their thoughts glanced with some pity towards cousins and
acquaintances who had not this fine opportunity of knowing how things went on in
the great world The lamps were already lit though the sun had not long set
and there was that calm light out of doors in which we seem to see all objects
more distinctly than in the broad day
It was a pretty scene outside the house the farmers and their families were
moving about the lawn among the flowers and shrubs or along the broad straight
road leading from the east front where a carpet of mossy grass spread on each
side studded here and there with a dark flatboughed cedar or a grand
pyramidal fir sweeping the ground with its branches all tipped with a fringe of
paler green The groups of cottagers in the park were gradually diminishing the
young ones being attracted towards the lights that were beginning to gleam from
the windows of the gallery in the abbey which was to be their dancingroom and
some of the sober elder ones thinking it time to go home quietly One of these
was Lisbeth Bede and Seth went with her not from filial attention only for
his conscience would not let him join in dancing It had been rather a
melancholy day to Seth Dinah had never been more constantly present with him
than in this scene where everything was so unlike her He saw her all the more
vividly after looking at the thoughtless faces and gaycoloured dresses of the
young women just as one feels the beauty and the greatness of a pictured
Madonna the more when it has been for a moment screened from us by a vulgar
head in a bonnet But this presence of Dinah in his mind only helped him to bear
the better with his mothers mood which had been becoming more and more
querulous for the last hour Poor Lisbeth was suffering from a strange conflict
of feelings Her joy and pride in the honour paid to her darling son Adam was
beginning to be worsted in the conflict with the jealousy and fretfulness which
had revived when Adam came to tell her that Captain Donnithorne desired him to
join the dancers in the hall Adam was getting more and more out of her reach
she wished all the old troubles back again for then it mattered more to Adam
what his mother said and did
»Eh its fine talkin o dancin« she said »an thy father not a five
week ins grave An I wish I war there too istid o bein left to take up
merrier folkss room above ground«
»Nay dont look at it i that way mother« said Adam who was determined
to be gentle to her today »I dont mean to dance I shall only look on And
since the Captain wishes me to be there it ud look as if I thought I knew
better than him to say as Id rather not stay And thee knowst how hes behaved
to me today«
»Eh theet do as thee likst for thy old mothers got no right t hinder
thee Shes nought but th old husk and theest slipped away from her like the
ripe nut«
»Well mother« said Adam »Ill go and tell the Captain as it hurts thy
feelings for me to stay and Id rather go home upo that account he wont take
it ill then I daresay and Im willing« He said this with some effort for he
really longed to be near Hetty this evening
»Nay nay I wonna ha thee do that the young Squire ull be angered Go
an do what theet ordered to do an me and Seth ull go whome I know its a
grit honour for thee to be so looked on an whos to be prouder on it nor thy
mother Hadna she the cumber o rearin thee an doin for thee all these
ears«
»Well goodbye then mother goodbye lad remember Gyp when you get
home« said Adam turning away towards the gate of the pleasuregrounds where
he hoped he might be able to join the Poysers for he had been so occupied
throughout the afternoon that he had had no time to speak to Hetty His eye soon
detected a distant group which he knew to be the right one returning to the
house along the broad gravel road and he hastened on to meet them
»Why Adam Im glad to get sight on y again« said Mr Poyser who was
carrying Totty on his arm »Youre going t have a bit o fun I hope now your
works all done And heres Hetty has promised no end o partners an Ive just
been askin her if shed agreed to dance wi you an she says no«
»Well I didnt think o dancing tonight« said Adam already tempted to
change his mind as he looked at Hetty
»Nonsense« said Mr Poyser »Why everybodys goin to dance tonight all
but the old Squire and Mrs Irwine Mrs Bests been tellin us as Miss Lyddy
and Miss Irwine ull dance an the young Squire ull pick my wife for his first
partner t open the ball so shell be forced to dance though shes laid by
ever sin the Christmas afore the little un was born You canna for shame stand
still Adam an you a fine young fellow and can dance as well as anybody«
»Nay nay« said Mrs Poyser »it ud be unbecomin I know the dancins
nonsense but if you stick at everything because its nonsense you wonna go far
i this life When your broths readymade for you you mun swallow the
thickenin or else let the broth alone«
»Then if Hetty ull dance with me« said Adam yielding either to Mrs
Poysers argument or to something else »Ill dance whichever dance shes free«
»Ive got no partner for the fourth dance« said Hetty »Ill dance that
with you if you like«
»Ah« said Mr Poyser »but you mun dance the first dance Adam else itll
look particler Theres plenty o nice partners to pick an choose from an
its hard for the gells when the men stan by and dont ask em«
Adam felt the justice of Mr Poysers observation it would not do for him
to dance with no one besides Hetty and remembering that Jonathan Burge had some
reason to feel hurt today he resolved to ask Miss Mary to dance with him the
first dance if she had no other partner
»Theres the big clock strikin eight« said Mr Poyser »we must make haste
in now else the Squire and the ladies ull be in afore us an that wouldna
look well«
When they had entered the hall and the three children under Mollys charge
had been seated on the stairs the foldingdoors of the drawingroom were thrown
open and Arthur entered in his regimentals leading Mrs Irwine to a
carpetcovered dais ornamented with hothouse plants where she and Miss Anne
were to be seated with old Mr Donnithorne that they might look on at the
dancing like the kings and queens in the plays Arthur had put on his uniform
to please the tenants he said who thought as much of his militia dignity as if
it had been an elevation to the premiership He had not the least objection to
gratify them in that way his uniform was very advantageous to his figure
The old Squire before sitting down walked round the hall to greet the
tenants and make polite speeches to the wives he was always polite but the
farmers had found out after long puzzling that this polish was one of the
signs of hardness It was observed that he gave his most elaborate civility to
Mrs Poyser tonight inquiring particularly about her health recommending her
to strengthen herself with cold water as he did and avoid all drugs Mrs
Poyser curtsied and thanked him with great selfcommand but when he had passed
on she whispered to her husband »Ill lay my life hes brewin some nasty turn
against us Old Harry doesna wag his tail so for nothin« Mr Poyser had no
time to answer for now Arthur came up and said »Mrs Poyser Im come to
request the favour of your hand for the first dance and Mr Poyser you must
let me take you to my aunt for she claims you as her partner«
The wifes pale cheek flushed with a nervous sense of unwonted honour as
Arthur led her to the top of the room but Mr Poyser to whom an extra glass
had restored his youthful confidence in his good looks and good dancing walked
along with them quite proudly secretly flattering himself that Miss Lydia had
never had a partner in her life who could lift her off the ground as he would
In order to balance the honours given to the two parishes Miss Irwine danced
with Luke Britton the largest Broxton farmer and Mr Gawine led out Mrs
Britton Mr Irwine after seating his sister Anne had gone to the abbey
gallery as he had agreed with Arthur beforehand to see how the merriment of
the cottagers was prospering Meanwhile all the less distinguished couples had
taken their places Hetty was led out by the inevitable Mr Craig and Mary
Burge by Adam and now the music struck up and the glorious countrydance best
of all dances began
Pity it was not a boarded floor Then the rhythmic stamping of the thick
shoes would have been better than any drums That merry stamping that gracious
nodding of the head that waving bestowal of the hand where can we see them
now That simple dancing of wellcovered matrons laying aside for an hour the
cares of house and dairy remembering but not affecting youth not jealous but
proud of the young maidens by their side that holiday sprightliness of portly
husbands paying little compliments to their wives as if their courting days
were come again those lads and lasses a little confused and awkward with their
partners having nothing to say it would be a pleasant variety to see all that
sometimes instead of low dresses and large skirts and scanning glances
exploring costumes and languid men in lackered boots smiling with double
meaning
There was but one thing to mar Martin Poysers pleasure in this dance it
was that he was always in close contact with Luke Britton that slovenly
farmer He thought of throwing a little glazed coldness into his eye in the
crossing of hands but then as Miss Irwine was opposite to him instead of the
offensive Luke he might freeze the wrong person So he gave his face up to
hilarity unchilled by moral judgments
How Hettys heart beat as Arthur approached her He had hardly looked at her
today now he must take her hand Would he press it would he look at her She
thought she would cry if he gave her no sign of feeling Now he was there he
had taken her hand yes he was pressing it Hetty turned pale as she looked up
at him for an instant and met his eyes before the dance carried him away That
pale look came upon Arthur like the beginning of a dull pain which clung to
him though he must dance and smile and joke all the same Hetty would look so
when he told her what he had to tell her and he should never be able to bear it
he should be a fool and give way again Hettys look did not really mean so
much as he thought it was only the sign of a struggle between the desire for
him to notice her and the dread lest she should betray the desire to others
But Hettys face had a language that transcended her feelings There are faces
which nature charges with a meaning and pathos not belonging to the single human
soul that flutters beneath them but speaking the joys and sorrows of foregone
generations eyes that tell of deep love which doubtless has been and is
somewhere but not paired with these eyes perhaps paired with pale eyes that
can say nothing just as a national language may be instinct with poetry unfelt
by the lips that use it That look of Hettys oppressed Arthur with a dread
which yet had something of a terrible unconfessed delight in it that she loved
him too well There was a hard task before him for at that moment he felt he
would have given up three years of his youth for the happiness of abandoning
himself without remorse to his passion for Hetty
These were the incongruous thoughts in his mind as he led Mrs Poyser who
was panting with fatigue and secretly resolving that neither judge nor jury
should force her to dance another dance to take a quiet rest in the
diningroom where supper was laid out for the guests to come and take it as
they chose
»Ive desired Hetty to remember as shes got to dance wi you sir« said
the good innocent woman »for shes so thoughtless shed be like enough to go
an engage herself for ivery dance So I told her not to promise too many«
»Thank you Mrs Poyser« said Arthur not without a twinge »Now sit down
in this comfortable chair and here is Mills ready to give you what you would
like best«
He hurried away to seek another matronly partner for due honour must be
paid to the married women before he asked any of the young ones and the
countrydances and the stamping and the gracious nodding and the waving of
the hands went on joyously
At last the time had come for the fourth dance longed for by the strong
grave Adam as if he had been a delicatehanded youth of eighteen for we are
all very much alike when we are in our first love and Adam had hardly ever
touched Hettys hand for more than a transient greeting had never danced with
her but once before His eyes had followed her eagerly tonight in spite of
himself and had taken in deeper draughts of love He thought she behaved so
prettily so quietly she did not seem to be flirting at all she smiled less
than usual there was almost a sweet sadness about her »God bless her« he said
inwardly »Id make her life a happy un if a strong arm to work for her and a
heart to love her could do it«
And then there stole over him delicious thoughts of coming home from work
and drawing Hetty to his side and feeling her cheek softly pressed against his
till he forgot where he was and the music and the tread of feet might have been
the falling of rain and the roaring of the wind for what he knew
But now the third dance was ended and he might go up to her and claim her
hand She was at the far end of the hall near the staircase whispering with
Molly who had just given the sleeping Totty into her arms before running to
fetch shawls and bonnets from the landing Mrs Poyser had taken the two boys
away into the diningroom to give them some cake before they went home in the
cart with grandfather and Molly was to follow as fast as possible
»Let me hold her« said Adam as Molly turned upstairs »the children are
so heavy when theyre asleep«
Hetty was glad of the relief for to hold Totty in her arms standing was
not at all a pleasant variety to her But this second transfer had the
unfortunate effect of rousing Totty who was not behind any child of her age in
peevishness at an unseasonable awaking While Hetty was in the act of placing
her in Adams arms and had not yet withdrawn her own Totty opened her eyes
and forthwith fought out with her left fist at Adams arm and with her right
caught at the string of brown beads round Hettys neck The locket leaped out
from her frock and the next moment the string was broken and Hetty helpless
saw beads and locket scattered wide on the floor
»My locket my locket« she said in a loud frightened whisper to Adam
»never mind the beads«
Adam had already seen where the locket fell for it had attracted his glance
as it leaped out of her frock It had fallen on the raised wooden dais where the
band sat not on the stone floor and as Adam picked it up he saw the glass
with the dark and light locks of hair under it It had fallen that side upwards
so the glass was not broken He turned it over on his hand and saw the
enamelled gold back
»It isnt hurt« he said as he held it towards Hetty who was unable to
take it because both her hands were occupied with Totty
»Oh it doesnt matter I dont mind about it« said Hetty who had been
pale and was now red
»Not matter« said Adam gravely »You seemed very frightened about it Ill
hold it till youre ready to take it« he added quietly closing his hand over
it that she might not think he wanted to look at it again
By this time Molly had come with bonnet and shawl and as soon as she had
taken Totty Adam placed the locket in Hettys hand She took it with an air of
indifference and put it in her pocket in her heart vexed and angry with Adam
because he had seen it but determined now that she would show no more signs of
agitation
»See« she said »theyre taking their places to dance let us go«
Adam assented silently A puzzled alarm had taken possession of him Had
Hetty a lover he didnt know of for none of her relations he was sure would
give her a locket like that and none of her admirers with whom he was
acquainted was in the position of an accepted lover as the giver of that
locket must be Adam was lost in the utter impossibility of finding any person
for his fears to alight on he could only feel with a terrible pang that there
was something in Hettys life unknown to him that while he had been rocking
himself in the hope that she would come to love him she was already loving
another The pleasure of the dance with Hetty was gone his eyes when they
rested on her had an uneasy questioning expression in them he could think of
nothing to say to her and she too was out of temper and disinclined to speak
They were both glad when the dance was ended
Adam was determined to stay no longer no one wanted him and no one would
notice if he slipped away As soon as he got out of doors he began to walk at
his habitual rapid pace hurrying along without knowing why busy with the
painful thought that the memory of this day so full of honour and promise to
him was poisoned for ever Suddenly when he was far on through the Chase he
stopped startled by a flash of reviving hope After all he might be a fool
making a great misery out of a trifle Hetty fond of finery as she was might
have bought the thing herself It looked too expensive for that it looked like
the things on white satin in the great jewellers shop at Rosseter But Adam had
very imperfect notions of the value of such things and he thought it could
certainly not cost more than a guinea Perhaps Hetty had had as much as that in
Christmas boxes and there was no knowing but she might have been childish
enough to spend it in that way she was such a young thing and she couldnt
help loving finery But then why had she been so frightened about it at first
and changed colour so and afterwards pretended not to care Oh that was
because she was ashamed of his seeing that she had such a smart thing she was
conscious that it was wrong for her to spend her money on it and she knew that
Adam disapproved of finery It was a proof she cared about what he liked and
disliked She must have thought from his silence and gravity afterwards that he
was very much displeased with her that he was inclined to be harsh and severe
towards her foibles And as he walked on more quietly chewing the cud of this
new hope his only uneasiness was that he had behaved in a way which might chill
Hettys feeling towards him For this last view of the matter must be the true
one How could Hetty have an accepted lover quite unknown to him She was never
away from her uncles house for more than a day she could have no acquaintances
that did not come there and no intimacies unknown to her uncle and aunt It
would be folly to believe that the locket was given to her by a lover The
little ring of dark hair he felt sure was her own he could form no guess about
the light hair under it for he had not seen it very distinctly It might be a
bit of her fathers or mothers who had died when she was a child and she
would naturally put a bit of her own along with it
And so Adam went to bed comforted having woven for himself an ingenious web
of probabilities the surest screen a wise man can place between himself and
the truth His last waking thoughts melted into a dream that he was with Hetty
again at the Hall Farm and that he was asking her to forgive him for being so
cold and silent
And while he was dreaming this Arthur was leading Hetty to the dance and
saying to her in low hurried tones »I shall be in the wood the day after
tomorrow at seven come as early as you can« And Hettys foolish joys and
hopes which had flown away for a little space scared by a mere nothing now
all came fluttering back unconscious of the real peril She was happy for the
first time this long day and wished that dance would last for hours Arthur
wished it too it was the last weakness he meant to indulge in and a man never
lies with more delicious languor under the influence of a passion than when he
has persuaded himself that he shall subdue it tomorrow
But Mrs Poysers wishes were quite the reverse of this for her mind was
filled with dreary forebodings as to the retardation of tomorrow mornings
cheese in consequence of these late hours Now that Hetty had done her duty and
danced one dance with the young Squire Mr Poyser must go out and see if the
cart was come back to fetch them for it was halfpast ten oclock and
notwithstanding a mild suggestion on his part that it would be bad manners for
them to be the first to go Mrs Poyser was resolute on the point »manners or
no manners«
»What going already Mrs Poyser« said old Mr Donnithorne as she came to
curtsy and take leave »I thought we should not part with any of our guests till
eleven Mrs Irwine and I who are elderly people think of sitting out the
dance till then«
»Oh your honour its all right and proper for gentlefolks to stay up by
candlelight theyve got no cheese on their minds Were late enough as it is
an theres no lettin the cows know as they mustnt want to be milked so early
tomorrow mornin So if youll please t excuse us well take our leave«
»Eh« she said to her husband as they set off in the cart »Id sooner ha
brewin day and washin day together than one o these pleasurin days Theres
no work so tirin as danglin about an starin an not rightly knowin what
youre goin to do next and keepin your face i smilin order like a grocer o
marketday for fear people shouldna think you civil enough An youve nothing
to show fort when its done if it isnt a yallow face wi eatin things as
disagree«
»Nay nay« said Mr Poyser who was in his merriest mood and felt that he
had had a great day »a bit o pleasurings good for thee sometimes An thee
dancst as well as any of em for Ill back thee against all the wives i the
parish for a light foot an ankle An it was a great honour for the young
Squire to ask thee first I reckon it was because I sat at th head o the
table an made the speech An Hetty too she never had such a partner before
a fine young gentleman in regmentals Itll serve you to talk on Hetty when
youre an old woman how you danced wi th young Squire the day he come o
age«
Book Fourth
Chapter XXVII
A Crisis
It was beyond the middle of August nearly three weeks after the birthday
feast The reaping of the wheat had begun in our north midland county of
Loamshire but the harvest was likely still to be retarded by the heavy rains
which were causing inundations and much damage throughout the country From this
last trouble the Broxton and Hayslope farmers on their pleasant uplands and in
their brookwatered valleys had not suffered and as I cannot pretend that they
were such exceptional farmers as to love the general good better than their own
you will infer that they were not in very low spirits about the rapid rise in
the price of bread so long as there was hope of gathering in their own corn
undamaged and occasional days of sunshine and drying winds flattered this hope
The eighteenth of August was one of these days when the sunshine looked
brighter in all eyes for the gloom that went before Grand masses of cloud were
hurried across the blue and the great round hills behind the Chase seemed alive
with their flying shadows the sun was hidden for a moment and then shone out
warm again like a recovered joy the leaves still green were tossed off the
hedgerow trees by the wind around the farmhouses there was a sound of clapping
doors the apples fell in the orchards and the stray horses on the green sides
of the lanes and on the common had their manes blown about their faces And yet
the wind seemed only part of the general gladness because the sun was shining A
merry day for the children who ran and shouted to see if they could top the
wind with their voices and the grownup people too were in good spirits
inclined to believe in yet finer days when the wind had fallen If only the
corn were not ripe enough to be blown out of the husk and scattered as untimely
seed
And yet a day on which a blighting sorrow may fall upon a man For if it be
true that Nature at certain moments seems charged with a presentiment of one
individual lot must it not also be true that she seems unmindful unconscious
of another For there is no hour that has not its births of gladness and
despair no morning brightness that does not bring new sickness to desolation as
well as new forces to genius and love There are so many of us and our lots are
so different what wonder that Natures mood is often in harsh contrast with the
great crisis of our lives We are children of a large family and must learn as
such children do not to expect that our hurts will be made much of to be
content with little nurture and caressing and help each other the more
It was a busy day with Adam who of late had done almost double work for he
was continuing to act as foreman for Jonathan Burge until some satisfactory
person could be found to supply his place and Jonathan was slow to find that
person But he had done the extra work cheerfully for his hopes were buoyant
again about Hetty Every time she had seen him since the birthday she had
seemed to make an effort to behave all the more kindly to him that she might
make him understand she had forgiven his silence and coldness during the dance
He had never mentioned the locket to her again too happy that she smiled at him
still happier because he observed in her a more subdued air something that he
interpreted as the growth of womanly tenderness and seriousness »Ah« he
thought again and again »shes only seventeen shell be thoughtful enough
after a while And her aunt allays says how clever she is at the work Shell
make a wife as motherll have no occasion to grumble at after all« To be sure
he had only seen her at home twice since the birthday for one Sunday when he
was intending to go from church to the Hall Farm Hetty had joined the party of
upper servants from the Chase and had gone home with them almost as if she
were inclined to encourage Mr Craig »Shes takin too much likin to them
folks i the housekeepers room« Mrs Poyser remarked »For my part I was
never overfond o gentlefolkss servants theyre mostly like the fine ladies
fat dogs nayther good for barking nor butchers meat but ony for show« And
another evening she was gone to Treddleston to buy some things though to his
great surprise as he was returning home he saw her at a distance getting over
a stile quite out of the Treddleston road But when he hastened to her she was
very kind and asked him to go in again when he had taken her to the yard gate
She had gone a little farther into the fields after coming from Treddleston
because she didnt want to go in she said it was so nice to be out of doors
and her aunt always made such a fuss about it if she wanted to go out »Oh do
come in with me« she said as he was going to shake hands with her at the gate
and he could not resist that So he went in and Mrs Poyser was contented with
only a slight remark on Hettys being later than was expected while Hetty who
had looked out of spirits when he met her smiled and talked and waited on them
all with unusual promptitude
That was the last time he had seen her but he meant to make leisure for
going to the Farm to Today he knew was her day for going to the Chase to sew
with the ladysmaid so he would get as much work done as possible this
evening that the next might be clear
One piece of work that Adam was superintending was some slight repairs at
the Chase Farm which had been hitherto occupied by Satchell as bailiff but
which it was now rumoured that the old Squire was going to let to a smart man in
topboots who had been seen to ride over it one day Nothing but the desire to
get a tenant could account for the Squires undertaking repairs though the
Saturdayevening party at Mr Cassons agreed over their pipes that no man in
his senses would take the Chase Farm unless there was a bit more ploughland
laid to it However that might be the repairs were ordered to be executed with
all despatch and Adam acting for Mr Burge was carrying out the order with
his usual energy But today having been occupied elsewhere he had not been
able to arrive at the Chase Farm till late in the afternoon and he then
discovered that some old roofing which he had calculated on preserving had
given way There was clearly no good to be done with this part of the building
without pulling it all down and Adam immediately saw in his mind a plan for
building it up again so as to make the most convenient of cowsheds and
calfpens with a hovel for implements and all without any great expense for
materials So when the workmen were gone he sat down took out his
pocketbook and busied himself with sketching a plan and making a
specification of the expenses that he might show it to Burge the next morning
and set him on persuading the Squire to consent To »make a good job« of
anything however small was always a pleasure to Adam and he sat on a block
with his book resting on a planingtable whistling low every now and then and
turning his head on one aide with a just perceptible smile of gratification of
pride too for if Adam loved a bit of good work he loved also to think »I did
it« And I believe the only people who are free from that weakness are those who
have no work to call their own It was nearly seven before he had finished and
put on his jacket again and on giving a last look round he observed that Seth
who had been working here today had left his basket of tools behind him »Why
th lads forgot his tools« thought Adam »and hes got to work up at the shop
tomorrow There never was such a chap for woolgathering hed leave his head
behind him if it was loose However its lucky Ive seen em Ill carry em
home«
The buildings of the Chase Farm lay at one extremity of the Chase at about
ten minutes walking distance from the Abbey Adam had come thither on his pony
intending to ride to the stables and put up his nag on his way home At the
stables he encountered Mr Craig who had come to look at the Captains new
horse on which he was to ride away the day after tomorrow and Mr Craig
detained him to tell how all the servants were to collect at the gate of the
courtyard to wish the young Squire luck as he rode out so that by the time
Adam had got into the Chase and was striding along with the basket of tools
over his shoulder the sun was on the point of setting and was sending level
crimson rays among the great trunks of the old oaks and touching every bare
patch of ground with a transient glory that made it look like a jewel dropt
upon the grass The wind had fallen now and there was only enough breeze to
stir the delicatestemmed leaves Any one who had been sitting in the house all
day would have been glad to walk now but Adam had been quite enough in the open
air to wish to shorten his way home and he bethought himself that he might do
so by striking across the Chase and going through the Grove where he had never
been for years He hurried on across the Chase stalking along the narrow paths
between the fern with Gyp at his heels not lingering to watch the magnificent
changes of the light hardly once thinking of it yet feeling its presence in
a certain calm happy awe which mingled itself with his busy workingday
thoughts How could he help feeling it The very deer felt it and were more
timid
Presently Adams thoughts recurred to what Mr Craig had said about Arthur
Donnithorne and pictured his going away and the changes that might take place
before he came back then they travelled back affectionately over the old scenes
of boyish companionship and dwelt on Arthurs good qualities which Adam had a
pride in as we all have in the virtues of the superior who honours us A nature
like Adams with a great need of love and reverence in it depends for so much
of its happiness on what it can believe and feel about others And he had no
ideal world of dead heroes he knew little of the life of men in the past he
must find the beings to whom he could cling with loving admiration among those
who came within speech of him These pleasant thoughts about Arthur brought a
milder expression than usual into his keen rough face perhaps they were the
reason why when he opened the old green gate leading into the Grove he paused
to pat Gyp and say a kind work to him
After that pause he strode on again along the broad winding path through
the Grove What grand beeches Adam delighted in a fine tree of all things as
the fishermans sight is keenest on the sea so Adams perceptions were more at
home with trees than with other objects He kept them in his memory as a
painter does with all the flecks and knots in their bark all the curves and
angles of their boughs and had often calculated the height and contents of a
trunk to a nicety as he stood looking at it No wonder that notwithstanding
his desire to get on he could not help pausing to look at a curious large beech
which he had seen standing before him at a turning in the road and convince
himself that it was not two trees wedded together but only one For the rest of
his life he remembered that moment when he was calmly examining the beech as a
man remembers his last glimpse of the home where his youth was passed before
the road turned and he saw it no more The beech stood at the last turning
before the Grove ended in an archway of boughs that let in the eastern light
and as Adam stepped away from the tree to continue his walk his eyes fell on
two figures about twenty yards before him
He remained as motionless as a statue and turned almost as pale The two
figures were standing opposite to each other with clasped hands about to part
and while they were bending to kiss Gyp who had been running among the
brushwood came out caught sight of them and gave a sharp bark They separated
with a start one hurried through the gate out of the Grove and the other
turning round walked slowly with a sort of saunter towards Adam who still
stood transfixed and pale clutching tighter the stick with which he held the
basket of tools over his shoulder and looking at the approaching figure with
eyes in which amazement was fast turning to fierceness
Arthur Donnithorne looked flushed and excited he had tried to make
unpleasant feelings more bearable by drinking a little more wine than usual at
dinner today and was still enough under its flattering influence to think more
lightly of this unwishedfor rencontre with Adam than he would otherwise have
done After all Adam was the best person who could have happened to see him and
Hetty together he was a sensible fellow and would not babble about it to other
people Arthur felt confident that he could laugh the thing off and explain it
away And so he sauntered forward with elaborate carelessness his flushed
face his evening dress of fine cloth and fine linen his hands half thrust into
his waistcoatpockets all shone upon by the strange evening light which the
light clouds had caught up even to the zenith and were now shedding down
between the topmost branches above him
Adam was still motionless looking at him as he came up He understood it
all now the locket and everything else that had been doubtful to him a
terrible scorching light showed him the hidden letters that changed the meaning
of the past If he had moved a muscle he must inevitably have sprung upon
Arthur like a tiger and in the conflicting emotions that filled those long
moments he had told himself that he would not give loose to passion he would
only speak the right thing He stood as if petrified by an unseen force but the
force was his own strong will
»Well Adam« said Arthur »youve been looking at the fine old beeches eh
Theyre not to be come near by the hatchet though this is a sacred grove I
overtook pretty little Hetty Sorrel as I was coming to my den the Hermitage
there She ought not to come home this way so late So I took care of her to the
gate and asked for a kiss for my pains But I must get back now for this road
is confoundedly damp Goodnight Adam I shall see you tomorrow to say
goodbye you know«
Arthur was too much preoccupied with the part he was playing himself to be
thoroughly aware of the expression in Adams face He did not look directly at
Adam but glanced carelessly round at the trees and then lifted up one foot to
look at the sole of his boot He cared to say no more he had thrown quite dust
enough into honest Adams eyes and as he spoke the last words he walked on
»Stop a bit sir« said Adam in a hard peremptory voice without turning
round »Ive got a word to say to you«
Arthur paused in surprise Susceptible persons are more affected by a change
of tone than by unexpected words and Arthur had the susceptibility of a nature
at once affectionate and vain He was still more surprised when he saw that Adam
had not moved but stood with his back to him as if summoning him to return
What did he mean He was going to make a serious business of this affair Arthur
felt his temper rising A patronising disposition always has its meaner side
and in the confusion of his irritation and alarm there entered the feeling that
a man to whom he had shown so much favour as to Adam was not in a position to
criticise his conduct And yet he was dominated as one who feels himself in the
wrong always is by the man whose good opinion he cares for In spite of pride
and temper there was as much deprecation as anger in his voice when he said
»What do you mean Adam«
»I mean sir« answered Adam in the same harsh voice still without turning
round »I mean sir that you dont deceive me by your light words This is
not the first time youve met Hetty Sorrel in this grove and this is not the
first time youve kissed her«
Arthur felt a startled uncertainty how far Adam was speaking from knowledge
and how far from mere inference And this uncertainty which prevented him from
contriving a prudent answer heightened his irritation He said in a high sharp
tone
»Well sir what then«
»Why then instead of acting like th upright honourable man weve all
believed you to be youve been acting the part of a selfish lightminded
scoundrel You know as well as I do what its to lead to when a gentleman
like you kisses and makes love to a young woman like Hetty and gives her
presents as shes frightened for other folks to see And I say it again youre
acting the part of a selfish lightminded scoundrel though it cuts me to th
heart to say so and Id rather ha lost my right hand«
»Let me tell you Adam« said Arthur bridling his growing anger and trying
to recur to his careless tone »youre not only devilishly impertinent but
youre talking nonsense Every pretty girl is not such a fool as you to suppose
that when a gentleman admires her beauty and pays her a little attention he
must mean something particular Every man likes to flirt with a pretty girl and
every pretty girl likes to be flirted with The wider the distance between them
the less harm there is for then shes not likely to deceive herself«
»I dont know what you mean by flirting« said Adam »but if you mean
behaving to a woman as if you loved her and yet not loving her all the while I
say thats not the action of an honest man and what isnt honest does come t
harm Im not a fool and youre not a fool and you know better than what
youre saying You know it couldnt be made public as youve behaved to Hetty as
y have done without her losing her character and bringing shame and trouble on
her and her relations What if you meant nothing by your kissing and your
presents Other folks wont believe as youve meant nothing and dont tell me
about her not deceiving herself I tell you as youve filled her mind so with
the thought of you as itll mayhap poison her life and shell never love
another man as ud make her a good husband«
Arthur had felt a sudden relief while Adam was speaking he perceived that
Adam had no positive knowledge of the past and that there was no irrevocable
damage done by this evenings unfortunate rencontre Adam could still be
deceived The candid Arthur had brought himself into a position in which
successful lying was his only hope The hope allayed his anger a little
»Well Adam« he said in a tone of friendly concession »youre perhaps
right Perhaps Ive gone a little too far in taking notice of the pretty little
thing and stealing a kiss now and then Youre such a grave steady fellow you
dont understand the temptation to such trifling Im sure I wouldnt bring any
trouble or annoyance on her and the good Poysers on any account if I could help
it But I think you look a little too seriously at it You know Im going away
immediately so I shant make any more mistakes of the kind But let us say
goodnight« Arthur here turned round to walk on »and talk no more about
the matter The whole thing will soon be forgotten«
»No by God« Adam burst out with rage that could be controlled no longer
throwing down the basket of tools and striding forward till he was right in
front of Arthur All his jealousy and sense of personal injury which he had
been hitherto trying to keep under had leaped up and mastered him What man of
us in the first moments of a sharp agony could ever feel that the fellowman
who has been the medium of inflicting it did not mean to hurt us In our
instinctive rebellion against pain we are children again and demand an active
will to wreak our vengeance on Adam at this moment could only feel that he had
been robbed of Hetty robbed treacherously by the man in whom he had trusted
and he stood close in front of Arthur with fierce eyes glaring at him with
pale lips and clenched hands the hard tones in which he had hitherto been
constraining himself to express no more than a just indignation giving way to a
deep agitated voice that seemed to shake him as he spoke
»No itll not be soon forgot as youve come in between her and me when
she might ha loved me itll not soon be forgot as youve robbed me o my
happiness while I thought you was my best friend and a nobleminded man as I
was proud to work for And youve been kissing her and meaning nothing have
you And I never kissed her i my life but Id ha worked hard for years for
the right to kiss her And you make light of it You think little o doing what
may damage other folks so as you get your bit o trifling as means nothing I
throw back your favours for youre not the man I took you for Ill never count
you my friend any more Id rather youd act as my enemy and fight me where I
stand its all th amends you can make me«
Poor Adam possessed by rage that could find no other vent began to throw
off his coat and his cap too blind with passion to notice the change that had
taken place in Arthur while he was speaking Arthurs lips were now as pale as
Adams his heart was beating violently The discovery that Adam loved Hetty was
a shock which made him for the moment see himself in the light of Adams
indignation and regard Adams suffering as not merely a consequence but an
element of his error The words of hatred and contempt the first he had ever
heard in his life seemed like scorching missiles that were making ineffaceable
scars on him All screening selfexcuse which rarely falls quite away while
others respect us forsook him for an instant and he stood face to face with
the first great irrevocable evil he had ever committed He was only twentyone
and three months ago nay much later he had thought proudly that no man
should ever be able to reproach him justly His first impulse if there had been
time for it would perhaps have been to utter words of propitiation but Adam
had no sooner thrown off his coat and cap than he became aware that Arthur was
standing pale and motionless with his hands still thrust in his
waistcoatpockets
»What« he said »wont you fight me like a man You know I wont strike you
while you stand so«
»Go away Adam« said Arthur »I dont want to fight you«
»No« said Adam bitterly »you dont want to fight me you think Im a
common man as you can injure without answering for it«
»I never meant to injure you« said Arthur with returning anger »I didnt
know you loved her«
»But youve made her love you« said Adam »Youre a doublefaced man Ill
never believe a word you say again«
»Go away I tell you« said Arthur angrily »or we shall both repent«
»No« said Adam with a convulsed voice »I swear I wont go away without
fighting you Do you want provoking any more I tell you youre a coward and a
scoundrel and I despise you«
The colour had all rushed back to Arthurs face in a moment his right hand
was clenched and dealt a blow like lightning which sent Adam staggering
backward His blood was as thoroughly up as Adams now and the two men
forgetting the emotions that had gone before fought with the instinctive
fierceness of panthers in the deepening twilight darkened by the trees The
delicatehanded gentleman was a match for the workman in everything but
strength and Arthurs skill enabled him to protract the struggle for some long
moments But between unarmed men the battle is to the strong where the strong
is no blunderer and Arthur must sink under a wellplanted blow of Adams as a
steel rod is broken by an iron bar The blow soon came and Arthur fell his
head lying concealed in a tuft of fern so that Adam could only discern his
darklyclad body
He stood still in the dim light waiting for Arthur to rise
The blow had been given now towards which he had been straining all the
force of nerve and muscle and what was the good of it What had he done by
fighting Only satisfied his own passion only wreaked his own vengeance He had
not rescued Hetty nor changed the past there it was just as it had been and
he sickened at the vanity of his own rage
But why did not Arthur rise He was perfectly motionless and the time
seemed long to Adam Good God had the blow been too much for him Adam
shuddered at the thought of his own strength as with the oncoming of this dread
he knelt down by Arthurs side and lifted his head from among the fern There
was no sign of life the eyes and teeth were set The horror that rushed over
Adam completely mastered him and forced upon him its own belief He could feel
nothing but that death was in Arthurs face and that he was helpless before it
He made not a single movement but knelt like an image of despair gazing at an
image of death
Chapter XXVIII
A Dilemma
It was only a few minutes measured by the clock though Adam always thought it
had been a long while before he perceived a gleam of consciousness in Arthurs
face and a slight shiver through his frame The intense joy that flooded his
soul brought back some of the old affection with it
»Do you feel any pain sir« he said tenderly loosening Arthurs cravat
Arthur turned his eyes on Adam with a vague stare which gave way to a
slightly startled motion as if from the shock of returning memory But he only
shivered again and said nothing
»Do you feel any hurt sir« Adam said again with a trembling in his voice
Arthur put his hand up to his waistcoat buttons and when Adam had
unbuttoned it he took a longer breath »Lay my head down« he said faintly
»and get me some water if you can«
Adam laid the head down gently on the fern again and emptying the tools out
of the flagbasket hurried through the trees to the edge of the Grove bordering
on the Chase where a brook ran below the bank
When he returned with his basket leaking but still half full Arthur looked
at him with a more thoroughly reawakened consciousness
»Can you drink a drop out o your hand sir« said Adam kneeling down again
to lift up Arthurs head
»No« said Arthur »dip my cravat in and souse it on my head«
The water seemed to do him some good for he presently raised himself a
little higher resting on Adams arm
»Do you feel any hurt inside sir« Adam asked again
»No no hurt« said Arthur still faintly »but rather done up«
After a while he said »I suppose I fainted away when you knocked me down«
»Yes sir thank God« said Adam »I thought it was worse«
»What you thought youd done for me eh come help me on my legs«
»I feel terribly shaky and dizzy« Arthur said as he stood leaning on
Adams arm »that blow of yours must have come against me like a batteringram
I dont believe I can walk alone«
»Lean on me sir Ill get you along« said Adam »Or will you sit down a
bit longer on my coat here and Ill prop y up Youll perhaps be better in a
minute or two«
»No« said Arthur »Ill go to the Hermitage I think Ive got some brandy
there Theres a short road to it a little further on near the gate If youll
just help me on«
They walked slowly with frequent pauses but without speaking again In
both of them the concentration in the present which had attended the first
moments of Arthurs revival had now given way to a vivid recollection of the
previous scene It was nearly dark in the narrow path among the trees but
within the circle of firtrees round the Hermitage there was room for the
growing moonlight to enter in at the windows Their steps were noiseless on the
thick carpet of firneedles and the outward stillness seemed to heighten their
inward consciousness as Arthur took the key out of his pocket and placed it in
Adams hand for him to open the door Adam had not known before that Arthur had
furnished the old Hermitage and made it a retreat for himself and it was a
surprise to him when he opened the door to see a snug room with all the signs of
frequent habitation
Arthur loosed Adams arm and threw himself on the ottoman »Youll see my
huntingbottle somewhere« he said »A leather case with a bottle and glass in«
Adam was not long in finding the case »Theres very little brandy in it
sir« he said turning it downwards over the glass as he held it before the
window »hardly this little glassful«
»Well give me that« said Arthur with the peevishness of physical
depression When he had taken some sips Adam said »Hadnt I better run to th
house sir and get some more brandy I can be there and back pretty soon Itll
be a stiff walk home for you if you dont have something to revive you«
»Yes go But dont say Im ill Ask for my man Pym and tell him to get it
from Mills and not to say Im at the Hermitage Get some water too«
Adam was relieved to have an active task both of them were relieved to be
apart from each other for a short time But Adams swift pace could not still
the eager pain of thinking of living again with concentrated suffering through
the last wretched hour and looking out from it over all the new sad future
Arthur lay still for some minutes after Adam was gone but presently he rose
feebly from the ottoman and peered about slowly in the broken moonlight seeking
something It was a short bit of wax candle that stood amongst a confusion of
writing and drawing materials There was more searching for the means of
lighting the candle and when that was done he went cautiously round the room
as if wishing to assure himself of the presence or absence of something At last
he had found a slight thing which he put first in his pocket and then on a
second thought took out again and thrust deep down into a wastepaper basket
It was a womans little pink silk neckerchief He set the candle on the table
and threw himself down on the ottoman again exhausted with the effort
When Adam came back with his supplies his entrance awoke Arthur from a
dose
»Thats right« Arthur said »Im tremendously in want of some
brandyvigour«
»Im glad to see youve got a light sir« said Adam »Ive been thinking
Id better have asked for a lanthorn«
»No no the candle will last long enough I shall soon be up to walking
home now«
»I cant go before Ive seen you safe home sir« said Adam hesitatingly
»No it will be better for you to stay sit down«
Adam sat down and they remained opposite to each other in uneasy silence
while Arthur slowly drank brandyandwater with visibly renovating effect He
began to lie in a more voluntary position and looked as if he were less
overpowered by bodily sensations Adam was keenly alive to these indications
and as his anxiety about Arthurs condition began to be allayed he felt more of
that impatience which every one knows who has had his just indignation suspended
by the physical state of the culprit Yet there was one thing on his mind to be
done before he could recur to remonstrance it was to confess what had been
unjust in his own words Perhaps he longed all the more to make this confession
that his indignation might be free again and as he saw the signs of returning
ease in Arthur the words again and again came to his lips and went back
checked by the thought that it would be better to leave everything till
tomorrow As long as they were silent they did not look at each other and a
foreboding came across Adam that if they began to speak as though they
remembered the past if they looked at each with full recognition they must
take fire again So they sat in silence till the bit of wax candle flickered low
in the socket the silence all the while becoming more irksome to Adam Arthur
had just poured out some more brandyandwater and he threw one arm behind his
head and drew up one leg in an attitude of recovered ease which was an
irresistible temptation to Adam to speak what was on his mind
»You begin to feel more yourself again sir« he said as the candle went
out and they were halfhidden from each other in the faint moonlight
»Yes I dont feel good for much very lazy and not inclined to move but
Ill go home when Ive taken this dose«
There was a slight pause before Adam said
»My temper got the better of me and I said things as wasnt true Id no
right to speak as if youd known you was doing me an injury youd no grounds
for knowing it Ive always kept what I felt for her as secret as I could«
He paused again before he went on
»And perhaps I judged you too harsh Im apt to be harsh and you may have
acted out o thoughtlessness more than I should ha believed was possible for a
man with a heart and a conscience Were not all put together alike and we may
misjudge one another God knows its all the joy I could have now to think the
best of you«
Arthur wanted to go home without saying any more he was too painfully
embarrassed in mind as well as too weak in body to wish for any further
explanation tonight And yet it was a relief to him that Adam reopened the
subject in a way the least difficult for him to answer Arthur was in the
wretched position of an open generous man who has committed an error which
makes deception seem a necessity The native impulse to give truth in return for
truth to meet trust with frank confession must be suppressed and duty was
become a question of tactics His deed was reacting upon him was already
governing him tyrannously and forcing him into a course that jarred with his
habitual feelings The only aim that seemed admissible to him now was to deceive
Adam to the utmost to make Adam think better of him than he deserved And when
he heard the words of honest retractation when he heard the sad appeal with
which Adam ended he was obliged to rejoice in the remains of ignorant
confidence it implied He did not answer immediately for he had to be
judicious and not truthful
»Say no more about our anger Adam« he said at last very languidly for
the labour of speech was unwelcome to him »I forgive your momentary injustice
it was quite natural with the exaggerated notions you had in your mind We
shall be none the worse friends in future I hope because weve fought you had
the best of it and that was as it should be for I believe Ive been most in
the wrong of the two Come let us shake hands«
Arthur held out his hand but Adam sat still
»I dont like to say No to that sir« he said »but I cant shake hands
till its clear what we mean byt I was wrong when I spoke as if youd done me
an injury knowingly but I wasnt wrong in what I said before about your
behaviour t Hetty and I cant shake hands with you as if I held you my friend
the same as ever till youve cleared that up better«
Arthur swallowed his pride and resentment as he drew back his hand He was
silent for some moments and then said as indifferently as he could
»I dont know what you mean by clearing up Adam Ive told you already that
you think too seriously of a little flirtation But if you are right in
supposing there is any danger in it Im going away on Saturday and there will
be an end of it As for the pain it has given you Im heartily sorry for it I
can say no more«
Adam said nothing but rose from his chair and stood with his face towards
one of the windows as if looking at the blackness of the moonlit firtrees but
he was in reality conscious of nothing but the conflict within him It was of no
use now his resolution not to speak till tomorrow he must speak there and
then But it was several minutes before he turned round and stepped nearer to
Arthur standing and looking down on him as he lay
»Itll be better for me to speak plain« he said with evident effort
»though its hard work You see sir this isnt a trifle to me whatever it may
be to you Im none o them men as can go making love first to one woman and
then t another and dont think it much odds which of em I take What I feel
for Hettys a different sort o love such as I believe nobody can know much
about but them as feel it and God as has given it to em Shes more nor
everything else to me all but my conscience and my good name And if its true
what youve been saying all along and if its only been trifling and flirting
as you call it asll be put an end to by your going away why then Id wait
and hope her heart ud turn to me after all Im loath to think youd speak
false to me and Ill believe your word however things may look«
»You would be wronging Hetty more than me not to believe it« said Arthur
almost violently starting up from the ottoman and moving away But he threw
himself into a chair again directly saying more feebly »You seem to forget
that in suspecting me you are casting imputations upon her«
»Nay sir« Adam said in a calmer voice as if he were half relieved for
he was too straightforward to make a distinction between a direct falsehood and
an indirect one »Nay sir things dont lie level between Hetty and you
Youre acting with your eyes open whatever you may do but how do you know
whats been in her mind Shes all but a child as any man with a conscience in
him ought to feel bound to take care on And whatever you may think I know
youve disturbed her mind I know shes been fixing her heart on you for
theres a many things clear to me now as I didnt understand before But you
seem to make light o what she may feel you dont think o that«
»Good God Adam let me alone« Arthur burst out impetuously »I feel it
enough without your worrying me«
He was aware of his indiscretion as soon as the words had escaped him
»Well then if you feel it« Adam rejoined eagerly »if you feel as you may
ha put false notions into her mind and made her believe as you loved her when
all the while you meant nothing Ive this demand to make of you Im not
speaking for myself but for her I ask you t undeceive her before you go away
Yarent going away for ever and if you leave her behind with a notion in her
head o your feeling about her the same as she feels about you shell be
hankering after you and the mischief may get worse It may be a smart to her
now but itll save her pain i th end I ask you to write a letter you may
trust to my seeing as she gets it tell her the truth and take blame to
yourself for behaving as youd no right to do to a young woman as isnt your
equal I speak plain sir But I cant speak any other way Theres nobody can
take care o Hetty in this thing but me«
»I can do what I think needful in the matter« said Arthur more and more
irritated by mingled distress and perplexity »without giving promises to you I
shall take what measures I think proper«
»No« said Adam in an abrupt decided tone »that wont do I must know what
ground Im treading on I must be safe as youve put an end to what ought never
to ha been begun I dont forget whats owing to you as a gentleman but in
this thing were man and man and I cant give up«
There was no answer for some moments Then Arthur said »Ill see you
tomorrow I can bear no more now Im ill« He rose as he spoke and reached
his cap as if intending to go
»You wont see her again« Adam exclaimed with a flash of recurring anger
and suspicion moving towards the door and placing his back against it »Either
tell me she can never be my wife tell me youve been lying or else promise
me what Ive said«
Adam uttering this alternative stood like a terrible fate before Arthur
who had moved forward a step or two and now stopped faint shaken sick in
mind and body It seemed long to both of them that inward struggle of Arthurs
before he said feebly »I promise let me go«
Adam moved away from the door and opened it but when Arthur reached the
step he stopped again and leaned against the doorpost
»Youre not well enough to walk alone sir« said Adam »Take my arm again«
Arthur made no answer and presently walked on Adam following But after a
few steps he stood still again and said coldly »I believe I must trouble you
Its getting late now and there may be an alarm set up about me at home«
Adam gave his arm and they walked on without uttering a word till they
came where the basket and the tools lay
»I must pick up the tools sir« Adam said »Theyre my brothers I doubt
theyll be rusted If youll please to wait a minute«
Arthur stood still without speaking and no other word passed between them
till they were at the side entrance where he hoped to get in without being seen
by any one He said then »Thank you I neednt trouble you any further«
»What time will it be convenent for me to see you tomorrow sir« said
Adam
»You may send me word that youre here at five oclock« said Arthur »not
before«
»Goodnight sir« said Adam But he heard no reply Arthur had turned into
the house
Chapter XXIX
The Next Morning
Arthur did not pass a sleepless night he slept long and well For sleep comes
to the perplexed if the perplexed are only weary enough But at seven he rang
his bell and astonished Pym by declaring he was going to get up and must have
breakfast brought to him at eight
»And see that my mare is saddled at halfpast eight and tell my grandfather
when hes down that Im better this morning and am gone for a ride«
He had been awake an hour and could rest in bed no longer In bed our
yesterdays are too oppressive if a man can only get up though it be but to
whistle or to smoke he has a present which offers some resistance to the past
sensations which assert themselves against tyrannous memories And if there were
such a thing as taking averages of feeling it would certainly be found that in
the hunting and shooting seasons regret selfreproach and mortified pride
weigh lighter on country gentlemen than in late spring and summer Arthur felt
that he should be more of a man on horseback Even the presence of Pym waiting
on him with the usual deference was a reassurance to him after the scenes of
yesterday For with Arthurs sensitiveness to opinion the loss of Adams
respect was a shock to his selfcontentment which suffused his imagination with
the sense that he had sunk in all eyes as a sudden shock of fear from some real
peril makes a nervous woman afraid even to step because all her perceptions are
suffused with a sense of danger
Arthurs as you know was a loving nature Deeds of kindness were as easy
to him as a bad habit they were the common issue of his weaknesses and good
qualities of his egoism and his sympathy He didnt like to witness pain and
he liked to have grateful eyes beaming on him as the giver of pleasure When he
was a lad of seven he one day kicked down an old gardeners pitcher of broth
from no motive but a kicking impulse not reflecting that it was the old mans
dinner but on learning that sad fact he took his favourite pencilcase and a
silverhafted knife out of his pocket and offered them as compensation He had
been the same Arthur ever since trying to make all offences forgotten in
benefits If there were any bitterness in his nature it could only show itself
against the man who refused to be conciliated by him And perhaps the time was
come for some of that bitterness to rise At the first moment Arthur had felt
pure distress and selfreproach at discovering that Adams happiness was
involved in his relation to Hetty if there had been a possibility of making
Adam tenfold amends if deeds of gift or any other deeds could have restored
Adams contentment and regard for him as a benefactor Arthur would not only
have executed them without hesitation but would have felt bound all the more
closely to Adam and would never have been weary of making retribution But Adam
could receive no amends his suffering could not be cancelled his respect and
affection could not be recovered by any prompt deeds of atonement He stood like
an immovable obstacle against which no pressure could avail an embodiment of
what Arthur most shrank from believing in the irrevocableness of his own
wrongdoing The words of scorn the refusal to shake hands the mastery
asserted over him in their last conversation in the Hermitage above all the
sense of having been knocked down to which a man does not very well reconcile
himself even under the most heroic circumstances pressed on him with a
galling pain which was stronger than compunction Arthur would so gladly have
persuaded himself that he had done no harm And if no one had told him the
contrary he could have persuaded himself so much better Nemesis can seldom
forge a sword for herself out of our consciences out of the suffering we feel
in the suffering we may have caused there is rarely metal enough there to make
an effective weapon Our moral sense learns the manners of good society and
smiles when others smile but when some rude person gives rough names to our
actions she is apt to take part against us And so it was with Arthur Adams
judgment of him Adams grating words disturbed his selfsoothing arguments
Not that Arthur had been at ease before Adams discovery Struggles and
resolves had transformed themselves into compunction and anxiety He was
distressed for Hettys sake and distressed for his own that he must leave her
behind He had always both in making and breaking resolutions looked beyond
his passion and seen that it must speedily end in separation but his nature
was too ardent and tender for him not to suffer at this parting and on Hettys
account he was filled with uneasiness He had found out the dream in which she
was living that she was to be a lady in silks and satins and when he had
first talked to her about his going away she had asked him tremblingly to let
her go with him and be married It was his painful knowledge of this which had
given the most exasperating sting to Adams reproaches He had said no word with
the purpose of deceiving her her vision was all spun by her own childish fancy
but he was obliged to confess to himself that it was spun half out of his own
actions And to increase the mischief on this last evening he had not dared to
hint the truth to Hetty he had been obliged to soothe her with tender hopeful
words lest he should throw her into violent distress He felt the situation
acutely felt the sorrow of the dear thing in the present and thought with a
darker anxiety of the tenacity which her feelings might have in the future That
was the one sharp point which pressed against him every other he could evade by
hopeful selfpersuasion The whole thing had been secret the Poysers had not
the shadow of a suspicion No one except Adam knew anything of what had passed
no one else was likely to know for Arthur had impressed on Hetty that it
would be fatal to betray by word or look that there had been the least
intimacy between them and Adam who knew half their secret would rather help
them to keep it than betray it It was an unfortunate business altogether but
there was no use in making it worse than it was by imaginary exaggerations and
forebodings of evil that might never come The temporary sadness for Hetty was
the worst consequence he resolutely turned away his eyes from any bad
consequence that was not demonstrably inevitable But but Hetty might have had
the trouble in some other way if not in this And perhaps hereafter he might be
able to do a great deal for her and make up to her for all the tears she would
shed about him She would owe the advantage of his care for her in future years
to the sorrow she had incurred now So good comes out of evil Such is the
beautiful arrangement of things
Are you inclined to ask whether this can be the same Arthur who two months
ago had that freshness of feeling that delicate honour which shrinks from
wounding even a sentiment and does not contemplate any more positive offence as
possible for it who thought that his own selfrespect was a higher tribunal
than any external opinion The same I assure you only under different
conditions Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds and until
we know what has been or will be the peculiar combination of outward with inward
facts which constitutes a mans critical actions it will be better not to
think ourselves wise about his character There is a terrible coercion in our
deeds which may first turn the honest man into a deceiver and then reconcile
him to the change for this reason that the second wrong presents itself to
him in the guise of the only practicable right The action which before
commission has been seen with that blended commonsense and fresh untarnished
feeling which is the healthy eye of the soul is looked at afterwards with the
lens of apologetic ingenuity through which all things that men call beautiful
and ugly are seen to be made up of textures very much alike Europe adjusts
itself to a fait accompli and so does an individual character until the
placid adjustment is disturbed by a convulsive retribution
No man can escape this vitiating effect of an offence against his own
sentiment of right and the effect was the stronger in Arthur because of that
very need of selfrespect which while his conscience was still at ease was one
of his best safeguards Selfaccusation was too painful to him he could not
face it He must persuade himself that he had not been very much to blame he
began even to pity himself for the necessity he was under of deceiving Adam it
was a course so opposed to the honesty of his own nature But then it was the
only right thing to do
Well whatever had been amiss in him he was miserable enough in
consequence miserable about Hetty miserable about this letter that he had
promised to write and that seemed at one moment to be a gross barbarity at
another perhaps the greatest kindness he could do to her And across all this
reflection would dart every now and then a sudden impulse of passionate defiance
towards all consequences he would carry Hetty away and all other
considerations might go to
In this state of mind the four walls of his room made an intolerable prison
to him they seemed to hem in and press down upon him all the crowd of
contradictory thoughts and conflicting feelings some of which would fly away in
the open air He had only an hour or two to make up his mind in and he must get
clear and calm Once on Megs back in the fresh air of that fine morning he
should be more master of the situation
The pretty creature arched her bay neck in the sunshine and pawed the
gravel and trembled with pleasure when her master stroked her nose and patted
her and talked to her even in a more caressing tone than usual He loved her
the better because she knew nothing of his secrets But Meg was quite as well
acquainted with her masters mental state as many others of her sex with the
mental condition of the nice young gentlemen towards whom their hearts are in a
state of fluttering expectation
Arthur cantered for five miles beyond the Chase till he was at the foot of
a hill where there were no hedges or trees to hem in the road Then he threw the
bridle on Megs neck and prepared to make up his mind
Hetty knew that their meeting yesterday must be the last before Arthur went
away there was no possibility of their contriving another without exciting
suspicion and she was like a frightened child unable to think of anything
only able to cry at the mention of parting and then put her face up to have the
tears kissed away He could do nothing but comfort her and lull her into
dreaming on A letter would be a dreadfully abrupt way of awakening her Yet
there was truth in what Adam said that it would save her from a lengthened
delusion which might be worse than a sharp immediate pain And it was the only
way of satisfying Adam who must be satisfied for more reasons than one If he
could have seen her again But that was impossible there was such a thorny
hedge of hindrances between them and an imprudence would be fatal And yet if
he could see her again what good would it do Only cause him to suffer more
from the sight of her distress and the remembrance of it Away from him she was
surrounded by all the motives to selfcontrol
A sudden dread here fell like a shadow across his imagination the dread
lest she should do something violent in her grief and close upon that dread
came another which deepened the shadow But he shook them off with the force of
youth and hope What was the ground for painting the future in that dark way It
was just as likely to be the reverse Arthur told himself he did not deserve
that things should turn out badly he had never meant beforehand to do anything
his conscience disapproved he had been led on by circumstances There was a
sort of implicit confidence in him that he was really such a good fellow at
bottom Providence would not treat him harshly
At all events he couldnt help what would come now all he could do was to
take what seemed the best course at the present moment And he persuaded himself
that that course was to make the way open between Adam and Hetty Her heart
might really turn to Adam as he said after a while and in that case there
would have been no great harm done since it was still Adams ardent wish to
make her his wife To be sure Adam was deceived deceived in a way that Arthur
would have resented as a deep wrong if it had been practised on himself That
was a reflection that marred the consoling prospect Arthurs cheeks even burned
in mingled shame and irritation at the thought But what could a man do in such
a dilemma He was bound in honour to say no word that could injure Hetty his
first duty was to guard her He would never have told or acted a lie on his own
account Good God what a miserable fool he was to have brought himself into
such a dilemma and yet if ever a man had excuses he had Pity that
consequences are determined not by excuses but by actions
Well the letter must be written it was the only means that promised a
solution of the difficulty The tears came into Arthurs eyes as he thought of
Hetty reading it but it would be almost as hard for him to write it he was not
doing anything easy to himself and this last thought helped him to arrive at a
conclusion He could never deliberately have taken a step which inflicted pain
on another and left himself at ease Even a movement of jealousy at the thought
of giving up Hetty to Adam went to convince him that he was making a sacrifice
When once he had come to this conclusion he turned Meg round and set off
home again in a canter The letter should be written the first thing and the
rest of the day would be filled up with other business he should have no time
to look behind him Happily Irwine and Gawaine were coming to dinner and by
twelve oclock the next day he should have left the Chase miles behind him
There was some security in this constant occupation against an uncontrollable
impulse seizing him to rush to Hetty and thrust into her hand some mad
proposition that would undo everything Faster and faster went the sensitive
Meg at every slight sign from her rider till the canter had passed into a
swift gallop
»I thought they said th young mester war took ill last night« said sour
old John the groom at dinnertime in the servants hall »Hes been ridin fit
to split the mare i two this forenoon«
»Thats happen one o the symptims John« said the facetious coachman
»Then I wish he war let blood for t thats all« said John grimly
Adam had been early at the Chase to know how Arthur was and had been
relieved from all anxiety about the effects of his blow by learning that he was
gone out for a ride At five oclock he was punctually there again and sent up
word of his arrival In a few minutes Pym came down with a letter in his hand
and gave it to Adam saying that the Captain was too busy to see him and had
written everything he had to say The letter was directed to Adam but he went
out of doors again before opening it It contained a sealed enclosure directed
to Hetty On the inside of the cover Adam read
»In the enclosed letter I have written everything you wish I leave it
to you to decide whether you will be doing best to deliver it to Hetty
or to return it to me Ask yourself once more whether you are not taking
a measure which may pain her more than mere silence
There is no need for our seeing each other again now We shall meet
with better feelings some months hence
AD«
»Perhaps hes i th right ont not to see me« thought Adam »Its no use
meeting to say more hard words and its no use meeting to shake hands and say
were friends again Were not friends an its better not to pretend it I
know forgiveness is a mans duty but to my thinking that can only mean as
youre to give up all thoughts o taking revenge it can never mean as youre t
have your old feelings back again for thats not possible Hes not the same
man to me and I cant feel the same towards him God help me I dont know
whether I feel the same towards anybody I seem as if Id been measuring my work
from a false line and had got it all to measure over again«
But the question about delivering the letter to Hetty soon absorbed Adams
thoughts Arthur had procured some relief to himself by throwing the decision on
Adam with a warning and Adam who was not given to hesitation hesitated here
He determined to feel his way to ascertain as well as he could what was
Hettys state of mind before he decided on delivering the letter
Chapter XXX
The Delivery of the Letter
The next Sunday Adam joined the Poysers on their way out of church hoping for
an invitation to go home with them He had the letter in his pocket and was
anxious to have an opportunity of talking to Hetty alone He could not see her
face at church for she had changed her seat and when he came up to her to
shake hands her manner was doubtful and constrained He expected this for it
was the first time she had met him since she had been aware that he had seen her
with Arthur in the Grove
»Come youll go on with us Adam« Mr Poyser said when they reached the
turning and as soon as they were in the fields Adam ventured to offer his arm
to Hetty The children soon gave them an opportunity of lingering behind a
little and then Adam said
»Will you contrive for me to walk out in the garden a bit with you this
evening if it keeps fine Hetty Ive something particlar to talk to you
about«
Hetty said »Very well« She was really as anxious as Adam was that she
should have some private talk with him she wondered what he thought of her and
Arthur he must have seen them kissing she knew but she had no conception of
the scene that had taken place between Arthur and Adam Her first feeling had
been that Adam would be very angry with her and perhaps would tell her aunt and
uncle but it never entered her mind that he would dare to say anything to
Captain Donnithorne It was a relief to her that he behaved so kindly to her
today and wanted to speak to her alone for she had trembled when she found he
was going home with them lest he should mean »to tell« But now he wanted to
talk to her by herself she should learn what he thought and what he meant to
do She felt a certain confidence that she could persuade him not to do anything
she did not want him to do she could perhaps even make him believe that she
didnt care for Arthur and as long as Adam thought there was any hope of her
having him he would do just what she liked she knew Besides she must go on
seeming to encourage Adam lest her uncle and aunt should be angry and suspect
her of having some secret lover
Hettys little brain was busy with this combination as she hung on Adams
arm and said »yes« or »no« to some slight observations of his about the many
hawthornberries there would be for the birds this next winter and the
lowhanging clouds that would hardly hold up till morning And when they
rejoined her aunt and uncle she could pursue her thoughts without interruption
for Mr Poyser held that though a young man might like to have the woman he was
courting on his arm he would nevertheless be glad of a little reasonable talk
about business the while and for his own part he was curious to hear the most
recent news about the Chase Farm So through the rest of the walk he claimed
Adams conversation for himself and Hetty laid her small plots and imagined
her little scenes of cunning blandishment as she walked along by the hedgerows
on honest Adams arm quite as well as if she had been an elegantly clad
coquette alone in her boudoir For if a country beauty in clumsy shoes be only
shallowhearted enough it is astonishing how closely her mental processes may
resemble those of a lady in society and crinoline who applies her refined
intellect to the problem of committing indiscretions without compromising
herself Perhaps the resemblance was not much the less because Hetty felt very
unhappy all the while The parting with Arthur was a double pain to her
mingling with the tumult of passion and vanity there was a dim undefined fear
that the future might shape itself in some way quite unlike her dream She clung
to the comforting hopeful words Arthur had uttered in their last meeting »I
shall come again at Christmas and then we will see what can be done« She clung
to the belief that he was so fond of her he would never be happy without her
and she still hugged her secret that a great gentleman loved her with
gratified pride as a superiority over all the girls she knew But the
uncertainty of the future the possibilities to which she could give no shape
began to press upon her like the invisible weight of air she was alone on her
little island of dreams and all around her was the dark unknown water where
Arthur was gone She could gather no elation of spirits now by looking forward
but only by looking backward to build confidence on past words and caresses But
occasionally since Thursday evening her dim anxieties had been almost lost
behind the more definite fear that Adam might betray what he knew to her uncle
and aunt and his sudden proposition to talk with her alone had set her thoughts
to work in a new way She was eager not to lose this evenings opportunity and
after tea when the boys were going into the garden and Totty begged to go with
them Hetty said with an alacrity that surprised Mrs Poyser
»Ill go with her aunt«
It did not seem at all surprising that Adam said he would go too and soon
he and Hetty were left alone together on the walk by the filberttrees while
the boys were busy elsewhere gathering the large unripe nuts to play at
»cobnut« with and Totty was watching them with a puppylike air of
contemplation It was but a short time hardly two months since Adam had had
his mind filled with delicious hopes as he stood by Hettys side in this
garden The remembrance of that scene had often been with him since Thursday
evening the sunlight through the appletree boughs the red bunches Hettys
sweet blush It came importunately now on this sad evening with the
lowhanging clouds but he tried to suppress it lest some emotion should impel
him to say more than was needful for Hettys sake
»After what I saw on Thursday night Hetty« he began »you wont think me
making too free in what Im going to say If you was being courted by any man as
ud make you his wife and Id known you was fond of him and meant to have him
I should have no right to speak a word to you about it but when I see youre
being made love to by a gentleman as can never marry you and doesna think o
marrying you I feel bound t interfere for you I cant speak about it to them
as are i the place o your parents for that might bring worse trouble thans
needful«
Adams words relieved one of Hettys fears but they also carried a meaning
which sickened her with a strengthened foreboding She was pale and trembling
and yet she would have angrily contradicted Adam if she had dared to betray her
feelings But she was silent
»Youre so young you know Hetty« he went on almost tenderly »and y
havent seen much o what goes on in the world Its right for me to do what I
can to save you from getting into trouble for want o your knowing where youre
being led to If anybody besides me knew what I know about your meeting a
gentleman and having fine presents from him theyd speak light on you and
youd lose your character And besides that youll have to suffer in your
feelings wi giving your love to a man as can never marry you so as he might
take care of you all your life«
Adam paused and looked at Hetty who was plucking the leaves from the
filberttrees and tearing them up in her hand Her little plans and
preconcerted speeches had all forsaken her like an illlearnt lesson under the
terrible agitation produced by Adams words There was a cruel force in their
calm certainty which threatened to grapple and crush her flimsy hopes and
fancies She wanted to resist them she wanted to throw them off with angry
contradiction but the determination to conceal what she felt still governed
her It was nothing more than a blind prompting now for she was unable to
calculate the effect of her words
»Youve no right to say as I love him« she said faintly but impetuously
plucking another rough leaf and tearing it up She was very beautiful in her
paleness and agitation with her dark childish eyes dilated and her breath
shorter than usual Adams heart yearned over her as he looked at her Ah if he
could but comfort her and soothe her and save her from this pain if he had
but some sort of strength that would enable him to rescue her poor troubled
mind as he would have rescued her body in the face of all danger
»I doubt it must be so Hetty« he said tenderly »for I canna believe
youd let any man kiss you by yourselves and give yon a gold box with his hair
and go awalking i the Grove to meet him if you didna love him Im not
blaming you for I know it ud begin by little and little till at last youd
not be able to throw it off Its him I blame for stealing your love i that
way when he knew he could never make you the right amends Hes been trifling
with you and making a plaything of you and caring nothing about you as a man
ought to care«
»Yes he does care for me I know better nor you« Hetty burst out
Everything was forgotten but the pain and anger she felt at Adams words
»Nay Hetty« said Adam »if hed cared for you rightly hed never ha
behaved so He told me himself he meant nothing by his kissing and presents and
he wanted to make me believe as you thought light of em too But I know better
nor that I cant help thinking as youve been trusting to his loving you well
enough to marry you for all hes a gentleman And thats why I must speak to
you about it Hetty for fear you should be deceiving yourself Its never
entered his head the thought o marrying you«
»How do you know How durst you say so« said Hetty pausing in her walk and
trembling The terrible decision of Adams tone shook her with fear She had no
presence of mind left for the reflection that Arthur would have his reasons for
not telling the truth to Adam Her words and look were enough to determine Adam
he must give her the letter
»Perhaps you cant believe me Hetty because you think too well of him
because you think he loves you better than he does But Ive got a letter i my
pocket as he wrote himself for me to give you Ive not read the letter but he
says hes told you the truth in it But before I give you the letter consider
Hetty and dont let it take too much hold on you It wouldna ha been good for
you if hed wanted to do such a mad thing as marry you it ud ha led to no
happiness i th end«
Hetty said nothing she felt a revival of hope at the mention of a letter
which Adam had not read There would be something quite different in it from
what he thought
Adam took out the letter but he held it in his hand still while he said
in a tone of tender entreaty
»Dont you bear me illwill Hetty because Im the means o bringing you
this pain God knows Id ha borne a good deal worse for the sake o sparing it
you And think theres nobody but me knows about this and Ill take care of
you as if I was your brother Youre the same as ever to me for I dont believe
youve done any wrong knowingly«
Hetty had laid her hand on the letter but Adam did not loose it till he had
done speaking She took no notice of what he said she had not listened but
when he loosed the letter she put it into her pocket without opening it and
then began to walk more quickly as if she wanted to go in
»Youre in the right not to read it just yet« said Adam »Read it when
youre by yourself But stay out a little bit longer and let us call the
children you look so white and ill your aunt may take notice of it«
Hetty heard the warning It recalled to her the necessity of rallying her
native powers of concealment which had half given way under the shock of Adams
words And she had the letter in her pocket she was sure there was comfort in
that letter in spite of Adam She ran to find Totty and soon reappeared with
recovered colour leading Totty who was making a sour face because she had
been obliged to throw away an unripe apple that she had set her small teeth in
»Hegh Totty« said Adam »come and ride on my shoulder ever so high
youll touch the tops o the trees«
What little child ever refused to be comforted by that glorious sense of
being seized strongly and swung upward I dont believe Ganymede cried when the
eagle carried him away and perhaps deposited him on Joves shoulder at the end
Totty smiled down complacently from her secure height and pleasant was the
sight to the mothers eyes as she stood at the house door and saw Adam coming
with his small burthen
»Bless your sweet face my pet« she said the mothers strong love filling
her keen eyes with mildness as Totty leaned forward and put out her arms She
had no eyes for Hetty at that moment and only said without looking at her
»You go and draw some ale Hetty the gells are both at the cheese«
After the ale had been drawn and her uncles pipe lighted there was Totty
to be taken to bed and brought down again in her nightgown because she would
cry instead of going to sleep Then there was supper to be got ready and Hetty
must be continually in the way to give help Adam stayed till he knew Mrs
Poyser expected him to go engaging her and her husband in talk as constantly as
he could for the sake of leaving Hetty more at ease He lingered because he
wanted to see her safely through that evening and he was delighted to find how
much selfcommand she showed He knew she had not had time to read the letter
but he did not know she was buoyed up by a secret hope that the letter would
contradict everything he had said It was hard work for him to leave her hard
to think that he should not know for days how she was bearing her trouble But
he must go at last and all he could do was to press her hand gently as he said
»Goodbye« and hope she would take that as a sign that if his love could ever be
a refuge for her it was there the same as ever How busy his thoughts were as
he walked home in devising pitying excuses for her folly in referring all her
weakness to the sweet lovingness of her nature in blaming Arthur with less and
less inclination to admit that his conduct might be extenuated too His
exasperation at Hettys suffering and also at the sense that she was possibly
thrust for ever out of his own reach deafened him to any plea for the
miscalled friend who had wrought this misery Adam was a clearsighted
fairminded man a fine fellow indeed morally as well as physically But if
Aristides the Just was ever in love and jealous he was at that moment not
perfectly magnanimous And I cannot pretend that Adam in these painful days
felt nothing but righteous indignation and loving pity He was bitterly jealous
and in proportion as his love made him indulgent in his judgment of Hetty the
bitterness found a vent in his feeling towards Arthur
»Her head was allays likely to be turned« he thought »when a gentleman
with his fine manners and fine clothes and his white hands and that way o
talking gentlefolks have came about her making up to her in a bold way as a
man couldnt do that was only her equal and its much if shell ever like a
common man now« He could not help drawing his own hands out of his pocket and
looking at them at the hard palms and the broken fingernails »Im a roughish
fellow altogether I dont know now I come to think ont what there is much
for a woman to like about me and yet I might ha got another wife easy enough
if I hadnt set my heart on her But its little matter what other women think
about me if she cant love me She might ha loved me perhaps as likely as
any other man theres nobody hereabouts as Im afraid of if he hadnt come
between us but now I shall belike be hateful to her because Im so different to
him And yet theres no telling she may turn round the other way when she
finds hes made light of her all the while She may come to feel the vally of a
man as ud be thankful to be bound to her all his life But I must put up with
it whichever way it is Ive only to be thankful its been no worse I am not
th only man thats got to do without much happiness i this life Theres many
a good bit o work done with a sad heart Its Gods will and thats enough for
us we shouldnt know better how things ought to be than He does I reckon if
we was to spend our lives i puzzling But it ud ha gone near to spoil my work
for me if Id seen her brought to sorrow and shame and through the man as Ive
always been proud to think on Since Ive been spared that Ive no right to
grumble When a mans got his limbs whole he can bear a smart cut or two«
As Adam was getting over a stile at this point in his reflections he
perceived a man walking along the field before him He knew it was Seth
returning from an evening preaching and made haste to overtake him
»I thought theedst be at home before me« he said as Seth turned round to
wait for him »for Im later than usual tonight«
»Well Im later too for I got into talk after meeting with John Barnes
who has lately professed himself in a state of perfection and Id a question to
ask him about his experience Its one o them subjects that lead you further
than y expect they dont lie along the straight road«
They walked along together in silence two or three minutes Adam was not
inclined to enter into the subtleties of religious experience but he was
inclined to interchange a word or two of brotherly affection and confidence with
Seth That was a rare impulse in him much as the brothers loved each other
They hardly ever spoke of personal matters or uttered more than an allusion to
their family troubles Adam was by nature reserved in all matters of feeling
and Seth felt a certain timidity towards his more practical brother
»Seth lad« Adam said putting his arm on his brothers shoulder »hast
heard anything from Dinah Morris since she went away«
»Yes« said Seth »She told me I might write her word after a while how we
went on and how mother bore up under her trouble So I wrote to her a fortnight
ago and told her about thee having a new employment and how mother was more
contented and last Wednesday when I called at the post at Treddleson I found
a letter from her I think theedst perhaps like to read it but I didna say
anything about it because theest seemed so full of other things Its quite
easy t read she writes wonderful for a woman«
Seth had drawn the letter from his pocket and held it out to Adam who said
as he took it
»Ay lad Ive got a tough load to carry just now thee mustna take it ill
if Im a bit silenter and crustier nor usual Trouble doesna make me care the
less for thee I know we shall stick together to the last«
»I take nought ill o thee Adam I know well enough what it means if theet
a bit short wi me now and then«
»Theres mother opening the door to look out for us« said Adam as they
mounted the slope »Shes been sitting i the dark as usual Well Gyp well
art glad to see me«
Lisbeth went in again quickly and lighted a candle for she had heard the
welcome rustling of footsteps on the grass before Gyps joyful bark
»Eh my lads th hours war neer so long sin I war born as theyn been
this blessed Sunday night What can ye both ha been doin till this time«
»Thee shouldstna sit i the dark mother« said Adam »that makes the time
seem longer«
»Eh what am I to do wi burnin candle of a Sunday when theres ony me
an its sin to do a bit o knittin The daylights long enough for me to stare
i th booke as I canna read It ud be a fine way o shortenin the time to
make it waste the good candle But which on yous for hain supper Ye mun
ayther be clemmed or full I should think seein what time o night it is«
»Im hungry mother« said Seth seating himself at the little table which
had been spread ever since it was light
»Ive had my supper« said Adam »Here Gyp« he added taking some cold
potato from the table and rubbing the rough grey head that looked up towards
him
»Thee needstna be giin th dog« said Lisbeth »In fed him well aready
Im not like to forget him I reckon when hes all o thee I can get sight on«
»Come then Gyp« said Adam »well go to bed Goodnight mother Im very
tired«
»What ails him dost know« Lisbeth said to Seth when Adam was gone
upstairs »Hes like as if he was struck for death this day or two hes so
cast down I found him i the shop this forenoon arter thee wast gone
asittin an doin nothin not so much as a booke afore him«
»Hes a deal o work upon him just now mother« said Seth »and I think
hes a bit troubled in his mind Dont you take notice of it because it hurts
him when you do Be as kind to him as you can mother and dont say anything to
vex him«
»Eh what dost talk o my vexin him an what am I like to be but kind
Ill ma him a kettlecake for breakfast i the mornin«
Adam meanwhile was reading Dinahs letter by the light of his dip candle
»Dear Brother Seth Your letter lay three days beyond my knowing of it
at the Post for I had not money enough by me to pay the carriage this
being a time of great need and sickness here with the rains that have
fallen as if the windows of heaven were opened again and to lay by
money from day to day in such a time when there are so many in
present need of all things would be a want of trust like the laying up
of the manna I speak of this because I would not have you think me
slow to answer or that I had small joy in your rejoicing at the worldly
good that has befallen your brother Adam The honour and love you bear
him is nothing but meet for God has given him great gifts and he uses
them as the patriarch Joseph did who when he was exalted to a place of
power and trust yet yearned with tenderness towards his parent and his
younger brother
My heart is knit to your aged mother since it was granted me to be
near her in the day of trouble Speak to her of me and tell her I often
bear her in my thoughts at evening time when I am sitting in the dim
light as I did with her and we held one anothers hands and I spoke
the words of comfort that were given to me Ah that is a blessed time
isnt it Seth when the outward light is fading and the body is a
little wearied with its work and its labour Then the inward light
shines the brighter and we have a deeper sense of resting on the Divine
strength I sit on my chair in the dark room and close my eyes and it
is as if I was out of the body and could feel no want for evermore For
then the very hardship and the sorrow and the blindness and the sin
I have beheld and been ready to weep over yea all the anguish of the
children of men which sometimes wraps me round like sudden darkness I
can bear with a willing pain as if I was sharing the Redeemers cross
For I feel it I feel it infinite love is suffering too yea in the
fulness of knowledge it suffers it yearns it mourns and that is a
blind selfseeking which wants to be freed from the sorrow wherewith the
whole creation groaneth and travaileth Surely it is not true
blessedness to be free from sorrow while there is sorrow and sin in the
world sorrow is then a part of love and love does not seek to throw it
off It is not the spirit only that tells me this I see it in the
whole work and word of the gospel Is there not pleading in heaven Is
not the Man of Sorrows there in that crucified body wherewith he
ascended And is He not one with the Infinite Love itself as our love
is one with our sorrow
These thoughts have been much borne in on me of late and I have
seen with new clearness the meaning of those words If any man love me
let him take up my cross I have heard this enlarged on as if it meant
the troubles and persecutions we bring on ourselves by confessing Jesus
But surely that is a narrow thought The true cross of the Redeemer was
the sin and sorrow of this world that was what lay heavy on his heart
and that is the cross we shall share with him that is the cup we must
drink of with him if we would have any part in that Divine Love which
is one with his sorrow
In my outward lot which you ask about I have all things and
abound I have had constant work in the mill though some of the other
hands have been turned off for a time and my body is greatly
strengthened so that I feel little weariness after long walking and
speaking What you say about staying in your own country with your
mother and brother shows me that you have a true guidance your lot is
appointed there by a clear showing and to seek a greater blessing
elsewhere would be like laying a false offering on the altar and
expecting the fire from heaven to kindle it My work and my joy are here
among the hills and I sometimes think I cling too much to my life among
the people here and should be rebellious if I was called away
I was thankful for your tidings about the dear friends at the Hall
Farm for though I sent them a letter by my aunts desire after I came
back from my sojourn among them I have had no word from them My aunt
has not the pen of a ready writer and the work of the house is
sufficient for the day for she is weak in body My heart cleaves to her
and her children as the nearest of all to me in the flesh yea and to
all in that house I am carried away to them continually in my sleep
and often in the midst of work and even of speech the thought of them
is borne in on me as if they were in need and trouble which yet is dark
to me There may be some leading here but I wait to be taught You say
they are all well
We shall see each other again in the body I trust though it may
be not for a long while for the brethren and sisters at Leeds are
desirous to have me for a short space among them when I have a door
opened me again to leave Snowfield
Farewell dear brother and yet not farewell For those children of
God whom it has been granted to see each other face to face and to hold
communion together and to feel the same spirit working in both can
never more be sundered though the hills may lie between For their
souls are enlarged for evermore by that union and they bear one another
about in their thoughts continually as it were a new strength Your
faithful Sister and fellowworker in Christ
DINAH MORRIS«
»I have not skill to write the words so small as you do and my pen
moves slow And so I am straitened and say but little of what is in my
mind Greet your mother for me with a kiss She asked me to kiss her
twice when we parted«
Adam had refolded the letter and was sitting meditatively with his head resting
on his arm at the head of the bed when Seth came upstairs
»Hast read the letter« said Seth
»Yes« said Adam »I dont know what I should ha thought of her and her
letter if Id never seen her I daresay I should ha thought a preaching woman
hateful But shes one as makes everything seem right she says and does and I
seemed to see her and hear her speaking when I read the letter Its wonderful
how I remember her looks and her voice Shed make thee rare and happy Seth
shes just the woman for thee«
»Its no use thinking o that« said Seth despondingly »She spoke so firm
and shes not the woman to say one thing and mean another«
»Nay but her feelings may grow different A woman may get to love by
degrees the best fire doesna flare up the soonest Id have thee go and see
her byandby Id make it convenient for thee to be away three or four days
and it ud be no walk for thee only between twenty and thirty mile«
»I should like to see her again whether or no if she wouldna be displeased
with me for going« said Seth
»Shell be none displeased« said Adam emphatically getting up and
throwing off his coat »It might be a great happiness to us all if shed have
thee for mother took to her so wonderful and seemed so contented to be with
her«
»Ay« said Seth rather timidly »and Dinahs fond o Hetty too she thinks
a deal about her«
Adam made no reply to that and no other word but »goodnight« passed
between them
Chapter XXXI
In Hettys BedChamber
It was no longer light enough to go to bed without a candle even in Mrs
Poysers early household and Hetty carried one with her as she went up at last
to her bedroom soon after Adam was gone and bolted the door behind her
Now she would read her letter It must it must have comfort in it How was
Adam to know the truth It was always likely he should say what he did say
She set down the candle and took out the letter It had a faint scent of
roses which made her feel as if Arthur were close to her She put it to her
lips and a rush of remembered sensations for a moment or two swept away all
fear But her heart began to flutter strangely and her hands to tremble as she
broke the seal She read slowly it was not easy for her to read a gentlemans
handwriting though Arthur had taken pains to write plainly
»Dearest Hetty I have spoken truly when I have said that I loved you
and I shall never forget our love I shall be your true friend as long
as life lasts and I hope to prove this to you in many ways If I say
anything to pain you in this letter do not believe it is for want of
love and tenderness towards you for there is nothing I would not do for
you if I knew it to be really for your happiness I cannot bear to
think of my little Hetty shedding tears when I am not there to kiss them
away and if I followed only my own inclinations I should be with her
at this moment instead of writing It is very hard for me to part from
her harder still for me to write words which may seem unkind though
they spring from the truest kindness
Dear dear Hetty sweet as our love has been to me sweet as it
would be to me for you to love me always I feel that it would have been
better for us both if we had never had that happiness and that it is my
duty to ask you to love me and care for me as little as you can The
fault has all been mine for though I have been unable to resist the
longing to be near you I have felt all the while that your affection
for me might cause you grief I ought to have resisted my feelings I
should have done so if I had been a better fellow than I am but now
since the past cannot be altered I am bound to save you from any evil
that I have power to prevent And I feel it would be a great evil for
you if your affections continued so fixed on me that you could think of
no other man who might be able to make you happier by his love than I
ever can and if you continued to look towards something in the future
which cannot possibly happen For dear Hetty if I were to do what you
one day spoke of and make you my wife I should do what you yourself
would come to feel was for your misery instead of your welfare I know
you can never be happy except by marrying a man in your own station and
if I were to marry you now I should only be adding to any wrong I have
done besides offending against my duty in the other relations of life
You know nothing dear Hetty of the world in which I must always live
and you would soon begin to dislike me because there would be so little
in which we should be alike
And since I cannot marry you we must part we must try not to feel
like lovers any more I am miserable while I say this but nothing else
can be Be angry with me my sweet one I deserve it but do not believe
that I shall not always care for you always be grateful to you
always remember my Hetty and if any trouble should come that we do not
now foresee trust in me to do everything that lies in my power
I have told you where you are to direct a letter to if you want to
write but I put it down below lest you should have forgotten Do not
write unless there is something I can really do for you for dear
Hetty we must try to think of each other as little as we can Forgive
me and try to forget everything about me except that I shall be as
long as I live your affectionate friend
ARTHUR DONNITHORNE«
Slowly Hetty had read this letter and when she looked up from it there was the
reflection of a blanched face in the old dim glass a white marble face with
rounded childish forms but with something sadder than a childs pain in it
Hetty did not see the face she saw nothing she only felt that she was cold
and sick and trembling The letter shook and rustled in her hand She laid it
down It was a horrible sensation this cold and trembling it swept away the
very ideas that produced it and Hetty got up to reach a warm cloak from her
clothespress wrapped it round her and sat as if she were thinking of nothing
but getting warm Presently she took up the letter with a firmer hand and began
to read it through again The tears came this time great rushing tears that
blinded her and blotched the paper She felt nothing but that Arthur was cruel
cruel to write so cruel not to marry her Reasons why he could not marry her
had no existence for her mind how could she believe in any misery that could
come to her from the fulfilment of all she had been longing for and dreaming of
She had not the ideas that could make up the notion of that misery
As she threw down the letter again she caught sight of her face in the
glass it was reddened now and wet with tears it was almost like a companion
that she might complain to that would pity her She leaned forward on her
elbows and looked into those dark overflooding eyes and at that quivering
mouth and saw how the tears came thicker and thicker and how the mouth became
convulsed with sobs
The shattering of all her little dreamworld the crushing blow on her
newborn passion afflicted her pleasurecraving nature with an overpowering
pain that annihilated all impulse to resistance and suspended her anger She
sat sobbing till the candle went out and then wearied aching stupefied with
crying threw herself on the bed without undressing and went to sleep
There was a feeble dawn in the room when Hetty awoke a little after four
oclock with a sense of dull misery the cause of which broke upon her
gradually as she began to discern the objects round her in the dim light And
then came the frightening thought that she had to conceal her misery as well as
to bear it in this dreary daylight that was coming She could lie no longer
she got up and went towards the table there lay the letter she opened her
treasuredrawer there lay the earrings and the locket the signs of all her
short happiness the signs of the lifelong dreariness that was to follow it
Looking at the little trinkets which she had once eyed and fingered so fondly as
the earnest of her future paradise of finery she lived back in the moments when
they had been given to her with such tender caresses such strangely pretty
words such glowing looks which filled her with a bewildering delicious
surprise they were so much sweeter than she had thought anything could be And
the Arthur who had spoken to her and looked at her in this way who was present
with her now whose arm she felt round her his cheek against hers his very
breath upon her was the cruel cruel Arthur who had written that letter
that letter which she snatched and crushed and then opened again that she might
read it once more The halfbenumbed mental condition which was the effect of
the last nights violent crying made it necessary to her to look again and see
if her wretched thoughts were actually true if the letter was really so cruel
She had to hold it close to the window else she could not have read it by the
faint light Yes it was worse it was more cruel She crushed it up again in
anger She hated the writer of that letter hated him for the very reason that
she hung upon him with all her love all the girlish passion and vanity that
made up her love
She had no tears this morning She had wept them all away last night and
now she felt that dry eyed morning misery which is worse than the first
shock because it has the future in it as well as the present Every morning to
come as far as her imagination could stretch she would have to get up and feel
that the day would have no joy for her For there is no despair so absolute as
that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow when we have
not yet known what it is to have suffered and be healed to have despaired and
to have recovered hope As Hetty began languidly to take off the clothes she had
worn all the night that she might wash herself and brush her hair she had a
sickening sense that her life would go on in this way she should always be
doing things she had no pleasure in getting up to the old tasks of work seeing
people she cared nothing about going to church and to Treddleston and to tea
with Mrs Best and carrying no happy thought with her For her short poisonous
delights had spoiled for ever all the little joys that had once made the
sweetness of her life the new frock ready for Treddleston fair the party at
Mr Brittons at Broxton wake the beaux that she would say »No« to for a long
while and the prospect of the wedding that was to come at last when she would
have a silk gown and a great many clothes all at once These things were all
flat and dreary to her now everything would be a weariness and she would carry
about for ever a hopeless thirst and longing
She paused in the midst of her languid undressing and leaned against the
dark old clothespress Her neck and arms were bare her hair hung down in
delicate rings and they were just as beautiful as they were that night two
months ago when she walked up and down this bedchamber glowing with vanity and
hope She was not thinking of her neck and arms now even her own beauty was
indifferent to her Her eyes wandered sadly over the dull old chamber and then
looked out vacantly towards the growing dawn Did a remembrance of Dinah come
across her mind of her foreboding words which had made her angry of
Dinahs affectionate entreaty to think of her as a friend in trouble No the
impression had been too slight to recur Any affection or comfort Dinah could
have given her would have been as indifferent to Hetty this morning as
everything else was except her bruised passion She was only thinking she could
never stay here and go on with the old life she could better bear something
quite new than sinking back into the old everyday round She would like to run
away that very morning and never see any of the old faces again But Hettys
was not a nature to face difficulties to dare to loose her hold on the
familiar and rush blindly on some unknown condition Hers was a luxurious and
vain nature not a passionate one and if she were ever to take any violent
measure she must be urged to it by the desperation of terror There was not
much room for her thoughts to travel in the narrow circle of her imagination
and she soon fixed on the one thing she would do to get away from her old life
she would ask her uncle to let her go to be a ladysmaid Miss Lydias maid
would help her to get a situation if she knew Hetty had her uncles leave
When she had thought of this she fastened up her hair and began to wash it
seemed more possible to her to go downstairs and try to behave as usual She
would ask her uncle this very day On Hettys blooming health it would take a
great deal of such mental suffering as hers to leave any deep impress and when
she was dressed as neatly as usual in her workingdress with her hair tucked up
under her little cap an indifferent observer would have been more struck with
the young roundness of her cheek and neck and the darkness of her eyes and
eyelashes than with any signs of sadness about her But when she took up the
crushed letter and put it in her drawer that she might lock it out of sight
hard smarting tears having no relief in them as the great drops had that fell
last night forced their way into her eyes She wiped them away quickly she
must not cry in the daytime nobody should find out how miserable she was
nobody should know she was disappointed about anything and the thought that the
eyes of her aunt and uncle would be upon her gave her the selfcommand which
often accompanies a great dread For Hetty looked out from her secret misery
towards the possibility of their ever knowing what had happened as the sick and
weary prisoner might think of the possible pillory They would think her conduct
shameful and shame was torture That was poor little Hettys conscience
So she locked up her drawer and went away to her early work
In the evening when Mr Poyser was smoking his pipe and his goodnature
was therefore at its superlative moment Hetty seized the opportunity of her
aunts absence to say »Uncle I wish youd let me go for a ladysmaid«
Mr Poyser took the pipe from his mouth and looked at Hetty in mild
surprise for some moments She was sewing and went on with her work
industriously
»Why whats put that into your head my wench« he said at last after he
had given one conservative puff
»I should like it I should like it better than farmwork«
»Nay nay you fancy so because you donna know it my wench It wouldnt be
half so good for your health nor for your luck i life Id like you to stay
wi us till youve got a good husband youre my own niece and I wouldnt have
you go to service though it was a gentlemans house as long as Ive got a home
for you«
Mr Poyser paused and puffed away at his pipe
»I like the needlework« said Hetty »and I should get good wages«
»Has your aunt been a bit sharp wi you« said Mr Poyser not noticing
Hettys further argument »You mustna mind that my wench she does it for your
good She wishes you well an there isnt many aunts as are no kin to you ud
ha done by you as she has«
»No it isnt my aunt« said Hetty »but I should like the work better«
»It was all very well for you to learn the work a bit an I gev my consent
to that fast enough sin Mrs Pomfret was willing to teach you For if anything
was t happen its well to know how to turn your hand to different sorts o
things But I niver meant you to go to service my wench my familys ate their
own bread and cheese as fur back as anybody knows hanna they father You
wouldna like your grandchild to take wage«
»Naay« said old Martin with an elongation of the word meant to make it
bitter as well as negative while he leaned forward and looked down on the
floor »But the wench takes arter her mother Id hard work t hould her in an
she married i spite o me a feller wi ony two head o stock when there
should ha been ten ons farm she might well die o th inflammation afore she
war thirty«
It was seldom the old man made so long a speech but his sons question had
fallen like a bit of dry fuel on the embers of a long unextinguished resentment
which had always made the grandfather more indifferent to Hetty than to his
sons children Her mothers fortune had been spent by that goodfornought
Sorrel and Hetty had Sorrels blood in her veins
»Poor thing poor thing« said Martin the younger who was sorry to have
provoked this retrospective harshness »Shed but bad luck But Hettys got as
good a chanche o getting a solid sober husband as any gell i this country«
After throwing out this pregnant hint Mr Poyser recurred to his pipe and
his silence looking at Hetty to see if she did not give some sign of having
renounced her illadvised wish But instead of that Hetty in spite of herself
began to cry half out of ill at the denial half out of the days repressed
sadness
»Hegh hegh« said Mr Poyser meaning to check her playfully »dont lets
have any crying Cryings for them as ha got no home not for them as want to
get rid o one What dost think« he continued to his wife who now came back
into the houseplace knitting with fierce rapidity as if that movement were a
necessary function like the twittering of a crabs antennæ
»Think why I think we shall have the fowl stole before we are much
older wi that gell forgetting to lock the pens up o nights Whats the matter
now Hetty What are you crying at«
»Why shes been wanting to go for a ladysmaid« said Mr Poyser »I tell
her we can do better for her nor that«
»I thought shed got some maggot in her head shes gone about wi her mouth
buttoned up so all day Its all wi going so among them servants at the Chase
as we war fools for letting her She thinks it ud be a finer life than being
wi them as are akin to her and ha brought her up sin she war no bigger nor
Marty She thinks theres nothing belongs to being a ladysmaid but wearing
finer clothes nor she was born to Ill be bound Its what rag she can get to
stick on her as shes thinking on from morning till night as I often ask her if
she wouldnt like to be the mawkin i the field for then shed be made o rags
inside and out Ill never gi my consent to her going for a ladysmaid while
shes got good friends to take care on her till shes married to somebody better
nor one o them valets as is neither a common man nor a gentleman an must
live on the fat o the land ans like enough to stick his hands under his coat
tails and expect his wife to work for him«
»Ay ay« said Mr Poyser »we must have a better husband for her nor that
and theres better at hand Come my wench give over crying and get to bed
Ill do better for you nor letting you go for a ladysmaid Lets hear no more
ont«
When Hetty was gone upstairs he said
»I canna make it out as she should want to go away for I thought shed got
a mind t Adam Bede Shes looked like it o late«
»Eh theres no knowing what shes got a liking to for things take no more
hold on her than if she was a dried pea I believe that gell Molly as is
aggravatin enough for the matter o that but I believe shed care more about
leaving us and the children for all shes been here but a year come Michaelmas
nor Hetty would But shes got this notion o being a ladysmaid wi going
among them servants we might ha known what it ud lead to when we let her go
to learn the fine work But Ill put a stop to it pretty quick«
»Theedst be sorry to part wi her if it wasnt for her good« said Mr
Poyser »Shes useful to thee i the work«
»Sorry yes Im fonder on her nor she deserves a little hardhearted
hussy wanting to leave us i that way I cant ha had her about me these seven
year I reckon and done for her and taught her everything wiout caring about
her An here Im having linen spun an thinking all the while itll make
sheeting and tableclothing for her when shes married an shell live i the
parish wi us and never go out of our sights like a fool as I am for thinking
aught about her as is no better nor a cherry wi a hard stone inside it«
»Nay nay thee mustna make much of a trifle« said Mr Poyser soothingly
»Shes fond on us Ill be bound but shes young an gets things in her head
as she cant rightly give account on Them young fillies ull run away often
wiout knowing why«
Her uncles answers however had had another effect on Hetty besides that
of disappointing her and making her cry She knew quite well whom he had in his
mind in his allusions to marriage and to a sober solid husband and when she
was in her bedroom again the possibility of her marrying Adam presented itself
to her in a new light In a mind where no strong sympathies are at work where
there is no supreme sense of right to which the agitated nature can cling and
steady itself to quiet endurance one of the first results of sorrow is a
desperate vague clutching after any deed that will change the actual condition
Poor Hettys vision of consequences at no time more than a narrow fantastic
calculation of her own probable pleasures and pains was now quite shut out by
reckless irritation under present suffering and she was ready for one of those
convulsive motiveless actions by which wretched men and women leap from a
temporary sorrow into a lifelong misery
Why should she not marry Adam She did not care what she did so that it
made some change in her life She felt confident that he would still want to
marry her and any further thought about Adams happiness in the matter had
never yet visited her
»Strange« perhaps you will say »this rush of impulse towards a course that
might have seemed the most repugnant to her present state of mind and in only
the second night of her sadness«
Yes the actions of a little trivial soul like Hettys struggling amidst
the serious sad destinies of a human being are strange So are the motions of a
little vessel without ballast tossed about on a stormy sea How pretty it looked
with its particoloured sail in the sunlight moored in the quiet bay
»Let that man bear the loss who loosed it from its moorings«
But that will not save the vessel the pretty thing that might have been a
lasting joy
Chapter XXXII
Mrs Poyser »Has Her Say Out«
The next Saturday evening there was much excited discussion at the Donnithorne
Arms concerning an incident which had occurred that very day no less than a
second appearance of the smart man in topboots said by some to be a mere
farmer in treaty for the Chase Farm by others to be the future steward but by
Mr Casson himself the personal witness to the strangers visit pronounced
contemptuously to be nothing better than a bailiff such as Satchell had been
before him No one had thought of denying Mr Cassons testimony to the fact
that he had seen the stranger nevertheless he proffered various corroborating
circumstances
»I see him myself« he said »I see him coming along by the Crabtree meadow
on a baldfaced hoss Id just been t hev a pint it was half after ten i the
forenoon when I hev my pint as reglar as the clock and I says to Knowles as
druv up with his waggon Youll get a bit o barley today Knowles I says if
you look about you and then I went round by the rickyard and towart the
Treddleson road and just as I come up by the big ashtree I see the man i
topboots coming along on a baldfaced hoss I wish I may never stir if I
didnt And I stood still till he come up and I says Good morning sir I
says for I wanted to hear the turn of his tongue as I might know whether he
was a thiscountryman so I says Good morning sir itll old hup for the
barley this morning I think Therell be a bit got hin if weve good luck And
he says Eh ye may be raight theres no tallin he says and I knowed by
that« here Mr Casson gave a wink »as he didnt come from a hundred mile
off I daresay hed think me a hodd talker as you Loamshire folks allays does
hany one as talks the right language«
»The right language« said Bartle Massey contemptuously »Youre about as
near the right language as a pigs squeaking is like a tune played on a
keybugle«
»Well I dont know« answered Mr Casson with an angry smile »I should
think a man as has lived among the gentry from a by is likely to know whats
the right language pretty nigh as well as a schoolmaster«
»Ay ay man« said Bartle with a tone of sarcastic consolation »you talk
the right language for you When Mike Holdsworths goat says baaa its all
right it ud be unnatural for it to make any other noise«
The rest of the party being Loamshire men Mr Casson had the laugh strongly
against him and wisely fell back on the previous question which far from
being exhausted in a single evening was renewed in the churchyard before
service the next day with the fresh interest conferred on all news when there
is a fresh person to hear it and that fresh hearer was Martin Poyser who as
his wife said »never went boozin with that set at Cassons asittin
soakinin drink and looking as wise as a lot o codfish wi red faces«
It was probably owing to the conversation she had had with her husband on
their way from church concerning this problematic stranger that Mrs Poysers
thoughts immediately reverted to him when a day or two afterwards as she was
standing at the housedoor with her knitting in that eager leisure which came
to her when the afternoon cleaning was done she saw the old Squire enter the
yard on his black pony followed by John the groom She always cited it
afterwards as a case of prevision which really had something more in it than
her own remarkable penetration that the moment she set eyes on the Squire she
said to herself »I shouldna wonder if hes come about that man as is agoing to
take the Chase Farm wanting Poyser to do something for him without pay But
Poysers a fool if he does«
Something unwonted must clearly be in the wind for the old Squires visits
to his tenantry were rare and though Mrs Poyser had during the last
twelvemonth recited many imaginary speeches meaning even more than met the ear
which she was quite determined to make to him the next time he appeared within
the gates of the Hall Farm the speeches had always remained imaginary
»Goodday Mrs Poyser« said the old Squire peering at her with his
shortsighted eyes a mode of looking at her which as Mrs Poyser observed
»allays aggravated her it was as if you was a insect and he was going to dab
his fingernail on you«
However she said »Your servant sir« and curtsied with an air of perfect
deference as she advanced towards him she was not the woman to misbehave
towards her betters and fly in the face of the catechism without severe
provocation
»Is your husband at home Mrs Poyser«
»Yes sir hes only i the rickyard Ill send for him in a minute if
youll please to get down and step in«
»Thank you I will do so I want to consult him about a little matter but
you are quite as much concerned in it if not more I must have your opinion
too«
»Hetty run and tell your uncle to come in« said Mrs Poyser as they
entered the house and the old gentleman bowed low in answer to Hettys curtsy
while Totty conscious of a pinafore stained with gooseberry jam stood hiding
her face against the clock and peeping round furtively
»What a fine old kitchen this is« said Mr Donnithorne looking round
admiringly He always spoke in the same deliberate wellchiselled polite way
whether his words were surgary or venomous »And you keep it so exquisitely
clean Mrs Poyser I like these premises do you know beyond any on the
estate«
»Well sir since youre fond of em I should be glad if youd let a bit o
repairs be done to em for the boardings i that state as were like to be
eaten up wi rats and mice and the cellar you may stan up to your knees i
water int if you like to go down but perhaps youd rather believe my words
Wont you please to sit down sir«
»Not yet I must see your dairy I have not seen it for years and I hear on
all hands about your fine cheese and butter« said the Squire looking politely
unconscious that there could be any question on which he and Mrs Poyser might
happen to disagree »I think I see the door open there you must not be
surprised if I cast a covetous eye on your cream and butter I dont expect that
Mrs Satchells cream and butter will bear comparison with yours«
»I cant say sir Im sure Its seldom I see other folkss butter though
theres some on it as ones no need to see the smells enough«
»Ah now this I like« said Mr Donnithorne looking round at the damp
temple of cleanliness but keeping near the door »Im sure I should like my
breakfast better if I knew the butter and cream came from this dairy Thank you
that really is a pleasant sight Unfortunately my slight tendency to rheumatism
makes me afraid of damp Ill sit down in your comfortable kitchen Ah Poyser
how do you do In the midst of business I see as usual Ive been looking at
your wifes beautiful dairy the best manager in the parish is she not«
Mr Poyser had just entered in shirtsleeves and open waistcoat with a face
a shade redder than usual from the exertion of »pitching« As he stood red
rotund and radiant before the small wiry cool old gentleman he looked like
a prize apple by the side of a withered crab
»Will you please to take this chair sir« he said lifting his fathers
armchair forward a little »youll find it easy«
»No thank you I never sit in easychairs« said the old gentleman seating
himself on a small chair near the door »Do you know Mrs Poyser sit down
pray both of you Ive been far from contented for some time with Mrs
Satchells dairy management I think she has not a good method as you have«
»Indeed sir I cant speak to that« said Mrs Poyser in a hard voice
rolling and unrolling her knitting and looking icily out of the window as she
continued to stand opposite the Squire Poyser might sit down if he liked she
thought she wasnt going to sit down as if shed give in to any such
smoothtongued palaver Mr Poyser who looked and felt the reverse of icy did
sit down in his threecornered chair
»And now Poyser as Satchell is laid up I am intending to let the Chase
Farm to a respectable tenant Im tired of having a farm on my own hands
nothing is made the best of in such cases as you know A satisfactory bailiff
is hard to find and I think you and I Poyser and your excellent wife here
can enter into a little arrangement in consequence which will be to our mutual
advantage«
»Oh« said Mr Poyser with a goodnatured blankness of imagination as to
the nature of the arrangement
»If Im called upon to speak sir« said Mrs Poyser after glancing at her
husband with pity at his softness »you know better than me but I dont see
what the Chase Farm is t us weve cumber enough wi our own farm Not but
what Im glad to hear o anybody respectable coming into the parish theres
some as ha been brought in as hasnt been looked on i that character«
»Youre likely to find Mr Thurle an excellent neighbour I assure you such
a one as you will feel glad to have accommodated by the little plan Im going to
mention especially as I hope you will find it as much to your own advantage as
his«
»Indeed sir if its anything to our advantage itll be the first offer o
the sort Ive heared on Its them as take advantage that get advantage i this
world I think folks have to wait long enough afore its brought to em«
»The fact is Poyser« said the Squire ignoring Mrs Poysers theory of
worldly prosperity »there is too much dairy land and too little plough land
on the Chase Farm to suit Thurles purpose indeed he will only take the farm
on condition of some change in it his wife it appears is not a clever
dairywoman like yours Now the plan Im thinking of is to effect a little
exchange If you were to have the Hollow Pastures you might increase your
dairy which must be so profitable under your wifes management and I should
request you Mrs Poyser to supply my house with milk cream and butter at the
market prices On the other hand Poyser you might let Thurle have the Lower
and Upper Ridges which really with our wet seasons would be a good riddance
for you There is much less risk in dairy land than corn land«
Mr Poyser was leaning forward with his elbows on his knees his head on
one side and his mouth screwed up apparently absorbed in making the tips of
his fingers meet so as to represent with perfect accuracy the ribs of a ship He
was much too acute a man not to see through the whole business and to foresee
perfectly what would be his wifes view of the subject but he disliked giving
unpleasant answers unless it was on a point of farming practice he would
rather give up than have a quarrel any day and after all it mattered more to
his wife than to him So after a few moments silence he looked up at her and
said mildly »What dost say«
Mrs Poyser had had her eyes fixed on her husband with cold severity during
his silence but now she turned away her head with a toss looked icily at the
opposite roof of the cowshed and spearing her knitting together with the loose
pin held it firmly between her clasped hands
»Say Why I say you may do as you like about giving up any o your corn
land afore your lease is up which it wont be for a year come next Michaelmas
but Ill not consent to take more dairy work into my hands either for love or
money and theres nayther love nor money here as I can see ony other folkss
love o theirselves and the money as is to go into other folkss pockets I
know theres them as is born t own the land and them as is born to sweat ont«
here Mrs Poyser paused to gasp a little »and I know its christened folkss
duty to submit to their betters as fur as flesh and blood ull bear it but Ill
not make a martyr o myself and wear myself to skin and bone and worret myself
as if I was a churn wi butter acoming int for no landlord in England not if
he was King George himself«
»No no my dear Mrs Poyser certainly not« said the Squire still
confident in his own powers of persuasion »you must not overwork yourself but
dont you think your work will rather be lessened than increased in this way
There is so much milk required at the Abbey that you will have little increase
of cheese and butter making from the addition to your dairy and I believe
selling the milk is the most profitable way of disposing of dairy produce is it
not«
»Ay thats true« said Mr Poyser unable to repress an opinion on a
question of farming profits and forgetting that it was not in this case a
purely abstract question
»I daresay« said Mrs Poyser bitterly turning her head halfway towards her
husband and looking at the vacant armchair »I daresay its true for men as
sit i th chimneycorner and make believe as everythings cut wi ins an outs
to fit int everything else If you could make a pudding wi thinking o the
batter it ud be easy getting dinner How do I know whether the milk ull be
wanted constant Whats to make me sure as the house wont be put o board wage
afore were many months older and then I may have to lie awake o nights wi
twenty gallons o milk on my mind and Dingall ull take no more butter let
alone paying for it and we must fat pigs till were obliged to beg the butcher
on our knees to buy em and lose half of em wi the measles And theres the
fetching and carrying as ud be welly half a days work for a man an hoss
thats to be took out o the profits I reckon But theres folks ud hold a
sieve under the pump and expect to carry away the water«
»That difficulty about the fetching and carrying you will not have Mrs
Poyser« said the Squire who thought that this entrance into particulars
indicated a distant inclination to compromise on Mrs Poysers part »Bethell
will do that regularly with the cart and pony«
»Oh sir begging your pardon Ive never been used t having gentlefolkss
servants coming about my back places amaking love to both the gells at once
and keeping em with their hands on their hips listening to all manner o gossip
when they should be down on their knees ascouring If were to go to ruin it
shanna be wi having our back kitchen turned into a public«
»Well Poyser« said the Squire shifting his tactics and looking as if he
thought Mrs Poyser had suddenly withdrawn from the proceedings and left the
room »you can turn the Hollows into feedingland I can easily make another
arrangement about supplying my house And I shall not forget your readiness to
accommodate your landlord as well as a neighbour I know you will be glad to
have your lease renewed for three years when the present one expires otherwise
I daresay Thurle who is a man of some capital would be glad to take both the
farms as they could be worked so well together But I dont want to part with
an old tenant like you«
To be thrust out of the discussion in this way would have been enough to
complete Mrs Poysers exasperation even without the final threat Her husband
really alarmed at the possibility of their leaving the old place where he had
been bred and born for he believed the old Squire had small spite enough for
anything was beginning a mild remonstrance explanatory of the inconvenience he
should find in having to buy and sell more stock with
»Well sir I think as its rether hard« when Mrs Poyser burst in with
the desperate determination to have her say out this once though it were to
rain notices to quit and the only shelter were the workhouse
»Then sir if I may speak as for all Im a woman and theres folks as
thinks a womans fool enough to stan by an look on while the men sign her soul
away Ive a right to speak for I make one quarter o the rent and save
another quarter I say if Mr Thurles so ready to take farms under you its
a pity but what he should take this and see if he likes to live in a house wi
all the plagues o Egypt int wi the cellar full o water and frogs and
toads hoppin up the steps by dozens and the floors rotten and the rats and
mice gnawing every bit o cheese and runnin over our heads as we lie i bed
till we expect em to eat us up alive as its a mercy they hanna eat the
children long ago I should like to see if theres another tenant besides Poyser
as ud put up wi never having a bit o repairs done till a place tumbles down
and not then ony wi begging and praying and having to pay half and being
strung up wi the rent as its much if he gets enough out o the land to pay
for all hes put his own money into the ground beforehand See if youll get a
stranger to lead such a life here as that a maggot must be born i the rotten
cheese to like it I reckon You may run away from my words sir« continued
Mrs Poyser following the old Squire beyond the door for after the first
moments of stunned surprise he had got up and waving his hand towards her with
a smile had walked out towards his pony But it was impossible for him to get
away immediately for John was walking the pony up and down the yard and was
some distance from the causeway when his master beckoned
»You may run away from my words sir and you may go spinnin underhand ways
o doing us a mischief for youve got Old Harry to your friend though nobody
else is but I tell you for once as were not dumb creatures to be abused and
made money on by them as ha got the lash i their hands for want o knowing
how t undo the tackle An if Im the only one as speaks my mind theres
plenty o the same way o thinking i this parish and the next to t for your
names no better than a brimstone match in everybodys nose if it isna
twothree old folks as you think o saving your soul by giving em a bit o
flannel and a drop o porridge An you may be right i thinking itll take but
little to save your soul for itll be the smallest savin y iver made wi all
your scrapin«
There are occasions on which two servantgirls and a waggoner may be a
formidable audience and as the Squire rode away on his black pony even the
gift of shortsightedness did not prevent him from being aware that Molly and
Nancy and Tim were grinning not far from him Perhaps he suspected that sour old
John was grinning behind him which was also the fact Meanwhile the bulldog
the blackandtan terrier Alicks sheepdog and the gander hissing at a safe
distance from the ponys heels carried out the idea of Mrs Poysers solo in an
impressive quartett
Mrs Poyser however had no sooner seen the pony move off than she turned
round gave the two hilarious damsels a look which drove them into the back
kitchen and unspearing her knitting began to knit again with her usual
rapidity as she reentered the house
»Theest done it now« said Mr Poyser a little alarmed and uneasy but not
without some triumphant amusement at his wifes outbreak
»Yes I know Ive done it« said Mrs Poyser »but Ive had my say out and
I shall be th easier fort all my life Theres no pleasure i living if
youre to be corked up for ever and only dribble your mind out by the sly like
a leaky barrel I shant repent saying what I think if I live to be as old as
th old Squire and theres little likelihoods for it seems as if them as
arent wanted here are th only folks as arent wanted i th other world«
»But thee wutna like moving from th old place this Michaelmas twelvemonth«
said Mr Poyser »and going into a strange parish where thee knowst nobody
Itll be hard upon us both and upo father too«
»Eh its no use worreting theres plenty o things may happen between this
and Michaelmas twelvemonth The Captain may be master afore then for what we
know« said Mrs Poyser inclined to take an unusually hopeful view of an
embarrassment which had been brought about by her own merit and not by other
peoples fault
»Im none for worreting« said Mr Poyser rising from his threecornered
chair and walking slowly towards the door »but I should be loath to leave the
old place and the parish where I was bred and born and father afore me We
should leave our roots behind us I doubt and niver thrive again«
Chapter XXXIII
More Links
The barley was all carried at last and the harvest suppers went by without
waiting for the dismal black crop of beans The apples and nuts were gathered
and stored the scent of whey departed from the farmhouses and the scent of
brewing came in its stead The woods behind the Chase and all the hedgerow
trees took on a solemn splendour under the dark lowhanging skies Michaelmas
was come with its fragrant basketfuls of purple damsons and its paler purple
daisies and its lads and lasses leaving or seeking service and winding along
between the yellow hedges with their bundles under their arms But though
Michaelmas was come Mr Thurle that desirable tenant did not come to the
Chase Farm and the old Squire after all had been obliged to put in a new
bailiff It was known throughout the two parishes that the Squires plan had
been frustrated because the Poysers had refused to be »put upon« and Mrs
Poysers outbreak was discussed in all the farmhouses with a zest which was only
heightened by frequent repetition The news that »Bony« was come back from Egypt
was comparatively insipid and the repulse of the French in Italy was nothing to
Mrs Poysers repulse of the old Squire Mr Irwine had heard a version of it in
every parishioners house with the one exception of the Chase But since he had
always with marvellous skill avoided any quarrel with Mr Donnithorne he
could not allow himself the pleasure of laughing at the old gentlemans
discomfiture with any one besides his mother who declared that if she were rich
she should like to allow Mrs Poyser a pension for life and wanted to invite
her to the parsonage that she might hear an account of the scene from Mrs
Poysers own lips
»No no mother« said Mr Irwine »it was a little bit of irregular justice
on Mrs Poysers part but a magistrate like me must not countenance irregular
justice There must be no report spread that I have taken notice of the quarrel
else I shall lose the little good influence I have over the old man«
»Well I like that woman even better than her creamcheeses« said Mrs
Irwine »She has the spirit of three men with that pale face of hers and she
says such sharp things too«
»Sharp yes her tongue is like a newset razor Shes quite original in her
talk too one of those untaught wits that help to stock a country with
proverbs I told you that capital thing I heard her say about Craig that he
was like a cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow Now thats an
Æsops fable in a sentence«
»But it will be a bad business if the old gentleman turns them out of the
farm next Michaelmas eh« said Mrs Irwine
»Oh that must not be and Poyser is such a good tenant that Donnithorne is
likely to think twice and digest his spleen rather than turn them out But if
he should give them notice at Ladyday Arthur and I must move heaven and earth
to mollify him Such old parishioners as they are must not go«
»Ah theres no knowing what may happen before Ladyday« said Mrs Irwine
»It struck me on Arthurs birthday that the old man was a little shaken hes
eightythree you know Its really an unconscionable age Its only women who
have a right to live as long as that«
»When theyve got oldbachelor sons who would be forlorn without them« said
Mr Irwine laughing and kissing his mothers hand
Mrs Poyser too met her husbands occasional forebodings of a notice to
quit with »Theres no knowing what may happen before Ladyday« one of those
undeniable general propositions which are usually intended to convey a
particular meaning very far from undeniable But it is really too hard upon
human nature that it should be held a criminal offence to imagine the death even
of the king when he is turned eightythree It is not to be believed that any
but the dullest Britons can be good subjects under that hard condition
Apart from this foreboding things went on much as usual in the Poyser
household Mrs Poyser thought she noticed a surprising improvement in Hetty To
be sure the girl got »closer tempered and sometimes she seemed as if thered
be no drawing a word from her with cartropes« but she thought much less about
her dress and went after the work quite eagerly without any telling And it
was wonderful how she never wanted to go out now indeed could hardly be
persuaded to go and she bore her aunts putting a stop to her weekly lesson in
finework at the Chase without the least grumbling or pouting It must be
after all that she had set her heart on Adam at last and her sudden freak of
wanting to be a ladysmaid must have been caused by some little pique or
misunderstanding between them which had passed by For whenever Adam came to
the Hall Farm Hetty seemed to be in better spirits and to talk more than at
other times though she was almost sullen when Mr Craig or any other admirer
happened to pay a visit there
Adam himself watched her at first with trembling anxiety which gave way to
surprise and delicious hope Five days after delivering Arthurs letter he had
ventured to go to the Hall Farm again not without dread lest the sight of him
might be painful to her She was not in the houseplace when he entered and he
sat talking to Mr and Mrs Poyser for a few minutes with a heavy fear on his
heart that they might presently tell him Hetty was ill But byandby there came
a light step that he knew and when Mrs Poyser said »Come Hetty where have
you been« Adam was obliged to turn round though he was afraid to see the
changed look there must be in her face He almost started when he saw her
smiling as if she were pleased to see him looking the same as ever at a first
glance only that she had her cap on which he had never seen her in before when
he came of an evening Still when he looked at her again and again as she moved
about or sat at her work there was a change the cheeks were as pink as ever
and she smiled as much as she had ever done of late but there was something
different in her eyes in the expression of her face in all her movements Adam
thought something harder older less childlike »Poor thing« he said to
himself »thats allays likely Its because shes had her first heartache But
shes got a spirit to bear up under it Thank God for that«
As the weeks went by and he saw her always looking pleased to see him
turning up her lovely face towards him as if she meant him to understand that
she was glad for him to come and going about her work in the same equable way
making no sign of sorrow he began to believe that her feeling towards Arthur
must have been much slighter than he had imagined in his first indignation and
alarm and that she had been able to think of her girlish fancy that Arthur was
in love with her and would marry her as a folly of which she was timely cured
And it perhaps was as he had sometimes in his more cheerful moments hoped it
would be her heart was really turning with all the more warmth towards the man
she knew to have a serious love for her
Possibly you think that Adam was not at all sagacious in his
interpretations and that it was altogether extremely unbecoming in a sensible
man to behave as he did falling in love with a girl who really had nothing
more than her beauty to recommend her attributing imaginary virtues to her and
even condescending to cleave to her after she had fallen in love with another
man waiting for her kind looks as a patient trembling dog waits for his
masters eye to be turned upon him But in so complex a thing as human nature
we must consider it is hard to find rules without exceptions Of course I know
that as a rule sensible men fall in love with the most sensible women of their
acquaintance see through all the pretty deceits of coquettish beauty never
imagine themselves loved when they are not loved cease loving on all proper
occasions and marry the woman most fitted for them in every respect indeed
so as to compel the approbation of all the maiden ladies in their neighbourhood
But even to this rule an exception will occur now and then in the lapse of
centuries and my friend Adam was one For my own part however I respect him
none the less nay I think the deep love he had for that sweet rounded
blossomlike darkeyed Hetty of whose inward self he was really very ignorant
came out of the very strength of his nature and not out of any inconsistent
weakness Is it any weakness pray to be wrought on by exquisite music to
feel its wondrous harmonies searching the subtlest windings of your soul the
delicate fibres of life where no memory can penetrate and binding together your
whole being past and present in one unspeakable vibration melting you in one
moment with all the tenderness all the love that has been scattered through the
toilsome years concentrating in one emotion of heroic courage or resignation
all the hardlearnt lessons of selfrenouncing sympathy blending your present
joy with past sorrow and your present sorrow with all your past joy If not
then neither is it a weakness to be so wrought upon by the exquisite curves of a
womans cheek and neck and arms by the liquid depths of her beseeching eyes or
the sweet childish pout of her lips For the beauty of a lovely woman is like
music what can one say more Beauty has an expression beyond and far above the
one womans soul that it clothes as the words of genius have a wider meaning
than the thought that prompted them it is more than a womans love that moves
us in a womans eyes it seems to be a faroff mighty love that has come near
to us and made speech for itself there the rounded neck the dimpled arm move
us by something more than their prettiness by their close kinship with all we
have known of tenderness and peace The noblest nature sees the most of this
impersonal expression in beauty it is needless to say that there are gentlemen
with whiskers dyed and undyed who see none of it whatever and for this reason
the noblest nature is often the most blinded to the character of the one womans
soul that the beauty clothes Whence I fear the tragedy of human life is
likely to continue for a long time to come in spite of mental philosophers who
are ready with the best receipts for avoiding all mistakes of the kind
Our good Adam had no fine words into which he could put his feeling for
Hetty he could not disguise mystery in this way with the appearance of
knowledge he called his love frankly a mystery as you have heard him He only
knew that the sight and memory of her moved him deeply touching the spring of
all love and tenderness all faith and courage within him How could he imagine
narrowness selfishness hardness in her He created the mind he believed in out
of his own which was large unselfish tender
The hopes he felt about Hetty softened a little his feeling towards Arthur
Surely his attentions to Hetty must have been of a slight kind they were
altogether wrong and such as no man in Arthurs position ought to have allowed
himself but they must have had an air of playfulness about them which had
probably blinded him to their danger and had prevented them from laying any
strong hold on Hettys heart As the new promise of happiness rose for Adam his
indignation and jealousy began to die out Hetty was not made unhappy he almost
believed that she liked him best and the thought sometimes crossed his mind
that the friendship which had once seemed dead for ever might revive in the days
to come and he would not have to say »goodbye« to the grand old woods but
would like them better because they were Arthurs For this new promise of
happiness following so quickly on the shock of pain had an intoxicating effect
on the sober Adam who had all his life been used to much hardship and moderate
hope Was he really going to have an easy lot after all It seemed so for at
the beginning of November Jonathan Burge finding it impossible to replace
Adam had at last made up his mind to offer him a share in the business without
further condition than that he should continue to give his energies to it and
renounce all thought of having a separate business of his own Soninlaw or no
soninlaw Adam had made himself too necessary to be parted with and his
headwork was so much more important to Burge than his skill in handicraft that
his having the management of the woods made little difference in the value of
his services and as to the bargains about the Squires timber it would be easy
to call in a third person Adam saw here an opening into a broadening path of
prosperous work such as he had thought of with ambitious longing ever since he
was a lad he might come to build a bridge or a townhall or a factory for he
had always said to himself that Jonathan Burges building business was like an
acorn which might be the mother of a great tree So he gave his hand to Burge
on that bargain and went home with his mind full of happy visions in which my
refined reader will perhaps be shocked when I say it the image of Hetty
hovered and smiled over plans for seasoning timber at a trifling expense
calculations as to the cheapening of bricks per thousand by watercarriage and
a favourite scheme for the strengthening of roofs and walls with a peculiar form
of iron girder What then Adams enthusiasm lay in these things and our love
is inwrought in our enthusiasm as electricity is inwrought in the air exalting
its power by a subtle presence
Adam would be able to take a separate house now and provide for his mother
in the old one his prospects would justify his marrying very soon and if Dinah
consented to have Seth their mother would perhaps be more contented to live
apart from Adam But he told himself that he would not be hasty he would not
try Hettys feeling for him until it had had time to grow strong and firm
However tomorrow after church he would go to the Hall Farm and tell them
the news Mr Poyser he knew would like it better than a fivepound note and
he should see if Hettys eyes brightened at it The months would be short with
all he had to fill his mind and this foolish eagerness which had come over him
of late must not hurry him into any premature words Yet when he got home and
told his mother the good news and ate his supper while she sat by almost
crying for joy and wanting him to eat twice as much as usual because of his
good luck he could not help preparing her gently for the coming change by
talking of the old house being too small for them all to go on living in it
always
Chapter XXXIV
The Betrothal
It was a dry Sunday and really a pleasant day for the 2d of November There was
no sunshine but the clouds were high and the wind was so still that the yellow
leaves which fluttered down from the hedgerow elms must have fallen from pure
decay Nevertheless Mrs Poyser did not go to church for she had taken a cold
too serious to be neglected only two winters ago she had been laid up for weeks
with a cold and since his wife did not go to church Mr Poyser considered that
on the whole it would be as well for him to stay away too and »keep her
company« He could perhaps have given no precise form to the reasons that
determined this conclusion but it is well known to all experienced minds that
our firmest convictions are often dependent on subtle impressions for which
words are quite too coarse a medium However it was no one from the Poyser
family went to church that afternoon except Hetty and the boys yet Adam was
bold enough to join them after church and say that he would walk home with
them though all the way through the village he appeared to be chiefly occupied
with Marty and Tommy telling them about the squirrels in Binton Coppice and
promising to take them there some day But when they came to the fields he said
to the boys »Now then which is the stoutest walker Him as gets to th
homegate first shall be the first to go with me to Binton Coppice on the
donkey But Tommy must have the start up to the next stile because hes the
smallest«
Adam had never behaved so much like a determined lover before As soon as
the boys had both set off he looked down at Hetty and said »Wont you hang on
my arm Hetty« in a pleading tone as if he had already asked her and she had
refused Hetty looked up at him smilingly and put her round arm through his in a
moment It was nothing to her putting her arm through Adams but she knew he
cared a great deal about having her arm through his and she wished him to care
Her heart beat no faster and she looked at the halfbare hedgerows and the
ploughed field with the same sense of oppressive dulness as before But Adam
scarcely felt that he was walking he thought Hetty must know that he was
pressing her arm a little a very little words rushed to his lips that he
dared not utter that he had made up his mind not to utter yet and so he was
silent for the length of that field The calm patience with which he had once
waited for Hettys love content only with her presence and the thought of the
future had forsaken him since that terrible shock nearly three months ago The
agitations of jealousy had given a new restlessness to his passion had made
fear and uncertainty too hard almost to bear But though he might not speak to
Hetty of his love he would tell her about his new prospects and see if she
would be pleased So when he was enough master of himself to talk he said
»Im going to tell your uncle some news thatll surprise him Hetty and I
think hell be glad to hear it too«
»Whats that« Hetty said indifferently
»Why Mr Burge has offered me a share in his business and Im going to
take it«
There was a change in Hettys face certainly not produced by any agreeable
impression from this news In fact she felt a momentary annoyance and alarm for
she had so often heard it hinted by her uncle that Adam might have Mary Burge
and a share in the business any day if he liked that she associated the two
objects now and the thought immediately occurred that perhaps Adam had given
her up because of what had happened lately and had turned towards Mary Burge
With that thought and before she had time to remember any reasons why it could
not be true came a new sense of forsakenness and disappointment the one thing
the one person her mind had rested on in its dull weariness had slipped
away from her and peevish misery filled her eyes with tears She was looking on
the ground but Adam saw her face saw the tears and before he had finished
saying »Hetty dear Hetty what are you crying for« his eager rapid thought
had flown through all the causes conceivable to him and had at last alighted on
half the true one Hetty thought he was going to marry Mary Burge she didnt
like him to marry perhaps she didnt like him to marry any one but herself
All caution was swept away all reason for it was gone and Adam could feel
nothing but trembling joy He leaned towards her and took her hand as he said
»I could afford to be married now Hetty I could make a wife comfortable
but I shall never want to be married if you wont have me«
Hetty looked up at him and smiled through her tears as she had done to
Arthur that first evening in the wood when she had thought he was not coming
and yet he came It was a feebler relief a feebler triumph she felt now but
the great dark eyes and the sweet lips were as beautiful as ever perhaps more
beautiful for there was a more luxuriant womanliness about Hetty of late Adam
could hardly believe in the happiness of that moment His right hand held her
left and he pressed her arm close against his heart as he leaned down towards
her
»Do you really love me Hetty Will you be my own wife to love and take
care of as long as I live«
Hetty did not speak but Adams face was very close to hers and she put up
her round cheek against his like a kitten She wanted to be caressed she
wanted to feel as if Arthur were with her again
Adam cared for no words after that and they hardly spoke through the rest
of the walk He only said »I may tell your uncle and aunt maynt I Hetty«
and she said »Yes«
The red firelight on the hearth at the Hall Farm shone on joyful faces that
evening when Hetty was gone upstairs and Adam took the opportunity of telling
Mr and Mrs Poyser and the grandfather that he saw his way to maintaining a
wife now and that Hetty had consented to have him
»I hope you have no objections against me for her husband« said Adam »Im
a poor man as yet but she shall want nothing as I can work for«
»Objections« said Mr Poyser while the grandfather leaned forward and
brought out his long »Nay nay« »What objections can we ha to you lad Never
mind your being poorish as yet theres money in your headpiece as theres
money i the sown field but it must ha time Youn got enough to begin on and
we can do a deal towrt the bit o furniture youll want Theest got feathers
and linen to spare plenty eh«
This question was of course addressed to Mrs Poyser who was wrapped up in
a warm shawl and was too hoarse to speak with her usual facility At first she
only nodded emphatically but she was presently unable to resist the temptation
to be more explicit
»It ud be a poor tale if I hadna feathers and linen« she said hoarsely
»when I never sell a fowl but whats plucked and the wheels agoing every day
o the week«
»Come my wench« said Mr Poyser when Hetty came down »come and kiss us
and let us wish you luck«
Hetty went very quietly and kissed the big goodnatured man
»There« he said patting her on the back »go and kiss your aunt and your
grandfather Im as wishful t have you settled well as if you was my own
daughter and sos your aunt Ill be bound for shes done by you this seven
ear Hetty as if youd been her own Come come now« he went on becoming
jocose as soon as Hetty had kissed her aunt and the old man »Adam wants a kiss
too Ill warrant and hes a right to one now«
Hetty turned away smiling towards her empty chair
»Come Adam then take one« persisted Mr Poyser »else y arena half a
man«
Adam got up blushing like a small maiden great strong fellow as he was
and putting his arm round Hetty stooped down and gently kissed her lips
It was a pretty scene in the red firelight for there were no candles why
should there be when the fire was so bright and was reflected from all the
pewter and the polished oak No one wanted to work on a Sunday evening Even
Hetty felt something like contentment in the midst of all this love Adams
attachment to her Adams caress stirred no passion in her were no longer
enough to satisfy her vanity but they were the best her life offered her now
they promised her some change
There was a great deal of discussion before Adam went away about the
possibility of his finding a house that would do for him to settle in No house
was empty except the one next to Will Maskerys in the village and that was too
small for Adam now Mr Poyser insisted that the best plan would be for Seth and
his mother to move and leave Adam in the old home which might be enlarged
after a while for there was plenty of space in the woodyard and garden but
Adam objected to turning his mother out
»Well well« said Mr Poyser at last »we needna fix everything tonight
We must take time to consider You canna think o getting married afore Easter
Im not for long courtships but there must be a bit o time to make things
comfortable«
»Ay to be sure« said Mrs Poyser in a hoarse whisper »Christian folks
cant be married like cuckoos I reckon«
»Im a bit daunted though« said Mr Poyser »when I think as we may have
notice to quit and belike be forced to take a farm twenty mile off«
»Eh« said the old man staring at the floor and lifting his hands up and
down while his arms rested on the elbows of his chair »its a poor tale if I
mun leave th ould spot an be buried in a strange parish An youll happen
ha double rates to pay« he added looking up at his son
»Well thee mustna fret beforehand father« said Martin the younger
»Happen the Captain ull come home and make our peace wi th old Squire I
build upo that for I know the Captain ll see folks righted if he can«
Chapter XXXV
The Hidden Dread
It was a busy time for Adam the time between the beginning of November and the
beginning of February and he could see little of Hetty except on Sundays But
a happy time nevertheless for it was taking him nearer and nearer to March
when they were to be married and all the little preparations for their new
housekeeping marked the progress towards the longedfor day Two new rooms had
been »run up« to the old house for his mother and Seth were to live with them
after all Lisbeth had cried so piteously at the thought of leaving Adam that
he had gone to Hetty and asked her if for the love of him she would put up
with his mothers ways and consent to live with her To his great delight
Hetty said »Yes Id as soon she lived with us as not« Hettys mind was
oppressed at that moment with a worse difficulty than poor Lisbeths ways she
could not care about them So Adam was consoled for the disappointment he had
felt when Seth had come back from his visit to Snowfield and said »it was no use
Dinahs heart wasna turned towards marrying« For when he told his mother that
Hetty was willing they should all live together and there was no more need of
them to think of parting she said in a more contented tone than he had heard
her speak in since it had been settled that he was to be married »Eh my lad
Ill be as still as th ould tabby an neer want to do aught but the offal
work as she wonna like t do An then we needna part the platters an things
as ha stood on the shelf together sin afore thee wast born«
There was only one cloud that now and then came across Adams sunshine
Hetty seemed unhappy sometimes But to all his anxious tender questions she
replied with an assurance that she was quite contented and wished nothing
different and the next time he saw her she was more lively than usual It might
be that she was a little overdone with work and anxiety now for soon after
Christmas Mrs Poyser had taken another cold which had brought on inflammation
and this illness had confined her to her room all through January Hetty had to
manage everything downstairs and half supply Mollys place too while that
good damsel waited on her mistress and she seemed to throw herself so entirely
into her new functions working with a grave steadiness which was new in her
that Mr Poyser often told Adam she was wanting to show him what a good
housekeeper he would have but he »doubted the lass was oerdoing it she must
have a bit o rest when her aunt could come downstairs«
This desirable event of Mrs Poysers coming downstairs happened in the
early part of February when some mild weather thawed the last patch of snow on
the Binton Hills On one of these days soon after her aunt came down Hetty
went to Treddleston to buy some of the wedding things which were wanting and
which Mrs Poyser had scolded her for neglecting observing that she supposed
»it was because they were not for th outside else shed ha bought em fast
enough«
It was about ten oclock when Hetty set off and the slight hoarfrost that
had whitened the hedges in the early morning had disappeared as the sun mounted
the cloudless sky Bright February days have a stronger charm of hope about them
than any other days in the year One likes to pause in the mild rays of the sun
and look over the gates at the patient ploughhorses turning at the end of the
furrow and think that the beautiful year is all before one The birds seem to
feel just the same their notes are as clear as the clear air There are no
leaves on the trees and hedgerows but how green all the grassy fields are and
the dark purplish brown of the ploughed earth and of the bare branches is
beautiful too What a glad world this looks like as one drives or rides along
the valleys and over the hills I have often thought so when in foreign
countries where the fields and woods have looked to me like our English
Loamshire the rich land tilled with just as much care the woods rolling down
the gentle slopes to the green meadows I have come on something by the
roadside which has reminded me that I am not in Loamshire an image of a great
agony the agony of the Cross It has stood perhaps by the clustering
appleblossoms or in the broad sunshine by the cornfield or at a turning by
the wood where a clear brook was gurgling below and surely if there came a
traveller to this world who knew nothing of the story of mans life upon it
this image of agony would seem to him strangely out of place in the midst of
this joyous nature He would not know that hidden behind the appleblossoms or
among the golden corn or under the shrouding boughs of the wood there might be
a human heart beating heavily with anguish perhaps a young blooming girl not
knowing where to turn for refuge from swiftadvancing shame understanding no
more of this life of ours than a foolish lost lamb wandering farther and farther
in the nightfall on the lonely heath yet tasting the bitterest of lifes
bitterness
Such things are sometimes hidden among the sunny fields and behind the
blossoming orchards and the sound of the gurgling brook if you came close to
one spot behind a small bush would be mingled for your ear with a despairing
human sob No wonder mans religion has much sorrow in it no wonder he needs a
suffering God
Hetty in her red cloak and warm bonnet with her basket in her hand is
turning towards a gate by the side of the Treddleston road but not that she may
have a more lingering enjoyment of the sunshine and think with hope of the long
unfolding year She hardly knows that the sun is shining and for weeks now
when she has hoped at all it has been for something at which she herself
trembles and shudders She only wants to be out of the highroad that she may
walk slowly and not care how her face looks as she dwells on wretched
thoughts and through this gate she can get into a fieldpath behind the wide
thick hedgerows Her great dark eyes wander blankly over the fields like the
eyes of one who is desolate homeless unloved not the promised bride of a
brave tender man But there are no tears in them her tears were all wept away
in the weary night before she went to sleep At the next stile the pathway
branches off there are two roads before her one along by the hedgerow which
will byandby lead her into the road again the other across the fields which
will take her much farther out of the way into the Scantlands low shrouded
pastures where she will see nobody She chooses this and begins to walk a
little faster as if she had suddenly thought of an object towards which it was
worth while to hasten Soon she is in the Scantlands where the grassy land
slopes gradually downwards and she leaves the level ground to follow the slope
Farther on there is a clump of trees on the low ground and she is making her
way towards it No it is not a clump of trees but a dark shrouded pool so
full with the wintry rains that the under boughs of the elderbushes lie low
beneath the water She sits down on the grassy bank against the stooping stem
of the great oak that hangs over the dark pool She has thought of this pool
often in the nights of the month that has just gone by and now at last she is
come to see it She clasps her hands round her knees and leans forward and
looks earnestly at it as if trying to guess what sort of bed it would make for
her young round limbs
No she has not courage to jump into that cold watery bed and if she had
they might find her they might find out why she had drowned herself There is
but one thing left to her she must go away go where they cant find her
After the first oncoming of her great dread some weeks after her betrothal
to Adam she had waited and waited in the blind vague hope that something would
happen to set her free from her terror but she could wait no longer All the
force of her nature had been concentrated on the one effort of concealment and
she had shrunk with irresistible dread from every course that could tend towards
a betrayal of her miserable secret Whenever the thought of writing to Arthur
had occurred to her she had rejected it he could do nothing for her that would
shelter her from discovery and scorn among the relatives and neighbours who once
more made all her world now her airy dream had vanished Her imagination no
longer saw happiness with Arthur for he could do nothing that would satisfy or
soothe her pride No something else would happen something must happen to
set her free from this dread In young childish ignorant souls there is
constantly this blind trust in some unshapen chance it is as hard to a boy or
girl to believe that a great wretchedness will actually befall them as to
believe that they will die
But now necessity was pressing hard upon her now the time of her marriage
was close at hand she could no longer rest in this blind trust She must run
away she must hide herself where no familiar eyes could detect her and then
the terror of wandering out into the world of which she knew nothing made the
possibility of going to Arthur a thought which brought some comfort with it She
felt so helpless now so unable to fashion the future for herself that the
prospect of throwing herself on him had a relief in it which was stronger than
her pride As she sat by the pool and shuddered at the dark cold water the
hope that he would receive her tenderly that he would care for her and think
for her was like a sense of lulling warmth that made her for the moment
indifferent to everything else and she began now to think of nothing but the
scheme by which she should get away
She had had a letter from Dinah lately full of kind words about the coming
marriage which she had heard of from Seth and when Hetty had read this letter
aloud to her uncle he had said »I wish Dinah ud come again now for shed be
a comfort to your aunt when youre gone What do you think my wench o going
to see her as soon as you can be spared and persuading her to come back wi
you You might happen persuade her wi telling her as her aunt wants her for
all she writes o not being able to come« Hetty had not liked the thought of
going to Snowfield and felt no longing to see Dinah so she only said »Its so
far off uncle« But now she thought this proposed visit would serve as a
pretext for going away She would tell her aunt when she got home again that
she should like the change of going to Snowfield for a week or ten days And
then when she got to Stoniton where nobody knew her she would ask for the
coach that would take her on the way to Windsor Arthur was at Windsor and she
would go to him
As soon as Hetty had determined on this scheme she rose from the grassy
bank of the pool took up her basket and went on her way to Treddleston for
she must buy the wedding things she had come out for though she would never
want them She must be careful not to raise any suspicion that she was going to
run away
Mrs Poyser was quite agreeably surprised that Hetty wished to go and see
Dinah and try to bring her back to stay over the wedding The sooner she went
the better since the weather was pleasant now and Adam when he came in the
evening said if Hetty could set off tomorrow he would make time to go with
her to Treddleston and see her safe into the Stoniton coach
»I wish I could go with you and take care of you Hetty« he said the next
morning leaning in at the coach door »but you wont stay much beyond a week
the time ll seem long«
He was looking at her fondly and his strong hand held hers in its grasp
Hetty felt a sense of protection in his presence she was used to it now if
she could have had the past undone and known no other love than her quiet
liking for Adam The tears rose as she gave him the last look
»God bless her for loving me« said Adam as he went on his way to work
again with Gyp at his heels
But Hettys tears were not for Adam not for the anguish that would come
upon him when he found she was gone from him for ever They were for the misery
of her own lot which took her away from this brave tender man who offered up
his whole life to her and threw her a poor helpless suppliant on the man who
would think it a misfortune that she was obliged to cling to him
At three oclock that day when Hetty was on the coach that was to take her
they said to Leicester part of the long long way to Windsor she felt dimly
that she might be travelling all this weary journey towards the beginning of new
misery
Yet Arthur was at Windsor he would surely not be angry with her If he did
not mind about her as he used to do he had promised to be good to her
Book Fifth
Chapter XXXVI
The Journey in Hope
A long lonely journey with sadness in the heart away from the familiar to the
strange that is a hard and dreary thing even to the rich the strong the
instructed a hard thing even when we are called by duty not urged by dread
What was it then to Hetty With her poor narrow thoughts no longer melting
into vague hopes but pressed upon by the chill of definite fear repeating
again and again the same small round of memories shaping again and again the
same childish doubtful images of what was to come seeing nothing in this wide
world but the little history of her own pleasures and pains with so little
money in her pocket and the way so long and difficult Unless she could afford
always to go in the coaches and she felt sure she could not for the journey
to Stoniton was more expensive than she had expected it was plain that she
must trust to carriers carts or slow waggons and what a time it would be
before she could get to the end of her journey The burly old coachman from
Oakbourne seeing such a pretty young woman among the outside passengers had
invited her to come and sit beside him and feeling that it became him as a man
and a coachman to open the dialogue with a joke he applied himself as soon as
they were off the stones to the elaboration of one suitable in all respects
After many cuts with his whip and glances at Hetty out of the corner of his eye
he lifted his lips above the edge of his wrapper and said
»Hes pretty nigh six foot Ill be bound isna he now«
»Who« said Hetty rather startled
»Why the sweetheart as youve left behind or else him as youre goin
arter which is it«
Hetty felt her face flushing and then turning pale She thought this
coachman must know something about her He must know Adam and might tell him
where she was gone for it is difficult to country people to believe that those
who make a figure in their own parish are not known everywhere else and it was
equally difficult to Hetty to understand that chance words could happen to apply
closely to her circumstances She was too frightened to speak
»Hegh hegh« said the coachman seeing that his joke was not so gratifying
as he had expected »you munna take it too serous if hes behaved ill get
another Such a pretty lass as you can get a sweetheart any day«
Hettys fear was allayed byandby when she found that the coachman made no
further allusion to her personal concerns but it still had the effect of
preventing her from asking him what were the places on the road to Windsor She
told him she was only going a little way out of Stoniton and when she got down
at the inn where the coach stopped she hastened away with her basket to another
part of the town When she had formed her plan of going to Windsor she had not
foreseen any difficulties except that of getting away and after she had
overcome this by proposing the visit to Dinah her thoughts flew to the meeting
with Arthur and the question how he would behave to her not resting on any
probable incidents of the journey She was too entirely ignorant of travelling
to imagine any of its details and with all her store of money her three
guineas in her pocket she thought herself amply provided It was not until
she found how much it cost her to get to Stoniton that she began to be alarmed
about the journey and then for the first time she felt her ignorance as to
the places that must be passed on her way Oppressed with this new alarm she
walked along the grim Stoniton streets and at last turned into a shabby little
inn where she hoped to get a cheap lodging for the night Here she asked the
landlord if he could tell her what places she must go to to get to Windsor
»Well I cant rightly say Windsor must be pretty nigh London for its
where the king lives« was the answer »Anyhow youd best go t Ashby next
thats southard But theres as many places from here to London as theres
houses in Stoniton by what I can make out Ive never been no traveller myself
But how comes a lone young woman like you to be thinking o taking such a
journey as that«
»Im going to my brother hes a soldier at Windsor« said Hetty
frightened at the landlords questioning look »I cant afford to go by the
coach do you think theres a cart goes toward Ashby in the morning«
»Yes there may be carts if anybody knowed where they started from but you
might run over the town before you found out Youd best set off and walk and
trust to summat overtaking you«
Every word sank like lead on Hettys spirits she saw the journey stretch
bit by bit before her now even to get to Ashby seemed a hard thing it might
take the day for what she knew and that was nothing to the rest of the
journey But it must be done she must get to Arthur oh how she yearned to be
again with somebody who would care for her She who had never got up in the
morning without the certainty of seeing familiar faces people on whom she had
an acknowledged claim whose farthest journey had been to Rosseter on the
pillion with her uncle whose thoughts had always been taking holiday in dreams
of pleasure because all the business of her life was managed for her this
kittenlike Hetty who till a few months ago had never felt any other grief than
that of envying Mary Burge a new ribbon or being girded at by her aunt for
neglecting Totty must now make her toilsome way in loneliness her peaceful
home left behind for ever and nothing but a tremulous hope of distant refuge
before her Now for the first time as she lay down tonight in the strange hard
bed she felt that her home had been a happy one that her uncle had been very
good to her that her quiet lot at Hayslope among the things and people she
knew with her little pride in her one best gown and bonnet and nothing to hide
from any one was what she would like to wake up to as a reality and find that
all the feverish life she had known besides was a short nightmare She thought
of all she had left behind with yearning regret for her own sake her own misery
filled her heart there was no room in it for other peoples sorrow And yet
before the cruel letter Arthur had been so tender and loving the memory of
that had still a charm for her though it was no more than a soothing draught
that just made pain bearable For Hetty could conceive no other existence for
herself in future than a hidden one and a hidden life even with love would
have had no delights for her still less a life mingled with shame She knew no
romances and had only a feeble share in the feelings which are the source of
romance so that wellread ladies may find it difficult to understand her state
of mind She was too ignorant of everything beyond the simple notions and habits
in which she had been brought up to have any more definite idea of her probable
future than that Arthur would take care of her somehow and shelter her from
anger and scorn He would not marry her and make her a lady and apart from that
she could think of nothing he could give towards which she looked with longing
and ambition
The next morning she rose early and taking only some milk and bread for her
breakfast set out to walk on the road towards Ashby under a leadencoloured
sky with a narrowing streak of yellow like a departing hope on the edge of
the horizon Now in her faintness of heart at the length and difficulty of her
journey she was most of all afraid of spending her money and becoming so
destitute that she would have to ask peoples charity for Hetty had the pride
not only of a proud nature but of a proud class the class that pays the most
poorrates and most shudders at the idea of profiting by a poorrate It had
not yet occurred to her that she might get money for her locket and earrings
which she carried with her and she applied all her small arithmetic and
knowledge of prices to calculating how many meals and how many rides were
contained in her two guineas and the odd shillings which had a melancholy
look as if they were the pale ashes of the other brightflaming coin
For the first few miles out of Stoniton she walked on bravely always fixing
on some tree or gate or projecting bush at the most distant visible point in the
road as a goal and feeling a faint joy when she had reached it But when she
came to the fourth milestone the first she had happened to notice among the
long grass by the roadside and read that she was still only four miles beyond
Stoniton her courage sank She had come only this little way and yet felt
tired and almost hungry again in the keen morning air for though Hetty was
accustomed to much movement and exertion indoors she was not used to long
walks which produce quite a different sort of fatigue from that of household
activity As she was looking at the milestone she felt some drops falling on her
face it was beginning to rain Here was a new trouble which had not entered
into her sad thoughts before and quite weighed down by this sudden addition to
her burden she sat down on the step of a stile and began to sob hysterically
The beginning of hardship is like the first taste of bitter food it seems for
a moment unbearable yet if there is nothing else to satisfy our hunger we
take another bite and find it possible to go on When Hetty recovered from her
burst of weeping she rallied her fainting courage it was raining and she must
try to get on to a village where she might find rest and shelter Presently as
she walked on wearily she heard the rumbling of heavy wheels behind her a
covered waggon was coming creeping slowly along with a slouching driver
cracking his whip beside the horses She waited for it thinking that if the
waggoner were not a very sourlooking man she would ask him to take her up As
the waggon approached her the driver had fallen behind but there was something
in the front of the big vehicle which encouraged her At any previous moment in
her life she would not have noticed it but now the new susceptibility that
suffering had awakened in her caused this object to impress her strongly It was
only a small whiteandliver coloured spaniel which sat on the front ledge of
the waggon with large timid eyes and an incessant trembling in the body such
as you may have seen in some of these small creatures Hetty cared little for
animals as you know but at this moment she felt as if the helpless timid
creature had some fellowship with her and without being quite aware of the
reason she was less doubtful about speaking to the driver who now came forward
a large ruddy man with a sack over his shoulders by way of scarf or mantle
»Could you take me up in your waggon if youre going towards Ashby« said
Hetty »Ill pay you for it«
»Aw« said the big fellow with that slowly dawning smile which belongs to
heavy faces »I can take y up fawst enough wiout bein paid fort if you
dooant mind lyin a bit closish atop o the woolpacks Where do you coom from
and what do you want at Ashby«
»I come from Stoniton Im going a long way to Windsor«
»What arter some service or what«
»Going to my brother hes a soldier there«
»Well Im going no furder nor Leicester and fur enough too but Ill
take you if you dooant mind being a bit long on the road Th hosses wooant
feel your weight no more nor they feel the little doog there as I puck up on
the road a fortnit agoo He war lost I blieve ans been all of a tremble
iver sin Come gi us your basket an come behind and let me put y in«
To lie on the woolpacks with a cranny left between the curtains of the
awning to let in the air was luxury to Hetty now and she half slept away the
hours till the driver came to ask her if she wanted to get down and have »some
victual« he himself was going to eat his dinner at this »public« Late at night
they reached Leicester and so this second day of Hettys journey was past She
had spent no money except what she had paid for her food but she felt that this
slow journeying would be intolerable for her another day and in the morning she
found her way to a coachoffice to ask about the road to Windsor and see if it
would cost her too much to go part of the distance by coach again Yes the
distance was too great the coaches were too dear she must give them up but
the elderly clerk at the office touched by her pretty anxious face wrote down
for her the names of the chief places she must pass through This was the only
comfort she got in Leicester for the men stared at her as she went along the
street and for the first time in her life Hetty wished no one would look at
her She set out walking again but this day she was fortunate for she was soon
overtaken by a carriers cart which carried her to Hinckley and by the help of
a return chaise with a drunken postilion who frightened her by driving like
Jehu the son of Nimshi and shouting hilarious remarks at her twisting himself
backwards on his saddle she was before night in the heart of woody
Warwickshire but still almost a hundred miles from Windsor they told her Oh
what a large world it was and what hard work for her to find her way in it She
went by mistake to StratfordonAvon finding Stratford set down in her list of
places and then she was told she had come a long way out of the right road It
was not till the fifth day that she got to Stony Stratford That seems but a
slight journey as you look at the map or remember your own pleasant travels to
and from the meadowy banks of the Avon But how wearily long it was to Hetty It
seemed to her as if this country of flat fields and hedgerows and dotted
houses and villages and markettowns all so much alike to her indifferent
eyes must have no end and she must go on wandering among them for ever
waiting tired at tollgates for some cart to come and then finding the cart
went only a little way a very little way to the millers a mile off perhaps
and she hated going into the publichouses where she must go to get food and
ask questions because there were always men lounging there who stared at her
and joked her rudely Her body was very weary too with these days of new fatigue
and anxiety they had made her look more pale and worn than all the time of
hidden dread she had gone through at home When at last she reached Stony
Stratford her impatience and weariness had become too strong for her economical
caution she determined to take the coach for the rest of the way though it
should cost her all her remaining money She would need nothing at Windsor but
to find Arthur When she had paid the fare for the last coach she had only a
shilling and as she got down at the sign of the Green Man in Windsor at twelve
oclock in the middle of the seventh day hungry and faint the coachman came
up and begged her to »remember him« She put her hand in her pocket and took
out the shilling but the tears came with the sense of exhaustion and the
thought that she was giving away her last means of getting food which she
really required before she could go in search of Arthur As she held out the
shilling she lifted up her dark tearfilled eyes to the coachmans face and
said »Can you give me back sixpence«
»No no« he said gruffly »never mind put the shilling up again«
The landlord of the Green Man had stood near enough to witness this scene
and he was a man whose abundant feeding served to keep his goodnature as well
as his person in high condition And that lovely tearful face of Hettys would
have found out the sensitive fibre in most men
»Come young woman come in« he said »and have a drop o something youre
pretty well knocked up I can see that«
He took her into the bar and said to his wife »Here missis take this
young woman into the parlour shes a little overcome« for Hettys tears were
falling fast They were merely hysterical tears she thought she had no reason
for weeping now and was vexed that she was too weak and tired to help it She
was at Windsor at last not far from Arthur
She looked with eager hungry eyes at the bread and meat and beer that the
landlady brought her and for some minutes she forgot everything else in the
delicious sensations of satisfying hunger and recovering from exhaustion The
landlady sat opposite to her as she ate and looked at her earnestly No wonder
Hetty had thrown off her bonnet and her curls had fallen down her face was all
the more touching in its youth and beauty because of its weary look and the
good womans eyes presently wandered to her figure which in her hurried
dressing on her journey she had taken no pains to conceal moreover the
strangers eye detects what the familiar unsuspecting eye leaves unnoticed
»Why youre not very fit for travelling« she said glancing while she
spoke at Hettys ringless hand »Have you come far«
»Yes« said Hetty roused by this question to exert more selfcommand and
feeling the better for the food she had taken »Ive come a good long way and
its very tiring But Im better now Could you tell me which way to go to his
place«
Here Hetty took from her pocket a bit of paper it was the end of Arthurs
letter on which he had written his address
While she was speaking the landlord had come in and had begun to look at
her as earnestly as his wife had done He took up the piece of paper which Hetty
handed across the table and read the address
»Why what do you want at this house« he said It is in the nature of
innkeepers and all men who have no pressing business of their own to ask as
many questions as possible before giving any information
»I want to see a gentleman as is there« said Hetty
»But theres no gentleman there« returned the landlord »Its shut up
been shut up this fortnight What gentleman is it you want Perhaps I can let
you know where to find him«
»Its Captain Donnithorne« said Hetty tremulously her heart beginning to
beat painfully at this disappointment of her hope that she should find Arthur at
once
»Captain Donnithorne Stop a bit« said the landlord slowly »Was he in the
Loamshire Militia A tall young officer with a fairish skin and reddish whiskers
and had a servant by the name o Pym«
»Oh yes« said Hetty »you know him where is he«
»A fine sight o miles away from here the Loamshire Militias gone to
Ireland its been gone this fortnight«
»Look there shes fainting« said the landlady hastening to support Hetty
who had lost her miserable consciousness and looked like a beautiful corpse
They carried her to the sofa and loosened her dress
»Heres a bad business I suspect« said the landlord as he brought in some
water
»Ah its plain enough what sort of business it is« said the wife »Shes
not a common flaunting dratchell I can see that She looks like a respectable
country girl and she comes from a good way off to judge by her tongue She
talks something like that ostler we had that come from the north he was as
honest a fellow as we ever had about the house theyre all honest folks in the
north«
»I never saw a prettier young woman in my life« said the husband »Shes
like a pictur in a shopwinder It goes to ones eart to look at her«
»It ud have been a good deal better for her if shed been uglier and had
more conduct« said the landlady who on any charitable construction must have
been supposed to have more »conduct« than beauty »But shes coming to again
Fetch a drop more water«
Chapter XXXVII
The Journey in Despair
Hetty was too ill through the rest of that day for any questions to be addressed
to her too ill even to think with any distinctness of the evils that were to
come She only felt that all her hope was crushed and that instead of having
found a refuge she had only reached the borders of a new wilderness where no
goal lay before her The sensations of bodily sickness in a comfortable bed
and with the tendance of the goodnatured landlady made a sort of respite for
her such a respite as there is in the faint weariness which obliges a man to
throw himself on the sand instead of toiling onward under the scorching sun
But when sleep and rest had brought back the strength necessary for the
keenness of mental suffering when she lay the next morning looking at the
growing light which was like a cruel taskmaster returning to urge from her a
fresh round of hated hopeless labour she began to think what course she must
take to remember that all her money was gone to look at the prospect of
further wandering among strangers with the new clearness shed on it by the
experience of her journey to Windsor But which way could she turn It was
impossible for her to enter into any service even if she could obtain it there
was nothing but immediate beggary before her She thought of a young woman who
had been found against the church wall at Hayslope one Sunday nearly dead with
cold and hunger a tiny infant in her arms the woman was rescued and taken to
the parish »The parish« You can perhaps hardly understand the effect of that
word on a mind like Hettys brought up among people who were somewhat hard in
their feelings even towards poverty who lived among the fields and had little
pity for want and rags as a cruel inevitable fate such as they sometimes seem in
cities but held them a mark of idleness and vice and it was idleness and vice
that brought burthens on the parish To Hetty the »parish« was next to the
prison in obloquy and to ask anything of strangers to beg lay in the same
faroff hideous region of intolerable shame that Hetty had all her life thought
it impossible she could ever come near But now the remembrance of that wretched
woman whom she had seen herself on her way from church being carried into
Joshua Ranns came back upon her with the new terrible sense that there was
very little now to divide her from the same lot And the dread of bodily
hardship mingled with the dread of shame for Hetty had the luxurious nature of
a round softcoated pet animal
How she yearned to be back in her safe home again cherished and cared for
as she had always been Her aunts scolding about trifles would have been music
to her ears now she longed for it she used to hear it in a time when she had
only trifles to hide Could she be the same Hetty that used to make up the
butter in the dairy with the Gueldres roses peeping in at the window she a
runaway whom her friends would not open their doors to again lying in this
strange bed with the knowledge that she had no money to pay for what she
received and must offer those strangers some of the clothes in her basket It
was then she thought of her locket and earrings and seeing her pocket lie near
she reached it and spread the contents on the bed before her There were the
locket and earrings in the little velvetlined boxes and with them there was a
beautiful silver thimble which Adam had bought her the words »Remember me«
making the ornament of the border a steel purse with her one shilling in it
and a small redleather case fastening with a strap Those beautiful little
earrings with their delicate pearls and garnet that she had tried in her ears
with such longing in the bright sunshine on the 30th of July She had no longing
to put them in her ears now her head with its dark rings of hair lay back
languidly on the pillow and the sadness that rested about her brow and eyes was
something too hard for regretful memory Yet she put her hands up to her ears
it was because there were some thin gold rings in them which were also worth a
little money Yes she could surely get some money for her ornaments those
Arthur had given her must have cost a great deal of money The landlord and
landlady had been good to her perhaps they would help her to get the money for
these things
But this money would not keep her long what should she do when it was gone
Where should she go The horrible thought of want and beggary drove her once to
think she would go back to her uncle and aunt and ask them to forgive her and
have pity on her But she shrank from that idea again as she might have shrunk
from scorching metal she could never endure that shame before her uncle and
aunt before Mary Burge and the servants at the Chase and the people at
Broxton and everybody who knew her They should never know what had happened to
her What could she do She would go away from Windsor travel again as she had
done the last week and get among the flat green fields with the high hedges
round them where nobody could see her or know her and there perhaps when
there was nothing else she could do she should get courage to drown herself in
some pond like that in the Scantlands Yes she would get away from Windsor as
soon as possible she didnt like these people at the inn to know about her to
know that she had come to look for Captain Donnithorne she must think of some
reason to tell them why she had asked for him
With this thought she began to put the things back into her pocket meaning
to get up and dress before the landlady came to her She had her hand on the
redleather case when it occurred to her that there might be something in this
case which she had forgotten something worth selling for without knowing what
she should do with her life she craved the means of living as long as possible
and when we desire eagerly to find something we are apt to search for it in
hopeless places No there was nothing but common needles and pins and dried
tulippetals between the paper leaves where she had written down her little
moneyaccounts But on one of these leaves there was a name which often as she
had seen it before now flashed on Hettys mind like a newlydiscovered message
The name was Dinah Morris Snowfield There was a text above it written as
well as the name by Dinahs own hand with a little pencil one evening that
they were sitting together and Hetty happened to have the red case lying open
before her Hetty did not read the text now she was only arrested by the name
Now for the first time she remembered without indifference the affectionate
kindness Dinah had shown her and those words of Dinah in the bedchamber that
Hetty must think of her as a friend in trouble Suppose she were to go to Dinah
and ask her to help her Dinah did not think about things as other people did
she was a mystery to Hetty but Hetty knew she was always kind She couldnt
imagine Dinahs face turning away from her in dark reproof or scorn Dinahs
voice willingly speaking ill of her or rejoicing in her misery as a
punishment Dinah did not seem to belong to that world of Hettys whose glance
she dreaded like scorching fire But even to her Hetty shrank from beseeching
and confession she could not prevail on herself to say »I will go to Dinah«
she only thought of that as a possible alternative if she had not courage for
death
The good landlady was amazed when she saw Hetty come downstairs soon after
herself neatly dressed and looking resolutely selfpossessed Hetty told her
she was quite well this morning she had only been very tired and overcome with
her journey for she had come a long way to ask about her brother who had run
away and they thought he was gone for a soldier and Captain Donnithorne might
know for he had been very kind to her brother once It was a lame story and
the landlady looked doubtfully at Hetty as she told it but there was a resolute
air of selfreliance about her this morning so different from the helpless
prostration of yesterday that the landlady hardly knew how to make a remark
that might seem like prying into other peoples affairs She only invited her to
sit down to breakfast with them and in the course of it Hetty brought out her
earrings and locket and asked the landlord if he could help her to get money
for them her journey she said had cost her much more than she expected and
now she had no money to get back to her friends which she wanted to do at once
It was not the first time the landlady had seen the ornaments for she had
examined the contents of Hettys pocket yesterday and she and her husband had
discussed the fact of a country girl having these beautiful things with a
stronger conviction than ever that Hetty had been miserably deluded by the fine
young officer
»Well« said the landlord when Hetty had spread the precious trifles before
him »we might take em to the jewellers shop for theres one not far off but
Lord bless you they wouldnt give you a quarter o what the things are worth
And you wouldnt like to part with em« he added looking at her inquiringly
»Oh I dont mind« said Hetty hastily »so as I can get money to go back«
»And they might think the things were stolen as you wanted to sell em« he
went on »for it isnt usual for a young woman like you to have fine jewellery
like that«
The blood rushed to Hettys face with anger »I belong to respectable
folks« she said »Im not a thief«
»No that you arent Ill be bound« said the landlady »and youd no call
to say that« looking indignantly at her husband »The things were gev to her
thats plain enough to be seen«
»I didnt mean as I thought so« said the husband apologetically »but I
said it was what the jeweller might think and so he wouldnt be offering much
money for em«
»Well« said the wife »suppose you were to advance some money on the things
yourself and then if she liked to redeem em when she got home she could But
if we heard nothing from her after two months we might do as we liked with
em«
I will not say that in this accommodating proposition the landlady had no
regard whatever to the possible reward of her goodnature in the ultimate
possession of the locket and earrings indeed the effect they would have in
that case on the mind of the grocers wife had presented itself with remarkable
vividness to her rapid imagination The landlord took up the ornaments and
pushed out his lips in a meditative manner He wished Hetty well doubtless but
pray how many of your wellwishers would decline to make a little gain out of
you Your landlady is sincerely affected at parting with you respects you
highly and will really rejoice if any one else is generous to you but at the
same time she hands you a bill by which she gains as high a percentage as
possible
»How much money do you want to get home with young woman« said the
wellwisher at length
»Three guineas« answered Hetty fixing on the sum she set out with for
want of any other standard and afraid of asking too much
»Well Ive no objections to advance you three guineas« said the landlord
»and if you like to send it me back and get the jewellery again you can you
know the Green Man isnt going to run away«
»Oh yes Ill be very glad if youll give me that« said Hetty relieved at
the thought that she would not have to go to the jewellers and be stared at
and questioned
»But if you want the things again youll write before long« said the
landlady »because when two months are up we shall make up our minds as you
dont want em«
»Yes« said Hetty indifferently
The husband and wife were equally content with this arrangement The husband
thought if the ornaments were not redeemed he could make a good thing of it by
taking them to London and selling them the wife thought she would coax the good
man into letting her keep them And they were accommodating Hetty poor thing
a pretty respectablelooking young woman apparently in a sad case They
declined to take anything for her food and bed she was quite welcome And at
eleven oclock Hetty said »Goodbye« to them with the same quiet resolute air
she had worn all the morning mounting the coach that was to take her twenty
miles back along the way she had come
There is a strength of selfpossession which is the sign that the last hope
has departed Despair no more leans on others than perfect contentment and in
despair pride ceases to be counteracted by the sense of dependence
Hetty felt that no one could deliver her from the evils that would make life
hateful to her and no one she said to herself should ever know her misery and
humiliation No she would not confess even to Dinah she would wander out of
sight and drown herself where her body would never be found and no one should
know what had become of her
When she got off this coach she began to walk again and take cheap rides
in carts and get cheap meals going on and on without distinct purpose yet
strangely by some fascination taking the way she had come though she was
determined not to go back to her own country Perhaps it was because she had
fixed her mind on the grassy Warwickshire fields with the bushy treestudded
hedgerows that made a hidingplace even in this leafless season She went more
slowly than she came often getting over the stiles and sitting for hours under
the hedgerows looking before her with blank beautiful eyes fancying herself
at the edge of a hidden pool low down like that in the Scantlands wondering
if it were very painful to be drowned and if there would be anything worse
after death than what she dreaded in life Religious doctrines had taken no hold
on Hettys mind she was one of those numerous people who have had godfathers
and godmothers learned their catechism been confirmed and gone to church
every Sunday and yet for any practical result of strength in life or trust in
death have never appropriated a single Christian idea or Christian feeling You
would misunderstand her thoughts during these wretched days if you imagined
that they were influenced either by religious fears or religious hopes
She chose to go to StratfordonAvon again where she had gone before by
mistake for she remembered some grassy fields on her former way towards it
fields among which she thought she might find just the sort of pool she had in
her mind Yet she took care of her money still she carried her basket death
seemed still a long way off and life was so strong in her She craved food and
rest she hastened towards them at the very moment she was picturing to herself
the bank from which she would leap towards death It was already five days since
she had left Windsor for she had wandered about always avoiding speech or
questioning looks and recovering her air of proud selfdependence whenever she
was under observation choosing her decent lodging at night and dressing
herself neatly in the morning and setting off on her way steadily or remaining
under shelter if it rained as if she had a happy life to cherish
And yet even in her most selfconscious moments the face was sadly
different from that which had smiled at itself in the old specked glass or
smiled at others when they glanced at it admiringly A hard and even fierce look
had come in the eyes though their lashes were as long as ever and they had all
their dark brightness And the cheek was never dimpled with smiles now It was
the same rounded pouting childish prettiness but with all love and belief in
love departed from it the sadder for its beauty like that wondrous
Medusaface with the passionate passionless lips
At last she was among the fields she had been dreaming of on a long narrow
pathway leading towards a wood If there should be a pool in that wood It would
be better hidden than one in the fields No it was not a wood only a wild
brake where there had once been gravelpits leaving mounds and hollows studded
with brushwood and small trees She roamed up and down thinking there was
perhaps a pool in every hollow before she came to it till her limbs were weary
and she sat down to rest The afternoon was far advanced and the leaden sky was
darkening as if the sun were setting behind it After a little while Hetty
started up again feeling that darkness would soon come on and she must put off
finding the pool till tomorrow and make her way to some shelter for the night
She had quite lost her way in the fields and might as well go in one direction
as another for aught she knew She walked through field after field and no
village no house was in sight but there at the corner of this pasture there
was a break in the hedges the land seemed to dip down a little and two trees
leaned towards each other across the opening Hettys heart gave a great beat as
she thought there must be a pool there She walked towards it heavily over the
tufted grass with pale lips and a sense of trembling it was as if the thing
were come in spite of herself instead of being the object of her search
There it was black under the darkening sky no motion no sound near She
set down her basket and then sank down herself on the grass trembling The
pool had its wintry depth now by the time it got shallow as she remembered the
pools did at Hayslope in the summer no one could find out that it was her
body But then there was her basket she must hide that too she must throw it
into the water make it heavy with stones first and then throw it in She got
up to look about for stones and soon brought five or six which she laid down
beside her basket and then sat down again There was no need to hurry there
was all the night to drown herself in She sat leaning her elbow on the basket
She was weary hungry There were some buns in her basket three which she had
supplied herself with at the place where she ate her dinner She took them out
now and ate them eagerly and then sat still again looking at the pool The
soothed sensation that came over her from the satisfaction of her hunger and
this fixed dreamy attitude brought on drowsiness and presently her head sank
down on her knees She was fast asleep
When she awoke it was deep night and she felt chill She was frightened at
this darkness frightened at the long night before her If she could but throw
herself into the water No not yet She began to walk about that she might get
warm again as if she would have more resolution then Oh how long the time was
in that darkness The bright hearth and the warmth and the voices of home the
secure uprising and lying down the familiar fields the familiar people the
Sundays and holidays with their simple joys of dress and feasting all the
sweets of her young life rushed before her now and she seemed to be stretching
her arms towards them across a great gulf She set her teeth when she thought of
Arthur she cursed him without knowing what her cursing would do she wished he
too might know desolation and cold and a life of shame that he dared not end
by death
The horror of this cold and darkness and solitude out of all human reach
became greater every long minute it was almost as if she were dead already
and knew that she was dead and longed to get back to life again But no she
was alive still she had not taken the dreadful leap She felt a strange
contradictory wretchedness and exultation wretchedness that she did not dare
to face death exultation that she was still in life that she might yet know
light and warmth again She walked backwards and forwards to warm herself
beginning to discern something of the objects around her as her eyes became
accustomed to the night the darker line of the hedge the rapid motion of some
living creature perhaps a fieldmouse rushing across the grass She no
longer felt as if the darkness hedged her in she thought she could walk back
across the field and get over the stile and then in the very next field she
thought she remembered there was a hovel of furze near a sheepfold If she could
get into that hovel she would be warmer she could pass the night there for
that was what Alick did at Hayslope in lambingtime The thought of this hovel
brought the energy of a new hope she took up her basket and walked across the
field but it was some time before she got in the right direction for the stile
The exercise and the occupation of finding the stile were a stimulus to her
however and lightened the horror of the darkness and solitude There were sheep
in the next field and she startled a group as she set down her basket and got
over the stile and the sound of their movement comforted her for it assured
her that her impression was right this was the field where she had seen the
hovel for it was the field where the sheep were Right on along the path and
she would get to it She reached the opposite gate and felt her way along its
rails and the rails of the sheepfold till her hand encountered the pricking of
the gorsy wall Delicious sensation She had found the shelter she groped her
way touching the prickly gorse to the door and pushed it open It was an
illsmelling close place but warm and there was straw on the ground Hetty
sank down on the straw with a sense of escape Tears came she had never shed
tears before since she left Windsor tears and sobs of hysterical joy that she
had still hold of life that she was still on the familiar earth with the sheep
near her The very consciousness of her own limbs was a delight to her she
turned up her sleeves and kissed her arms with the passionate love of life
Soon warmth and weariness lulled her in the midst of her sobs and she fell
continually into dozing fancying herself at the brink of the pool again
fancying that she had jumped into the water and then awaking with a start and
wondering where she was But at last deep dreamless sleep came her head
guarded by her bonnet found a pillow against the gorsy wall and the poor soul
driven to and fro between two equal terrors found the one relief that was
possible to it the relief of unconsciousness
Alas that relief seems to end the moment it has begun It seemed to Hetty
as if those dozing dreams had only passed into another dream that she was in
the hovel and her aunt was standing over her with a candle in her hand She
trembled under her aunts glance and opened her eyes There was no candle but
there was light in the hovel the light of early morning through the open door
And there was a face looking down on her but it was an unknown face belonging
to an elderly man in a smockfrock
»Why what do you do here young woman« the man said roughly
Hetty trembled still worse under this real fear and shame than she had done
in her momentary dream under her aunts glance She felt that she was like a
beggar already found sleeping in that place But in spite of her trembling
she was so eager to account to the man for her presence here that she found
words at once
»I lost my way« she said »Im travelling northard and I got away from
the road into the fields and was overtaken by the dark Will you tell me the
way to the nearest village«
She got up as she was speaking and put her hands to her bonnet to adjust
it and then laid hold of her basket
The man looked at her with a slow bovine gaze without giving her any
answer for some seconds Then he turned away and walked towards the door of the
hovel but it was not till he got there that he stood still and turning his
shoulder half round towards her said
»Aw I can show you the way to Norton if you like But what do you do
gettin out o the highroad« he added with a tone of gruff reproof »Yull be
gettin into mischief if you dooant mind«
»Yes« said Hetty »I wont do it again Ill keep in the road if youll be
so good as show me how to get to it«
»Why dooant you keep where theres fingerpoasses an folks to ax the way
on« the man said still more gruffly »Anybody ud think you was a wild woman
an look at yer«
Hetty was frightened at this gruff old man and still more at this last
suggestion that she looked like a wild woman As she followed him out of the
hovel she thought she would give him a sixpence for telling her the way and
then he would not suppose she was wild As he stopped to point out the road to
her she put her hand in her pocket to get the sixpence ready and when he was
turning away without saying goodmorning she held it out to him and said
»Thank you will you please to take something for your trouble«
He looked slowly at the sixpence and then said »I want none o your money
Youd better take care ont else youll get it stool from yer if you go
trapesin about the fields like a mad woman athatway«
The man left her without further speech and Hetty held on her way Another
day had risen and she must wander on It was no use to think of drowning
herself she could not do it at least while she had money left to buy food
and strength to journey on But the incident on her waking this morning
heightened her dread of that time when her money would be all gone she would
have to sell her basket and clothes then and she would really look like a
beggar or a wild woman as the man had said The passionate joy in life she had
felt in the night after escaping from the brink of the black cold death in the
pool was gone now Life now by the morning light with the impression of that
mans hard wondering look at her was as full of dread as death it was worse
it was a dread to which she felt chained from which she shrank and shrank as
she did from the black pool and yet could find no refuge from it
She took out her money from her purse and looked at it she had still
twoandtwenty shillings it would serve her for many days more or it would
help her to get on faster to Stonyshire within reach of Dinah The thought of
Dinah urged itself more strongly now since the experience of the night had
driven her shuddering imagination away from the pool If it had been only going
to Dinah if nobody besides Dinah would ever know Hetty could have made up
her mind to go to her The soft voice the pitying eyes would have drawn her
But afterwards the other people must know and she could no more rush on that
shame than she could rush on death
She must wander on and on and wait for a lower depth of despair to give her
courage Perhaps death would come to her for she was getting less and less able
to bear the days weariness And yet such is the strange action of our souls
drawing us by a lurking desire towards the very ends we dread Hetty when she
set out again from Norton asked the straightest road northward towards
Stonyshire and kept it all that day
Poor wandering Hetty with the rounded childish face and the hard unloving
despairing soul looking out of it with the narrow heart and narrow thoughts
no room in them for any sorrows but her own and tasting that sorrow with the
more intense bitterness My heart bleeds for her as I see her toiling along on
her weary feet or seated in a cart with her eyes fixed vacantly on the road
before her never thinking or caring whither it tends till hunger comes and
makes her desire that a village may be near
What will be the end the end of her objectless wandering apart from all
love caring for human beings only through her pride clinging to life only as
the hunted wounded brute clings to it
God preserve you and me from being the beginners of such misery
Chapter XXXVIII
The Quest
The first ten days after Hettys departure passed as quietly as any other days
with the family at the Hall Farm and with Adam at his daily work They had
expected Hetty to stay away a week or ten days at least perhaps a little longer
if Dinah came back with her because there might then be something to detain
them at Snowfield But when a fortnight had passed they began to feel a little
surprise that Hetty did not return she must surely have found it pleasanter to
be with Dinah than any one could have supposed Adam for his part was getting
very impatient to see her and he resolved that if she did not appear the next
day Saturday he would set out on Sunday morning to fetch her There was no
coach on a Sunday but by setting out before it was light and perhaps getting a
lift in a cart by the way he would arrive pretty early at Snowfield and bring
back Hetty the next day Dinah too if she were coming It was quite time Hetty
came home and he would afford to lose his Monday for the sake of bringing her
His project was quite approved at the Farm when he went there on Saturday
evening Mrs Poyser desired him emphatically not to come back without Hetty
for she had been quite too long away considering the things she had to get
ready by the middle of March and a week was surely enough for any one to go out
for their health As for Dinah Mrs Poyser had small hope of their bringing
her unless they could make her believe the folks at Hayslope were twice as
miserable as the folks at Snowfield »Though« said Mrs Poyser by way of
conclusion »you might tell her shes got but one aunt left and shes wasted
pretty nigh to a shadder and we shall prhaps all be gone twenty mile further
off her next Michaelmas and shall die o broken hearts among strange folks and
leave the children fatherless and motherless«
»Nay nay« said Mr Poyser who certainly had the air of a man perfectly
heartwhole »it isna so bad as that Theet looking rarely now and getting
flesh every day But Id be glad for Dinah t come for shed help thee wi the
little uns they took t her wonderful«
So at daybreak on Sunday Adam set off Seth went with him the first mile
or two for the thought of Snowfield and the possibility that Dinah might come
again made him restless and the walk with Adam in the cold morning air both
in their best clothes helped to give him a sense of Sunday calm It was the
last morning in February with a low grey sky and a slight hoarfrost on the
green border of the road and on the black hedges They heard the gurgling of the
full brooklet hurrying down the hill and the faint twittering of the early
birds For they walked in silence though with a pleased sense of companionship
»Goodbye lad« said Adam laying his hand on Seths shoulder and looking
at him affectionately as they were about to part »I wish thee wast going all
the way wi me and as happy as I am«
»Im content Addy Im content« said Seth cheerfully »Ill be an old
bachelor belike and make a fuss wi thy children«
They turned away from each other and Seth walked leisurely homeward
mentally repeating one of his favourite hymns he was very fond of hymns
»Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by thee
Joyless is the days return
Till thy mercys beams I see
Till thou inward light impart
Glad my eyes and warm my heart
Visit then this soul of mine
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief
Fill me Radiancy Divine
Scatter all my unbelief
More and more thyself display
Shining to the perfect day«
Adam walked much faster and any one coming along the Oakbourne road at sunrise
that morning must have had a pleasant sight in this tall broadchested man
striding along with a carriage as upright and firm as any soldiers glancing
with keen glad eyes at the darkblue hills as they began to show themselves on
his way Seldom in Adams life had his face been so free from any cloud of
anxiety as it was this morning and this freedom from care as is usual with
constructive practical minds like his made him all the more observant of the
objects round him and all the more ready to gather suggestions from them
towards his own favourite plans and ingenious contrivances His happy love the
knowledge that his steps were carrying him nearer and nearer to Hetty who was
so soon to be his was to his thoughts what the sweet morning air was to his
sensations it gave him a consciousness of wellbeing that made activity
delightful Every now and then there was a rush of more intense feeling towards
her which chased away other images than Hetty and along with that would come a
wondering thankfulness that all this happiness was given to him that this life
of ours had such sweetness in it For Adam had a devout mind though he was
perhaps rather impatient of devout words and his tenderness lay very close to
his reverence so that the one could hardly be stirred without the other But
after feeling had welled up and poured itself out in this way busy thought
would come back with the greater vigour and this morning it was intent on
schemes by which the roads might be improved that were so imperfect all through
the country and on picturing all the benefits that might come from the
exertions of a single country gentleman if he would set himself to getting the
roads made good in his own district
It seemed a very short walk the ten miles to Oakbourne that pretty town
within sight of the blue hills where he breakfasted After this the country
grew barer and barer no more rolling woods no more widebranching trees near
frequent homesteads no more bushy hedgerows but grey stone walls intersecting
the meagre pastures and dismal widescattered grey stone houses on broken lands
where mines had been and were no longer »A hungry land« said Adam to himself
»Id rather go southard where they say its as flat as a table than come to
live here though if Dinah likes to live in a country where she can be the most
comfort to folks shes i the right to live o this side for she must look as
if shed come straight from heaven like th angels in the desert to strengthen
them as ha got nothing t eat« And when at last he came in sight of Snowfield
he thought it looked like a town that was »fellow to the country« though the
stream through the valley where the great mill stood gave a pleasant greenness
to the lower fields The town lay grim stony and unsheltered up the side of
a steep hill and Adam did not go forward to it at present for Seth had told
him where to find Dinah It was at a thatched cottage outside the town a little
way from the mill an old cottage standing sideways towards the road with a
little bit of potatoground before it Here Dinah lodged with an elderly couple
and if she and Hetty happened to be out Adam could learn where they were gone
or when they would be at home again Dinah might be out on some preaching
errand and perhaps she would have left Hetty at home Adam could not help
hoping this and as he recognised the cottage by the roadside before him there
shone out in his face that involuntary smile which belongs to the expectation of
a near joy
He hurried his step along the narrow causeway and rapped at the door It
was opened by a very clean old woman with a slow palsied shake of the head
»Is Dinah Morris at home« said Adam
»Eh no« said the old woman looking up at this tall stranger with a
wonder that made her slower of speech than usual »Will you please to come in«
she added retiring from the door as if recollecting herself »Why yere
brother to the young man as come afore arena ye«
»Yes« said Adam entering »That was Seth Bede Im his brother Adam He
told me to give his respects to you and your good master«
»Ay the same t him he was a gracious young man An ye feature him ony
yere darker Sit ye down i th armchair My man isna come home from meeting«
Adam sat down patiently not liking to hurry the shaking old woman with
questions but looking eagerly towards the narrow twisting stairs in one corner
for he thought it was possible Hetty might have heard his voice and would come
down them
»So youre come to see Dinah Morris« said the old woman standing opposite
to him »An you didna know she was away from home then«
»No« said Adam »but I thought it likely she might be away seeing as its
Sunday But the other young woman is she at home or gone along with Dinah«
The old woman looked at Adam with a bewildered air
»Gone along wi her« she said »Eh Dinahs gone to Leeds a big town ye
may ha heared on where theres a many o the Lords people Shes been gone
sin Friday was a fortnight they sent her the money for her journey You may
see her room here« she went on opening a door and not noticing the effect of
her words on Adam He rose and followed her and darted an eager glance into the
little room with its narrow bed the portrait of Wesley on the wall and the
few books lying on the large Bible He had had an irrational hope that Hetty
might be there He could not speak in the first moment after seeing that the
room was empty an undefined fear had seized him something had happened to
Hetty on the journey Still the old woman was so slow of speech and
apprehension that Hetty might be at Snowfield after all
»Its a pity ye didna know« she said »Have ye come from your own country
o purpose to see her«
»But Hetty Hetty Sorrel« said Adam abruptly »where is she«
»I know nobody by that name« said the old woman wonderingly »Is it
anybody yeve heared on at Snowfield«
»Did there come no young woman here very young and pretty Friday was a
fortnight to see Dinah Morris«
»Nay In seen no young woman«
»Think are you quite sure A girl eighteen years old with dark eyes and
dark curly hair and a red cloak on and a basket on her arm You couldnt
forget her if you saw her«
»Nay Friday was a fortnight it was the day as Dinah went away there
come nobody Theres neer been nobody asking for her till you come for the
folks about know as shes gone Eh dear eh dear is there summat the matter«
The old woman had seen the ghastly look of fear in Adams face But he was
not stunned or confounded he was thinking eagerly where he could inquire about
Hetty
»Yes a young woman started from our country to see Dinah Friday was a
fortnight I came to fetch her back Im afraid something has happened to her I
cant stop Goodbye«
He hastened out of the cottage and the old woman followed him to the gate
watching him sadly with her shaking head as he almost ran towards the town He
was going to inquire at the place where the Oakbourne coach stopped
No no young woman like Hetty had been seen there Had any accident happened
to the coach a fortnight ago No And there was no coach to take him back to
Oakbourne that day Well he would walk he couldnt stay here in wretched
inaction But the innkeeper seeing that Adam was in great anxiety and entering
into this new incident with the eagerness of a man who passes a great deal of
time with his hands in his pockets looking into an obstinately monotonous
street offered to take him back to Oakbourne in his own »taxed cart« this very
evening It was not five oclock there was plenty of time for Adam to take a
meal and yet to get to Oakbourne before ten oclock The innkeeper declared
that he really wanted to go to Oakbourne and might as well go tonight he
should have all Monday before him then Adam after making an ineffectual
attempt to eat put the food in his pocket and drinking a draught of ale
declared himself ready to set off As they approached the cottage it occurred
to him that he would do well to learn from the old woman where Dinah was to be
found in Leeds if there was trouble at the Hall Farm he only half admitted
the foreboding that there would be the Poysers might like to send for Dinah
But Dinah had not left any address and the old woman whose memory for names
was infirm could not recall the name of the »blessed woman« who was Dinahs
chief friend in the Society at Leeds
During that long long journey in the taxed cart there was time for all the
conjectures of importunate fear and struggling hope In the very first shock of
discovering that Hetty had not been to Snowfield the thought of Arthur had
darted through Adam like a sharp pang but he tried for some time to ward off
its return by busying himself with modes of accounting for the alarming fact
quite apart from that intolerable thought Some accident had happened Hetty
had by some strange chance got into a wrong vehicle from Oakbourne she had
been taken ill and did not want to frighten them by letting them know But this
frail fence of vague improbabilities was soon hurled down by a rush of distinct
agonising fears Hetty had been deceiving herself in thinking that she could
love and marry him she had been loving Arthur all the while and now in her
desperation at the nearness of their marriage she had run away And she was
gone to him The old indignation and jealousy rose again and prompted the
suspicion that Arthur had been dealing falsely had written to Hetty had
tempted her to come to him being unwilling after all that she should belong
to another man besides himself Perhaps the whole thing had been contrived by
him and he had given her directions how to follow him to Ireland for Adam knew
that Arthur had been gone thither three weeks ago having recently learnt it at
the Chase Every sad look of Hettys since she had been engaged to Adam
returned upon him now with all the exaggeration of painful retrospect He had
been foolishly sanguine and confident The poor thing hadnt perhaps known her
own mind for a long while had thought that she could forget Arthur had been
momentarily drawn towards the man who offered her a protecting faithful love
He couldnt bear to blame her she never meant to cause him this dreadful pain
The blame lay with that man who had selfishly played with her heart had
perhaps even deliberately lured her away
At Oakbourne the ostler at the Royal Oak remembered such a young woman as
Adam described getting out of the Treddleston coach more than a fortnight ago
wasnt likely to forget such a pretty lass as that in a hurry was sure she had
not gone on by the Buxton coach that went through Snowfield but had lost sight
of her while he went away with the horses and had never set eyes on her again
Adam then went straight to the house from which the Stoniton coach started
Stoniton was the most obvious place for Hetty to go to first whatever might be
her destination for she would hardly venture on any but the chief coachroads
She had been noticed here too and was remembered to have sat on the box by the
coachman but the coachman could not be seen for another man had been driving
on that road in his stead the last three or four days he could probably be seen
at Stoniton through inquiry at the inn where the coach put up So the anxious
heartstricken Adam must of necessity wait and try to rest till morning nay
till eleven oclock when the coach started
At Stoniton another delay occurred for the old coachman who had driven
Hetty would not be in the town again till night When he did come he remembered
Hetty well and remembered his own joke addressed to her quoting it many times
to Adam and observing with equal frequency that he thought there was something
more than common because Hetty had not laughed when he joked her But he
declared as the people had done at the inn that he had lost sight of Hetty
directly she got down Part of the next morning was consumed in inquiries at
every house in the town from which a coach started all in vain for you know
Hetty did not start from Stoniton by coach but on foot in the grey morning
and then in walking out to the first tollgates on the different lines of road
in the forlorn hope of finding some recollection of her there No she was not
to be traced any farther and the next hard task for Adam was to go home and
carry the wretched tidings to the Hall Farm As to what he should do beyond
that he had come to two distinct resolutions amidst the tumult of thought and
feeling which was going on within him while he went to and fro He would not
mention what he knew of Arthur Donnithornes behaviour to Hetty till there was a
clear necessity for it it was still possible Hetty might come back and the
disclosure might be an injury or an offence to her And as soon as he had been
home and done what was necessary there to prepare for his further absence he
would start off to Ireland if he found no trace of Hetty on the road he would
go straight to Arthur Donnithorne and make himself certain how far he was
acquainted with her movements Several times the thought occurred to him that he
would consult Mr Irwine but that would be useless unless he told him all and
so betrayed the secret about Arthur It seems strange that Adam in the
incessant occupation of his mind about Hetty should never have alighted on the
probability that she had gone to Windsor ignorant that Arthur was no longer
there Perhaps the reason was that he could not conceive Hettys throwing
herself on Arthur uncalled he imagined no cause that could have driven her to
such a step after that letter written in August There were but two
alternatives in his mind either Arthur had written to her again and enticed her
away or she had simply fled from her approaching marriage with himself because
she found after all she could not love him well enough and yet was afraid of
her friends anger if she retracted
With this last determination on his mind of going straight to Arthur the
thought that he had spent two days in inquiries which had proved to be almost
useless was torturing to Adam and yet since he would not tell the Poysers his
conviction as to where Hetty was gone or his intention to follow her thither
he must be able to say to them that he had traced her as far as possible
It was after twelve oclock on Tuesday night when Adam reached Treddleston
and unwilling to disturb his mother and Seth and also to encounter their
questions at that hour he threw himself without undressing on a bed at the
»Waggon Overthrown« and slept hard from pure weariness Not more than four
hours however for before five oclock he set out on his way home in the faint
morning twilight He always kept a key of the workshop door in his pocket so
that he could let himself in and he wished to enter without awaking his mother
for he was anxious to avoid telling her the new trouble himself by seeing Seth
first and asking him to tell her when it should be necessary He walked gently
along the yard and turned the key gently in the door but as he expected Gyp
who lay in the workshop gave a sharp bark It subsided when he saw Adam
holding up his finger at him to impose silence and in his dumb tailless joy he
must content himself with rubbing his body against his masters legs
Adam was too heartsick to take notice of Gyps fondling He threw himself
on the bench and stared dully at the wood and the signs of work around him
wondering if he should ever come to feel pleasure in them again while Gyp
dimly aware that there was something wrong with his master laid his rough grey
head on Adams knee and wrinkled his brows to look up at him Hitherto since
Sunday afternoon Adam had been constantly among strange people and in strange
places having no associations with the details of his daily life and now that
by the light of this new morning he was come back to his home and surrounded by
the familiar objects that seemed for ever robbed of their charm the reality
the hard inevitable reality of his troubles pressed upon him with a new
weight Right before him was an unfinished chest of drawers which he had been
making in spare moments for Hettys use when his home should be hers
Seth had not heard Adams entrance but he had been roused by Gyps bark
and Adam heard him moving about in the room above dressing himself Seths
first thoughts were about his brother he would come home today surely for
the business would be wanting him sadly by tomorrow but it was pleasant to
think he had had a longer holiday than he had expected And would Dinah come
too Seth felt that that was the greatest happiness he could look forward to for
himself though he had no hope left that she would ever love him well enough to
marry him but he had often said to himself it was better to be Dinahs friend
and brother than any other womans husband If he could but be always near her
instead of living so far off
He came downstairs and opened the inner door leading from the kitchen into
the workshop intending to let out Gyp but he stood still in the doorway
smitten with a sudden shock at the sight of Adam seated listlessly on the bench
pale unwashed with sunken blank eyes almost like a drunkard in the morning
But Seth felt in an instant what the marks meant not drunkenness but some
great calamity Adam looked up at him without speaking and Seth moved forward
towards the bench himself trembling so that speech did not come readily
»God have mercy on us Addy« he said in a low voice sitting down on the
bench beside Adam »what is it«
Adam was unable to speak the strong man accustomed to suppress the signs
of sorrow had felt his heart swell like a childs at this first approach of
sympathy He fell on Seths neck and sobbed
Seth was prepared for the worst now for even in his recollections of their
boyhood Adam had never sobbed before
»Is it death Adam Is she dead« he asked in a low tone when Adam raised
his head and was recovering himself
»No lad but shes gone gone away from us Shes never been to Snowfield
Dinahs been gone to Leeds ever since last Friday was a fortnight the very day
Hetty set out I cant find out where she went after she got to Stoniton«
Seth was silent from utter astonishment he knew nothing that could suggest
to him a reason for Hettys going away
»Hast any notion what shes done it for« he said at last
»She cant ha loved me she didnt like our marriage when it came nigh
that must be it« said Adam He had determined to mention no further reason
»I hear mother stirring« said Seth »Must we tell her«
»No not yet« said Adam rising from the bench and pushing the hair from
his face as if he wanted to rouse himself
»I cant have her told yet and I must set out on another journey directly
after Ive been to the village and th Hall Farm I cant tell thee where Im
going and thee must say to her Im gone on business as nobody is to know
anything about Ill go and wash myself now« Adam moved towards the door of the
workshop but after a step or two he turned round and meeting Seths eyes with
a calm sad glance he said »I must take all the money out o the tin box lad
but if anything happens to me all the rest ll be thine to take care o mother
with«
Seth was pale and trembling he felt there was some terrible secret under
all this »Brother« he said faintly he never called Adam »brother« except in
solemn moments »I dont believe youll do anything as you cant ask Gods
blessing on«
»Nay lad« said Adam »dont be afraid Im for doing nought but whats a
mans duty«
The thought that if he betrayed his trouble to his mother she would only
distress him by words half of blundering affection half of irrepressible
triumph that Hetty proved as unfit to be his wife as she had always foreseen
brought back some of his habitual firmness and selfcommand He had felt ill on
his journey home he told her when she came down had stayed all night at
Treddleston for that reason and a bad headache that still hung about him this
morning accounted for his paleness and heavy eyes
He determined to go to the village in the first place attend to his
business for an hour and give notice to Burge of his being obliged to go on a
journey which he must beg him not to mention to any one for he wished to avoid
going to the Hall Farm near breakfasttime when the children and servants would
be in the houseplace and there must be exclamations in their hearing about his
having returned without Hetty He waited until the clock struck nine before he
left the workyard at the village and set off through the fields towards the
Farm It was an immense relief to him as he came near the Home Close to see
Mr Poyser advancing towards him for this would spare him the pain of going to
the house Mr Poyser was walking briskly this March morning with a sense of
Spring business on his mind he was going to cast the masters eye on the
shoeing of a new carthorse carrying his spud as a useful companion by the way
His surprise was great when he caught sight of Adam but he was not a man given
to presentiments of evil
»Why Adam lad ist you Have ye been all this time away and not brought
the lasses back after all Where are they«
»No Ive not brought em« said Adam turning round to indicate that he
wished to walk back with Mr Poyser
»Why« said Martin looking with sharper attention at Adam »ye look bad Is
there anything happened«
»Yes« said Adam heavily »A sad things happened I didna find Hetty at
Snowfield«
Mr Poysers goodnatured face showed signs of troubled astonishment »Not
find her Whats happened to her« he said his thoughts flying at once to
bodily accident
»That I cant tell whether anythings happened to her She never went to
Snowfield she took the coach to Stoniton but I cant learn nothing of her
after she got down from the Stoniton coach«
»Why you donna mean shes run away« said Martin standing still so
puzzled and bewildered that the fact did not yet make itself felt as a trouble
by him
»She must ha done« said Adam »She didnt like our marriage when it came
to the point that must be it Shed mistook her feelings«
Martin was silent for a minute or two looking on the ground and rooting up
the grass with his spud without knowing what he was doing His usual slowness
was always trebled when the subject of speech was painful At last he looked up
right in Adams face saying
»Then she didna deserve t ha ye my lad An I feel i fault myself for
she was my niece and I was allays hot for her marring ye Theres no amends I
can make ye lad the mores the pity its a sad cutup for ye I doubt«
Adam could say nothing and Mr Poyser after pursuing his walk for a little
while went on
»Ill be bound shes gone after trying to get a ladys place for shed got
that in her head half a year ago and wanted me to gi my consent But Id
thought better on her« he added shaking his head slowly and sadly »Id
thought better on her nor to look for this after shed gien y her word an
everything been got ready«
Adam had the strongest motives for encouraging this supposition in Mr
Poyser and he even tried to believe that it might possibly be true He had no
warrant for the certainty that she was gone to Arthur
»It was better it should be so« he said as quietly as he could »if she
felt she couldnt like me for a husband Better run away before than repent
after I hope you wont look harshly on her if she comes back as she may do if
she finds it hard to get on away from home«
»I canna look on her as Ive done before« said Martin decisively »Shes
acted bad by you and by all of us But Ill not turn my back on her shes but
a young un and its the first harm Ive knowed on her Itll be a hard job for
me to tell her aunt Why didna Dinah come back wi ye shed ha helped to
pacify her aunt a bit«
»Dinah wasnt at Snowfield Shes been gone to Leeds this fortnight and I
couldnt learn from th old woman any direction where she is at Leeds else I
should ha brought it you«
»Shed a deal better be staying wi her own kin« said Mr Poyser
indignantly »than going preaching among strange folks athatn«
»I must leave you now« Mr Poyser said Adam »for Ive a deal to see to«
»Ay youd best be after your business and I must tell the missis when I go
home Its a hard job«
»But« said Adam »I beg particular youll keep whats happened quiet for a
week or two Ive not told my mother yet and theres no knowing how things may
turn out«
»Ay ay least said soonest mended Wen no need to say why the match is
broke off an we may hear of her after a bit Shake hands wi me lad I wish I
could make thee amends«
There was something in Martin Poysers throat at that moment which caused
him to bring out those scanty words in rather a broken fashion Yet Adam knew
what they meant all the better and the two honest men grasped each others hard
hands in mutual understanding
There was nothing now to hinder Adam from setting off He had told Seth to
go to the Chase and leave a message for the Squire saying that Adam Bede had
been obliged to start off suddenly on a journey and to say as much and no
more to any one else who made inquiries about him If the Poysers learned that
he was gone away again Adam knew they would infer that he was gone in search of
Hetty
He had intended to go right on his way from the Hall Farm but now the
impulse which had frequently visited him before to go to Mr Irwine and make
a confidant of him recurred with the new force which belongs to a last
opportunity He was about to start on a long journey a difficult one by sea
and no soul would know where he was gone If anything happened to him or if
he absolutely needed help in any matter concerning Hetty Mr Irwine was to be
trusted and the feeling which made Adam shrink from telling anything which was
her secret must give way before the need there was that she should have some
one else besides himself who would be prepared to defend her in the worst
extremity Towards Arthur even though he might have incurred no new guilt Adam
felt that he was not bound to keep silence when Hettys interest called on him
to speak
»I must do it« said Adam when these thoughts which had spread themselves
through hours of his sad journeying now rushed upon him in an instant like a
wave that had been slowly gathering »its the right thing I cant stand alone
in this way any longer«
Chapter XXXIX
The Tidings
Adam turned his face towards Broxton and walked with his swiftest stride
looking at his watch with the fear that Mr Irwine might be gone out hunting
perhaps The fear and haste together produced a state of strong excitement
before he reached the Rectory gate and outside it he saw the deep marks of a
recent hoof on the gravel
But the hoofs were turned towards the gate not away from it and though
there was a horse against the stable door it was not Mr Irwines it had
evidently had a journey this morning and must belong to some one who had come
on business Mr Irwine was at home then but Adam could hardly find breath and
calmness to tell Carrol that he wanted to speak to the Rector The double
suffering of certain and uncertain sorrow had begun to shake the strong man The
butler looked at him wonderingly as he threw himself on a bench in the passage
and stared absently at the clock on the opposite wall the master had somebody
with him he said but he heard the study door open the stranger seemed to be
coming out and as Adam was in a hurry he would let the master know at once
Adam sat looking at the clock the minutehand was hurrying along the last
five minutes to ten with a loud hard indifferent tick and Adam watched the
movement and listened to the sound as if he had had some reason for doing so In
our times of bitter suffering there are almost always these pauses when our
consciousness is benumbed to everything but some trivial perception or
sensation It is as if semiidiocy came to give us rest from the memory and the
dread which refuse to leave us in our sleep
Carroll coming back recalled Adam to the sense of his burthen He was to
go into the study immediately »I cant think what that strange persons come
about« the butler added from mere incontinence of remark as he preceded Adam
to the door »hes gone i the diningroom And master looks unaccountable as
if he was frightened« Adam took no notice of the words he could not care about
other peoples business But when he entered the study and looked in Mr
Irwines face he felt in an instant that there was a new expression in it
strangely different from the warm friendliness it had always worn for him
before A letter lay open on the table and Mr Irwines hand was on it but the
changed glance he cast on Adam could not be owing entirely to preoccupation with
some disagreeable business for he was looking eagerly towards the door as if
Adams entrance were a matter of poignant anxiety to him
»You want to speak to me Adam« he said in that low constrainedly quiet
tone which a man uses when he is determined to suppress agitation »Sit down
here« He pointed to a chair just opposite to him at no more than a yards
distance from his own and Adam sat down with a sense that this cold manner of
Mr Irwines gave an additional unexpected difficulty to his disclosure But
when Adam had made up his mind to a measure he was not the man to renounce it
for any but imperative reasons
»I come to you sir« he said »as the gentleman I look up to most of
anybody Ive something very painful to tell you something as itll pain you
to hear as well as me to tell But if I speak o the wrong other people have
done youll see I didnt speak till Id good reason«
Mr Irwine nodded slowly and Adam went on rather tremulously
»You was t ha married me and Hetty Sorrel you know sir o the fifteenth
o this month I thought she loved me and I was th happiest man i the parish
But a dreadful blows come upon me«
Mr Irwine started up from his chair as if involuntarily but then
determined to control himself walked to the window and looked out
»Shes gone away sir and we dont know where She said she was going to
Snowfield o Friday was a fortnight and I went last Sunday to fetch her back
but shed never been there and she took the coach to Stoniton and beyond that
I cant trace her But now Im going a long journey to look for her and I cant
trust t anybody but you where Im going«
Mr Irwine came back from the window and sat down
»Have you no idea of the reason why she went away« he said
»Its plain enough she didnt want to marry me sir« said Adam »She didnt
like it when it came so near But that isnt all I doubt Theres something
else I must tell you sir Theres somebody else concerned besides me«
A gleam of something it was almost like relief or joy came across the
eager anxiety of Mr Irwines face at that moment Adam was looking on the
ground and paused a little the next words were hard to speak But when he went
on he lifted up his head and looked straight at Mr Irwine He would do the
thing he had resolved to do without flinching
»You know whos the man Ive reckoned my greatest friend« he said »and
used to be proud to think as I should pass my life i working for him and had
felt so ever since we were lads«
Mr Irwine as if all selfcontrol had forsaken him grasped Adams arm
which lay on the table and clutching it tightly like a man in pain said with
pale lips and a low hurried voice
»No Adam no dont say it for Gods sake«
Adam surprised at the violence of Mr Irwines feeling repented of the
words that had passed his lips and sat in distressed silence The grasp on his
arm gradually relaxed and Mr Irwine threw himself back in his chair saying
»Go on I must know it«
»That man played with Hettys feelings and behaved to her as hed no right
to do to a girl in her station o life made her presents and used to go and
meet her out awalking I found it out only two days before he went away found
him akissing her as they were parting in the Grove Thered been nothing said
between me and Hetty then though Id loved her for a long while and she knew
it But I reproached him with his wrong actions and words and blows passed
between us and he said solemnly to me after that as it had been all nonsense
and no more than a bit o flirting But I made him write a letter to tell Hetty
hed meant nothing for I saw clear enough sir by several things as I hadnt
understood at the time as hed got hold of her heart and I thought shed
belike go on thinking of him and never come to love another man as wanted to
marry her And I gave her the letter and she seemed to bear it all after a
while better than Id expected and she behaved kinder and kinder to me I
daresay she didnt know her own feelings then poor thing and they came back
upon her when it was too late I dont want to blame her I cant think as
she meant to deceive me But I was encouraged to think she loved me and you
know the rest sir But its on my mind as hes been false to me and ticed her
away and shes gone to him and Im going now to see for I can never go to
work again till I know whats become of her«
During Adams narrative Mr Irwine had had time to recover his selfmastery
in spite of the painful thoughts that crowded upon him It was a bitter
remembrance to him now that morning when Arthur breakfasted with him and
seemed as if he were on the verge of a confession It was plain enough now what
he had wanted to confess And if their words had taken another turn if he
himself had been less fastidious about intruding on another mans secrets it
was cruel to think how thin a film had shut out rescue from all this guilt and
misery He saw the whole history now by that terrible illumination which the
present sheds back upon the past But every other feeling as it rushed upon him
was thrown into abeyance by pity deep respectful pity for the man who sat
before him already so bruised going forth with sad blind resignedness to an
unreal sorrow while a real one was close upon him too far beyond the range of
common trial for him ever to have feared it His own agitation was quelled by a
certain awe that comes over us in the presence of a great anguish for the
anguish he must inflict on Adam was already present to him Again he put his
hand on the arm that lay on the table but very gently this time as he said
solemnly
»Adam my dear friend you have had some hard trials in your life You can
bear sorrow manfully as well as act manfully God requires both tasks at our
hands And there is a heavier sorrow coming upon you than any you have yet
known But you are not guilty you have not the worst of all sorrows God help
him who has«
The two pale faces looked at each other in Adams there was trembling
suspense in Mr Irwines hesitating shrinking pity But he went on
»I have had news of Hetty this morning She is not gone to him She is in
Stonyshire at Stoniton«
Adam started up from his chair as if he thought he could have leaped to her
that moment But Mr Irwine laid hold of his arm again and said persuasively
»Wait Adam wait« So he sat down
»She is in a very unhappy position one which will make it worse for you to
find her my poor friend than to have lost her for ever«
Adams lips moved tremulously but no sound came They moved again and he
whispered »Tell me«
»She has been arrested she is in prison«
It was as if an insulting blow had brought back the spirit of resistance
into Adam The blood rushed to his face and he said loudly and sharply
»For what«
»For a great crime the murder of her child«
»It cant be« Adam almost shouted starting up from his chair and making a
stride towards the door but he turned round again setting his back against the
bookcase and looking fiercely at Mr Irwine »It isnt possible She never had
a child She cant be guilty Who says it«
»God grant she may be innocent Adam We can still hope she is«
»But who says she is guilty« said Adam violently »Tell me everything«
»Here is a letter from the magistrate before whom she was taken and the
constable who arrested her is in the diningroom She will not confess her name
or where she comes from but I fear I fear there can be no doubt it is Hetty
The description of her person corresponds only that she is said to look very
pale and ill She had a small redleather pocketbook in her pocket with two
names written in it one at the beginning Hetty Sorrel Hayslope and the
other near the end Dinah Morris Snowfield She will not say which is her own
name she denies everything and will answer no questions and application has
been made to me as a magistrate that I may take measures for identifying her
for it was thought probable that the name which stands first is her own name«
»But what proof have they got against her if it is Hetty« said Adam still
violently with an effort that seemed to shake his whole frame »Ill not
believe it It couldnt ha been and none of us know it«
»Terrible proof that she was under the temptation to commit the crime but
we have room to hope that she did not really commit it Try and read that
letter Adam«
Adam took the letter between his shaking hands and tried to fix his eyes
steadily on it Mr Irwine meanwhile went out to give some orders When he came
back Adams eyes were still on the first page he couldnt read he could not
put the words together and make out what they meant He threw it down at last
and clenched his fist
»Its his doing« he said »if theres been any crime its at his door not
at hers He taught her to deceive he deceived me first Let em put him on his
trial let him stand in court beside her and Ill tell em how he got hold of
her heart and ticed her t evil and then lied to me Is he to go free while
they lay all the punishment on her so weak and young«
The image called up by these last words gave a new direction to poor Adams
maddened feelings He was silent looking at the corner of the room as if he saw
something there Then he burst out again in a tone of appealing anguish
»I cant bear it O God its too hard to lay upon me its too hard to
think shes wicked«
Mr Irwine had sat down again in silence he was too wise to utter soothing
words at present and indeed the sight of Adam before him with that look of
sudden age which sometimes comes over a young face in moments of terrible
emotion the hard bloodless look of the skin the deep lines about the
quivering mouth the furrows in the brow the sight of this strong firm man
shattered by the invisible stroke of sorrow moved him so deeply that speech was
not easy Adam stood motionless with his eyes vacantly fixed in this way for a
minute or two in that short space he was living through all his love again
»She cant ha done it« he said still without moving his eyes as if he
were only talking to himself »it was fear made her hide it I forgive her
for deceiving me I forgive thee Hetty thee wast deceived too its
gone hard wi thee my poor Hetty but theyll never make me believe it«
He was silent again for a few moments and then he said with fierce
abruptness
»Ill go to him Ill bring him back Ill make him go and look at her in
her misery he shall look at her till he cant forget it it shall follow him
night and day as long as he lives it shall follow him he shant escape wi
lies this time Ill fetch him Ill drag him myself«
In the act of going towards the door Adam paused automatically and looked
about for his hat quite unconscious where he was or who was present with him
Mr Irwine had followed him and now took him by the arm saying in a quiet but
decided tone
»No Adam no Im sure you will wish to stay and see what good can be done
for her instead of going on a useless errand of vengeance The punishment will
surely fall without your aid Besides he is no longer in Ireland he must be on
his way home or would be long before you arrived for his grandfather I
know wrote for him to come at least ten days ago I want you now to go with me
to Stoniton I have ordered a horse for you to ride with us as soon as you can
compose yourself«
While Mr Irwine was speaking Adam recovered his consciousness of the
actual scene he rubbed his hair off his forehead and listened
»Remember« Mr Irwine went on »there are others to think of and act for
besides yourself Adam there are Hettys friends the good Poysers on whom
this stroke will fall more heavily than I can bear to think I expect it from
your strength of mind Adam from your sense of duty to God and man that you
will try to act as long as action can be of any use«
In reality Mr Irwine proposed this journey to Stoniton for Adams own
sake Movement with some object before him was the best means of counteracting
the violence of suffering in these first hours
»You will go with me to Stoniton Adam« he said again after a moments
pause »We have to see if it is really Hetty who is there you know«
»Yes sir« said Adam »Ill do what you think right But the folks at th
Hall Farm«
»I wish them not to know till I return to tell them myself I shall have
ascertained things then which I am uncertain about now and I shall return as
soon as possible Come now the horses are ready«
Chapter XL
The Bitter Waters Spread
Mr Irwine returned from Stoniton in a postchaise that night and the first
words Carroll said to him as he entered the house were that Squire
Donnithorne was dead found dead in his bed at ten oclock that morning and
that Mrs Irwine desired him to say she should be awake when Mr Irwine came
home and she begged him not to go to bed without seeing her
»Well Dauphin« Mrs Irwine said as her son entered her room »youre come
at last So the old gentlemans fidgetiness and low spirits which made him send
for Arthur in that sudden way really meant something I suppose Carroll has
told you that Donnithorne was found dead in his bed this morning You will
believe my prognostications another time though I daresay I shant live to
prognosticate anything but my own death«
»What have they done about Arthur« said Mr Irwine »Sent a messenger to
await him at Liverpool«
»Yes Ralph was gone before the news was brought to us Dear Arthur I shall
live now to see him master at the Chase and making good times on the estate
like a generoushearted fellow as he is Hell be as happy as a king now«
Mr Irwine could not help giving a slight groan he was worn with anxiety
and exertion and his mothers light words were almost intolerable
»What are you so dismal about Dauphin Is there any bad news Or are you
thinking of the danger for Arthur in crossing that frightful Irish Channel at
this time of year«
»No mother Im not thinking of that but Im not prepared to rejoice just
now«
»Youve been worried by this law business that youve been to Stoniton
about What in the world is it that you cant tell me«
»You will know byandby mother It would not be right for me to tell you
at present Goodnight youll sleep now you have no longer anything to listen
for«
Mr Irwine gave up his intention of sending a letter to meet Arthur since
it would not now hasten his return the news of his grandfathers death would
bring him as soon as he could possibly come He could go to bed now and get some
needful rest before the time came for the mornings heavy duty of carrying his
sickening news to the Hall Farm and to Adams home
Adam himself was not come back from Stoniton for though he shrank from
seeing Hetty he could not bear to go to a distance from her again
»Its no use sir« he said to the Rector »its no use for me to go back
I cant go to work again while shes here and I couldnt bear the sight o the
things and folks round home Ill take a bit of a room here where I can see the
prison walls and perhaps I shall get in time to bear seeing her«
Adam had not been shaken in his belief that Hetty was innocent of the crime
she was charged with for Mr Irwine feeling that the belief in her guilt would
be a crushing addition to Adams load had kept from him the facts which left no
hope in his own mind There was not any reason for thrusting the whole burthen
on Adam at once and Mr Irwine at parting only said »If the evidence should
tell too strongly against her Adam we may still hope for a pardon Her youth
and other circumstances will be a plea for her«
»Ah and its right people should know how she was tempted into the wrong
way« said Adam with bitter earnestness »Its right they should know it was a
fine gentleman made love to her and turned her head wi notions Youll
remember sir youve promised to tell my mother and Seth and the people at
the Farm who it was as led her wrong else theyll think harder of her than she
deserves Youll be doing her a hurt by sparing him and I hold him the
guiltiest before God let her ha done what she may If you spare him Ill
expose him«
»I think your demand is just Adam« said Mr Irwine »but when you are
calmer you will judge Arthur more mercifully I say nothing now only that his
punishment is in other hands than ours«
Mr Irwine felt it hard upon him that he should have to tell of Arthurs sad
part in the story of sin and sorrow he who cared for Arthur with fatherly
affection who had cared for him with fatherly pride But he saw clearly that
the secret must be known before long even apart from Adams determination
since it was scarcely to be supposed that Hetty would persist to the end in her
obstinate silence He made up his mind to withhold nothing from the Poysers but
to tell them the worst at once for there was no time to rob the tidings of
their suddenness Hettys trial must come on at the Lent assizes and they were
to be held at Stoniton the next week It was scarcely to be hoped that Martin
Poyser could escape the pain of being called as a witness and it was better he
should know everything as long beforehand as possible
Before ten oclock on Thursday morning the home at the Hall Farm was a house
of mourning for a misfortune felt to be worse than death The sense of family
dishonour was too keen even in the kind Martin Poyser the younger to leave
room for any compassion towards Hetty He and his father were simpleminded
farmers proud of their untarnished character proud that they came of a family
which had held up its head and paid its way as far back as its name was in the
parish register and Hetty had brought disgrace on them all disgrace that
could never be wiped out That was the allconquering feeling in the mind both
of father and son the scorching sense of disgrace which neutralised all other
sensibility and Mr Irwine was struck with surprise to observe that Mrs Poyser
was less severe than her husband We are often startled by the severity of mild
people on exceptional occasions the reason is that mild people are most liable
to be under the yoke of traditional impressions
»Im willing to pay any money as is wanted towards trying to bring her off«
said Martin the younger when Mr Irwine was gone while the old grandfather was
crying in the opposite chair »but Ill not go nigh her nor ever see her again
by my own will Shes made our bread bitter to us for all our lives to come
an we shall neer hold up our heads i this parish nor i any other The parson
talks o folks pitying us its poor amends pity ull make us«
»Pity« said the grandfather sharply »I neer wanted folkss pity i my
life afore an I mun begin to be looked down on now an me turned
seventytwo last St Thomass an all th underbearers and pallbearers as In
picked for my funeral are i this parish and the next tot Its o no use
now I mun be taen to the grave by strangers«
»Dont fret so father« said Mrs Poyser who had spoken very little being
almost overawed by her husbands unusual hardness and decision »Youll have
your children wi you an theres the lads and the little un ull grow up in a
new parish as well as i th old un«
»Ah theres no staying i this country for us now« said Mr Poyser and
the hard tears trickled slowly down his round cheeks »We thought it ud be bad
luck if the old Squire gave us notice this Lady Day but I must gi notice
myself now an see if there can anybody be got to come an take to the crops as
In put i the ground for I wonna stay upo that mans land a day longer nor
Im forced tot An me as thought him such a good upright young man as I
should be glad when he come to be our landlord Ill neer lift my hat to him
again nor sit i the same church wi him a man as has brought shame on
respectable folks an pretended to be such a friend t everybody Poor
Adam there a fine friend hes been t Adam making speeches an talking so
fine an all the while poisoning the lads life as its much if he can stay i
this country any more nor we can«
»An you t ha to go into court and own youre akin t her« said the old
man »Why theyll cast it up to the little un as isnt four ear old some day
theyll cast it up t her as shed a cousin tried at the sizes for murder«
»Itll be their own wickedness then« said Mrs Poyser with a sob in her
voice »But theres One above ull take care o the innicent child else its
but little truth they tell us at church Itll be harder nor ever to die an
leave the little uns an nobody to be a mother to em«
»Wed better ha sent for Dinah if wed known where she is« said Mr
Poyser »but Adam said shed left no direction where shed be at Leeds«
»Why shed be wi that woman as was a friend t her aunt Judith« said Mrs
Poyser comforted a little by this suggestion of her husbands »Ive often
heard Dinah talk of her but I cant remember what name she called her by But
theres Seth Bede hes like enough to know for shes a preaching woman as the
Methodists think a deal on«
»Ill send to Seth« said Mr Poyser »Ill send Alick to tell him to come
or else to send us word o the womans name an thee canst write a letter ready
to send off to Treddleson as soon as we can make out a direction«
»Its poor work writing letters when you want folks to come to you i
trouble« said Mrs Poyser »Happen itll be ever so long on the road an never
reach her at last«
Before Alick arrived with the message Lisbeths thoughts too had already
flown to Dinah and she had said to Seth
»Eh theres no comfort for us i this world any more wiout thee couldst
get Dinah Morris to come to us as she did when my old man died Id like her to
come in an take me by th hand again an talk to me shed tell me the rights
ont belike shed happen know some good i all this trouble an heartbreak
comin upo that poor lad as neer done a bit o wrong ins life but war
better nor anybody elses son pick the country round Eh my lad Adam my
poor lad«
»Thee wouldstna like me to leave thee to go and fetch Dinah« said Seth as
his mother sobbed and rocked herself to and fro
»Fetch her« said Lisbeth looking up and pausing from her grief like a
crying child who hears some promise of consolation »Why what place ist shes
at do they say«
»Its a good way off mother Leeds a big town But I could be back in
three days if thee couldst spare me«
»Nay nay I canna spare thee Thee must go an see thy brother an bring
me word what hes adoin Mester Irwine said hed come an tell me but I canna
make out so well what it means when he tells me Thee must go thysen sin Adam
wonna let me go to him Write a letter to Dinah canstna Theet fond enough o
writin when nobody wants thee«
»Im not sure where shed be i that big town« said Seth »If Id gone
myself I could ha found out by asking the members o the Society But perhaps
if I put Sarah Williamson Methodist preacher Leeds o th outside it might
get to her for most like shed be wi Sarah Williamson«
Alick came now with the message and Seth finding that Mrs Poyser was
writing to Dinah gave up the intention of writing himself but he went to the
Hall Farm to tell them all he could suggest about the address of the letter and
warn them that there might be some delay in the delivery from his not knowing
an exact direction
On leaving Lisbeth Mr Irwine had gone to Jonathan Burge who had also a
claim to be acquainted with what was likely to keep Adam away from business for
some time and before six oclock that evening there were few people in Broxton
and Hayslope who had not heard the sad news Mr Irwine had not mentioned
Arthurs name to Burge and yet the story of his conduct towards Hetty with all
the dark shadows cast upon it by its terrible consequences was presently as
well known as that his grandfather was dead and that he was come into the
estate For Martin Poyser felt no motive to keep silence towards the one or two
neighbours who ventured to come and shake him sorrowfully by the hand on the
first day of his trouble and Carroll who kept his ears open to all that passed
at the Rectory had framed an inferential version of the story and found early
opportunities of communicating it
One of those neighbours who came to Martin Poyser and shook him by the hand
without speaking for some minutes was Bartle Massey He had shut up his school
and was on his way to the Rectory where he arrived about halfpast seven in the
evening and sending his duty to Mr Irwine begged pardon for troubling him at
that hour but had something particular on his mind He was shown into the
study where Mr Irwine soon joined him
»Well Bartle« said Mr Irwine putting out his hand That was not his
usual way of saluting the schoolmaster but trouble makes us treat all who feel
with us very much alike »Sit down«
»You know what Im come about as well as I do sir I daresay« said Bartle
»You wish to know the truth about the sad news that has reached you
about Hetty Sorrel«
»Nay sir what I wish to know is about Adam Bede I understand you left him
at Stoniton and I beg the favour of you to tell me whats the state of the poor
lads mind and what he means to do For as for that bit o pinkandwhite
theyve taken the trouble to put in jail I dont value her a rotten nut not a
rotten nut only for the harm or good that may come out of her to an honest man
a lad Ive set such store by trusted to that hed make my bit o knowledge
go a good way in the world Why sir hes the only scholar Ive had in this
stupid country that ever had the will or the headpiece for mathematics If he
hadnt had so much hard work to do poor fellow he might have gone into the
higher branches and then this might never have happened might never have
happened«
Bartle was heated by the exertion of walking fast in an agitated frame of
mind and was not able to check himself on this first occasion of venting his
feelings But he paused now to rub his moist forehead and probably his moist
eyes also
»Youll excuse me sir« he said when this pause had given him time to
reflect »for running on in this way about my own feelings like that foolish
dog of mine howling in a storm when theres nobody wants to listen to me I
came to hear you speak not to talk myself if youll take the trouble to tell
me what the poor lads doing«
»Dont put yourself under any restraint Bartle« said Mr Irwine »The fact
is Im very much in the same condition as you just now Ive a great deal
thats painful on my mind and I find it hard work to be quite silent about my
own feelings and only attend to others I share your concern for Adam though he
is not the only one whose sufferings I care for in this affair He intends to
remain at Stoniton till after the trial it will come on probably a week
tomorrow He has taken a room there and I encouraged him to do so because I
think it better he should be away from his own home at present and poor
fellow he still believes Hetty is innocent he wants to summon up courage to
see her if he can he is unwilling to leave the spot where she is«
»Do you think the creaturs guilty then« said Bartle »Do you think
theyll hang her«
»Im afraid it will go hard with her the evidence is very strong And one
bad symptom is that she denies everything denies that she has had a child in
the face of the most positive evidence I saw her myself and she was
obstinately silent to me she shrank up like a frightened animal when she saw
me I was never so shocked in my life as at the change in her But I trust that
in the worst case we may obtain a pardon for the sake of the innocent who are
involved«
»Stuff and nonsense« said Bartle forgetting in his irritation to whom he
was speaking »I beg your pardon sir I mean its stuff and nonsense for the
innocent to care about her being hanged For my own part I think the sooner
such women are put out o the world the better and the men that help em to do
mischief had better go along with em for that matter What good will you do by
keeping such vermin alive eating the victual that ud feed rational beings But
if Adams fool enough to care about it I dont want him to suffer more thans
needful Is he very much cut up poor fellow« Bartle added taking out his
spectacles and putting them on as if they would assist his imagination
»Yes Im afraid the grief cuts very deep« said Mr Irwine »He looks
terribly shattered and a certain violence came over him now and then yesterday
which made me wish I could have remained near him But I shall go to Stoniton
again tomorrow and I have confidence enough in the strength of Adams
principle to trust that he will be able to endure the worst without being driven
to anything rash«
Mr Irwine who was involuntarily uttering his own thoughts rather than
addressing Bartle Massey in the last sentence had in his mind the possibility
that the spirit of vengeance towards Arthur which was the form Adams anguish
was continually taking might make him seek an encounter that was likely to end
more fatally than the one in the Grove This possibility heightened the anxiety
with which he looked forward to Arthurs arrival But Bartle thought Mr Irwine
was referring to suicide and his face wore a new alarm
»Ill tell you what I have in my head sir« he said »and I hope youll
approve of it Im going to shut up my school if the scholars come they must
go back again thats all and I shall go to Stoniton and look after Adam till
this business is over Ill pretend Im come to look on at the assizes he cant
object to that What do you think about it sir«
»Well« said Mr Irwine rather hesitatingly »there would be some real
advantages in that and I honour you for your friendship towards him Bartle
But you must be careful what you say to him you know Im afraid you have
too little fellowfeeling in what you consider his weakness about Hetty«
»Trust to me sir trust to me I know what you mean Ive been a fool
myself in my time but thats between you and me I shant thrust myself on him
only keep my eye on him and see that he gets some good food and put in a
word here and there«
»Then« said Mr Irwine reassured a little as to Bartles discretion »I
think youll be doing a good deed and it will be well for you to let Adams
mother and brother know that youre going«
»Yes sir yes« said Bartle rising and taking off his spectacles »Ill
do that Ill do that though the mothers a whimpering thing I dont like to
come within earshot of her however shes a straightbacked clean woman none
of your slatterns I wish you goodbye sir and thank you for the time youve
spared me Youre everybodys friend in this business everybodys friend Its
a heavy weight youve got on your shoulders«
»Goodbye Bartle till we meet at Stoniton as I daresay we shall«
Bartle hurried away from the Rectory evading Carrolls conversational
advances and saying in an exasperated tone to Vixen whose short legs pattered
beside him on the gravel
»Now I shall be obliged to take you with me you goodfornothing woman
Youd go fretting yourself to death if I left you you know you would and
perhaps get snapped up by some tramp and youll be running into bad company I
expect putting your nose in every hole and corner where youve no business but
if you do anything disgraceful Ill disown you mind that madam mind that«
Chapter XLI
The Eve of the Trial
An upper room in a dull Stoniton street with two beds in it one laid on the
floor It is ten oclock on Thursday night and the dark wall opposite the
window shuts out the moonlight that might have struggled with the light of the
one dip candle by which Bartle Massey is pretending to read while he is really
looking over his spectacles at Adam Bede seated near the dark window
You would hardly have known it was Adam without being told His face has got
thinner this last week he has the sunken eyes the neglected beard of a man
just risen from a sickbed His heavy black hair hangs over his forehead and
there is no active impulse in him which inclines him to push it off that he may
be more awake to what is around him He has one arm over the back of the chair
and he seems to be looking down at his clasped hands He is roused by a knock at
the door
»There he is« said Bartle Massey rising hastily and unfastening the door
It was Mr Irwine
Adam rose from his chair with instinctive respect as Mr Irwine approached
him and took his hand
»Im late Adam« he said sitting down on the chair which Bartle placed for
him »but I was later in setting off from Broxton than I intended to be and I
have been incessantly occupied since I arrived I have done everything now
however everything that can be done tonight at least Let us all sit down«
Adam took his chair again mechanically and Bartle for whom there was no
chair remaining sat on the bed in the background
»Have you seen her sir« said Adam tremulously
»Yes Adam I and the chaplain have both been with her this evening«
»Did you ask her sir did you say anything about me«
»Yes« said Mr Irwine with some hesitation »I spoke of you I said you
wished to see her before the trial if she consented«
As Mr Irwine paused Adam looked at him with eager questioning eyes
»You know she shrinks from seeing any one Adam It is not only you some
fatal influence seems to have shut up her heart against her fellowcreatures
She has scarcely said anything more than No either to me or the chaplain Three
or four days ago before you were mentioned to her when I asked her if there
was any one of her family whom she would like to see to whom she could open
her mind she said with a violent shudder Tell them not to come near me I
wont see any of them«
Adams head was hanging down again and he did not speak There was silence
for a few minutes and then Mr Irwine said
»I dont like to advise you against your own feelings Adam if they now
urge you strongly to go and see her tomorrow morning even without her consent
It is just possible notwithstanding appearances to the contrary that the
interview might affect her favourably But I grieve to say I have scarcely any
hope of that She didnt seem agitated when I mentioned your name she only said
No in the same cold obstinate way as usual And if the meeting had no good
effect on her it would be pure useless suffering to you severe suffering I
fear She is very much changed«
Adam started up from his chair and seized his hat which lay on the table
But he stood still then and looked at Mr Irwine as if he had a question to
ask which it was yet difficult to utter Bartle Massey rose quietly turned the
key in the door and put it in his pocket
»Is he come back« said Adam at last
»No he is not« said Mr Irwine quietly »Lay down your hat Adam unless
you like to walk out with me for a little fresh air I fear you have not been
out again today«
»You neednt deceive me sir« said Adam looking hard at Mr Irwine and
speaking in a tone of angry suspicion »You neednt be afraid of me I only want
justice I want him to feel what she feels Its his work she was a child as
it ud ha gone t anybodys heart to look at I dont care what shes done
it was him brought her to it And he shall know it he shall feel it
if theres a just God he shall feel what it is t ha brought a child like her
to sin and misery«
»Im not deceiving you Adam« said Mr Irwine »Arthur Donnithorne is not
come back was not come back when I left I have left a letter for him he will
know all as soon as he arrives«
»But you dont mind about it« said Adam indignantly »You think it doesnt
matter as she lies there in shame and misery and he knows nothing about it he
suffers nothing«
»Adam he will know he will suffer long and bitterly He has a heart and
a conscience I cant be entirely deceived in his character I am convinced I
am sure he didnt fall under temptation without a struggle He may be weak but
he is not callous not coldly selfish I am persuaded that this will be a shock
of which he will feel the effects all his life Why do you crave vengeance in
this way No amount of torture that you could inflict on him could benefit her«
»No O God no« Adam groaned out sinking on his chair again »but then
thats the deepest curse of all thats what makes the blackness of it it
can never be undone My poor Hetty she can never be my sweet Hetty again
the prettiest thing God had made smiling up at me I thought she loved me
and was good«
Adams voice had been gradually sinking into a hoarse undertone as if he
were only talking to himself but now he said abruptly looking at Mr Irwine
»But she isnt as guilty as they say You dont think she is sir She cant ha
done it«
»That perhaps can never be known with certainty Adam« Mr Irwine answered
gently »In these cases we sometimes form our judgment on what seems to us
strong evidence and yet for want of knowing some small fact our judgment is
wrong But suppose the worst you have no right to say that the guilt of her
crime lies with him and that he ought to bear the punishment It is not for us
men to apportion the shares of moral guilt and retribution We find it
impossible to avoid mistakes even in determining who has committed a single
criminal act and the problem how far a man is to be held responsible for the
unforeseen consequences of his own deed is one that might well make us tremble
to look into it The evil consequences that may lie folded in a single act of
selfish indulgence is a thought so awful that it ought surely to awaken some
feeling less presumptuous than a rash desire to punish You have a mind that can
understand this fully Adam when you are calm Dont suppose I cant enter into
the anguish that drives you into this state of revengeful hatred but think of
this if you were to obey your passion for it is passion and you deceive
yourself in calling it justice it might be with you precisely as it has been
with Arthur nay worse your passion might lead you yourself into a horrible
crime«
»No not worse« said Adam bitterly »I dont believe its worse Id
sooner do it Id sooner do a wickedness as I could suffer for by myself than
ha brought her to do wickedness and then stand by and see em punish her while
they let me alone and all for a bit o pleasure as if hed had a mans heart
in him hed ha cut his hand off sooner than hed ha taken it What if he
didnt foresee whats happened He foresaw enough hed no right to expect
anything but harm and shame to her And then he wanted to smooth it off wi
lies No theres plenty o things folks are hanged for not half so hateful as
that let a man do what he will if he knows hes to bear the punishment
himself he isnt half so bad as a mean selfish coward as makes things easy t
himself and knows all the while the punishment ull fall on somebody else«
»There again you partly deceive yourself Adam There is no sort of wrong
deed of which a man can bear the punishment alone you cant isolate yourself
and say that the evil which is in you shall not spread Mens lives are as
thoroughly blended with each other as the air they breathe evil spreads as
necessarily as disease I know I feel the terrible extent of suffering this sin
of Arthurs has caused to others but so does every sin cause suffering to
others besides those who commit it An act of vengeance on your part against
Arthur would simply be another evil added to those we are suffering under you
could not bear the punishment alone you would entail the worst sorrows on every
one who loves you You would have committed an act of blind fury that would
leave all the present evils just as they were and add worse evils to them You
may tell me that you meditate no fatal act of vengeance but the feeling in your
mind is what gives birth to such actions and as long as you indulge it as long
as you do not see that to fix your mind on Arthurs punishment is revenge and
not justice you are in danger of being led on to the commission of some great
wrong Remember what you told me about your feelings after you had given that
blow to Arthur in the Grove«
Adam was silent the last words had called up a vivid image of the past and
Mr Irwine left him to his thoughts while he spoke to Bartle Massey about old
Mr Donnithornes funeral and other matters of an indifferent kind But at
length Adam turned round and said in a more subdued tone
»Ive not asked about em at th Hall Farm sir Is Mr Poyser coming«
»He is come he is in Stoniton tonight But I could not advise him to see
you Adam His own mind is in a very perturbed state and it is best he should
not see you till you are calmer«
»Is Dinah Morris come to em sir Seth said theyd sent for her«
»No Mr Poyser tells me she was not come when he left Theyre afraid the
letter has not reached her It seems they had no exact address«
Adam sat ruminating a little while and then said
»I wonder if Dinah ud ha gone to see her But perhaps the Poysers would
ha been sorely against it since they wont come nigh her themselves But I
think she would for the Methodists are great folks for going into the prisons
and Seth said he thought she would Shed a very tender way with her Dinah had
I wonder if she could ha done any good You never saw her sir did you«
»Yes I did I had a conversation with her she pleased me a good deal And
now you mention it I wish she would come for it is possible that a gentle
mild woman like her might move Hetty to open her heart The jail chaplain is
rather harsh in his manner«
»But its o no use if she doesnt come« said Adam sadly
»If Id thought of it earlier I would have taken some measures for finding
her out« said Mr Irwine »but its too late now I fear Well Adam I must
go now Try to get some rest tonight God bless you Ill see you early
tomorrow morning«
Chapter XLII
The Morning of the Trial
At one oclock the next day Adam was alone in his dull upper room his watch
lay before him on the table as if he were counting the long minutes He had no
knowledge of what was likely to be said by the witnesses on the trial for he
had shrunk from all the particulars connected with Hettys arrest and
accusation This brave active man who would have hastened towards any danger or
toil to rescue Hetty from an apprehended wrong or misfortune felt himself
powerless to contemplate irremediable evil and suffering The susceptibility
which would have been an impelling force where there was any possibility of
action became helpless anguish when he was obliged to be passive or else
sought an active outlet in the thought of inflicting justice on Arthur
Energetic natures strong for all strenuous deeds will often rush away from a
hopeless sufferer as if they were hardhearted It is the overmastering sense
of pain that drives them They shrink by an ungovernable instinct as they would
shrink from laceration Adam had brought himself to think of seeing Hetty if
she would consent to see him because he thought the meeting might possibly be a
good to her might help to melt away this terrible hardness they told him of
If she saw he bore her no illwill for what she had done to him she might open
her heart to him But this resolution had been an immense effort he trembled at
the thought of seeing her changed face as a timid woman trembles at the thought
of the surgeons knife and he chose now to bear the long hours of suspense
rather than encounter what seemed to him the more intolerable agony of
witnessing her trial
Deep unspeakable suffering may well be called a baptism a regeneration
the initiation into a new state The yearning memories the bitter regret the
agonised sympathy the struggling appeals to the Invisible Right all the
intense emotions which had filled the days and nights of the past week and were
compressing themselves again like an eager crowd into the hours of this single
morning made Adam look back on all the previous years as if they had been a dim
sleepy existence and he had only now awaked to full consciousness It seemed to
him as if he had always before thought it a light thing that men should suffer
as if all that he had himself endured and called sorrow before was only a
moments stroke that had never left a bruise Doubtless a great anguish may do
the work of years and we may come out from that baptism of fire with a soul
full of new awe and new pity
»O God« Adam groaned as he leaned on the table and looked blankly at the
face of the watch »and men have suffered like this before and poor helpless
young things have suffered like her Such a little while ago looking so
happy and so pretty kissing em all her grandfather and all of em and
they wishing her luck Oh my poor poor Hetty dost think on it now«
Adam started and looked round towards the door Vixen had begun to whimper
and there was a sound of a stick and a lame walk on the stairs It was Bartle
Massey come back Could it be all over
Bartle entered quietly and going up to Adam grasped his hand and said
»Im just come to look at you my boy for the folks are gone out of court for a
bit«
Adams heart beat so violently he was unable to speak he could only
return the pressure of his friends hand and Bartle drawing up the other
chair came and sat in front of him taking off his hat and his spectacles
»Thats a thing never happened to me before« he observed »to go out o
door with my spectacles on I clean forgot to take em off«
The old man made this trivial remark thinking it better not to respond at
all to Adams agitation he would gather in an indirect way that there was
nothing decisive to communicate at present
»And now« he said rising again »I must see to your having a bit of the
loaf and some of that wine Mr Irwine sent this morning Hell be angry with me
if you dont have it Come now« he went on bringing forward the bottle and
the loaf and pouring some wine into a cup »I must have a bit and a sup myself
Drink a drop with me my lad drink with me«
Adam pushed the cup gently away and said entreatingly »Tell me about it
Mr Massey tell me all about it Was she there Have they begun«
»Yes my boy yes its taken all the time since I first went but theyre
slow theyre slow and theres the counsel theyve got for her puts a spoke in
the wheel whenever he can and makes a deal to do with crossexamining the
witnesses and quarrelling with the other lawyers Thats all he can do for the
money they give him and its a big sum its a big sum But hes a cute
fellow with an eye that ud pick the needles out of the hay in no time If a
man had got no feelings it ud be as good as a demonstration to listen to what
goes on in court but a tender heart makes one stupid Id have given up figures
for ever only to have had some good news to bring to you my poor lad«
»But does it seem to be going against her« said Adam »Tell me what theyve
said I must know it now I must know what they have to bring against her«
»Why the chief evidence yet has been the doctors all but Martin Poyser
poor Martin Everybody in court felt for him it was like one sob the sound
they made when he came down again The worst was when they told him to look at
the prisoner at the bar It was hard work poor fellow it was hard work Adam
my boy the blow falls heavily on him as well as you you must help poor Martin
you must show courage Drink some wine now and show me you mean to bear it like
a man«
Bartle had made the right sort of appeal Adam with an air of quiet
obedience took up the cup and drank a little
»Tell me how she looked« he said presently
»Frightened very frightened when they first brought her in it was the
first sight of the crowd and the judge poor creatur And theres a lot o
foolish women in fine clothes with gewgaws all up their arms and feathers on
their heads sitting near the judge theyve dressed themselves out in that way
one ud think to be scarecrows and warnings against any man ever meddling with
a woman again they put up their glasses and stared and whispered But after
that she stood like a white image staring down at her hands and seeming
neither to hear nor see anything And shes as white as a sheet She didnt
speak when they asked her if shed plead guilty or not guilty and they pled not
guilty for her But when she heard her uncles name there seemed to go a shiver
right through her and when they told him to look at her she hung her head
down and cowered and hid her face in her hands Hed much ado to speak poor
man his voice trembled so And the counsellors who look as hard as nails
mostly I saw spared him as much as they could Mr Irwine put himself near
him and went with him out o court Ah its a great thing in a mans life to
be able to stand by a neighbour and uphold him in such trouble as that«
»God bless him and you too Mr Massey« said Adam in a low voice laying
his hand on Bartles arm
»Ay ay hes good metal he gives the right ring when you try him our
parson does A man o sense says no more thans needful Hes not one of those
that think they can comfort you with chattering as if folks who stand by and
look on knew a deal better what the trouble was than those who have to bear it
Ive had to do with such folks in my time in the south when I was in trouble
myself Mr Irwine is to be a witness himself byandby on her side you know
to speak to her character and bringing up«
»But the other evidence does it go hard against her« said Adam »What
do you think Mr Massey Tell me the truth«
»Yes my lad yes the truth is the best thing to tell It must come at
last The doctors evidence is heavy on her is heavy But shes gone on
denying shes had a child from first to last these poor silly womenthings
theyve not the sense to know its no use denying whats proved Itll make
against her with the jury I doubt her being so obstinate they may be less for
recommending her to mercy if the verdicts against her But Mr Irwine ll
leave no stone unturned with the judge you may rely upon that Adam«
»Is there nobody to stand by her and seem to care for her in the court«
said Adam
»Theres the chaplain o the jail sits near her but hes a sharp
ferretyfaced man another sort o flesh and blood to Mr Irwine They say the
jail chaplains are mostly the fagend o the clergy«
»Theres one man as ought to be there« said Adam bitterly Presently he
drew himself up and looked fixedly out of the window apparently turning over
some new idea in his mind
»Mr Massey« he said at last pushing the hair off his forehead »Ill go
back with you Ill go into court Its cowardly of me to keep away Ill stand
by her Ill own her for all shes been deceitful They oughtnt to cast her
off her own flesh and blood We hand folks over to Gods mercy and show none
ourselves I used to be hard sometimes Ill never be hard again Ill go Mr
Massey Ill go with you«
There was a decision in Adams manner which would have prevented Bartle from
opposing him even if he had wished to do so He only said
»Take a bit then and another sup Adam for the love of me See I must
stop and eat a morsel Now you take some«
Nerved by an active resolution Adam took a morsel of bread and drank some
wine He was haggard and unshaven as he had been yesterday but he stood
upright again and looked more like the Adam Bede of former days
Chapter XLIII
The Verdict
The place fitted up that day as a court of justice was a grand old hall now
destroyed by fire The midday light that fell on the close pavement of human
heads was shed through a line of high pointed windows variegated with the
mellow tints of old painted glass Grim dusty armour hung in high relief in
front of the dark oaken gallery at the farther end and under the broad arch of
the great mullioned window opposite was spread a curtain of old tapestry
covered with dim melancholy figures like a dozing indistinct dream of the past
It was a place that through the rest of the year was haunted with the shadowy
memories of old kings and queens unhappy discrowned imprisoned but today
all those shadows had fled and not a soul in the vast hall felt the presence of
any but a living sorrow which was quivering in warm hearts
But that sorrow seemed to have made itself feebly felt hitherto now when
Adam Bedes tall figure was suddenly seen being ushered to the side of the
prisoners dock In the broad sunlight of the great hall among the sleek shaven
faces of other men the marks of suffering in his face were startling even to
Mr Irwine who had last seen him in the dim light of his small room and the
neighbours from Hayslope who were present and who told Hetty Sorrels story by
their firesides in their old age never forgot to say how it moved them when
Adam Bede poor fellow taller by the head than most of the people round him
came into court and took his place by her side
But Hetty did not see him She was standing in the same position Bartle
Massey had described her hands crossed over each other and her eyes fixed on
them Adam had not dared to look at her in the first moments but at last when
the attention of the court was withdrawn by the proceedings he turned his face
towards her with a resolution not to shrink
Why did they say she was so changed In the corpse we love it is the
likeness we see it is the likeness which makes itself felt the more keenly
because something else was and is not There they were the sweet face and
neck with the dark tendrils of hair the long dark lashes the rounded cheek
and the pouting lips pale and thin yes but like Hetty and only Hetty
Others thought she looked as if some demon had cast a blighting glance upon her
withered up the womans soul in her and left only a hard despairing obstinacy
But the mothers yearning that completest type of the life in another life
which is the essence of real human love feels the presence of the cherished
child even in the debased degraded man and to Adam this pale hardlooking
culprit was the Hetty who had smiled at him in the garden under the appletree
boughs she was that Hettys corpse which he had trembled to look at the first
time and then was unwilling to turn away his eyes from
But presently he heard something that compelled him to listen and made the
sense of sight less absorbing A woman was in the witnessbox a middleaged
woman who spoke in a firm distinct voice She said
»My name is Sarah Stone I am a widow and keep a small shop licensed to
sell tobacco snuff and tea in Church Lane Stoniton The prisoner at the bar
is the same young woman who came looking ill and tired with a basket on her
arm and asked for a lodging at my house on Saturday evening the 27th of
February She had taken the house for a public because there was a figure
against the door And when I said I didnt take in lodgers the prisoner began
to cry and said she was too tired to go anywhere else and she only wanted a
bed for one night And her prettiness and her condition and something
respectable about her clothes and looks and the trouble she seemed to be in
made me as I couldnt find in my heart to send her away at once I asked her to
sit down and gave her some tea and asked her where she was going and where
her friends were She said she was going home to her friends they were farming
folks a good way off and shed had a long journey that had cost her more money
than she expected so as shed hardly any money left in her pocket and was
afraid of going where it would cost her much She had been obliged to sell most
of the things out of her basket but shed thankfully give a shilling for a bed
I saw no reason why I shouldnt take the young woman in for the night I had
only one room but there were two beds in it and I told her she might stay with
me I thought shed been led wrong and got into trouble but if she was going
to her friends it would be a good work to keep her out of further harm«
The witness then stated that in the night a child was born and she
identified the babyclothes then shown to her as those in which she had herself
dressed the child
»Those are the clothes I made them myself and had kept them by me ever
since my last child was born I took a deal of trouble both for the child and
the mother I couldnt help taking to the little thing and being anxious about
it I didnt send for a doctor for there seemed no need I told the mother in
the daytime she must tell me the name of her friends and where they lived and
let me write to them She said byandby she would write herself but not
today She would have no nay but she would get up and be dressed in spite of
everything I could say She said she felt quite strong enough and it was
wonderful what spirit she showed But I wasnt quite easy what I should do about
her and towards evening I made up my mind Id go after Meeting was over and
speak to our minister about it I left the house about halfpast eight oclock
I didnt go out at the shop door but at the back door which opens into a
narrow alley Ive only got the groundfloor of the house and the kitchen and
bedroom both look into the alley I left the prisoner sitting up by the fire in
the kitchen with the baby on her lap She hadnt cried or seemed low at all as
she did the night before I thought she had a strange look with her eyes and
she got a bit flushed towards evening I was afraid of the fever and I thought
Id call and ask an acquaintance of mine an experienced woman to come back
with me when I went out It was a very dark night I didnt fasten the door
behind me there was no lock it was a latch with a bolt inside and when there
was nobody in the house I always went out at the shop door But I thought there
was no danger in leaving it unfastened that little while I was longer than I
meant to be for I had to wait for the woman that came back with me It was an
hour and a half before we got back and when we went in the candle was standing
burning just as I left it but the prisoner and the baby were both gone Shed
taken her cloak and bonnet but shed left the basket and the things in it
I was dreadful frightened and angry with her for going I didnt go to give
information because Id no thought she meant to do any harm and I knew she had
money in her pocket to buy her food and lodging I didnt like to set the
constable after her for shed a right to go from me if she liked«
The effect of this evidence on Adam was electrical it gave him new force
Hetty could not be guilty of the crime her heart must have clung to her baby
else why should she have taken it with her She might have left it behind The
little creature had died naturally and then she had hidden it babies were so
liable to death and there might be the strongest suspicions without any proof
of guilt His mind was so occupied with imaginary arguments against such
suspicions that he could not listen to the crossexamination by Hettys
counsel who tried without result to elicit evidence that the prisoner had
shown some movements of maternal affection towards the child The whole time
this witness was being examined Hetty had stood as motionless as before no
word seemed to arrest her ear But the sound of the next witnesss voice touched
a chord that was still sensitive she gave a start and a frightened look towards
him but immediately turned away her head and looked down at her hands as
before This witness was a man a rough peasant He said
»My name is John Olding I am a labourer and live at Tedds Hole two miles
out of Stoniton A week last Monday towards one oclock in the afternoon I was
going towards Hetton Coppice and about a quarter of a mile from the coppice I
saw the prisoner in a red cloak sitting under a bit of a haystack not far off
the stile She got up when she saw me and seemed as if shed be walking on the
other way It was a regular road through the fields and nothing very uncommon
to see a young woman there but I took notice of her because she looked white
and scared I should have thought she was a beggarwoman only for her good
clothes I thought she looked a bit crazy but it was no business of mine I
stood and looked back after her but she went right on while she was in sight I
had to go to the other side of the coppice to look after some stakes Theres a
road right through it and bits of openings here and there where the trees have
been cut down and some of em not carried away I didnt go straight along the
road but turned off towards the middle and took a shorter way towards the spot
I wanted to get to I hadnt got far out of the road into one of the open
places before I heard a strange cry I thought it didnt come from any animal I
knew but I wasnt for stopping to look about just then But it went on and
seemed so strange to me in that place I couldnt help stopping to look I began
to think I might make some money of it if it was a new thing But I had hard
work to tell which way it came from and for a good while I kept looking up at
the boughs And then I thought it came from the ground and there was a lot of
timberchoppings lying about and loose pieces of turf and a trunk or two And
I looked about among them but could find nothing and at last the cry stopped
So I was for giving it up and I went on about my business But when I came back
the same way pretty nigh an hour after I couldnt help laying down my stakes to
have another look And just as I was stooping and laying down the stakes I saw
something odd and round and whitish lying on the ground under a nutbush by the
side of me And I stooped down on hands and knees to pick it up And I saw it
was a little babys hand«
At these words a thrill ran through the court Hetty was visibly trembling
now for the first time she seemed to be listening to what a witness said
»There was a lot of timberchoppings put together just where the ground went
hollow like under the bush and the hand came out from among them But there
was a hole left in one place and I could see down it and see the childs head
and I made haste and did away the turf and the choppings and took out the
child It had got comfortable clothes on but its body was cold and I thought
it must be dead I made haste back with it out of the wood and took it home to
my wife She said it was dead and Id better take it to the parish and tell the
constable And I said Ill lay my life its that young womans child as I met
going to the coppice But she seemed to be gone clean out of sight And I took
the child on to Hetton parish and told the constable and we went on to Justice
Hardy And then we went looking after the young woman till dark at night and we
went and gave information at Stoniton as they might stop her And the next
morning another constable came to me to go with him to the spot where I found
the child And when we got there there was the prisoner asitting against the
bush where I found the child and she cried out when she saw us but she never
offered to move Shed got a big piece of bread on her lap«
Adam had given a faint groan of despair while this witness was speaking He
had hidden his face on his arm which rested on the boarding in front of him It
was the supreme moment of his suffering Hetty was guilty and he was silently
calling to God for help He heard no more of the evidence and was unconscious
when the case for the prosecution had closed unconscious that Mr Irwine was
in the witnessbox telling of Hettys unblemished character in her own parish
and of the virtuous habits in which she had been brought up This testimony
could have no influence on the verdict but it was given as part of that plea
for mercy which her own counsel would have made if he had been allowed to speak
for her a favour not granted to criminals in those stern times
At last Adam lifted up his head for there was a general movement round him
The judge had addressed the jury and they were retiring The decisive moment
was not far off Adam felt a shuddering horror that would not let him look at
Hetty but she had long relapsed into her blank hard indifference All eyes were
strained to look at her but she stood like a statue of dull despair
There was a mingled rustling whispering and low buzzing throughout the
court during this interval The desire to listen was suspended and every one
had some feeling or opinion to express in undertones Adam sat looking blankly
before him but he did not see the objects that were right in front of his eyes
the counsel and attorneys talking with an air of cool business and Mr Irwine
in low earnest conversation with the judge did not see Mr Irwine sit down
again in agitation and shake his head mournfully when somebody whispered to
him The inward action was too intense for Adam to take in outward objects until
some strong sensation roused him
It was not very long hardly more than a quarter of an hour before the
knock which told that the jury had come to their decision fell as a signal for
silence on every ear It is sublime that sudden pause of a great multitude
which tells that one soul moves in them all Deeper and deeper the silence
seemed to become like the deepening night while the jurymens names were
called over and the prisoner was made to hold up her hand and the jury were
asked for their verdict
»Guilty«
It was the verdict every one expected but there was a sigh of
disappointment from some hearts that it was followed by no recommendation to
mercy Still the sympathy of the court was not with the prisoner the
unnaturalness of her crime stood out the more harshly by the side of her hard
immovability and obstinate silence Even the verdict to distant eyes had not
appeared to move her but those who were near saw her trembling
The stillness was less intense until the judge put on his black cap and the
chaplain in his canonicals was observed behind him Then it deepened again
before the crier had had time to command silence If any sound were heard it
must have been the sound of beating hearts The judge spoke
»Hester Sorrel«
The blood rushed to Hettys face and then fled back again as she looked up
at the judge and kept her wideopen eyes fixed on him as if fascinated by
fear Adam had not yet turned towards her there was a deep horror like a great
gulf between them But at the words »and then to be hanged by the neck till
you be dead« a piercing shriek rang through the hall It was Hettys shriek
Adam started to his feet and stretched out his arms towards her but the arms
could not reach her she had fallen down in a faintingfit and was carried out
of court
Chapter XLIV
Arthurs Return
When Arthur Donnithorne landed at Liverpool and read the letter from his aunt
Lydia briefly announcing his grandfathers death his first feeling was »Poor
grandfather I wish I could have got to him to be with him when he died He
might have felt or wished something at the last that I shall never know now It
was a lonely death«
It is impossible to say that his grief was deeper than that Pity and
softened memory took place of the old antagonism and in his busy thoughts about
the future as the chaise carried him rapidly along towards the home where he
was now to be master there was a continually recurring effort to remember
anything by which he could show a regard for his grandfathers wishes without
counteracting his own cherished aims for the good of the tenants and the estate
But it is not in human nature only in human pretence for a young man like
Arthur with a fine constitution and fine spirits thinking well of himself
believing that others think well of him and having a very ardent intention to
give them more and more reason for that good opinion it is not possible for
such a young man just coming into a splendid estate through the death of a very
old man whom he was not fond of to feel anything very different from exultant
joy Now his real life was beginning now he would have room and opportunity for
action and he would use them He would show the Loamshire people what a fine
country gentleman was he would not exchange that career for any other under the
sun He felt himself riding over the hills in the breezy autumn days looking
after favourite plans of drainage and enclosure then admired on sombre mornings
as the beat rider on the best horse in the hunt spoken well of on marketdays
as a firstrate landlord byandby making speeches at election dinners and
showing a wonderful knowledge of agriculture the patron of new ploughs and
drills the severe upbraider of negligent landowners and withal a jolly fellow
that everybody must like happy faces greeting him everywhere on his own
estate and the neighbouring families on the best terms with him The Irwines
should dine with him every week and have their own carriage to come in for in
some very delicate way that Arthur would devise the layimpropriator of the
Hayslope tithes would insist on paying a couple of hundreds more to the Vicar
and his aunt should be as comfortable as possible and go on living at the
Chase if she liked in spite of her oldmaidish ways at least until he was
married and that event lay in the indistinct background for Arthur had not yet
seen the woman who would play the ladywife to the firstrate country gentleman
These were Arthurs chief thoughts so far as a mans thoughts through hours
of travelling can be compressed into a few sentences which are only like the
list of names telling you what are the scenes in a long long panorama full of
colour of detail and of life The happy faces Arthur saw greeting him were not
pale abstractions but real ruddy faces long familiar to him Martin Poyser was
there the whole Poyser family
What Hetty
Yes for Arthur was at ease about Hetty not quite at ease about the past
for a certain burning of the ears would come whenever he thought of the scenes
with Adam last August but at ease about her present lot Mr Irwine who had
been a regular correspondent telling him all the news about the old places and
people had sent him word nearly three months ago that Adam Bede was not to
marry Mary Burge as he had thought but pretty Hetty Sorrel Martin Poyser and
Adam himself had both told Mr Irwine all about it that Adam had been deeply
in love with Hetty these two years and that now it was agreed they were to be
married in March That stalwart rogue Adam was more susceptible than the Rector
had thought it was really quite an idyllic love affair and if it had not been
too long to tell in a letter he would have liked to describe to Arthur the
blushing looks and the simple strong words with which the fine honest fellow
told his secret He knew Arthur would like to hear that Adam had this sort of
happiness in prospect
Yes indeed Arthur felt there was not air enough in the room to satisfy his
renovated life when he had read that passage in the letter He threw up the
windows he rushed out of doors into the December air and greeted every one who
spoke to him with an eager gaiety as if there had been news of a fresh Nelson
victory For the first time that day since he had come to Windsor he was in
true boyish spirits the load that had been pressing upon him was gone the
haunting fear had vanished He thought he could conquer his bitterness towards
Adam now could offer him his hand and ask to be his friend again in spite of
that painful memory which would still make his ears burn He had been knocked
down and he had been forced to tell a lie such things make a scar do what we
will But if Adam were the same again as in the old days Arthur wished to be
the same too and to have Adam mixed up with his business and his future as he
had always desired before that accursed meeting in August Nay he would do a
great deal more for Adam than he should otherwise have done when he came into
the estate Hettys husband had a special claim on him Hetty herself should
feel that any pain she had suffered through Arthur in the past was compensated
to her a hundredfold For really she could not have felt much since she had so
soon made up her mind to marry Adam
You perceive clearly what sort of picture Adam and Hetty made in the
panorama of Arthurs thoughts on his journey homeward It was March now they
were soon to be married perhaps they were already married And now it was
actually in his power to do a great deal for them Sweet sweet little Hetty
The little puss hadnt cared for him half as much as he cared for her for he
was a great fool about her still was almost afraid of seeing her indeed had
not cared much to look at any other woman since he parted from her That little
figure coming towards him in the Grove those darkfringed childish eyes the
lovely lips put up to kiss him that picture had got no fainter with the lapse
of months And she would look just the same It was impossible to think how he
could meet her he should certainly tremble Strange how long this sort of
influence lasts for he was certainly not in love with Hetty now he had been
earnestly desiring for months that she should marry Adam and there was
nothing that contributed more to his happiness in these moments than the thought
of their marriage It was the exaggerating effect of imagination that made his
heart still beat a little more quickly at the thought of her When he saw the
little thing again as she really was as Adams wife at work quite prosaically
in her new home he should perhaps wonder at the possibility of his past
feelings Thank heaven it had turned out so well He should have plenty of
affairs and interests to fill his life now and not be in danger of playing the
fool again
Pleasant the crack of the postboys whip Pleasant the sense of being
hurried along in swift ease through English scenes so like those round his own
home only not quite so charming Here was a markettown very much like
Treddleston where the arms of the neighbouring lord of the manor were borne on
the sign of the principal inn then mere fields and hedges their vicinity to a
markettown carrying an agreeable suggestion of high rent till the land began
to assume a trimmer look the woods were more frequent and at length a white or
red mansion looked down from a moderate eminence or allowed him to be aware of
its parapet and chimneys among the denselooking masses of oaks and elms
masses reddened now with early buds And close at hand came the village the
small church with its redtiled roof looking humble even among the faded
halftimbered houses the old green gravestones with nettles round them
nothing fresh and bright but the children opening round eyes at the swift
postchaise nothing noisy and busy but the gaping curs of mysterious pedigree
What a much prettier village Hayslope was And it should not be neglected like
this place vigorous repairs should go on everywhere among farmbuildings and
cottages and travellers in postchaises coming along the Rosseter road should
do nothing but admire as they went And Adam Bede should superintend all the
repairs for he had a share in Burges business now and if he liked Arthur
would put some money into the concern and buy the old man out in another year
or two That was an ugly fault in Arthurs life that affair last summer but
the future should make amends Many men would have retained a feeling of
vindictiveness towards Adam but he would not he would resolutely overcome all
littleness of that kind for he had certainly been very much in the wrong and
though Adam had been harsh and violent and had thrust on him a painful dilemma
the poor fellow was in love and had real provocation No Arthur had not an
evil feeling in his mind towards any human being he was happy and would make
every one else happy that came within his reach
And here was dear old Hayslope at last sleeping on the hill like a quiet
old place as it was in the late afternoon sunlight and opposite to it the
great shoulders of the Binton Hills below them the purplish blackness of the
hanging woods and at last the pale front of the Abbey looking out from among
the oaks of the Chase as if anxious for the heirs return »Poor grandfather
and he lies dead there He was a young fellow once coming into the estate and
making his plans So the world goes round Aunt Lydia must feel very desolate
poor thing but she shall be indulged as much as she indulges her fat Fido«
The wheels of Arthurs chaise had been anxiously listened for at the Chase
for today was Friday and the funeral had already been deferred two days
Before it drew up on the gravel of the courtyard all the servants in the house
were assembled to receive him with a grave decent welcome befitting a house of
death A month ago perhaps it would have been difficult for them to have
maintained a suitable sadness in their faces when Mr Arthur was come to take
possession but the hearts of the headservants were heavy that day for another
cause than the death of the old Squire and more than one of them was longing to
be twenty miles away as Mr Craig was knowing what was to become of Hetty
Sorrel pretty Hetty Sorrel whom they used to see every week They had the
partisanship of household servants who like their places and were not inclined
to go the full length of the severe indignation felt against him by the farming
tenants but rather to make excuses for him nevertheless the upper servants
who had been on terms of neighbourly intercourse with the Poysers for many
years could not help feeling that the longedfor event of the young Squires
coming into the estate had been robbed of all its pleasantness
To Arthur it was nothing surprising that the servants looked grave and sad
he himself was very much touched on seeing them all again and feeling that he
was in a new relation to them It was that sort of pathetic emotion which has
more pleasure than pain in it which is perhaps one of the most delicious of
all states to a goodnatured man conscious of the power to satisfy his
goodnature His heart swelled agreeably as he said
»Well Mills how is my aunt«
But now Mr Bygate the lawyer who had been in the house ever since the
death came forward to give deferential greetings and answer all questions and
Arthur walked with him towards the library where his aunt Lydia was expecting
him Aunt Lydia was the only person in the house who knew nothing about Hetty
her sorrow as a maiden daughter was unmixed with any other thoughts than those
of anxiety about funeral arrangements and her own future lot and after the
manner of women she mourned for the father who had made her life important all
the more because she had a secret sense that there was little mourning for him
in other hearts
But Arthur kissed her tearful face more tenderly than he had ever done in
his life before
»Dear aunt« he said affectionately as he held her hand »your loss is the
greatest of all but you must tell me how to try and make it up to you all the
rest of your life«
»It was so sudden and so dreadful Arthur« poor Miss Lydia began pouring
out her little plaints and Arthur sat down to listen with impatient patience
When a pause came he said
»Now aunt Ill leave you for a quarter of an hour just to go to my own
room and then I shall come and give full attention to everything«
»My room is all ready for me I suppose Mills« he said to the butler who
seemed to be lingering uneasily about the entrancehall
»Yes sir and there are letters for you they are all laid on the
writingtable in your dressingroom«
On entering the small anteroom which was called a dressingroom but which
Arthur really used only to lounge and write in he just cast his eyes on the
writingtable and saw that there were several letters and packets lying there
but he was in the uncomfortable dusty condition of a man who has had a long
hurried journey and he must really refresh himself by attending to his toilette
a little before he read his letters Pym was there making everything ready for
him and soon with a delightful freshness about him as if he were prepared to
begin a new day he went back into his dressingroom to open his letters The
level rays of the low afternoon sun entered directly at the window and as
Arthur seated himself in his velvet chair with their pleasant warmth upon him
he was conscious of that quiet wellbeing which perhaps you and I have felt on a
sunny afternoon when in our brightest youth and health life has opened a new
vista for us and long tomorrows of activity have stretched before us like a
lovely plain which there was no need for hurrying to look at because it was all
our own
The top letter was placed with its address upwards it was in Mr Irwines
handwriting Arthur saw at once and below the address was written »To be
delivered as soon as he arrives« Nothing could have been less surprising to him
than a letter from Mr Irwine at that moment of course there was something he
wished Arthur to know earlier than it was possible for them to see each other
At such a time as that it was quite natural that Irwine should have something
pressing to say Arthur broke the seal with an agreeable anticipation of soon
seeing the writer
»I send this letter to meet you on your arrival Arthur because I may
then be at Stoniton whither I am called by the most painful duty it has
ever been given me to perform and it is right that you should know what
I have to tell you without delay
I will not attempt to add by one word of reproach to the retribution
that is now falling on you any other words that I could write at this
moment must be weak and unmeaning by the side of those in which I must
tell you the simple fact
Hetty Sorrel is in prison and will be tried on Friday for the crime
of childmurder«
Arthur read no more He started up from his chair and stood for a single minute
with a sense of violent convulsion in his whole frame as if the life were going
out of him with horrible throbs but the next minute he had rushed out of the
room still clutching the letter he was hurrying along the corridor and down
the stairs into the hall Mills was still there but Arthur did not see him as
he passed like a hunted man across the hall and out along the gravel The butler
hurried out after him as fast as his elderly limbs could run he guessed he
knew where the young Squire was going
When Mills got to the stables a horse was being saddled and Arthur was
forcing himself to read the remaining words of the letter He thrust it into his
pocket as the horse was led up to him and at that moment caught sight of
Millss anxious face in front of him
»Tell them Im gone gone to Stoniton« he said in a muffled tone of
agitation sprang into the saddle and set off at a gallop
Chapter XLV
In the Prison
Near sunset that evening an elderly gentleman was standing with his back against
the smaller entrancedoor of Stoniton jail saying a few last words to the
departing chaplain The chaplain walked away but the elderly gentleman stood
still looking down on the pavement and stroking his chin with a ruminating
air when he was roused by a sweet clear womans voice saying
»Can I get into the prison if you please«
He turned his head and looked fixedly at the speaker for a few moments
without answering
»I have seen you before« he said at last »Do you remember preaching on the
village green at Hayslope in Loamshire«
»Yes sir surely Are you the gentleman that stayed to listen on
horseback«
»Yes Why do you want to go into the prison«
»I want to go to Hetty Sorrel the young woman who has been condemned to
death and to stay with her if I may be permitted Have you power in the
prison sir«
»Yes I am a magistrate and can get admittance for you But did you know
this criminal Hetty Sorrel«
»Yes we are kin my own aunt married her uncle Martin Poyser But I was
away at Leeds and didnt know of this great trouble in time to get here before
today I entreat you sir for the love of our heavenly Father to let me go to
her and stay with her«
»How did you know she was condemned to death if you are only just come from
Leeds«
»I have seen my uncle since the trial sir He is gone back to his home now
and the poor sinner is forsaken of all I beseech you to get leave for me to be
with her«
»What have you courage to stay all night in the prison She is very sullen
and will scarcely make answer when she is spoken to«
»Oh sir it may please God to open her heart still Dont let us delay«
»Come then« said the elderly gentleman ringing and gaining admission »I
know you have a key to unlock hearts«
Dinah mechanically took off her bonnet and shawl as soon as they were within
the prison court from the habit she had of throwing them off when she preached
or prayed or visited the sick and when they entered the jailers room she
laid them down on a chair unthinkingly There was no agitation visible in her
but a deep concentrated calmness as if even when she was speaking her soul
was in prayer reposing on an unseen support
After speaking to the jailer the magistrate turned to her and said »The
turnkey will take you to the prisoners cell and leave you there for the night
if you desire it but you cant have a light during the night it is contrary
to rules My name is Colonel Townley if I can help you in anything ask the
jailer for my address and come to me I take some interest in this Hetty
Sorrel for the sake of that fine fellow Adam Bede I happened to see him at
Hayslope the same evening I heard you preach and recognised him in court
today ill as he looked«
»Ah sir can you tell me anything about him Can you tell me where he
lodges For my poor uncle was too much weighed down with trouble to remember«
»Close by here I inquired all about him of Mr Irwine He lodges over a
tinmans shop in the street on the right hand as you entered the prison There
is an old schoolmaster with him Now goodbye I wish you success«
»Farewell sir I am grateful to you«
As Dinah crossed the prison court with the turnkey the solemn evening light
seemed to make the walls higher than they were by day and the sweet pale face
in the cap was more than ever like a white flower on this background of gloom
The turnkey looked askance at her all the while but never spoke he somehow
felt that the sound of his own rude voice would be grating just then He struck
a light as they entered the dark corridor leading to the condemned cell and
then said in his most civil tone »Itll be pretty nigh dark in the cell
aready but I can stop with my light a bit if you like«
»Nay friend thank you« said Dinah »I wish to go in alone«
»As you like« said the jailer turning the harsh key in the lock and
opening the door wide enough to admit Dinah A jet of light from his lantern
fell on the opposite corner of the cell where Hetty was sitting on her straw
pallet with her face buried in her knees It seemed as if she were asleep and
yet the grating of the lock would have been likely to waken her
The door closed again and the only light in the cell was that of the
evening sky through the small high grating enough to discern human faces by
Dinah stood still for a minute hesitating to speak because Hetty might be
asleep and looking at the motionless heap with a yearning heart Then she said
softly
»Hetty«
There was a slight movement perceptible in Hettys frame a start such as
might have been produced by a feeble electrical shock but she did not look up
Dinah spoke again in a tone made stronger by irrepressible emotion
»Hetty its Dinah«
Again there was a slight startled movement through Hettys frame and
without uncovering her face she raised her head a little as if listening
»Hetty Dinah is come to you«
After a moments pause Hetty lifted her head slowly and timidly from her
knees and raised her eyes The two pale faces were looking at each other one
with a wild hard despair in it the other full of sad yearning love Dinah
unconsciously opened her arms and stretched them out
»Dont you know me Hetty Dont you remember Dinah Did you think I
wouldnt come to you in trouble«
Hetty kept her eyes fixed on Dinahs face at first like an animal that
gazes and gazes and keeps aloof
»Im come to be with you Hetty not to leave you to stay with you to
be your sister to the last«
Slowly while Dinah was speaking Hetty rose took a step forward and was
clasped in Dinahs arms
They stood so a long while for neither of them felt the impulse to move
apart again Hetty without any distinct thought of it hung on this something
that was come to clasp her now while she was sinking helpless in a dark gulf
and Dinah felt a deep joy in the first sign that her love was welcomed by the
wretched lost one The light got fainter as they stood and when at last they
sat down on the straw pallet together their faces had become indistinct
Not a word was spoken Dinah waited hoping for a spontaneous word from
Hetty but she sat in the same dull despair only clutching the hand that held
hers and leaning her cheek against Dinahs It was the human contact she clung
to but she was not the less sinking into the dark gulf
Dinah began to doubt whether Hetty was conscious who it was that sat beside
her She thought suffering and fear might have driven the poor sinner out of her
mind But it was borne in upon her as she afterwards said that she must not
hurry Gods work we are overhasty to speak as if God did not manifest
himself by our silent feeling and make his love felt through ours She did not
know how long they sat in that way but it got darker and darker till there was
only a pale patch of light on the opposite wall all the rest was darkness But
she felt the Divine presence more and more nay as if she herself were a part
of it and it was the Divine pity that was beating in her heart and was willing
the rescue of this helpless one At last she was prompted to speak and find out
how far Hetty was conscious of the present
»Hetty« she said gently »do you know who it is that sits by your side«
»Yes« Hetty answered slowly »its Dinah«
»And do you remember the time when we were at the Hall Farm together and
that night when I told you to be sure and think of me as a friend in trouble«
»Yes« said Hetty Then after a pause she added »But you can do nothing
for me You cant make em do anything Theyll hang me o Monday its Friday
now«
As Hetty said the last words she clung closer to Dinah shuddering
»No Hetty I cant save you from that death But isnt the suffering less
hard when you have somebody with you that feels for you that you can speak
to and say whats in your heart Yes Hetty you lean on me you are glad
to have me with you«
»You wont leave me Dinah Youll keep close to me«
»No Hetty I wont leave you Ill stay with you to the last But
Hetty there is some one else in this cell besides me some one close to you«
Hetty said in a frightened whisper »Who«
»Some one who has been with you through all your hours of sin and trouble
who has known every thought you have had has seen where you went where you
lay down and rose up again and all the deeds you have tried to hide in
darkness And on Monday when I cant follow you when my arms cant reach
you when death has parted us He who is with us now and knows all will be
with you then It makes no difference whether we live or die we are in the
presence of God«
»O Dinah wont nobody do anything for me Will they hang me for certain
I wouldnt mind if theyd let me live«
»My poor Hetty death is very dreadful to you I know its dreadful But if
you had a friend to take care of you after death in that other world some
one whose love is greater than mine who can do everything If God our
Father was your friend and was willing to save you from sin and suffering so
as you should neither know wicked feelings nor pain again If you could believe
he loved you and would help you as you believe I love you and will help you it
wouldnt be so hard to die on Monday would it«
»But I cant know anything about it« Hetty said with sullen sadness
»Because Hetty you are shutting up your soul against him by trying to
hide the truth Gods love and mercy can overcome all things our ignorance
and weakness and all the burthen of our past wickedness all things but our
wilful sin sin that we cling to and will not give up You believe in my love
and pity for you Hetty but if you had not let me come near you if you
wouldnt have looked at me or spoken to me youd have shut me out from helping
you I couldnt have made you feel my love I couldnt have told you what I felt
for you Dont shut Gods love out in that way by clinging to sin He cant
bless you while you have one falsehood in your soul his pardoning mercy cant
reach you until you open your heart to him and say I have done this great
wickedness O God save me make me pure from sin While you cling to one sin
and will not part with it it must drag you down to misery after death as it
has dragged you to misery here in this world my poor poor Hetty It is sin
that brings dread and darkness and despair there is light and blessedness for
us as soon as we cast it off God enters our souls then and teaches us and
brings us strength and peace Cast it off now Hetty now confess the
wickedness you have done the sin you have been guilty of against your heavenly
Father Let us kneel down together for we are in the presence of God«
Hetty obeyed Dinahs movement and sank on her knees They still held each
others hands and there was long silence Then Dinah said
»Hetty we are before God he is waiting for you to tell the truth«
Still there was silence At last Hetty spoke in a tone of beseeching
»Dinah help me I cant feel anything like you my heart is hard«
Dinah held the clinging hand and all her soul went forth in her voice
»Jesus thou present Saviour Thou hast known the depths of all sorrow thou
hast entered that black darkness where God is not and hast uttered the cry of
the forsaken Come Lord and gather of the fruits of thy travail and thy
pleading stretch forth thy hand thou who art mighty to save to the uttermost
and rescue this lost one She is clothed round with thick darkness the fetters
of her sin are upon her and she cannot stir to come to thee she can only feel
her heart is hard and she is helpless She cries to me thy weak creature
Saviour it is a blind cry to thee Hear it Pierce the darkness Look upon her
with thy face of love and sorrow that thou didst turn on him who denied thee
and melt her hard heart
See Lord I bring her as they of old brought the sick and helpless and
thou didst heal them I bear her on my arms and carry her before thee Fear and
trembling have taken hold on her but she trembles only at the pain and death of
the body breathe upon her thy lifegiving Spirit and put a new fear within her
the fear of her sin Make her dread to keep the accursed thing within her
soul make her feel the presence of the living God who beholds all the past to
whom the darkness is as noonday who is waiting now at the eleventh hour for
her to turn to him and confess her sin and cry for mercy now before the
night of death comes and the moment of pardon is for ever fled like yesterday
that returneth not
Saviour it is yet time time to snatch this poor soul from everlasting
darkness I believe I believe in thy infinite love What is my love or my
pleading It is quenched in thine I can only clasp her in my weak arms and
urge her with my weak pity Thou thou wilt breathe on the dead soul and it
shall arise from the unanswering sleep of death
Yea Lord I see thee coming through the darkness coming like the
morning with healing on thy wings The marks of thy agony are upon thee I
see I see thou art able and willing to save thou wilt not let her perish for
ever
Come mighty Saviour let the dead hear thy voice let the eyes of the blind
be opened let her see that God encompasses her let her tremble at nothing but
at the sin that cuts her off from him Melt the hard heart unseal the closed
lips make her cry with her whole soul Father I have sinned «
»Dinah« Hetty sobbed out throwing her arms round Dinahs neck »I will speak
I will tell I wont hide it any more«
But the tears and sobs were too violent Dinah raised her gently from her
knees and seated her on the pallet again sitting down by her side It was a
long time before the convulsed throat was quiet and even then they sat some
time in stillness and darkness holding each others hands At last Hetty
whispered »I did do it Dinah I buried it in the wood the little baby
and it cried I heard it cry ever such a way off all night
and I went back because it cried«
She paused and then spoke hurriedly in a louder pleading tone
»But I thought perhaps it wouldnt die there might somebody find it I
didnt kill it I didnt kill it myself I put it down there and covered it up
and when I came back it was gone It was because I was so very miserable
Dinah I didnt know where to go and I tried to kill myself before and I
couldnt Oh I tried so to drown myself in the pool and I couldnt I went to
Windsor I ran away did you know I went to find him as he might take care
of me and he was gone and then I didnt know what to do I darednt go back
home again I couldnt bear it I couldnt have bore to look at anybody for
theyd have scorned me I thought o you sometimes and thought Id come to you
for I didnt think youd be cross with me and cry shame on me I thought I
could tell you But then the other folks ud come to know it at last and I
couldnt bear that It was partly thinking o you made me come toward Stoniton
and besides I was so frightened at going wandering about till I was a
beggarwoman and had nothing and sometimes it seemed as if I must go back to
the Farm sooner than that Oh it was so dreadful Dinah I was so miserable
I wished Id never been born into this world I should never like to go into
the green fields again I hated em so in my misery«
Hetty paused again as if the sense of the past were too strong upon her for
words
»And then I got to Stoniton and I began to feel frightened that night
because I was so near home And then the little baby was born when I didnt
expect it and the thought came into my mind that I might get rid of it and go
home again The thought came all of a sudden as I was lying in the bed and it
got stronger and stronger I longed so to go back again I couldnt bear
being so lonely and coming to beg for want And it gave me strength and
resolution to get up and dress myself I felt I must do it I didnt know how
I thought Id find a pool if I could like that other in the corner of the
field in the dark And when the woman went out I felt as if I was strong
enough to do anything I thought I should get rid of all my misery and go
back home and never let em know why I ran away I put on my bonnet and shawl
and went out into the dark street with the baby under my cloak and I walked
fast till I got into a street a good way off and there was a public and I got
some warm stuff to drink and some bread And I walked on and on and I hardly
felt the ground I trod on and it got lighter for there came the moon O
Dinah it frightened me when it first looked at me out o the clouds it never
looked so before and I turned out of the road into the fields for I was afraid
o meeting anybody with the moon shining on me And I came to a haystack where
I thought I could lie down and keep myself warm all night There was a place cut
into it where I could make me a bed and I lay comfortable and the baby was
warm against me and I must have gone to sleep for a good while for when I woke
it was morning but not very light and the baby was crying And I saw a wood a
little way off I thought thered perhaps be a ditch or a pond there and
it was so early I thought I could hide the child there and get a long way off
before folks was up And then I thought Id go home Id get rides in carts and
go home and tell em Id been to try and see for a place and couldnt get one
I longed so for it Dinah I longed so to be safe at home I dont know how I
felt about the baby I seemed to hate it it was like a heavy weight hanging
round my neck and yet its crying went through me and I darednt look at its
little hands and face But I went on to the wood and I walked about but there
was no water«
Hetty shuddered She was silent for some moments and when she began again
it was in a whisper
»I came to a place where there was lots of chips and turf and I sat down on
the trunk of a tree to think what I should do And all of a sudden I saw a hole
under the nuttree like a little grave And it darted into me like lightning
Id lay the baby there and cover it with the grass and the chips I couldnt
kill it any other way And Id done it in a minute and oh it cried so Dinah
I couldnt cover it quite up I thought perhaps somebody ud come and take
care of it and then it wouldnt die And I made haste out of the wood but I
could hear it crying all the while and when I got out into the fields it was
as if I was held fast I couldnt go away for all I wanted so to go And I sat
against the haystack to watch if anybody ud come I was very hungry and Id
only a bit of bread left but I couldnt go away And after ever such a while
hours and hours the man came him in a smockfrock and he looked at me so I
was frightened and I made haste and went on I thought he was going to the
wood and would perhaps find the baby And I went right on till I came to a
village a long way off from the wood and I was very sick and faint and
hungry I got something to eat there and bought a loaf But I was frightened to
stay I heard the baby crying and thought the other folks heard it too and I
went on But I was so tired and it was getting towards dark And at last by
the roadside there was a barn ever such a way off any house like the barn in
Abbots Close and I thought I could go in there and hide myself among the hay
and straw and nobody ud be likely to come I went in and it was half full o
trusses of straw and there was some hay too And I made myself a bed ever so
far behind where nobody could find me and I was so tired and weak I went to
sleep But oh the babys crying kept waking me and I thought that man as
looked at me so was come and laying hold of me But I must have slept a long
while at last though I didnt know for when I got up and went out of the barn
I didnt know whether it was night or morning But it was morning for it kept
getting lighter and I turned back the way Id come I couldnt help it Dinah
it was the babys crying made me go and yet I was frightened to death I
thought that man in the smockfrock ud see me and know I put the baby there
But I went on for all that Id left off thinking about going home it had
gone out o my mind I saw nothing but that place in the wood where Id buried
the baby I see it now O Dinah shall I allays see it«
Hetty clung round Dinah and shuddered again The silence seemed long before
she went on
»I met nobody for it was very early and I got into the wood I knew
the way to the place the place against the nuttree and I could hear it
crying at every step I thought it was alive I dont know whether I was
frightened or glad I dont know what I felt I only know I was in the wood
and heard the cry I dont know what I felt till I saw the baby was gone And
when Id put it there I thought I should like somebody to find it and save it
from dying but when I saw it was gone I was struck like a stone with fear I
never thought o stirring I felt so weak I knew I couldnt run away and
everybody as saw me ud know about the baby My heart went like a stone I
couldnt wish or try for anything it seemed like as if I should stay there for
ever and nothing ud ever change But they came and took me away«
Hetty was silent but she shuddered again as if there were still something
behind and Dinah waited for her heart was so full that tears must come before
words At last Hetty burst out with a sob »Dinah do you think God will take
away that crying and the place in the wood now Ive told everything«
»Let us pray poor sinner let us fall on our knees again and pray to the
God of all mercy«
Chapter XLVI
The Hours of Suspense
On Sunday morning when the church bells in Stoniton were ringing for morning
service Bartle Massey reentered Adams room after a short absence and said
»Adam heres a visitor wants to see you«
Adam was seated with his back towards the door but he started up and turned
round instantly with a flushed face and an eager look His face was even
thinner and more worn than we have seen it before but he was washed and shaven
this Sunday morning
»Is it any news« he said
»Keep yourself quiet my lad« said Bartle »keep quiet Its not what
youre thinking of its the young Methodist woman come from the prison Shes
at the bottom o the stairs and wants to know if you think well to see her for
she has something to say to you about that poor castaway but she wouldnt come
in without your leave she said She thought youd perhaps like to go out and
speak to her These preaching women are not so backard commonly« Bartle
muttered to himself
»Ask her to come in« said Adam
He was standing with his face towards the door and as Dinah entered
lifting up her mild grey eyes towards him she saw at once the great change that
had come since the day when she had looked up at the tall man in the cottage
There was a trembling in her clear voice as she put her hand into his and said
»Be comforted Adam Bede the Lord has not forsaken her«
»Bless you for coming to her« Adam said »Mr Massey brought me word
yesterday as you was come«
They could neither of them say any more just yet but stood before each
other in silence and Bartle Massey too who had put on his spectacles seemed
transfixed examining Dinahs face But he recovered himself first and said
»Sit down young woman sit down« placing the chair for her and retiring to
his old seat on the bed
»Thank you friend I wont sit down« said Dinah »for I must hasten back
she entreated me not to stay long away What I came for Adam Bede was to pray
you to go and see the poor sinner and bid her farewell She desires to ask your
forgiveness and it is meet you should see her today rather than in the early
morning when the time will be short«
Adam stood trembling and at last sank down on his chair again
»It wont be« he said »itll be put off therell perhaps come a pardon
Mr Irwine said there was hope he said I neednt quite give it up«
»Thats a blessed thought to me« said Dinah her eyes filling with tears
»Its a fearful thing hurrying her soul away so fast«
»But let what will be« she added presently »you will surely come and let
her speak the words that are in her heart Although her poor soul is very dark
and discerns little beyond the things of the flesh she is no longer hard she
is contrite she has confessed all to me The pride of her heart has given way
and she leans on me for help and desires to be taught This fills me with
trust for I cannot but think that the brethren sometimes err in measuring the
Divine love by the sinners knowledge She is going to write a letter to the
friends at the Hall Farm for me to give them when she is gone and when I told
her you were here she said I should like to say goodbye to Adam and ask him
to forgive me You will come Adam perhaps you will even now come back with
me«
»I cant« Adam said »I cant say goodbye while theres any hope Im
listening and listening I cant think o nothing but that It cant be as
shell die that shameful death I cant bring my mind to it«
He got up from his chair again and looked away out of the window while
Dinah stood with compassionate patience In a minute or two he turned round and
said
»I will come Dinah tomorrow morning if it must be I may have more
strength to bear it if I know it must be Tell her I forgive her tell her I
will come at the very last«
»I will not urge you against the voice of your own heart« said Dinah »I
must hasten back to her for it is wonderful how she clings now and was not
willing to let me out of her sight She used never to make any return to my
affection before but now tribulation has opened her heart Farewell Adam our
heavenly Father comfort you and strengthen you to bear all things« Dinah put
out her hand and Adam pressed it in silence
Bartle Massey was getting up to lift the stiff latch of the door for her
but before he could reach it she had said gently »Farewell friend« and was
gone with her light step down the stairs
»Well« said Bartle taking off his spectacles and putting them into his
pocket »if there must be women to make trouble in the world its but fair
there should be women to be comforters under it and shes one shes one Its
a pity shes a Methodist but theres no getting a woman without some
foolishness or other«
Adam never went to bed that night the excitement of suspense heightening
with every hour that brought him nearer the fatal moment was too great and in
spite of his entreaties in spite of his promises that he would be perfectly
quiet the schoolmaster watched too
»What does it matter to me lad« Bartle said »a nights sleep more or
less I shall sleep long enough byandby underground Let me keep thee
company in trouble while I can«
It was a long and dreary night in that small chamber Adam would sometimes
get up and tread backwards and forwards along the short space from wall to
wall then he would sit down and hide his face and no sound would be heard but
the ticking of the watch on the table or the falling of a cinder from the fire
which the schoolmaster carefully tended Sometimes he would burst out into
vehement speech
»If I could ha done anything to save her if my bearing anything would ha
done any good but t have to sit still and know it and do nothing its
hard for a man to bear and to think o what might ha been now if it hadnt
been for him O God its the very day we should ha been married«
»Ay my lad« said Bartle tenderly »its heavy its heavy But you must
remember this when you thought of marrying her youd a notion shed got
another sort of a nature inside her You didnt think she could have got
hardened in that little while to do what shes done«
»I know I know that« said Adam »I thought she was loving and
tenderhearted and wouldnt tell a lie or act deceitful How could I think any
other way And if hed never come near her and Id married her and been loving
to her and took care of her she might never ha done anything bad What would
it ha signified my having a bit o trouble with her It ud ha been nothing
to this«
»Theres no knowing my lad theres no knowing what might have come The
smarts bad for you to bear now you must have time you must have time But
Ive that opinion of you that youll rise above it all and be a man again and
there may good come out of this that we dont see«
»Good come out of it« said Adam passionately »That doesnt alter th
evil her ruin cant be undone I hate that talk o people as if there was a
way o making amends for everything Theyd more need be brought to see as the
wrong they do can never be altered When a mans spoiled his fellowcreaturs
life hes no right to comfort himself with thinking good may come out of it
somebody elses good doesnt alter her shame and misery«
»Well lad well« said Bartle in a gentle tone strangely in contrast with
his usual peremptoriness and impatience of contradiction »its likely enough I
talk foolishness Im an old fellow and its a good many years since I was in
trouble myself Its easy finding reasons why other folks should be patient«
»Mr Massey« said Adam penitently »Im very hot and hasty I owe you
something different but you mustnt take it ill of me«
»Not I lad not I«
So the night wore on in agitation till the chill dawn and the growing light
brought the tremulous quiet that comes on the brink of despair There would soon
be no more suspense
»Let us go to the prison now Mr Massey« said Adam when he saw the hand
of his watch at six »If theres any news come we shall hear about it«
The people were astir already moving rapidly in one direction through the
streets Adam tried not to think where they were going as they hurried past him
in that short space between his lodging and the prison gates He was thankful
when the gates shut him in from seeing those eager people
No there was no news come no pardon no reprieve
Adam lingered in the court half an hour before he could bring himself to
send word to Dinah that he was come But a voice caught his ear he could not
shut out the words
»The cart is to set off at halfpast seven«
It must be said the last goodbye there was no help
In ten minutes from that time Adam was at the door of the cell Dinah had
sent him word that she could not come to him she could not leave Hetty one
moment but Hetty was prepared for the meeting
He could not see her when he entered for agitation deadened his senses and
the dim cell was almost dark to him He stood a moment after the door closed
behind him trembling and stupefied
But he began to see through the dimness to see the dark eyes lifted up to
him once more but with no smile in them O God how sad they looked The last
time they had met his was when he parted from her with his heart full of joyous
hopeful love and they looked out with a tearful smile from a pink dimpled
childish face The face was marble now the sweet lips were pallid and
halfopen and quivering the dimples were all gone all but one that never
went and the eyes Oh the worst of all was the likeness they had to Hettys
They were Hettys eyes looking at him with that mournful gaze as if she had
come back to him from the dead to tell him of her misery
She was clinging close to Dinah her cheek was against Dinahs It seemed as
if her last faint strength and hope lay in that contact and the pitying love
that shone out from Dinahs face looked like a visible pledge of the Invisible
Mercy
When the sad eyes met when Hetty and Adam looked at each other she felt
the change in him too and it seemed to strike her with fresh fear It was the
first time she had seen any being whose face seemed to reflect the change in
herself Adam was a new image of the dreadful past and the dreadful present She
trembled more as she looked at him
»Speak to him Hetty« Dinah said »tell him what is in your heart«
Hetty obeyed her like a little child
»Adam Im very sorry I behaved very wrong to you will you
forgive me before I die«
Adam answered with a halfsob »Yes I forgive thee Hetty I forgave thee
long ago«
It had seemed to Adam as if his brain would burst with the anguish of
meeting Hettys eyes in the first moments but the sound of her voice uttering
these penitent words touched a chord which had been less strained there was a
sense of relief from what was becoming unbearable and the rare tears came
they had never come before since he had hung on Seths neck in the beginning of
his sorrow
Hetty made an involuntary movement towards him some of the love that she
had once lived in the midst of was come near her again She kept hold of Dinahs
hand but she went up to Adam and said timidly
»Will you kiss me again Adam for all Ive been so wicked«
Adam took the blanched wasted hand she put out to him and they gave each
other the solemn unspeakable kiss of a lifelong parting
»And tell him« Hetty said in rather a stronger voice »tell him for
theres nobody else to tell him as I went after him and couldnt find him
and I hated him and cursed him once but Dinah says I should forgive him
and I try for else God wont forgive me«
There was a noise at the door of the cell now the key was being turned in
the lock and when the door opened Adam saw indistinctly that there were
several faces there he was too agitated to see more even to see that Mr
Irwines face was one of them He felt that the last preparations were
beginning and he could stay no longer Room was silently made for him to
depart and he went to his chamber in loneliness leaving Bartle Massey to watch
and see the end
Chapter XLVII
The Last Moment
It was a sight that some people remembered better even than their own sorrows
the sight in that grey clear morning when the fatal cart with the two young
women in it was descried by the waiting watching multitude cleaving its way
towards the hideous symbol of a deliberatelyinflicted sudden death
All Stoniton had heard of Dinah Morris the young Methodist woman who had
brought the obstinate criminal to confess and there was as much eagerness to
see her as to see the wretched Hetty
But Dinah was hardly conscious of the multitude When Hetty had caught sight
of the vast crowd in the distance she had clutched Dinah convulsively
»Close your eyes Hetty« Dinah said »and let us pray without ceasing to
God«
And in a low voice as the cart went slowly along through the midst of the
gazing crowd she poured forth her soul with the wrestling intensity of a last
pleading for the trembling creature that clung to her and clutched her as the
only visible sign of love and pity
Dinah did not know that the crowd was silent gazing at her with a sort of
awe she did not even know how near they were to the fatal spot when the cart
stopped and she shrank appalled at a loud shout hideous to her ear like a vast
yell of demons Hettys shriek mingled with the sound and they clasped each
other in mutual horror
But it was not a shout of execration not a yell of exultant cruelty
It was a shout of sudden excitement at the appearance of a horseman cleaving
the crowd at full gallop The horse is hot and distressed but answers to the
desperate spurring the rider looks as if his eyes were glazed by madness and
he saw nothing but what was unseen by others See he has something in his hand
he is holding it up as if it were a signal
The Sheriff knows him it is Arthur Donnithorne carrying in his hand a
hardwon release from death
Chapter XLVIII
Another Meeting in the Wood
The next day at evening two men were walking from opposite points towards the
same scene drawn thither by a common memory The scene was the Grove by
Donnithorne Chase you know who the men were
The old Squires funeral had taken place that morning the will had been
read and now in the first breathingspace Arthur Donnithorne had come out for
a lonely walk that he might look fixedly at the new future before him and
confirm himself in a sad resolution He thought he could do that best in the
Grove
Adam too had come from Stoniton on Monday evening and today he had not
left home except to go to the family at the Hall Farm and tell them everything
that Mr Irwine had left untold He had agreed with the Poysers that he would
follow them to their new neighbourhood wherever that might be for he meant to
give up the management of the woods and as soon as it was practicable he
would wind up his business with Jonathan Burge and settle with his mother and
Seth in a home within reach of the friends to whom he felt bound by a mutual
sorrow
»Seth and me are sure to find work« he said »A man thats got our trade at
his finger ends is at home everywhere and we must make a new start My mother
wont stand in the way for shes told me since I came home shed made up her
mind to being buried in another parish if I wished it and if Id be more
comfortable elsewhere Its wonderful how quiet shes been ever since I came
back It seems as if the very greatness o the trouble had quieted and calmed
her We shall all be better in a new country though theres some I shall be
loth to leave behind But I wont part from you and yours if I can help it Mr
Poyser Troubles made us kin«
»Ay lad« said Martin »Well go out o hearing o that mans name But I
doubt we shall neer go far enough for folks not to find out as weve got them
belonging to us as are transported oer the seas and were like to be hanged We
shall have that flyin up in our faces and our childrens after us«
That was a long visit to the Hall Farm and drew too strongly on Adams
energies for him to think of seeing others or reentering on his old
occupations till the morrow »But tomorrow« he said to himself »Ill go to
work again I shall learn to like it again some time maybe and its right
whether I like it or not«
This evening was the last he would allow to be absorbed by sorrow suspense
was gone now and he must bear the unalterable He was resolved not to see
Arthur Donnithorne again if it were possible to avoid him He had no message to
deliver from Hetty now for Hetty had seen Arthur and Adam distrusted himself
he had learned to dread the violence of his own feeling That word of Mr
Irwines that he must remember what he had felt after giving the last blow to
Arthur in the Grove had remained with him
These thoughts about Arthur like all thoughts that are charged with strong
feeling were continually recurring and they always called up the image of the
Grove of that spot under the overarching boughs where he had caught sight of
the two bending figures and had been possessed by sudden rage
»Ill go and see it again tonight for the last time« he said »itll do me
good itll make me feel over again what I felt when Id knocked him down I
felt what poor empty work it was as soon as Id done it before I began to
think he might be dead«
In this way it happened that Arthur and Adam were walking towards the same
spot at the same time
Adam had on his workingdress again now for he had thrown off the other
with a sense of relief as soon as he came home and if he had had the basket of
tools over his shoulder he might have been taken with his pale wasted face
for the spectre of the Adam Bede who entered the Grove on that August evening
eight months ago But he had no basket of tools and he was not walking with the
old erectness looking keenly round him his hands were thrust in his side
pockets and his eyes rested chiefly on the ground He had not long entered the
Grove and now he paused before a beech He knew that tree well it was the
boundary mark of his youth the sign to him of the time when some of his
earliest strongest feelings had left him He felt sure they would never return
And yet at this moment there was a stirring of affection at the remembrance of
that Arthur Donnithorne whom he had believed in before he had come up to this
beech eight months ago It was affection for the dead that Arthur existed no
longer
He was disturbed by the sound of approaching footsteps but the beech stood
at a turning in the road and he could not see who was coming until the tall
slim figure in deep mourning suddenly stood before him at only two yards
distance They both started and looked at each other in silence Often in the
last fortnight Adam had imagined himself as close to Arthur as this assailing
him with words that should be as harrowing as the voice of remorse forcing upon
him a just share in the misery he had caused and often too he had told
himself that such a meeting had better not be But in imagining the meeting he
had always seen Arthur as he had met him on that evening in the Grove florid
careless light of speech and the figure before him touched him with the signs
of suffering Adam knew what suffering was he could not lay a cruel finger on
a bruised man He felt no impulse that he needed to resist silence was more
just than reproach Arthur was the first to speak
»Adam« he said quietly »it may be a good thing that we have met here for
I wished to see you I should have asked to see you tomorrow«
He paused but Adam said nothing
»I know it is painful to you to meet me« Arthur went on »but it is not
likely to happen again for years to come«
»No sir« said Adam coldly »that was what I meant to write to you
tomorrow as it would be better all dealings should be at an end between us
and somebody else put in my place«
Arthur felt the answer keenly and it was not without an effort that he
spoke again
»It was partly on that subject I wished to speak to you I dont want to
lessen your indignation against me or ask you to do anything for my sake I
only wish to ask you if you will help me to lessen the evil consequences of the
past which is unchangeable I dont mean consequences to myself but to others
It is but little I can do I know I know the worst consequences will remain
but something may be done and you can help me Will you listen to me
patiently«
»Yes sir« said Adam after some hesitation »Ill hear what it is If I
can help to mend anything I will Anger ull mend nothing I know Weve had
enough o that«
»I was going to the Hermitage« said Arthur »Will you go there with me and
sit down We can talk better there«
The Hermitage had never been entered since they left it together for Arthur
had locked up the key in his desk And now when he opened the door there was
the candle burnt out in the socket there was the chair in the same place where
Adam remembered sitting there was the wastepaper basket full of scraps and
deep down in it Arthur felt in an instant there was the little pink silk
handkerchief It would have been painful to enter this place if their previous
thoughts had been less painful
They sat down opposite each other in the old places and Arthur said »Im
going away Adam Im going into the army«
Poor Arthur felt that Adam ought to be affected by this announcement ought
to have a movement of sympathy towards him But Adams lips remained firmly
closed and the expression of his face unchanged
»What I want to say to you« Arthur continued »is this one of my reasons
for going away is that no one else may leave Hayslope may leave their home on
my account I would do anything there is no sacrifice I would not make to
prevent any further injury to others through my through what has happened«
Arthurs words had precisely the opposite effect to that he had anticipated
Adam thought he perceived in them that notion of compensation for irretrievable
wrong that selfsoothing attempt to make evil bear the same fruits as good
which most of all roused his indignation He was as strongly impelled to look
painful facts right in the face as Arthur was to turn away his eyes from them
Moreover he had the wakeful suspicious pride of a poor man in the presence of a
rich man He felt his old severity returning as he said
»The times past for that sir A man should make sacrifices to keep clear
of doing a wrong sacrifices wont undo it when its done When peoples
feelings have got a deadly wound they cant be cured with favours«
»Favours« said Arthur passionately »no how can you suppose I meant that
But the Poysers Mr Irwine tells me the Poysers mean to leave the place where
they have lived so many years for generations Dont you see as Mr Irwine
does that if they could be persuaded to overcome the feeling that drives them
away it would be much better for them in the end to remain on the old spot
among the friends and neighbours who know them«
»Thats true« said Adam coldly »But then sir folkss feelings are not
so easily overcome Itll be hard for Martin Poyser to go to a strange place
among strange faces when hes been bred up on the Hall Farm and his father
before him but then it ud be harder for a man with his feelings to stay I
dont see how the things to be made any other than hard Theres a sort o
damage sir that cant be made up for«
Arthur was silent some moments In spite of other feelings dominant in him
this evening his pride winced under Adams mode of treating him Wasnt he
himself suffering Was not he too obliged to renounce his most cherished hopes
It was now as it had been eight months ago Adam was forcing Arthur to feel
more intensely the irrevocableness of his own wrongdoing he was presenting the
sort of resistance that was the most irritating to Arthurs eager ardent
nature But his anger was subdued by the same influence that had subdued Adams
when they first confronted each other by the marks of suffering in a long
familiar face The momentary struggle ended in the feeling that he could bear a
great deal from Adam to whom he had been the occasion of bearing so much but
there was a touch of pleading boyish vexation in his tone as he said
»But people may make injuries worse by unreasonable conduct by giving way
to anger and satisfying that for the moment instead of thinking what will be
the effect in the future«
»If I were going to stay here and act as landlord« he added presently
with still more eagerness »if I were careless about what Ive done what Ive
been the cause of you would have some excuse Adam for going away and
encouraging others to go You would have some excuse then for trying to make the
evil worse But when I tell you Im going away for years when you know what
that means for me how it cuts off every plan of happiness Ive ever formed it
is impossible for a sensible man like you to believe that there is any real
ground for the Poysers refusing to remain I know their feeling about disgrace
Mr Irwine has told me all but he is of opinion that they might be persuaded
out of this idea that they are disgraced in the eyes of their neighbours and
that they cant remain on my estate if you would join him in his efforts if
you would stay yourself and go on managing the old woods«
Arthur paused a moment and then added pleadingly »You know thats a good
work to do for the sake of other people besides the owner And you dont know
but that they may have a better owner soon whom you will like to work for If I
die my cousin Tradgett will have the estate and take my name He is a good
fellow«
Adam could not help being moved it was impossible for him not to feel that
this was the voice of the honest warmhearted Arthur whom he had loved and been
proud of in old days but nearer memories would not be thrust away He was
silent yet Arthur saw an answer in his face that induced him to go on with
growing earnestness
»And then if you would talk to the Poysers if you would talk the matter
over with Mr Irwine he means to see you tomorrow and then if you would join
your arguments to his to prevail on them not to go I know of course that
they would not accept any favour from me I mean nothing of that kind but Im
sure they would suffer less in the end Irwine thinks so too and Mr Irwine is
to have the chief authority on the estate he has consented to undertake that
They will really be under no man but one whom they respect and like It would be
the same with you Adam and it could be nothing but a desire to give me worse
pain that could incline you to go«
Arthur was silent again for a little while and then said with some
agitation in his voice
»I wouldnt act so towards you I know If you were in my place and I in
yours I should try to help you to do the best«
Adam made a hasty movement on his chair and looked on the ground Arthur
went on
»Perhaps youve never done anything youve had bitterly to repent of in your
life Adam if you had you would be more generous You would know then that
its worse for me than for you«
Arthur rose from his seat with the last words and went to one of the
windows looking out and turning his back on Adam as he continued passionately
»Havent I loved her too Didnt I see her yesterday Shant I carry the
thought of her about with me as much as you will And dont you think you would
suffer more if youd been in fault«
There was silence for several minutes for the struggle in Adams mind was
not easily decided Facile natures whose emotions have little permanence can
hardly understand how much inward resistance he overcame before he rose from his
seat and turned towards Arthur Arthur heard the movement and turning round
met the sad but softened look with which Adam said
»Its true what you say sir Im hard its in my nature I was too hard
with my father for doing wrong Ive been a bit hard t everybody but her I
felt as if nobody pitied her enough her suffering cut into me so and when I
thought the folks at the Farm were too hard with her I said Id never be hard
to anybody myself again But feeling overmuch about her has perhaps made me
unfair to you Ive known what it is in my life to repent and feel its too
late I felt Id been too harsh to my father when he was gone from me I feel
it now when I think of him Ive no right to be hard towards them as have done
wrong and repent«
Adam spoke these words with the firm distinctness of a man who is resolved
to leave nothing unsaid that he is bound to say but he went on with more
hesitation
»I wouldnt shake hands with you once sir when you asked me but if
youre willing to do it now for all I refused then«
Arthurs white hand was in Adams large grasp in an instant and with that
action there was a strong rush on both sides of the old boyish affection
»Adam« Arthur said impelled to full confession now »it would never have
happened if Id known you loved her That would have helped to save me from it
And I did struggle I never meant to injure her I deceived you afterwards and
that led on to worse but I thought it was forced upon me I thought it was the
best thing I could do And in that letter I told her to let me know if she were
in any trouble dont think I would not have done everything I could But I was
all wrong from the very first and horrible wrong has come of it God knows Id
give my life if I could undo it«
They sat down again opposite each other and Adam said tremulously
»How did she seem when you left her sir«
»Dont ask me Adam« Arthur said »I feel sometimes as if I should go mad
with thinking of her looks and what she said to me and then that I couldnt
get a full pardon that I couldnt save her from that wretched fate of being
transported that I can do nothing for her all those years and she may die
under it and never know comfort any more«
»Ah sir« said Adam for the first time feeling his own pain merged in
sympathy for Arthur »you and mell often be thinking o the same thing when
were a long way off one another Ill pray God to help you as I pray him to
help me«
»But theres that sweet woman that Dinah Morris« Arthur said pursuing
his own thoughts and not knowing what had been the sense of Adams words »she
says she shall stay with her to the very last moment till she goes and the
poor thing clings to her as if she found some comfort in her I could worship
that woman I dont know what I should do if she were not there Adam you will
see her when she comes back I could say nothing to her yesterday nothing of
what I felt towards her Tell her« Arthur went on hurriedly as if he wanted to
hide the emotion with which he spoke while he took off his chain and watch
»tell her I asked you to give her this in remembrance of me of the man to whom
she is the one source of comfort when he thinks of I know she doesnt care
about such things or anything else I can give her for its own sake But she
will use the watch I shall like to think of her using it«
»Ill give it to her sir« Adam said »and tell her your words She told me
she should come back to the people at the Hall Farm«
»And you will persuade the Poysers to stay Adam« said Arthur reminded of
the subject which both of them had forgotten in the first interchange of revived
friendship »You will stay yourself and help Mr Irwine to carry out the
repairs and improvements on the estate«
»Theres one thing sir that perhaps you dont take account of« said Adam
with hesitating gentleness »and that was what made me hang back longer You
see its the same with both me and the Poysers if we stay its for our own
worldly interest and it looks as if wed put up with anything for the sake o
that I know thats what theyll feel and I cant help feeling a little of it
myself When folks have got an honourable independent spirit they dont like
to do anything that might make em seem baseminded«
»But no one who knows you will think that Adam that is not a reason strong
enough against a course that is really more generous more unselfish than the
other And it will be known it shall be made known that both you and the
Poysers stayed at my entreaty Adam dont try to make things worse for me Im
punished enough without that«
»No sir no« Adam said looking at Arthur with mournful affection »God
forbid I should make things worse for you I used to wish I could do it in my
passion but that was when I thought you didnt feel enough Ill stay sir
Ill do the best I can Its all Ive got to think of now to do my work well
and make the world a bit better place for them as can enjoy it«
»Then well part now Adam You will see Mr Irwine tomorrow and consult
with him about everything«
»Are you going soon sir« said Adam
»As soon as possible after Ive made the necessary arrangements Goodbye
Adam I shall think of you going about the old place«
»Goodbye sir God bless you«
The hands were clasped once more and Adam left the Hermitage feeling that
sorrow was more bearable now hatred was gone
As soon as the door was closed behind him Arthur went to the wastepaper
basket and took out the little pink silk handkerchief
Book Sixth
Chapter XLIX
At the Hall Farm
The first autumnal afternoon sunshine of 1801 more than eighteen months after
that parting of Adam and Arthur in the Hermitage was on the yard at the Hall
Farm and the bulldog was in one of his most excited moments for it was that
hour of the day when the cows were being driven into the yard for their
afternoon milking No wonder the patient beasts ran confusedly into the wrong
places for the alarming din of the bulldog was mingled with more distant sounds
which the timid feminine creatures with pardonable superstition imagined also
to have some relation to their own movements with the tremendous crack of the
waggoners whip the roar of his voice and the booming thunder of the waggon
as it left the rickyard empty of its golden load
The milking of the cows was a sight Mrs Poyser loved and at this hour on
mild days she was usually standing at the house door with her knitting in her
hands in quiet contemplation only heightened to a keener interest when the
vicious yellow cow who had once kicked over a pailful of precious milk was
about to undergo the preventive punishment of having her hinderlegs strapped
Today however Mrs Poyser gave but a divided attention to the arrival of
the cows for she was in eager discussion with Dinah who was stitching Mr
Poysers shirtcollars and had borne patiently to have her thread broken three
times by Totty pulling at her arm with a sudden insistance that she should look
at »Baby« that is at a large wooden doll with no legs and a long skirt whose
bald head Totty seated in her small chair at Dinahs side was caressing and
pressing to her fat cheek with much fervour Totty is larger by more than two
years growth than when you first saw her and she has on a black frock under
her pinafore Mrs Poyser too has on a black gown which seems to heighten the
family likeness between her and Dinah In other respects there is little outward
change now discernible in our old friends or in the pleasant houseplace
bright with polished oak and pewter
»I never saw the like to you Dinah« Mrs Poyser was saying »when youve
once took anything into your head theres no more moving you than the rooted
tree You may say what you like but I dont believe thats religion for whats
the Sermon on the Mount about as youre so fond o reading to the boys but
doing what other folks ud have you do But if it was anything unreasonable they
wanted you to do like taking your cloak off and giving it to em or letting
em slap you i the face I daresay youd be ready enough its only when one
ud have you do whats plain commonsense and good for yourself as youre
obstinate th other way«
»Nay dear aunt« said Dinah smiling slightly as she went on with her work
»Im sure your wish ud be a reason for me to do anything that I didnt feel it
was wrong to do«
»Wrong You drive me past bearing What is there wrong I should like to
know i staying along wi your own friends as are th happier for having you
with em an are willing to provide for you even if your work didnt more nor
pay em for the bit o sparrows victual y eat and the bit o rag you put on
An who is it I should like to know as youre bound t help and comfort i the
world more nor your own flesh and blood an me th only aunt youve got
aboveground an am brought to the brink o the grave welly every winter as
comes an theres the child as sits beside you ull break her little heart when
you go an the grandfather not been dead a twelvemonth an your uncle ull
miss you so as never was alighting his pipe an waiting on him an now I can
trust you wi the butter an have had all the trouble o teaching you and
theres all the sewing to be done an I must have a strange gell out o
Treddleson to do it an all because you must go back to that bare heap o
stones as the very crows fly over an wont stop at«
»Dear aunt Rachel« said Dinah looking up in Mrs Poysers face »its your
kindness makes you say Im useful to you You dont really want me now for
Nancy and Molly are clever at their work and youre in good health now by the
blessing of God and my uncle is of a cheerful countenance again and you have
neighbours and friends not a few some of them come to sit with my uncle almost
daily Indeed you will not miss me and at Snowfield there are brethren and
sisters in great need who have none of those comforts you have around you I
feel that I am called back to those amongst whom my lot was first cast I feel
drawn again towards the hills where I used to be blessed in carrying the word of
life to the sinful and desolate«
»You feel yes« said Mrs Poyser returning from a parenthetic glance at
the cows »Thats allays the reason Im to sit down wi when youve a mind to
do anything contrairy What do you want to be preaching for more than youre
preaching now Dont you go off the Lord knows where every Sunday apreaching
and praying an havent you got Methodists enow at Treddleson to go and look
at if church folkss faces are too handsome to please you an isnt there them
i this parish as youve got under hand and theyre like enough to make friends
wi Old Harry again as soon as your backs turned Theres that Bessy Cranage
shell be flaunting i new finery three weeks after youre gone Ill be bound
shell no more go on in her new ways without you than a dog ull stand on its
hindlegs when theres nobody looking But I suppose it doesna matter so much
about folkss souls i this country else youd be for staying with your own
aunt for shes none so good but what you might help her to be better«
There was a certain something in Mrs Poysers voice just then which she
did not wish to be noticed so she turned round hastily to look at the clock and
said »See there Its teatime an if Martins i the rickyard hell like a
cup Here Totty my chicken let mother put your bonnet on and then you go out
into the rickyard and see if fathers there and tell him he mustnt go away
again without coming t have a cup o tea and tell your brothers to come in
too«
Totty trotted off in her flapping bonnet while Mrs Poyser set out the
bright oak table and reached down the teacups
»You talk o them gells Nancy and Molly being clever i their work« she
began again »its fine talking Theyre all the same clever or stupid one
cant trust em out o ones sight a minute They want somebodys eye on em
constant if theyre to be kept to their work An suppose Im ill again this
winter as I was the winter before last whos to look after em then if youre
gone An theres that blessed child somethings sure t happen to her
theyll let her tumble into the fire or get at the kettle wi the boiling lard
int or some mischief as ull lame her for life an itll be all your fault
Dinah«
»Aunt« said Dinah »I promise to come back to you in the winter if youre
ill Dont think I will ever stay away from you if youre in real want of me
But indeed it is needful for my own soul that I should go away from this life of
ease and luxury in which I have all things too richly to enjoy at least that
I should go away for a short space No one can know but myself what are my
inward needs and the besetments I am most in danger from Your wish for me to
stay is not a call of duty which I refuse to hearken to because it is against my
own desires it is a temptation that I must resist lest the love of the
creature should become like a mist in my soul shutting out the heavenly light«
»It passes my cunning to know what you mean by ease and luxury« said Mrs
Poyser as she cut the bread and butter »Its true theres good victual enough
about you as nobody shall ever say I dont provide enough and to spare but if
theres ever a bit o odds and ends as nobody else ud eat youre sure to pick
it out but look there theres Adam Bede acarrying the little un in I
wonder how it is hes come so early«
Mrs Poyser hastened to the door for the pleasure of looking at her darling
in a new position with love in her eyes but reproof on her tongue
»Oh for shame Totty Little gells o five year old should be ashamed to be
carried Why Adam shell break your arm such a big gell as that set her down
for shame«
»Nay nay« said Adam »I can lift her with my hand Ive no need to take my
arm to it«
Totty looking as serenely unconscious of remark as a fat white puppy was
set down at the doorplace and the mother enforced her reproof with a shower of
kisses
»Youre surprised to see me at this hour o the day« said Adam
»Yes but come in« said Mrs Poyser making way for him »theres no bad
news I hope«
»No nothing bad« Adam answered as he went up to Dinah and put out his
hand to her She had laid down her work and stood up instinctively as he
approached her A faint blush died away from her pale cheek as she put her hand
in his and looked up at him timidly
»Its an errand to you brought me Dinah« said Adam apparently unconscious
that he was holding her hand all the while »mothers a bit ailing and shes
set her heart on your coming to stay the night with her if youll be so kind I
told her Id call and ask you as I came from the village She overworks herself
and I cant persuade her to have a little girl t help her I dont know whats
to be done«
Adam released Dinahs hand as he ceased speaking and was expecting an
answer but before she had opened her lips Mrs Poyser said
»Look there now I told you there was folks enow t help i this parish
wiout going further off Theres Mrs Bede getting as old and casalty as can
be and she wont let anybody but you go anigh her hardly The folks at
Snowfield have learnt by this time to do better wiout you nor she can«
»Ill put my bonnet on and set off directly if you dont want anything done
first aunt« said Dinah folding up her work
»Yes I do want something done I want you t have your tea child its all
ready and youll have a cup Adam if y arena in too big a hurry«
»Yes Ill have a cup please and then Ill walk with Dinah Im going
straight home for Ive got a lot o timber valuations to write out«
»Why Adam lad are you here« said Mr Poyser entering warm and coatless
with the two blackeyed boys behind him still looking as much like him as two
small elephants are like a large one »How is it weve got sight o you so long
before fodderingtime«
»I came on an errand for mother« said Adam »Shes got a touch of her old
complaint and she wants Dinah to go and stay with her a bit«
»Well well spare her for your mother a little while« said Mr Poyser
»But we wonna spare her for anybody else ony her husband«
»Husband« said Marty who was at the most prosaic and literal period of the
boyish mind »Why Dinah hasnt got a husband«
»Spare her« said Mrs Poyser placing a seedcake on the table and then
seating herself to pour out the tea »But we must spare her it seems and not
for a husband neither but for her own megrims Tommy what are you doing to
your little sisters doll making the child naughty when shed be good if youd
let her You shanna have a morsel o cake if you behave so«
Tommy with true brotherly sympathy was amusing himself by turning Dollys
skirt over her bald head and exhibiting her truncated body to the general scorn
an indignity which cut Totty to the heart
»What do you think Dinahs been atelling me since dinnertime« Mrs Poyser
continued looking at her husband
»Eh Im a poor un at guessing« said Mr Poyser
»Why she means to go back to Snowfield again and work i the mill and
starve herself as she used to do like a creatur as has got no friends«
Mr Poyser did not readily find words to express his unpleasant
astonishment he only looked from his wife to Dinah who had now seated herself
beside Totty as a bulwark against brotherly playfulness and was busying
herself with the childrens tea If he had been given to making general
reflections it would have occurred to him that there was certainly a change
come over Dinah for she never used to change colour but as it was he merely
observed that her face was flushed at that moment Mr Poyser thought she looked
the prettier for it it was a flush no deeper than the petal of a monthly rose
Perhaps it came because her uncle was looking at her so fixedly but there is no
knowing for just then Adam was saying with quiet surprise
»Why I hoped Dinah was settled among us for life I thought shed given up
the notion o going back to her old country«
»Thought yes« said Mrs Poyser »and so would anybody else ha thought as
had got their right end upards But I suppose you must be a Methodist to know
what a Methodist ull do Its ill guessing what the bats are flying after«
»Why what have we done to you Dinah as you must go away from us« said
Mr Poyser still pausing over his teacup »Its like breaking your word
welly for your aunt never had no thought but youd make this your home«
»Nay uncle« said Dinah trying to be quite calm »When I first came I
said it was only for a time as long as I could be of any comfort to my aunt«
»Well an who said youd ever left off being a comfort to me« said Mrs
Poyser »If you didna mean to stay wi me youd better never ha come Them as
ha never had a cushion dont miss it«
»Nay nay« said Mr Poyser who objected to exaggerated views »Thee mustna
say so we should ha been ill off wiout her Lady Day was a twelvemont we
mun be thankful for that whether she stays or no But I canna think what she
mun leave a good home for to go back int a country where the land most ont
isna worth ten shillings an acre rent and profits«
»Why thats just the reason she wants to go as fur as she can give a
reason« said Mrs Poyser »She says this countrys too comfortable an theres
too much t eat an folks arena miserable enough And shes going next week I
canna turn her say what I will Its allays the way wi them meekfaced people
you mays well pelt a bag o feathers as talk to em But I say it isna
religion to be so obstinate is it now Adam«
Adam saw that Dinah was more disturbed than he had ever seen her by any
matter relating to herself and anxious to relieve her if possible he said
looking at her affectionately
»Nay I cant find fault with anything Dinah does I believe her thoughts
are better than our guesses let em be what they may I should ha been
thankful for her to stay among us but if she thinks well to go I wouldnt
cross her or make it hard to her by objecting We owe her something different
to that«
As it often happens the words intended to relieve her were just too much
for Dinahs susceptible feelings at this moment The tears came into the grey
eyes too fast to be hidden and she got up hurriedly meaning it to be
understood that she was going to put on her bonnet
»Mother whats Dinah crying for« said Totty »She isnt a naughty dell«
»Theest gone a bit too fur« said Mr Poyser »Weve no right t interfere
with her doing as she likes An theedst be as angry as could be wi me if I
said a word against anything she did«
»Because youd very like be finding fault wiout reason« said Mrs Poyser
»But theres reason i what I say else I shouldna say it Its easy talking for
them as cant love her so well as her own aunt does An me got so used to her
I shall feel as uneasy as a new sheared sheep when shes gone from me An to
think of her leaving a parish where shes so looked on Theres Mr Irwine makes
as much of her as if she was a lady for all her being a Methodist an wi that
maggot o preaching in her head God forgie me if Im i the wrong to call it
so«
»Ay« said Mr Poyser looking jocose »but thee dostna tell Adam what he
said to thee about it one day The missis was saying Adam as the preaching was
th only fault to be found wi Dinah and Mr Irwine says But you mustnt find
fault with her for that Mrs Poyser you forget shes got no husband to preach
to Ill answer for it you give Poyser many a good sermon The parson had thee
there« Mr Poyser added laughing unctuously »I told Bartle Massey on it an
he laughed too«
»Yes its a small joke sets men laughing when they sit astaring at one
another with a pipe i their mouths« said Mrs Poyser »Give Bartle Massey his
way and hed have all the sharpness to himself If the chaffcutter had the
making of us we should all be straw I reckon Totty my chicken go upstairs
to cousin Dinah and see what shes doing and give her a pretty kiss«
This errand was devised for Totty as a means of checking certain threatening
symptoms about the corners of the mouth for Tommy no longer expectant of cake
was lifting up his eyelids with his forefingers and turning his eyeballs
towards Totty in a way that she felt to be disagreeably personal
»Youre rare and busy now eh Adam« said Mr Poyser »Burges getting so
bad wi his asthmy its well if hell ever do much riding about again«
»Yes weve got a pretty bit o building on hand now« said Adam »what with
the repairs on th estate and the new houses at Treddleson«
»Ill bet a penny that new house Burge is building on his own bit o land is
for him and Mary to go to« said Mr Poyser »Hell be for laying by business
soon Ill warrant and be wanting you to take to it all and pay him so much by
th ear We shall see you living on th hill before another twelvemonts over«
»Well« said Adam »I should like t have the business in my own hands It
isnt as I mind much about getting any more money weve enough and to spare
now with only our two selves and mother but I should like t have my own way
about things I could try plans then as I cant do now«
»You get on pretty well wi the new steward I reckon« said Mr Poyser
»Yes yes hes a sensible man enough understands farming hes carrying
on the draining and all that capital You must go some day towards the
Stonyshire side and see what alterations theyre making But hes got no notion
about buildings you can so seldom get hold of a man as can turn his brains to
more nor one thing its just as if they wore blinkers like th horses and
could see nothing o one side of em Now theres Mr Irwine has got notions o
building more nor most architects for as for th architects they set up to be
fine fellows but the most of em dont know where to set a chimney so as it
shant be quarrelling with a door My notion is a practical builder thats got
a bit o taste makes the best architect for common things and Ive ten times
the pleasure i seeing after the work when Ive made the plan myself«
Mr Poyser listened with an admiring interest to Adams discourse on
building but perhaps it suggested to him that the building of his cornrick had
been proceeding a little too long without the control of the masters eye for
when Adam had done speaking he got up and said
»Well lad Ill bid you goodbye now for Im off to the rickyard again«
Adam rose too for he saw Dinah entering with her bonnet on and a little
basket in her hand preceded by Totty
»Youre ready I see Dinah« Adam said »so well set off for the sooner
Im at home the better«
»Mother« said Totty with her treble pipe »Dinah was saying her prayers
and crying ever so«
»Hush hush« said the mother »little gells mustnt chatter«
Whereupon the father shaking with silent laughter set Totty on the white
deal table and desired her to kiss him Mr and Mrs Poyser you perceive had
no correct principles of education
»Come back tomorrow if Mrs Bede doesnt want you Dinah« said Mrs
Poyser »but you can stay you know if shes ill«
So when the goodbyes had been said Dinah and Adam left the Hall Farm
together
Chapter L
In the Cottage
Adam did not ask Dinah to take his arm when they got out into the lane He had
never yet done so often as they had walked together for he had observed that
she never walked arminarm with Seth and he thought perhaps that kind of
support was not agreeable to her So they walked apart though side by side and
the close poke of her little black bonnet hid her face from him
»You cant be happy then to make the Hall Farm your home Dinah« Adam
said with the quiet interest of a brother who has no anxiety for himself in
the matter »Its a pity seeing theyre so fond of you«
»You know Adam my heart is as their heart so far as love for them and
care for their welfare goes but they are in no present need their sorrows are
healed and I feel that I am called back to my old work in which I found a
blessing that I have missed of late in the midst of too abundant worldly good I
know it is a vain thought to flee from the work that God appoints us for the
sake of finding a greater blessing to our own souls as if we could choose for
ourselves where we shall find the fulness of the Divine Presence instead of
seeking it where alone it is to be found in loving obedience But now I
believe I have a clear showing that my work lies elsewhere at least for a
time In the years to come if my aunts health should fail or she should
otherwise need me I shall return«
»You know best Dinah« said Adam »I dont believe youd go against the
wishes of them that love you and are akin to you without a good and sufficient
reason in your own conscience Ive no right to say anything about my being
sorry you know well enough what cause I have to put you above every other
friend Ive got and if it had been ordered so that you could ha been my
sister and lived with us all our lives I should ha counted it the greatest
blessing as could happen to us now but Seth tells me theres no hope o that
your feelings are different and perhaps Im taking too much upon me to speak
about it«
Dinah made no answer and they walked on in silence for some yards till
they came to the stone stile where as Adam had passed through first and
turned round to give her his hand while she mounted the unusually high step she
could not prevent him from seeing her face It struck him with surprise for the
grey eyes usually so mild and grave had the bright uneasy glance which
accompanies suppressed agitation and the slight flush in her cheeks with which
she had come downstairs was heightened to a deep rosecolour She looked as if
she were only sister to Dinah Adam was silent with surprise and conjecture for
some moments and then he said
»I hope Ive not hurt or displeased you by what Ive said Dinah perhaps I
was making too free Ive no wish different from what you see to be best and
Im satisfied for you to live thirty mile off if you think it right I shall
think of you just as much as I do now for youre bound up with what I can no
more help remembering than I can help my heart beating«
Poor Adam Thus do men blunder Dinah made no answer but she presently said
»Have you heard any news from that poor young man since we last spoke of
him«
Dinah always called Arthur so she had never lost the image of him as she
had seen him in the prison
»Yes« said Adam »Mr Irwine read me part of a letter from him yesterday
Its pretty certain they say that therell be a peace soon though nobody
believes itll last long but he says he doesnt mean to come home Hes no
heart for it yet and its better for others that he should keep away Mr
Irwine thinks hes in the right not to come its a sorrowful letter He asks
about you and the Poysers as he always does Theres one thing in the letter
cut me a good deal You cant think what an old fellow I feel he says I make
no schemes now Im the best when Ive a good days march or fighting before
me«
»Hes of a rash warmhearted nature like Esau for whom I have always felt
great pity« said Dinah »That meeting between the brothers where Esau is so
loving and generous and Jacob so timid and distrustful notwithstanding his
sense of the Divine favour has always touched me greatly Truly I have been
tempted sometimes to say that Jacob was of a mean spirit But that is our trial
we must learn to see the good in the midst of much that is unlovely«
»Ah« said Adam »I like to read about Moses best in th Old Testament He
carried a hard business well through and died when other folks were going to
reap the fruits a man must have courage to look at his life so and think
whatll come of it after hes dead and gone A good solid bit o work lasts if
its only laying a floor down somebodys the better for it being done well
besides the man as does it«
They were both glad to talk of subjects that were not personal and in this
way they went on till they passed the bridge across the Willow Brook when Adam
turned round and said
»Ah heres Seth I thought hed be home soon Does he know of your going
Dinah«
»Yes I told him last Sabbath«
Adam remembered now that Seth had come home much depressed on Sunday
evening a circumstance which had been very unusual with him of late for the
happiness he had in seeing Dinah every week seemed long to have outweighed the
pain of knowing she would never marry him This evening he had his habitual air
of dreamy benignant contentment until he came quite close to Dinah and saw the
traces of tears on her delicate eyelids and eyelashes He gave one rapid glance
at his brother but Adam was evidently quite outside the current of emotion that
had shaken Dinah he wore his everyday look of unexpectant calm Seth tried not
to let Dinah see that he had noticed her face and only said »Im thankful
youre come Dinah for mothers been hungering after the sight of you all day
She began to talk of you the first thing in the morning«
When they entered the cottage Lisbeth was seated in her armchair too
tired with setting out the evening meal a task she always performed a long time
beforehand to go and meet them at the door as usual when she heard the
approaching footsteps
»Coom child theet coom at last« she said when Dinah went towards her
»What dost mane by lavin me a week an neer coomin anigh me«
»Dear friend« said Dinah taking her hand »youre not well If Id known
it sooner Id have come«
»An hows thee t know if thee dostna coom Th lads ony know what I tell
em as long as ye can stir hand and foot the men think yere hearty But Im
none so bad ony a bit of a cold sets me achin An th lads tease me so t
ha somebody wi me t do the work they make me ache worse wi talkin If
theedst come and stay wi me theyd let me alone The Poysers canna want thee
so bad as I do But take thy bonnet off an let me look at thee«
Dinah was moving away but Lisbeth held her fast while she was taking off
her bonnet and looked at her face as one looks into a newlygathered snowdrop
to renew the old impressions of purity and gentleness
»Whats the matter wi thee« said Lisbeth in astonishment »theest been
acryin«
»Its only a grief thatll pass away« said Dinah who did not wish just now
to call forth Lisbeths remonstrances by disclosing her intention to leave
Hayslope »You shall know about it shortly well talk of it tonight I shall
stay with you tonight«
Lisbeth was pacified by this prospect and she had the whole evening to talk
with Dinah alone for there was a new room in the cottage you remember built
nearly two years ago in the expectation of a new inmate and here Adam always
sat when he had writing to do or plans to make Seth sat there too this
evening for he knew his mother would like to have Dinah all to herself
There were two pretty pictures on the two sides of the wall in the cottage
On one side there was the broadshouldered largefeatured hardy old woman in
her blue jacket and buff kerchief with her dimeyed anxious looks turned
continually on the lily face and the slight form in the black dress that were
either moving lightly about in helpful activity or seated close by the old
womans armchair holding her withered hand with eyes lifted up towards her to
speak a language which Lisbeth understood far better than the Bible or the
hymnbook She would scarcely listen to reading at all tonight »Nay nay shut
the book« she said »We mun talk I want t know what thee wast cryin about
Hast got troubles o thy own like other folks«
On the other side of the wall there were the two brothers so like each
other in the midst of their unlikeness Adam with knit brows shaggy hair and
dark vigorous colour absorbed in his »figuring« Seth with large rugged
features the close copy of his brothers but with thin wavy brown hair and
blue dreamy eyes as often as not looking vaguely out of the window instead of
at his book although it was a newlybought book Wesleys abridgment of Madame
Guyons life which was full of wonder and interest for him Seth had said to
Adam »Can I help thee with anything in here tonight I dont want to make a
noise in the shop«
»No lad« Adam answered »theres nothing but what I must do myself
Theest got thy new book to read«
And often when Seth was quite unconscious Adam as he paused after drawing
a line with his ruler looked at his brother with a kind smile dawning in his
eyes He knew »th lad liked to sit full o thoughts he could give no account
of theyd never come t anything but they made him happy« and in the last
year or so Adam had been getting more and more indulgent to Seth It was part
of that growing tenderness which came from the sorrow at work within him
For Adam though you see him quite master of himself working hard and
delighting in his work after his inborn inalienable nature had not outlived his
sorrow had not felt it slip from him as a temporary burthen and leave him the
same man again Do any of us God forbid It would be a poor result of all our
anguish and our wrestling if we won nothing but our old selves at the end of it
if we could return to the same blind loves the same selfconfident blame the
same light thoughts of human suffering the same frivolous gossip over blighted
human lives the same feeble sense of that Unknown towards which we have sent
forth irrepressible cries in our loneliness Let us rather be thankful that our
sorrow lives in us as an indestructible force only changing its form as forces
do and passing from pain into sympathy the one poor word which includes all
our best insight and our best love Not that this transformation of pain into
sympathy had completely taken place in Adam yet there was still a great remnant
of pain and this he felt would subsist as long as her pain was not a memory
but an existing thing which he must think of as renewed with the light of every
new morning But we get accustomed to mental as well as bodily pain without
for all that losing our sensibility to it it becomes a habit of our lives and
we cease to imagine a condition of perfect ease as possible for us Desire is
chastened into submission and we are contented with our day when we have been
able to bear our grief in silence and act as if we were not suffering For it
is at such periods that the sense of our lives having visible and invisible
relations beyond any of which either our present or prospective self is the
centre grows like a muscle that we are obliged to lean on and exert
That was Adams state of mind in this second autumn of his sorrow His work
as you know had always been part of his religion and from very early days he
saw clearly that good carpentry was Gods will was that form of Gods will
that most immediately concerned him but now there was no margin of dreams for
him beyond this daylight reality no holidaytime in the workingday world no
moment in the distance when duty would take off her iron glove and breastplate
and clasp him gently into rest He conceived no picture of the future but one
made up of hardworking days such as he lived through with growing contentment
and intensity of interest every fresh week love he thought could never be
anything to him but a living memory a limb lopped off but not gone from
consciousness He did not know that the power of loving was all the while
gaining new force within him that the new sensibilities bought by a deep
experience were so many new fibres by which it was possible nay necessary to
him that his nature should intertwine with another Yet he was aware that
common affection and friendship were more precious to him than they used to be
that he clung more to his mother and Seth and had an unspeakable satisfaction
in the sight or imagination of any small addition to their happiness The
Poysers too hardly three or four days passed but he felt the need of seeing
them and interchanging words and looks of friendliness with them he would have
felt this probably even if Dinah had not been with them but he had only said
the simplest truth in telling Dinah that he put her above all other friends in
the world Could anything be more natural For in the darkest moments of memory
the thought of her always came as the first ray of returning comfort the early
days of gloom at the Hall Farm had been gradually turned into soft moonlight by
her presence and in the cottage too for she had come at every spare moment
to soothe and cheer poor Lisbeth who had been stricken with a fear that subdued
even her querulousness at the sight of her darling Adams griefworn face He
had become used to watching her light quiet movements her pretty loving ways to
the children when he went to the Hall Farm to listen for her voice as for a
recurrent music to think everything she said and did was just right and could
not have been better In spite of his wisdom he could not find fault with her
for her overindulgence of the children who had managed to convert Dinah the
preacher before whom a circle of rough men had often trembled a little into a
convenient household slave though Dinah herself was rather ashamed of this
weakness and had some inward conflict as to her departure from the precepts of
Solomon Yes there was one thing that might have been better she might have
loved Seth and consented to marry him He felt a little vexed for his
brothers sake and he could not help thinking regretfully how Dinah as Seths
wife would have made their home as happy as it could be for them all how she
was the one being that would have soothed their mothers last days into
peacefulness and rest
»Its wonderful she doesnt love th lad« Adam had said sometimes to
himself »for anybody ud think he was just cut out for her But her hearts so
taken up with other things Shes one o those women that feel no drawing
towards having a husband and children o their own She thinks she should be
filled up with her own life then and shes been used so to living in other
folkss cares she cant bear the thought of her heart being shut up from em I
see how it is well enough Shes cut out o different stuff from most women I
saw that long ago Shes never easy but when shes helping somebody and
marriage ud interfere with her ways thats true Ive no right to be
contriving and thinking it ud be better if shed have Seth as if I was wiser
than she is or than God either for He made her what she is and thats one
o the greatest blessings Ive ever had from His hands and others besides me«
This selfreproof had recurred strongly to Adams mind when he gathered
from Dinahs face that he had wounded her by referring to his wish that she had
accepted Seth and so he had endeavoured to put into the strongest words his
confidence in her decision as right his resignation even to her going away
from them and ceasing to make part of their life otherwise than by living in
their thoughts if that separation were chosen by herself He felt sure she knew
quite well enough how much he cared to see her continually to talk to her with
the silent consciousness of a mutual great remembrance It was not possible she
should hear anything but selfrenouncing affection and respect in his assurance
that he was contented for her to go away and yet there remained an uneasy
feeling in his mind that he had not said quite the right thing that somehow
Dinah had not understood him
Dinah must have risen a little before the sun the next morning for she was
downstairs about five oclock So was Seth for through Lisbeths obstinate
refusal to have any womanhelper in the house he had learned to make himself
as Adam said »very handy in the housework« that he might save his mother from
too great weariness on which ground I hope you will not think him unmanly any
more than you can have thought the gallant Colonel Bath unmanly when he made the
gruel for his invalid sister Adam who had sat up late at his writing was
still asleep and was not likely Seth said to be down till breakfasttime
Often as Dinah had visited Lisbeth during the last eighteen months she had
never slept in the cottage since that night after Thiass death when you
remember Lisbeth praised her deft movements and even gave a modified approval
to her porridge But in that long interval Dinah had made great advances in
household cleverness and this morning since Seth was there to help she was
bent on bringing everything to a pitch of cleanliness and order that would have
satisfied her aunt Poyser The cottage was far from that standard at present
for Lisbeths rheumatism had forced her to give up her old habits of dilettante
scouring and polishing When the kitchen was to her mind Dinah went into the
new room where Adam had been writing the night before to see what sweeping and
dusting were needed there She opened the window and let in the fresh morning
air and the smell of the sweetbrier and the bright lowslanting rays of the
early sun which made a glory about her pale face and pale auburn hair as she
held the long brush and swept singing to herself in a very low tone like a
sweet summer murmur that you have to listen for very closely one of Charles
Wesleys hymns
»Eternal Beam of Light Divine
Fountain of unexhausted love
In whom the Fathers glories shine
Through earth beneath and heaven above
Jesus the weary wanderers rest
Give me thy easy yoke to bear
With steadfast patience arm my breast
With spotless love and holy fear
Speak to my warring passions Peace
Say to my trembling heart Be still
Thy power my strength and fortress is
For all things serve thy sovereign will«
She laid by the brush and took up the duster and if you had ever lived in Mrs
Poysers household you would know how the duster behaved in Dinahs hand how
it went into every small corner and on every ledge in and out of sight how it
went again and again round every bar of the chairs and every leg and under and
over everything that lay on the table till it came to Adams papers and rulers
and the open desk near them Dinah dusted up to the very edge of these and then
hesitated looking at them with a longing but timid eye It was painful to see
how much dust there was among them As she was looking in this way she heard
Seths step just outside the open door towards which her back was turned and
said raising her clear treble
»Seth is your brother wrathful when his papers are stirred«
»Yes very when they are not put back in the right places« said a deep
strong voice not Seths
It was as if Dinah had put her hands unawares on a vibrating chord she was
shaken with an intense thrill and for the instant felt nothing else then she
knew her cheeks were glowing and dared not look round but stood still
distressed because she could not say goodmorning in a friendly way Adam
finding that she did not look round so as to see the smile on his face was
afraid she had thought him serious about his wrathfulness and went up to her
so that she was obliged to look at him
»What you think Im a cross fellow at home Dinah« he said smilingly
»Nay« said Dinah looking up with timid eyes »not so But you might be put
about by finding things meddled with and even the man Moses the meekest of
men was wrathful sometimes«
»Come then« said Adam looking at her affectionately »Ill help you move
the things and put em back again and then they cant get wrong Youre
getting to be your aunts own niece I see for particularness«
They began their little task together but Dinah had not recovered herself
sufficiently to think of any remark and Adam looked at her uneasily Dinah he
thought had seemed to disapprove him somehow lately she had not been so kind
and open to him as she used to be He wanted her to look at him and be as
pleased as he was himself with doing this bit of playful work But Dinah did not
look at him it was easy for her to avoid looking at the tall man and when at
last there was no more dusting to be done and no further excuse for him to
linger near her he could bear it no longer and said in rather a pleading tone
»Dinah youre not displeased with me for anything are you Ive not said or
done anything to make you think ill of me«
The question surprised her and relieved her by giving a new course to her
feeling She looked up at him now quite earnestly almost with the tears
coming and said
»Oh no Adam how could you think so«
»I couldnt bear you not to feel as much a friend to me as I do to you«
said Adam »And you dont know the value I set on the very thought of you
Dinah That was what I meant yesterday when I said Id be content for you to
go if you thought right I meant the thought of you was worth so much to me I
should feel I ought to be thankful and not grumble if you see right to go
away You know I do mind parting with you Dinah«
»Yes dear friend« said Dinah trembling but trying to speak calmly »I
know you have a brothers heart towards me and we shall often be with one
another in spirit but at this season I am in heaviness through manifold
temptations you must not mark me I feel called to leave my kindred for a
while but it is a trial the flesh is weak«
Adam saw that it pained her to be obliged to answer
»I hurt you by talking about it Dinah« he said »Ill say no more Lets
see if Seths ready with breakfast now«
That is a simple scene reader But it is almost certain that you too have
been in love perhaps even more than once though you may not choose to say
so to all your feminine friends If so you will no more think the slight words
the timid looks the tremulous touches by which two human souls approach each
other gradually like two little quivering rainstreams before they mingle into
one you will no more think these things trivial than you will think the
firstdetected signs of coming spring trivial though they be but a faint
indescribable something in the air and in the song of the birds and the tiniest
perceptible budding on the hedgerow branches Those slight words and looks and
touches are part of the souls language and the finest language I believe is
chiefly made up of unimposing words such as »light« »sound« »stars« »music«
words really not worth looking at or hearing in themselves any more than
»chips« or »sawdust« it is only that they happen to be the signs of something
unspeakably great and beautiful I am of opinion that love is a great and
beautiful thing too and if you agree with me the smallest signs of it will not
be chips and sawdust to you they will rather be like those little words
»light« and »music« stirring the longwinding fibres of your memory and
enriching your present with your most precious past
Chapter LI
Sunday Morning
Lisbeths touch of rheumatism could not be made to appear serious enough to
detain Dinah another night from the Hall Farm now she had made up her mind to
leave her aunt so soon and at evening the friends must part »For a long
while« Dinah had said for she had told Lisbeth of her resolve
»Then itll be for all my life an I shall neer see thee again« said
Lisbeth »Long while In got no long while t live An I shall be took bad an
die an thee canst neer come anigh me an I shall die alonging for thee«
That had been the keynote of her wailing talk all day for Adam was not in
the house and so she put no restraint on her complaining She had tried poor
Dinah by returning again and again to the question why she must go away and
refusing to accept reasons which seemed to her nothing but whim and
»contrairiness« and still more by regretting that she »couldna ha one o the
lads« and be her daughter
»Thee couldstna put up wi Seth« she said »he isna cliver enough for thee
happen but hed ha been very good t thee hes as handy as can be at doin
things for me when Im bad an hes as fond o the Bible an chapellin as thee
art thysen But happen theedst like a husband better as isna just the cut o
thysen the runnin brook isna athirst for th rain Adam ud ha done for thee
I know he would an he might come t like thee well enough if theedst stop
But hes as stubborn as th iron bar theres no bending him no way buts own
But hed be a fine husband for anybody be they who they will so lookedon an
so cliver as he is And hed be rare an lovin it does me good ony a look o
the lads eye when he means kind towrt me«
Dinah tried to escape from Lisbeths closest looks and questions by finding
little tasks of housework that kept her moving about and as soon as Seth came
home in the evening she put on her bonnet to go It touched Dinah keenly to say
the last goodbye and still more to look round on her way across the fields
and see the old woman still standing at the door gazing after her till she must
have been the faintest speck in the dim aged eyes »The God of love and peace be
with them« Dinah prayed as she looked back from the last stile »Make them
glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted them and the years
wherein they have seen evil It is thy will that I should part from them let me
have no will but thine«
Lisbeth turned into the house at last and sat down in the workshop near
Seth who was busying himself there with fitting some bits of turned wood he had
brought from the village into a small workbox which he meant to give to Dinah
before she went away
»Theet see her again o Sunday afore she goes« were her first words »If
thee wast good for anything theedst make her come in again o Sunday night wi
thee an see me once more«
»Nay mother« said Seth »Dinah ud be sure to come again if she saw right
to come I should have no need to persuade her She only thinks it ud be
troubling thee for nought just to come in to say goodbye over again«
»Shed neer go away I know if Adam ud be fond on her an marry her but
everythings so contrairy« said Lisbeth with a burst of vexation
Seth paused a moment and looked up with a slight blush at his mothers
face »What has she said anything o that sort to thee mother« he said in a
lower tone
»Said nay shell say nothin Its ony the men as have to wait till folks
say things afore they find em out«
»Well but what makes thee think so mother Whats put it into thy head«
»Its no matter whats put it into my head my heads none so hollow as it
must get in an nought to put it there I know shes fond on him as I know th
winds comin in at the door an thats anoof An he might be willin to marry
her if he knowd shes fond on him but hell neer think ont if somebody
doesna put it intos head«
His mothers suggestion about Dinahs feeling towards Adam was not quite a
new thought to Seth but her last words alarmed him lest she should herself
undertake to open Adams eyes He was not sure about Dinahs feeling and he
thought he was sure about Adams
»Nay mother nay« he said earnestly »thee mustna think o speaking o
such things to Adam Theest no right to say what Dinahs feelings are if she
hasna told thee and it ud do nothing but mischief to say such things to Adam
he feels very grateful and affectionate toward Dinah but hes no thoughts
towards her that ud incline him to make her his wife and I dont believe Dinah
ud marry him either I dont think shell marry at all«
»Eh« said Lisbeth impatiently »Thee thinkst so cause she wouldna ha
thee Shell neer marry thee thee mightst as well like her t ha thy
brother«
Seth was hurt »Mother« he said in a remonstrating tone »dont think that
of me I should be as thankful t have her for a sister as thee wouldst t have
her for a daughter Ive no more thoughts about myself in that thing and I
shall take it hard if ever thee sayst it again«
»Well well then thee shouldstna cross me wi sayin things arena as I say
they are«
»But mother« said Seth »theedst be doing Dinah a wrong by telling Adam
what thee thinkst about her It ud do nothing but mischief for it ud make
Adam uneasy if he doesna feel the same to her And Im pretty sure he feels
nothing o the sort«
»Eh donna tell me what theet sure on thee knowst nought about it Whats
he allays goin to the Poysers for if he didna want t see her He goes twice
where he used t go once Happen he knowsna as he wants t see her he knowsna
as I put salt ins broth but hed miss it pretty quick if it warna there Hell
neer think o marrying if it isna put intos head an if theedst any love for
thy mother theedst put him up tot an not let her go away out o my sight
when I might ha her to make a bit o comfort for me afore I go to bed to my old
man under the white thorn«
»Nay mother« said Seth »thee mustna think me unkind but I should be
going against my conscience if I took upon me to say what Dinahs feelings are
And besides that I think I should give offence to Adam by speaking to him at
all about marrying and I counsel thee not to dot Thee mayst be quite
deceived about Dinah nay Im pretty sure by words she said to me last
Sabbath as shes no mind to marry«
»Eh theet as contrairy as the rest on em If it war summat I didna want
it ud be done fast enough«
Lisbeth rose from the bench at this and went out of the workshop leaving
Seth in much anxiety lest she should disturb Adams mind about Dinah He
consoled himself after a time with reflecting that since Adams trouble
Lisbeth had been very timid about speaking to him on matters of feeling and
that she would hardly dare to approach this tenderest of all subjects Even if
she did he hoped Adam would not take much notice of what she said
Seth was right in believing that Lisbeth would be held in restraint by
timidity and during the next three days the intervals in which she had an
opportunity of speaking to Adam were too rare and short to cause her any strong
temptation But in her long solitary hours she brooded over her regretful
thoughts about Dinah till they had grown very near that point of unmanageable
strength when thoughts are apt to take wing out of their secret nest in a
startling manner And on Sunday morning when Seth went away to chapel at
Treddleston the dangerous opportunity came
Sunday morning was the happiest time in all the week to Lisbeth for as
there was no service at Hayslope church till the afternoon Adam was always at
home doing nothing but reading an occupation in which she could venture to
interrupt him Moreover she had always a better dinner than usual to prepare
for her sons very frequently for Adam and herself alone Seth being often away
the entire day and the smell of the roastmeat before the clear fire in the
clean kitchen the clock ticking in a peaceful Sunday manner her darling Adam
seated near her in his best clothes doing nothing very important so that she
could go and stroke her hand across his hair if she liked and see him look up
at her and smile while Gyp rather jealous poked his muzzle up between them
all these things made poor Lisbeths earthly paradise
The book Adam most often read on a Sunday morning was his large pictured
Bible and this morning it lay open before him on the round white deal table in
the kitchen for he sat there in spite of the fire because he knew his mother
liked to have him with her and it was the only day in the week when he could
indulge her in that way You would have liked to see Adam reading his Bible he
never opened it on a weekday and so he came to it as a holiday book serving
him for history biography and poetry He held one hand thrust between his
waistcoat buttons and the other ready to turn the pages and in the course of
the morning you would have seen many changes in his face Sometimes his lips
moved in semiarticulation it was when he came to a speech that he could fancy
himself uttering such as Samuels dying speech to the people then his eyebrows
would be raised and the corners of his mouth would quiver a little with sad
sympathy something perhaps old Isaacs meeting with his son touched him
closely at other times over the New Testament a very solemn look would come
upon his face and he would every now and then shake his head in serious assent
or just lift up his hand and let it fall again and on some mornings when he
read in the Apocrypha of which he was very fond the son of Sirachs keenedged
words would bring a delighted smile though he also enjoyed the freedom of
occasionally differing from an Apocryphal writer For Adam knew the Articles
quite well as became a good churchman
Lisbeth in the pauses of attending to her dinner always sat opposite to
him and watched him till she could rest no longer without going up to him and
giving him a caress to call his attention to her This morning he was reading
the Gospel according to St Matthew and Lisbeth had been standing close by him
for some minutes stroking his hair which was smoother than usual this morning
and looking down at the large page with silent wonderment at the mystery of
letters She was encouraged to continue this caress because when she first went
up to him he had thrown himself back in his chair to look at her affectionately
and say »Why mother thee lookst rare and hearty this morning Eh Gyp wants
me t look at him he cant abide to think I love thee the best« Lisbeth said
nothing because she wanted to say so many things And now there was a new leaf
to be turned over and it was a picture that of the angel seated on the great
stone that has been rolled away from the sepulchre This picture had one strong
association in Lisbeths memory for she had been reminded of it when she first
saw Dinah and Adam had no sooner turned the page and lifted the book sideways
that they might look at the angel than she said »Thats her thats Dinah«
Adam smiled and looking more intently at the angels face said
»It is a bit like her but Dinahs prettier I think«
»Well then if thee thinkst her so pretty why arnt fond on her«
Adam looked up in surprise »Why mother dost think I dont set store by
Dinah«
»Nay« said Lisbeth frightened at her own courage yet feeling that she had
broken the ice and the waters must flow whatever mischief they might do
»Whats th use o settin store by things as are thirty mile off If thee wast
fond enough on her thee wouldstna let her go away«
»But Ive no right t hinder her if she thinks well« said Adam looking at
his book as if he wanted to go on reading He foresaw a series of complaints
tending to nothing Lisbeth sat down again in the chair opposite to him as she
said
»But she wouldna think well if thee wastna so contrairy« Lisbeth dared not
venture beyond a vague phrase yet
»Contrairy mother« Adam said looking up again in some anxiety »What have
I done What dost mean«
»Why theet never look at nothin nor think o nothin but thy figurin
an thy work« said Lisbeth half crying »An dost think thee canst go on so
all thy life as if thee wast a man cut out o timber An what wut do when thy
mothers gone an nobody to take care on thee as thee gettst a bit o victual
comfortable i the mornin«
»What hast got i thy mind mother« said Adam vexed at this whimpering »I
canna see what theet driving at Is there anything I could do for thee as I
dont do«
»Ay an that there is Thee mightst do as I should ha somebody wi me to
comfort me a bit an wait on me when Im bad an be good to me«
»Well mother whose fault is it there isna some tidy body i th house t
help thee It isna by my wish as thee hast a stroke o work to do We can afford
it Ive told thee often enough It ud be a deal better for us«
»Eh whats the use o talkin o tidy bodies when thee meanst one o th
wenches out o th village or somebody from Treddleson as I neer set eyes on
i my life Id sooner make a shift an get into my own coffin afore I die nor
ha them folks to put me in«
Adam was silent and tried to go on reading That was the utmost severity he
could show towards his mother on a Sunday morning But Lisbeth had gone too far
now to check herself and after scarcely a minutes quietness she began again
»Thee mightst know well enough who tis Id like t ha wi me It isna many
folks I send for t come an see me I reckon An theest had the fetchin on
her times enow«
»Thee meanst Dinah mother I know« said Adam »But its no use setting
thy mind on what cant be If Dinah ud be willing to stay at Hayslope it isnt
likely she can come away from her aunts house where they hold her like a
daughter and where shes more bound than she is to us If it had been so that
she could ha married Seth that ud ha been a great blessing to us but we
cant have things just as we like in this life Thee must try and make up thy
mind to do without her«
»Nay but I canna ma up my mind when shes just cut out for thee an
nought shall ma me believe as God didna make her an send her there o purpose
for thee Whats it sinnify about her being a Methody It ud happen wear out on
her wi marryin«
Adam threw himself back in his chair and looked at his mother He understood
now what she had been aiming at from the beginning of the conversation It was
as unreasonable impracticable a wish as she had ever urged but he could not
help being moved by so entirely new an idea The chief point however was to
chase away the notion from his mothers mind as quickly as possible
»Mother« he said gravely »theet talking wild Dont let me hear thee say
such things again Its no good talking o what can never be Dinahs not for
marrying shes fixed her heart on a different sort o life«
»Very like« said Lisbeth impatiently »very like shes none for marring
when them as shed be willin t marry wonna ax her I shouldna ha been for
marring thy feyther if hed neer axed me an shes as fond o thee as eer I
war o Thias poor fellow«
The blood rushed to Adams face and for a few moments he was not quite
conscious where he was his mother and the kitchen had vanished for him and he
saw nothing but Dinahs face turned up towards his It seemed as if there were a
resurrection of his dead joy But he woke up very speedily from that dream the
waking was chill and sad for it would have been very foolish in him to believe
his mothers words she could have no ground for them He was prompted to
express his disbelief very strongly perhaps that he might call forth the
proofs if there were any to be offered
»What dost say such things for mother when theest got no foundation for
em Thee knowst nothing as gives thee a right to say that«
»Then I knowna nought as gies me a right to say as the years turned for
all I feel it fust thing when I get up i th mornin She isna fond o Seth I
reckon is she She doesna want to marry him But I can see as she doesna behave
towrt thee as she does towrt Seth She makes no more o Seths coming anigh
her nor if he war Gyp but shes all of a tremble when theet asittin down by
her at breakfast an alooking at her Thee thinkst thy mother knows nought
but she war alive afore thee wast born«
»But thee canstna be sure as the trembling means love« said Adam
anxiously
»Eh what else should it mane It isna hate I reckon An what should she
do but love thee Theet made to be loved for wheres there a straighter
cliverer man An whats it sinnify her bein a Methody Its ony the marigold
i th parridge«
Adam had thrust his hands in his pockets and was looking down at the book
on the table without seeing any of the letters He was trembling like a
goldseeker who sees the strong promise of gold but sees in the same moment a
sickening vision of disappointment He could not trust his mothers insight she
had seen what she wished to see And yet and yet now the suggestion had been
made to him he remembered so many things very slight things like the stirring
of the water by an imperceptible breeze which seemed to him some confirmation
of his mothers words
Lisbeth noticed that he was moved She went on
»An theet find out as theet poorly aff when shes gone Theet fonder on
her nor thee knowst Thy eyes follow her about welly as Gyps follow thee«
Adam could sit still no longer He rose took down his hat and went out
into the fields
The sunshine was on them that early autumn sunshine which we should know
was not summers even if there were not the touches of yellow on the lime and
chestnut the Sunday sunshine too which has more than autumnal calmness for
the working man the morning sunshine which still leaves the dewcrystals on
the fine gossamer webs in the shadow of the bushy hedgerows
Adam needed the calm influence he was amazed at the way in which this new
thought of Dinahs love had taken possession of him with an overmastering power
that made all other feelings give way before the impetuous desire to know that
the thought was true Strange that till that moment the possibility of their
ever being lovers had never crossed his mind and yet now all his longing
suddenly went out towards that possibility he had no more doubt or hesitation
as to his own wishes than the bird that flies towards the opening through which
the daylight gleams and the breath of heaven enters
The autumnal Sunday sunshine soothed him but not by preparing him with
resignation to the disappointment if his mother if he himself proved to be
mistaken about Dinah it soothed him by gentle encouragement of his hopes Her
love was so like that calm sunshine that they seemed to make one presence to
him and he believed in them both alike And Dinah was so bound up with the sad
memories of his first passion that he was not forsaking them but rather giving
them a new sacredness by loving her Nay his love for her had grown out of that
past it was the noon of that morning
But Seth Would the lad be hurt Hardly for he had seemed quite contented
of late and there was no selfish jealousy in him he had never been jealous of
his mothers fondness for Adam But had he seen anything of what their mother
talked about Adam longed to know this for he thought he could trust Seths
observation better than his mothers He must talk to Seth before he went to see
Dinah and with this intention in his mind he walked back to the cottage and
said to his mother »Did Seth say anything to thee about when he was coming
home Will he be back to dinner«
»Ay lad hell be back for a wonder He isna gone to Treddleson Hes gone
somewhere else apreachin and aprayin«
»Hast any notion which way hes gone« said Adam
»Nay but he aften goes to th Common Thee knowst more os goings nor I
do«
Adam wanted to go and meet Seth but he must content himself with walking
about the near fields and getting sight of him as soon as possible That would
not be for more than an hour to come for Seth would scarcely be at home much
before their dinnertime which was twelve oclock But Adam could not sit down
to his reading again and he sauntered along by the brook and stood leaning
against the stiles with eager intense eyes which looked as if they saw
something very vividly but it was not the brook or the willows not the fields
or the sky Again and again his vision was interrupted by wonder at the strength
of his own feeling at the strength and sweetness of this new love almost like
the wonder a man feels at the added power he finds in himself for an art which
he had laid aside for a space How is it that the poets have said so many fine
things about our first love so few about our later love Are their first poems
their best or are not those the best which come from their fuller thought
their larger experience their deeperrooted affections The boys flutelike
voice has its own spring charm but the man should yield a richer deeper music
At last there was Seth visible at the farthest stile and Adam hastened to
meet him Seth was surprised and thought something unusual must have happened
but when Adam came up his face said plainly enough that it was nothing
alarming
»Where hast been« said Adam when they were side by side
»Ive been to the Common« said Seth »Dinahs been speaking the Word to a
little company of hearers at Brimstones as they call him Theyre folks as
never go to church hardly them on the Common but theyll go and hear Dinah a
bit Shes been speaking with power this forenoon from the words I came not to
call the righteous but sinners to repentance And there was a little thing
happened as was pretty to see The women mostly bring their children with em
but today there was one stout curlyheaded fellow about three or four year old
that I never saw there before He was as naughty as could be at the beginning
while I was praying and while we was singing but when we all sat down and
Dinah began to speak th young un stood stockstill all at once and began to
look at her withs mouth open and presently he ran away froms mother and went
up to Dinah and pulled at her like a little dog for her to take notice of
him So Dinah lifted him up and held th lad on her lap while she went on
speaking and he was as good as could be till he went to sleep and the mother
cried to see him«
»Its a pity she shouldna be a mother herself« said Adam »so fond as the
children are of her Dost think shes quite fixed against marrying Seth Dost
think nothing ud turn her«
There was something peculiar in his brothers tone which made Seth steal a
glance at his face before he answered
»It ud be wrong of me to say nothing ud turn her« he answered »But if
thee meanst it about myself Ive given up all thoughts as she can ever be my
wife She calls me her brother and thats enough«
»But dost think she might ever get fond enough of anybody else to be willing
to marry em« said Adam rather shyly
»Well« said Seth after some hesitation »its crossed my mind sometimes o
late as she might but Dinah ud let no fondness for the creature draw her out
o the path as she believed God had marked out for her If she thought the
leading was not from Him shes not one to be brought under the power of it And
shes allays seemed clear about that as her work was to minister t others
and make no home for herself i this world«
»But suppose« said Adam earnestly »suppose there was a man as ud let her
do just the same and not interfere with her she might do a good deal o what
she does now just as well when she was married as when she was single Other
women of her sort have married thats to say not just like her but women as
preached and attended on the sick and needy Theres Mrs Fletcher as she talks
of«
A new light had broken in on Seth He turned round and laying his hand on
Adams shoulder said »Why wouldst like her to marry thee brother«
Adam looked doubtfully at Seths inquiring eyes and said »Wouldst be hurt
if she was to be fonder o me than o thee«
»Nay« said Seth warmly »how canst think it Have I felt thy trouble so
little that I shouldna feel thy joy«
There was silence a few moments as they walked on and then Seth said
»Id no notion as theedst ever think of her for a wife«
»But is it o any use to think of her« said Adam »what dost say Mothers
made me as I hardly know where I am with what shes been saying to me this
forenoon She says shes sure Dinah feels for me more than common and ud be
willing t have me But Im afraid she speaks without book I want to know if
theest seen anything«
»Its a nice point to speak about« said Seth »and Im afraid o being
wrong besides weve no right t intermeddle with peoples feelings when they
wouldnt tell em themselves«
Seth paused
»But thee mightst ask her« he said presently »She took no offence at me
for asking and theest more right than I had only theet not in the Society
But Dinah doesnt hold wi them as are for keeping the Society so strict to
themselves She doesnt mind about making folks enter the Society so as theyre
fit t enter the kingdom o God Some o the brethren at Treddleson are
displeased with her for that«
»Where will she be the rest o the day« said Adam
»She said she shouldnt leave the Farm again today« said Seth »because
its her last Sabbath there and shes going t read out o the big Bible wi
the children«
Adam thought but did not say »Then Ill go this afternoon for if I go
to church my thoughts ull be with her all the while They must sing th anthem
without me today«
Chapter LII
Adam and Dinah
It was about three oclock when Adam entered the farmyard and roused Alick and
the dogs from their Sunday dozing Alick said everybody was gone to church »but
th young missis« so he called Dinah but this did not disappoint Adam
although the »everybody« was so liberal as to include Nancy the dairymaid whose
works of necessity were not unfrequently incompatible with churchgoing
There was perfect stillness about the house the doors were all closed and
the very stones and tubs seemed quieter than usual Adam heard the water gently
dripping from the pump that was the only sound and he knocked at the house
door rather softly as was suitable in that stillness
The door opened and Dinah stood before him colouring deeply with the great
surprise of seeing Adam at this hour when she knew it was his regular practice
to be at church Yesterday he would have said to her without any difficulty »I
came to see you Dinah I knew the rest were not at home« But today something
prevented him from saying that and he put out his hand to her in silence
Neither of them spoke and yet both wished they could speak as Adam entered
and they sat down Dinah took the chair she had just left it was at the corner
of the table near the window and there was a book lying on the table but it
was not open she had been sitting perfectly still looking at the small bit of
clear fire in the bright grate Adam sat down opposite her in Mr Poysers
threecornered chair
»Your mother is not ill again I hope Adam« Dinah said recovering
herself »Seth said she was well this morning«
»No shes very hearty today« said Adam happy in the signs of Dinahs
feeling at the sight of him but shy
»Theres nobody at home you see« Dinah said »but youll wait Youve been
hindered from going to church today doubtless«
»Yes« Adam said and then paused before he added »I was thinking about
you that was the reason«
This confession was very awkward and sudden Adam felt for he thought Dinah
must understand all he meant But the frankness of the words caused her
immediately to interpret them into a renewal of his brotherly regrets that she
was going away and she answered calmly
»Do not be careful and troubled for me Adam I have all things and abound
at Snowfield And my mind is at rest for I am not seeking my own will in
going«
»But if things were different Dinah« said Adam hesitatingly »if you
knew things that perhaps you dont know now«
Dinah looked at him inquiringly but instead of going on he reached a chair
and brought it near the corner of the table where she was sitting She wondered
and was afraid and the next moment her thoughts flew to the past was it
something about those distant unhappy ones that she didnt know
Adam looked at her it was so sweet to look at her eyes which had now a
selfforgetful questioning in them for a moment he forgot that he wanted to
say anything or that it was necessary to tell her what he meant
»Dinah« he said suddenly taking both her hands between his »I love you
with my whole heart and soul I love you next to God who made me«
Dinahs lips became pale like her cheeks and she trembled violently under
the shock of painful joy Her hands were cold as death between Adams She could
not draw them away because he held them fast
»Dont tell me you cant love me Dinah Dont tell me we must part and
pass our lives away from one another«
The tears were trembling in Dinahs eyes and they fell before she could
answer But she spoke in a quiet low voice
»Yes dear Adam we must submit to another Will We must part«
»Not if you love me Dinah not if you love me« Adam said passionately
»Tell me tell me if you can love me better than a brother«
Dinah was too entirely reliant on the Supreme guidance to attempt to achieve
any end by a deceptive concealment She was recovering now from the first shock
of emotion and she looked at Adam with simple sincere eyes as she said
»Yes Adam my heart is drawn strongly towards you and of my own will if I
had no clear showing to the contrary I could find my happiness in being near
you and ministering to you continually I fear I should forget to rejoice and
weep with others nay I fear I should forget the Divine presence and seek no
love but yours«
Adam did not speak immediately They sat looking at each other in delicious
silence for the first sense of mutual love excludes other feelings it will
have the soul all to itself
»Then Dinah« Adam said at last »how can there be anything contrary to
whats right in our belonging to one another and spending our lives together
Who put this great love into our hearts Can anything be holier than that For
we can help one another in everything as is good Id never think o putting
myself between you and God and saying you oughtnt to do this and you oughtnt
to do that Youd follow your conscience as much as you do now«
»Yes Adam« Dinah said »I know marriage is a holy state for those who are
truly called to it and have no other drawing but from my childhood upward I
have been led towards another path all my peace and my joy have come from
having no life of my own no wants no wishes for myself and living only in God
and those of his creatures whose sorrows and joys he has given me to know Those
have been very blessed years to me and I feel that if I was to listen to any
voice that would draw me aside from that path I should be turning my back on
the light that has shone upon me and darkness and doubt would take hold of me
We could not bless each other Adam if there were doubts in my soul and if I
yearned when it was too late after that better part which had once been given
me and I had put away from me«
»But if a new feeling has come into your mind Dinah and if you love me so
as to be willing to be nearer to me than to other people isnt that a sign that
its right for you to change your life Doesnt the love make it right when
nothing else would«
»Adam my mind is full of questionings about that for now since you tell
me of your strong love towards me what was clear to me has become dark again I
felt before that my heart was too strongly drawn towards you and that your
heart was not as mine and the thought of you had taken hold of me so that my
soul had lost its freedom and was becoming enslaved to an earthly affection
which made me anxious and careful about what should befall myself For in all
other affection I had been content with any small return or with none but my
heart was beginning to hunger after an equal love from you And I had no doubt
that I must wrestle against that as a great temptation and the command was
clear that I must go away«
»But now dear dear Dinah now you know I love you better than you love me
its all different now You wont think o going youll stay and be my
dear wife and I shall thank God for giving me my life as I never thanked him
before«
»Adam its hard to me to turn a deaf ear you know its hard but a
great fear is upon me It seems to me as if you were stretching out your arms to
me and beckoning me to come and take my ease and live for my own delight and
Jesus the Man of Sorrows was standing looking towards me and pointing to the
sinful and suffering and afflicted I have seen that again and again when I
have been sitting in stillness and darkness and a great terror has come upon me
lest I should become hard and a lover of self and no more bear willingly the
Redeemers cross«
Dinah had closed her eyes and a faint shudder went through her »Adam« she
went on »you wouldnt desire that we should seek a good through any
unfaithfulness to the light that is in us you wouldnt believe that could be a
good We are of one mind in that«
»Yes Dinah« said Adam sadly »Ill never be the man t urge you against
your conscience But I cant give up the hope that you may come to see
different I dont believe your loving me could shut up your heart its only
adding to what youve been before not taking away from it for it seems to me
its the same with love and happiness as with sorrow the more we know of it
the better we can feel what other peoples lives are or might be and so we
shall only be more tender to em and wishful to help em The more knowledge a
man has the better hell dos work and feelings a sort o knowledge«
Dinah was silent her eyes were fixed in contemplation of something visible
only to herself Adam went on presently with his pleading
»And you can do almost as much as you do now I wont ask you to go to
church with me of a Sunday you shall go where you like among the people and
teach em for though I like church best I dont put my soul above yours as if
my words was better for you to follow than your own conscience And you can help
the sick just as much and youll have more means o making em a bit
comfortable and youll be among all your own friends as love you and can help
em and be a blessing to em till their dying day Surely Dinah youd be as
near to God as if you was living lonely and away from me«
Dinah made no answer for some time Adam was still holding her hands and
looking at her with almost trembling anxiety when she turned her grave loving
eyes on his and said in rather a sad voice
»Adam there is truth in what you say and theres many of the brethren and
sisters who have greater strength than I have and find their hearts enlarged by
the cares of husband and kindred But I have not faith that it would be so with
me for since my affections have been set above measure on you I have had less
peace and joy in God I have felt as it were a division in my heart And think
how it is with me Adam that life I have led is like a land I have trodden in
blessedness since my childhood and if I long for a moment to follow the voice
which calls me to another land that I know not I cannot but fear that my soul
might hereafter yearn for that early blessedness which I had forsaken and where
doubt enters there is not perfect love I must wait for clearer guidance I
must go from you and we must submit ourselves entirely to the Divine Will We
are sometimes required to lay our natural lawful affections on the altar«
Adam dared not plead again for Dinahs was not the voice of caprice or
insincerity But it was very hard for him his eyes got dim as he looked at her
»But you may come to feel satisfied to feel that you may come to me
again and we may never part Dinah«
»We must submit ourselves Adam With time our duty will be made clear It
may be when I have entered on my former life I shall find all these new
thoughts and wishes vanish and become as things that were not Then I shall
know that my calling is not towards marriage But we must wait«
»Dinah« said Adam mournfully »you cant love me so well as I love you
else youd have no doubts But its natural you shouldnt for Im not so good
as you I cant doubt its right for me to love the best thing Gods ever given
me to know«
»Nay Adam it seems to me that my love for you is not weak for my heart
waits on your words and looks almost as a little child waits on the help and
tenderness of the strong on whom it depends If the thought of you took slight
hold of me I should not fear that it would be an idol in the temple But you
will strengthen me you will not hinder me in seeking to obey to the
uttermost«
»Let us go out into the sunshine Dinah and walk together Ill speak no
word to disturb you«
They went out and walked towards the fields where they would meet the
family coming from church Adam said »Take my arm Dinah« and she took it
That was the only change in their manner to each other since they were last
walking together But no sadness in the prospect of her going away in the
uncertainty of the issue could rob the sweetness from Adams sense that Dinah
loved him He thought he would stay at the Hall Farm all that evening He would
be near her as long as he could
»Heyday theres Adam along wi Dinah« said Mr Poyser as he opened the
far gate into the Home Close »I couldna think how he happened away from church
Why« added good Martin after a moments pause »what dost think has just
jumped into my head«
»Summat as hadna far to jump for its just under our nose You mean as
Adams fond o Dinah«
»Ay hast ever had any notion of it before«
»To be sure I have« said Mrs Poyser who always declined if possible to
be taken by surprise »Im not one o those as can see the cat i the dairy an
wonder what shes come after«
»Thee never saidst a word to me about it«
»Well I arent like a birdclapper forced to make a rattle when the wind
blows on me I can keep my own counsel when theres no good i speaking«
»But Dinah ull ha none o him dost think she will«
»Nay« said Mrs Poyser not sufficiently on her guard against a possible
surprise »shell never marry anybody if he isnt a Methodist and a cripple«
»It ud ha been a pretty thing though for em t marry« said Martin
turning his head on one side as if in pleased contemplation of his new idea
»Theedst ha liked it too wouldstna«
»Ah I should I should ha been sure of her then as she wouldnt go away
from me to Snowfield welly thirty mile off and me not got a creatur to look
to only neighbours as are no kin to me an most of em women as Id be
ashamed to show my face if my dairy things war like theirn There may well be
streaky butter i the market An I should be glad to see the poor thing settled
like a Christian woman with a house of her own over her head and wed stock
her well wi linen and feathers for I love her next to my own children An she
makes one feel safer when shes i the house for shes like the driven snow
anybody might sin for two as had her at their elbow«
»Dinah« said Tommy running forward to meet her »mother says youll never
marry anybody but a Methodist cripple What a silly you must be« a comment
which Tommy followed up by seizing Dinah with both arms and dancing along by
her side with incommodious fondness
»Why Adam we missed you i the singing today« said Mr Poyser »How was
it«
»I wanted to see Dinah shes going away so soon« said Adam
»Ah lad can you persuade her to stop somehow Find her a good husband
somewhere i the parish If youll do that well forgive you for missing
church But anyway she isna going before the harvestsupper o Wednesday and
you must come then Theres Bartle Massey comin an happen Craig Youll be
sure an come now at seven The missus wunna have it a bit later«
»Ay« said Adam »Ill come if I can But I cant often say what Ill do
beforehand for the work often holds me longer than I expect Youll stay till
the end o the week Dinah«
»Yes yes« said Mr Poyser »well have no nay«
»Shes no call to be in a hurry« observed Mrs Poyser »Scarceness o
victual ull keep theres no need to be hasty wi the cooking An scarceness
is what theres the biggest stock of i that country«
Dinah smiled but gave no promise to stay and they talked of other things
through the rest of the walk lingering in the sunshine to look at the great
flock of geese grazing at the new cornricks and at the surprising abundance
of fruit on the old peartree Nancy and Molly having already hastened home
side by side each holding carefully wrapped in her pockethandkerchief a
prayerbook in which she could read little beyond the large letters and the
Amens
Surely all other leisure is hurry compared with a sunny walk through the
fields from »afternoon church« as such walks used to be in those old
leisurely times when the boat gliding sleepily along the canal was the newest
locomotive wonder when Sunday books had most of them old brownleather covers
and opened with remarkable precision always in one place Leisure is gone gone
where the spinningwheels are gone and the packhorses and the slow waggons
and the pedlars who brought bargains to the door on sunny afternoons Ingenious
philosophers tell you perhaps that the great work of the steamengine is to
create leisure for mankind Do not believe them it only creates a vacuum for
eager thought to rush in Even idleness is eager now eager for amusement
prone to excursiontrains artmuseums periodical literature and exciting
novels prone even to scientific theorising and cursory peeps through
microscopes Old Leisure was quite a different personage he only read one
newspaper innocent of leaders and was free from that periodicity of sensations
which we call posttime He was a contemplative rather stout gentleman of
excellent digestion of quiet perceptions undiseased by hypothesis happy in
his inability to know the causes of things preferring the things themselves He
lived chiefly in the country among pleasant seats and homesteads and was fond
of sauntering by the fruittree wall and scenting the apricots when they were
warmed by the morning sunshine or of sheltering himself under the orchard
boughs at noon when the summer pears were falling He knew nothing of weekday
services and thought none the worse of the Sunday sermon if it allowed him to
sleep from the text to the blessing liking the afternoon service best because
the prayers were the shortest and not ashamed to say so for he had an easy
jolly conscience broadbacked like himself and able to carry a great deal of
beer or portwine not being made squeamish by doubts and qualms and lofty
aspirations Life was not a task to him but a sinecure he fingered the guineas
in his pocket and ate his dinners and slept the sleep of the irresponsible
for had he not kept up his charter by going to church on the Sunday afternoons
Fine old Leisure Do not be severe upon him and judge him by our modern
standard he never went to Exeter Hall or heard a popular preacher or read
Tracts for the Times or Sartor Resartus
Chapter LIII
The Harvest Supper
As Adam was going homewards on Wednesday evening in the six oclock sunlight
he saw in the distance the last load of barley winding its way towards the
yardgate of the Hall Farm and heard the chant of »Harvest Home« rising and
sinking like a wave Fainter and fainter and more musical through the growing
distance the falling dying sound still reached him as he neared the Willow
Brook The low westering sun shone right on the shoulders of the old Binton
Hills turning the unconscious sheep into bright spots of light shone on the
windows of the cottage too and made them aflame with a glory beyond that of
amber or amethyst It was enough to make Adam feel that he was in a great
temple and that the distant chant was a sacred song
»Its wonderful« he thought »how that sound goes to ones heart almost
like a funeralbell for all it tells one o the joyfullest time o the year
and the time when men are mostly the thankfullest I suppose its a bit hard to
us to think anythings over and gone in our lives and theres a parting at the
root of all our joys Its like what I feel about Dinah I should never ha come
to know that her love ud be the greatest o blessings to me if what I counted
a blessing hadnt been wrenched and torn away from me and left me with a
greater need so as I could crave and hunger for a greater and a better
comfort«
He expected to see Dinah again this evening and get leave to accompany her
as far as Oakbourne and then he would ask her to fix some time when he might go
to Snowfield and learn whether the last best hope that had been born to him
must be resigned like the rest The work he had to do at home besides putting
on his best clothes made it seven before he was on his way again to the Hall
Farm and it was questionable whether with his longest and quickest strides he
should be there in time even for the roastbeef which came after the
plumpudding for Mrs Poysers supper would be punctual
Great was the clatter of knives and pewter plates and tin cans when Adam
entered the house but there was no hum of voices to this accompaniment the
eating of excellent roastbeef provided free of expense was too serious a
business to those good farmlabourers to be performed with a divided attention
even if they had had anything to say to each other which they had not and
Mr Poyser at the head of the table was too busy with his carving to listen to
Bartle Masseys or Mr Craigs ready talk
»Here Adam« said Mrs Poyser who was standing and looking on to see that
Molly and Nancy did their duty as waiters »heres a place kept for you between
Mr Massey and the boys Its a poor tale you couldnt come to see the pudding
when it was whole«
Adam looked anxiously round for a fourth womans figure but Dinah was not
there He was almost afraid of asking about her besides his attention was
claimed by greetings and there remained the hope that Dinah was in the house
though perhaps disinclined to festivities on the eve of her departure
It was a goodly sight that table with Martin Poysers round goodhumoured
face and large person at the head of it helping his servants to the fragrant
roastbeef and pleased when the empty plates came again Martin though usually
blest with a good appetite really forgot to finish his own beef tonight it
was so pleasant to him to look on in the intervals of carving and see how the
others enjoyed their supper for were they not men who on all the days of the
year except Christmas Day and Sundays ate their cold dinner in a makeshift
manner under the hedgerows and drank their beer out of wooden bottles with
relish certainly but with their mouths towards the zenith after a fashion more
endurable to ducks than to human bipeds Martin Poyser had some faint conception
of the flavour such men must find in hot roastbeef and freshdrawn ale He held
his head on one side and screwed up his mouth as he nudged Bartle Massey and
watched halfwitted Tom Tholer otherwise known as »Tom Saft« receiving his
second plateful of beef A grin of delight broke over Toms face as the plate
was set down before him between his knife and fork which he held erect as if
they had been sacred tapers but the delight was too strong to continue
smouldering in a grin it burst out the next instant in a longdrawn »haw
haw« followed by a sudden collapse into utter gravity as the knife and fork
darted down on the prey Martin Poysers large person shook with his silent
unctuous laugh he turned towards Mrs Poyser to see if she too had been
observant of Tom and the eyes of husband and wife met in a glance of
goodnatured amusement
»Tom Saft« was a great favourite on the farm where he played the part of
the old jester and made up for his practical deficiencies by his success in
repartee His hits I imagine were those of the flail which falls quite at
random but nevertheless smashes an insect now and then They were much quoted
at sheepshearing and haymaking times but I refrain from recording them here
lest Toms wit should prove to be like that of many other bygone jesters eminent
in their day rather of a temporary nature not dealing with the deeper and
more lasting relations of things
Tom excepted Martin Poyser had some pride in his servants and labourers
thinking with satisfaction that they were the best worth their pay of any set on
the estate There was Kester Bale for example Beale probably if the truth
were known but he was called Bale and was not conscious of any claim to a
fifth letter the old man with the close leather cap and the network of
wrinkles on his sunbrowned face Was there any man in Loamshire who knew better
the »natur« of all farming work He was one of those invaluable labourers who
can not only turn their hand to everything but excel in everything they turn
their hand to It is true Kesters knees were much bent outward by this time
and he walked with a perpetual curtsy as if he were among the most reverent of
men And so he was but I am obliged to admit that the object of his reverence
was his own skill towards which he performed some rather affecting acts of
worship He always thatched the ricks for if anything were his forte more than
another it was thatching and when the last touch had been put to the last
beehive rick Kester whose home lay at some distance from the farm would take
a walk to the rickyard in his best clothes on a Sunday morning and stand in the
lane at a due distance to contemplate his own thatching walking about to
get each rick from the proper point of view As he curtsied along with his eyes
upturned to the straw knobs imitative of golden globes at the summits of the
beehive ricks which indeed were gold of the best sort you might have imagined
him to be engaged in some pagan act of adoration Kester was an old bachelor
and reputed to have stockings full of coin concerning which his master cracked
a joke with him every paynight not a new unseasoned joke but a good old one
that had been tried many times before and had worn well »Th young measters a
merry mon« Kester frequently remarked for having begun his career by
frightening away the crows under the last Martin Poyser but one he could never
cease to account the reigning Martin a young master I am not ashamed of
commemorating old Kester you and I are indebted to the hard hands of such men
hands that have long ago mingled with the soil they tilled so faithfully
thriftily making the best they could of the earths fruits and receiving the
smallest share as their own wages
Then at the end of the table opposite his master there was Alick the
shepherd and head man with the ruddy face and broad shoulders not on the best
terms with old Kester indeed their intercourse was confined to an occasional
snarl for though they probably differed little concerning hedging and ditching
and the treatment of ewes there was a profound difference of opinion between
them as to their own respective merits When Tityrus and Meliboeus happen to be
on the same farm they are not sentimentally polite to each other Alick
indeed was not by any means a honeyed man his speech had usually something of
a snarl in it and his broadshouldered aspect something of the bulldog
expression »Dont you meddle with me and I wont meddle with you« but he was
honest even to the splitting of an oatgrain rather than he would take beyond
his acknowledged share and as »closefisted« with his masters property as if
it had been his own throwing very small handfuls of damaged barley to the
chickens because a large handful affected his imagination painfully with a
sense of profusion Goodtempered Tim the waggoner who loved his horses had
his grudge against Alick in the matter of corn they rarely spoke to each other
and never looked at each other even over their dish of cold potatoes but then
as this was their usual mode of behaviour towards all mankind it would be an
unsafe conclusion that they had more than transient fits of unfriendliness The
bucolic character at Hayslope you perceive was not of that entirely genial
merry broadgrinning sort apparently observed in most districts visited by
artists The mild radiance of a smile was a rare sight on a field labourers
face and there was seldom any gradation between bovine gravity and a laugh Nor
was every labourer so honest as our friend Alick At this very table among Mr
Poysers men there is that big Ben Tholoway a very powerful thresher but
detected more than once in carrying away his masters corn in his pockets an
action which as Ben was not a philosopher could hardly be ascribed to absence
of mind However his master had forgiven him and continued to employ him for
the Tholoways had lived on the Common time out of mind and had always worked
for the Poysers And on the whole I daresay society was not much the worse
because Ben had not six months of it at the treadmill for his views of
depredation were narrow and the House of Correction might have enlarged them
As it was Ben ate his roastbeef tonight with a serene sense of having stolen
nothing more than a few peas and beans as seed for his garden since the last
harvestsupper and felt warranted in thinking that Alicks suspicious eye for
ever upon him was an injury to his innocence
But now the roastbeef was finished and the cloth was drawn leaving a fair
large deal table for the bright drinkingcans and the foaming brown jugs and
the bright brass candlesticks pleasant to behold Now the great ceremony of
the evening was to begin the harvestsong in which every man must join he
might be in tune if he liked to be singular but he must not sit with closed
lips The movement was obliged to be in triple time the rest was ad libitum
As to the origin of this song whether it came in its actual state from the
brain of a single rhapsodist or was gradually perfected by a school or
succession of rhapsodists I am ignorant There is a stamp of unity of
individual genius upon it which inclines me to the former hypothesis though I
am not blind to the consideration that this unity may rather have arisen from
that consensus of many minds which was a condition of primitive thought foreign
to our modern consciousness Some will perhaps think that they detect in the
first quatrain an indication of a lost line which later rhapsodists failing in
imaginative vigour have supplied by the feeble device of iteration others
however may rather maintain that this very iteration is an original felicity
to which none but the most prosaic minds can be insensible
The ceremony connected with the song was a drinking ceremony That is
perhaps a painful fact but then you know we cannot reform our forefathers
During the first and second quatrain sung decidedly forte no can was filled
»Heres a health unto our master
The founder of the feast
Heres a health unto our master
And to our mistress
And may his doings prosper
Whateer he takes in hand
For we are all his servants
And are at his command«
But now immediately before the third quatrain or chorus sung fortissimo with
emphatic raps of the table which gave the effect of cymbals and drum together
Alicks can was filled and he was bound to empty it before the chorus ceased
»Then drink boys drink
And see ye do not spill
For if ye do ye shall drink two
For tis our masters will«
When Alick had gone successfully through this test of steadyhanded manliness
it was the turn of old Kester at his right hand and so on till every man
had drunk his initiatory pint under the stimulus of the chorus Tom Saft the
rogue took care to spill a little by accident but Mrs Poyser too
officiously Tom thought interfered to prevent the exaction of the penalty
To any listener outside the door it would have been the reverse of obvious
why the »Drink boys drink« should have such an immediate and oftenrepeated
encore but once entered he would have seen that all faces were at present
sober and most of them serious it was the regular and respectable thing for
those excellent farmlabourers to do as much as for elegant ladies and
gentlemen to smirk and bow over their wineglasses Bartle Massey whose ears
were rather sensitive had gone out to see what sort of evening it was at an
early stage in the ceremony and had not finished his contemplation until a
silence of five minutes declared that »Drink boys drink« was not likely to
begin again for the next twelvemonth Much to the regret of the boys and Totty
on them the stillness fell rather flat after that glorious thumping of the
table towards which Totty seated on her fathers knee contributed with her
small might and small fist
When Bartle reentered however there appeared to be a general desire for
solo music after the choral Nancy declared that Tim the waggoner knew a song
and was »allays singing like a lark i the stable« whereupon Mr Poyser said
encouragingly »Come Tim lad lets hear it« Tim looked sheepish tucked down
his head and said he couldnt sing but this encouraging invitation of the
masters was echoed all round the table It was a conversational opportunity
everybody could say »Come Tim« except Alick who never relaxed into the
frivolity of unnecessary speech At last Tims next neighbour Ben Tholoway
began to give emphasis to his speech by nudges at which Tim growing rather
savage said »Let me alooan will ye else Ill ma ye sing a toon ye wonna
like« A goodtempered waggoners patience has limits and Tim was not to be
urged further
»Well then David yere the lad to sing« said Ben willing to show that
he was not discomfited by this check »Sing My looves a roos wiout a thorn«
The amatory David was a young man of an unconscious abstracted expression
which was due probably to a squint of superior intensity rather than to any
mental characteristic for he was not indifferent to Bens invitation but
blushed and laughed and rubbed his sleeve over his mouth in a way that was
regarded as a symptom of yielding And for some time the company appeared to be
much in earnest about the desire to hear Davids song But in vain The lyrism
of the evening was in the cellar at present and was not to be drawn from that
retreat just yet
Meanwhile the conversation at the head of the table had taken a political
turn Mr Craig was not above talking politics occasionally though he piqued
himself rather on a wise insight than on specific information He saw so far
beyond the mere facts of a case that really it was superfluous to know them
»Im no reader o the paper myself« he observed tonight as he filled his
pipe »though I might read it fast enough if I liked for theres Miss Lyddy has
em and s done with em i no time but theres Mills now sits i the
chimneycorner and reads the paper pretty nigh from morning to night and when
hes got to th end ont hes more addleheaded than he was at the beginning
Hes full o this peace now as they talk on hes been reading and reading and
thinks hes got to the bottom ont Why Lor bless you Mills says I you see
no more into this thing nor you can see into the middle of a potato Ill tell
you what it is you think itll be a fine thing for the country and Im not
again it mark my words Im not again it But its my opinion as theres
them at th head o this country as are worse enemies to us nor Bony and all the
mounseers hes got at s back for as for the mounseers you may skewer
halfadozen of em at once as if they war frogs«
»Ay ay« said Martin Poyser listening with an air of much intelligence and
edification »they neer ate a bit o beef i their lives Mostly sallet I
reckon«
»And says I to Mills« continued Mr Craig »Will you try to make me believe
as furriners like them can do us half th harm them ministers do with their bad
government If King George ud turn em all away and govern by himself hed see
everything righted He might take on Billy Pitt again if he liked but I dont
see myself what we want wi anybody besides King and Parliament Its that nest
o ministers does the mischief I tell you« »Ah its fine talking« observed
Mrs Poyser who was now seated near her husband with Totty on her lap »its
fine talking Its hard work to tell which is Old Harry when everybodys got
boots on«
»As for this peace« said Mr Poyser turning his head on one side in a
dubitative manner and giving a precautionary puff to his pipe between each
sentence »I dont know Th wars a fine thing for the country an howll you
keep up prices wiout it An them French are a wicked sort o folks by what I
can make out what can you do better nor fight em«
»Yere partly right there Poyser« said Mr Craig »but Im not again the
peace to make a holiday for a bit We can break it when we like an Im in no
fear o Bony for all they talk so much o his cliverness Thats what I says to
Mills this morning Lor bless you he sees no more through Bony why I put
him up to more in three minutes than he gets from s paper all the year round
Says I Am I a gardener as knows his business or arent I Mills answer me
that To be sure y are Craig says he hes not a bad fellow Mills isnt
for a butler but weak i the head Well says I you talk o Bonys cliverness
would it be any use my being a firstrate gardener if Id got nought but a
quagmire to work on No says he Well I says thats just what it is wi Bony
Ill not deny but he may be a bit diver hes no Frenchman born as I
understand but whats he got ats back but mounseers«
Mr Craig paused a moment with an emphatic stare after this triumphant
specimen of Socratic argument and then added thumping the table rather
fiercely
»Why its a sure thing and theres them ull bear witness tot as i
one regiment where there was one man amissing they put the regimentals on a
big monkey and they fit him as the shell fits the walnut and you couldnt tell
the monkey from the mounseers«
»Ah think o that now« said Mr Poyser impressed at once with the
political bearings of the fact and with its striking interest as an anecdote in
natural history
»Come Craig« said Adam »thats a little too strong You dont believe
that Its all nonsense about the French being such poor sticks Mr Irwines
seen em in their own country and he says theyve plenty o fine fellows among
em And as for knowledge and contrivances and manufactures theres a many
things as were a fine sight behind em in Its poor foolishness to run down
your enemies Why Nelson and the rest of em ud have no merit i beating em
if they were such offal as folks pretend«
Mr Poyser looked doubtfully at Mr Craig puzzled by this opposition of
authorities Mr Irwines testimony was not to be disputed but on the other
hand Craig was a knowing fellow and his view was less startling Martin had
never »heard tell« of the French being good for much Mr Craig had found no
answer but such as was implied in taking a long draught of ale and then looking
down fixedly at the proportions of his own leg which he turned a little outward
for that purpose when Bartle Massey returned from the fireplace where he had
been smoking his first pipe in quiet and broke the silence by saying as he
thrust his forefinger into the canister
»Why Adam how happened you not to be at church on Sunday answer me that
you rascal The anthem went limping without you Are you going to disgrace your
schoolmaster in his old age«
»No Mr Massey« said Adam »Mr and Mrs Poyser can tell you where I was
I was in no bad company«
»Shes gone Adam gone to Snowfield« said Mr Poyser reminded of Dinah
for the first time this evening »I thought youd ha persuaded her better
Nought ud hold her but she must go yesterday forenoon The missis has hardly
got over it I thought shed ha no sperrit for the harvest supper«
Mrs Poyser had thought of Dinah several times since Adam had come in but
she had had »no heart« to mention the bad news
»What« said Bartle with an air of disgust »Was there a woman concerned
Then I give you up Adam«
»But its a woman youn spoke well on Bartle« said Mr Poyser »Come now
you canna draw back you said once as women wouldna ha been a bad invention if
theyd all been like Dinah«
»I meant her voice man I meant her voice that was all« said Bartle »I
can bear to hear her speak without wanting to put wool in my ears As for other
things I daresay shes like the rest o the women thinks two and two ull
come to make five if she cries and bothers enough about it«
»Ay ay« said Mrs Poyser »one ud think an hear some folks talk as the
men war cute enough to count the corns in a bag o wheat wi only smelling at
it They can see through a barndoor they can Perhaps thats the reason they
can see so little o this side ont«
Martin Poyser shook with delighted laughter and winked at Adam as much as
to say the schoolmaster was in for it now
»Ah« said Bartle sneeringly »the women are quick enough theyre quick
enough They know the rights of a story before they hear it and can tell a man
what his thoughts are before he knows em himself«
»Like enough« said Mrs Poyser »for the men are mostly so slow their
thoughts overrun em an they can only catch em by the tail I can count a
stockingtop while a mans gettings tongue ready an when he outs wi his
speech at last theres little broth to be made ont Its your dead chicks take
the longest hatchin Howiver Im not denyin the women are foolish God
Almighty made em to match the men«
»Match« said Bartle »ay as vinegar matches ones teeth If a man says a
word his wife ll match it with a contradiction if hes a mind for hot meat
his wife ll match it with cold bacon if he laughs shell match him with
whimpering Shes such a match as the horsefly is to th horse shes got the
right venom to sting him with the right venom to sting him with«
»Yes« said Mrs Poyser »I know what the men like a poor soft as ud
simper at em like the pictur o the sun whether they did right or wrong an
say thank you for a kick an pretend she didna know which end she stood
uppermost till her husband told her Thats what a man wants in a wife mostly
he wants to make sure o one fool as ull tell him hes wise But theres some
men can do wiout that they think so much o themselves aready an thats
how it is theres old bachelors«
»Come Craig« said Mr Poyser jocosely »you mun get married pretty quick
else youll be set down for an old bachelor an you see what the women ull
think on you«
»Well« said Mr Craig willing to conciliate Mrs Poyser and setting a
high value on his own compliments »I like a cleverish woman a woman o
sperrit a managing woman«
»Youre out there Craig« said Bartle dryly »youre out there You judge
o your gardenstuff on a better plan than that you pick the things for what
they can excel in for what they can excel in You dont value your peas for
their roots or your carrots for their flowers Now thats the way you should
choose women their cleverness ll never come to much never come to much but
they make excellent simpletons ripe and strongflavoured«
»What dost say to that« said Mr Poyser throwing himself back and looking
merrily at his wife
»Say« answered Mrs Poyser with dangerous fire kindling in her eye »why
I say as some folks tongues are like the clocks as run on strikin not to tell
you the time o the day but because theres summat wrong i their own inside«
Mrs Poyser would probably have brought her rejoinder to a further climax
if every ones attention had not at this moment been called to the other end of
the table where the lyrism which had at first only manifested itself by
Davids sotto voce performance of »My loves a rose without a thorn« had
gradually assumed a rather deafening and complex character Tim thinking
slightly of Davids vocalisation was impelled to supersede that feeble buzz by
a spirited commencement of »Three Merry Mowers« but David was not to be put
down so easily and showed himself capable of a copious crescendo which was
rendering it doubtful whether the rose would not predominate over the mowers
when old Kester with an entirely unmoved and immovable aspect suddenly set up
a quavering treble as if he had been an alarum and the time was come for him
to go off
The company at Alicks end of the table took this form of vocal
entertainment very much as a matter of course being free from musical
prejudices but Bartle Massey laid down his pipe and put his fingers in his
ears and Adam who had been longing to go ever since he had heard Dinah was
not in the house rose and said he must bid goodnight
»Ill go with you lad« said Bartle »Ill go with you before my ears are
split«
»Ill go round by the Common and see you home if you like Mr Massey«
said Adam
»Ay ay« said Bartle »then we can have a bit o talk together I never get
hold of you now«
»Eh its a pity but youd sit it out« said Martin Poyser »Theyll all go
soon for th missus niver lets em stay past ten«
But Adam was resolute so the goodnights were said and the two friends
turned out on their starlight walk together
»Theres that poor fool Vixen whimpering for me at home« said Bartle »I
can never bring her here with me for fear she should be struck with Mrs
Poysers eye and the poor bitch might go limping for ever after«
»Ive never any need to drive Gyp back« said Adam laughing »He always
turns back of his own head when he finds out Im coming here«
»Ay ay« said Bartle »A terrible woman made of needles made of
needles But I stick to Martin I shall always stick to Martin And he likes
the needles God help him Hes a cushion made on purpose for em«
»But shes a downright goodnaturd woman for all that« said Adam »and as
true as the daylight Shes a bit cross wi the dogs when they offer to come in
th house but if they depended on her shed take care and have em well fed
If her tongues keen her hearts tender Ive seen that in times o trouble
Shes one o those women as are better than their word«
»Well well« said Bartle »I dont say th apple isnt sound at the core
but it sets my teeth on edge it sets my teeth on edge«
Chapter LIV
The Meeting on the Hill
Adam understood Dinahs haste to go away and drew hope rather than
discouragement from it She was fearful lest the strength of her feeling towards
him should hinder her from waiting and listening faithfully for the ultimate
guiding voice from within
»I wish Id asked her to write to me though« he thought »And yet even
that might disturb her a bit perhaps She wants to be quite quiet in her old
way for a while And Ive no right to be impatient and interrupting her with my
wishes Shes told me what her mind is and shes not a woman to say one thing
and mean another Ill wait patiently«
That was Adams wise resolution and it throve excellently for the first two
or three weeks on the nourishment it got from the remembrance of Dinahs
confession that Sunday afternoon There is a wonderful amount of sustenance in
the first few words of love But towards the middle of October the resolution
began to dwindle perceptibly and showed dangerous symptoms of exhaustion The
weeks were unusually long Dinah must surely have had more than enough time to
make up her mind Let a woman say what she will after she has once told a man
that she loves him he is a little too flushed and exalted with that first
draught she offers him to care much about the taste of the second he treads the
earth with a very elastic step as he walks away from her and makes light of all
difficulties But that sort of glow dies out memory gets sadly diluted with
time and is not strong enough to revive us Adam was no longer so confident as
he had been he began to fear that perhaps Dinahs old life would have too
strong a grasp upon her for any new feeling to triumph If she had not felt
this she would surely have written to him to give him some comfort but it
appeared that she held it right to discourage him As Adams confidence waned
his patience waned with it and he thought he must write himself he must ask
Dinah not to leave him in painful doubt longer than was needful He sat up late
one night to write her a letter but the next morning he burnt it afraid of its
effect It would be worse to have a discouraging answer by letter than from her
own lips for her presence reconciled him to her will
You perceive how it was Adam was hungering for the sight of Dinah and when
that sort of hunger reaches a certain stage a lover is likely to still it
though he may have to put his future in pawn
But what harm could he do by going to Snowfield Dinah could not be
displeased with him for it she had not forbidden him to go she must surely
expect that he would go before long By the second Sunday in October this view
of the case had become so clear to Adam that he was already on his way to
Snowfield on horseback this time for his hours were precious now and he had
borrowed Jonathan Burges good nag for the journey
What keen memories went along the road with him He had often been to
Oakbourne and back since that first journey to Snowfield but beyond Oakbourne
the grey stone walls the broken country the meagre trees seemed to be telling
him afresh the story of that painful past which he knew so well by heart But no
story is the same to us after a lapse of time or rather we who read it are no
longer the same interpreters and Adam this morning brought with him new
thoughts through that grey country thoughts which gave an altered significance
to its story of the past
That is a base and selfish even a blasphemous spirit which rejoices and
is thankful over the past evil that has blighted or crushed another because it
has been made a source of unforeseen good to ourselves Adam could never cease
to mourn over that mystery of human sorrow which had been brought so close to
him he could never thank God for anothers misery And if I were capable of
that narrowsighted joy in Adams behalf I should still know he was not the man
to feel it for himself he would have shaken his head at such a sentiment and
said »Evils evil and sorrows sorrow and you cant alter its natur by
wrapping it up in other words Other folks were not created for my sake that I
should think all square when things turn out well for me«
But it is not ignoble to feel that the fuller life which a sad experience
has brought us is worth our own personal share of pain surely it is not
possible to feel otherwise any more than it would be possible for a man with
cataract to regret the painful process by which his dim blurred sight of men as
trees walking had been exchanged for clear outline and effulgent day The growth
of higher feeling within us is like the growth of faculty bringing with it a
sense of added strength we can no more wish to return to a narrower sympathy
than a painter or a musician can wish to return to his cruder manner or a
philosopher to his less complete formula
Something like this sense of enlarged being was in Adams mind this Sunday
morning as he rode along in vivid recollection of the past His feeling towards
Dinah the hope of passing his life with her had been the distant unseen point
towards which that hard journey from Snowfield eighteen months ago had been
leading him Tender and deep as his love for Hetty had been so deep that the
roots of it would never be torn away his love for Dinah was better and more
precious to him for it was the outgrowth of that fuller life which had come to
him from his acquaintance with deep sorrow »Its like as if it was a new
strength to me« he said to himself »to love her and know as she loves me I
shall look t her to help me to see things right For shes better than I am
theres less o self in her and pride And its a feeling as gives you a sort
o liberty as if you could walk more fearless when youve more trust in
another than y have in yourself Ive always been thinking I knew better than
them as belonged to me and thats a poor sort o life when you cant look to
them nearest to you t help you with a bit better thought than what youve got
inside you aready«
It was more than two oclock in the afternoon when Adam came in sight of the
grey town on the hillside and looked searchingly towards the green valley
below for the first glimpse of the old thatched roof near the ugly red mill
The scene looked less harsh in the soft October sunshine than it had done in the
eager time of early spring and the one grand charm it possessed in common with
all widestretching woodless regions that it filled you with a new
consciousness of the overarching sky had a milder more soothing influence
than usual on this almost cloudless day Adams doubts and fears melted under
this influence as the delicate weblike clouds had gradually melted away into
the clear blue above him He seemed to see Dinahs gentle face assuring him
with its looks alone of all he longed to know
He did not expect Dinah to be at home at this hour but he got down from his
horse and tied it at the little gate that he might ask where she was gone
today He had set his mind on following her and bringing her home She was gone
to Slomans End a hamlet about three miles off over the hill the old woman
told him had set off directly after morning chapel to preach in a cottage
there as her habit was Anybody at the town would tell him the way to Slomans
End So Adam got on his horse again and rode to the town putting up at the old
inn and taking a hasty dinner there in the company of the too chatty landlord
from whose friendly questions and reminiscences he was glad to escape as soon as
possible and set out towards Slomans End With all his haste it was nearly
four oclock before he could set off and he thought that as Dinah had gone so
early she would perhaps already be near returning The little grey
desolatelooking hamlet unscreened by sheltering trees lay in sight long
before he reached it and as he came near he could hear the sound of voices
singing a hymn »Perhaps thats the last hymn before they come away« Adam
thought »Ill walk back a bit and turn again to meet her further off the
village« He walked back till he got nearly to the top of the hill again and
seated himself on a loose stone against the low wall to watch till he should
see the little black figure leaving the hamlet and winding up the hill He chose
this spot almost at the top of the hill because it was away from all eyes no
house no cattle not even a nibbling sheep near no presence but the still
lights and shadows and the great embracing sky
She was much longer coming than he expected he waited an hour at least
watching for her and thinking of her while the afternoon shadows lengthened
and the light grew softer At last he saw the little black figure coming from
between the grey houses and gradually approaching the foot of the hill Slowly
Adam thought but Dinah was really walking at her usual pace with a light quiet
step Now she was beginning to wind along the path up the hill but Adam would
not move yet he would not meet her too soon he had set his heart on meeting
her in this assured loneliness And now he began to fear lest he should startle
her too much »Yet« he thought »shes not one to be overstartled shes always
so calm and quiet as if she was prepared for anything«
What was she thinking of as she wound up the hill Perhaps she had found
complete repose without him and had ceased to feel any need of his love On the
verge of a decision we all tremble hope pauses with fluttering wings
But now at last she was very near and Adam rose from the stone wall It
happened that just as he walked forward Dinah had paused and turned round to
look back at the village who does not pause and look back in mounting a hill
Adam was glad for with the fine instinct of a lover he felt that it would be
best for her to hear his voice before she saw him He came within three paces of
her and then said »Dinah« She started without looking round as if she
connected the sound with no place »Dinah« Adam said again He knew quite well
what was in her mind She was so accustomed to think of impressions as purely
spiritual monitions that she looked for no material visible accompaniment of
the voice
But this second time she looked round What a look of yearning love it was
that the mild grey eyes turned on the strong darkeyed man She did not start
again at the sight of him she said nothing but moved towards him so that his
arm could clasp her round
And they walked on so in silence while the warm tears fell Adam was
content and said nothing It was Dinah who spoke first
»Adam« she said »it is the Divine Will My soul is so knit to yours that
it is but a divided life I live without you And this moment now you are with
me and I feel that our hearts are filled with the same love I have a fulness
of strength to bear and do our heavenly Fathers Will that I had lost before«
Adam paused and looked into her sincere eyes
»Then well never part any more Dinah till death parts us«
And they kissed each other with a deep joy
What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are
joined for life to strengthen each other in all labour to rest on each other
in all sorrow to minister to each other in all pain to be one with each other
in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting
Chapter LV
Marriage Bells
In little more than a month after that meeting on the hill on a rimy morning
in departing November Adam and Dinah were married
It was an event much thought of in the village All Mr Burges men had a
holiday and all Mr Poysers and most of those who had a holiday appeared in
their best clothes at the wedding I think there was hardly an inhabitant of
Hayslope specially mentioned in this history and still resident in the parish on
this November morning who was not either in church to see Adam and Dinah
married or near the church door to greet them as they came forth Mrs Irwine
and her daughters were waiting at the churchyard gates in their carriage for
they had a carriage now to shake hands with the bride and bridegroom and wish
them well and in the absence of Miss Lydia Donnithorne at Bath Mrs Best Mr
Mills and Mr Craig had felt it incumbent on them to represent »the family« at
the Chase on the occasion The churchyard walk was quite lined with familiar
faces many of them faces that had first looked at Dinah when she preached on
the Green and no wonder they showed this eager interest on her marriage
morning for nothing like Dinah and the history which had brought her and Adam
Bede together had been known at Hayslope within the memory of man
Bessy Cranage in her neatest cap and frock was crying though she did not
exactly know why for as her cousin Wiry Ben who stood near her judiciously
suggested Dinah was not going away and if Bessy was in low spirits the best
thing for her to do was to follow Dinahs example and marry an honest fellow
who was ready to have her Next to Bessy just within the church door there
were the Poyser children peeping round the corner of the pews to get a sight of
the mysterious ceremony Tottys face wearing an unusual air of anxiety at the
idea of seeing cousin Dinah come back looking rather old for in Tottys
experience no married people were young
I envy them all the sight they had when the marriage was fairly ended and
Adam led Dinah out of church She was not in black this morning for her aunt
Poyser would by no means allow such a risk of incurring bad luck and had
herself made a present of the wedding dress made all of grey though in the
usual Quaker form for on this point Dinah could not give way So the lily face
looked out with sweet gravity from under a grey Quaker bonnet neither smiling
nor blushing but with lips trembling a little under the weight of solemn
feelings Adam as he pressed her arm to his side walked with his old erectness
and his head thrown rather backward as if to face all the world better but it
was not because he was particularly proud this morning as is the wont of
bridegrooms for his happiness was of a kind that had little reference to mens
opinion of it There was a tinge of sadness in his deep joy Dinah knew it and
did not feel aggrieved
There were three other couples following the bride and bridegroom first
Martin Poyser looking as cheery as a bright fire on this rimy morning led
quiet Mary Burge the bridesmaid then came Seth serenely happy with Mrs
Poyser on his arm and last of all Bartle Massey with Lisbeth Lisbeth in a
new gown and bonnet too busy with her pride in her son and her delight in
possessing the one daughter she had desired to devise a single pretext for
complaint
Bartle Massey had consented to attend the wedding at Adams earnest request
under protest against marriage in general and the marriage of a sensible man in
particular Nevertheless Mr Poyser had a joke against him after the wedding
dinner to the effect that in the vestry he had given the bride one more kiss
than was necessary
Behind this last couple came Mr Irwine glad at heart over this good
mornings work of joining Adam and Dinah For he had seen Adam in the worst
moments of his sorrow and what better harvest from that painful seedtime could
there be than this The love that had brought hope and comfort in the hour of
despair the love that had found its way to the dark prison cell and to poor
Hettys darker soul this strong gentle love was to be Adams companion and
helper till death
There was much shaking of hands mingled with »God bless yous« and other
good wishes to the four couples at the churchyard gate Mr Poyser answering
for the rest with unwonted vivacity of tongue for he had all the appropriate
weddingday jokes at his command And the women he observed could never do
anything but put finger in eye at a wedding Even Mrs Poyser could not trust
herself to speak as the neighbours shook hands with her and Lisbeth began to
cry in the face of the very first person who told her she was getting young
again
Mr Joshua Rann having a slight touch of rheumatism did not join in the
ringing of the bells this morning and looking on with some contempt at these
informal greetings which required no official cooperation from the clerk began
to hum in his musical bass »Oh what a joyful thing it is« by way of preluding
a little to the effect he intended to produce in the wedding psalm next Sunday
»Thats a bit of good news to cheer Arthur« said Mr Irwine to his mother
as they drove off »I shall write to him the first thing when we get home«
Epilogue
It is near the end of June in 1807 The workshops have been shut up half an
hour or more in Adam Bedes timberyard which used to be Jonathan Burges and
the mellow evening light is falling on the pleasant house with the buff walls
and the soft grey thatch very much as it did when we saw Adam bringing in the
keys on that June evening nine years ago
There is a figure we know well just come out of the house and shading her
eyes with her hands as she looks for something in the distance for the rays
that fall on her white borderless cap and her pale auburn hair are very
dazzling But now she turns away from the sunlight and looks towards the door
We can see the sweet pale face quite well now it is scarcely at all altered
only a little fuller to correspond to her more matronly figure which still
seems light and active enough in the plain black dress
»I see him Seth« Dinah said as she looked into the house »Let us go and
meet him Come Lisbeth come with mother«
The last call was answered immediately by a small fair creature with pale
auburn hair and grey eyes little more than four years old who ran out silently
and put her hand into her mothers
»Come uncle Seth« said Dinah
»Ay ay were coming« Seth answered from within and presently appeared
stooping under the doorway being taller than usual by the black head of a
sturdy twoyearold nephew who had caused some delay by demanding to be carried
on uncles shoulder
»Better take him on thy arm Seth« said Dinah looking fondly at the stout
blackeyed fellow »Hes troublesome to thee so«
»Nay nay Addy likes a ride on my shoulder I can carry him so for a bit«
A kindness which young Addy acknowledged by drumming his heels with promising
force against uncle Seths chest But to walk by Dinahs side and be tyrannised
over by Dinahs and Adams children was uncle Seths earthly happiness
»Where didst see him« asked Seth as they walked on into the adjoining
field »I cant catch sight of him anywhere«
»Between the hedges by the roadside« said Dinah »I saw his hat and his
shoulder There he is again«
»Trust thee for catching sight of him if hes anywhere to be seen« said
Seth smiling »Theet like poor mother used to be She was always on the
lookout for Adam and could see him sooner than other folks for all her eyes
got dim«
»Hes been longer than he expected« said Dinah taking Arthurs watch from
a small sidepocket and looking at it »its nigh upon seven now«
»Ay theyd have a deal to say to one another« said Seth »and the meeting
ud touch em both pretty closish Why its getting on towards eight years
since they parted«
»Yes« said Dinah »Adam was greatly moved this morning at the thought of
the change he should see in the poor young man from the sickness he has
undergone as well as the years which have changed us all And the death of the
poor wanderer when she was coming back to us has been sorrow upon sorrow«
»See Addy« said Seth lowering the young one to his arm now and pointing
»theres father coming at the far stile«
Dinah hastened her steps and little Lisbeth ran on at her utmost speed till
she clasped her fathers leg Adam patted her head and lifted her up to kiss
her but Dinah could see the marks of agitation on his face as she approached
him and he put her arm within his in silence
»Well youngster must I take you« he said trying to smile when Addy
stretched out his arms ready with the usual baseness of infancy to give up
his uncle Seth at once now there was some rarer patronage at hand
»Its cut me a good deal Dinah« Adam said at last when they were walking
on
»Didst find him greatly altered« said Dinah
»Why hes altered and yet not altered I should ha known him anywhere But
his colours changed and he looks sadly However the doctors say hell soon be
set right in his own country air Hes all sound in th inside its only the
fever shattered him so But he speaks just the same and smiles at me just as he
did when he was a lad Its wonderful how hes always had just the same sort o
look when he smiles«
»Ive never seen him smile poor young man« said Dinah
»But thee wilt see him smile tomorrow« said Adam »He asked after thee
the first thing when he began to come round and we could talk to one another I
hope she isnt altered he said I remember her face so well I told him no«
Adam continued looking fondly at the eyes that were turned up towards his
»only a bit plumper as theedst a right to be after seven year I may come and
see her tomorrow maynt I he said I long to tell her how Ive thought of her
all these years«
»Didst tell him Id always used the watch« said Dinah
»Ay and we talked a deal about thee for he says he never saw a woman a bit
like thee I shall turn Methodist some day he said when she preaches out of
doors and go to hear her And I said Nay sir you cant do that for
Conference has forbid the women preaching and shes given it up all but
talking to the people a bit in their houses«
»Ah« said Seth who could not repress a comment on this point »and a sore
pity it was o Conference and if Dinah had seen as I did wed ha left the
Wesleyans and joined a body that ud put no bonds on Christian liberty«
»Nay lad nay« said Adam »she was right and thee wast wrong Theres no
rule so wise but what its a pity for somebody or other Most o the women do
more harm nor good with their preaching theyve not got Dinahs gift nor her
sperrit and shes seen that and she thought it right to set th example o
submitting for shes not held from other sorts o teaching And I agree with
her and approve o what she did«
Seth was silent This was a standing subject of difference rarely alluded
to and Dinah wishing to quit it at once said
»Didst remember Adam to speak to Colonel Donnithorne the words my uncle
and aunt intrusted to thee«
»Yes and hes going to the Hall Farm with Mr Irwine the day after
tomorrow Mr Irwine came in while we were talking about it and he would have
it as the Colonel must see nobody but thee tomorrow he said and hes in the
right of it as itll be bad for him t have his feelings stirred with seeing
many people one after another We must get you strong and hearty he said
thats the first thing to be done Arthur and then you shall have your own way
But I shall keep you under your old tutors thumb till then Mr Irwines fine
and joyful at having him home again«
Adam was silent a little while and then said
»It was very cutting when we first saw one another Hed never heard about
poor Hetty till Mr Irwine met him in London for the letters missed him on his
journey The first thing he said to me when wed got hold o one anothers
hands was I could never do anything for her Adam she lived long enough for
all the suffering and Id thought so of the time when I might do something for
her But you told me the truth when you said to me once Theres a sort of wrong
that can never be made up for«
»Why theres Mr and Mrs Poyser coming in at the yard gate« said Seth
»So there is« said Dinah »Run Lisbeth run to meet aunt Poyser Come in
Adam and rest it has been a hard day for thee«