From 862c221a6e12f90bea280fa4544076ac11e573ef Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Blink The Things Date: Tue, 1 Dec 2020 22:06:21 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] Make a few tweaks and add an example --- example/build.sh | 1 + example/inputs/grimm.txt | 9057 +++++++++++++++ example/inputs/metamorphosis.txt | 1946 ++++ example/inputs/pride_and_prejudice.txt | 13960 +++++++++++++++++++++++ example/inputs/wonderland.txt | 3334 ++++++ example/novel.txt | 683 ++ markov.py | 32 +- 7 files changed, 29008 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-) create mode 100644 example/build.sh create mode 100644 example/inputs/grimm.txt create mode 100644 example/inputs/metamorphosis.txt create mode 100644 example/inputs/pride_and_prejudice.txt create mode 100644 example/inputs/wonderland.txt create mode 100644 example/novel.txt diff --git a/example/build.sh b/example/build.sh new file mode 100644 index 0000000..87818d8 --- /dev/null +++ b/example/build.sh @@ -0,0 +1 @@ +python ../markov.py -s 1000 -c 50000 ./inputs/*.txt > novel.txt \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/example/inputs/grimm.txt b/example/inputs/grimm.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7f10ca5 --- /dev/null +++ b/example/inputs/grimm.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9057 @@ +THE GOLDEN BIRD + +A certain king had a beautiful garden, and in the garden stood a tree +which bore golden apples. These apples were always counted, and about +the time when they began to grow ripe it was found that every night one +of them was gone. The king became very angry at this, and ordered the +gardener to keep watch all night under the tree. The gardener set his +eldest son to watch; but about twelve o’clock he fell asleep, and in +the morning another of the apples was missing. Then the second son was +ordered to watch; and at midnight he too fell asleep, and in the morning +another apple was gone. Then the third son offered to keep watch; but +the gardener at first would not let him, for fear some harm should come +to him: however, at last he consented, and the young man laid himself +under the tree to watch. As the clock struck twelve he heard a rustling +noise in the air, and a bird came flying that was of pure gold; and as +it was snapping at one of the apples with its beak, the gardener’s son +jumped up and shot an arrow at it. But the arrow did the bird no harm; +only it dropped a golden feather from its tail, and then flew away. +The golden feather was brought to the king in the morning, and all the +council was called together. Everyone agreed that it was worth more than +all the wealth of the kingdom: but the king said, ‘One feather is of no +use to me, I must have the whole bird.’ + +Then the gardener’s eldest son set out and thought to find the golden +bird very easily; and when he had gone but a little way, he came to a +wood, and by the side of the wood he saw a fox sitting; so he took his +bow and made ready to shoot at it. Then the fox said, ‘Do not shoot me, +for I will give you good counsel; I know what your business is, and +that you want to find the golden bird. You will reach a village in the +evening; and when you get there, you will see two inns opposite to each +other, one of which is very pleasant and beautiful to look at: go not in +there, but rest for the night in the other, though it may appear to you +to be very poor and mean.’ But the son thought to himself, ‘What can +such a beast as this know about the matter?’ So he shot his arrow at +the fox; but he missed it, and it set up its tail above its back and +ran into the wood. Then he went his way, and in the evening came to +the village where the two inns were; and in one of these were people +singing, and dancing, and feasting; but the other looked very dirty, +and poor. ‘I should be very silly,’ said he, ‘if I went to that shabby +house, and left this charming place’; so he went into the smart house, +and ate and drank at his ease, and forgot the bird, and his country too. + +Time passed on; and as the eldest son did not come back, and no tidings +were heard of him, the second son set out, and the same thing happened +to him. He met the fox, who gave him the good advice: but when he came +to the two inns, his eldest brother was standing at the window where +the merrymaking was, and called to him to come in; and he could not +withstand the temptation, but went in, and forgot the golden bird and +his country in the same manner. + +Time passed on again, and the youngest son too wished to set out into +the wide world to seek for the golden bird; but his father would not +listen to it for a long while, for he was very fond of his son, and +was afraid that some ill luck might happen to him also, and prevent his +coming back. However, at last it was agreed he should go, for he would +not rest at home; and as he came to the wood, he met the fox, and heard +the same good counsel. But he was thankful to the fox, and did not +attempt his life as his brothers had done; so the fox said, ‘Sit upon my +tail, and you will travel faster.’ So he sat down, and the fox began to +run, and away they went over stock and stone so quick that their hair +whistled in the wind. + +When they came to the village, the son followed the fox’s counsel, and +without looking about him went to the shabby inn and rested there all +night at his ease. In the morning came the fox again and met him as he +was beginning his journey, and said, ‘Go straight forward, till you come +to a castle, before which lie a whole troop of soldiers fast asleep and +snoring: take no notice of them, but go into the castle and pass on and +on till you come to a room, where the golden bird sits in a wooden cage; +close by it stands a beautiful golden cage; but do not try to take the +bird out of the shabby cage and put it into the handsome one, otherwise +you will repent it.’ Then the fox stretched out his tail again, and the +young man sat himself down, and away they went over stock and stone till +their hair whistled in the wind. + +Before the castle gate all was as the fox had said: so the son went in +and found the chamber where the golden bird hung in a wooden cage, and +below stood the golden cage, and the three golden apples that had been +lost were lying close by it. Then thought he to himself, ‘It will be a +very droll thing to bring away such a fine bird in this shabby cage’; so +he opened the door and took hold of it and put it into the golden cage. +But the bird set up such a loud scream that all the soldiers awoke, and +they took him prisoner and carried him before the king. The next morning +the court sat to judge him; and when all was heard, it sentenced him to +die, unless he should bring the king the golden horse which could run as +swiftly as the wind; and if he did this, he was to have the golden bird +given him for his own. + +So he set out once more on his journey, sighing, and in great despair, +when on a sudden his friend the fox met him, and said, ‘You see now +what has happened on account of your not listening to my counsel. I will +still, however, tell you how to find the golden horse, if you will do as +I bid you. You must go straight on till you come to the castle where the +horse stands in his stall: by his side will lie the groom fast asleep +and snoring: take away the horse quietly, but be sure to put the old +leathern saddle upon him, and not the golden one that is close by it.’ +Then the son sat down on the fox’s tail, and away they went over stock +and stone till their hair whistled in the wind. + +All went right, and the groom lay snoring with his hand upon the golden +saddle. But when the son looked at the horse, he thought it a great pity +to put the leathern saddle upon it. ‘I will give him the good one,’ +said he; ‘I am sure he deserves it.’ As he took up the golden saddle the +groom awoke and cried out so loud, that all the guards ran in and took +him prisoner, and in the morning he was again brought before the court +to be judged, and was sentenced to die. But it was agreed, that, if he +could bring thither the beautiful princess, he should live, and have the +bird and the horse given him for his own. + +Then he went his way very sorrowful; but the old fox came and said, ‘Why +did not you listen to me? If you had, you would have carried away +both the bird and the horse; yet will I once more give you counsel. Go +straight on, and in the evening you will arrive at a castle. At twelve +o’clock at night the princess goes to the bathing-house: go up to her +and give her a kiss, and she will let you lead her away; but take care +you do not suffer her to go and take leave of her father and mother.’ +Then the fox stretched out his tail, and so away they went over stock +and stone till their hair whistled again. + +As they came to the castle, all was as the fox had said, and at twelve +o’clock the young man met the princess going to the bath and gave her the +kiss, and she agreed to run away with him, but begged with many tears +that he would let her take leave of her father. At first he refused, +but she wept still more and more, and fell at his feet, till at last +he consented; but the moment she came to her father’s house the guards +awoke and he was taken prisoner again. + +Then he was brought before the king, and the king said, ‘You shall never +have my daughter unless in eight days you dig away the hill that stops +the view from my window.’ Now this hill was so big that the whole world +could not take it away: and when he had worked for seven days, and had +done very little, the fox came and said. ‘Lie down and go to sleep; I +will work for you.’ And in the morning he awoke and the hill was gone; +so he went merrily to the king, and told him that now that it was +removed he must give him the princess. + +Then the king was obliged to keep his word, and away went the young man +and the princess; and the fox came and said to him, ‘We will have all +three, the princess, the horse, and the bird.’ ‘Ah!’ said the young man, +‘that would be a great thing, but how can you contrive it?’ + +‘If you will only listen,’ said the fox, ‘it can be done. When you come +to the king, and he asks for the beautiful princess, you must say, “Here +she is!” Then he will be very joyful; and you will mount the golden +horse that they are to give you, and put out your hand to take leave of +them; but shake hands with the princess last. Then lift her quickly on +to the horse behind you; clap your spurs to his side, and gallop away as +fast as you can.’ + +All went right: then the fox said, ‘When you come to the castle where +the bird is, I will stay with the princess at the door, and you will +ride in and speak to the king; and when he sees that it is the right +horse, he will bring out the bird; but you must sit still, and say that +you want to look at it, to see whether it is the true golden bird; and +when you get it into your hand, ride away.’ + +This, too, happened as the fox said; they carried off the bird, the +princess mounted again, and they rode on to a great wood. Then the fox +came, and said, ‘Pray kill me, and cut off my head and my feet.’ But the +young man refused to do it: so the fox said, ‘I will at any rate give +you good counsel: beware of two things; ransom no one from the gallows, +and sit down by the side of no river.’ Then away he went. ‘Well,’ +thought the young man, ‘it is no hard matter to keep that advice.’ + +He rode on with the princess, till at last he came to the village where +he had left his two brothers. And there he heard a great noise and +uproar; and when he asked what was the matter, the people said, ‘Two men +are going to be hanged.’ As he came nearer, he saw that the two men were +his brothers, who had turned robbers; so he said, ‘Cannot they in any +way be saved?’ But the people said ‘No,’ unless he would bestow all his +money upon the rascals and buy their liberty. Then he did not stay to +think about the matter, but paid what was asked, and his brothers were +given up, and went on with him towards their home. + +And as they came to the wood where the fox first met them, it was so +cool and pleasant that the two brothers said, ‘Let us sit down by the +side of the river, and rest a while, to eat and drink.’ So he said, +‘Yes,’ and forgot the fox’s counsel, and sat down on the side of the +river; and while he suspected nothing, they came behind, and threw him +down the bank, and took the princess, the horse, and the bird, and went +home to the king their master, and said. ‘All this have we won by our +labour.’ Then there was great rejoicing made; but the horse would not +eat, the bird would not sing, and the princess wept. + +The youngest son fell to the bottom of the river’s bed: luckily it was +nearly dry, but his bones were almost broken, and the bank was so steep +that he could find no way to get out. Then the old fox came once more, +and scolded him for not following his advice; otherwise no evil would +have befallen him: ‘Yet,’ said he, ‘I cannot leave you here, so lay hold +of my tail and hold fast.’ Then he pulled him out of the river, and said +to him, as he got upon the bank, ‘Your brothers have set watch to kill +you, if they find you in the kingdom.’ So he dressed himself as a poor +man, and came secretly to the king’s court, and was scarcely within the +doors when the horse began to eat, and the bird to sing, and the princess +left off weeping. Then he went to the king, and told him all his +brothers’ roguery; and they were seized and punished, and he had the +princess given to him again; and after the king’s death he was heir to +his kingdom. + +A long while after, he went to walk one day in the wood, and the old fox +met him, and besought him with tears in his eyes to kill him, and cut +off his head and feet. And at last he did so, and in a moment the +fox was changed into a man, and turned out to be the brother of the +princess, who had been lost a great many many years. + + + + +HANS IN LUCK + +Some men are born to good luck: all they do or try to do comes +right--all that falls to them is so much gain--all their geese are +swans--all their cards are trumps--toss them which way you will, they +will always, like poor puss, alight upon their legs, and only move on so +much the faster. The world may very likely not always think of them as +they think of themselves, but what care they for the world? what can it +know about the matter? + +One of these lucky beings was neighbour Hans. Seven long years he had +worked hard for his master. At last he said, ‘Master, my time is up; I +must go home and see my poor mother once more: so pray pay me my wages +and let me go.’ And the master said, ‘You have been a faithful and good +servant, Hans, so your pay shall be handsome.’ Then he gave him a lump +of silver as big as his head. + +Hans took out his pocket-handkerchief, put the piece of silver into it, +threw it over his shoulder, and jogged off on his road homewards. As he +went lazily on, dragging one foot after another, a man came in sight, +trotting gaily along on a capital horse. ‘Ah!’ said Hans aloud, ‘what a +fine thing it is to ride on horseback! There he sits as easy and happy +as if he was at home, in the chair by his fireside; he trips against no +stones, saves shoe-leather, and gets on he hardly knows how.’ Hans did +not speak so softly but the horseman heard it all, and said, ‘Well, +friend, why do you go on foot then?’ ‘Ah!’ said he, ‘I have this load to +carry: to be sure it is silver, but it is so heavy that I can’t hold up +my head, and you must know it hurts my shoulder sadly.’ ‘What do you say +of making an exchange?’ said the horseman. ‘I will give you my horse, +and you shall give me the silver; which will save you a great deal of +trouble in carrying such a heavy load about with you.’ ‘With all my +heart,’ said Hans: ‘but as you are so kind to me, I must tell you one +thing--you will have a weary task to draw that silver about with you.’ +However, the horseman got off, took the silver, helped Hans up, gave him +the bridle into one hand and the whip into the other, and said, ‘When +you want to go very fast, smack your lips loudly together, and cry +“Jip!”’ + +Hans was delighted as he sat on the horse, drew himself up, squared his +elbows, turned out his toes, cracked his whip, and rode merrily off, one +minute whistling a merry tune, and another singing, + + ‘No care and no sorrow, + A fig for the morrow! + We’ll laugh and be merry, + Sing neigh down derry!’ + +After a time he thought he should like to go a little faster, so he +smacked his lips and cried ‘Jip!’ Away went the horse full gallop; and +before Hans knew what he was about, he was thrown off, and lay on his +back by the road-side. His horse would have ran off, if a shepherd who +was coming by, driving a cow, had not stopped it. Hans soon came to +himself, and got upon his legs again, sadly vexed, and said to the +shepherd, ‘This riding is no joke, when a man has the luck to get upon +a beast like this that stumbles and flings him off as if it would break +his neck. However, I’m off now once for all: I like your cow now a great +deal better than this smart beast that played me this trick, and has +spoiled my best coat, you see, in this puddle; which, by the by, smells +not very like a nosegay. One can walk along at one’s leisure behind that +cow--keep good company, and have milk, butter, and cheese, every day, +into the bargain. What would I give to have such a prize!’ ‘Well,’ said +the shepherd, ‘if you are so fond of her, I will change my cow for your +horse; I like to do good to my neighbours, even though I lose by it +myself.’ ‘Done!’ said Hans, merrily. ‘What a noble heart that good man +has!’ thought he. Then the shepherd jumped upon the horse, wished Hans +and the cow good morning, and away he rode. + +Hans brushed his coat, wiped his face and hands, rested a while, and +then drove off his cow quietly, and thought his bargain a very lucky +one. ‘If I have only a piece of bread (and I certainly shall always be +able to get that), I can, whenever I like, eat my butter and cheese with +it; and when I am thirsty I can milk my cow and drink the milk: and what +can I wish for more?’ When he came to an inn, he halted, ate up all his +bread, and gave away his last penny for a glass of beer. When he had +rested himself he set off again, driving his cow towards his mother’s +village. But the heat grew greater as soon as noon came on, till at +last, as he found himself on a wide heath that would take him more than +an hour to cross, he began to be so hot and parched that his tongue +clave to the roof of his mouth. ‘I can find a cure for this,’ thought +he; ‘now I will milk my cow and quench my thirst’: so he tied her to the +stump of a tree, and held his leathern cap to milk into; but not a drop +was to be had. Who would have thought that this cow, which was to bring +him milk and butter and cheese, was all that time utterly dry? Hans had +not thought of looking to that. + +While he was trying his luck in milking, and managing the matter very +clumsily, the uneasy beast began to think him very troublesome; and at +last gave him such a kick on the head as knocked him down; and there he +lay a long while senseless. Luckily a butcher soon came by, driving a +pig in a wheelbarrow. ‘What is the matter with you, my man?’ said the +butcher, as he helped him up. Hans told him what had happened, how he +was dry, and wanted to milk his cow, but found the cow was dry too. Then +the butcher gave him a flask of ale, saying, ‘There, drink and refresh +yourself; your cow will give you no milk: don’t you see she is an old +beast, good for nothing but the slaughter-house?’ ‘Alas, alas!’ said +Hans, ‘who would have thought it? What a shame to take my horse, and +give me only a dry cow! If I kill her, what will she be good for? I hate +cow-beef; it is not tender enough for me. If it were a pig now--like +that fat gentleman you are driving along at his ease--one could do +something with it; it would at any rate make sausages.’ ‘Well,’ said +the butcher, ‘I don’t like to say no, when one is asked to do a kind, +neighbourly thing. To please you I will change, and give you my fine fat +pig for the cow.’ ‘Heaven reward you for your kindness and self-denial!’ +said Hans, as he gave the butcher the cow; and taking the pig off the +wheel-barrow, drove it away, holding it by the string that was tied to +its leg. + +So on he jogged, and all seemed now to go right with him: he had met +with some misfortunes, to be sure; but he was now well repaid for all. +How could it be otherwise with such a travelling companion as he had at +last got? + +The next man he met was a countryman carrying a fine white goose. The +countryman stopped to ask what was o’clock; this led to further chat; +and Hans told him all his luck, how he had so many good bargains, and +how all the world went gay and smiling with him. The countryman then +began to tell his tale, and said he was going to take the goose to a +christening. ‘Feel,’ said he, ‘how heavy it is, and yet it is only eight +weeks old. Whoever roasts and eats it will find plenty of fat upon it, +it has lived so well!’ ‘You’re right,’ said Hans, as he weighed it in +his hand; ‘but if you talk of fat, my pig is no trifle.’ Meantime the +countryman began to look grave, and shook his head. ‘Hark ye!’ said he, +‘my worthy friend, you seem a good sort of fellow, so I can’t help doing +you a kind turn. Your pig may get you into a scrape. In the village I +just came from, the squire has had a pig stolen out of his sty. I was +dreadfully afraid when I saw you that you had got the squire’s pig. If +you have, and they catch you, it will be a bad job for you. The least +they will do will be to throw you into the horse-pond. Can you swim?’ + +Poor Hans was sadly frightened. ‘Good man,’ cried he, ‘pray get me out +of this scrape. I know nothing of where the pig was either bred or born; +but he may have been the squire’s for aught I can tell: you know this +country better than I do, take my pig and give me the goose.’ ‘I ought +to have something into the bargain,’ said the countryman; ‘give a fat +goose for a pig, indeed! ‘Tis not everyone would do so much for you as +that. However, I will not be hard upon you, as you are in trouble.’ Then +he took the string in his hand, and drove off the pig by a side path; +while Hans went on the way homewards free from care. ‘After all,’ +thought he, ‘that chap is pretty well taken in. I don’t care whose pig +it is, but wherever it came from it has been a very good friend to me. I +have much the best of the bargain. First there will be a capital roast; +then the fat will find me in goose-grease for six months; and then there +are all the beautiful white feathers. I will put them into my pillow, +and then I am sure I shall sleep soundly without rocking. How happy my +mother will be! Talk of a pig, indeed! Give me a fine fat goose.’ + +As he came to the next village, he saw a scissor-grinder with his wheel, +working and singing, + + ‘O’er hill and o’er dale + So happy I roam, + Work light and live well, + All the world is my home; + Then who so blythe, so merry as I?’ + +Hans stood looking on for a while, and at last said, ‘You must be well +off, master grinder! you seem so happy at your work.’ ‘Yes,’ said the +other, ‘mine is a golden trade; a good grinder never puts his hand +into his pocket without finding money in it--but where did you get that +beautiful goose?’ ‘I did not buy it, I gave a pig for it.’ ‘And where +did you get the pig?’ ‘I gave a cow for it.’ ‘And the cow?’ ‘I gave a +horse for it.’ ‘And the horse?’ ‘I gave a lump of silver as big as my +head for it.’ ‘And the silver?’ ‘Oh! I worked hard for that seven long +years.’ ‘You have thriven well in the world hitherto,’ said the grinder, +‘now if you could find money in your pocket whenever you put your hand +in it, your fortune would be made.’ ‘Very true: but how is that to be +managed?’ ‘How? Why, you must turn grinder like myself,’ said the other; +‘you only want a grindstone; the rest will come of itself. Here is one +that is but little the worse for wear: I would not ask more than the +value of your goose for it--will you buy?’ ‘How can you ask?’ said +Hans; ‘I should be the happiest man in the world, if I could have money +whenever I put my hand in my pocket: what could I want more? there’s +the goose.’ ‘Now,’ said the grinder, as he gave him a common rough stone +that lay by his side, ‘this is a most capital stone; do but work it well +enough, and you can make an old nail cut with it.’ + +Hans took the stone, and went his way with a light heart: his eyes +sparkled for joy, and he said to himself, ‘Surely I must have been born +in a lucky hour; everything I could want or wish for comes of itself. +People are so kind; they seem really to think I do them a favour in +letting them make me rich, and giving me good bargains.’ + +Meantime he began to be tired, and hungry too, for he had given away his +last penny in his joy at getting the cow. + +At last he could go no farther, for the stone tired him sadly: and he +dragged himself to the side of a river, that he might take a drink of +water, and rest a while. So he laid the stone carefully by his side on +the bank: but, as he stooped down to drink, he forgot it, pushed it a +little, and down it rolled, plump into the stream. + +For a while he watched it sinking in the deep clear water; then sprang +up and danced for joy, and again fell upon his knees and thanked Heaven, +with tears in his eyes, for its kindness in taking away his only plague, +the ugly heavy stone. + +‘How happy am I!’ cried he; ‘nobody was ever so lucky as I.’ Then up he +got with a light heart, free from all his troubles, and walked on till +he reached his mother’s house, and told her how very easy the road to +good luck was. + + + + +JORINDA AND JORINDEL + +There was once an old castle, that stood in the middle of a deep gloomy +wood, and in the castle lived an old fairy. Now this fairy could take +any shape she pleased. All the day long she flew about in the form of +an owl, or crept about the country like a cat; but at night she always +became an old woman again. When any young man came within a hundred +paces of her castle, he became quite fixed, and could not move a step +till she came and set him free; which she would not do till he had given +her his word never to come there again: but when any pretty maiden came +within that space she was changed into a bird, and the fairy put her +into a cage, and hung her up in a chamber in the castle. There were +seven hundred of these cages hanging in the castle, and all with +beautiful birds in them. + +Now there was once a maiden whose name was Jorinda. She was prettier +than all the pretty girls that ever were seen before, and a shepherd +lad, whose name was Jorindel, was very fond of her, and they were soon +to be married. One day they went to walk in the wood, that they might be +alone; and Jorindel said, ‘We must take care that we don’t go too near +to the fairy’s castle.’ It was a beautiful evening; the last rays of the +setting sun shone bright through the long stems of the trees upon +the green underwood beneath, and the turtle-doves sang from the tall +birches. + +Jorinda sat down to gaze upon the sun; Jorindel sat by her side; and +both felt sad, they knew not why; but it seemed as if they were to be +parted from one another for ever. They had wandered a long way; and when +they looked to see which way they should go home, they found themselves +at a loss to know what path to take. + +The sun was setting fast, and already half of its circle had sunk behind +the hill: Jorindel on a sudden looked behind him, and saw through the +bushes that they had, without knowing it, sat down close under the old +walls of the castle. Then he shrank for fear, turned pale, and trembled. +Jorinda was just singing, + + ‘The ring-dove sang from the willow spray, + Well-a-day! Well-a-day! + He mourn’d for the fate of his darling mate, + Well-a-day!’ + +when her song stopped suddenly. Jorindel turned to see the reason, and +beheld his Jorinda changed into a nightingale, so that her song ended +with a mournful jug, jug. An owl with fiery eyes flew three times +round them, and three times screamed: + + ‘Tu whu! Tu whu! Tu whu!’ + +Jorindel could not move; he stood fixed as a stone, and could neither +weep, nor speak, nor stir hand or foot. And now the sun went quite down; +the gloomy night came; the owl flew into a bush; and a moment after the +old fairy came forth pale and meagre, with staring eyes, and a nose and +chin that almost met one another. + +She mumbled something to herself, seized the nightingale, and went away +with it in her hand. Poor Jorindel saw the nightingale was gone--but +what could he do? He could not speak, he could not move from the spot +where he stood. At last the fairy came back and sang with a hoarse +voice: + + ‘Till the prisoner is fast, + And her doom is cast, + There stay! Oh, stay! + When the charm is around her, + And the spell has bound her, + Hie away! away!’ + +On a sudden Jorindel found himself free. Then he fell on his knees +before the fairy, and prayed her to give him back his dear Jorinda: but +she laughed at him, and said he should never see her again; then she +went her way. + +He prayed, he wept, he sorrowed, but all in vain. ‘Alas!’ he said, ‘what +will become of me?’ He could not go back to his own home, so he went to +a strange village, and employed himself in keeping sheep. Many a time +did he walk round and round as near to the hated castle as he dared go, +but all in vain; he heard or saw nothing of Jorinda. + +At last he dreamt one night that he found a beautiful purple flower, +and that in the middle of it lay a costly pearl; and he dreamt that he +plucked the flower, and went with it in his hand into the castle, and +that everything he touched with it was disenchanted, and that there he +found his Jorinda again. + +In the morning when he awoke, he began to search over hill and dale for +this pretty flower; and eight long days he sought for it in vain: but +on the ninth day, early in the morning, he found the beautiful purple +flower; and in the middle of it was a large dewdrop, as big as a costly +pearl. Then he plucked the flower, and set out and travelled day and +night, till he came again to the castle. + +He walked nearer than a hundred paces to it, and yet he did not become +fixed as before, but found that he could go quite close up to the door. +Jorindel was very glad indeed to see this. Then he touched the door with +the flower, and it sprang open; so that he went in through the court, +and listened when he heard so many birds singing. At last he came to the +chamber where the fairy sat, with the seven hundred birds singing in +the seven hundred cages. When she saw Jorindel she was very angry, and +screamed with rage; but she could not come within two yards of him, for +the flower he held in his hand was his safeguard. He looked around at +the birds, but alas! there were many, many nightingales, and how then +should he find out which was his Jorinda? While he was thinking what to +do, he saw the fairy had taken down one of the cages, and was making the +best of her way off through the door. He ran or flew after her, touched +the cage with the flower, and Jorinda stood before him, and threw her +arms round his neck looking as beautiful as ever, as beautiful as when +they walked together in the wood. + +Then he touched all the other birds with the flower, so that they all +took their old forms again; and he took Jorinda home, where they were +married, and lived happily together many years: and so did a good many +other lads, whose maidens had been forced to sing in the old fairy’s +cages by themselves, much longer than they liked. + + + + +THE TRAVELLING MUSICIANS + +An honest farmer had once an ass that had been a faithful servant to him +a great many years, but was now growing old and every day more and more +unfit for work. His master therefore was tired of keeping him and +began to think of putting an end to him; but the ass, who saw that some +mischief was in the wind, took himself slyly off, and began his journey +towards the great city, ‘For there,’ thought he, ‘I may turn musician.’ + +After he had travelled a little way, he spied a dog lying by the +roadside and panting as if he were tired. ‘What makes you pant so, my +friend?’ said the ass. ‘Alas!’ said the dog, ‘my master was going to +knock me on the head, because I am old and weak, and can no longer make +myself useful to him in hunting; so I ran away; but what can I do to +earn my livelihood?’ ‘Hark ye!’ said the ass, ‘I am going to the great +city to turn musician: suppose you go with me, and try what you can +do in the same way?’ The dog said he was willing, and they jogged on +together. + +They had not gone far before they saw a cat sitting in the middle of the +road and making a most rueful face. ‘Pray, my good lady,’ said the ass, +‘what’s the matter with you? You look quite out of spirits!’ ‘Ah, me!’ +said the cat, ‘how can one be in good spirits when one’s life is in +danger? Because I am beginning to grow old, and had rather lie at my +ease by the fire than run about the house after the mice, my mistress +laid hold of me, and was going to drown me; and though I have been lucky +enough to get away from her, I do not know what I am to live upon.’ +‘Oh,’ said the ass, ‘by all means go with us to the great city; you are +a good night singer, and may make your fortune as a musician.’ The cat +was pleased with the thought, and joined the party. + +Soon afterwards, as they were passing by a farmyard, they saw a cock +perched upon a gate, and screaming out with all his might and main. +‘Bravo!’ said the ass; ‘upon my word, you make a famous noise; pray what +is all this about?’ ‘Why,’ said the cock, ‘I was just now saying that +we should have fine weather for our washing-day, and yet my mistress and +the cook don’t thank me for my pains, but threaten to cut off my +head tomorrow, and make broth of me for the guests that are coming +on Sunday!’ ‘Heaven forbid!’ said the ass, ‘come with us Master +Chanticleer; it will be better, at any rate, than staying here to have +your head cut off! Besides, who knows? If we care to sing in tune, we +may get up some kind of a concert; so come along with us.’ ‘With all my +heart,’ said the cock: so they all four went on jollily together. + +They could not, however, reach the great city the first day; so when +night came on, they went into a wood to sleep. The ass and the dog laid +themselves down under a great tree, and the cat climbed up into the +branches; while the cock, thinking that the higher he sat the safer he +should be, flew up to the very top of the tree, and then, according to +his custom, before he went to sleep, looked out on all sides of him to +see that everything was well. In doing this, he saw afar off something +bright and shining and calling to his companions said, ‘There must be a +house no great way off, for I see a light.’ ‘If that be the case,’ said +the ass, ‘we had better change our quarters, for our lodging is not the +best in the world!’ ‘Besides,’ added the dog, ‘I should not be the +worse for a bone or two, or a bit of meat.’ So they walked off together +towards the spot where Chanticleer had seen the light, and as they drew +near it became larger and brighter, till they at last came close to a +house in which a gang of robbers lived. + +The ass, being the tallest of the company, marched up to the window and +peeped in. ‘Well, Donkey,’ said Chanticleer, ‘what do you see?’ ‘What +do I see?’ replied the ass. ‘Why, I see a table spread with all kinds of +good things, and robbers sitting round it making merry.’ ‘That would +be a noble lodging for us,’ said the cock. ‘Yes,’ said the ass, ‘if we +could only get in’; so they consulted together how they should contrive +to get the robbers out; and at last they hit upon a plan. The ass placed +himself upright on his hind legs, with his forefeet resting against the +window; the dog got upon his back; the cat scrambled up to the dog’s +shoulders, and the cock flew up and sat upon the cat’s head. When +all was ready a signal was given, and they began their music. The ass +brayed, the dog barked, the cat mewed, and the cock screamed; and then +they all broke through the window at once, and came tumbling into +the room, amongst the broken glass, with a most hideous clatter! The +robbers, who had been not a little frightened by the opening concert, +had now no doubt that some frightful hobgoblin had broken in upon them, +and scampered away as fast as they could. + +The coast once clear, our travellers soon sat down and dispatched what +the robbers had left, with as much eagerness as if they had not expected +to eat again for a month. As soon as they had satisfied themselves, they +put out the lights, and each once more sought out a resting-place to +his own liking. The donkey laid himself down upon a heap of straw in +the yard, the dog stretched himself upon a mat behind the door, the +cat rolled herself up on the hearth before the warm ashes, and the +cock perched upon a beam on the top of the house; and, as they were all +rather tired with their journey, they soon fell asleep. + +But about midnight, when the robbers saw from afar that the lights were +out and that all seemed quiet, they began to think that they had been in +too great a hurry to run away; and one of them, who was bolder than +the rest, went to see what was going on. Finding everything still, he +marched into the kitchen, and groped about till he found a match in +order to light a candle; and then, espying the glittering fiery eyes of +the cat, he mistook them for live coals, and held the match to them to +light it. But the cat, not understanding this joke, sprang at his face, +and spat, and scratched at him. This frightened him dreadfully, and away +he ran to the back door; but there the dog jumped up and bit him in the +leg; and as he was crossing over the yard the ass kicked him; and the +cock, who had been awakened by the noise, crowed with all his might. At +this the robber ran back as fast as he could to his comrades, and told +the captain how a horrid witch had got into the house, and had spat at +him and scratched his face with her long bony fingers; how a man with a +knife in his hand had hidden himself behind the door, and stabbed him +in the leg; how a black monster stood in the yard and struck him with a +club, and how the devil had sat upon the top of the house and cried out, +‘Throw the rascal up here!’ After this the robbers never dared to go +back to the house; but the musicians were so pleased with their quarters +that they took up their abode there; and there they are, I dare say, at +this very day. + + + + +OLD SULTAN + +A shepherd had a faithful dog, called Sultan, who was grown very old, +and had lost all his teeth. And one day when the shepherd and his wife +were standing together before the house the shepherd said, ‘I will shoot +old Sultan tomorrow morning, for he is of no use now.’ But his wife +said, ‘Pray let the poor faithful creature live; he has served us well a +great many years, and we ought to give him a livelihood for the rest of +his days.’ ‘But what can we do with him?’ said the shepherd, ‘he has not +a tooth in his head, and the thieves don’t care for him at all; to +be sure he has served us, but then he did it to earn his livelihood; +tomorrow shall be his last day, depend upon it.’ + +Poor Sultan, who was lying close by them, heard all that the shepherd +and his wife said to one another, and was very much frightened to think +tomorrow would be his last day; so in the evening he went to his good +friend the wolf, who lived in the wood, and told him all his sorrows, +and how his master meant to kill him in the morning. ‘Make yourself +easy,’ said the wolf, ‘I will give you some good advice. Your master, +you know, goes out every morning very early with his wife into the +field; and they take their little child with them, and lay it down +behind the hedge in the shade while they are at work. Now do you lie +down close by the child, and pretend to be watching it, and I will come +out of the wood and run away with it; you must run after me as fast as +you can, and I will let it drop; then you may carry it back, and they +will think you have saved their child, and will be so thankful to you +that they will take care of you as long as you live.’ The dog liked this +plan very well; and accordingly so it was managed. The wolf ran with the +child a little way; the shepherd and his wife screamed out; but Sultan +soon overtook him, and carried the poor little thing back to his master +and mistress. Then the shepherd patted him on the head, and said, ‘Old +Sultan has saved our child from the wolf, and therefore he shall live +and be well taken care of, and have plenty to eat. Wife, go home, and +give him a good dinner, and let him have my old cushion to sleep on +as long as he lives.’ So from this time forward Sultan had all that he +could wish for. + +Soon afterwards the wolf came and wished him joy, and said, ‘Now, my +good fellow, you must tell no tales, but turn your head the other way +when I want to taste one of the old shepherd’s fine fat sheep.’ ‘No,’ +said the Sultan; ‘I will be true to my master.’ However, the wolf +thought he was in joke, and came one night to get a dainty morsel. But +Sultan had told his master what the wolf meant to do; so he laid wait +for him behind the barn door, and when the wolf was busy looking out for +a good fat sheep, he had a stout cudgel laid about his back, that combed +his locks for him finely. + +Then the wolf was very angry, and called Sultan ‘an old rogue,’ and +swore he would have his revenge. So the next morning the wolf sent the +boar to challenge Sultan to come into the wood to fight the matter. Now +Sultan had nobody he could ask to be his second but the shepherd’s old +three-legged cat; so he took her with him, and as the poor thing limped +along with some trouble, she stuck up her tail straight in the air. + +The wolf and the wild boar were first on the ground; and when they +espied their enemies coming, and saw the cat’s long tail standing +straight in the air, they thought she was carrying a sword for Sultan to +fight with; and every time she limped, they thought she was picking up +a stone to throw at them; so they said they should not like this way of +fighting, and the boar lay down behind a bush, and the wolf jumped +up into a tree. Sultan and the cat soon came up, and looked about and +wondered that no one was there. The boar, however, had not quite hidden +himself, for his ears stuck out of the bush; and when he shook one of +them a little, the cat, seeing something move, and thinking it was a +mouse, sprang upon it, and bit and scratched it, so that the boar jumped +up and grunted, and ran away, roaring out, ‘Look up in the tree, there +sits the one who is to blame.’ So they looked up, and espied the wolf +sitting amongst the branches; and they called him a cowardly rascal, +and would not suffer him to come down till he was heartily ashamed of +himself, and had promised to be good friends again with old Sultan. + + + + +THE STRAW, THE COAL, AND THE BEAN + +In a village dwelt a poor old woman, who had gathered together a dish +of beans and wanted to cook them. So she made a fire on her hearth, and +that it might burn the quicker, she lighted it with a handful of straw. +When she was emptying the beans into the pan, one dropped without her +observing it, and lay on the ground beside a straw, and soon afterwards +a burning coal from the fire leapt down to the two. Then the straw +began and said: ‘Dear friends, from whence do you come here?’ The coal +replied: ‘I fortunately sprang out of the fire, and if I had not escaped +by sheer force, my death would have been certain,--I should have been +burnt to ashes.’ The bean said: ‘I too have escaped with a whole skin, +but if the old woman had got me into the pan, I should have been made +into broth without any mercy, like my comrades.’ ‘And would a better +fate have fallen to my lot?’ said the straw. ‘The old woman has +destroyed all my brethren in fire and smoke; she seized sixty of them at +once, and took their lives. I luckily slipped through her fingers.’ + +‘But what are we to do now?’ said the coal. + +‘I think,’ answered the bean, ‘that as we have so fortunately escaped +death, we should keep together like good companions, and lest a new +mischance should overtake us here, we should go away together, and +repair to a foreign country.’ + +The proposition pleased the two others, and they set out on their way +together. Soon, however, they came to a little brook, and as there was +no bridge or foot-plank, they did not know how they were to get over +it. The straw hit on a good idea, and said: ‘I will lay myself straight +across, and then you can walk over on me as on a bridge.’ The straw +therefore stretched itself from one bank to the other, and the coal, +who was of an impetuous disposition, tripped quite boldly on to the +newly-built bridge. But when she had reached the middle, and heard the +water rushing beneath her, she was after all, afraid, and stood still, +and ventured no farther. The straw, however, began to burn, broke in +two pieces, and fell into the stream. The coal slipped after her, hissed +when she got into the water, and breathed her last. The bean, who had +prudently stayed behind on the shore, could not but laugh at the event, +was unable to stop, and laughed so heartily that she burst. It would +have been all over with her, likewise, if, by good fortune, a tailor who +was travelling in search of work, had not sat down to rest by the brook. +As he had a compassionate heart he pulled out his needle and thread, +and sewed her together. The bean thanked him most prettily, but as the +tailor used black thread, all beans since then have a black seam. + + + + +BRIAR ROSE + +A king and queen once upon a time reigned in a country a great way off, +where there were in those days fairies. Now this king and queen had +plenty of money, and plenty of fine clothes to wear, and plenty of +good things to eat and drink, and a coach to ride out in every day: but +though they had been married many years they had no children, and this +grieved them very much indeed. But one day as the queen was walking +by the side of the river, at the bottom of the garden, she saw a poor +little fish, that had thrown itself out of the water, and lay gasping +and nearly dead on the bank. Then the queen took pity on the little +fish, and threw it back again into the river; and before it swam away +it lifted its head out of the water and said, ‘I know what your wish is, +and it shall be fulfilled, in return for your kindness to me--you will +soon have a daughter.’ What the little fish had foretold soon came to +pass; and the queen had a little girl, so very beautiful that the king +could not cease looking on it for joy, and said he would hold a great +feast and make merry, and show the child to all the land. So he asked +his kinsmen, and nobles, and friends, and neighbours. But the queen +said, ‘I will have the fairies also, that they might be kind and good +to our little daughter.’ Now there were thirteen fairies in the kingdom; +but as the king and queen had only twelve golden dishes for them to eat +out of, they were forced to leave one of the fairies without asking her. +So twelve fairies came, each with a high red cap on her head, and red +shoes with high heels on her feet, and a long white wand in her hand: +and after the feast was over they gathered round in a ring and gave all +their best gifts to the little princess. One gave her goodness, another +beauty, another riches, and so on till she had all that was good in the +world. + +Just as eleven of them had done blessing her, a great noise was heard in +the courtyard, and word was brought that the thirteenth fairy was +come, with a black cap on her head, and black shoes on her feet, and a +broomstick in her hand: and presently up she came into the dining-hall. +Now, as she had not been asked to the feast she was very angry, and +scolded the king and queen very much, and set to work to take her +revenge. So she cried out, ‘The king’s daughter shall, in her fifteenth +year, be wounded by a spindle, and fall down dead.’ Then the twelfth of +the friendly fairies, who had not yet given her gift, came forward, and +said that the evil wish must be fulfilled, but that she could soften its +mischief; so her gift was, that the king’s daughter, when the spindle +wounded her, should not really die, but should only fall asleep for a +hundred years. + +However, the king hoped still to save his dear child altogether from +the threatened evil; so he ordered that all the spindles in the kingdom +should be bought up and burnt. But all the gifts of the first eleven +fairies were in the meantime fulfilled; for the princess was so +beautiful, and well behaved, and good, and wise, that everyone who knew +her loved her. + +It happened that, on the very day she was fifteen years old, the king +and queen were not at home, and she was left alone in the palace. So she +roved about by herself, and looked at all the rooms and chambers, till +at last she came to an old tower, to which there was a narrow staircase +ending with a little door. In the door there was a golden key, and when +she turned it the door sprang open, and there sat an old lady spinning +away very busily. ‘Why, how now, good mother,’ said the princess; ‘what +are you doing there?’ ‘Spinning,’ said the old lady, and nodded her +head, humming a tune, while buzz! went the wheel. ‘How prettily that +little thing turns round!’ said the princess, and took the spindle +and began to try and spin. But scarcely had she touched it, before the +fairy’s prophecy was fulfilled; the spindle wounded her, and she fell +down lifeless on the ground. + +However, she was not dead, but had only fallen into a deep sleep; and +the king and the queen, who had just come home, and all their court, +fell asleep too; and the horses slept in the stables, and the dogs in +the court, the pigeons on the house-top, and the very flies slept upon +the walls. Even the fire on the hearth left off blazing, and went to +sleep; the jack stopped, and the spit that was turning about with a +goose upon it for the king’s dinner stood still; and the cook, who was +at that moment pulling the kitchen-boy by the hair to give him a box +on the ear for something he had done amiss, let him go, and both fell +asleep; the butler, who was slyly tasting the ale, fell asleep with the +jug at his lips: and thus everything stood still, and slept soundly. + +A large hedge of thorns soon grew round the palace, and every year it +became higher and thicker; till at last the old palace was surrounded +and hidden, so that not even the roof or the chimneys could be seen. But +there went a report through all the land of the beautiful sleeping Briar +Rose (for so the king’s daughter was called): so that, from time to +time, several kings’ sons came, and tried to break through the thicket +into the palace. This, however, none of them could ever do; for the +thorns and bushes laid hold of them, as it were with hands; and there +they stuck fast, and died wretchedly. + +After many, many years there came a king’s son into that land: and an +old man told him the story of the thicket of thorns; and how a beautiful +palace stood behind it, and how a wonderful princess, called Briar Rose, +lay in it asleep, with all her court. He told, too, how he had heard +from his grandfather that many, many princes had come, and had tried to +break through the thicket, but that they had all stuck fast in it, and +died. Then the young prince said, ‘All this shall not frighten me; I +will go and see this Briar Rose.’ The old man tried to hinder him, but +he was bent upon going. + +Now that very day the hundred years were ended; and as the prince came +to the thicket he saw nothing but beautiful flowering shrubs, through +which he went with ease, and they shut in after him as thick as ever. +Then he came at last to the palace, and there in the court lay the dogs +asleep; and the horses were standing in the stables; and on the roof sat +the pigeons fast asleep, with their heads under their wings. And when he +came into the palace, the flies were sleeping on the walls; the spit +was standing still; the butler had the jug of ale at his lips, going +to drink a draught; the maid sat with a fowl in her lap ready to be +plucked; and the cook in the kitchen was still holding up her hand, as +if she was going to beat the boy. + +Then he went on still farther, and all was so still that he could hear +every breath he drew; till at last he came to the old tower, and opened +the door of the little room in which Briar Rose was; and there she lay, +fast asleep on a couch by the window. She looked so beautiful that he +could not take his eyes off her, so he stooped down and gave her a kiss. +But the moment he kissed her she opened her eyes and awoke, and smiled +upon him; and they went out together; and soon the king and queen also +awoke, and all the court, and gazed on each other with great wonder. +And the horses shook themselves, and the dogs jumped up and barked; the +pigeons took their heads from under their wings, and looked about and +flew into the fields; the flies on the walls buzzed again; the fire in +the kitchen blazed up; round went the jack, and round went the spit, +with the goose for the king’s dinner upon it; the butler finished his +draught of ale; the maid went on plucking the fowl; and the cook gave +the boy the box on his ear. + +And then the prince and Briar Rose were married, and the wedding feast +was given; and they lived happily together all their lives long. + + + + +THE DOG AND THE SPARROW + +A shepherd’s dog had a master who took no care of him, but often let him +suffer the greatest hunger. At last he could bear it no longer; so he +took to his heels, and off he ran in a very sad and sorrowful mood. +On the road he met a sparrow that said to him, ‘Why are you so sad, +my friend?’ ‘Because,’ said the dog, ‘I am very very hungry, and have +nothing to eat.’ ‘If that be all,’ answered the sparrow, ‘come with me +into the next town, and I will soon find you plenty of food.’ So on they +went together into the town: and as they passed by a butcher’s shop, +the sparrow said to the dog, ‘Stand there a little while till I peck you +down a piece of meat.’ So the sparrow perched upon the shelf: and having +first looked carefully about her to see if anyone was watching her, she +pecked and scratched at a steak that lay upon the edge of the shelf, +till at last down it fell. Then the dog snapped it up, and scrambled +away with it into a corner, where he soon ate it all up. ‘Well,’ said +the sparrow, ‘you shall have some more if you will; so come with me to +the next shop, and I will peck you down another steak.’ When the dog had +eaten this too, the sparrow said to him, ‘Well, my good friend, have you +had enough now?’ ‘I have had plenty of meat,’ answered he, ‘but I should +like to have a piece of bread to eat after it.’ ‘Come with me then,’ +said the sparrow, ‘and you shall soon have that too.’ So she took him +to a baker’s shop, and pecked at two rolls that lay in the window, till +they fell down: and as the dog still wished for more, she took him to +another shop and pecked down some more for him. When that was eaten, the +sparrow asked him whether he had had enough now. ‘Yes,’ said he; ‘and +now let us take a walk a little way out of the town.’ So they both went +out upon the high road; but as the weather was warm, they had not gone +far before the dog said, ‘I am very much tired--I should like to take a +nap.’ ‘Very well,’ answered the sparrow, ‘do so, and in the meantime +I will perch upon that bush.’ So the dog stretched himself out on the +road, and fell fast asleep. Whilst he slept, there came by a carter with +a cart drawn by three horses, and loaded with two casks of wine. The +sparrow, seeing that the carter did not turn out of the way, but would +go on in the track in which the dog lay, so as to drive over him, called +out, ‘Stop! stop! Mr Carter, or it shall be the worse for you.’ But the +carter, grumbling to himself, ‘You make it the worse for me, indeed! +what can you do?’ cracked his whip, and drove his cart over the poor +dog, so that the wheels crushed him to death. ‘There,’ cried the +sparrow, ‘thou cruel villain, thou hast killed my friend the dog. Now +mind what I say. This deed of thine shall cost thee all thou art worth.’ +‘Do your worst, and welcome,’ said the brute, ‘what harm can you do me?’ +and passed on. But the sparrow crept under the tilt of the cart, and +pecked at the bung of one of the casks till she loosened it; and then +all the wine ran out, without the carter seeing it. At last he looked +round, and saw that the cart was dripping, and the cask quite empty. +‘What an unlucky wretch I am!’ cried he. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ said +the sparrow, as she alighted upon the head of one of the horses, and +pecked at him till he reared up and kicked. When the carter saw this, +he drew out his hatchet and aimed a blow at the sparrow, meaning to kill +her; but she flew away, and the blow fell upon the poor horse’s head +with such force, that he fell down dead. ‘Unlucky wretch that I am!’ +cried he. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ said the sparrow. And as the carter +went on with the other two horses, she again crept under the tilt of the +cart, and pecked out the bung of the second cask, so that all the wine +ran out. When the carter saw this, he again cried out, ‘Miserable wretch +that I am!’ But the sparrow answered, ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ and +perched on the head of the second horse, and pecked at him too. The +carter ran up and struck at her again with his hatchet; but away she +flew, and the blow fell upon the second horse and killed him on the +spot. ‘Unlucky wretch that I am!’ said he. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ said +the sparrow; and perching upon the third horse, she began to peck him +too. The carter was mad with fury; and without looking about him, or +caring what he was about, struck again at the sparrow; but killed his +third horse as he done the other two. ‘Alas! miserable wretch that I +am!’ cried he. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ answered the sparrow as she flew +away; ‘now will I plague and punish thee at thy own house.’ The +carter was forced at last to leave his cart behind him, and to go home +overflowing with rage and vexation. ‘Alas!’ said he to his wife, ‘what +ill luck has befallen me!--my wine is all spilt, and my horses all three +dead.’ ‘Alas! husband,’ replied she, ‘and a wicked bird has come into +the house, and has brought with her all the birds in the world, I am +sure, and they have fallen upon our corn in the loft, and are eating it +up at such a rate!’ Away ran the husband upstairs, and saw thousands of +birds sitting upon the floor eating up his corn, with the sparrow in the +midst of them. ‘Unlucky wretch that I am!’ cried the carter; for he saw +that the corn was almost all gone. ‘Not wretch enough yet!’ said the +sparrow; ‘thy cruelty shall cost thee thy life yet!’ and away she flew. + +The carter seeing that he had thus lost all that he had, went down +into his kitchen; and was still not sorry for what he had done, but sat +himself angrily and sulkily in the chimney corner. But the sparrow sat +on the outside of the window, and cried ‘Carter! thy cruelty shall cost +thee thy life!’ With that he jumped up in a rage, seized his hatchet, +and threw it at the sparrow; but it missed her, and only broke the +window. The sparrow now hopped in, perched upon the window-seat, and +cried, ‘Carter! it shall cost thee thy life!’ Then he became mad and +blind with rage, and struck the window-seat with such force that he +cleft it in two: and as the sparrow flew from place to place, the carter +and his wife were so furious, that they broke all their furniture, +glasses, chairs, benches, the table, and at last the walls, without +touching the bird at all. In the end, however, they caught her: and the +wife said, ‘Shall I kill her at once?’ ‘No,’ cried he, ‘that is letting +her off too easily: she shall die a much more cruel death; I will eat +her.’ But the sparrow began to flutter about, and stretch out her neck +and cried, ‘Carter! it shall cost thee thy life yet!’ With that he +could wait no longer: so he gave his wife the hatchet, and cried, ‘Wife, +strike at the bird and kill her in my hand.’ And the wife struck; but +she missed her aim, and hit her husband on the head so that he fell down +dead, and the sparrow flew quietly home to her nest. + + + + +THE TWELVE DANCING PRINCESSES + +There was a king who had twelve beautiful daughters. They slept in +twelve beds all in one room; and when they went to bed, the doors were +shut and locked up; but every morning their shoes were found to be quite +worn through as if they had been danced in all night; and yet nobody +could find out how it happened, or where they had been. + +Then the king made it known to all the land, that if any person could +discover the secret, and find out where it was that the princesses +danced in the night, he should have the one he liked best for his +wife, and should be king after his death; but whoever tried and did not +succeed, after three days and nights, should be put to death. + +A king’s son soon came. He was well entertained, and in the evening was +taken to the chamber next to the one where the princesses lay in their +twelve beds. There he was to sit and watch where they went to dance; +and, in order that nothing might pass without his hearing it, the door +of his chamber was left open. But the king’s son soon fell asleep; and +when he awoke in the morning he found that the princesses had all been +dancing, for the soles of their shoes were full of holes. The same thing +happened the second and third night: so the king ordered his head to be +cut off. After him came several others; but they had all the same luck, +and all lost their lives in the same manner. + +Now it chanced that an old soldier, who had been wounded in battle +and could fight no longer, passed through the country where this king +reigned: and as he was travelling through a wood, he met an old woman, +who asked him where he was going. ‘I hardly know where I am going, or +what I had better do,’ said the soldier; ‘but I think I should like very +well to find out where it is that the princesses dance, and then in time +I might be a king.’ ‘Well,’ said the old dame, ‘that is no very hard +task: only take care not to drink any of the wine which one of the +princesses will bring to you in the evening; and as soon as she leaves +you pretend to be fast asleep.’ + +Then she gave him a cloak, and said, ‘As soon as you put that on +you will become invisible, and you will then be able to follow the +princesses wherever they go.’ When the soldier heard all this good +counsel, he determined to try his luck: so he went to the king, and said +he was willing to undertake the task. + +He was as well received as the others had been, and the king ordered +fine royal robes to be given him; and when the evening came he was led +to the outer chamber. Just as he was going to lie down, the eldest of +the princesses brought him a cup of wine; but the soldier threw it all +away secretly, taking care not to drink a drop. Then he laid himself +down on his bed, and in a little while began to snore very loud as if +he was fast asleep. When the twelve princesses heard this they laughed +heartily; and the eldest said, ‘This fellow too might have done a wiser +thing than lose his life in this way!’ Then they rose up and opened +their drawers and boxes, and took out all their fine clothes, and +dressed themselves at the glass, and skipped about as if they were eager +to begin dancing. But the youngest said, ‘I don’t know how it is, while +you are so happy I feel very uneasy; I am sure some mischance will +befall us.’ ‘You simpleton,’ said the eldest, ‘you are always afraid; +have you forgotten how many kings’ sons have already watched in vain? +And as for this soldier, even if I had not given him his sleeping +draught, he would have slept soundly enough.’ + +When they were all ready, they went and looked at the soldier; but he +snored on, and did not stir hand or foot: so they thought they were +quite safe; and the eldest went up to her own bed and clapped her hands, +and the bed sank into the floor and a trap-door flew open. The soldier +saw them going down through the trap-door one after another, the eldest +leading the way; and thinking he had no time to lose, he jumped up, put +on the cloak which the old woman had given him, and followed them; +but in the middle of the stairs he trod on the gown of the youngest +princess, and she cried out to her sisters, ‘All is not right; someone +took hold of my gown.’ ‘You silly creature!’ said the eldest, ‘it is +nothing but a nail in the wall.’ Then down they all went, and at the +bottom they found themselves in a most delightful grove of trees; and +the leaves were all of silver, and glittered and sparkled beautifully. +The soldier wished to take away some token of the place; so he broke +off a little branch, and there came a loud noise from the tree. Then the +youngest daughter said again, ‘I am sure all is not right--did not you +hear that noise? That never happened before.’ But the eldest said, ‘It +is only our princes, who are shouting for joy at our approach.’ + +Then they came to another grove of trees, where all the leaves were of +gold; and afterwards to a third, where the leaves were all glittering +diamonds. And the soldier broke a branch from each; and every time there +was a loud noise, which made the youngest sister tremble with fear; but +the eldest still said, it was only the princes, who were crying for joy. +So they went on till they came to a great lake; and at the side of the +lake there lay twelve little boats with twelve handsome princes in them, +who seemed to be waiting there for the princesses. + +One of the princesses went into each boat, and the soldier stepped into +the same boat with the youngest. As they were rowing over the lake, the +prince who was in the boat with the youngest princess and the soldier +said, ‘I do not know why it is, but though I am rowing with all my might +we do not get on so fast as usual, and I am quite tired: the boat +seems very heavy today.’ ‘It is only the heat of the weather,’ said the +princess: ‘I feel it very warm too.’ + +On the other side of the lake stood a fine illuminated castle, from +which came the merry music of horns and trumpets. There they all landed, +and went into the castle, and each prince danced with his princess; and +the soldier, who was all the time invisible, danced with them too; and +when any of the princesses had a cup of wine set by her, he drank it +all up, so that when she put the cup to her mouth it was empty. At this, +too, the youngest sister was terribly frightened, but the eldest always +silenced her. They danced on till three o’clock in the morning, and then +all their shoes were worn out, so that they were obliged to leave off. +The princes rowed them back again over the lake (but this time the +soldier placed himself in the boat with the eldest princess); and on the +opposite shore they took leave of each other, the princesses promising +to come again the next night. + +When they came to the stairs, the soldier ran on before the princesses, +and laid himself down; and as the twelve sisters slowly came up very +much tired, they heard him snoring in his bed; so they said, ‘Now all +is quite safe’; then they undressed themselves, put away their fine +clothes, pulled off their shoes, and went to bed. In the morning the +soldier said nothing about what had happened, but determined to see more +of this strange adventure, and went again the second and third night; +and every thing happened just as before; the princesses danced each time +till their shoes were worn to pieces, and then returned home. However, +on the third night the soldier carried away one of the golden cups as a +token of where he had been. + +As soon as the time came when he was to declare the secret, he was taken +before the king with the three branches and the golden cup; and the +twelve princesses stood listening behind the door to hear what he would +say. And when the king asked him. ‘Where do my twelve daughters dance at +night?’ he answered, ‘With twelve princes in a castle under ground.’ And +then he told the king all that had happened, and showed him the three +branches and the golden cup which he had brought with him. Then the king +called for the princesses, and asked them whether what the soldier said +was true: and when they saw that they were discovered, and that it was +of no use to deny what had happened, they confessed it all. And the king +asked the soldier which of them he would choose for his wife; and he +answered, ‘I am not very young, so I will have the eldest.’--And they +were married that very day, and the soldier was chosen to be the king’s +heir. + + + + +THE FISHERMAN AND HIS WIFE + +There was once a fisherman who lived with his wife in a pigsty, close +by the seaside. The fisherman used to go out all day long a-fishing; and +one day, as he sat on the shore with his rod, looking at the sparkling +waves and watching his line, all on a sudden his float was dragged away +deep into the water: and in drawing it up he pulled out a great fish. +But the fish said, ‘Pray let me live! I am not a real fish; I am an +enchanted prince: put me in the water again, and let me go!’ ‘Oh, ho!’ +said the man, ‘you need not make so many words about the matter; I will +have nothing to do with a fish that can talk: so swim away, sir, as soon +as you please!’ Then he put him back into the water, and the fish darted +straight down to the bottom, and left a long streak of blood behind him +on the wave. + +When the fisherman went home to his wife in the pigsty, he told her how +he had caught a great fish, and how it had told him it was an enchanted +prince, and how, on hearing it speak, he had let it go again. ‘Did not +you ask it for anything?’ said the wife, ‘we live very wretchedly here, +in this nasty dirty pigsty; do go back and tell the fish we want a snug +little cottage.’ + +The fisherman did not much like the business: however, he went to the +seashore; and when he came back there the water looked all yellow and +green. And he stood at the water’s edge, and said: + + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ + +Then the fish came swimming to him, and said, ‘Well, what is her will? +What does your wife want?’ ‘Ah!’ said the fisherman, ‘she says that when +I had caught you, I ought to have asked you for something before I let +you go; she does not like living any longer in the pigsty, and wants +a snug little cottage.’ ‘Go home, then,’ said the fish; ‘she is in the +cottage already!’ So the man went home, and saw his wife standing at the +door of a nice trim little cottage. ‘Come in, come in!’ said she; ‘is +not this much better than the filthy pigsty we had?’ And there was a +parlour, and a bedchamber, and a kitchen; and behind the cottage there +was a little garden, planted with all sorts of flowers and fruits; and +there was a courtyard behind, full of ducks and chickens. ‘Ah!’ said the +fisherman, ‘how happily we shall live now!’ ‘We will try to do so, at +least,’ said his wife. + +Everything went right for a week or two, and then Dame Ilsabill said, +‘Husband, there is not near room enough for us in this cottage; the +courtyard and the garden are a great deal too small; I should like to +have a large stone castle to live in: go to the fish again and tell him +to give us a castle.’ ‘Wife,’ said the fisherman, ‘I don’t like to go to +him again, for perhaps he will be angry; we ought to be easy with this +pretty cottage to live in.’ ‘Nonsense!’ said the wife; ‘he will do it +very willingly, I know; go along and try!’ + +The fisherman went, but his heart was very heavy: and when he came to +the sea, it looked blue and gloomy, though it was very calm; and he went +close to the edge of the waves, and said: + + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ + +‘Well, what does she want now?’ said the fish. ‘Ah!’ said the man, +dolefully, ‘my wife wants to live in a stone castle.’ ‘Go home, then,’ +said the fish; ‘she is standing at the gate of it already.’ So away went +the fisherman, and found his wife standing before the gate of a great +castle. ‘See,’ said she, ‘is not this grand?’ With that they went into +the castle together, and found a great many servants there, and the +rooms all richly furnished, and full of golden chairs and tables; and +behind the castle was a garden, and around it was a park half a +mile long, full of sheep, and goats, and hares, and deer; and in the +courtyard were stables and cow-houses. ‘Well,’ said the man, ‘now we +will live cheerful and happy in this beautiful castle for the rest of +our lives.’ ‘Perhaps we may,’ said the wife; ‘but let us sleep upon it, +before we make up our minds to that.’ So they went to bed. + +The next morning when Dame Ilsabill awoke it was broad daylight, and +she jogged the fisherman with her elbow, and said, ‘Get up, husband, +and bestir yourself, for we must be king of all the land.’ ‘Wife, wife,’ +said the man, ‘why should we wish to be the king? I will not be king.’ +‘Then I will,’ said she. ‘But, wife,’ said the fisherman, ‘how can you +be king--the fish cannot make you a king?’ ‘Husband,’ said she, ‘say +no more about it, but go and try! I will be king.’ So the man went away +quite sorrowful to think that his wife should want to be king. This time +the sea looked a dark grey colour, and was overspread with curling waves +and the ridges of foam as he cried out: + + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ + +‘Well, what would she have now?’ said the fish. ‘Alas!’ said the poor +man, ‘my wife wants to be king.’ ‘Go home,’ said the fish; ‘she is king +already.’ + +Then the fisherman went home; and as he came close to the palace he saw +a troop of soldiers, and heard the sound of drums and trumpets. And when +he went in he saw his wife sitting on a throne of gold and diamonds, +with a golden crown upon her head; and on each side of her stood six +fair maidens, each a head taller than the other. ‘Well, wife,’ said the +fisherman, ‘are you king?’ ‘Yes,’ said she, ‘I am king.’ And when he had +looked at her for a long time, he said, ‘Ah, wife! what a fine thing it +is to be king! Now we shall never have anything more to wish for as long +as we live.’ ‘I don’t know how that may be,’ said she; ‘never is a long +time. I am king, it is true; but I begin to be tired of that, and I +think I should like to be emperor.’ ‘Alas, wife! why should you wish to +be emperor?’ said the fisherman. ‘Husband,’ said she, ‘go to the fish! +I say I will be emperor.’ ‘Ah, wife!’ replied the fisherman, ‘the fish +cannot make an emperor, I am sure, and I should not like to ask him for +such a thing.’ ‘I am king,’ said Ilsabill, ‘and you are my slave; so go +at once!’ + +So the fisherman was forced to go; and he muttered as he went along, +‘This will come to no good, it is too much to ask; the fish will be +tired at last, and then we shall be sorry for what we have done.’ He +soon came to the seashore; and the water was quite black and muddy, and +a mighty whirlwind blew over the waves and rolled them about, but he +went as near as he could to the water’s brink, and said: + + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ + +‘What would she have now?’ said the fish. ‘Ah!’ said the fisherman, +‘she wants to be emperor.’ ‘Go home,’ said the fish; ‘she is emperor +already.’ + +So he went home again; and as he came near he saw his wife Ilsabill +sitting on a very lofty throne made of solid gold, with a great crown on +her head full two yards high; and on each side of her stood her guards +and attendants in a row, each one smaller than the other, from the +tallest giant down to a little dwarf no bigger than my finger. And +before her stood princes, and dukes, and earls: and the fisherman went +up to her and said, ‘Wife, are you emperor?’ ‘Yes,’ said she, ‘I am +emperor.’ ‘Ah!’ said the man, as he gazed upon her, ‘what a fine thing +it is to be emperor!’ ‘Husband,’ said she, ‘why should we stop at being +emperor? I will be pope next.’ ‘O wife, wife!’ said he, ‘how can you be +pope? there is but one pope at a time in Christendom.’ ‘Husband,’ said +she, ‘I will be pope this very day.’ ‘But,’ replied the husband, ‘the +fish cannot make you pope.’ ‘What nonsense!’ said she; ‘if he can make +an emperor, he can make a pope: go and try him.’ + +So the fisherman went. But when he came to the shore the wind was raging +and the sea was tossed up and down in boiling waves, and the ships were +in trouble, and rolled fearfully upon the tops of the billows. In the +middle of the heavens there was a little piece of blue sky, but towards +the south all was red, as if a dreadful storm was rising. At this sight +the fisherman was dreadfully frightened, and he trembled so that his +knees knocked together: but still he went down near to the shore, and +said: + + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ + +‘What does she want now?’ said the fish. ‘Ah!’ said the fisherman, ‘my +wife wants to be pope.’ ‘Go home,’ said the fish; ‘she is pope already.’ + +Then the fisherman went home, and found Ilsabill sitting on a throne +that was two miles high. And she had three great crowns on her head, and +around her stood all the pomp and power of the Church. And on each side +of her were two rows of burning lights, of all sizes, the greatest as +large as the highest and biggest tower in the world, and the least no +larger than a small rushlight. ‘Wife,’ said the fisherman, as he looked +at all this greatness, ‘are you pope?’ ‘Yes,’ said she, ‘I am pope.’ +‘Well, wife,’ replied he, ‘it is a grand thing to be pope; and now +you must be easy, for you can be nothing greater.’ ‘I will think about +that,’ said the wife. Then they went to bed: but Dame Ilsabill could not +sleep all night for thinking what she should be next. At last, as she +was dropping asleep, morning broke, and the sun rose. ‘Ha!’ thought she, +as she woke up and looked at it through the window, ‘after all I cannot +prevent the sun rising.’ At this thought she was very angry, and wakened +her husband, and said, ‘Husband, go to the fish and tell him I must +be lord of the sun and moon.’ The fisherman was half asleep, but the +thought frightened him so much that he started and fell out of bed. +‘Alas, wife!’ said he, ‘cannot you be easy with being pope?’ ‘No,’ +said she, ‘I am very uneasy as long as the sun and moon rise without my +leave. Go to the fish at once!’ + +Then the man went shivering with fear; and as he was going down to +the shore a dreadful storm arose, so that the trees and the very rocks +shook. And all the heavens became black with stormy clouds, and the +lightnings played, and the thunders rolled; and you might have seen in +the sea great black waves, swelling up like mountains with crowns of +white foam upon their heads. And the fisherman crept towards the sea, +and cried out, as well as he could: + + ‘O man of the sea! + Hearken to me! + My wife Ilsabill + Will have her own will, + And hath sent me to beg a boon of thee!’ + +‘What does she want now?’ said the fish. ‘Ah!’ said he, ‘she wants to +be lord of the sun and moon.’ ‘Go home,’ said the fish, ‘to your pigsty +again.’ + +And there they live to this very day. + + + + +THE WILLOW-WREN AND THE BEAR + +Once in summer-time the bear and the wolf were walking in the forest, +and the bear heard a bird singing so beautifully that he said: ‘Brother +wolf, what bird is it that sings so well?’ ‘That is the King of birds,’ +said the wolf, ‘before whom we must bow down.’ In reality the bird was +the willow-wren. ‘IF that’s the case,’ said the bear, ‘I should very +much like to see his royal palace; come, take me thither.’ ‘That is not +done quite as you seem to think,’ said the wolf; ‘you must wait until +the Queen comes,’ Soon afterwards, the Queen arrived with some food in +her beak, and the lord King came too, and they began to feed their young +ones. The bear would have liked to go at once, but the wolf held him +back by the sleeve, and said: ‘No, you must wait until the lord and lady +Queen have gone away again.’ So they took stock of the hole where the +nest lay, and trotted away. The bear, however, could not rest until he +had seen the royal palace, and when a short time had passed, went to it +again. The King and Queen had just flown out, so he peeped in and saw +five or six young ones lying there. ‘Is that the royal palace?’ cried +the bear; ‘it is a wretched palace, and you are not King’s children, you +are disreputable children!’ When the young wrens heard that, they were +frightfully angry, and screamed: ‘No, that we are not! Our parents are +honest people! Bear, you will have to pay for that!’ + +The bear and the wolf grew uneasy, and turned back and went into their +holes. The young willow-wrens, however, continued to cry and scream, and +when their parents again brought food they said: ‘We will not so much as +touch one fly’s leg, no, not if we were dying of hunger, until you have +settled whether we are respectable children or not; the bear has been +here and has insulted us!’ Then the old King said: ‘Be easy, he shall +be punished,’ and he at once flew with the Queen to the bear’s cave, and +called in: ‘Old Growler, why have you insulted my children? You shall +suffer for it--we will punish you by a bloody war.’ Thus war was +announced to the Bear, and all four-footed animals were summoned to take +part in it, oxen, asses, cows, deer, and every other animal the earth +contained. And the willow-wren summoned everything which flew in the +air, not only birds, large and small, but midges, and hornets, bees and +flies had to come. + +When the time came for the war to begin, the willow-wren sent out spies +to discover who was the enemy’s commander-in-chief. The gnat, who was +the most crafty, flew into the forest where the enemy was assembled, +and hid herself beneath a leaf of the tree where the password was to be +announced. There stood the bear, and he called the fox before him +and said: ‘Fox, you are the most cunning of all animals, you shall be +general and lead us.’ ‘Good,’ said the fox, ‘but what signal shall we +agree upon?’ No one knew that, so the fox said: ‘I have a fine long +bushy tail, which almost looks like a plume of red feathers. When I lift +my tail up quite high, all is going well, and you must charge; but if I +let it hang down, run away as fast as you can.’ When the gnat had heard +that, she flew away again, and revealed everything, down to the minutest +detail, to the willow-wren. When day broke, and the battle was to begin, +all the four-footed animals came running up with such a noise that the +earth trembled. The willow-wren with his army also came flying through +the air with such a humming, and whirring, and swarming that every one +was uneasy and afraid, and on both sides they advanced against each +other. But the willow-wren sent down the hornet, with orders to settle +beneath the fox’s tail, and sting with all his might. When the fox felt +the first string, he started so that he lifted one leg, from pain, but +he bore it, and still kept his tail high in the air; at the second +sting, he was forced to put it down for a moment; at the third, he could +hold out no longer, screamed, and put his tail between his legs. When +the animals saw that, they thought all was lost, and began to flee, each +into his hole, and the birds had won the battle. + +Then the King and Queen flew home to their children and cried: +‘Children, rejoice, eat and drink to your heart’s content, we have won +the battle!’ But the young wrens said: ‘We will not eat yet, the bear +must come to the nest, and beg for pardon and say that we are honourable +children, before we will do that.’ Then the willow-wren flew to the +bear’s hole and cried: ‘Growler, you are to come to the nest to my +children, and beg their pardon, or else every rib of your body shall +be broken.’ So the bear crept thither in the greatest fear, and begged +their pardon. And now at last the young wrens were satisfied, and sat +down together and ate and drank, and made merry till quite late into the +night. + + + + +THE FROG-PRINCE + +One fine evening a young princess put on her bonnet and clogs, and went +out to take a walk by herself in a wood; and when she came to a cool +spring of water, that rose in the midst of it, she sat herself down +to rest a while. Now she had a golden ball in her hand, which was her +favourite plaything; and she was always tossing it up into the air, and +catching it again as it fell. After a time she threw it up so high that +she missed catching it as it fell; and the ball bounded away, and rolled +along upon the ground, till at last it fell down into the spring. The +princess looked into the spring after her ball, but it was very deep, so +deep that she could not see the bottom of it. Then she began to bewail +her loss, and said, ‘Alas! if I could only get my ball again, I would +give all my fine clothes and jewels, and everything that I have in the +world.’ + +Whilst she was speaking, a frog put its head out of the water, and said, +‘Princess, why do you weep so bitterly?’ ‘Alas!’ said she, ‘what can you +do for me, you nasty frog? My golden ball has fallen into the spring.’ +The frog said, ‘I want not your pearls, and jewels, and fine clothes; +but if you will love me, and let me live with you and eat from off +your golden plate, and sleep upon your bed, I will bring you your ball +again.’ ‘What nonsense,’ thought the princess, ‘this silly frog is +talking! He can never even get out of the spring to visit me, though +he may be able to get my ball for me, and therefore I will tell him he +shall have what he asks.’ So she said to the frog, ‘Well, if you will +bring me my ball, I will do all you ask.’ Then the frog put his head +down, and dived deep under the water; and after a little while he came +up again, with the ball in his mouth, and threw it on the edge of the +spring. As soon as the young princess saw her ball, she ran to pick +it up; and she was so overjoyed to have it in her hand again, that she +never thought of the frog, but ran home with it as fast as she could. +The frog called after her, ‘Stay, princess, and take me with you as you +said,’ But she did not stop to hear a word. + +The next day, just as the princess had sat down to dinner, she heard a +strange noise--tap, tap--plash, plash--as if something was coming up the +marble staircase: and soon afterwards there was a gentle knock at the +door, and a little voice cried out and said: + + ‘Open the door, my princess dear, + Open the door to thy true love here! + And mind the words that thou and I said + By the fountain cool, in the greenwood shade.’ + +Then the princess ran to the door and opened it, and there she saw +the frog, whom she had quite forgotten. At this sight she was sadly +frightened, and shutting the door as fast as she could came back to her +seat. The king, her father, seeing that something had frightened her, +asked her what was the matter. ‘There is a nasty frog,’ said she, ‘at +the door, that lifted my ball for me out of the spring this morning: I +told him that he should live with me here, thinking that he could never +get out of the spring; but there he is at the door, and he wants to come +in.’ + +While she was speaking the frog knocked again at the door, and said: + + ‘Open the door, my princess dear, + Open the door to thy true love here! + And mind the words that thou and I said + By the fountain cool, in the greenwood shade.’ + +Then the king said to the young princess, ‘As you have given your word +you must keep it; so go and let him in.’ She did so, and the frog hopped +into the room, and then straight on--tap, tap--plash, plash--from the +bottom of the room to the top, till he came up close to the table where +the princess sat. ‘Pray lift me upon chair,’ said he to the princess, +‘and let me sit next to you.’ As soon as she had done this, the frog +said, ‘Put your plate nearer to me, that I may eat out of it.’ This +she did, and when he had eaten as much as he could, he said, ‘Now I am +tired; carry me upstairs, and put me into your bed.’ And the princess, +though very unwilling, took him up in her hand, and put him upon the +pillow of her own bed, where he slept all night long. As soon as it was +light he jumped up, hopped downstairs, and went out of the house. +‘Now, then,’ thought the princess, ‘at last he is gone, and I shall be +troubled with him no more.’ + +But she was mistaken; for when night came again she heard the same +tapping at the door; and the frog came once more, and said: + + ‘Open the door, my princess dear, + Open the door to thy true love here! + And mind the words that thou and I said + By the fountain cool, in the greenwood shade.’ + +And when the princess opened the door the frog came in, and slept upon +her pillow as before, till the morning broke. And the third night he did +the same. But when the princess awoke on the following morning she was +astonished to see, instead of the frog, a handsome prince, gazing on her +with the most beautiful eyes she had ever seen, and standing at the head +of her bed. + +He told her that he had been enchanted by a spiteful fairy, who had +changed him into a frog; and that he had been fated so to abide till +some princess should take him out of the spring, and let him eat from +her plate, and sleep upon her bed for three nights. ‘You,’ said the +prince, ‘have broken his cruel charm, and now I have nothing to wish for +but that you should go with me into my father’s kingdom, where I will +marry you, and love you as long as you live.’ + +The young princess, you may be sure, was not long in saying ‘Yes’ to +all this; and as they spoke a gay coach drove up, with eight beautiful +horses, decked with plumes of feathers and a golden harness; and behind +the coach rode the prince’s servant, faithful Heinrich, who had bewailed +the misfortunes of his dear master during his enchantment so long and so +bitterly, that his heart had well-nigh burst. + +They then took leave of the king, and got into the coach with eight +horses, and all set out, full of joy and merriment, for the prince’s +kingdom, which they reached safely; and there they lived happily a great +many years. + + + + +CAT AND MOUSE IN PARTNERSHIP + +A certain cat had made the acquaintance of a mouse, and had said so much +to her about the great love and friendship she felt for her, that at +length the mouse agreed that they should live and keep house together. +‘But we must make a provision for winter, or else we shall suffer +from hunger,’ said the cat; ‘and you, little mouse, cannot venture +everywhere, or you will be caught in a trap some day.’ The good advice +was followed, and a pot of fat was bought, but they did not know where +to put it. At length, after much consideration, the cat said: ‘I know no +place where it will be better stored up than in the church, for no one +dares take anything away from there. We will set it beneath the altar, +and not touch it until we are really in need of it.’ So the pot was +placed in safety, but it was not long before the cat had a great +yearning for it, and said to the mouse: ‘I want to tell you something, +little mouse; my cousin has brought a little son into the world, and has +asked me to be godmother; he is white with brown spots, and I am to hold +him over the font at the christening. Let me go out today, and you look +after the house by yourself.’ ‘Yes, yes,’ answered the mouse, ‘by all +means go, and if you get anything very good to eat, think of me. I +should like a drop of sweet red christening wine myself.’ All this, +however, was untrue; the cat had no cousin, and had not been asked to +be godmother. She went straight to the church, stole to the pot of fat, +began to lick at it, and licked the top of the fat off. Then she took a +walk upon the roofs of the town, looked out for opportunities, and then +stretched herself in the sun, and licked her lips whenever she thought +of the pot of fat, and not until it was evening did she return home. +‘Well, here you are again,’ said the mouse, ‘no doubt you have had a +merry day.’ ‘All went off well,’ answered the cat. ‘What name did they +give the child?’ ‘Top off!’ said the cat quite coolly. ‘Top off!’ cried +the mouse, ‘that is a very odd and uncommon name, is it a usual one in +your family?’ ‘What does that matter,’ said the cat, ‘it is no worse +than Crumb-stealer, as your godchildren are called.’ + +Before long the cat was seized by another fit of yearning. She said to +the mouse: ‘You must do me a favour, and once more manage the house for +a day alone. I am again asked to be godmother, and, as the child has a +white ring round its neck, I cannot refuse.’ The good mouse consented, +but the cat crept behind the town walls to the church, and devoured +half the pot of fat. ‘Nothing ever seems so good as what one keeps to +oneself,’ said she, and was quite satisfied with her day’s work. When +she went home the mouse inquired: ‘And what was the child christened?’ +‘Half-done,’ answered the cat. ‘Half-done! What are you saying? I +never heard the name in my life, I’ll wager anything it is not in the +calendar!’ + +The cat’s mouth soon began to water for some more licking. ‘All good +things go in threes,’ said she, ‘I am asked to stand godmother again. +The child is quite black, only it has white paws, but with that +exception, it has not a single white hair on its whole body; this only +happens once every few years, you will let me go, won’t you?’ ‘Top-off! +Half-done!’ answered the mouse, ‘they are such odd names, they make me +very thoughtful.’ ‘You sit at home,’ said the cat, ‘in your dark-grey +fur coat and long tail, and are filled with fancies, that’s because +you do not go out in the daytime.’ During the cat’s absence the mouse +cleaned the house, and put it in order, but the greedy cat entirely +emptied the pot of fat. ‘When everything is eaten up one has some +peace,’ said she to herself, and well filled and fat she did not return +home till night. The mouse at once asked what name had been given to +the third child. ‘It will not please you more than the others,’ said the +cat. ‘He is called All-gone.’ ‘All-gone,’ cried the mouse ‘that is the +most suspicious name of all! I have never seen it in print. All-gone; +what can that mean?’ and she shook her head, curled herself up, and lay +down to sleep. + +From this time forth no one invited the cat to be godmother, but +when the winter had come and there was no longer anything to be found +outside, the mouse thought of their provision, and said: ‘Come, cat, +we will go to our pot of fat which we have stored up for ourselves--we +shall enjoy that.’ ‘Yes,’ answered the cat, ‘you will enjoy it as much +as you would enjoy sticking that dainty tongue of yours out of the +window.’ They set out on their way, but when they arrived, the pot of +fat certainly was still in its place, but it was empty. ‘Alas!’ said the +mouse, ‘now I see what has happened, now it comes to light! You are a true +friend! You have devoured all when you were standing godmother. First +top off, then half-done, then--’ ‘Will you hold your tongue,’ cried the +cat, ‘one word more, and I will eat you too.’ ‘All-gone’ was already on +the poor mouse’s lips; scarcely had she spoken it before the cat sprang +on her, seized her, and swallowed her down. Verily, that is the way of +the world. + + + + +THE GOOSE-GIRL + +The king of a great land died, and left his queen to take care of their +only child. This child was a daughter, who was very beautiful; and her +mother loved her dearly, and was very kind to her. And there was a good +fairy too, who was fond of the princess, and helped her mother to watch +over her. When she grew up, she was betrothed to a prince who lived a +great way off; and as the time drew near for her to be married, she +got ready to set off on her journey to his country. Then the queen her +mother, packed up a great many costly things; jewels, and gold, and +silver; trinkets, fine dresses, and in short everything that became a +royal bride. And she gave her a waiting-maid to ride with her, and give +her into the bridegroom’s hands; and each had a horse for the journey. +Now the princess’s horse was the fairy’s gift, and it was called Falada, +and could speak. + +When the time came for them to set out, the fairy went into her +bed-chamber, and took a little knife, and cut off a lock of her hair, +and gave it to the princess, and said, ‘Take care of it, dear child; for +it is a charm that may be of use to you on the road.’ Then they all took +a sorrowful leave of the princess; and she put the lock of hair into +her bosom, got upon her horse, and set off on her journey to her +bridegroom’s kingdom. + +One day, as they were riding along by a brook, the princess began to +feel very thirsty: and she said to her maid, ‘Pray get down, and fetch +me some water in my golden cup out of yonder brook, for I want to +drink.’ ‘Nay,’ said the maid, ‘if you are thirsty, get off yourself, and +stoop down by the water and drink; I shall not be your waiting-maid any +longer.’ Then she was so thirsty that she got down, and knelt over the +little brook, and drank; for she was frightened, and dared not bring out +her golden cup; and she wept and said, ‘Alas! what will become of me?’ +And the lock answered her, and said: + + ‘Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ + +But the princess was very gentle and meek, so she said nothing to her +maid’s ill behaviour, but got upon her horse again. + +Then all rode farther on their journey, till the day grew so warm, and +the sun so scorching, that the bride began to feel very thirsty again; +and at last, when they came to a river, she forgot her maid’s rude +speech, and said, ‘Pray get down, and fetch me some water to drink in +my golden cup.’ But the maid answered her, and even spoke more haughtily +than before: ‘Drink if you will, but I shall not be your waiting-maid.’ +Then the princess was so thirsty that she got off her horse, and lay +down, and held her head over the running stream, and cried and said, +‘What will become of me?’ And the lock of hair answered her again: + + ‘Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ + +And as she leaned down to drink, the lock of hair fell from her bosom, +and floated away with the water. Now she was so frightened that she did +not see it; but her maid saw it, and was very glad, for she knew the +charm; and she saw that the poor bride would be in her power, now that +she had lost the hair. So when the bride had done drinking, and would +have got upon Falada again, the maid said, ‘I shall ride upon Falada, +and you may have my horse instead’; so she was forced to give up her +horse, and soon afterwards to take off her royal clothes and put on her +maid’s shabby ones. + +At last, as they drew near the end of their journey, this treacherous +servant threatened to kill her mistress if she ever told anyone what had +happened. But Falada saw it all, and marked it well. + +Then the waiting-maid got upon Falada, and the real bride rode upon the +other horse, and they went on in this way till at last they came to the +royal court. There was great joy at their coming, and the prince flew to +meet them, and lifted the maid from her horse, thinking she was the one +who was to be his wife; and she was led upstairs to the royal chamber; +but the true princess was told to stay in the court below. + +Now the old king happened just then to have nothing else to do; so he +amused himself by sitting at his kitchen window, looking at what was +going on; and he saw her in the courtyard. As she looked very pretty, +and too delicate for a waiting-maid, he went up into the royal chamber +to ask the bride who it was she had brought with her, that was thus left +standing in the court below. ‘I brought her with me for the sake of her +company on the road,’ said she; ‘pray give the girl some work to do, +that she may not be idle.’ The old king could not for some time think +of any work for her to do; but at last he said, ‘I have a lad who takes +care of my geese; she may go and help him.’ Now the name of this lad, +that the real bride was to help in watching the king’s geese, was +Curdken. + +But the false bride said to the prince, ‘Dear husband, pray do me one +piece of kindness.’ ‘That I will,’ said the prince. ‘Then tell one of +your slaughterers to cut off the head of the horse I rode upon, for it +was very unruly, and plagued me sadly on the road’; but the truth was, +she was very much afraid lest Falada should some day or other speak, and +tell all she had done to the princess. She carried her point, and the +faithful Falada was killed; but when the true princess heard of it, she +wept, and begged the man to nail up Falada’s head against a large +dark gate of the city, through which she had to pass every morning +and evening, that there she might still see him sometimes. Then the +slaughterer said he would do as she wished; and cut off the head, and +nailed it up under the dark gate. + +Early the next morning, as she and Curdken went out through the gate, +she said sorrowfully: + + ‘Falada, Falada, there thou hangest!’ + +and the head answered: + + ‘Bride, bride, there thou gangest! + Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ + +Then they went out of the city, and drove the geese on. And when she +came to the meadow, she sat down upon a bank there, and let down her +waving locks of hair, which were all of pure silver; and when Curdken +saw it glitter in the sun, he ran up, and would have pulled some of the +locks out, but she cried: + + ‘Blow, breezes, blow! + Let Curdken’s hat go! + Blow, breezes, blow! + Let him after it go! + O’er hills, dales, and rocks, + Away be it whirl’d + Till the silvery locks + Are all comb’d and curl’d! + +Then there came a wind, so strong that it blew off Curdken’s hat; and +away it flew over the hills: and he was forced to turn and run after +it; till, by the time he came back, she had done combing and curling her +hair, and had put it up again safe. Then he was very angry and sulky, +and would not speak to her at all; but they watched the geese until it +grew dark in the evening, and then drove them homewards. + +The next morning, as they were going through the dark gate, the poor +girl looked up at Falada’s head, and cried: + + ‘Falada, Falada, there thou hangest!’ + +and the head answered: + + ‘Bride, bride, there thou gangest! + Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ + +Then she drove on the geese, and sat down again in the meadow, and began +to comb out her hair as before; and Curdken ran up to her, and wanted to +take hold of it; but she cried out quickly: + + ‘Blow, breezes, blow! + Let Curdken’s hat go! + Blow, breezes, blow! + Let him after it go! + O’er hills, dales, and rocks, + Away be it whirl’d + Till the silvery locks + Are all comb’d and curl’d! + +Then the wind came and blew away his hat; and off it flew a great way, +over the hills and far away, so that he had to run after it; and when +he came back she had bound up her hair again, and all was safe. So they +watched the geese till it grew dark. + +In the evening, after they came home, Curdken went to the old king, and +said, ‘I cannot have that strange girl to help me to keep the geese any +longer.’ ‘Why?’ said the king. ‘Because, instead of doing any good, she +does nothing but tease me all day long.’ Then the king made him tell him +what had happened. And Curdken said, ‘When we go in the morning through +the dark gate with our flock of geese, she cries and talks with the head +of a horse that hangs upon the wall, and says: + + ‘Falada, Falada, there thou hangest!’ + +and the head answers: + + ‘Bride, bride, there thou gangest! + Alas! alas! if thy mother knew it, + Sadly, sadly, would she rue it.’ + +And Curdken went on telling the king what had happened upon the meadow +where the geese fed; how his hat was blown away; and how he was forced +to run after it, and to leave his flock of geese to themselves. But the +old king told the boy to go out again the next day: and when morning +came, he placed himself behind the dark gate, and heard how she spoke +to Falada, and how Falada answered. Then he went into the field, and +hid himself in a bush by the meadow’s side; and he soon saw with his own +eyes how they drove the flock of geese; and how, after a little time, +she let down her hair that glittered in the sun. And then he heard her +say: + + ‘Blow, breezes, blow! + Let Curdken’s hat go! + Blow, breezes, blow! + Let him after it go! + O’er hills, dales, and rocks, + Away be it whirl’d + Till the silvery locks + Are all comb’d and curl’d! + +And soon came a gale of wind, and carried away Curdken’s hat, and away +went Curdken after it, while the girl went on combing and curling her +hair. All this the old king saw: so he went home without being seen; and +when the little goose-girl came back in the evening he called her aside, +and asked her why she did so: but she burst into tears, and said, ‘That +I must not tell you or any man, or I shall lose my life.’ + +But the old king begged so hard, that she had no peace till she had told +him all the tale, from beginning to end, word for word. And it was very +lucky for her that she did so, for when she had done the king ordered +royal clothes to be put upon her, and gazed on her with wonder, she was +so beautiful. Then he called his son and told him that he had only a +false bride; for that she was merely a waiting-maid, while the true +bride stood by. And the young king rejoiced when he saw her beauty, and +heard how meek and patient she had been; and without saying anything to +the false bride, the king ordered a great feast to be got ready for all +his court. The bridegroom sat at the top, with the false princess on one +side, and the true one on the other; but nobody knew her again, for her +beauty was quite dazzling to their eyes; and she did not seem at all +like the little goose-girl, now that she had her brilliant dress on. + +When they had eaten and drank, and were very merry, the old king said +he would tell them a tale. So he began, and told all the story of the +princess, as if it was one that he had once heard; and he asked the +true waiting-maid what she thought ought to be done to anyone who would +behave thus. ‘Nothing better,’ said this false bride, ‘than that she +should be thrown into a cask stuck round with sharp nails, and that +two white horses should be put to it, and should drag it from street to +street till she was dead.’ ‘Thou art she!’ said the old king; ‘and as +thou has judged thyself, so shall it be done to thee.’ And the young +king was then married to his true wife, and they reigned over the +kingdom in peace and happiness all their lives; and the good fairy came +to see them, and restored the faithful Falada to life again. + + + + +THE ADVENTURES OF CHANTICLEER AND PARTLET + + +1. HOW THEY WENT TO THE MOUNTAINS TO EAT NUTS + +‘The nuts are quite ripe now,’ said Chanticleer to his wife Partlet, +‘suppose we go together to the mountains, and eat as many as we can, +before the squirrel takes them all away.’ ‘With all my heart,’ said +Partlet, ‘let us go and make a holiday of it together.’ + +So they went to the mountains; and as it was a lovely day, they stayed +there till the evening. Now, whether it was that they had eaten so many +nuts that they could not walk, or whether they were lazy and would not, +I do not know: however, they took it into their heads that it did not +become them to go home on foot. So Chanticleer began to build a little +carriage of nutshells: and when it was finished, Partlet jumped into +it and sat down, and bid Chanticleer harness himself to it and draw her +home. ‘That’s a good joke!’ said Chanticleer; ‘no, that will never do; +I had rather by half walk home; I’ll sit on the box and be coachman, +if you like, but I’ll not draw.’ While this was passing, a duck came +quacking up and cried out, ‘You thieving vagabonds, what business have +you in my grounds? I’ll give it you well for your insolence!’ and upon +that she fell upon Chanticleer most lustily. But Chanticleer was no +coward, and returned the duck’s blows with his sharp spurs so fiercely +that she soon began to cry out for mercy; which was only granted her +upon condition that she would draw the carriage home for them. This she +agreed to do; and Chanticleer got upon the box, and drove, crying, ‘Now, +duck, get on as fast as you can.’ And away they went at a pretty good +pace. + +After they had travelled along a little way, they met a needle and a pin +walking together along the road: and the needle cried out, ‘Stop, stop!’ +and said it was so dark that they could hardly find their way, and such +dirty walking they could not get on at all: he told them that he and his +friend, the pin, had been at a public-house a few miles off, and had sat +drinking till they had forgotten how late it was; he begged therefore +that the travellers would be so kind as to give them a lift in their +carriage. Chanticleer observing that they were but thin fellows, and not +likely to take up much room, told them they might ride, but made them +promise not to dirty the wheels of the carriage in getting in, nor to +tread on Partlet’s toes. + +Late at night they arrived at an inn; and as it was bad travelling in +the dark, and the duck seemed much tired, and waddled about a good +deal from one side to the other, they made up their minds to fix their +quarters there: but the landlord at first was unwilling, and said his +house was full, thinking they might not be very respectable company: +however, they spoke civilly to him, and gave him the egg which Partlet +had laid by the way, and said they would give him the duck, who was in +the habit of laying one every day: so at last he let them come in, and +they bespoke a handsome supper, and spent the evening very jollily. + +Early in the morning, before it was quite light, and when nobody was +stirring in the inn, Chanticleer awakened his wife, and, fetching the +egg, they pecked a hole in it, ate it up, and threw the shells into the +fireplace: they then went to the pin and needle, who were fast asleep, +and seizing them by the heads, stuck one into the landlord’s easy chair +and the other into his handkerchief; and, having done this, they crept +away as softly as possible. However, the duck, who slept in the open +air in the yard, heard them coming, and jumping into the brook which ran +close by the inn, soon swam out of their reach. + +An hour or two afterwards the landlord got up, and took his handkerchief +to wipe his face, but the pin ran into him and pricked him: then he +walked into the kitchen to light his pipe at the fire, but when he +stirred it up the eggshells flew into his eyes, and almost blinded him. +‘Bless me!’ said he, ‘all the world seems to have a design against my +head this morning’: and so saying, he threw himself sulkily into his +easy chair; but, oh dear! the needle ran into him; and this time the +pain was not in his head. He now flew into a very great passion, and, +suspecting the company who had come in the night before, he went to look +after them, but they were all off; so he swore that he never again +would take in such a troop of vagabonds, who ate a great deal, paid no +reckoning, and gave him nothing for his trouble but their apish tricks. + + +2. HOW CHANTICLEER AND PARTLET WENT TO VISIT MR KORBES + +Another day, Chanticleer and Partlet wished to ride out together; +so Chanticleer built a handsome carriage with four red wheels, and +harnessed six mice to it; and then he and Partlet got into the carriage, +and away they drove. Soon afterwards a cat met them, and said, ‘Where +are you going?’ And Chanticleer replied, + + ‘All on our way + A visit to pay + To Mr Korbes, the fox, today.’ + +Then the cat said, ‘Take me with you,’ Chanticleer said, ‘With all my +heart: get up behind, and be sure you do not fall off.’ + + ‘Take care of this handsome coach of mine, + Nor dirty my pretty red wheels so fine! + Now, mice, be ready, + And, wheels, run steady! + For we are going a visit to pay + To Mr Korbes, the fox, today.’ + +Soon after came up a millstone, an egg, a duck, and a pin; and +Chanticleer gave them all leave to get into the carriage and go with +them. + +When they arrived at Mr Korbes’s house, he was not at home; so the mice +drew the carriage into the coach-house, Chanticleer and Partlet flew +upon a beam, the cat sat down in the fireplace, the duck got into +the washing cistern, the pin stuck himself into the bed pillow, the +millstone laid himself over the house door, and the egg rolled himself +up in the towel. + +When Mr Korbes came home, he went to the fireplace to make a fire; but +the cat threw all the ashes in his eyes: so he ran to the kitchen to +wash himself; but there the duck splashed all the water in his face; and +when he tried to wipe himself, the egg broke to pieces in the towel all +over his face and eyes. Then he was very angry, and went without his +supper to bed; but when he laid his head on the pillow, the pin ran into +his cheek: at this he became quite furious, and, jumping up, would have +run out of the house; but when he came to the door, the millstone fell +down on his head, and killed him on the spot. + + +3. HOW PARTLET DIED AND WAS BURIED, AND HOW CHANTICLEER DIED OF GRIEF + +Another day Chanticleer and Partlet agreed to go again to the mountains +to eat nuts; and it was settled that all the nuts which they found +should be shared equally between them. Now Partlet found a very large +nut; but she said nothing about it to Chanticleer, and kept it all to +herself: however, it was so big that she could not swallow it, and it +stuck in her throat. Then she was in a great fright, and cried out to +Chanticleer, ‘Pray run as fast as you can, and fetch me some water, or I +shall be choked.’ Chanticleer ran as fast as he could to the river, and +said, ‘River, give me some water, for Partlet lies in the mountain, and +will be choked by a great nut.’ The river said, ‘Run first to the bride, +and ask her for a silken cord to draw up the water.’ Chanticleer ran to +the bride, and said, ‘Bride, you must give me a silken cord, for then +the river will give me water, and the water I will carry to Partlet, who +lies on the mountain, and will be choked by a great nut.’ But the bride +said, ‘Run first, and bring me my garland that is hanging on a willow +in the garden.’ Then Chanticleer ran to the garden, and took the garland +from the bough where it hung, and brought it to the bride; and then +the bride gave him the silken cord, and he took the silken cord to +the river, and the river gave him water, and he carried the water to +Partlet; but in the meantime she was choked by the great nut, and lay +quite dead, and never moved any more. + +Then Chanticleer was very sorry, and cried bitterly; and all the beasts +came and wept with him over poor Partlet. And six mice built a little +hearse to carry her to her grave; and when it was ready they harnessed +themselves before it, and Chanticleer drove them. On the way they +met the fox. ‘Where are you going, Chanticleer?’ said he. ‘To bury my +Partlet,’ said the other. ‘May I go with you?’ said the fox. ‘Yes; but +you must get up behind, or my horses will not be able to draw you.’ Then +the fox got up behind; and presently the wolf, the bear, the goat, and +all the beasts of the wood, came and climbed upon the hearse. + +So on they went till they came to a rapid stream. ‘How shall we get +over?’ said Chanticleer. Then said a straw, ‘I will lay myself across, +and you may pass over upon me.’ But as the mice were going over, the +straw slipped away and fell into the water, and the six mice all fell in +and were drowned. What was to be done? Then a large log of wood came +and said, ‘I am big enough; I will lay myself across the stream, and you +shall pass over upon me.’ So he laid himself down; but they managed +so clumsily, that the log of wood fell in and was carried away by the +stream. Then a stone, who saw what had happened, came up and kindly +offered to help poor Chanticleer by laying himself across the stream; +and this time he got safely to the other side with the hearse, and +managed to get Partlet out of it; but the fox and the other mourners, +who were sitting behind, were too heavy, and fell back into the water +and were all carried away by the stream and drowned. + +Thus Chanticleer was left alone with his dead Partlet; and having dug +a grave for her, he laid her in it, and made a little hillock over her. +Then he sat down by the grave, and wept and mourned, till at last he +died too; and so all were dead. + + + + +RAPUNZEL + +There were once a man and a woman who had long in vain wished for a +child. At length the woman hoped that God was about to grant her desire. +These people had a little window at the back of their house from which +a splendid garden could be seen, which was full of the most beautiful +flowers and herbs. It was, however, surrounded by a high wall, and no +one dared to go into it because it belonged to an enchantress, who had +great power and was dreaded by all the world. One day the woman was +standing by this window and looking down into the garden, when she saw a +bed which was planted with the most beautiful rampion (rapunzel), and it +looked so fresh and green that she longed for it, she quite pined away, +and began to look pale and miserable. Then her husband was alarmed, and +asked: ‘What ails you, dear wife?’ ‘Ah,’ she replied, ‘if I can’t eat +some of the rampion, which is in the garden behind our house, I shall +die.’ The man, who loved her, thought: ‘Sooner than let your wife die, +bring her some of the rampion yourself, let it cost what it will.’ +At twilight, he clambered down over the wall into the garden of the +enchantress, hastily clutched a handful of rampion, and took it to his +wife. She at once made herself a salad of it, and ate it greedily. It +tasted so good to her--so very good, that the next day she longed for it +three times as much as before. If he was to have any rest, her husband +must once more descend into the garden. In the gloom of evening +therefore, he let himself down again; but when he had clambered down the +wall he was terribly afraid, for he saw the enchantress standing before +him. ‘How can you dare,’ said she with angry look, ‘descend into my +garden and steal my rampion like a thief? You shall suffer for it!’ +‘Ah,’ answered he, ‘let mercy take the place of justice, I only made +up my mind to do it out of necessity. My wife saw your rampion from the +window, and felt such a longing for it that she would have died if she +had not got some to eat.’ Then the enchantress allowed her anger to be +softened, and said to him: ‘If the case be as you say, I will allow +you to take away with you as much rampion as you will, only I make one +condition, you must give me the child which your wife will bring into +the world; it shall be well treated, and I will care for it like a +mother.’ The man in his terror consented to everything, and when the +woman was brought to bed, the enchantress appeared at once, gave the +child the name of Rapunzel, and took it away with her. + +Rapunzel grew into the most beautiful child under the sun. When she was +twelve years old, the enchantress shut her into a tower, which lay in +a forest, and had neither stairs nor door, but quite at the top was a +little window. When the enchantress wanted to go in, she placed herself +beneath it and cried: + + ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, + Let down your hair to me.’ + +Rapunzel had magnificent long hair, fine as spun gold, and when she +heard the voice of the enchantress she unfastened her braided tresses, +wound them round one of the hooks of the window above, and then the hair +fell twenty ells down, and the enchantress climbed up by it. + +After a year or two, it came to pass that the king’s son rode through +the forest and passed by the tower. Then he heard a song, which was so +charming that he stood still and listened. This was Rapunzel, who in her +solitude passed her time in letting her sweet voice resound. The king’s +son wanted to climb up to her, and looked for the door of the tower, +but none was to be found. He rode home, but the singing had so deeply +touched his heart, that every day he went out into the forest and +listened to it. Once when he was thus standing behind a tree, he saw +that an enchantress came there, and he heard how she cried: + + ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, + Let down your hair to me.’ + +Then Rapunzel let down the braids of her hair, and the enchantress +climbed up to her. ‘If that is the ladder by which one mounts, I too +will try my fortune,’ said he, and the next day when it began to grow +dark, he went to the tower and cried: + + ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, + Let down your hair to me.’ + +Immediately the hair fell down and the king’s son climbed up. + +At first Rapunzel was terribly frightened when a man, such as her eyes +had never yet beheld, came to her; but the king’s son began to talk to +her quite like a friend, and told her that his heart had been so stirred +that it had let him have no rest, and he had been forced to see her. +Then Rapunzel lost her fear, and when he asked her if she would take +him for her husband, and she saw that he was young and handsome, she +thought: ‘He will love me more than old Dame Gothel does’; and she said +yes, and laid her hand in his. She said: ‘I will willingly go away with +you, but I do not know how to get down. Bring with you a skein of silk +every time that you come, and I will weave a ladder with it, and when +that is ready I will descend, and you will take me on your horse.’ They +agreed that until that time he should come to her every evening, for the +old woman came by day. The enchantress remarked nothing of this, until +once Rapunzel said to her: ‘Tell me, Dame Gothel, how it happens that +you are so much heavier for me to draw up than the young king’s son--he +is with me in a moment.’ ‘Ah! you wicked child,’ cried the enchantress. +‘What do I hear you say! I thought I had separated you from all +the world, and yet you have deceived me!’ In her anger she clutched +Rapunzel’s beautiful tresses, wrapped them twice round her left hand, +seized a pair of scissors with the right, and snip, snap, they were cut +off, and the lovely braids lay on the ground. And she was so pitiless +that she took poor Rapunzel into a desert where she had to live in great +grief and misery. + +On the same day that she cast out Rapunzel, however, the enchantress +fastened the braids of hair, which she had cut off, to the hook of the +window, and when the king’s son came and cried: + + ‘Rapunzel, Rapunzel, + Let down your hair to me.’ + +she let the hair down. The king’s son ascended, but instead of finding +his dearest Rapunzel, he found the enchantress, who gazed at him with +wicked and venomous looks. ‘Aha!’ she cried mockingly, ‘you would fetch +your dearest, but the beautiful bird sits no longer singing in the nest; +the cat has got it, and will scratch out your eyes as well. Rapunzel is +lost to you; you will never see her again.’ The king’s son was beside +himself with pain, and in his despair he leapt down from the tower. He +escaped with his life, but the thorns into which he fell pierced his +eyes. Then he wandered quite blind about the forest, ate nothing but +roots and berries, and did naught but lament and weep over the loss of +his dearest wife. Thus he roamed about in misery for some years, and at +length came to the desert where Rapunzel, with the twins to which she +had given birth, a boy and a girl, lived in wretchedness. He heard a +voice, and it seemed so familiar to him that he went towards it, and +when he approached, Rapunzel knew him and fell on his neck and wept. Two +of her tears wetted his eyes and they grew clear again, and he could +see with them as before. He led her to his kingdom where he was +joyfully received, and they lived for a long time afterwards, happy and +contented. + + + + +FUNDEVOGEL + +There was once a forester who went into the forest to hunt, and as +he entered it he heard a sound of screaming as if a little child were +there. He followed the sound, and at last came to a high tree, and at +the top of this a little child was sitting, for the mother had fallen +asleep under the tree with the child, and a bird of prey had seen it in +her arms, had flown down, snatched it away, and set it on the high tree. + +The forester climbed up, brought the child down, and thought to himself: +‘You will take him home with you, and bring him up with your Lina.’ He +took it home, therefore, and the two children grew up together. And the +one, which he had found on a tree was called Fundevogel, because a bird +had carried it away. Fundevogel and Lina loved each other so dearly that +when they did not see each other they were sad. + +Now the forester had an old cook, who one evening took two pails and +began to fetch water, and did not go once only, but many times, out +to the spring. Lina saw this and said, ‘Listen, old Sanna, why are you +fetching so much water?’ ‘If you will never repeat it to anyone, I will +tell you why.’ So Lina said, no, she would never repeat it to anyone, +and then the cook said: ‘Early tomorrow morning, when the forester +is out hunting, I will heat the water, and when it is boiling in the +kettle, I will throw in Fundevogel, and will boil him in it.’ + +Early next morning the forester got up and went out hunting, and when he +was gone the children were still in bed. Then Lina said to Fundevogel: +‘If you will never leave me, I too will never leave you.’ Fundevogel +said: ‘Neither now, nor ever will I leave you.’ Then said Lina: ‘Then +will I tell you. Last night, old Sanna carried so many buckets of water +into the house that I asked her why she was doing that, and she said +that if I would promise not to tell anyone, and she said that early +tomorrow morning when father was out hunting, she would set the kettle +full of water, throw you into it and boil you; but we will get up +quickly, dress ourselves, and go away together.’ + +The two children therefore got up, dressed themselves quickly, and went +away. When the water in the kettle was boiling, the cook went into the +bedroom to fetch Fundevogel and throw him into it. But when she came in, +and went to the beds, both the children were gone. Then she was terribly +alarmed, and she said to herself: ‘What shall I say now when the +forester comes home and sees that the children are gone? They must be +followed instantly to get them back again.’ + +Then the cook sent three servants after them, who were to run and +overtake the children. The children, however, were sitting outside the +forest, and when they saw from afar the three servants running, Lina +said to Fundevogel: ‘Never leave me, and I will never leave you.’ +Fundevogel said: ‘Neither now, nor ever.’ Then said Lina: ‘Do you become +a rose-tree, and I the rose upon it.’ When the three servants came to +the forest, nothing was there but a rose-tree and one rose on it, but +the children were nowhere. Then said they: ‘There is nothing to be done +here,’ and they went home and told the cook that they had seen nothing +in the forest but a little rose-bush with one rose on it. Then the +old cook scolded and said: ‘You simpletons, you should have cut the +rose-bush in two, and have broken off the rose and brought it home with +you; go, and do it at once.’ They had therefore to go out and look for +the second time. The children, however, saw them coming from a distance. +Then Lina said: ‘Fundevogel, never leave me, and I will never leave +you.’ Fundevogel said: ‘Neither now; nor ever.’ Said Lina: ‘Then do you +become a church, and I’ll be the chandelier in it.’ So when the three +servants came, nothing was there but a church, with a chandelier in +it. They said therefore to each other: ‘What can we do here, let us go +home.’ When they got home, the cook asked if they had not found them; +so they said no, they had found nothing but a church, and there was a +chandelier in it. And the cook scolded them and said: ‘You fools! why +did you not pull the church to pieces, and bring the chandelier home +with you?’ And now the old cook herself got on her legs, and went with +the three servants in pursuit of the children. The children, however, +saw from afar that the three servants were coming, and the cook waddling +after them. Then said Lina: ‘Fundevogel, never leave me, and I will +never leave you.’ Then said Fundevogel: ‘Neither now, nor ever.’ +Said Lina: ‘Be a fishpond, and I will be the duck upon it.’ The cook, +however, came up to them, and when she saw the pond she lay down by it, +and was about to drink it up. But the duck swam quickly to her, seized +her head in its beak and drew her into the water, and there the old +witch had to drown. Then the children went home together, and were +heartily delighted, and if they have not died, they are living still. + + + + +THE VALIANT LITTLE TAILOR + +One summer’s morning a little tailor was sitting on his table by the +window; he was in good spirits, and sewed with all his might. Then came +a peasant woman down the street crying: ‘Good jams, cheap! Good jams, +cheap!’ This rang pleasantly in the tailor’s ears; he stretched his +delicate head out of the window, and called: ‘Come up here, dear woman; +here you will get rid of your goods.’ The woman came up the three steps +to the tailor with her heavy basket, and he made her unpack all the pots +for him. He inspected each one, lifted it up, put his nose to it, and +at length said: ‘The jam seems to me to be good, so weigh me out four +ounces, dear woman, and if it is a quarter of a pound that is of no +consequence.’ The woman who had hoped to find a good sale, gave him +what he desired, but went away quite angry and grumbling. ‘Now, this jam +shall be blessed by God,’ cried the little tailor, ‘and give me health +and strength’; so he brought the bread out of the cupboard, cut himself +a piece right across the loaf and spread the jam over it. ‘This won’t +taste bitter,’ said he, ‘but I will just finish the jacket before I +take a bite.’ He laid the bread near him, sewed on, and in his joy, made +bigger and bigger stitches. In the meantime the smell of the sweet jam +rose to where the flies were sitting in great numbers, and they were +attracted and descended on it in hosts. ‘Hi! who invited you?’ said the +little tailor, and drove the unbidden guests away. The flies, however, +who understood no German, would not be turned away, but came back +again in ever-increasing companies. The little tailor at last lost all +patience, and drew a piece of cloth from the hole under his work-table, +and saying: ‘Wait, and I will give it to you,’ struck it mercilessly on +them. When he drew it away and counted, there lay before him no fewer +than seven, dead and with legs stretched out. ‘Are you a fellow of that +sort?’ said he, and could not help admiring his own bravery. ‘The whole +town shall know of this!’ And the little tailor hastened to cut himself +a girdle, stitched it, and embroidered on it in large letters: ‘Seven at +one stroke!’ ‘What, the town!’ he continued, ‘the whole world shall hear +of it!’ and his heart wagged with joy like a lamb’s tail. The tailor +put on the girdle, and resolved to go forth into the world, because he +thought his workshop was too small for his valour. Before he went away, +he sought about in the house to see if there was anything which he could +take with him; however, he found nothing but an old cheese, and that +he put in his pocket. In front of the door he observed a bird which +had caught itself in the thicket. It had to go into his pocket with the +cheese. Now he took to the road boldly, and as he was light and nimble, +he felt no fatigue. The road led him up a mountain, and when he had +reached the highest point of it, there sat a powerful giant looking +peacefully about him. The little tailor went bravely up, spoke to him, +and said: ‘Good day, comrade, so you are sitting there overlooking the +wide-spread world! I am just on my way thither, and want to try my luck. +Have you any inclination to go with me?’ The giant looked contemptuously +at the tailor, and said: ‘You ragamuffin! You miserable creature!’ + +‘Oh, indeed?’ answered the little tailor, and unbuttoned his coat, and +showed the giant the girdle, ‘there may you read what kind of a man I +am!’ The giant read: ‘Seven at one stroke,’ and thought that they had +been men whom the tailor had killed, and began to feel a little respect +for the tiny fellow. Nevertheless, he wished to try him first, and took +a stone in his hand and squeezed it together so that water dropped out +of it. ‘Do that likewise,’ said the giant, ‘if you have strength.’ ‘Is +that all?’ said the tailor, ‘that is child’s play with us!’ and put his +hand into his pocket, brought out the soft cheese, and pressed it until +the liquid ran out of it. ‘Faith,’ said he, ‘that was a little better, +wasn’t it?’ The giant did not know what to say, and could not believe it +of the little man. Then the giant picked up a stone and threw it so high +that the eye could scarcely follow it. ‘Now, little mite of a man, do +that likewise,’ ‘Well thrown,’ said the tailor, ‘but after all the stone +came down to earth again; I will throw you one which shall never come +back at all,’ and he put his hand into his pocket, took out the bird, +and threw it into the air. The bird, delighted with its liberty, +rose, flew away and did not come back. ‘How does that shot please you, +comrade?’ asked the tailor. ‘You can certainly throw,’ said the giant, +‘but now we will see if you are able to carry anything properly.’ He +took the little tailor to a mighty oak tree which lay there felled on +the ground, and said: ‘If you are strong enough, help me to carry the +tree out of the forest.’ ‘Readily,’ answered the little man; ‘take you +the trunk on your shoulders, and I will raise up the branches and twigs; +after all, they are the heaviest.’ The giant took the trunk on his +shoulder, but the tailor seated himself on a branch, and the giant, who +could not look round, had to carry away the whole tree, and the little +tailor into the bargain: he behind, was quite merry and happy, and +whistled the song: ‘Three tailors rode forth from the gate,’ as if +carrying the tree were child’s play. The giant, after he had dragged the +heavy burden part of the way, could go no further, and cried: ‘Hark +you, I shall have to let the tree fall!’ The tailor sprang nimbly down, +seized the tree with both arms as if he had been carrying it, and said +to the giant: ‘You are such a great fellow, and yet cannot even carry +the tree!’ + +They went on together, and as they passed a cherry-tree, the giant laid +hold of the top of the tree where the ripest fruit was hanging, bent it +down, gave it into the tailor’s hand, and bade him eat. But the little +tailor was much too weak to hold the tree, and when the giant let it go, +it sprang back again, and the tailor was tossed into the air with it. +When he had fallen down again without injury, the giant said: ‘What is +this? Have you not strength enough to hold the weak twig?’ ‘There is no +lack of strength,’ answered the little tailor. ‘Do you think that could +be anything to a man who has struck down seven at one blow? I leapt over +the tree because the huntsmen are shooting down there in the thicket. +Jump as I did, if you can do it.’ The giant made the attempt but he +could not get over the tree, and remained hanging in the branches, so +that in this also the tailor kept the upper hand. + +The giant said: ‘If you are such a valiant fellow, come with me into our +cavern and spend the night with us.’ The little tailor was willing, and +followed him. When they went into the cave, other giants were sitting +there by the fire, and each of them had a roasted sheep in his hand and +was eating it. The little tailor looked round and thought: ‘It is much +more spacious here than in my workshop.’ The giant showed him a bed, and +said he was to lie down in it and sleep. The bed, however, was too +big for the little tailor; he did not lie down in it, but crept into +a corner. When it was midnight, and the giant thought that the little +tailor was lying in a sound sleep, he got up, took a great iron bar, +cut through the bed with one blow, and thought he had finished off the +grasshopper for good. With the earliest dawn the giants went into the +forest, and had quite forgotten the little tailor, when all at once he +walked up to them quite merrily and boldly. The giants were terrified, +they were afraid that he would strike them all dead, and ran away in a +great hurry. + +The little tailor went onwards, always following his own pointed nose. +After he had walked for a long time, he came to the courtyard of a royal +palace, and as he felt weary, he lay down on the grass and fell asleep. +Whilst he lay there, the people came and inspected him on all sides, and +read on his girdle: ‘Seven at one stroke.’ ‘Ah!’ said they, ‘what does +the great warrior want here in the midst of peace? He must be a mighty +lord.’ They went and announced him to the king, and gave it as their +opinion that if war should break out, this would be a weighty and useful +man who ought on no account to be allowed to depart. The counsel pleased +the king, and he sent one of his courtiers to the little tailor to offer +him military service when he awoke. The ambassador remained standing by +the sleeper, waited until he stretched his limbs and opened his eyes, +and then conveyed to him this proposal. ‘For this very reason have +I come here,’ the tailor replied, ‘I am ready to enter the king’s +service.’ He was therefore honourably received, and a special dwelling +was assigned him. + +The soldiers, however, were set against the little tailor, and wished +him a thousand miles away. ‘What is to be the end of this?’ they said +among themselves. ‘If we quarrel with him, and he strikes about him, +seven of us will fall at every blow; not one of us can stand against +him.’ They came therefore to a decision, betook themselves in a body to +the king, and begged for their dismissal. ‘We are not prepared,’ said +they, ‘to stay with a man who kills seven at one stroke.’ The king was +sorry that for the sake of one he should lose all his faithful servants, +wished that he had never set eyes on the tailor, and would willingly +have been rid of him again. But he did not venture to give him his +dismissal, for he dreaded lest he should strike him and all his people +dead, and place himself on the royal throne. He thought about it for a +long time, and at last found good counsel. He sent to the little tailor +and caused him to be informed that as he was a great warrior, he had one +request to make to him. In a forest of his country lived two giants, +who caused great mischief with their robbing, murdering, ravaging, +and burning, and no one could approach them without putting himself in +danger of death. If the tailor conquered and killed these two giants, he +would give him his only daughter to wife, and half of his kingdom as a +dowry, likewise one hundred horsemen should go with him to assist him. +‘That would indeed be a fine thing for a man like me!’ thought the +little tailor. ‘One is not offered a beautiful princess and half a +kingdom every day of one’s life!’ ‘Oh, yes,’ he replied, ‘I will soon +subdue the giants, and do not require the help of the hundred horsemen +to do it; he who can hit seven with one blow has no need to be afraid of +two.’ + +The little tailor went forth, and the hundred horsemen followed him. +When he came to the outskirts of the forest, he said to his followers: +‘Just stay waiting here, I alone will soon finish off the giants.’ Then +he bounded into the forest and looked about right and left. After a +while he perceived both giants. They lay sleeping under a tree, and +snored so that the branches waved up and down. The little tailor, not +idle, gathered two pocketsful of stones, and with these climbed up the +tree. When he was halfway up, he slipped down by a branch, until he sat +just above the sleepers, and then let one stone after another fall on +the breast of one of the giants. For a long time the giant felt nothing, +but at last he awoke, pushed his comrade, and said: ‘Why are you +knocking me?’ ‘You must be dreaming,’ said the other, ‘I am not knocking +you.’ They laid themselves down to sleep again, and then the tailor +threw a stone down on the second. ‘What is the meaning of this?’ cried +the other ‘Why are you pelting me?’ ‘I am not pelting you,’ answered +the first, growling. They disputed about it for a time, but as they were +weary they let the matter rest, and their eyes closed once more. The +little tailor began his game again, picked out the biggest stone, and +threw it with all his might on the breast of the first giant. ‘That +is too bad!’ cried he, and sprang up like a madman, and pushed his +companion against the tree until it shook. The other paid him back in +the same coin, and they got into such a rage that they tore up trees and +belaboured each other so long, that at last they both fell down dead on +the ground at the same time. Then the little tailor leapt down. ‘It is +a lucky thing,’ said he, ‘that they did not tear up the tree on which +I was sitting, or I should have had to sprint on to another like a +squirrel; but we tailors are nimble.’ He drew out his sword and gave +each of them a couple of thrusts in the breast, and then went out to the +horsemen and said: ‘The work is done; I have finished both of them +off, but it was hard work! They tore up trees in their sore need, and +defended themselves with them, but all that is to no purpose when a man +like myself comes, who can kill seven at one blow.’ ‘But are you not +wounded?’ asked the horsemen. ‘You need not concern yourself about +that,’ answered the tailor, ‘they have not bent one hair of mine.’ The +horsemen would not believe him, and rode into the forest; there they +found the giants swimming in their blood, and all round about lay the +torn-up trees. + +The little tailor demanded of the king the promised reward; he, however, +repented of his promise, and again bethought himself how he could get +rid of the hero. ‘Before you receive my daughter, and the half of my +kingdom,’ said he to him, ‘you must perform one more heroic deed. In +the forest roams a unicorn which does great harm, and you must catch +it first.’ ‘I fear one unicorn still less than two giants. Seven at one +blow, is my kind of affair.’ He took a rope and an axe with him, went +forth into the forest, and again bade those who were sent with him to +wait outside. He had not long to seek. The unicorn soon came towards +him, and rushed directly on the tailor, as if it would gore him with its +horn without more ado. ‘Softly, softly; it can’t be done as quickly as +that,’ said he, and stood still and waited until the animal was quite +close, and then sprang nimbly behind the tree. The unicorn ran against +the tree with all its strength, and stuck its horn so fast in the trunk +that it had not the strength enough to draw it out again, and thus it +was caught. ‘Now, I have got the bird,’ said the tailor, and came out +from behind the tree and put the rope round its neck, and then with his +axe he hewed the horn out of the tree, and when all was ready he led the +beast away and took it to the king. + +The king still would not give him the promised reward, and made a third +demand. Before the wedding the tailor was to catch him a wild boar that +made great havoc in the forest, and the huntsmen should give him their +help. ‘Willingly,’ said the tailor, ‘that is child’s play!’ He did not +take the huntsmen with him into the forest, and they were well pleased +that he did not, for the wild boar had several times received them in +such a manner that they had no inclination to lie in wait for him. When +the boar perceived the tailor, it ran on him with foaming mouth and +whetted tusks, and was about to throw him to the ground, but the hero +fled and sprang into a chapel which was near and up to the window at +once, and in one bound out again. The boar ran after him, but the tailor +ran round outside and shut the door behind it, and then the raging +beast, which was much too heavy and awkward to leap out of the window, +was caught. The little tailor called the huntsmen thither that they +might see the prisoner with their own eyes. The hero, however, went to +the king, who was now, whether he liked it or not, obliged to keep his +promise, and gave his daughter and the half of his kingdom. Had he known +that it was no warlike hero, but a little tailor who was standing before +him, it would have gone to his heart still more than it did. The wedding +was held with great magnificence and small joy, and out of a tailor a +king was made. + +After some time the young queen heard her husband say in his dreams at +night: ‘Boy, make me the doublet, and patch the pantaloons, or else I +will rap the yard-measure over your ears.’ Then she discovered in what +state of life the young lord had been born, and next morning complained +of her wrongs to her father, and begged him to help her to get rid of +her husband, who was nothing else but a tailor. The king comforted her +and said: ‘Leave your bedroom door open this night, and my servants +shall stand outside, and when he has fallen asleep shall go in, bind +him, and take him on board a ship which shall carry him into the wide +world.’ The woman was satisfied with this; but the king’s armour-bearer, +who had heard all, was friendly with the young lord, and informed him of +the whole plot. ‘I’ll put a screw into that business,’ said the little +tailor. At night he went to bed with his wife at the usual time, and +when she thought that he had fallen asleep, she got up, opened the door, +and then lay down again. The little tailor, who was only pretending to +be asleep, began to cry out in a clear voice: ‘Boy, make me the doublet +and patch me the pantaloons, or I will rap the yard-measure over your +ears. I smote seven at one blow. I killed two giants, I brought away one +unicorn, and caught a wild boar, and am I to fear those who are standing +outside the room.’ When these men heard the tailor speaking thus, they +were overcome by a great dread, and ran as if the wild huntsman were +behind them, and none of them would venture anything further against +him. So the little tailor was and remained a king to the end of his +life. + + + + +HANSEL AND GRETEL + +Hard by a great forest dwelt a poor wood-cutter with his wife and his +two children. The boy was called Hansel and the girl Gretel. He had +little to bite and to break, and once when great dearth fell on the +land, he could no longer procure even daily bread. Now when he thought +over this by night in his bed, and tossed about in his anxiety, he +groaned and said to his wife: ‘What is to become of us? How are we +to feed our poor children, when we no longer have anything even for +ourselves?’ ‘I’ll tell you what, husband,’ answered the woman, ‘early +tomorrow morning we will take the children out into the forest to where +it is the thickest; there we will light a fire for them, and give each +of them one more piece of bread, and then we will go to our work and +leave them alone. They will not find the way home again, and we shall be +rid of them.’ ‘No, wife,’ said the man, ‘I will not do that; how can I +bear to leave my children alone in the forest?--the wild animals would +soon come and tear them to pieces.’ ‘O, you fool!’ said she, ‘then we +must all four die of hunger, you may as well plane the planks for our +coffins,’ and she left him no peace until he consented. ‘But I feel very +sorry for the poor children, all the same,’ said the man. + +The two children had also not been able to sleep for hunger, and had +heard what their stepmother had said to their father. Gretel wept +bitter tears, and said to Hansel: ‘Now all is over with us.’ ‘Be quiet, +Gretel,’ said Hansel, ‘do not distress yourself, I will soon find a way +to help us.’ And when the old folks had fallen asleep, he got up, put +on his little coat, opened the door below, and crept outside. The moon +shone brightly, and the white pebbles which lay in front of the house +glittered like real silver pennies. Hansel stooped and stuffed the +little pocket of his coat with as many as he could get in. Then he went +back and said to Gretel: ‘Be comforted, dear little sister, and sleep in +peace, God will not forsake us,’ and he lay down again in his bed. When +day dawned, but before the sun had risen, the woman came and awoke the +two children, saying: ‘Get up, you sluggards! we are going into the +forest to fetch wood.’ She gave each a little piece of bread, and said: +‘There is something for your dinner, but do not eat it up before then, +for you will get nothing else.’ Gretel took the bread under her apron, +as Hansel had the pebbles in his pocket. Then they all set out together +on the way to the forest. When they had walked a short time, Hansel +stood still and peeped back at the house, and did so again and again. +His father said: ‘Hansel, what are you looking at there and staying +behind for? Pay attention, and do not forget how to use your legs.’ ‘Ah, +father,’ said Hansel, ‘I am looking at my little white cat, which is +sitting up on the roof, and wants to say goodbye to me.’ The wife said: +‘Fool, that is not your little cat, that is the morning sun which is +shining on the chimneys.’ Hansel, however, had not been looking back at +the cat, but had been constantly throwing one of the white pebble-stones +out of his pocket on the road. + +When they had reached the middle of the forest, the father said: ‘Now, +children, pile up some wood, and I will light a fire that you may not +be cold.’ Hansel and Gretel gathered brushwood together, as high as a +little hill. The brushwood was lighted, and when the flames were burning +very high, the woman said: ‘Now, children, lay yourselves down by the +fire and rest, we will go into the forest and cut some wood. When we +have done, we will come back and fetch you away.’ + +Hansel and Gretel sat by the fire, and when noon came, each ate a little +piece of bread, and as they heard the strokes of the wood-axe they +believed that their father was near. It was not the axe, however, but +a branch which he had fastened to a withered tree which the wind was +blowing backwards and forwards. And as they had been sitting such a long +time, their eyes closed with fatigue, and they fell fast asleep. When +at last they awoke, it was already dark night. Gretel began to cry and +said: ‘How are we to get out of the forest now?’ But Hansel comforted +her and said: ‘Just wait a little, until the moon has risen, and then we +will soon find the way.’ And when the full moon had risen, Hansel took +his little sister by the hand, and followed the pebbles which shone like +newly-coined silver pieces, and showed them the way. + +They walked the whole night long, and by break of day came once more +to their father’s house. They knocked at the door, and when the woman +opened it and saw that it was Hansel and Gretel, she said: ‘You naughty +children, why have you slept so long in the forest?--we thought you were +never coming back at all!’ The father, however, rejoiced, for it had cut +him to the heart to leave them behind alone. + +Not long afterwards, there was once more great dearth throughout the +land, and the children heard their mother saying at night to their +father: ‘Everything is eaten again, we have one half loaf left, and that +is the end. The children must go, we will take them farther into the +wood, so that they will not find their way out again; there is no other +means of saving ourselves!’ The man’s heart was heavy, and he thought: +‘It would be better for you to share the last mouthful with your +children.’ The woman, however, would listen to nothing that he had to +say, but scolded and reproached him. He who says A must say B, likewise, +and as he had yielded the first time, he had to do so a second time +also. + +The children, however, were still awake and had heard the conversation. +When the old folks were asleep, Hansel again got up, and wanted to go +out and pick up pebbles as he had done before, but the woman had locked +the door, and Hansel could not get out. Nevertheless he comforted his +little sister, and said: ‘Do not cry, Gretel, go to sleep quietly, the +good God will help us.’ + +Early in the morning came the woman, and took the children out of their +beds. Their piece of bread was given to them, but it was still smaller +than the time before. On the way into the forest Hansel crumbled his +in his pocket, and often stood still and threw a morsel on the ground. +‘Hansel, why do you stop and look round?’ said the father, ‘go on.’ ‘I +am looking back at my little pigeon which is sitting on the roof, and +wants to say goodbye to me,’ answered Hansel. ‘Fool!’ said the woman, +‘that is not your little pigeon, that is the morning sun that is shining +on the chimney.’ Hansel, however little by little, threw all the crumbs +on the path. + +The woman led the children still deeper into the forest, where they had +never in their lives been before. Then a great fire was again made, and +the mother said: ‘Just sit there, you children, and when you are tired +you may sleep a little; we are going into the forest to cut wood, and in +the evening when we are done, we will come and fetch you away.’ When +it was noon, Gretel shared her piece of bread with Hansel, who had +scattered his by the way. Then they fell asleep and evening passed, but +no one came to the poor children. They did not awake until it was dark +night, and Hansel comforted his little sister and said: ‘Just wait, +Gretel, until the moon rises, and then we shall see the crumbs of bread +which I have strewn about, they will show us our way home again.’ When +the moon came they set out, but they found no crumbs, for the many +thousands of birds which fly about in the woods and fields had picked +them all up. Hansel said to Gretel: ‘We shall soon find the way,’ but +they did not find it. They walked the whole night and all the next day +too from morning till evening, but they did not get out of the forest, +and were very hungry, for they had nothing to eat but two or three +berries, which grew on the ground. And as they were so weary that their +legs would carry them no longer, they lay down beneath a tree and fell +asleep. + +It was now three mornings since they had left their father’s house. They +began to walk again, but they always came deeper into the forest, and if +help did not come soon, they must die of hunger and weariness. When it +was mid-day, they saw a beautiful snow-white bird sitting on a bough, +which sang so delightfully that they stood still and listened to it. And +when its song was over, it spread its wings and flew away before them, +and they followed it until they reached a little house, on the roof of +which it alighted; and when they approached the little house they saw +that it was built of bread and covered with cakes, but that the windows +were of clear sugar. ‘We will set to work on that,’ said Hansel, ‘and +have a good meal. I will eat a bit of the roof, and you Gretel, can eat +some of the window, it will taste sweet.’ Hansel reached up above, and +broke off a little of the roof to try how it tasted, and Gretel leant +against the window and nibbled at the panes. Then a soft voice cried +from the parlour: + + ‘Nibble, nibble, gnaw, + Who is nibbling at my little house?’ + +The children answered: + + ‘The wind, the wind, + The heaven-born wind,’ + +and went on eating without disturbing themselves. Hansel, who liked the +taste of the roof, tore down a great piece of it, and Gretel pushed out +the whole of one round window-pane, sat down, and enjoyed herself with +it. Suddenly the door opened, and a woman as old as the hills, who +supported herself on crutches, came creeping out. Hansel and Gretel were +so terribly frightened that they let fall what they had in their +hands. The old woman, however, nodded her head, and said: ‘Oh, you dear +children, who has brought you here? do come in, and stay with me. No +harm shall happen to you.’ She took them both by the hand, and led them +into her little house. Then good food was set before them, milk and +pancakes, with sugar, apples, and nuts. Afterwards two pretty little +beds were covered with clean white linen, and Hansel and Gretel lay down +in them, and thought they were in heaven. + +The old woman had only pretended to be so kind; she was in reality +a wicked witch, who lay in wait for children, and had only built the +little house of bread in order to entice them there. When a child fell +into her power, she killed it, cooked and ate it, and that was a feast +day with her. Witches have red eyes, and cannot see far, but they have +a keen scent like the beasts, and are aware when human beings draw near. +When Hansel and Gretel came into her neighbourhood, she laughed with +malice, and said mockingly: ‘I have them, they shall not escape me +again!’ Early in the morning before the children were awake, she was +already up, and when she saw both of them sleeping and looking so +pretty, with their plump and rosy cheeks she muttered to herself: ‘That +will be a dainty mouthful!’ Then she seized Hansel with her shrivelled +hand, carried him into a little stable, and locked him in behind a +grated door. Scream as he might, it would not help him. Then she went to +Gretel, shook her till she awoke, and cried: ‘Get up, lazy thing, fetch +some water, and cook something good for your brother, he is in the +stable outside, and is to be made fat. When he is fat, I will eat him.’ +Gretel began to weep bitterly, but it was all in vain, for she was +forced to do what the wicked witch commanded. + +And now the best food was cooked for poor Hansel, but Gretel got nothing +but crab-shells. Every morning the woman crept to the little stable, and +cried: ‘Hansel, stretch out your finger that I may feel if you will soon +be fat.’ Hansel, however, stretched out a little bone to her, and +the old woman, who had dim eyes, could not see it, and thought it was +Hansel’s finger, and was astonished that there was no way of fattening +him. When four weeks had gone by, and Hansel still remained thin, she +was seized with impatience and would not wait any longer. ‘Now, then, +Gretel,’ she cried to the girl, ‘stir yourself, and bring some water. +Let Hansel be fat or lean, tomorrow I will kill him, and cook him.’ Ah, +how the poor little sister did lament when she had to fetch the water, +and how her tears did flow down her cheeks! ‘Dear God, do help us,’ she +cried. ‘If the wild beasts in the forest had but devoured us, we should +at any rate have died together.’ ‘Just keep your noise to yourself,’ +said the old woman, ‘it won’t help you at all.’ + +Early in the morning, Gretel had to go out and hang up the cauldron with +the water, and light the fire. ‘We will bake first,’ said the old woman, +‘I have already heated the oven, and kneaded the dough.’ She pushed poor +Gretel out to the oven, from which flames of fire were already darting. +‘Creep in,’ said the witch, ‘and see if it is properly heated, so that +we can put the bread in.’ And once Gretel was inside, she intended to +shut the oven and let her bake in it, and then she would eat her, too. +But Gretel saw what she had in mind, and said: ‘I do not know how I am +to do it; how do I get in?’ ‘Silly goose,’ said the old woman. ‘The door +is big enough; just look, I can get in myself!’ and she crept up and +thrust her head into the oven. Then Gretel gave her a push that drove +her far into it, and shut the iron door, and fastened the bolt. Oh! then +she began to howl quite horribly, but Gretel ran away and the godless +witch was miserably burnt to death. + +Gretel, however, ran like lightning to Hansel, opened his little stable, +and cried: ‘Hansel, we are saved! The old witch is dead!’ Then Hansel +sprang like a bird from its cage when the door is opened. How they did +rejoice and embrace each other, and dance about and kiss each other! And +as they had no longer any need to fear her, they went into the witch’s +house, and in every corner there stood chests full of pearls and jewels. +‘These are far better than pebbles!’ said Hansel, and thrust into his +pockets whatever could be got in, and Gretel said: ‘I, too, will take +something home with me,’ and filled her pinafore full. ‘But now we must +be off,’ said Hansel, ‘that we may get out of the witch’s forest.’ + +When they had walked for two hours, they came to a great stretch of +water. ‘We cannot cross,’ said Hansel, ‘I see no foot-plank, and no +bridge.’ ‘And there is also no ferry,’ answered Gretel, ‘but a white +duck is swimming there: if I ask her, she will help us over.’ Then she +cried: + + ‘Little duck, little duck, dost thou see, + Hansel and Gretel are waiting for thee? + There’s never a plank, or bridge in sight, + Take us across on thy back so white.’ + +The duck came to them, and Hansel seated himself on its back, and told +his sister to sit by him. ‘No,’ replied Gretel, ‘that will be too heavy +for the little duck; she shall take us across, one after the other.’ The +good little duck did so, and when they were once safely across and had +walked for a short time, the forest seemed to be more and more familiar +to them, and at length they saw from afar their father’s house. Then +they began to run, rushed into the parlour, and threw themselves round +their father’s neck. The man had not known one happy hour since he had +left the children in the forest; the woman, however, was dead. Gretel +emptied her pinafore until pearls and precious stones ran about the +room, and Hansel threw one handful after another out of his pocket to +add to them. Then all anxiety was at an end, and they lived together +in perfect happiness. My tale is done, there runs a mouse; whosoever +catches it, may make himself a big fur cap out of it. + + + + +THE MOUSE, THE BIRD, AND THE SAUSAGE + +Once upon a time, a mouse, a bird, and a sausage, entered into +partnership and set up house together. For a long time all went well; +they lived in great comfort, and prospered so far as to be able to add +considerably to their stores. The bird’s duty was to fly daily into the +wood and bring in fuel; the mouse fetched the water, and the sausage saw +to the cooking. + +When people are too well off they always begin to long for something +new. And so it came to pass, that the bird, while out one day, met a +fellow bird, to whom he boastfully expatiated on the excellence of his +household arrangements. But the other bird sneered at him for being a +poor simpleton, who did all the hard work, while the other two stayed +at home and had a good time of it. For, when the mouse had made the fire +and fetched in the water, she could retire into her little room and rest +until it was time to set the table. The sausage had only to watch the +pot to see that the food was properly cooked, and when it was near +dinner-time, he just threw himself into the broth, or rolled in and out +among the vegetables three or four times, and there they were, buttered, +and salted, and ready to be served. Then, when the bird came home and +had laid aside his burden, they sat down to table, and when they had +finished their meal, they could sleep their fill till the following +morning: and that was really a very delightful life. + +Influenced by those remarks, the bird next morning refused to bring in +the wood, telling the others that he had been their servant long enough, +and had been a fool into the bargain, and that it was now time to make a +change, and to try some other way of arranging the work. Beg and pray +as the mouse and the sausage might, it was of no use; the bird remained +master of the situation, and the venture had to be made. They therefore +drew lots, and it fell to the sausage to bring in the wood, to the mouse +to cook, and to the bird to fetch the water. + +And now what happened? The sausage started in search of wood, the bird +made the fire, and the mouse put on the pot, and then these two waited +till the sausage returned with the fuel for the following day. But the +sausage remained so long away, that they became uneasy, and the bird +flew out to meet him. He had not flown far, however, when he came across +a dog who, having met the sausage, had regarded him as his legitimate +booty, and so seized and swallowed him. The bird complained to the dog +of this bare-faced robbery, but nothing he said was of any avail, for +the dog answered that he found false credentials on the sausage, and +that was the reason his life had been forfeited. + +He picked up the wood, and flew sadly home, and told the mouse all he +had seen and heard. They were both very unhappy, but agreed to make the +best of things and to remain with one another. + +So now the bird set the table, and the mouse looked after the food and, +wishing to prepare it in the same way as the sausage, by rolling in and +out among the vegetables to salt and butter them, she jumped into the +pot; but she stopped short long before she reached the bottom, having +already parted not only with her skin and hair, but also with life. + +Presently the bird came in and wanted to serve up the dinner, but he +could nowhere see the cook. In his alarm and flurry, he threw the wood +here and there about the floor, called and searched, but no cook was to +be found. Then some of the wood that had been carelessly thrown down, +caught fire and began to blaze. The bird hastened to fetch some water, +but his pail fell into the well, and he after it, and as he was unable +to recover himself, he was drowned. + + + + +MOTHER HOLLE + +Once upon a time there was a widow who had two daughters; one of them +was beautiful and industrious, the other ugly and lazy. The mother, +however, loved the ugly and lazy one best, because she was her own +daughter, and so the other, who was only her stepdaughter, was made +to do all the work of the house, and was quite the Cinderella of the +family. Her stepmother sent her out every day to sit by the well in +the high road, there to spin until she made her fingers bleed. Now it +chanced one day that some blood fell on to the spindle, and as the girl +stopped over the well to wash it off, the spindle suddenly sprang out +of her hand and fell into the well. She ran home crying to tell of her +misfortune, but her stepmother spoke harshly to her, and after giving +her a violent scolding, said unkindly, ‘As you have let the spindle fall +into the well you may go yourself and fetch it out.’ + +The girl went back to the well not knowing what to do, and at last in +her distress she jumped into the water after the spindle. + +She remembered nothing more until she awoke and found herself in a +beautiful meadow, full of sunshine, and with countless flowers blooming +in every direction. + +She walked over the meadow, and presently she came upon a baker’s oven +full of bread, and the loaves cried out to her, ‘Take us out, take us +out, or alas! we shall be burnt to a cinder; we were baked through long +ago.’ So she took the bread-shovel and drew them all out. + +She went on a little farther, till she came to a tree full of apples. +‘Shake me, shake me, I pray,’ cried the tree; ‘my apples, one and all, +are ripe.’ So she shook the tree, and the apples came falling down upon +her like rain; but she continued shaking until there was not a single +apple left upon it. Then she carefully gathered the apples together in a +heap and walked on again. + +The next thing she came to was a little house, and there she saw an old +woman looking out, with such large teeth, that she was terrified, and +turned to run away. But the old woman called after her, ‘What are you +afraid of, dear child? Stay with me; if you will do the work of my house +properly for me, I will make you very happy. You must be very careful, +however, to make my bed in the right way, for I wish you always to shake +it thoroughly, so that the feathers fly about; then they say, down there +in the world, that it is snowing; for I am Mother Holle.’ The old woman +spoke so kindly, that the girl summoned up courage and agreed to enter +into her service. + +She took care to do everything according to the old woman’s bidding and +every time she made the bed she shook it with all her might, so that the +feathers flew about like so many snowflakes. The old woman was as good +as her word: she never spoke angrily to her, and gave her roast and +boiled meats every day. + +So she stayed on with Mother Holle for some time, and then she began +to grow unhappy. She could not at first tell why she felt sad, but she +became conscious at last of great longing to go home; then she knew she +was homesick, although she was a thousand times better off with Mother +Holle than with her mother and sister. After waiting awhile, she went +to Mother Holle and said, ‘I am so homesick, that I cannot stay with +you any longer, for although I am so happy here, I must return to my own +people.’ + +Then Mother Holle said, ‘I am pleased that you should want to go back +to your own people, and as you have served me so well and faithfully, I +will take you home myself.’ + +Thereupon she led the girl by the hand up to a broad gateway. The gate +was opened, and as the girl passed through, a shower of gold fell upon +her, and the gold clung to her, so that she was covered with it from +head to foot. + +‘That is a reward for your industry,’ said Mother Holle, and as she +spoke she handed her the spindle which she had dropped into the well. + +The gate was then closed, and the girl found herself back in the old +world close to her mother’s house. As she entered the courtyard, the +cock who was perched on the well, called out: + + ‘Cock-a-doodle-doo! + Your golden daughter’s come back to you.’ + +Then she went in to her mother and sister, and as she was so richly +covered with gold, they gave her a warm welcome. She related to them +all that had happened, and when the mother heard how she had come by her +great riches, she thought she should like her ugly, lazy daughter to go +and try her fortune. So she made the sister go and sit by the well +and spin, and the girl pricked her finger and thrust her hand into a +thorn-bush, so that she might drop some blood on to the spindle; then +she threw it into the well, and jumped in herself. + +Like her sister she awoke in the beautiful meadow, and walked over it +till she came to the oven. ‘Take us out, take us out, or alas! we shall +be burnt to a cinder; we were baked through long ago,’ cried the loaves +as before. But the lazy girl answered, ‘Do you think I am going to dirty +my hands for you?’ and walked on. + +Presently she came to the apple-tree. ‘Shake me, shake me, I pray; my +apples, one and all, are ripe,’ it cried. But she only answered, ‘A nice +thing to ask me to do, one of the apples might fall on my head,’ and +passed on. + +At last she came to Mother Holle’s house, and as she had heard all about +the large teeth from her sister, she was not afraid of them, and engaged +herself without delay to the old woman. + +The first day she was very obedient and industrious, and exerted herself +to please Mother Holle, for she thought of the gold she should get in +return. The next day, however, she began to dawdle over her work, and +the third day she was more idle still; then she began to lie in bed in +the mornings and refused to get up. Worse still, she neglected to +make the old woman’s bed properly, and forgot to shake it so that the +feathers might fly about. So Mother Holle very soon got tired of her, +and told her she might go. The lazy girl was delighted at this, and +thought to herself, ‘The gold will soon be mine.’ Mother Holle led her, +as she had led her sister, to the broad gateway; but as she was passing +through, instead of the shower of gold, a great bucketful of pitch came +pouring over her. + +‘That is in return for your services,’ said the old woman, and she shut +the gate. + +So the lazy girl had to go home covered with pitch, and the cock on the +well called out as she saw her: + + ‘Cock-a-doodle-doo! + Your dirty daughter’s come back to you.’ + +But, try what she would, she could not get the pitch off and it stuck to +her as long as she lived. + + + + +LITTLE RED-CAP [LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD] + +Once upon a time there was a dear little girl who was loved by everyone +who looked at her, but most of all by her grandmother, and there was +nothing that she would not have given to the child. Once she gave her a +little cap of red velvet, which suited her so well that she would never +wear anything else; so she was always called ‘Little Red-Cap.’ + +One day her mother said to her: ‘Come, Little Red-Cap, here is a piece +of cake and a bottle of wine; take them to your grandmother, she is ill +and weak, and they will do her good. Set out before it gets hot, and +when you are going, walk nicely and quietly and do not run off the path, +or you may fall and break the bottle, and then your grandmother will +get nothing; and when you go into her room, don’t forget to say, “Good +morning”, and don’t peep into every corner before you do it.’ + +‘I will take great care,’ said Little Red-Cap to her mother, and gave +her hand on it. + +The grandmother lived out in the wood, half a league from the village, +and just as Little Red-Cap entered the wood, a wolf met her. Red-Cap +did not know what a wicked creature he was, and was not at all afraid of +him. + +‘Good day, Little Red-Cap,’ said he. + +‘Thank you kindly, wolf.’ + +‘Whither away so early, Little Red-Cap?’ + +‘To my grandmother’s.’ + +‘What have you got in your apron?’ + +‘Cake and wine; yesterday was baking-day, so poor sick grandmother is to +have something good, to make her stronger.’ + +‘Where does your grandmother live, Little Red-Cap?’ + +‘A good quarter of a league farther on in the wood; her house stands +under the three large oak-trees, the nut-trees are just below; you +surely must know it,’ replied Little Red-Cap. + +The wolf thought to himself: ‘What a tender young creature! what a nice +plump mouthful--she will be better to eat than the old woman. I must +act craftily, so as to catch both.’ So he walked for a short time by +the side of Little Red-Cap, and then he said: ‘See, Little Red-Cap, how +pretty the flowers are about here--why do you not look round? I believe, +too, that you do not hear how sweetly the little birds are singing; you +walk gravely along as if you were going to school, while everything else +out here in the wood is merry.’ + +Little Red-Cap raised her eyes, and when she saw the sunbeams dancing +here and there through the trees, and pretty flowers growing everywhere, +she thought: ‘Suppose I take grandmother a fresh nosegay; that would +please her too. It is so early in the day that I shall still get there +in good time’; and so she ran from the path into the wood to look for +flowers. And whenever she had picked one, she fancied that she saw a +still prettier one farther on, and ran after it, and so got deeper and +deeper into the wood. + +Meanwhile the wolf ran straight to the grandmother’s house and knocked +at the door. + +‘Who is there?’ + +‘Little Red-Cap,’ replied the wolf. ‘She is bringing cake and wine; open +the door.’ + +‘Lift the latch,’ called out the grandmother, ‘I am too weak, and cannot +get up.’ + +The wolf lifted the latch, the door sprang open, and without saying a +word he went straight to the grandmother’s bed, and devoured her. Then +he put on her clothes, dressed himself in her cap laid himself in bed +and drew the curtains. + +Little Red-Cap, however, had been running about picking flowers, +and when she had gathered so many that she could carry no more, she +remembered her grandmother, and set out on the way to her. + +She was surprised to find the cottage-door standing open, and when she +went into the room, she had such a strange feeling that she said to +herself: ‘Oh dear! how uneasy I feel today, and at other times I like +being with grandmother so much.’ She called out: ‘Good morning,’ but +received no answer; so she went to the bed and drew back the curtains. +There lay her grandmother with her cap pulled far over her face, and +looking very strange. + +‘Oh! grandmother,’ she said, ‘what big ears you have!’ + +‘The better to hear you with, my child,’ was the reply. + +‘But, grandmother, what big eyes you have!’ she said. + +‘The better to see you with, my dear.’ + +‘But, grandmother, what large hands you have!’ + +‘The better to hug you with.’ + +‘Oh! but, grandmother, what a terrible big mouth you have!’ + +‘The better to eat you with!’ + +And scarcely had the wolf said this, than with one bound he was out of +bed and swallowed up Red-Cap. + +When the wolf had appeased his appetite, he lay down again in the bed, +fell asleep and began to snore very loud. The huntsman was just passing +the house, and thought to himself: ‘How the old woman is snoring! I must +just see if she wants anything.’ So he went into the room, and when he +came to the bed, he saw that the wolf was lying in it. ‘Do I find you +here, you old sinner!’ said he. ‘I have long sought you!’ Then just as +he was going to fire at him, it occurred to him that the wolf might have +devoured the grandmother, and that she might still be saved, so he did +not fire, but took a pair of scissors, and began to cut open the stomach +of the sleeping wolf. When he had made two snips, he saw the little +Red-Cap shining, and then he made two snips more, and the little girl +sprang out, crying: ‘Ah, how frightened I have been! How dark it was +inside the wolf’; and after that the aged grandmother came out alive +also, but scarcely able to breathe. Red-Cap, however, quickly fetched +great stones with which they filled the wolf’s belly, and when he awoke, +he wanted to run away, but the stones were so heavy that he collapsed at +once, and fell dead. + +Then all three were delighted. The huntsman drew off the wolf’s skin and +went home with it; the grandmother ate the cake and drank the wine which +Red-Cap had brought, and revived, but Red-Cap thought to herself: ‘As +long as I live, I will never by myself leave the path, to run into the +wood, when my mother has forbidden me to do so.’ + + + + +It also related that once when Red-Cap was again taking cakes to the old +grandmother, another wolf spoke to her, and tried to entice her from the +path. Red-Cap, however, was on her guard, and went straight forward on +her way, and told her grandmother that she had met the wolf, and that he +had said ‘good morning’ to her, but with such a wicked look in his eyes, +that if they had not been on the public road she was certain he would +have eaten her up. ‘Well,’ said the grandmother, ‘we will shut the door, +that he may not come in.’ Soon afterwards the wolf knocked, and cried: +‘Open the door, grandmother, I am Little Red-Cap, and am bringing you +some cakes.’ But they did not speak, or open the door, so the grey-beard +stole twice or thrice round the house, and at last jumped on the roof, +intending to wait until Red-Cap went home in the evening, and then to +steal after her and devour her in the darkness. But the grandmother +saw what was in his thoughts. In front of the house was a great stone +trough, so she said to the child: ‘Take the pail, Red-Cap; I made some +sausages yesterday, so carry the water in which I boiled them to the +trough.’ Red-Cap carried until the great trough was quite full. Then the +smell of the sausages reached the wolf, and he sniffed and peeped down, +and at last stretched out his neck so far that he could no longer keep +his footing and began to slip, and slipped down from the roof straight +into the great trough, and was drowned. But Red-Cap went joyously home, +and no one ever did anything to harm her again. + + + + +THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM + +There was once a miller who had one beautiful daughter, and as she was +grown up, he was anxious that she should be well married and provided +for. He said to himself, ‘I will give her to the first suitable man who +comes and asks for her hand.’ Not long after a suitor appeared, and as +he appeared to be very rich and the miller could see nothing in him with +which to find fault, he betrothed his daughter to him. But the girl did +not care for the man as a girl ought to care for her betrothed husband. +She did not feel that she could trust him, and she could not look at him +nor think of him without an inward shudder. One day he said to her, ‘You +have not yet paid me a visit, although we have been betrothed for some +time.’ ‘I do not know where your house is,’ she answered. ‘My house is +out there in the dark forest,’ he said. She tried to excuse herself by +saying that she would not be able to find the way thither. Her betrothed +only replied, ‘You must come and see me next Sunday; I have already +invited guests for that day, and that you may not mistake the way, I +will strew ashes along the path.’ + +When Sunday came, and it was time for the girl to start, a feeling of +dread came over her which she could not explain, and that she might +be able to find her path again, she filled her pockets with peas and +lentils to sprinkle on the ground as she went along. On reaching the +entrance to the forest she found the path strewed with ashes, and these +she followed, throwing down some peas on either side of her at every +step she took. She walked the whole day until she came to the deepest, +darkest part of the forest. There she saw a lonely house, looking so +grim and mysterious, that it did not please her at all. She stepped +inside, but not a soul was to be seen, and a great silence reigned +throughout. Suddenly a voice cried: + + ‘Turn back, turn back, young maiden fair, + Linger not in this murderers’ lair.’ + +The girl looked up and saw that the voice came from a bird hanging in a +cage on the wall. Again it cried: + + ‘Turn back, turn back, young maiden fair, + Linger not in this murderers’ lair.’ + +The girl passed on, going from room to room of the house, but they were +all empty, and still she saw no one. At last she came to the cellar, +and there sat a very, very old woman, who could not keep her head from +shaking. ‘Can you tell me,’ asked the girl, ‘if my betrothed husband +lives here?’ + +‘Ah, you poor child,’ answered the old woman, ‘what a place for you to +come to! This is a murderers’ den. You think yourself a promised bride, +and that your marriage will soon take place, but it is with death that +you will keep your marriage feast. Look, do you see that large cauldron +of water which I am obliged to keep on the fire! As soon as they have +you in their power they will kill you without mercy, and cook and eat +you, for they are eaters of men. If I did not take pity on you and save +you, you would be lost.’ + +Thereupon the old woman led her behind a large cask, which quite hid her +from view. ‘Keep as still as a mouse,’ she said; ‘do not move or speak, +or it will be all over with you. Tonight, when the robbers are +all asleep, we will flee together. I have long been waiting for an +opportunity to escape.’ + +The words were hardly out of her mouth when the godless crew returned, +dragging another young girl along with them. They were all drunk, and +paid no heed to her cries and lamentations. They gave her wine to drink, +three glasses full, one of white wine, one of red, and one of yellow, +and with that her heart gave way and she died. Then they tore off her +dainty clothing, laid her on a table, and cut her beautiful body into +pieces, and sprinkled salt upon it. + +The poor betrothed girl crouched trembling and shuddering behind the +cask, for she saw what a terrible fate had been intended for her by +the robbers. One of them now noticed a gold ring still remaining on +the little finger of the murdered girl, and as he could not draw it off +easily, he took a hatchet and cut off the finger; but the finger sprang +into the air, and fell behind the cask into the lap of the girl who was +hiding there. The robber took a light and began looking for it, but he +could not find it. ‘Have you looked behind the large cask?’ said one of +the others. But the old woman called out, ‘Come and eat your suppers, +and let the thing be till tomorrow; the finger won’t run away.’ + +‘The old woman is right,’ said the robbers, and they ceased looking for +the finger and sat down. + +The old woman then mixed a sleeping draught with their wine, and before +long they were all lying on the floor of the cellar, fast asleep and +snoring. As soon as the girl was assured of this, she came from behind +the cask. She was obliged to step over the bodies of the sleepers, who +were lying close together, and every moment she was filled with renewed +dread lest she should awaken them. But God helped her, so that she +passed safely over them, and then she and the old woman went upstairs, +opened the door, and hastened as fast as they could from the murderers’ +den. They found the ashes scattered by the wind, but the peas and +lentils had sprouted, and grown sufficiently above the ground, to guide +them in the moonlight along the path. All night long they walked, and it +was morning before they reached the mill. Then the girl told her father +all that had happened. + +The day came that had been fixed for the marriage. The bridegroom +arrived and also a large company of guests, for the miller had taken +care to invite all his friends and relations. As they sat at the feast, +each guest in turn was asked to tell a tale; the bride sat still and did +not say a word. + +‘And you, my love,’ said the bridegroom, turning to her, ‘is there no +tale you know? Tell us something.’ + +‘I will tell you a dream, then,’ said the bride. ‘I went alone through a +forest and came at last to a house; not a soul could I find within, but +a bird that was hanging in a cage on the wall cried: + + ‘Turn back, turn back, young maiden fair, + Linger not in this murderers’ lair.’ + +and again a second time it said these words.’ + +‘My darling, this is only a dream.’ + +‘I went on through the house from room to room, but they were all empty, +and everything was so grim and mysterious. At last I went down to the +cellar, and there sat a very, very old woman, who could not keep her +head still. I asked her if my betrothed lived here, and she answered, +“Ah, you poor child, you are come to a murderers’ den; your betrothed +does indeed live here, but he will kill you without mercy and afterwards +cook and eat you.”’ + +‘My darling, this is only a dream.’ + +‘The old woman hid me behind a large cask, and scarcely had she done +this when the robbers returned home, dragging a young girl along with +them. They gave her three kinds of wine to drink, white, red, and +yellow, and with that she died.’ + +‘My darling, this is only a dream.’ + +‘Then they tore off her dainty clothing, and cut her beautiful body into +pieces and sprinkled salt upon it.’ + +‘My darling, this is only a dream.’ + +‘And one of the robbers saw that there was a gold ring still left on her +finger, and as it was difficult to draw off, he took a hatchet and cut +off her finger; but the finger sprang into the air and fell behind the +great cask into my lap. And here is the finger with the ring.’ And +with these words the bride drew forth the finger and shewed it to the +assembled guests. + +The bridegroom, who during this recital had grown deadly pale, up and +tried to escape, but the guests seized him and held him fast. They +delivered him up to justice, and he and all his murderous band were +condemned to death for their wicked deeds. + + + + +TOM THUMB + +A poor woodman sat in his cottage one night, smoking his pipe by the +fireside, while his wife sat by his side spinning. ‘How lonely it is, +wife,’ said he, as he puffed out a long curl of smoke, ‘for you and me +to sit here by ourselves, without any children to play about and amuse +us while other people seem so happy and merry with their children!’ +‘What you say is very true,’ said the wife, sighing, and turning round +her wheel; ‘how happy should I be if I had but one child! If it were +ever so small--nay, if it were no bigger than my thumb--I should be very +happy, and love it dearly.’ Now--odd as you may think it--it came to +pass that this good woman’s wish was fulfilled, just in the very way she +had wished it; for, not long afterwards, she had a little boy, who was +quite healthy and strong, but was not much bigger than my thumb. So +they said, ‘Well, we cannot say we have not got what we wished for, and, +little as he is, we will love him dearly.’ And they called him Thomas +Thumb. + +They gave him plenty of food, yet for all they could do he never grew +bigger, but kept just the same size as he had been when he was born. +Still, his eyes were sharp and sparkling, and he soon showed himself to +be a clever little fellow, who always knew well what he was about. + +One day, as the woodman was getting ready to go into the wood to cut +fuel, he said, ‘I wish I had someone to bring the cart after me, for I +want to make haste.’ ‘Oh, father,’ cried Tom, ‘I will take care of that; +the cart shall be in the wood by the time you want it.’ Then the woodman +laughed, and said, ‘How can that be? you cannot reach up to the horse’s +bridle.’ ‘Never mind that, father,’ said Tom; ‘if my mother will only +harness the horse, I will get into his ear and tell him which way to +go.’ ‘Well,’ said the father, ‘we will try for once.’ + +When the time came the mother harnessed the horse to the cart, and put +Tom into his ear; and as he sat there the little man told the beast how +to go, crying out, ‘Go on!’ and ‘Stop!’ as he wanted: and thus the horse +went on just as well as if the woodman had driven it himself into the +wood. It happened that as the horse was going a little too fast, and Tom +was calling out, ‘Gently! gently!’ two strangers came up. ‘What an odd +thing that is!’ said one: ‘there is a cart going along, and I hear a +carter talking to the horse, but yet I can see no one.’ ‘That is queer, +indeed,’ said the other; ‘let us follow the cart, and see where it +goes.’ So they went on into the wood, till at last they came to the +place where the woodman was. Then Tom Thumb, seeing his father, cried +out, ‘See, father, here I am with the cart, all right and safe! now take +me down!’ So his father took hold of the horse with one hand, and with +the other took his son out of the horse’s ear, and put him down upon a +straw, where he sat as merry as you please. + +The two strangers were all this time looking on, and did not know what +to say for wonder. At last one took the other aside, and said, ‘That +little urchin will make our fortune, if we can get him, and carry him +about from town to town as a show; we must buy him.’ So they went up to +the woodman, and asked him what he would take for the little man. ‘He +will be better off,’ said they, ‘with us than with you.’ ‘I won’t sell +him at all,’ said the father; ‘my own flesh and blood is dearer to me +than all the silver and gold in the world.’ But Tom, hearing of the +bargain they wanted to make, crept up his father’s coat to his shoulder +and whispered in his ear, ‘Take the money, father, and let them have me; +I’ll soon come back to you.’ + +So the woodman at last said he would sell Tom to the strangers for a +large piece of gold, and they paid the price. ‘Where would you like to +sit?’ said one of them. ‘Oh, put me on the rim of your hat; that will be +a nice gallery for me; I can walk about there and see the country as we +go along.’ So they did as he wished; and when Tom had taken leave of his +father they took him away with them. + +They journeyed on till it began to be dusky, and then the little man +said, ‘Let me get down, I’m tired.’ So the man took off his hat, and +put him down on a clod of earth, in a ploughed field by the side of the +road. But Tom ran about amongst the furrows, and at last slipped into +an old mouse-hole. ‘Good night, my masters!’ said he, ‘I’m off! mind and +look sharp after me the next time.’ Then they ran at once to the place, +and poked the ends of their sticks into the mouse-hole, but all in vain; +Tom only crawled farther and farther in; and at last it became quite +dark, so that they were forced to go their way without their prize, as +sulky as could be. + +When Tom found they were gone, he came out of his hiding-place. ‘What +dangerous walking it is,’ said he, ‘in this ploughed field! If I were to +fall from one of these great clods, I should undoubtedly break my neck.’ +At last, by good luck, he found a large empty snail-shell. ‘This is +lucky,’ said he, ‘I can sleep here very well’; and in he crept. + +Just as he was falling asleep, he heard two men passing by, chatting +together; and one said to the other, ‘How can we rob that rich parson’s +house of his silver and gold?’ ‘I’ll tell you!’ cried Tom. ‘What noise +was that?’ said the thief, frightened; ‘I’m sure I heard someone speak.’ +They stood still listening, and Tom said, ‘Take me with you, and I’ll +soon show you how to get the parson’s money.’ ‘But where are you?’ said +they. ‘Look about on the ground,’ answered he, ‘and listen where the +sound comes from.’ At last the thieves found him out, and lifted him +up in their hands. ‘You little urchin!’ they said, ‘what can you do for +us?’ ‘Why, I can get between the iron window-bars of the parson’s house, +and throw you out whatever you want.’ ‘That’s a good thought,’ said the +thieves; ‘come along, we shall see what you can do.’ + +When they came to the parson’s house, Tom slipped through the +window-bars into the room, and then called out as loud as he could bawl, +‘Will you have all that is here?’ At this the thieves were frightened, +and said, ‘Softly, softly! Speak low, that you may not awaken anybody.’ +But Tom seemed as if he did not understand them, and bawled out again, +‘How much will you have? Shall I throw it all out?’ Now the cook lay in +the next room; and hearing a noise she raised herself up in her bed and +listened. Meantime the thieves were frightened, and ran off a little +way; but at last they plucked up their hearts, and said, ‘The little +urchin is only trying to make fools of us.’ So they came back and +whispered softly to him, saying, ‘Now let us have no more of your +roguish jokes; but throw us out some of the money.’ Then Tom called out +as loud as he could, ‘Very well! hold your hands! here it comes.’ + +The cook heard this quite plain, so she sprang out of bed, and ran to +open the door. The thieves ran off as if a wolf was at their tails: and +the maid, having groped about and found nothing, went away for a light. +By the time she came back, Tom had slipped off into the barn; and when +she had looked about and searched every hole and corner, and found +nobody, she went to bed, thinking she must have been dreaming with her +eyes open. + +The little man crawled about in the hay-loft, and at last found a snug +place to finish his night’s rest in; so he laid himself down, meaning +to sleep till daylight, and then find his way home to his father and +mother. But alas! how woefully he was undone! what crosses and sorrows +happen to us all in this world! The cook got up early, before daybreak, +to feed the cows; and going straight to the hay-loft, carried away +a large bundle of hay, with the little man in the middle of it, fast +asleep. He still, however, slept on, and did not awake till he found +himself in the mouth of the cow; for the cook had put the hay into the +cow’s rick, and the cow had taken Tom up in a mouthful of it. ‘Good +lack-a-day!’ said he, ‘how came I to tumble into the mill?’ But he soon +found out where he really was; and was forced to have all his wits about +him, that he might not get between the cow’s teeth, and so be crushed to +death. At last down he went into her stomach. ‘It is rather dark,’ said +he; ‘they forgot to build windows in this room to let the sun in; a +candle would be no bad thing.’ + +Though he made the best of his bad luck, he did not like his quarters at +all; and the worst of it was, that more and more hay was always coming +down, and the space left for him became smaller and smaller. At last he +cried out as loud as he could, ‘Don’t bring me any more hay! Don’t bring +me any more hay!’ + +The maid happened to be just then milking the cow; and hearing someone +speak, but seeing nobody, and yet being quite sure it was the same voice +that she had heard in the night, she was so frightened that she fell off +her stool, and overset the milk-pail. As soon as she could pick herself +up out of the dirt, she ran off as fast as she could to her master the +parson, and said, ‘Sir, sir, the cow is talking!’ But the parson +said, ‘Woman, thou art surely mad!’ However, he went with her into the +cow-house, to try and see what was the matter. + +Scarcely had they set foot on the threshold, when Tom called out, ‘Don’t +bring me any more hay!’ Then the parson himself was frightened; and +thinking the cow was surely bewitched, told his man to kill her on the +spot. So the cow was killed, and cut up; and the stomach, in which Tom +lay, was thrown out upon a dunghill. + +Tom soon set himself to work to get out, which was not a very easy +task; but at last, just as he had made room to get his head out, fresh +ill-luck befell him. A hungry wolf sprang out, and swallowed up the +whole stomach, with Tom in it, at one gulp, and ran away. + +Tom, however, was still not disheartened; and thinking the wolf would +not dislike having some chat with him as he was going along, he called +out, ‘My good friend, I can show you a famous treat.’ ‘Where’s that?’ +said the wolf. ‘In such and such a house,’ said Tom, describing his own +father’s house. ‘You can crawl through the drain into the kitchen and +then into the pantry, and there you will find cakes, ham, beef, cold +chicken, roast pig, apple-dumplings, and everything that your heart can +wish.’ + +The wolf did not want to be asked twice; so that very night he went to +the house and crawled through the drain into the kitchen, and then into +the pantry, and ate and drank there to his heart’s content. As soon as +he had had enough he wanted to get away; but he had eaten so much that +he could not go out by the same way he came in. + +This was just what Tom had reckoned upon; and now he began to set up a +great shout, making all the noise he could. ‘Will you be easy?’ said the +wolf; ‘you’ll awaken everybody in the house if you make such a clatter.’ +‘What’s that to me?’ said the little man; ‘you have had your frolic, now +I’ve a mind to be merry myself’; and he began, singing and shouting as +loud as he could. + +The woodman and his wife, being awakened by the noise, peeped through +a crack in the door; but when they saw a wolf was there, you may well +suppose that they were sadly frightened; and the woodman ran for his +axe, and gave his wife a scythe. ‘Do you stay behind,’ said the woodman, +‘and when I have knocked him on the head you must rip him up with the +scythe.’ Tom heard all this, and cried out, ‘Father, father! I am here, +the wolf has swallowed me.’ And his father said, ‘Heaven be praised! we +have found our dear child again’; and he told his wife not to use the +scythe for fear she should hurt him. Then he aimed a great blow, and +struck the wolf on the head, and killed him on the spot! and when he was +dead they cut open his body, and set Tommy free. ‘Ah!’ said the father, +‘what fears we have had for you!’ ‘Yes, father,’ answered he; ‘I have +travelled all over the world, I think, in one way or other, since we +parted; and now I am very glad to come home and get fresh air again.’ +‘Why, where have you been?’ said his father. ‘I have been in a +mouse-hole--and in a snail-shell--and down a cow’s throat--and in the +wolf’s belly; and yet here I am again, safe and sound.’ + +‘Well,’ said they, ‘you are come back, and we will not sell you again +for all the riches in the world.’ + +Then they hugged and kissed their dear little son, and gave him plenty +to eat and drink, for he was very hungry; and then they fetched new +clothes for him, for his old ones had been quite spoiled on his journey. +So Master Thumb stayed at home with his father and mother, in peace; for +though he had been so great a traveller, and had done and seen so many +fine things, and was fond enough of telling the whole story, he always +agreed that, after all, there’s no place like HOME! + + + + +RUMPELSTILTSKIN + +By the side of a wood, in a country a long way off, ran a fine stream +of water; and upon the stream there stood a mill. The miller’s house was +close by, and the miller, you must know, had a very beautiful daughter. +She was, moreover, very shrewd and clever; and the miller was so proud +of her, that he one day told the king of the land, who used to come and +hunt in the wood, that his daughter could spin gold out of straw. Now +this king was very fond of money; and when he heard the miller’s boast +his greediness was raised, and he sent for the girl to be brought before +him. Then he led her to a chamber in his palace where there was a great +heap of straw, and gave her a spinning-wheel, and said, ‘All this must +be spun into gold before morning, as you love your life.’ It was in vain +that the poor maiden said that it was only a silly boast of her father, +for that she could do no such thing as spin straw into gold: the chamber +door was locked, and she was left alone. + +She sat down in one corner of the room, and began to bewail her hard +fate; when on a sudden the door opened, and a droll-looking little man +hobbled in, and said, ‘Good morrow to you, my good lass; what are you +weeping for?’ ‘Alas!’ said she, ‘I must spin this straw into gold, and +I know not how.’ ‘What will you give me,’ said the hobgoblin, ‘to do it +for you?’ ‘My necklace,’ replied the maiden. He took her at her word, +and sat himself down to the wheel, and whistled and sang: + + ‘Round about, round about, + Lo and behold! + Reel away, reel away, + Straw into gold!’ + +And round about the wheel went merrily; the work was quickly done, and +the straw was all spun into gold. + +When the king came and saw this, he was greatly astonished and pleased; +but his heart grew still more greedy of gain, and he shut up the poor +miller’s daughter again with a fresh task. Then she knew not what to do, +and sat down once more to weep; but the dwarf soon opened the door, and +said, ‘What will you give me to do your task?’ ‘The ring on my finger,’ +said she. So her little friend took the ring, and began to work at the +wheel again, and whistled and sang: + + ‘Round about, round about, + Lo and behold! + Reel away, reel away, + Straw into gold!’ + +till, long before morning, all was done again. + +The king was greatly delighted to see all this glittering treasure; +but still he had not enough: so he took the miller’s daughter to a yet +larger heap, and said, ‘All this must be spun tonight; and if it is, +you shall be my queen.’ As soon as she was alone that dwarf came in, and +said, ‘What will you give me to spin gold for you this third time?’ +‘I have nothing left,’ said she. ‘Then say you will give me,’ said +the little man, ‘the first little child that you may have when you are +queen.’ ‘That may never be,’ thought the miller’s daughter: and as she +knew no other way to get her task done, she said she would do what he +asked. Round went the wheel again to the old song, and the manikin once +more spun the heap into gold. The king came in the morning, and, finding +all he wanted, was forced to keep his word; so he married the miller’s +daughter, and she really became queen. + +At the birth of her first little child she was very glad, and forgot the +dwarf, and what she had said. But one day he came into her room, where +she was sitting playing with her baby, and put her in mind of it. Then +she grieved sorely at her misfortune, and said she would give him all +the wealth of the kingdom if he would let her off, but in vain; till at +last her tears softened him, and he said, ‘I will give you three days’ +grace, and if during that time you tell me my name, you shall keep your +child.’ + +Now the queen lay awake all night, thinking of all the odd names that +she had ever heard; and she sent messengers all over the land to find +out new ones. The next day the little man came, and she began with +TIMOTHY, ICHABOD, BENJAMIN, JEREMIAH, and all the names she could +remember; but to all and each of them he said, ‘Madam, that is not my +name.’ + +The second day she began with all the comical names she could hear of, +BANDY-LEGS, HUNCHBACK, CROOK-SHANKS, and so on; but the little gentleman +still said to every one of them, ‘Madam, that is not my name.’ + +The third day one of the messengers came back, and said, ‘I have +travelled two days without hearing of any other names; but yesterday, as +I was climbing a high hill, among the trees of the forest where the fox +and the hare bid each other good night, I saw a little hut; and before +the hut burnt a fire; and round about the fire a funny little dwarf was +dancing upon one leg, and singing: + + “Merrily the feast I’ll make. + Today I’ll brew, tomorrow bake; + Merrily I’ll dance and sing, + For next day will a stranger bring. + Little does my lady dream + Rumpelstiltskin is my name!” + +When the queen heard this she jumped for joy, and as soon as her little +friend came she sat down upon her throne, and called all her court round +to enjoy the fun; and the nurse stood by her side with the baby in her +arms, as if it was quite ready to be given up. Then the little man began +to chuckle at the thought of having the poor child, to take home with +him to his hut in the woods; and he cried out, ‘Now, lady, what is my +name?’ ‘Is it JOHN?’ asked she. ‘No, madam!’ ‘Is it TOM?’ ‘No, madam!’ +‘Is it JEMMY?’ ‘It is not.’ ‘Can your name be RUMPELSTILTSKIN?’ said the +lady slyly. ‘Some witch told you that!--some witch told you that!’ cried +the little man, and dashed his right foot in a rage so deep into the +floor, that he was forced to lay hold of it with both hands to pull it +out. + +Then he made the best of his way off, while the nurse laughed and the +baby crowed; and all the court jeered at him for having had so much +trouble for nothing, and said, ‘We wish you a very good morning, and a +merry feast, Mr RUMPLESTILTSKIN!’ + + + + +CLEVER GRETEL + +There was once a cook named Gretel, who wore shoes with red heels, and +when she walked out with them on, she turned herself this way and that, +was quite happy and thought: ‘You certainly are a pretty girl!’ And when +she came home she drank, in her gladness of heart, a draught of wine, +and as wine excites a desire to eat, she tasted the best of whatever she +was cooking until she was satisfied, and said: ‘The cook must know what +the food is like.’ + +It came to pass that the master one day said to her: ‘Gretel, there is a +guest coming this evening; prepare me two fowls very daintily.’ ‘I will +see to it, master,’ answered Gretel. She killed two fowls, scalded them, +plucked them, put them on the spit, and towards evening set them before +the fire, that they might roast. The fowls began to turn brown, and were +nearly ready, but the guest had not yet arrived. Then Gretel called out +to her master: ‘If the guest does not come, I must take the fowls away +from the fire, but it will be a sin and a shame if they are not eaten +the moment they are at their juiciest.’ The master said: ‘I will run +myself, and fetch the guest.’ When the master had turned his back, +Gretel laid the spit with the fowls on one side, and thought: ‘Standing +so long by the fire there, makes one sweat and thirsty; who knows +when they will come? Meanwhile, I will run into the cellar, and take a +drink.’ She ran down, set a jug, said: ‘God bless it for you, Gretel,’ +and took a good drink, and thought that wine should flow on, and should +not be interrupted, and took yet another hearty draught. + +Then she went and put the fowls down again to the fire, basted them, +and drove the spit merrily round. But as the roast meat smelt so good, +Gretel thought: ‘Something might be wrong, it ought to be tasted!’ +She touched it with her finger, and said: ‘Ah! how good fowls are! It +certainly is a sin and a shame that they are not eaten at the right +time!’ She ran to the window, to see if the master was not coming with +his guest, but she saw no one, and went back to the fowls and thought: +‘One of the wings is burning! I had better take it off and eat it.’ +So she cut it off, ate it, and enjoyed it, and when she had done, she +thought: ‘The other must go down too, or else master will observe that +something is missing.’ When the two wings were eaten, she went and +looked for her master, and did not see him. It suddenly occurred to +her: ‘Who knows? They are perhaps not coming at all, and have turned in +somewhere.’ Then she said: ‘Well, Gretel, enjoy yourself, one fowl has +been cut into, take another drink, and eat it up entirely; when it is +eaten you will have some peace, why should God’s good gifts be spoilt?’ +So she ran into the cellar again, took an enormous drink and ate up the +one chicken in great glee. When one of the chickens was swallowed down, +and still her master did not come, Gretel looked at the other and said: +‘What one is, the other should be likewise, the two go together; what’s +right for the one is right for the other; I think if I were to take +another draught it would do me no harm.’ So she took another hearty +drink, and let the second chicken follow the first. + +While she was making the most of it, her master came and cried: ‘Hurry +up, Gretel, the guest is coming directly after me!’ ‘Yes, sir, I will +soon serve up,’ answered Gretel. Meantime the master looked to see that +the table was properly laid, and took the great knife, wherewith he was +going to carve the chickens, and sharpened it on the steps. Presently +the guest came, and knocked politely and courteously at the house-door. +Gretel ran, and looked to see who was there, and when she saw the guest, +she put her finger to her lips and said: ‘Hush! hush! go away as quickly +as you can, if my master catches you it will be the worse for you; he +certainly did ask you to supper, but his intention is to cut off your +two ears. Just listen how he is sharpening the knife for it!’ The guest +heard the sharpening, and hurried down the steps again as fast as he +could. Gretel was not idle; she ran screaming to her master, and cried: +‘You have invited a fine guest!’ ‘Why, Gretel? What do you mean by +that?’ ‘Yes,’ said she, ‘he has taken the chickens which I was just +going to serve up, off the dish, and has run away with them!’ ‘That’s a +nice trick!’ said her master, and lamented the fine chickens. ‘If he had +but left me one, so that something remained for me to eat.’ He called to +him to stop, but the guest pretended not to hear. Then he ran after him +with the knife still in his hand, crying: ‘Just one, just one,’ meaning +that the guest should leave him just one chicken, and not take both. The +guest, however, thought no otherwise than that he was to give up one of +his ears, and ran as if fire were burning under him, in order to take +them both with him. + + + + +THE OLD MAN AND HIS GRANDSON + +There was once a very old man, whose eyes had become dim, his ears dull +of hearing, his knees trembled, and when he sat at table he could hardly +hold the spoon, and spilt the broth upon the table-cloth or let it run +out of his mouth. His son and his son’s wife were disgusted at this, so +the old grandfather at last had to sit in the corner behind the stove, +and they gave him his food in an earthenware bowl, and not even enough +of it. And he used to look towards the table with his eyes full of +tears. Once, too, his trembling hands could not hold the bowl, and it +fell to the ground and broke. The young wife scolded him, but he said +nothing and only sighed. Then they brought him a wooden bowl for a few +half-pence, out of which he had to eat. + +They were once sitting thus when the little grandson of four years old +began to gather together some bits of wood upon the ground. ‘What are +you doing there?’ asked the father. ‘I am making a little trough,’ +answered the child, ‘for father and mother to eat out of when I am big.’ + +The man and his wife looked at each other for a while, and presently +began to cry. Then they took the old grandfather to the table, and +henceforth always let him eat with them, and likewise said nothing if he +did spill a little of anything. + + + + +THE LITTLE PEASANT + +There was a certain village wherein no one lived but really rich +peasants, and just one poor one, whom they called the little peasant. He +had not even so much as a cow, and still less money to buy one, and +yet he and his wife did so wish to have one. One day he said to her: +‘Listen, I have a good idea, there is our gossip the carpenter, he shall +make us a wooden calf, and paint it brown, so that it looks like any +other, and in time it will certainly get big and be a cow.’ the woman +also liked the idea, and their gossip the carpenter cut and planed +the calf, and painted it as it ought to be, and made it with its head +hanging down as if it were eating. + +Next morning when the cows were being driven out, the little peasant +called the cow-herd in and said: ‘Look, I have a little calf there, +but it is still small and has to be carried.’ The cow-herd said: ‘All +right,’ and took it in his arms and carried it to the pasture, and set +it among the grass. The little calf always remained standing like one +which was eating, and the cow-herd said: ‘It will soon run by itself, +just look how it eats already!’ At night when he was going to drive the +herd home again, he said to the calf: ‘If you can stand there and eat +your fill, you can also go on your four legs; I don’t care to drag you +home again in my arms.’ But the little peasant stood at his door, and +waited for his little calf, and when the cow-herd drove the cows through +the village, and the calf was missing, he inquired where it was. The +cow-herd answered: ‘It is still standing out there eating. It would not +stop and come with us.’ But the little peasant said: ‘Oh, but I must +have my beast back again.’ Then they went back to the meadow together, +but someone had stolen the calf, and it was gone. The cow-herd said: ‘It +must have run away.’ The peasant, however, said: ‘Don’t tell me +that,’ and led the cow-herd before the mayor, who for his carelessness +condemned him to give the peasant a cow for the calf which had run away. + +And now the little peasant and his wife had the cow for which they had +so long wished, and they were heartily glad, but they had no food for +it, and could give it nothing to eat, so it soon had to be killed. They +salted the flesh, and the peasant went into the town and wanted to sell +the skin there, so that he might buy a new calf with the proceeds. On +the way he passed by a mill, and there sat a raven with broken wings, +and out of pity he took him and wrapped him in the skin. But as the +weather grew so bad and there was a storm of rain and wind, he could +go no farther, and turned back to the mill and begged for shelter. The +miller’s wife was alone in the house, and said to the peasant: ‘Lay +yourself on the straw there,’ and gave him a slice of bread and cheese. +The peasant ate it, and lay down with his skin beside him, and the woman +thought: ‘He is tired and has gone to sleep.’ In the meantime came the +parson; the miller’s wife received him well, and said: ‘My husband is +out, so we will have a feast.’ The peasant listened, and when he heard +them talk about feasting he was vexed that he had been forced to make +shift with a slice of bread and cheese. Then the woman served up four +different things, roast meat, salad, cakes, and wine. + +Just as they were about to sit down and eat, there was a knocking +outside. The woman said: ‘Oh, heavens! It is my husband!’ she quickly +hid the roast meat inside the tiled stove, the wine under the pillow, +the salad on the bed, the cakes under it, and the parson in the closet +on the porch. Then she opened the door for her husband, and said: ‘Thank +heaven, you are back again! There is such a storm, it looks as if the +world were coming to an end.’ The miller saw the peasant lying on the +straw, and asked, ‘What is that fellow doing there?’ ‘Ah,’ said the +wife, ‘the poor knave came in the storm and rain, and begged for +shelter, so I gave him a bit of bread and cheese, and showed him where +the straw was.’ The man said: ‘I have no objection, but be quick and get +me something to eat.’ The woman said: ‘But I have nothing but bread and +cheese.’ ‘I am contented with anything,’ replied the husband, ‘so far as +I am concerned, bread and cheese will do,’ and looked at the peasant and +said: ‘Come and eat some more with me.’ The peasant did not require to +be invited twice, but got up and ate. After this the miller saw the skin +in which the raven was, lying on the ground, and asked: ‘What have you +there?’ The peasant answered: ‘I have a soothsayer inside it.’ ‘Can +he foretell anything to me?’ said the miller. ‘Why not?’ answered +the peasant: ‘but he only says four things, and the fifth he keeps to +himself.’ The miller was curious, and said: ‘Let him foretell something +for once.’ Then the peasant pinched the raven’s head, so that he croaked +and made a noise like krr, krr. The miller said: ‘What did he say?’ The +peasant answered: ‘In the first place, he says that there is some wine +hidden under the pillow.’ ‘Bless me!’ cried the miller, and went there +and found the wine. ‘Now go on,’ said he. The peasant made the raven +croak again, and said: ‘In the second place, he says that there is some +roast meat in the tiled stove.’ ‘Upon my word!’ cried the miller, and +went thither, and found the roast meat. The peasant made the raven +prophesy still more, and said: ‘Thirdly, he says that there is some +salad on the bed.’ ‘That would be a fine thing!’ cried the miller, and +went there and found the salad. At last the peasant pinched the raven +once more till he croaked, and said: ‘Fourthly, he says that there +are some cakes under the bed.’ ‘That would be a fine thing!’ cried the +miller, and looked there, and found the cakes. + +And now the two sat down to the table together, but the miller’s wife +was frightened to death, and went to bed and took all the keys with +her. The miller would have liked much to know the fifth, but the little +peasant said: ‘First, we will quickly eat the four things, for the fifth +is something bad.’ So they ate, and after that they bargained how much +the miller was to give for the fifth prophecy, until they agreed on +three hundred talers. Then the peasant once more pinched the raven’s +head till he croaked loudly. The miller asked: ‘What did he say?’ The +peasant replied: ‘He says that the Devil is hiding outside there in +the closet on the porch.’ The miller said: ‘The Devil must go out,’ and +opened the house-door; then the woman was forced to give up the keys, +and the peasant unlocked the closet. The parson ran out as fast as he +could, and the miller said: ‘It was true; I saw the black rascal with my +own eyes.’ The peasant, however, made off next morning by daybreak with +the three hundred talers. + +At home the small peasant gradually launched out; he built a beautiful +house, and the peasants said: ‘The small peasant has certainly been to +the place where golden snow falls, and people carry the gold home in +shovels.’ Then the small peasant was brought before the mayor, and +bidden to say from whence his wealth came. He answered: ‘I sold my cow’s +skin in the town, for three hundred talers.’ When the peasants heard +that, they too wished to enjoy this great profit, and ran home, killed +all their cows, and stripped off their skins in order to sell them in +the town to the greatest advantage. The mayor, however, said: ‘But my +servant must go first.’ When she came to the merchant in the town, he +did not give her more than two talers for a skin, and when the others +came, he did not give them so much, and said: ‘What can I do with all +these skins?’ + +Then the peasants were vexed that the small peasant should have thus +outwitted them, wanted to take vengeance on him, and accused him of this +treachery before the mayor. The innocent little peasant was unanimously +sentenced to death, and was to be rolled into the water, in a barrel +pierced full of holes. He was led forth, and a priest was brought who +was to say a mass for his soul. The others were all obliged to retire to +a distance, and when the peasant looked at the priest, he recognized the +man who had been with the miller’s wife. He said to him: ‘I set you free +from the closet, set me free from the barrel.’ At this same moment up +came, with a flock of sheep, the very shepherd whom the peasant knew had +long been wishing to be mayor, so he cried with all his might: ‘No, I +will not do it; if the whole world insists on it, I will not do it!’ The +shepherd hearing that, came up to him, and asked: ‘What are you about? +What is it that you will not do?’ The peasant said: ‘They want to make +me mayor, if I will but put myself in the barrel, but I will not do it.’ +The shepherd said: ‘If nothing more than that is needful in order to be +mayor, I would get into the barrel at once.’ The peasant said: ‘If you +will get in, you will be mayor.’ The shepherd was willing, and got in, +and the peasant shut the top down on him; then he took the shepherd’s +flock for himself, and drove it away. The parson went to the crowd, +and declared that the mass had been said. Then they came and rolled the +barrel towards the water. When the barrel began to roll, the shepherd +cried: ‘I am quite willing to be mayor.’ They believed no otherwise than +that it was the peasant who was saying this, and answered: ‘That is +what we intend, but first you shall look about you a little down below +there,’ and they rolled the barrel down into the water. + +After that the peasants went home, and as they were entering the +village, the small peasant also came quietly in, driving a flock of +sheep and looking quite contented. Then the peasants were astonished, +and said: ‘Peasant, from whence do you come? Have you come out of the +water?’ ‘Yes, truly,’ replied the peasant, ‘I sank deep, deep down, +until at last I got to the bottom; I pushed the bottom out of the +barrel, and crept out, and there were pretty meadows on which a number +of lambs were feeding, and from thence I brought this flock away with +me.’ Said the peasants: ‘Are there any more there?’ ‘Oh, yes,’ said he, +‘more than I could want.’ Then the peasants made up their minds that +they too would fetch some sheep for themselves, a flock apiece, but the +mayor said: ‘I come first.’ So they went to the water together, and just +then there were some of the small fleecy clouds in the blue sky, which +are called little lambs, and they were reflected in the water, whereupon +the peasants cried: ‘We already see the sheep down below!’ The mayor +pressed forward and said: ‘I will go down first, and look about me, and +if things promise well I’ll call you.’ So he jumped in; splash! went +the water; it sounded as if he were calling them, and the whole crowd +plunged in after him as one man. Then the entire village was dead, and +the small peasant, as sole heir, became a rich man. + + + + +FREDERICK AND CATHERINE + +There was once a man called Frederick: he had a wife whose name was +Catherine, and they had not long been married. One day Frederick said. +‘Kate! I am going to work in the fields; when I come back I shall be +hungry so let me have something nice cooked, and a good draught of ale.’ +‘Very well,’ said she, ‘it shall all be ready.’ When dinner-time drew +nigh, Catherine took a nice steak, which was all the meat she had, and +put it on the fire to fry. The steak soon began to look brown, and to +crackle in the pan; and Catherine stood by with a fork and turned it: +then she said to herself, ‘The steak is almost ready, I may as well go +to the cellar for the ale.’ So she left the pan on the fire and took a +large jug and went into the cellar and tapped the ale cask. The beer ran +into the jug and Catherine stood looking on. At last it popped into her +head, ‘The dog is not shut up--he may be running away with the steak; +that’s well thought of.’ So up she ran from the cellar; and sure enough +the rascally cur had got the steak in his mouth, and was making off with +it. + +Away ran Catherine, and away ran the dog across the field: but he ran +faster than she, and stuck close to the steak. ‘It’s all gone, and “what +can’t be cured must be endured”,’ said Catherine. So she turned round; +and as she had run a good way and was tired, she walked home leisurely +to cool herself. + +Now all this time the ale was running too, for Catherine had not turned +the cock; and when the jug was full the liquor ran upon the floor till +the cask was empty. When she got to the cellar stairs she saw what had +happened. ‘My stars!’ said she, ‘what shall I do to keep Frederick from +seeing all this slopping about?’ So she thought a while; and at last +remembered that there was a sack of fine meal bought at the last fair, +and that if she sprinkled this over the floor it would suck up the ale +nicely. ‘What a lucky thing,’ said she, ‘that we kept that meal! we have +now a good use for it.’ So away she went for it: but she managed to set +it down just upon the great jug full of beer, and upset it; and thus +all the ale that had been saved was set swimming on the floor also. ‘Ah! +well,’ said she, ‘when one goes another may as well follow.’ Then she +strewed the meal all about the cellar, and was quite pleased with her +cleverness, and said, ‘How very neat and clean it looks!’ + +At noon Frederick came home. ‘Now, wife,’ cried he, ‘what have you for +dinner?’ ‘O Frederick!’ answered she, ‘I was cooking you a steak; but +while I went down to draw the ale, the dog ran away with it; and while +I ran after him, the ale ran out; and when I went to dry up the ale +with the sack of meal that we got at the fair, I upset the jug: but the +cellar is now quite dry, and looks so clean!’ ‘Kate, Kate,’ said he, +‘how could you do all this?’ Why did you leave the steak to fry, and the +ale to run, and then spoil all the meal?’ ‘Why, Frederick,’ said she, ‘I +did not know I was doing wrong; you should have told me before.’ + +The husband thought to himself, ‘If my wife manages matters thus, I must +look sharp myself.’ Now he had a good deal of gold in the house: so he +said to Catherine, ‘What pretty yellow buttons these are! I shall put +them into a box and bury them in the garden; but take care that you +never go near or meddle with them.’ ‘No, Frederick,’ said she, ‘that +I never will.’ As soon as he was gone, there came by some pedlars with +earthenware plates and dishes, and they asked her whether she would buy. +‘Oh dear me, I should like to buy very much, but I have no money: if +you had any use for yellow buttons, I might deal with you.’ ‘Yellow +buttons!’ said they: ‘let us have a look at them.’ ‘Go into the garden +and dig where I tell you, and you will find the yellow buttons: I dare +not go myself.’ So the rogues went: and when they found what these +yellow buttons were, they took them all away, and left her plenty of +plates and dishes. Then she set them all about the house for a show: +and when Frederick came back, he cried out, ‘Kate, what have you been +doing?’ ‘See,’ said she, ‘I have bought all these with your yellow +buttons: but I did not touch them myself; the pedlars went themselves +and dug them up.’ ‘Wife, wife,’ said Frederick, ‘what a pretty piece of +work you have made! those yellow buttons were all my money: how came you +to do such a thing?’ ‘Why,’ answered she, ‘I did not know there was any +harm in it; you should have told me.’ + +Catherine stood musing for a while, and at last said to her husband, +‘Hark ye, Frederick, we will soon get the gold back: let us run after +the thieves.’ ‘Well, we will try,’ answered he; ‘but take some butter +and cheese with you, that we may have something to eat by the way.’ +‘Very well,’ said she; and they set out: and as Frederick walked the +fastest, he left his wife some way behind. ‘It does not matter,’ thought +she: ‘when we turn back, I shall be so much nearer home than he.’ + +Presently she came to the top of a hill, down the side of which there +was a road so narrow that the cart wheels always chafed the trees +on each side as they passed. ‘Ah, see now,’ said she, ‘how they have +bruised and wounded those poor trees; they will never get well.’ So she +took pity on them, and made use of the butter to grease them all, so +that the wheels might not hurt them so much. While she was doing this +kind office one of her cheeses fell out of the basket, and rolled down +the hill. Catherine looked, but could not see where it had gone; so she +said, ‘Well, I suppose the other will go the same way and find you; he +has younger legs than I have.’ Then she rolled the other cheese after +it; and away it went, nobody knows where, down the hill. But she said +she supposed that they knew the road, and would follow her, and she +could not stay there all day waiting for them. + +At last she overtook Frederick, who desired her to give him something to +eat. Then she gave him the dry bread. ‘Where are the butter and cheese?’ +said he. ‘Oh!’ answered she, ‘I used the butter to grease those poor +trees that the wheels chafed so: and one of the cheeses ran away so I +sent the other after it to find it, and I suppose they are both on +the road together somewhere.’ ‘What a goose you are to do such silly +things!’ said the husband. ‘How can you say so?’ said she; ‘I am sure +you never told me not.’ + +They ate the dry bread together; and Frederick said, ‘Kate, I hope you +locked the door safe when you came away.’ ‘No,’ answered she, ‘you did +not tell me.’ ‘Then go home, and do it now before we go any farther,’ +said Frederick, ‘and bring with you something to eat.’ + +Catherine did as he told her, and thought to herself by the way, +‘Frederick wants something to eat; but I don’t think he is very fond of +butter and cheese: I’ll bring him a bag of fine nuts, and the vinegar, +for I have often seen him take some.’ + +When she reached home, she bolted the back door, but the front door she +took off the hinges, and said, ‘Frederick told me to lock the door, but +surely it can nowhere be so safe if I take it with me.’ So she took +her time by the way; and when she overtook her husband she cried +out, ‘There, Frederick, there is the door itself, you may watch it as +carefully as you please.’ ‘Alas! alas!’ said he, ‘what a clever wife I +have! I sent you to make the house fast, and you take the door away, so +that everybody may go in and out as they please--however, as you have +brought the door, you shall carry it about with you for your pains.’ +‘Very well,’ answered she, ‘I’ll carry the door; but I’ll not carry the +nuts and vinegar bottle also--that would be too much of a load; so if +you please, I’ll fasten them to the door.’ + +Frederick of course made no objection to that plan, and they set off +into the wood to look for the thieves; but they could not find them: and +when it grew dark, they climbed up into a tree to spend the night there. +Scarcely were they up, than who should come by but the very rogues they +were looking for. They were in truth great rascals, and belonged to that +class of people who find things before they are lost; they were tired; +so they sat down and made a fire under the very tree where Frederick and +Catherine were. Frederick slipped down on the other side, and picked up +some stones. Then he climbed up again, and tried to hit the thieves on +the head with them: but they only said, ‘It must be near morning, for +the wind shakes the fir-apples down.’ + +Catherine, who had the door on her shoulder, began to be very tired; +but she thought it was the nuts upon it that were so heavy: so she said +softly, ‘Frederick, I must let the nuts go.’ ‘No,’ answered he, ‘not +now, they will discover us.’ ‘I can’t help that: they must go.’ ‘Well, +then, make haste and throw them down, if you will.’ Then away rattled +the nuts down among the boughs and one of the thieves cried, ‘Bless me, +it is hailing.’ + +A little while after, Catherine thought the door was still very heavy: +so she whispered to Frederick, ‘I must throw the vinegar down.’ ‘Pray +don’t,’ answered he, ‘it will discover us.’ ‘I can’t help that,’ said +she, ‘go it must.’ So she poured all the vinegar down; and the thieves +said, ‘What a heavy dew there is!’ + +At last it popped into Catherine’s head that it was the door itself that +was so heavy all the time: so she whispered, ‘Frederick, I must throw +the door down soon.’ But he begged and prayed her not to do so, for he +was sure it would betray them. ‘Here goes, however,’ said she: and down +went the door with such a clatter upon the thieves, that they cried +out ‘Murder!’ and not knowing what was coming, ran away as fast as they +could, and left all the gold. So when Frederick and Catherine came down, +there they found all their money safe and sound. + + + + +SWEETHEART ROLAND + +There was once upon a time a woman who was a real witch and had two +daughters, one ugly and wicked, and this one she loved because she was +her own daughter, and one beautiful and good, and this one she hated, +because she was her stepdaughter. The stepdaughter once had a pretty +apron, which the other fancied so much that she became envious, and +told her mother that she must and would have that apron. ‘Be quiet, my +child,’ said the old woman, ‘and you shall have it. Your stepsister has +long deserved death; tonight when she is asleep I will come and cut her +head off. Only be careful that you are at the far side of the bed, and +push her well to the front.’ It would have been all over with the poor +girl if she had not just then been standing in a corner, and heard +everything. All day long she dared not go out of doors, and when bedtime +had come, the witch’s daughter got into bed first, so as to lie at the +far side, but when she was asleep, the other pushed her gently to the +front, and took for herself the place at the back, close by the wall. In +the night, the old woman came creeping in, she held an axe in her right +hand, and felt with her left to see if anyone were lying at the outside, +and then she grasped the axe with both hands, and cut her own child’s +head off. + +When she had gone away, the girl got up and went to her sweetheart, who +was called Roland, and knocked at his door. When he came out, she said +to him: ‘Listen, dearest Roland, we must fly in all haste; my stepmother +wanted to kill me, but has struck her own child. When daylight comes, +and she sees what she has done, we shall be lost.’ ‘But,’ said Roland, +‘I counsel you first to take away her magic wand, or we cannot escape +if she pursues us.’ The maiden fetched the magic wand, and she took the +dead girl’s head and dropped three drops of blood on the ground, one in +front of the bed, one in the kitchen, and one on the stairs. Then she +hurried away with her lover. + +When the old witch got up next morning, she called her daughter, and +wanted to give her the apron, but she did not come. Then the witch +cried: ‘Where are you?’ ‘Here, on the stairs, I am sweeping,’ answered +the first drop of blood. The old woman went out, but saw no one on the +stairs, and cried again: ‘Where are you?’ ‘Here in the kitchen, I am +warming myself,’ cried the second drop of blood. She went into the +kitchen, but found no one. Then she cried again: ‘Where are you?’ ‘Ah, +here in the bed, I am sleeping,’ cried the third drop of blood. She went +into the room to the bed. What did she see there? Her own child, +whose head she had cut off, bathed in her blood. The witch fell into +a passion, sprang to the window, and as she could look forth quite far +into the world, she perceived her stepdaughter hurrying away with her +sweetheart Roland. ‘That shall not help you,’ cried she, ‘even if you +have got a long way off, you shall still not escape me.’ She put on her +many-league boots, in which she covered an hour’s walk at every step, +and it was not long before she overtook them. The girl, however, when +she saw the old woman striding towards her, changed, with her magic +wand, her sweetheart Roland into a lake, and herself into a duck +swimming in the middle of it. The witch placed herself on the shore, +threw breadcrumbs in, and went to endless trouble to entice the duck; +but the duck did not let herself be enticed, and the old woman had to +go home at night as she had come. At this the girl and her sweetheart +Roland resumed their natural shapes again, and they walked on the whole +night until daybreak. Then the maiden changed herself into a beautiful +flower which stood in the midst of a briar hedge, and her sweetheart +Roland into a fiddler. It was not long before the witch came striding up +towards them, and said to the musician: ‘Dear musician, may I pluck that +beautiful flower for myself?’ ‘Oh, yes,’ he replied, ‘I will play to +you while you do it.’ As she was hastily creeping into the hedge and was +just going to pluck the flower, knowing perfectly well who the flower +was, he began to play, and whether she would or not, she was forced +to dance, for it was a magical dance. The faster he played, the more +violent springs was she forced to make, and the thorns tore her clothes +from her body, and pricked her and wounded her till she bled, and as he +did not stop, she had to dance till she lay dead on the ground. + +As they were now set free, Roland said: ‘Now I will go to my father and +arrange for the wedding.’ ‘Then in the meantime I will stay here and +wait for you,’ said the girl, ‘and that no one may recognize me, I will +change myself into a red stone landmark.’ Then Roland went away, and the +girl stood like a red landmark in the field and waited for her beloved. +But when Roland got home, he fell into the snares of another, who so +fascinated him that he forgot the maiden. The poor girl remained there a +long time, but at length, as he did not return at all, she was sad, and +changed herself into a flower, and thought: ‘Someone will surely come +this way, and trample me down.’ + +It befell, however, that a shepherd kept his sheep in the field and saw +the flower, and as it was so pretty, plucked it, took it with him, and +laid it away in his chest. From that time forth, strange things happened +in the shepherd’s house. When he arose in the morning, all the work was +already done, the room was swept, the table and benches cleaned, the +fire in the hearth was lighted, and the water was fetched, and at noon, +when he came home, the table was laid, and a good dinner served. He +could not conceive how this came to pass, for he never saw a human being +in his house, and no one could have concealed himself in it. He was +certainly pleased with this good attendance, but still at last he was so +afraid that he went to a wise woman and asked for her advice. The wise +woman said: ‘There is some enchantment behind it, listen very early some +morning if anything is moving in the room, and if you see anything, no +matter what it is, throw a white cloth over it, and then the magic will +be stopped.’ + +The shepherd did as she bade him, and next morning just as day dawned, +he saw the chest open, and the flower come out. Swiftly he +sprang towards it, and threw a white cloth over it. Instantly the +transformation came to an end, and a beautiful girl stood before him, +who admitted to him that she had been the flower, and that up to this +time she had attended to his house-keeping. She told him her story, +and as she pleased him he asked her if she would marry him, but she +answered: ‘No,’ for she wanted to remain faithful to her sweetheart +Roland, although he had deserted her. Nevertheless, she promised not to +go away, but to continue keeping house for the shepherd. + +And now the time drew near when Roland’s wedding was to be celebrated, +and then, according to an old custom in the country, it was announced +that all the girls were to be present at it, and sing in honour of the +bridal pair. When the faithful maiden heard of this, she grew so sad +that she thought her heart would break, and she would not go thither, +but the other girls came and took her. When it came to her turn to sing, +she stepped back, until at last she was the only one left, and then she +could not refuse. But when she began her song, and it reached Roland’s +ears, he sprang up and cried: ‘I know the voice, that is the true +bride, I will have no other!’ Everything he had forgotten, and which had +vanished from his mind, had suddenly come home again to his heart. Then +the faithful maiden held her wedding with her sweetheart Roland, and +grief came to an end and joy began. + + + + +SNOWDROP + +It was the middle of winter, when the broad flakes of snow were falling +around, that the queen of a country many thousand miles off sat working +at her window. The frame of the window was made of fine black ebony, and +as she sat looking out upon the snow, she pricked her finger, and three +drops of blood fell upon it. Then she gazed thoughtfully upon the red +drops that sprinkled the white snow, and said, ‘Would that my little +daughter may be as white as that snow, as red as that blood, and as +black as this ebony windowframe!’ And so the little girl really did grow +up; her skin was as white as snow, her cheeks as rosy as the blood, and +her hair as black as ebony; and she was called Snowdrop. + +But this queen died; and the king soon married another wife, who became +queen, and was very beautiful, but so vain that she could not bear +to think that anyone could be handsomer than she was. She had a fairy +looking-glass, to which she used to go, and then she would gaze upon +herself in it, and say: + + ‘Tell me, glass, tell me true! + Of all the ladies in the land, + Who is fairest, tell me, who?’ + +And the glass had always answered: + + ‘Thou, queen, art the fairest in all the land.’ + +But Snowdrop grew more and more beautiful; and when she was seven years +old she was as bright as the day, and fairer than the queen herself. +Then the glass one day answered the queen, when she went to look in it +as usual: + + ‘Thou, queen, art fair, and beauteous to see, + But Snowdrop is lovelier far than thee!’ + +When she heard this she turned pale with rage and envy, and called to +one of her servants, and said, ‘Take Snowdrop away into the wide wood, +that I may never see her any more.’ Then the servant led her away; but +his heart melted when Snowdrop begged him to spare her life, and he +said, ‘I will not hurt you, thou pretty child.’ So he left her by +herself; and though he thought it most likely that the wild beasts would +tear her in pieces, he felt as if a great weight were taken off his +heart when he had made up his mind not to kill her but to leave her to +her fate, with the chance of someone finding and saving her. + +Then poor Snowdrop wandered along through the wood in great fear; and +the wild beasts roared about her, but none did her any harm. In the +evening she came to a cottage among the hills, and went in to rest, for +her little feet would carry her no further. Everything was spruce and +neat in the cottage: on the table was spread a white cloth, and there +were seven little plates, seven little loaves, and seven little glasses +with wine in them; and seven knives and forks laid in order; and by +the wall stood seven little beds. As she was very hungry, she picked +a little piece of each loaf and drank a very little wine out of each +glass; and after that she thought she would lie down and rest. So she +tried all the little beds; but one was too long, and another was too +short, till at last the seventh suited her: and there she laid herself +down and went to sleep. + +By and by in came the masters of the cottage. Now they were seven little +dwarfs, that lived among the mountains, and dug and searched for gold. +They lighted up their seven lamps, and saw at once that all was not +right. The first said, ‘Who has been sitting on my stool?’ The second, +‘Who has been eating off my plate?’ The third, ‘Who has been picking my +bread?’ The fourth, ‘Who has been meddling with my spoon?’ The fifth, +‘Who has been handling my fork?’ The sixth, ‘Who has been cutting with +my knife?’ The seventh, ‘Who has been drinking my wine?’ Then the first +looked round and said, ‘Who has been lying on my bed?’ And the rest came +running to him, and everyone cried out that somebody had been upon his +bed. But the seventh saw Snowdrop, and called all his brethren to come +and see her; and they cried out with wonder and astonishment and brought +their lamps to look at her, and said, ‘Good heavens! what a lovely child +she is!’ And they were very glad to see her, and took care not to wake +her; and the seventh dwarf slept an hour with each of the other dwarfs +in turn, till the night was gone. + +In the morning Snowdrop told them all her story; and they pitied her, +and said if she would keep all things in order, and cook and wash and +knit and spin for them, she might stay where she was, and they would +take good care of her. Then they went out all day long to their work, +seeking for gold and silver in the mountains: but Snowdrop was left at +home; and they warned her, and said, ‘The queen will soon find out where +you are, so take care and let no one in.’ + +But the queen, now that she thought Snowdrop was dead, believed that she +must be the handsomest lady in the land; and she went to her glass and +said: + + ‘Tell me, glass, tell me true! + Of all the ladies in the land, + Who is fairest, tell me, who?’ + +And the glass answered: + + ‘Thou, queen, art the fairest in all this land: + But over the hills, in the greenwood shade, + Where the seven dwarfs their dwelling have made, + There Snowdrop is hiding her head; and she + Is lovelier far, O queen! than thee.’ + +Then the queen was very much frightened; for she knew that the glass +always spoke the truth, and was sure that the servant had betrayed her. +And she could not bear to think that anyone lived who was more beautiful +than she was; so she dressed herself up as an old pedlar, and went +her way over the hills, to the place where the dwarfs dwelt. Then she +knocked at the door, and cried, ‘Fine wares to sell!’ Snowdrop looked +out at the window, and said, ‘Good day, good woman! what have you to +sell?’ ‘Good wares, fine wares,’ said she; ‘laces and bobbins of all +colours.’ ‘I will let the old lady in; she seems to be a very good +sort of body,’ thought Snowdrop, as she ran down and unbolted the door. +‘Bless me!’ said the old woman, ‘how badly your stays are laced! Let me +lace them up with one of my nice new laces.’ Snowdrop did not dream of +any mischief; so she stood before the old woman; but she set to work +so nimbly, and pulled the lace so tight, that Snowdrop’s breath was +stopped, and she fell down as if she were dead. ‘There’s an end to all +thy beauty,’ said the spiteful queen, and went away home. + +In the evening the seven dwarfs came home; and I need not say how +grieved they were to see their faithful Snowdrop stretched out upon the +ground, as if she was quite dead. However, they lifted her up, and when +they found what ailed her, they cut the lace; and in a little time she +began to breathe, and very soon came to life again. Then they said, ‘The +old woman was the queen herself; take care another time, and let no one +in when we are away.’ + +When the queen got home, she went straight to her glass, and spoke to it +as before; but to her great grief it still said: + + ‘Thou, queen, art the fairest in all this land: + But over the hills, in the greenwood shade, + Where the seven dwarfs their dwelling have made, + There Snowdrop is hiding her head; and she + Is lovelier far, O queen! than thee.’ + +Then the blood ran cold in her heart with spite and malice, to see that +Snowdrop still lived; and she dressed herself up again, but in quite +another dress from the one she wore before, and took with her a poisoned +comb. When she reached the dwarfs’ cottage, she knocked at the door, and +cried, ‘Fine wares to sell!’ But Snowdrop said, ‘I dare not let anyone +in.’ Then the queen said, ‘Only look at my beautiful combs!’ and gave +her the poisoned one. And it looked so pretty, that she took it up and +put it into her hair to try it; but the moment it touched her head, +the poison was so powerful that she fell down senseless. ‘There you may +lie,’ said the queen, and went her way. But by good luck the dwarfs +came in very early that evening; and when they saw Snowdrop lying on +the ground, they thought what had happened, and soon found the poisoned +comb. And when they took it away she got well, and told them all that +had passed; and they warned her once more not to open the door to +anyone. + +Meantime the queen went home to her glass, and shook with rage when she +read the very same answer as before; and she said, ‘Snowdrop shall die, +if it cost me my life.’ So she went by herself into her chamber, and got +ready a poisoned apple: the outside looked very rosy and tempting, but +whoever tasted it was sure to die. Then she dressed herself up as a +peasant’s wife, and travelled over the hills to the dwarfs’ cottage, +and knocked at the door; but Snowdrop put her head out of the window and +said, ‘I dare not let anyone in, for the dwarfs have told me not.’ ‘Do +as you please,’ said the old woman, ‘but at any rate take this pretty +apple; I will give it you.’ ‘No,’ said Snowdrop, ‘I dare not take it.’ +‘You silly girl!’ answered the other, ‘what are you afraid of? Do you +think it is poisoned? Come! do you eat one part, and I will eat the +other.’ Now the apple was so made up that one side was good, though the +other side was poisoned. Then Snowdrop was much tempted to taste, for +the apple looked so very nice; and when she saw the old woman eat, she +could wait no longer. But she had scarcely put the piece into her mouth, +when she fell down dead upon the ground. ‘This time nothing will save +thee,’ said the queen; and she went home to her glass, and at last it +said: + + ‘Thou, queen, art the fairest of all the fair.’ + +And then her wicked heart was glad, and as happy as such a heart could +be. + +When evening came, and the dwarfs had gone home, they found Snowdrop +lying on the ground: no breath came from her lips, and they were afraid +that she was quite dead. They lifted her up, and combed her hair, and +washed her face with wine and water; but all was in vain, for the little +girl seemed quite dead. So they laid her down upon a bier, and all seven +watched and bewailed her three whole days; and then they thought they +would bury her: but her cheeks were still rosy; and her face looked just +as it did while she was alive; so they said, ‘We will never bury her in +the cold ground.’ And they made a coffin of glass, so that they might +still look at her, and wrote upon it in golden letters what her name +was, and that she was a king’s daughter. And the coffin was set among +the hills, and one of the dwarfs always sat by it and watched. And the +birds of the air came too, and bemoaned Snowdrop; and first of all came +an owl, and then a raven, and at last a dove, and sat by her side. + +And thus Snowdrop lay for a long, long time, and still only looked as +though she was asleep; for she was even now as white as snow, and as red +as blood, and as black as ebony. At last a prince came and called at the +dwarfs’ house; and he saw Snowdrop, and read what was written in golden +letters. Then he offered the dwarfs money, and prayed and besought them +to let him take her away; but they said, ‘We will not part with her for +all the gold in the world.’ At last, however, they had pity on him, and +gave him the coffin; but the moment he lifted it up to carry it home +with him, the piece of apple fell from between her lips, and Snowdrop +awoke, and said, ‘Where am I?’ And the prince said, ‘Thou art quite safe +with me.’ + +Then he told her all that had happened, and said, ‘I love you far better +than all the world; so come with me to my father’s palace, and you shall +be my wife.’ And Snowdrop consented, and went home with the prince; +and everything was got ready with great pomp and splendour for their +wedding. + +To the feast was asked, among the rest, Snowdrop’s old enemy the queen; +and as she was dressing herself in fine rich clothes, she looked in the +glass and said: + + ‘Tell me, glass, tell me true! + Of all the ladies in the land, + Who is fairest, tell me, who?’ + +And the glass answered: + + ‘Thou, lady, art loveliest here, I ween; + But lovelier far is the new-made queen.’ + +When she heard this she started with rage; but her envy and curiosity +were so great, that she could not help setting out to see the bride. And +when she got there, and saw that it was no other than Snowdrop, who, as +she thought, had been dead a long while, she choked with rage, and fell +down and died: but Snowdrop and the prince lived and reigned happily +over that land many, many years; and sometimes they went up into the +mountains, and paid a visit to the little dwarfs, who had been so kind +to Snowdrop in her time of need. + + + + +THE PINK + +There was once upon a time a queen to whom God had given no children. +Every morning she went into the garden and prayed to God in heaven to +bestow on her a son or a daughter. Then an angel from heaven came to her +and said: ‘Be at rest, you shall have a son with the power of wishing, +so that whatsoever in the world he wishes for, that shall he have.’ Then +she went to the king, and told him the joyful tidings, and when the time +was come she gave birth to a son, and the king was filled with gladness. + +Every morning she went with the child to the garden where the wild +beasts were kept, and washed herself there in a clear stream. It +happened once when the child was a little older, that it was lying in +her arms and she fell asleep. Then came the old cook, who knew that the +child had the power of wishing, and stole it away, and he took a hen, +and cut it in pieces, and dropped some of its blood on the queen’s apron +and on her dress. Then he carried the child away to a secret place, +where a nurse was obliged to suckle it, and he ran to the king and +accused the queen of having allowed her child to be taken from her by +the wild beasts. When the king saw the blood on her apron, he believed +this, fell into such a passion that he ordered a high tower to be built, +in which neither sun nor moon could be seen and had his wife put into +it, and walled up. Here she was to stay for seven years without meat +or drink, and die of hunger. But God sent two angels from heaven in the +shape of white doves, which flew to her twice a day, and carried her +food until the seven years were over. + +The cook, however, thought to himself: ‘If the child has the power of +wishing, and I am here, he might very easily get me into trouble.’ So +he left the palace and went to the boy, who was already big enough to +speak, and said to him: ‘Wish for a beautiful palace for yourself with +a garden, and all else that pertains to it.’ Scarcely were the words out +of the boy’s mouth, when everything was there that he had wished for. +After a while the cook said to him: ‘It is not well for you to be so +alone, wish for a pretty girl as a companion.’ Then the king’s son +wished for one, and she immediately stood before him, and was more +beautiful than any painter could have painted her. The two played +together, and loved each other with all their hearts, and the old cook +went out hunting like a nobleman. The thought occurred to him, however, +that the king’s son might some day wish to be with his father, and thus +bring him into great peril. So he went out and took the maiden aside, +and said: ‘Tonight when the boy is asleep, go to his bed and plunge this +knife into his heart, and bring me his heart and tongue, and if you do +not do it, you shall lose your life.’ Thereupon he went away, and when +he returned next day she had not done it, and said: ‘Why should I shed +the blood of an innocent boy who has never harmed anyone?’ The cook once +more said: ‘If you do not do it, it shall cost you your own life.’ When +he had gone away, she had a little hind brought to her, and ordered her +to be killed, and took her heart and tongue, and laid them on a plate, +and when she saw the old man coming, she said to the boy: ‘Lie down in +your bed, and draw the clothes over you.’ Then the wicked wretch came in +and said: ‘Where are the boy’s heart and tongue?’ The girl reached the +plate to him, but the king’s son threw off the quilt, and said: ‘You old +sinner, why did you want to kill me? Now will I pronounce thy sentence. +You shall become a black poodle and have a gold collar round your neck, +and shall eat burning coals, till the flames burst forth from your +throat.’ And when he had spoken these words, the old man was changed +into a poodle dog, and had a gold collar round his neck, and the cooks +were ordered to bring up some live coals, and these he ate, until the +flames broke forth from his throat. The king’s son remained there a +short while longer, and he thought of his mother, and wondered if she +were still alive. At length he said to the maiden: ‘I will go home to my +own country; if you will go with me, I will provide for you.’ ‘Ah,’ +she replied, ‘the way is so long, and what shall I do in a strange land +where I am unknown?’ As she did not seem quite willing, and as they +could not be parted from each other, he wished that she might be changed +into a beautiful pink, and took her with him. Then he went away to his +own country, and the poodle had to run after him. He went to the tower +in which his mother was confined, and as it was so high, he wished for +a ladder which would reach up to the very top. Then he mounted up and +looked inside, and cried: ‘Beloved mother, Lady Queen, are you still +alive, or are you dead?’ She answered: ‘I have just eaten, and am still +satisfied,’ for she thought the angels were there. Said he: ‘I am your +dear son, whom the wild beasts were said to have torn from your arms; +but I am alive still, and will soon set you free.’ Then he descended +again, and went to his father, and caused himself to be announced as a +strange huntsman, and asked if he could offer him service. The king said +yes, if he was skilful and could get game for him, he should come to +him, but that deer had never taken up their quarters in any part of the +district or country. Then the huntsman promised to procure as much game +for him as he could possibly use at the royal table. So he summoned all +the huntsmen together, and bade them go out into the forest with him. +And he went with them and made them form a great circle, open at one end +where he stationed himself, and began to wish. Two hundred deer and more +came running inside the circle at once, and the huntsmen shot them. +Then they were all placed on sixty country carts, and driven home to the +king, and for once he was able to deck his table with game, after having +had none at all for years. + +Now the king felt great joy at this, and commanded that his entire +household should eat with him next day, and made a great feast. When +they were all assembled together, he said to the huntsman: ‘As you are +so clever, you shall sit by me.’ He replied: ‘Lord King, your majesty +must excuse me, I am a poor huntsman.’ But the king insisted on it, +and said: ‘You shall sit by me,’ until he did it. Whilst he was sitting +there, he thought of his dearest mother, and wished that one of the +king’s principal servants would begin to speak of her, and would ask how +it was faring with the queen in the tower, and if she were alive still, +or had perished. Hardly had he formed the wish than the marshal began, +and said: ‘Your majesty, we live joyously here, but how is the queen +living in the tower? Is she still alive, or has she died?’ But the king +replied: ‘She let my dear son be torn to pieces by wild beasts; I will +not have her named.’ Then the huntsman arose and said: ‘Gracious lord +father she is alive still, and I am her son, and I was not carried away +by wild beasts, but by that wretch the old cook, who tore me from her +arms when she was asleep, and sprinkled her apron with the blood of a +chicken.’ Thereupon he took the dog with the golden collar, and said: +‘That is the wretch!’ and caused live coals to be brought, and these the +dog was compelled to devour before the sight of all, until flames burst +forth from its throat. On this the huntsman asked the king if he would +like to see the dog in his true shape, and wished him back into the form +of the cook, in which he stood immediately, with his white apron, +and his knife by his side. When the king saw him he fell into a passion, +and ordered him to be cast into the deepest dungeon. Then the huntsman +spoke further and said: ‘Father, will you see the maiden who brought me +up so tenderly and who was afterwards to murder me, but did not do it, +though her own life depended on it?’ The king replied: ‘Yes, I would +like to see her.’ The son said: ‘Most gracious father, I will show her +to you in the form of a beautiful flower,’ and he thrust his hand into +his pocket and brought forth the pink, and placed it on the royal table, +and it was so beautiful that the king had never seen one to equal it. +Then the son said: ‘Now will I show her to you in her own form,’ and +wished that she might become a maiden, and she stood there looking so +beautiful that no painter could have made her look more so. + +And the king sent two waiting-maids and two attendants into the tower, +to fetch the queen and bring her to the royal table. But when she was +led in she ate nothing, and said: ‘The gracious and merciful God who has +supported me in the tower, will soon set me free.’ She lived three days +more, and then died happily, and when she was buried, the two white +doves which had brought her food to the tower, and were angels of +heaven, followed her body and seated themselves on her grave. The aged +king ordered the cook to be torn in four pieces, but grief consumed the +king’s own heart, and he soon died. His son married the beautiful maiden +whom he had brought with him as a flower in his pocket, and whether they +are still alive or not, is known to God. + + + + +CLEVER ELSIE + +There was once a man who had a daughter who was called Clever Elsie. And +when she had grown up her father said: ‘We will get her married.’ ‘Yes,’ +said the mother, ‘if only someone would come who would have her.’ At +length a man came from a distance and wooed her, who was called Hans; +but he stipulated that Clever Elsie should be really smart. ‘Oh,’ said +the father, ‘she has plenty of good sense’; and the mother said: ‘Oh, +she can see the wind coming up the street, and hear the flies coughing.’ +‘Well,’ said Hans, ‘if she is not really smart, I won’t have her.’ When +they were sitting at dinner and had eaten, the mother said: ‘Elsie, go +into the cellar and fetch some beer.’ Then Clever Elsie took the pitcher +from the wall, went into the cellar, and tapped the lid briskly as she +went, so that the time might not appear long. When she was below she +fetched herself a chair, and set it before the barrel so that she had +no need to stoop, and did not hurt her back or do herself any unexpected +injury. Then she placed the can before her, and turned the tap, and +while the beer was running she would not let her eyes be idle, but +looked up at the wall, and after much peering here and there, saw a +pick-axe exactly above her, which the masons had accidentally left +there. + +Then Clever Elsie began to weep and said: ‘If I get Hans, and we have +a child, and he grows big, and we send him into the cellar here to draw +beer, then the pick-axe will fall on his head and kill him.’ Then she +sat and wept and screamed with all the strength of her body, over the +misfortune which lay before her. Those upstairs waited for the drink, +but Clever Elsie still did not come. Then the woman said to the servant: +‘Just go down into the cellar and see where Elsie is.’ The maid went and +found her sitting in front of the barrel, screaming loudly. ‘Elsie why +do you weep?’ asked the maid. ‘Ah,’ she answered, ‘have I not reason to +weep? If I get Hans, and we have a child, and he grows big, and has to +draw beer here, the pick-axe will perhaps fall on his head, and kill +him.’ Then said the maid: ‘What a clever Elsie we have!’ and sat down +beside her and began loudly to weep over the misfortune. After a while, +as the maid did not come back, and those upstairs were thirsty for the +beer, the man said to the boy: ‘Just go down into the cellar and see +where Elsie and the girl are.’ The boy went down, and there sat Clever +Elsie and the girl both weeping together. Then he asked: ‘Why are you +weeping?’ ‘Ah,’ said Elsie, ‘have I not reason to weep? If I get Hans, +and we have a child, and he grows big, and has to draw beer here, the +pick-axe will fall on his head and kill him.’ Then said the boy: ‘What +a clever Elsie we have!’ and sat down by her, and likewise began to +howl loudly. Upstairs they waited for the boy, but as he still did not +return, the man said to the woman: ‘Just go down into the cellar and see +where Elsie is!’ The woman went down, and found all three in the midst +of their lamentations, and inquired what was the cause; then Elsie told +her also that her future child was to be killed by the pick-axe, when it +grew big and had to draw beer, and the pick-axe fell down. Then said the +mother likewise: ‘What a clever Elsie we have!’ and sat down and wept +with them. The man upstairs waited a short time, but as his wife did not +come back and his thirst grew ever greater, he said: ‘I must go into the +cellar myself and see where Elsie is.’ But when he got into the cellar, +and they were all sitting together crying, and he heard the reason, and +that Elsie’s child was the cause, and the Elsie might perhaps bring one +into the world some day, and that he might be killed by the pick-axe, if +he should happen to be sitting beneath it, drawing beer just at the very +time when it fell down, he cried: ‘Oh, what a clever Elsie!’ and sat +down, and likewise wept with them. The bridegroom stayed upstairs alone +for a long time; then as no one would come back he thought: ‘They must be +waiting for me below: I too must go there and see what they are about.’ +When he got down, the five of them were sitting screaming and lamenting +quite piteously, each out-doing the other. ‘What misfortune has happened +then?’ asked he. ‘Ah, dear Hans,’ said Elsie, ‘if we marry each other +and have a child, and he is big, and we perhaps send him here to draw +something to drink, then the pick-axe which has been left up there might +dash his brains out if it were to fall down, so have we not reason to +weep?’ ‘Come,’ said Hans, ‘more understanding than that is not needed +for my household, as you are such a clever Elsie, I will have you,’ and +seized her hand, took her upstairs with him, and married her. + +After Hans had had her some time, he said: ‘Wife, I am going out to work +and earn some money for us; go into the field and cut the corn that we +may have some bread.’ ‘Yes, dear Hans, I will do that.’ After Hans had +gone away, she cooked herself some good broth and took it into the field +with her. When she came to the field she said to herself: ‘What shall I +do; shall I cut first, or shall I eat first? Oh, I will eat first.’ Then +she drank her cup of broth and when she was fully satisfied, she once +more said: ‘What shall I do? Shall I cut first, or shall I sleep first? +I will sleep first.’ Then she lay down among the corn and fell asleep. +Hans had been at home for a long time, but Elsie did not come; then said +he: ‘What a clever Elsie I have; she is so industrious that she does not +even come home to eat.’ But when evening came and she still stayed away, +Hans went out to see what she had cut, but nothing was cut, and she +was lying among the corn asleep. Then Hans hastened home and brought +a fowler’s net with little bells and hung it round about her, and she +still went on sleeping. Then he ran home, shut the house-door, and sat +down in his chair and worked. At length, when it was quite dark, Clever +Elsie awoke and when she got up there was a jingling all round about +her, and the bells rang at each step which she took. Then she was +alarmed, and became uncertain whether she really was Clever Elsie or +not, and said: ‘Is it I, or is it not I?’ But she knew not what answer +to make to this, and stood for a time in doubt; at length she thought: +‘I will go home and ask if it be I, or if it be not I, they will be sure +to know.’ She ran to the door of her own house, but it was shut; then +she knocked at the window and cried: ‘Hans, is Elsie within?’ ‘Yes,’ +answered Hans, ‘she is within.’ Hereupon she was terrified, and said: +‘Ah, heavens! Then it is not I,’ and went to another door; but when the +people heard the jingling of the bells they would not open it, and she +could get in nowhere. Then she ran out of the village, and no one has +seen her since. + + + + +THE MISER IN THE BUSH + +A farmer had a faithful and diligent servant, who had worked hard for +him three years, without having been paid any wages. At last it came +into the man’s head that he would not go on thus without pay any longer; +so he went to his master, and said, ‘I have worked hard for you a long +time, I will trust to you to give me what I deserve to have for my +trouble.’ The farmer was a sad miser, and knew that his man was very +simple-hearted; so he took out threepence, and gave him for every year’s +service a penny. The poor fellow thought it was a great deal of money to +have, and said to himself, ‘Why should I work hard, and live here on bad +fare any longer? I can now travel into the wide world, and make myself +merry.’ With that he put his money into his purse, and set out, roaming +over hill and valley. + +As he jogged along over the fields, singing and dancing, a little dwarf +met him, and asked him what made him so merry. ‘Why, what should make +me down-hearted?’ said he; ‘I am sound in health and rich in purse, what +should I care for? I have saved up my three years’ earnings and have it +all safe in my pocket.’ ‘How much may it come to?’ said the little man. +‘Full threepence,’ replied the countryman. ‘I wish you would give them +to me,’ said the other; ‘I am very poor.’ Then the man pitied him, and +gave him all he had; and the little dwarf said in return, ‘As you have +such a kind honest heart, I will grant you three wishes--one for every +penny; so choose whatever you like.’ Then the countryman rejoiced at +his good luck, and said, ‘I like many things better than money: first, I +will have a bow that will bring down everything I shoot at; secondly, +a fiddle that will set everyone dancing that hears me play upon it; and +thirdly, I should like that everyone should grant what I ask.’ The dwarf +said he should have his three wishes; so he gave him the bow and fiddle, +and went his way. + +Our honest friend journeyed on his way too; and if he was merry before, +he was now ten times more so. He had not gone far before he met an old +miser: close by them stood a tree, and on the topmost twig sat a thrush +singing away most joyfully. ‘Oh, what a pretty bird!’ said the miser; ‘I +would give a great deal of money to have such a one.’ ‘If that’s all,’ +said the countryman, ‘I will soon bring it down.’ Then he took up his +bow, and down fell the thrush into the bushes at the foot of the tree. +The miser crept into the bush to find it; but directly he had got into +the middle, his companion took up his fiddle and played away, and the +miser began to dance and spring about, capering higher and higher in +the air. The thorns soon began to tear his clothes till they all hung +in rags about him, and he himself was all scratched and wounded, so that +the blood ran down. ‘Oh, for heaven’s sake!’ cried the miser, ‘Master! +master! pray let the fiddle alone. What have I done to deserve this?’ +‘Thou hast shaved many a poor soul close enough,’ said the other; ‘thou +art only meeting thy reward’: so he played up another tune. Then the +miser began to beg and promise, and offered money for his liberty; but +he did not come up to the musician’s price for some time, and he danced +him along brisker and brisker, and the miser bid higher and higher, till +at last he offered a round hundred of florins that he had in his purse, +and had just gained by cheating some poor fellow. When the countryman +saw so much money, he said, ‘I will agree to your proposal.’ So he took +the purse, put up his fiddle, and travelled on very pleased with his +bargain. + +Meanwhile the miser crept out of the bush half-naked and in a piteous +plight, and began to ponder how he should take his revenge, and serve +his late companion some trick. At last he went to the judge, and +complained that a rascal had robbed him of his money, and beaten him +into the bargain; and that the fellow who did it carried a bow at his +back and a fiddle hung round his neck. Then the judge sent out his +officers to bring up the accused wherever they should find him; and he +was soon caught and brought up to be tried. + +The miser began to tell his tale, and said he had been robbed of +his money. ‘No, you gave it me for playing a tune to you.’ said the +countryman; but the judge told him that was not likely, and cut the +matter short by ordering him off to the gallows. + +So away he was taken; but as he stood on the steps he said, ‘My Lord +Judge, grant me one last request.’ ‘Anything but thy life,’ replied the +other. ‘No,’ said he, ‘I do not ask my life; only to let me play upon +my fiddle for the last time.’ The miser cried out, ‘Oh, no! no! for +heaven’s sake don’t listen to him! don’t listen to him!’ But the judge +said, ‘It is only this once, he will soon have done.’ The fact was, he +could not refuse the request, on account of the dwarf’s third gift. + +Then the miser said, ‘Bind me fast, bind me fast, for pity’s sake.’ But +the countryman seized his fiddle, and struck up a tune, and at the first +note judge, clerks, and jailer were in motion; all began capering, and +no one could hold the miser. At the second note the hangman let his +prisoner go, and danced also, and by the time he had played the first +bar of the tune, all were dancing together--judge, court, and miser, and +all the people who had followed to look on. At first the thing was merry +and pleasant enough; but when it had gone on a while, and there seemed +to be no end of playing or dancing, they began to cry out, and beg him +to leave off; but he stopped not a whit the more for their entreaties, +till the judge not only gave him his life, but promised to return him +the hundred florins. + +Then he called to the miser, and said, ‘Tell us now, you vagabond, where +you got that gold, or I shall play on for your amusement only,’ ‘I stole +it,’ said the miser in the presence of all the people; ‘I acknowledge +that I stole it, and that you earned it fairly.’ Then the countryman +stopped his fiddle, and left the miser to take his place at the gallows. + + + + +ASHPUTTEL + +The wife of a rich man fell sick; and when she felt that her end drew +nigh, she called her only daughter to her bed-side, and said, ‘Always be +a good girl, and I will look down from heaven and watch over you.’ Soon +afterwards she shut her eyes and died, and was buried in the garden; +and the little girl went every day to her grave and wept, and was always +good and kind to all about her. And the snow fell and spread a beautiful +white covering over the grave; but by the time the spring came, and the +sun had melted it away again, her father had married another wife. This +new wife had two daughters of her own, that she brought home with her; +they were fair in face but foul at heart, and it was now a sorry time +for the poor little girl. ‘What does the good-for-nothing want in the +parlour?’ said they; ‘they who would eat bread should first earn it; +away with the kitchen-maid!’ Then they took away her fine clothes, and +gave her an old grey frock to put on, and laughed at her, and turned her +into the kitchen. + +There she was forced to do hard work; to rise early before daylight, to +bring the water, to make the fire, to cook and to wash. Besides that, +the sisters plagued her in all sorts of ways, and laughed at her. In the +evening when she was tired, she had no bed to lie down on, but was made +to lie by the hearth among the ashes; and as this, of course, made her +always dusty and dirty, they called her Ashputtel. + +It happened once that the father was going to the fair, and asked his +wife’s daughters what he should bring them. ‘Fine clothes,’ said the +first; ‘Pearls and diamonds,’ cried the second. ‘Now, child,’ said he +to his own daughter, ‘what will you have?’ ‘The first twig, dear +father, that brushes against your hat when you turn your face to come +homewards,’ said she. Then he bought for the first two the fine clothes +and pearls and diamonds they had asked for: and on his way home, as he +rode through a green copse, a hazel twig brushed against him, and almost +pushed off his hat: so he broke it off and brought it away; and when he +got home he gave it to his daughter. Then she took it, and went to +her mother’s grave and planted it there; and cried so much that it was +watered with her tears; and there it grew and became a fine tree. Three +times every day she went to it and cried; and soon a little bird came +and built its nest upon the tree, and talked with her, and watched over +her, and brought her whatever she wished for. + +Now it happened that the king of that land held a feast, which was to +last three days; and out of those who came to it his son was to choose +a bride for himself. Ashputtel’s two sisters were asked to come; so they +called her up, and said, ‘Now, comb our hair, brush our shoes, and tie +our sashes for us, for we are going to dance at the king’s feast.’ +Then she did as she was told; but when all was done she could not help +crying, for she thought to herself, she should so have liked to have +gone with them to the ball; and at last she begged her mother very hard +to let her go. ‘You, Ashputtel!’ said she; ‘you who have nothing to +wear, no clothes at all, and who cannot even dance--you want to go to +the ball? And when she kept on begging, she said at last, to get rid of +her, ‘I will throw this dishful of peas into the ash-heap, and if in +two hours’ time you have picked them all out, you shall go to the feast +too.’ + +Then she threw the peas down among the ashes, but the little maiden ran +out at the back door into the garden, and cried out: + + ‘Hither, hither, through the sky, + Turtle-doves and linnets, fly! + Blackbird, thrush, and chaffinch gay, + Hither, hither, haste away! + One and all come help me, quick! + Haste ye, haste ye!--pick, pick, pick!’ + +Then first came two white doves, flying in at the kitchen window; next +came two turtle-doves; and after them came all the little birds under +heaven, chirping and fluttering in: and they flew down into the ashes. +And the little doves stooped their heads down and set to work, pick, +pick, pick; and then the others began to pick, pick, pick: and among +them all they soon picked out all the good grain, and put it into a dish +but left the ashes. Long before the end of the hour the work was quite +done, and all flew out again at the windows. + +Then Ashputtel brought the dish to her mother, overjoyed at the thought +that now she should go to the ball. But the mother said, ‘No, no! you +slut, you have no clothes, and cannot dance; you shall not go.’ And when +Ashputtel begged very hard to go, she said, ‘If you can in one hour’s +time pick two of those dishes of peas out of the ashes, you shall go +too.’ And thus she thought she should at least get rid of her. So she +shook two dishes of peas into the ashes. + +But the little maiden went out into the garden at the back of the house, +and cried out as before: + + ‘Hither, hither, through the sky, + Turtle-doves and linnets, fly! + Blackbird, thrush, and chaffinch gay, + Hither, hither, haste away! + One and all come help me, quick! + Haste ye, haste ye!--pick, pick, pick!’ + +Then first came two white doves in at the kitchen window; next came two +turtle-doves; and after them came all the little birds under heaven, +chirping and hopping about. And they flew down into the ashes; and the +little doves put their heads down and set to work, pick, pick, pick; and +then the others began pick, pick, pick; and they put all the good grain +into the dishes, and left all the ashes. Before half an hour’s time all +was done, and out they flew again. And then Ashputtel took the dishes to +her mother, rejoicing to think that she should now go to the ball. +But her mother said, ‘It is all of no use, you cannot go; you have no +clothes, and cannot dance, and you would only put us to shame’: and off +she went with her two daughters to the ball. + +Now when all were gone, and nobody left at home, Ashputtel went +sorrowfully and sat down under the hazel-tree, and cried out: + + ‘Shake, shake, hazel-tree, + Gold and silver over me!’ + +Then her friend the bird flew out of the tree, and brought a gold and +silver dress for her, and slippers of spangled silk; and she put them +on, and followed her sisters to the feast. But they did not know her, +and thought it must be some strange princess, she looked so fine and +beautiful in her rich clothes; and they never once thought of Ashputtel, +taking it for granted that she was safe at home in the dirt. + +The king’s son soon came up to her, and took her by the hand and danced +with her, and no one else: and he never left her hand; but when anyone +else came to ask her to dance, he said, ‘This lady is dancing with me.’ + +Thus they danced till a late hour of the night; and then she wanted to +go home: and the king’s son said, ‘I shall go and take care of you to +your home’; for he wanted to see where the beautiful maiden lived. But +she slipped away from him, unawares, and ran off towards home; and as +the prince followed her, she jumped up into the pigeon-house and shut +the door. Then he waited till her father came home, and told him that +the unknown maiden, who had been at the feast, had hid herself in the +pigeon-house. But when they had broken open the door they found no one +within; and as they came back into the house, Ashputtel was lying, as +she always did, in her dirty frock by the ashes, and her dim little +lamp was burning in the chimney. For she had run as quickly as she could +through the pigeon-house and on to the hazel-tree, and had there taken +off her beautiful clothes, and put them beneath the tree, that the bird +might carry them away, and had lain down again amid the ashes in her +little grey frock. + +The next day when the feast was again held, and her father, mother, and +sisters were gone, Ashputtel went to the hazel-tree, and said: + + ‘Shake, shake, hazel-tree, + Gold and silver over me!’ + +And the bird came and brought a still finer dress than the one she +had worn the day before. And when she came in it to the ball, everyone +wondered at her beauty: but the king’s son, who was waiting for her, +took her by the hand, and danced with her; and when anyone asked her to +dance, he said as before, ‘This lady is dancing with me.’ + +When night came she wanted to go home; and the king’s son followed here +as before, that he might see into what house she went: but she sprang +away from him all at once into the garden behind her father’s house. +In this garden stood a fine large pear-tree full of ripe fruit; and +Ashputtel, not knowing where to hide herself, jumped up into it without +being seen. Then the king’s son lost sight of her, and could not find +out where she was gone, but waited till her father came home, and said +to him, ‘The unknown lady who danced with me has slipped away, and I +think she must have sprung into the pear-tree.’ The father thought to +himself, ‘Can it be Ashputtel?’ So he had an axe brought; and they cut +down the tree, but found no one upon it. And when they came back into +the kitchen, there lay Ashputtel among the ashes; for she had slipped +down on the other side of the tree, and carried her beautiful clothes +back to the bird at the hazel-tree, and then put on her little grey +frock. + +The third day, when her father and mother and sisters were gone, she +went again into the garden, and said: + + ‘Shake, shake, hazel-tree, + Gold and silver over me!’ + +Then her kind friend the bird brought a dress still finer than the +former one, and slippers which were all of gold: so that when she came +to the feast no one knew what to say, for wonder at her beauty: and the +king’s son danced with nobody but her; and when anyone else asked her to +dance, he said, ‘This lady is my partner, sir.’ + +When night came she wanted to go home; and the king’s son would go with +her, and said to himself, ‘I will not lose her this time’; but, however, +she again slipped away from him, though in such a hurry that she dropped +her left golden slipper upon the stairs. + +The prince took the shoe, and went the next day to the king his father, +and said, ‘I will take for my wife the lady that this golden slipper +fits.’ Then both the sisters were overjoyed to hear it; for they +had beautiful feet, and had no doubt that they could wear the golden +slipper. The eldest went first into the room where the slipper was, and +wanted to try it on, and the mother stood by. But her great toe could +not go into it, and the shoe was altogether much too small for her. Then +the mother gave her a knife, and said, ‘Never mind, cut it off; when you +are queen you will not care about toes; you will not want to walk.’ So +the silly girl cut off her great toe, and thus squeezed on the shoe, +and went to the king’s son. Then he took her for his bride, and set her +beside him on his horse, and rode away with her homewards. + +But on their way home they had to pass by the hazel-tree that Ashputtel +had planted; and on the branch sat a little dove singing: + + ‘Back again! back again! look to the shoe! + The shoe is too small, and not made for you! + Prince! prince! look again for thy bride, + For she’s not the true one that sits by thy side.’ + +Then the prince got down and looked at her foot; and he saw, by the +blood that streamed from it, what a trick she had played him. So he +turned his horse round, and brought the false bride back to her home, +and said, ‘This is not the right bride; let the other sister try and put +on the slipper.’ Then she went into the room and got her foot into the +shoe, all but the heel, which was too large. But her mother squeezed it +in till the blood came, and took her to the king’s son: and he set her +as his bride by his side on his horse, and rode away with her. + +But when they came to the hazel-tree the little dove sat there still, +and sang: + + ‘Back again! back again! look to the shoe! + The shoe is too small, and not made for you! + Prince! prince! look again for thy bride, + For she’s not the true one that sits by thy side.’ + +Then he looked down, and saw that the blood streamed so much from the +shoe, that her white stockings were quite red. So he turned his horse +and brought her also back again. ‘This is not the true bride,’ said he +to the father; ‘have you no other daughters?’ ‘No,’ said he; ‘there is +only a little dirty Ashputtel here, the child of my first wife; I am +sure she cannot be the bride.’ The prince told him to send her. But the +mother said, ‘No, no, she is much too dirty; she will not dare to show +herself.’ However, the prince would have her come; and she first washed +her face and hands, and then went in and curtsied to him, and he reached +her the golden slipper. Then she took her clumsy shoe off her left foot, +and put on the golden slipper; and it fitted her as if it had been made +for her. And when he drew near and looked at her face he knew her, and +said, ‘This is the right bride.’ But the mother and both the sisters +were frightened, and turned pale with anger as he took Ashputtel on his +horse, and rode away with her. And when they came to the hazel-tree, the +white dove sang: + + ‘Home! home! look at the shoe! + Princess! the shoe was made for you! + Prince! prince! take home thy bride, + For she is the true one that sits by thy side!’ + +And when the dove had done its song, it came flying, and perched upon +her right shoulder, and so went home with her. + + + + +THE WHITE SNAKE + +A long time ago there lived a king who was famed for his wisdom through +all the land. Nothing was hidden from him, and it seemed as if news of +the most secret things was brought to him through the air. But he had a +strange custom; every day after dinner, when the table was cleared, +and no one else was present, a trusty servant had to bring him one more +dish. It was covered, however, and even the servant did not know what +was in it, neither did anyone know, for the king never took off the +cover to eat of it until he was quite alone. + +This had gone on for a long time, when one day the servant, who took +away the dish, was overcome with such curiosity that he could not help +carrying the dish into his room. When he had carefully locked the door, +he lifted up the cover, and saw a white snake lying on the dish. But +when he saw it he could not deny himself the pleasure of tasting it, +so he cut of a little bit and put it into his mouth. No sooner had it +touched his tongue than he heard a strange whispering of little voices +outside his window. He went and listened, and then noticed that it was +the sparrows who were chattering together, and telling one another of +all kinds of things which they had seen in the fields and woods. Eating +the snake had given him power of understanding the language of animals. + +Now it so happened that on this very day the queen lost her most +beautiful ring, and suspicion of having stolen it fell upon this trusty +servant, who was allowed to go everywhere. The king ordered the man to +be brought before him, and threatened with angry words that unless he +could before the morrow point out the thief, he himself should be looked +upon as guilty and executed. In vain he declared his innocence; he was +dismissed with no better answer. + +In his trouble and fear he went down into the courtyard and took thought +how to help himself out of his trouble. Now some ducks were sitting +together quietly by a brook and taking their rest; and, whilst they +were making their feathers smooth with their bills, they were having a +confidential conversation together. The servant stood by and listened. +They were telling one another of all the places where they had been +waddling about all the morning, and what good food they had found; and +one said in a pitiful tone: ‘Something lies heavy on my stomach; as +I was eating in haste I swallowed a ring which lay under the queen’s +window.’ The servant at once seized her by the neck, carried her to the +kitchen, and said to the cook: ‘Here is a fine duck; pray, kill her.’ +‘Yes,’ said the cook, and weighed her in his hand; ‘she has spared +no trouble to fatten herself, and has been waiting to be roasted long +enough.’ So he cut off her head, and as she was being dressed for the +spit, the queen’s ring was found inside her. + +The servant could now easily prove his innocence; and the king, to make +amends for the wrong, allowed him to ask a favour, and promised him +the best place in the court that he could wish for. The servant refused +everything, and only asked for a horse and some money for travelling, as +he had a mind to see the world and go about a little. When his request +was granted he set out on his way, and one day came to a pond, where he +saw three fishes caught in the reeds and gasping for water. Now, though +it is said that fishes are dumb, he heard them lamenting that they must +perish so miserably, and, as he had a kind heart, he got off his +horse and put the three prisoners back into the water. They leapt with +delight, put out their heads, and cried to him: ‘We will remember you +and repay you for saving us!’ + +He rode on, and after a while it seemed to him that he heard a voice in +the sand at his feet. He listened, and heard an ant-king complain: ‘Why +cannot folks, with their clumsy beasts, keep off our bodies? That stupid +horse, with his heavy hoofs, has been treading down my people without +mercy!’ So he turned on to a side path and the ant-king cried out to +him: ‘We will remember you--one good turn deserves another!’ + +The path led him into a wood, and there he saw two old ravens standing +by their nest, and throwing out their young ones. ‘Out with you, you +idle, good-for-nothing creatures!’ cried they; ‘we cannot find food for +you any longer; you are big enough, and can provide for yourselves.’ +But the poor young ravens lay upon the ground, flapping their wings, and +crying: ‘Oh, what helpless chicks we are! We must shift for ourselves, +and yet we cannot fly! What can we do, but lie here and starve?’ So the +good young fellow alighted and killed his horse with his sword, and gave +it to them for food. Then they came hopping up to it, satisfied their +hunger, and cried: ‘We will remember you--one good turn deserves +another!’ + +And now he had to use his own legs, and when he had walked a long +way, he came to a large city. There was a great noise and crowd in +the streets, and a man rode up on horseback, crying aloud: ‘The king’s +daughter wants a husband; but whoever seeks her hand must perform a hard +task, and if he does not succeed he will forfeit his life.’ Many had +already made the attempt, but in vain; nevertheless when the youth +saw the king’s daughter he was so overcome by her great beauty that he +forgot all danger, went before the king, and declared himself a suitor. + +So he was led out to the sea, and a gold ring was thrown into it, before +his eyes; then the king ordered him to fetch this ring up from the +bottom of the sea, and added: ‘If you come up again without it you will +be thrown in again and again until you perish amid the waves.’ All the +people grieved for the handsome youth; then they went away, leaving him +alone by the sea. + +He stood on the shore and considered what he should do, when suddenly +he saw three fishes come swimming towards him, and they were the very +fishes whose lives he had saved. The one in the middle held a mussel in +its mouth, which it laid on the shore at the youth’s feet, and when he +had taken it up and opened it, there lay the gold ring in the shell. +Full of joy he took it to the king and expected that he would grant him +the promised reward. + +But when the proud princess perceived that he was not her equal in +birth, she scorned him, and required him first to perform another +task. She went down into the garden and strewed with her own hands ten +sacksful of millet-seed on the grass; then she said: ‘Tomorrow morning +before sunrise these must be picked up, and not a single grain be +wanting.’ + +The youth sat down in the garden and considered how it might be possible +to perform this task, but he could think of nothing, and there he sat +sorrowfully awaiting the break of day, when he should be led to death. +But as soon as the first rays of the sun shone into the garden he saw +all the ten sacks standing side by side, quite full, and not a single +grain was missing. The ant-king had come in the night with thousands +and thousands of ants, and the grateful creatures had by great industry +picked up all the millet-seed and gathered them into the sacks. + +Presently the king’s daughter herself came down into the garden, and was +amazed to see that the young man had done the task she had given him. +But she could not yet conquer her proud heart, and said: ‘Although he +has performed both the tasks, he shall not be my husband until he had +brought me an apple from the Tree of Life.’ The youth did not know where +the Tree of Life stood, but he set out, and would have gone on for ever, +as long as his legs would carry him, though he had no hope of finding +it. After he had wandered through three kingdoms, he came one evening to +a wood, and lay down under a tree to sleep. But he heard a rustling in +the branches, and a golden apple fell into his hand. At the same time +three ravens flew down to him, perched themselves upon his knee, and +said: ‘We are the three young ravens whom you saved from starving; when +we had grown big, and heard that you were seeking the Golden Apple, +we flew over the sea to the end of the world, where the Tree of Life +stands, and have brought you the apple.’ The youth, full of joy, set out +homewards, and took the Golden Apple to the king’s beautiful daughter, +who had now no more excuses left to make. They cut the Apple of Life in +two and ate it together; and then her heart became full of love for him, +and they lived in undisturbed happiness to a great age. + + + + +THE WOLF AND THE SEVEN LITTLE KIDS + +There was once upon a time an old goat who had seven little kids, and +loved them with all the love of a mother for her children. One day she +wanted to go into the forest and fetch some food. So she called all +seven to her and said: ‘Dear children, I have to go into the forest, +be on your guard against the wolf; if he comes in, he will devour you +all--skin, hair, and everything. The wretch often disguises himself, but +you will know him at once by his rough voice and his black feet.’ The +kids said: ‘Dear mother, we will take good care of ourselves; you may go +away without any anxiety.’ Then the old one bleated, and went on her way +with an easy mind. + +It was not long before someone knocked at the house-door and called: +‘Open the door, dear children; your mother is here, and has brought +something back with her for each of you.’ But the little kids knew that +it was the wolf, by the rough voice. ‘We will not open the door,’ cried +they, ‘you are not our mother. She has a soft, pleasant voice, but +your voice is rough; you are the wolf!’ Then the wolf went away to a +shopkeeper and bought himself a great lump of chalk, ate this and made +his voice soft with it. Then he came back, knocked at the door of the +house, and called: ‘Open the door, dear children, your mother is here +and has brought something back with her for each of you.’ But the wolf +had laid his black paws against the window, and the children saw them +and cried: ‘We will not open the door, our mother has not black feet +like you: you are the wolf!’ Then the wolf ran to a baker and said: ‘I +have hurt my feet, rub some dough over them for me.’ And when the baker +had rubbed his feet over, he ran to the miller and said: ‘Strew some +white meal over my feet for me.’ The miller thought to himself: ‘The +wolf wants to deceive someone,’ and refused; but the wolf said: ‘If you +will not do it, I will devour you.’ Then the miller was afraid, and made +his paws white for him. Truly, this is the way of mankind. + +So now the wretch went for the third time to the house-door, knocked at +it and said: ‘Open the door for me, children, your dear little mother +has come home, and has brought every one of you something back from the +forest with her.’ The little kids cried: ‘First show us your paws that +we may know if you are our dear little mother.’ Then he put his paws +in through the window and when the kids saw that they were white, they +believed that all he said was true, and opened the door. But who should +come in but the wolf! They were terrified and wanted to hide themselves. +One sprang under the table, the second into the bed, the third into the +stove, the fourth into the kitchen, the fifth into the cupboard, the +sixth under the washing-bowl, and the seventh into the clock-case. But +the wolf found them all, and used no great ceremony; one after the +other he swallowed them down his throat. The youngest, who was in +the clock-case, was the only one he did not find. When the wolf had +satisfied his appetite he took himself off, laid himself down under a +tree in the green meadow outside, and began to sleep. Soon afterwards +the old goat came home again from the forest. Ah! what a sight she saw +there! The house-door stood wide open. The table, chairs, and benches +were thrown down, the washing-bowl lay broken to pieces, and the quilts +and pillows were pulled off the bed. She sought her children, but they +were nowhere to be found. She called them one after another by name, but +no one answered. At last, when she came to the youngest, a soft voice +cried: ‘Dear mother, I am in the clock-case.’ She took the kid out, and +it told her that the wolf had come and had eaten all the others. Then +you may imagine how she wept over her poor children. + +At length in her grief she went out, and the youngest kid ran with her. +When they came to the meadow, there lay the wolf by the tree and snored +so loud that the branches shook. She looked at him on every side and +saw that something was moving and struggling in his gorged belly. ‘Ah, +heavens,’ she said, ‘is it possible that my poor children whom he has +swallowed down for his supper, can be still alive?’ Then the kid had to +run home and fetch scissors, and a needle and thread, and the goat cut +open the monster’s stomach, and hardly had she made one cut, than one +little kid thrust its head out, and when she had cut farther, all six +sprang out one after another, and were all still alive, and had suffered +no injury whatever, for in his greediness the monster had swallowed them +down whole. What rejoicing there was! They embraced their dear mother, +and jumped like a tailor at his wedding. The mother, however, said: ‘Now +go and look for some big stones, and we will fill the wicked beast’s +stomach with them while he is still asleep.’ Then the seven kids dragged +the stones thither with all speed, and put as many of them into this +stomach as they could get in; and the mother sewed him up again in the +greatest haste, so that he was not aware of anything and never once +stirred. + +When the wolf at length had had his fill of sleep, he got on his legs, +and as the stones in his stomach made him very thirsty, he wanted to +go to a well to drink. But when he began to walk and to move about, the +stones in his stomach knocked against each other and rattled. Then cried +he: + + ‘What rumbles and tumbles + Against my poor bones? + I thought ‘twas six kids, + But it feels like big stones.’ + +And when he got to the well and stooped over the water to drink, the +heavy stones made him fall in, and he drowned miserably. When the seven +kids saw that, they came running to the spot and cried aloud: ‘The wolf +is dead! The wolf is dead!’ and danced for joy round about the well with +their mother. + + + + +THE QUEEN BEE + +Two kings’ sons once upon a time went into the world to seek their +fortunes; but they soon fell into a wasteful foolish way of living, so +that they could not return home again. Then their brother, who was a +little insignificant dwarf, went out to seek for his brothers: but when +he had found them they only laughed at him, to think that he, who was so +young and simple, should try to travel through the world, when they, who +were so much wiser, had been unable to get on. However, they all set +out on their journey together, and came at last to an ant-hill. The two +elder brothers would have pulled it down, in order to see how the poor +ants in their fright would run about and carry off their eggs. But the +little dwarf said, ‘Let the poor things enjoy themselves, I will not +suffer you to trouble them.’ + +So on they went, and came to a lake where many many ducks were swimming +about. The two brothers wanted to catch two, and roast them. But the +dwarf said, ‘Let the poor things enjoy themselves, you shall not kill +them.’ Next they came to a bees’-nest in a hollow tree, and there was +so much honey that it ran down the trunk; and the two brothers wanted to +light a fire under the tree and kill the bees, so as to get their honey. +But the dwarf held them back, and said, ‘Let the pretty insects enjoy +themselves, I cannot let you burn them.’ + +At length the three brothers came to a castle: and as they passed by the +stables they saw fine horses standing there, but all were of marble, and +no man was to be seen. Then they went through all the rooms, till they +came to a door on which were three locks: but in the middle of the door +was a wicket, so that they could look into the next room. There they saw +a little grey old man sitting at a table; and they called to him once or +twice, but he did not hear: however, they called a third time, and then +he rose and came out to them. + +He said nothing, but took hold of them and led them to a beautiful +table covered with all sorts of good things: and when they had eaten and +drunk, he showed each of them to a bed-chamber. + +The next morning he came to the eldest and took him to a marble table, +where there were three tablets, containing an account of the means by +which the castle might be disenchanted. The first tablet said: ‘In the +wood, under the moss, lie the thousand pearls belonging to the king’s +daughter; they must all be found: and if one be missing by set of sun, +he who seeks them will be turned into marble.’ + +The eldest brother set out, and sought for the pearls the whole day: +but the evening came, and he had not found the first hundred: so he was +turned into stone as the tablet had foretold. + +The next day the second brother undertook the task; but he succeeded no +better than the first; for he could only find the second hundred of the +pearls; and therefore he too was turned into stone. + +At last came the little dwarf’s turn; and he looked in the moss; but it +was so hard to find the pearls, and the job was so tiresome!--so he sat +down upon a stone and cried. And as he sat there, the king of the ants +(whose life he had saved) came to help him, with five thousand ants; and +it was not long before they had found all the pearls and laid them in a +heap. + +The second tablet said: ‘The key of the princess’s bed-chamber must be +fished up out of the lake.’ And as the dwarf came to the brink of it, +he saw the two ducks whose lives he had saved swimming about; and they +dived down and soon brought in the key from the bottom. + +The third task was the hardest. It was to choose out the youngest and +the best of the king’s three daughters. Now they were all beautiful, and +all exactly alike: but he was told that the eldest had eaten a piece of +sugar, the next some sweet syrup, and the youngest a spoonful of honey; +so he was to guess which it was that had eaten the honey. + +Then came the queen of the bees, who had been saved by the little dwarf +from the fire, and she tried the lips of all three; but at last she sat +upon the lips of the one that had eaten the honey: and so the dwarf knew +which was the youngest. Thus the spell was broken, and all who had been +turned into stones awoke, and took their proper forms. And the dwarf +married the youngest and the best of the princesses, and was king after +her father’s death; but his two brothers married the other two sisters. + + + + +THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER + +There was once a shoemaker, who worked very hard and was very honest: +but still he could not earn enough to live upon; and at last all he +had in the world was gone, save just leather enough to make one pair of +shoes. + +Then he cut his leather out, all ready to make up the next day, meaning +to rise early in the morning to his work. His conscience was clear and +his heart light amidst all his troubles; so he went peaceably to bed, +left all his cares to Heaven, and soon fell asleep. In the morning after +he had said his prayers, he sat himself down to his work; when, to his +great wonder, there stood the shoes all ready made, upon the table. The +good man knew not what to say or think at such an odd thing happening. +He looked at the workmanship; there was not one false stitch in the +whole job; all was so neat and true, that it was quite a masterpiece. + +The same day a customer came in, and the shoes suited him so well that +he willingly paid a price higher than usual for them; and the poor +shoemaker, with the money, bought leather enough to make two pairs more. +In the evening he cut out the work, and went to bed early, that he might +get up and begin betimes next day; but he was saved all the trouble, for +when he got up in the morning the work was done ready to his hand. Soon +in came buyers, who paid him handsomely for his goods, so that he bought +leather enough for four pair more. He cut out the work again overnight +and found it done in the morning, as before; and so it went on for some +time: what was got ready in the evening was always done by daybreak, and +the good man soon became thriving and well off again. + +One evening, about Christmas-time, as he and his wife were sitting over +the fire chatting together, he said to her, ‘I should like to sit up and +watch tonight, that we may see who it is that comes and does my work for +me.’ The wife liked the thought; so they left a light burning, and hid +themselves in a corner of the room, behind a curtain that was hung up +there, and watched what would happen. + +As soon as it was midnight, there came in two little naked dwarfs; and +they sat themselves upon the shoemaker’s bench, took up all the work +that was cut out, and began to ply with their little fingers, stitching +and rapping and tapping away at such a rate, that the shoemaker was all +wonder, and could not take his eyes off them. And on they went, till the +job was quite done, and the shoes stood ready for use upon the table. +This was long before daybreak; and then they bustled away as quick as +lightning. + +The next day the wife said to the shoemaker. ‘These little wights have +made us rich, and we ought to be thankful to them, and do them a good +turn if we can. I am quite sorry to see them run about as they do; and +indeed it is not very decent, for they have nothing upon their backs to +keep off the cold. I’ll tell you what, I will make each of them a shirt, +and a coat and waistcoat, and a pair of pantaloons into the bargain; and +do you make each of them a little pair of shoes.’ + +The thought pleased the good cobbler very much; and one evening, when +all the things were ready, they laid them on the table, instead of the +work that they used to cut out, and then went and hid themselves, to +watch what the little elves would do. + +About midnight in they came, dancing and skipping, hopped round the +room, and then went to sit down to their work as usual; but when they +saw the clothes lying for them, they laughed and chuckled, and seemed +mightily delighted. + +Then they dressed themselves in the twinkling of an eye, and danced and +capered and sprang about, as merry as could be; till at last they danced +out at the door, and away over the green. + +The good couple saw them no more; but everything went well with them +from that time forward, as long as they lived. + + + + +THE JUNIPER-TREE + +Long, long ago, some two thousand years or so, there lived a rich +man with a good and beautiful wife. They loved each other dearly, but +sorrowed much that they had no children. So greatly did they desire +to have one, that the wife prayed for it day and night, but still they +remained childless. + +In front of the house there was a court, in which grew a juniper-tree. +One winter’s day the wife stood under the tree to peel some apples, and +as she was peeling them, she cut her finger, and the blood fell on the +snow. ‘Ah,’ sighed the woman heavily, ‘if I had but a child, as red as +blood and as white as snow,’ and as she spoke the words, her heart grew +light within her, and it seemed to her that her wish was granted, and +she returned to the house feeling glad and comforted. A month passed, +and the snow had all disappeared; then another month went by, and all +the earth was green. So the months followed one another, and first the +trees budded in the woods, and soon the green branches grew thickly +intertwined, and then the blossoms began to fall. Once again the wife +stood under the juniper-tree, and it was so full of sweet scent that her +heart leaped for joy, and she was so overcome with her happiness, that +she fell on her knees. Presently the fruit became round and firm, and +she was glad and at peace; but when they were fully ripe she picked the +berries and ate eagerly of them, and then she grew sad and ill. A little +while later she called her husband, and said to him, weeping. ‘If I +die, bury me under the juniper-tree.’ Then she felt comforted and happy +again, and before another month had passed she had a little child, and +when she saw that it was as white as snow and as red as blood, her joy +was so great that she died. + +Her husband buried her under the juniper-tree, and wept bitterly for +her. By degrees, however, his sorrow grew less, and although at times he +still grieved over his loss, he was able to go about as usual, and later +on he married again. + +He now had a little daughter born to him; the child of his first wife +was a boy, who was as red as blood and as white as snow. The mother +loved her daughter very much, and when she looked at her and then looked +at the boy, it pierced her heart to think that he would always stand in +the way of her own child, and she was continually thinking how she could +get the whole of the property for her. This evil thought took possession +of her more and more, and made her behave very unkindly to the boy. She +drove him from place to place with cuffings and buffetings, so that the +poor child went about in fear, and had no peace from the time he left +school to the time he went back. + +One day the little daughter came running to her mother in the +store-room, and said, ‘Mother, give me an apple.’ ‘Yes, my child,’ said +the wife, and she gave her a beautiful apple out of the chest; the chest +had a very heavy lid and a large iron lock. + +‘Mother,’ said the little daughter again, ‘may not brother have one +too?’ The mother was angry at this, but she answered, ‘Yes, when he +comes out of school.’ + +Just then she looked out of the window and saw him coming, and it seemed +as if an evil spirit entered into her, for she snatched the apple out +of her little daughter’s hand, and said, ‘You shall not have one before +your brother.’ She threw the apple into the chest and shut it to. The +little boy now came in, and the evil spirit in the wife made her say +kindly to him, ‘My son, will you have an apple?’ but she gave him a +wicked look. ‘Mother,’ said the boy, ‘how dreadful you look! Yes, give +me an apple.’ The thought came to her that she would kill him. ‘Come +with me,’ she said, and she lifted up the lid of the chest; ‘take one +out for yourself.’ And as he bent over to do so, the evil spirit urged +her, and crash! down went the lid, and off went the little boy’s head. +Then she was overwhelmed with fear at the thought of what she had done. +‘If only I can prevent anyone knowing that I did it,’ she thought. So +she went upstairs to her room, and took a white handkerchief out of +her top drawer; then she set the boy’s head again on his shoulders, and +bound it with the handkerchief so that nothing could be seen, and placed +him on a chair by the door with an apple in his hand. + +Soon after this, little Marleen came up to her mother who was stirring +a pot of boiling water over the fire, and said, ‘Mother, brother is +sitting by the door with an apple in his hand, and he looks so pale; +and when I asked him to give me the apple, he did not answer, and that +frightened me.’ + +‘Go to him again,’ said her mother, ‘and if he does not answer, give him +a box on the ear.’ So little Marleen went, and said, ‘Brother, give me +that apple,’ but he did not say a word; then she gave him a box on the +ear, and his head rolled off. She was so terrified at this, that she ran +crying and screaming to her mother. ‘Oh!’ she said, ‘I have knocked off +brother’s head,’ and then she wept and wept, and nothing would stop her. + +‘What have you done!’ said her mother, ‘but no one must know about it, +so you must keep silence; what is done can’t be undone; we will make +him into puddings.’ And she took the little boy and cut him up, made him +into puddings, and put him in the pot. But Marleen stood looking on, +and wept and wept, and her tears fell into the pot, so that there was no +need of salt. + +Presently the father came home and sat down to his dinner; he asked, +‘Where is my son?’ The mother said nothing, but gave him a large dish of +black pudding, and Marleen still wept without ceasing. + +The father again asked, ‘Where is my son?’ + +‘Oh,’ answered the wife, ‘he is gone into the country to his mother’s +great uncle; he is going to stay there some time.’ + +‘What has he gone there for, and he never even said goodbye to me!’ + +‘Well, he likes being there, and he told me he should be away quite six +weeks; he is well looked after there.’ + +‘I feel very unhappy about it,’ said the husband, ‘in case it should not +be all right, and he ought to have said goodbye to me.’ + +With this he went on with his dinner, and said, ‘Little Marleen, why do +you weep? Brother will soon be back.’ Then he asked his wife for more +pudding, and as he ate, he threw the bones under the table. + +Little Marleen went upstairs and took her best silk handkerchief out of +her bottom drawer, and in it she wrapped all the bones from under the +table and carried them outside, and all the time she did nothing but +weep. Then she laid them in the green grass under the juniper-tree, and +she had no sooner done so, then all her sadness seemed to leave her, +and she wept no more. And now the juniper-tree began to move, and the +branches waved backwards and forwards, first away from one another, and +then together again, as it might be someone clapping their hands for +joy. After this a mist came round the tree, and in the midst of it there +was a burning as of fire, and out of the fire there flew a beautiful +bird, that rose high into the air, singing magnificently, and when it +could no more be seen, the juniper-tree stood there as before, and the +silk handkerchief and the bones were gone. + +Little Marleen now felt as lighthearted and happy as if her brother were +still alive, and she went back to the house and sat down cheerfully to +the table and ate. + +The bird flew away and alighted on the house of a goldsmith and began to +sing: + + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ + +The goldsmith was in his workshop making a gold chain, when he heard the +song of the bird on his roof. He thought it so beautiful that he got +up and ran out, and as he crossed the threshold he lost one of his +slippers. But he ran on into the middle of the street, with a slipper on +one foot and a sock on the other; he still had on his apron, and still +held the gold chain and the pincers in his hands, and so he stood gazing +up at the bird, while the sun came shining brightly down on the street. + +‘Bird,’ he said, ‘how beautifully you sing! Sing me that song again.’ + +‘Nay,’ said the bird, ‘I do not sing twice for nothing. Give that gold +chain, and I will sing it you again.’ + +‘Here is the chain, take it,’ said the goldsmith. ‘Only sing me that +again.’ + +The bird flew down and took the gold chain in his right claw, and then +he alighted again in front of the goldsmith and sang: + + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ + +Then he flew away, and settled on the roof of a shoemaker’s house and +sang: + + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ + +The shoemaker heard him, and he jumped up and ran out in his +shirt-sleeves, and stood looking up at the bird on the roof with his +hand over his eyes to keep himself from being blinded by the sun. + +‘Bird,’ he said, ‘how beautifully you sing!’ Then he called through the +door to his wife: ‘Wife, come out; here is a bird, come and look at it +and hear how beautifully it sings.’ Then he called his daughter and the +children, then the apprentices, girls and boys, and they all ran up the +street to look at the bird, and saw how splendid it was with its red +and green feathers, and its neck like burnished gold, and eyes like two +bright stars in its head. + +‘Bird,’ said the shoemaker, ‘sing me that song again.’ + +‘Nay,’ answered the bird, ‘I do not sing twice for nothing; you must +give me something.’ + +‘Wife,’ said the man, ‘go into the garret; on the upper shelf you will +see a pair of red shoes; bring them to me.’ The wife went in and fetched +the shoes. + +‘There, bird,’ said the shoemaker, ‘now sing me that song again.’ + +The bird flew down and took the red shoes in his left claw, and then he +went back to the roof and sang: + + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ + +When he had finished, he flew away. He had the chain in his right claw +and the shoes in his left, and he flew right away to a mill, and the +mill went ‘Click clack, click clack, click clack.’ Inside the mill were +twenty of the miller’s men hewing a stone, and as they went ‘Hick hack, +hick hack, hick hack,’ the mill went ‘Click clack, click clack, click +clack.’ + +The bird settled on a lime-tree in front of the mill and sang: + + ‘My mother killed her little son; + +then one of the men left off, + + My father grieved when I was gone; + +two more men left off and listened, + + My sister loved me best of all; + +then four more left off, + + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + +now there were only eight at work, + + Underneath + +And now only five, + + the juniper-tree. + +And now only one, + + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ + +then he looked up and the last one had left off work. + +‘Bird,’ he said, ‘what a beautiful song that is you sing! Let me hear it +too; sing it again.’ + +‘Nay,’ answered the bird, ‘I do not sing twice for nothing; give me that +millstone, and I will sing it again.’ + +‘If it belonged to me alone,’ said the man, ‘you should have it.’ + +‘Yes, yes,’ said the others: ‘if he will sing again, he can have it.’ + +The bird came down, and all the twenty millers set to and lifted up the +stone with a beam; then the bird put his head through the hole and took +the stone round his neck like a collar, and flew back with it to the +tree and sang-- + + ‘My mother killed her little son; + My father grieved when I was gone; + My sister loved me best of all; + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ + +And when he had finished his song, he spread his wings, and with the +chain in his right claw, the shoes in his left, and the millstone round +his neck, he flew right away to his father’s house. + +The father, the mother, and little Marleen were having their dinner. + +‘How lighthearted I feel,’ said the father, ‘so pleased and cheerful.’ + +‘And I,’ said the mother, ‘I feel so uneasy, as if a heavy thunderstorm +were coming.’ + +But little Marleen sat and wept and wept. + +Then the bird came flying towards the house and settled on the roof. + +‘I do feel so happy,’ said the father, ‘and how beautifully the sun +shines; I feel just as if I were going to see an old friend again.’ + +‘Ah!’ said the wife, ‘and I am so full of distress and uneasiness that +my teeth chatter, and I feel as if there were a fire in my veins,’ and +she tore open her dress; and all the while little Marleen sat in the +corner and wept, and the plate on her knees was wet with her tears. + +The bird now flew to the juniper-tree and began singing: + + ‘My mother killed her little son; + +the mother shut her eyes and her ears, that she might see and hear +nothing, but there was a roaring sound in her ears like that of a +violent storm, and in her eyes a burning and flashing like lightning: + + My father grieved when I was gone; + +‘Look, mother,’ said the man, ‘at the beautiful bird that is singing so +magnificently; and how warm and bright the sun is, and what a delicious +scent of spice in the air!’ + + My sister loved me best of all; + +then little Marleen laid her head down on her knees and sobbed. + +‘I must go outside and see the bird nearer,’ said the man. + +‘Ah, do not go!’ cried the wife. ‘I feel as if the whole house were in +flames!’ + +But the man went out and looked at the bird. + + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ + +With that the bird let fall the gold chain, and it fell just round the +man’s neck, so that it fitted him exactly. + +He went inside, and said, ‘See, what a splendid bird that is; he has +given me this beautiful gold chain, and looks so beautiful himself.’ + +But the wife was in such fear and trouble, that she fell on the floor, +and her cap fell from her head. + +Then the bird began again: + + ‘My mother killed her little son; + +‘Ah me!’ cried the wife, ‘if I were but a thousand feet beneath the +earth, that I might not hear that song.’ + + My father grieved when I was gone; + +then the woman fell down again as if dead. + + My sister loved me best of all; + +‘Well,’ said little Marleen, ‘I will go out too and see if the bird will +give me anything.’ + +So she went out. + + She laid her kerchief over me, + And took my bones that they might lie + +and he threw down the shoes to her, + + Underneath the juniper-tree + Kywitt, Kywitt, what a beautiful bird am I!’ + +And she now felt quite happy and lighthearted; she put on the shoes and +danced and jumped about in them. ‘I was so miserable,’ she said, ‘when I +came out, but that has all passed away; that is indeed a splendid bird, +and he has given me a pair of red shoes.’ + +The wife sprang up, with her hair standing out from her head like flames +of fire. ‘Then I will go out too,’ she said, ‘and see if it will lighten +my misery, for I feel as if the world were coming to an end.’ + +But as she crossed the threshold, crash! the bird threw the millstone +down on her head, and she was crushed to death. + +The father and little Marleen heard the sound and ran out, but they only +saw mist and flame and fire rising from the spot, and when these had +passed, there stood the little brother, and he took the father and +little Marleen by the hand; then they all three rejoiced, and went +inside together and sat down to their dinners and ate. + + + + +THE TURNIP + +There were two brothers who were both soldiers; the one was rich and +the other poor. The poor man thought he would try to better himself; so, +pulling off his red coat, he became a gardener, and dug his ground well, +and sowed turnips. + +When the seed came up, there was one plant bigger than all the rest; and +it kept getting larger and larger, and seemed as if it would never cease +growing; so that it might have been called the prince of turnips for +there never was such a one seen before, and never will again. At last it +was so big that it filled a cart, and two oxen could hardly draw it; and +the gardener knew not what in the world to do with it, nor whether it +would be a blessing or a curse to him. One day he said to himself, ‘What +shall I do with it? if I sell it, it will bring no more than another; +and for eating, the little turnips are better than this; the best thing +perhaps is to carry it and give it to the king as a mark of respect.’ + +Then he yoked his oxen, and drew the turnip to the court, and gave it +to the king. ‘What a wonderful thing!’ said the king; ‘I have seen many +strange things, but such a monster as this I never saw. Where did you +get the seed? or is it only your good luck? If so, you are a true child +of fortune.’ ‘Ah, no!’ answered the gardener, ‘I am no child of fortune; +I am a poor soldier, who never could get enough to live upon; so I +laid aside my red coat, and set to work, tilling the ground. I have a +brother, who is rich, and your majesty knows him well, and all the world +knows him; but because I am poor, everybody forgets me.’ + +The king then took pity on him, and said, ‘You shall be poor no +longer. I will give you so much that you shall be even richer than your +brother.’ Then he gave him gold and lands and flocks, and made him so +rich that his brother’s fortune could not at all be compared with his. + +When the brother heard of all this, and how a turnip had made the +gardener so rich, he envied him sorely, and bethought himself how he +could contrive to get the same good fortune for himself. However, he +determined to manage more cleverly than his brother, and got together a +rich present of gold and fine horses for the king; and thought he must +have a much larger gift in return; for if his brother had received so +much for only a turnip, what must his present be worth? + +The king took the gift very graciously, and said he knew not what to +give in return more valuable and wonderful than the great turnip; so +the soldier was forced to put it into a cart, and drag it home with him. +When he reached home, he knew not upon whom to vent his rage and spite; +and at length wicked thoughts came into his head, and he resolved to +kill his brother. + +So he hired some villains to murder him; and having shown them where to +lie in ambush, he went to his brother, and said, ‘Dear brother, I have +found a hidden treasure; let us go and dig it up, and share it between +us.’ The other had no suspicions of his roguery: so they went out +together, and as they were travelling along, the murderers rushed out +upon him, bound him, and were going to hang him on a tree. + +But whilst they were getting all ready, they heard the trampling of a +horse at a distance, which so frightened them that they pushed their +prisoner neck and shoulders together into a sack, and swung him up by a +cord to the tree, where they left him dangling, and ran away. Meantime +he worked and worked away, till he made a hole large enough to put out +his head. + +When the horseman came up, he proved to be a student, a merry fellow, +who was journeying along on his nag, and singing as he went. As soon as +the man in the sack saw him passing under the tree, he cried out, ‘Good +morning! good morning to thee, my friend!’ The student looked about +everywhere; and seeing no one, and not knowing where the voice came +from, cried out, ‘Who calls me?’ + +Then the man in the tree answered, ‘Lift up thine eyes, for behold here +I sit in the sack of wisdom; here have I, in a short time, learned great +and wondrous things. Compared to this seat, all the learning of the +schools is as empty air. A little longer, and I shall know all that man +can know, and shall come forth wiser than the wisest of mankind. Here +I discern the signs and motions of the heavens and the stars; the laws +that control the winds; the number of the sands on the seashore; the +healing of the sick; the virtues of all simples, of birds, and of +precious stones. Wert thou but once here, my friend, though wouldst feel +and own the power of knowledge. + +The student listened to all this and wondered much; at last he said, +‘Blessed be the day and hour when I found you; cannot you contrive to +let me into the sack for a little while?’ Then the other answered, as if +very unwillingly, ‘A little space I may allow thee to sit here, if thou +wilt reward me well and entreat me kindly; but thou must tarry yet an +hour below, till I have learnt some little matters that are yet unknown +to me.’ + +So the student sat himself down and waited a while; but the time hung +heavy upon him, and he begged earnestly that he might ascend forthwith, +for his thirst for knowledge was great. Then the other pretended to give +way, and said, ‘Thou must let the sack of wisdom descend, by untying +yonder cord, and then thou shalt enter.’ So the student let him down, +opened the sack, and set him free. ‘Now then,’ cried he, ‘let me ascend +quickly.’ As he began to put himself into the sack heels first, ‘Wait a +while,’ said the gardener, ‘that is not the way.’ Then he pushed him +in head first, tied up the sack, and soon swung up the searcher after +wisdom dangling in the air. ‘How is it with thee, friend?’ said he, +‘dost thou not feel that wisdom comes unto thee? Rest there in peace, +till thou art a wiser man than thou wert.’ + +So saying, he trotted off on the student’s nag, and left the poor fellow +to gather wisdom till somebody should come and let him down. + + + + +CLEVER HANS + +The mother of Hans said: ‘Whither away, Hans?’ Hans answered: ‘To +Gretel.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘Oh, I’ll behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ +‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to Gretel. ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, +Hans. What do you bring that is good?’ ‘I bring nothing, I want to have +something given me.’ Gretel presents Hans with a needle, Hans says: +‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ + +Hans takes the needle, sticks it into a hay-cart, and follows the cart +home. ‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ +‘With Gretel.’ ‘What did you take her?’ ‘Took nothing; had something +given me.’ ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘Gave me a needle.’ ‘Where is the +needle, Hans?’ ‘Stuck in the hay-cart.’ ‘That was ill done, Hans. You +should have stuck the needle in your sleeve.’ ‘Never mind, I’ll do +better next time.’ + +‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘Oh, +I’ll behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to +Gretel. ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What do you bring that is +good?’ ‘I bring nothing. I want to have something given to me.’ Gretel +presents Hans with a knife. ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans +takes the knife, sticks it in his sleeve, and goes home. ‘Good evening, +mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With Gretel.’ What +did you take her?’ ‘Took her nothing, she gave me something.’ ‘What did +Gretel give you?’ ‘Gave me a knife.’ ‘Where is the knife, Hans?’ ‘Stuck +in my sleeve.’ ‘That’s ill done, Hans, you should have put the knife in +your pocket.’ ‘Never mind, will do better next time.’ + +‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘Oh, +I’ll behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to +Gretel. ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What good thing do you +bring?’ ‘I bring nothing, I want something given me.’ Gretel presents +Hans with a young goat. ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans takes +the goat, ties its legs, and puts it in his pocket. When he gets home it +is suffocated. ‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have +you been?’ ‘With Gretel.’ ‘What did you take her?’ ‘Took nothing, she +gave me something.’ ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘She gave me a goat.’ +‘Where is the goat, Hans?’ ‘Put it in my pocket.’ ‘That was ill done, +Hans, you should have put a rope round the goat’s neck.’ ‘Never mind, +will do better next time.’ + +‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘Oh, +I’ll behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to +Gretel. ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What good thing do you +bring?’ ‘I bring nothing, I want something given me.’ Gretel presents +Hans with a piece of bacon. ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ + +Hans takes the bacon, ties it to a rope, and drags it away behind him. +The dogs come and devour the bacon. When he gets home, he has the rope +in his hand, and there is no longer anything hanging on to it. ‘Good +evening, mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With +Gretel.’ ‘What did you take her?’ ‘I took her nothing, she gave me +something.’ ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘Gave me a bit of bacon.’ ‘Where +is the bacon, Hans?’ ‘I tied it to a rope, brought it home, dogs took +it.’ ‘That was ill done, Hans, you should have carried the bacon on your +head.’ ‘Never mind, will do better next time.’ + +‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘I’ll +behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ Hans comes to Gretel. +‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans, What good thing do you bring?’ ‘I +bring nothing, but would have something given.’ Gretel presents Hans +with a calf. ‘Goodbye, Gretel.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ + +Hans takes the calf, puts it on his head, and the calf kicks his face. +‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With +Gretel.’ ‘What did you take her?’ ‘I took nothing, but had something +given me.’ ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘A calf.’ ‘Where have you the +calf, Hans?’ ‘I set it on my head and it kicked my face.’ ‘That was +ill done, Hans, you should have led the calf, and put it in the stall.’ +‘Never mind, will do better next time.’ + +‘Whither away, Hans?’ ‘To Gretel, mother.’ ‘Behave well, Hans.’ ‘I’ll +behave well. Goodbye, mother.’ ‘Goodbye, Hans.’ + +Hans comes to Gretel. ‘Good day, Gretel.’ ‘Good day, Hans. What good +thing do you bring?’ ‘I bring nothing, but would have something given.’ +Gretel says to Hans: ‘I will go with you.’ + +Hans takes Gretel, ties her to a rope, leads her to the rack, and binds +her fast. Then Hans goes to his mother. ‘Good evening, mother.’ ‘Good +evening, Hans. Where have you been?’ ‘With Gretel.’ ‘What did you take +her?’ ‘I took her nothing.’ ‘What did Gretel give you?’ ‘She gave me +nothing, she came with me.’ ‘Where have you left Gretel?’ ‘I led her by +the rope, tied her to the rack, and scattered some grass for her.’ ‘That +was ill done, Hans, you should have cast friendly eyes on her.’ ‘Never +mind, will do better.’ + +Hans went into the stable, cut out all the calves’ and sheep’s eyes, +and threw them in Gretel’s face. Then Gretel became angry, tore herself +loose and ran away, and was no longer the bride of Hans. + + + + +THE THREE LANGUAGES + +An aged count once lived in Switzerland, who had an only son, but he +was stupid, and could learn nothing. Then said the father: ‘Hark you, +my son, try as I will I can get nothing into your head. You must go from +hence, I will give you into the care of a celebrated master, who shall +see what he can do with you.’ The youth was sent into a strange town, +and remained a whole year with the master. At the end of this time, +he came home again, and his father asked: ‘Now, my son, what have you +learnt?’ ‘Father, I have learnt what the dogs say when they bark.’ ‘Lord +have mercy on us!’ cried the father; ‘is that all you have learnt? I +will send you into another town, to another master.’ The youth was taken +thither, and stayed a year with this master likewise. When he came back +the father again asked: ‘My son, what have you learnt?’ He answered: +‘Father, I have learnt what the birds say.’ Then the father fell into a +rage and said: ‘Oh, you lost man, you have spent the precious time and +learnt nothing; are you not ashamed to appear before my eyes? I will +send you to a third master, but if you learn nothing this time also, I +will no longer be your father.’ The youth remained a whole year with the +third master also, and when he came home again, and his father inquired: +‘My son, what have you learnt?’ he answered: ‘Dear father, I have this +year learnt what the frogs croak.’ Then the father fell into the most +furious anger, sprang up, called his people thither, and said: ‘This man +is no longer my son, I drive him forth, and command you to take him +out into the forest, and kill him.’ They took him forth, but when they +should have killed him, they could not do it for pity, and let him go, +and they cut the eyes and tongue out of a deer that they might carry +them to the old man as a token. + +The youth wandered on, and after some time came to a fortress where he +begged for a night’s lodging. ‘Yes,’ said the lord of the castle, ‘if +you will pass the night down there in the old tower, go thither; but I +warn you, it is at the peril of your life, for it is full of wild dogs, +which bark and howl without stopping, and at certain hours a man has to +be given to them, whom they at once devour.’ The whole district was in +sorrow and dismay because of them, and yet no one could do anything to +stop this. The youth, however, was without fear, and said: ‘Just let me +go down to the barking dogs, and give me something that I can throw to +them; they will do nothing to harm me.’ As he himself would have it so, +they gave him some food for the wild animals, and led him down to the +tower. When he went inside, the dogs did not bark at him, but wagged +their tails quite amicably around him, ate what he set before them, and +did not hurt one hair of his head. Next morning, to the astonishment of +everyone, he came out again safe and unharmed, and said to the lord of +the castle: ‘The dogs have revealed to me, in their own language, why +they dwell there, and bring evil on the land. They are bewitched, and +are obliged to watch over a great treasure which is below in the tower, +and they can have no rest until it is taken away, and I have likewise +learnt, from their discourse, how that is to be done.’ Then all who +heard this rejoiced, and the lord of the castle said he would adopt him +as a son if he accomplished it successfully. He went down again, and +as he knew what he had to do, he did it thoroughly, and brought a chest +full of gold out with him. The howling of the wild dogs was henceforth +heard no more; they had disappeared, and the country was freed from the +trouble. + +After some time he took it in his head that he would travel to Rome. On +the way he passed by a marsh, in which a number of frogs were sitting +croaking. He listened to them, and when he became aware of what they +were saying, he grew very thoughtful and sad. At last he arrived in +Rome, where the Pope had just died, and there was great doubt among +the cardinals as to whom they should appoint as his successor. They at +length agreed that the person should be chosen as pope who should be +distinguished by some divine and miraculous token. And just as that was +decided on, the young count entered into the church, and suddenly two +snow-white doves flew on his shoulders and remained sitting there. The +ecclesiastics recognized therein the token from above, and asked him on +the spot if he would be pope. He was undecided, and knew not if he were +worthy of this, but the doves counselled him to do it, and at length he +said yes. Then was he anointed and consecrated, and thus was fulfilled +what he had heard from the frogs on his way, which had so affected him, +that he was to be his Holiness the Pope. Then he had to sing a mass, and +did not know one word of it, but the two doves sat continually on his +shoulders, and said it all in his ear. + + + + +THE FOX AND THE CAT + +It happened that the cat met the fox in a forest, and as she thought to +herself: ‘He is clever and full of experience, and much esteemed in the +world,’ she spoke to him in a friendly way. ‘Good day, dear Mr Fox, +how are you? How is all with you? How are you getting on in these hard +times?’ The fox, full of all kinds of arrogance, looked at the cat from +head to foot, and for a long time did not know whether he would give +any answer or not. At last he said: ‘Oh, you wretched beard-cleaner, you +piebald fool, you hungry mouse-hunter, what can you be thinking of? Have +you the cheek to ask how I am getting on? What have you learnt? How +many arts do you understand?’ ‘I understand but one,’ replied the +cat, modestly. ‘What art is that?’ asked the fox. ‘When the hounds are +following me, I can spring into a tree and save myself.’ ‘Is that all?’ +said the fox. ‘I am master of a hundred arts, and have into the bargain +a sackful of cunning. You make me sorry for you; come with me, I will +teach you how people get away from the hounds.’ Just then came a hunter +with four dogs. The cat sprang nimbly up a tree, and sat down at the top +of it, where the branches and foliage quite concealed her. ‘Open your +sack, Mr Fox, open your sack,’ cried the cat to him, but the dogs had +already seized him, and were holding him fast. ‘Ah, Mr Fox,’ cried the +cat. ‘You with your hundred arts are left in the lurch! Had you been +able to climb like me, you would not have lost your life.’ + + + + +THE FOUR CLEVER BROTHERS + +‘Dear children,’ said a poor man to his four sons, ‘I have nothing to +give you; you must go out into the wide world and try your luck. Begin +by learning some craft or another, and see how you can get on.’ So the +four brothers took their walking-sticks in their hands, and their little +bundles on their shoulders, and after bidding their father goodbye, went +all out at the gate together. When they had got on some way they came +to four crossways, each leading to a different country. Then the eldest +said, ‘Here we must part; but this day four years we will come back +to this spot, and in the meantime each must try what he can do for +himself.’ + +So each brother went his way; and as the eldest was hastening on a man +met him, and asked him where he was going, and what he wanted. ‘I am +going to try my luck in the world, and should like to begin by learning +some art or trade,’ answered he. ‘Then,’ said the man, ‘go with me, and +I will teach you to become the cunningest thief that ever was.’ ‘No,’ +said the other, ‘that is not an honest calling, and what can one look +to earn by it in the end but the gallows?’ ‘Oh!’ said the man, ‘you need +not fear the gallows; for I will only teach you to steal what will be +fair game: I meddle with nothing but what no one else can get or care +anything about, and where no one can find you out.’ So the young man +agreed to follow his trade, and he soon showed himself so clever, that +nothing could escape him that he had once set his mind upon. + +The second brother also met a man, who, when he found out what he was +setting out upon, asked him what craft he meant to follow. ‘I do not +know yet,’ said he. ‘Then come with me, and be a star-gazer. It is a +noble art, for nothing can be hidden from you, when once you understand +the stars.’ The plan pleased him much, and he soon became such a skilful +star-gazer, that when he had served out his time, and wanted to leave +his master, he gave him a glass, and said, ‘With this you can see all +that is passing in the sky and on earth, and nothing can be hidden from +you.’ + +The third brother met a huntsman, who took him with him, and taught him +so well all that belonged to hunting, that he became very clever in the +craft of the woods; and when he left his master he gave him a bow, and +said, ‘Whatever you shoot at with this bow you will be sure to hit.’ + +The youngest brother likewise met a man who asked him what he wished to +do. ‘Would not you like,’ said he, ‘to be a tailor?’ ‘Oh, no!’ said +the young man; ‘sitting cross-legged from morning to night, working +backwards and forwards with a needle and goose, will never suit me.’ +‘Oh!’ answered the man, ‘that is not my sort of tailoring; come with me, +and you will learn quite another kind of craft from that.’ Not knowing +what better to do, he came into the plan, and learnt tailoring from the +beginning; and when he left his master, he gave him a needle, and said, +‘You can sew anything with this, be it as soft as an egg or as hard as +steel; and the joint will be so fine that no seam will be seen.’ + +After the space of four years, at the time agreed upon, the four +brothers met at the four cross-roads; and having welcomed each other, +set off towards their father’s home, where they told him all that had +happened to them, and how each had learned some craft. + +Then, one day, as they were sitting before the house under a very high +tree, the father said, ‘I should like to try what each of you can do in +this way.’ So he looked up, and said to the second son, ‘At the top of +this tree there is a chaffinch’s nest; tell me how many eggs there are +in it.’ The star-gazer took his glass, looked up, and said, ‘Five.’ +‘Now,’ said the father to the eldest son, ‘take away the eggs without +letting the bird that is sitting upon them and hatching them know +anything of what you are doing.’ So the cunning thief climbed up the +tree, and brought away to his father the five eggs from under the bird; +and it never saw or felt what he was doing, but kept sitting on at its +ease. Then the father took the eggs, and put one on each corner of the +table, and the fifth in the middle, and said to the huntsman, ‘Cut all +the eggs in two pieces at one shot.’ The huntsman took up his bow, and +at one shot struck all the five eggs as his father wished. + +‘Now comes your turn,’ said he to the young tailor; ‘sew the eggs and +the young birds in them together again, so neatly that the shot shall +have done them no harm.’ Then the tailor took his needle, and sewed the +eggs as he was told; and when he had done, the thief was sent to take +them back to the nest, and put them under the bird without its knowing +it. Then she went on sitting, and hatched them: and in a few days they +crawled out, and had only a little red streak across their necks, where +the tailor had sewn them together. + +‘Well done, sons!’ said the old man; ‘you have made good use of your +time, and learnt something worth the knowing; but I am sure I do not +know which ought to have the prize. Oh, that a time might soon come for +you to turn your skill to some account!’ + +Not long after this there was a great bustle in the country; for the +king’s daughter had been carried off by a mighty dragon, and the king +mourned over his loss day and night, and made it known that whoever +brought her back to him should have her for a wife. Then the four +brothers said to each other, ‘Here is a chance for us; let us try +what we can do.’ And they agreed to see whether they could not set the +princess free. ‘I will soon find out where she is, however,’ said the +star-gazer, as he looked through his glass; and he soon cried out, ‘I +see her afar off, sitting upon a rock in the sea, and I can spy the +dragon close by, guarding her.’ Then he went to the king, and asked for +a ship for himself and his brothers; and they sailed together over the +sea, till they came to the right place. There they found the princess +sitting, as the star-gazer had said, on the rock; and the dragon was +lying asleep, with his head upon her lap. ‘I dare not shoot at him,’ +said the huntsman, ‘for I should kill the beautiful young lady also.’ +‘Then I will try my skill,’ said the thief, and went and stole her away +from under the dragon, so quietly and gently that the beast did not know +it, but went on snoring. + +Then away they hastened with her full of joy in their boat towards the +ship; but soon came the dragon roaring behind them through the air; for +he awoke and missed the princess. But when he got over the boat, and +wanted to pounce upon them and carry off the princess, the huntsman took +up his bow and shot him straight through the heart so that he fell down +dead. They were still not safe; for he was such a great beast that in +his fall he overset the boat, and they had to swim in the open sea +upon a few planks. So the tailor took his needle, and with a few large +stitches put some of the planks together; and he sat down upon these, +and sailed about and gathered up all pieces of the boat; and then tacked +them together so quickly that the boat was soon ready, and they then +reached the ship and got home safe. + +When they had brought home the princess to her father, there was great +rejoicing; and he said to the four brothers, ‘One of you shall marry +her, but you must settle amongst yourselves which it is to be.’ Then +there arose a quarrel between them; and the star-gazer said, ‘If I had +not found the princess out, all your skill would have been of no use; +therefore she ought to be mine.’ ‘Your seeing her would have been of +no use,’ said the thief, ‘if I had not taken her away from the dragon; +therefore she ought to be mine.’ ‘No, she is mine,’ said the huntsman; +‘for if I had not killed the dragon, he would, after all, have torn you +and the princess into pieces.’ ‘And if I had not sewn the boat together +again,’ said the tailor, ‘you would all have been drowned, therefore she +is mine.’ Then the king put in a word, and said, ‘Each of you is right; +and as all cannot have the young lady, the best way is for neither of +you to have her: for the truth is, there is somebody she likes a great +deal better. But to make up for your loss, I will give each of you, as a +reward for his skill, half a kingdom.’ So the brothers agreed that this +plan would be much better than either quarrelling or marrying a lady who +had no mind to have them. And the king then gave to each half a kingdom, +as he had said; and they lived very happily the rest of their days, and +took good care of their father; and somebody took better care of the +young lady, than to let either the dragon or one of the craftsmen have +her again. + + + + +LILY AND THE LION + +A merchant, who had three daughters, was once setting out upon a +journey; but before he went he asked each daughter what gift he should +bring back for her. The eldest wished for pearls; the second for jewels; +but the third, who was called Lily, said, ‘Dear father, bring me a +rose.’ Now it was no easy task to find a rose, for it was the middle +of winter; yet as she was his prettiest daughter, and was very fond of +flowers, her father said he would try what he could do. So he kissed all +three, and bid them goodbye. + +And when the time came for him to go home, he had bought pearls and +jewels for the two eldest, but he had sought everywhere in vain for the +rose; and when he went into any garden and asked for such a thing, the +people laughed at him, and asked him whether he thought roses grew in +snow. This grieved him very much, for Lily was his dearest child; and as +he was journeying home, thinking what he should bring her, he came to a +fine castle; and around the castle was a garden, in one half of which it +seemed to be summer-time and in the other half winter. On one side the +finest flowers were in full bloom, and on the other everything looked +dreary and buried in the snow. ‘A lucky hit!’ said he, as he called to +his servant, and told him to go to a beautiful bed of roses that was +there, and bring him away one of the finest flowers. + +This done, they were riding away well pleased, when up sprang a fierce +lion, and roared out, ‘Whoever has stolen my roses shall be eaten up +alive!’ Then the man said, ‘I knew not that the garden belonged to you; +can nothing save my life?’ ‘No!’ said the lion, ‘nothing, unless you +undertake to give me whatever meets you on your return home; if you +agree to this, I will give you your life, and the rose too for your +daughter.’ But the man was unwilling to do so and said, ‘It may be my +youngest daughter, who loves me most, and always runs to meet me when +I go home.’ Then the servant was greatly frightened, and said, ‘It may +perhaps be only a cat or a dog.’ And at last the man yielded with a +heavy heart, and took the rose; and said he would give the lion whatever +should meet him first on his return. + +And as he came near home, it was Lily, his youngest and dearest +daughter, that met him; she came running, and kissed him, and welcomed +him home; and when she saw that he had brought her the rose, she was +still more glad. But her father began to be very sorrowful, and to weep, +saying, ‘Alas, my dearest child! I have bought this flower at a high +price, for I have said I would give you to a wild lion; and when he has +you, he will tear you in pieces, and eat you.’ Then he told her all that +had happened, and said she should not go, let what would happen. + +But she comforted him, and said, ‘Dear father, the word you have given +must be kept; I will go to the lion, and soothe him: perhaps he will let +me come safe home again.’ + +The next morning she asked the way she was to go, and took leave of her +father, and went forth with a bold heart into the wood. But the lion was +an enchanted prince. By day he and all his court were lions, but in the +evening they took their right forms again. And when Lily came to the +castle, he welcomed her so courteously that she agreed to marry him. The +wedding-feast was held, and they lived happily together a long time. The +prince was only to be seen as soon as evening came, and then he held his +court; but every morning he left his bride, and went away by himself, +she knew not whither, till the night came again. + +After some time he said to her, ‘Tomorrow there will be a great feast in +your father’s house, for your eldest sister is to be married; and if +you wish to go and visit her my lions shall lead you thither.’ Then she +rejoiced much at the thoughts of seeing her father once more, and set +out with the lions; and everyone was overjoyed to see her, for they had +thought her dead long since. But she told them how happy she was, and +stayed till the feast was over, and then went back to the wood. + +Her second sister was soon after married, and when Lily was asked to +go to the wedding, she said to the prince, ‘I will not go alone this +time--you must go with me.’ But he would not, and said that it would be +a very hazardous thing; for if the least ray of the torch-light should +fall upon him his enchantment would become still worse, for he should be +changed into a dove, and be forced to wander about the world for seven +long years. However, she gave him no rest, and said she would take care +no light should fall upon him. So at last they set out together, and +took with them their little child; and she chose a large hall with thick +walls for him to sit in while the wedding-torches were lighted; but, +unluckily, no one saw that there was a crack in the door. Then the +wedding was held with great pomp, but as the train came from the church, +and passed with the torches before the hall, a very small ray of light +fell upon the prince. In a moment he disappeared, and when his wife came +in and looked for him, she found only a white dove; and it said to her, +‘Seven years must I fly up and down over the face of the earth, but +every now and then I will let fall a white feather, that will show you +the way I am going; follow it, and at last you may overtake and set me +free.’ + +This said, he flew out at the door, and poor Lily followed; and every +now and then a white feather fell, and showed her the way she was to +journey. Thus she went roving on through the wide world, and looked +neither to the right hand nor to the left, nor took any rest, for seven +years. Then she began to be glad, and thought to herself that the time +was fast coming when all her troubles should end; yet repose was still +far off, for one day as she was travelling on she missed the white +feather, and when she lifted up her eyes she could nowhere see the dove. +‘Now,’ thought she to herself, ‘no aid of man can be of use to me.’ So +she went to the sun and said, ‘Thou shinest everywhere, on the hill’s +top and the valley’s depth--hast thou anywhere seen my white dove?’ +‘No,’ said the sun, ‘I have not seen it; but I will give thee a +casket--open it when thy hour of need comes.’ + +So she thanked the sun, and went on her way till eventide; and when +the moon arose, she cried unto it, and said, ‘Thou shinest through the +night, over field and grove--hast thou nowhere seen my white dove?’ +‘No,’ said the moon, ‘I cannot help thee but I will give thee an +egg--break it when need comes.’ + +Then she thanked the moon, and went on till the night-wind blew; and she +raised up her voice to it, and said, ‘Thou blowest through every tree +and under every leaf--hast thou not seen my white dove?’ ‘No,’ said the +night-wind, ‘but I will ask three other winds; perhaps they have seen +it.’ Then the east wind and the west wind came, and said they too had +not seen it, but the south wind said, ‘I have seen the white dove--he +has fled to the Red Sea, and is changed once more into a lion, for the +seven years are passed away, and there he is fighting with a dragon; +and the dragon is an enchanted princess, who seeks to separate him from +you.’ Then the night-wind said, ‘I will give thee counsel. Go to the +Red Sea; on the right shore stand many rods--count them, and when thou +comest to the eleventh, break it off, and smite the dragon with it; and +so the lion will have the victory, and both of them will appear to you +in their own forms. Then look round and thou wilt see a griffin, winged +like bird, sitting by the Red Sea; jump on to his back with thy beloved +one as quickly as possible, and he will carry you over the waters to +your home. I will also give thee this nut,’ continued the night-wind. +‘When you are half-way over, throw it down, and out of the waters will +immediately spring up a high nut-tree on which the griffin will be able +to rest, otherwise he would not have the strength to bear you the whole +way; if, therefore, thou dost forget to throw down the nut, he will let +you both fall into the sea.’ + +So our poor wanderer went forth, and found all as the night-wind had +said; and she plucked the eleventh rod, and smote the dragon, and the +lion forthwith became a prince, and the dragon a princess again. But +no sooner was the princess released from the spell, than she seized +the prince by the arm and sprang on to the griffin’s back, and went off +carrying the prince away with her. + +Thus the unhappy traveller was again forsaken and forlorn; but she +took heart and said, ‘As far as the wind blows, and so long as the cock +crows, I will journey on, till I find him once again.’ She went on for +a long, long way, till at length she came to the castle whither the +princess had carried the prince; and there was a feast got ready, and +she heard that the wedding was about to be held. ‘Heaven aid me now!’ +said she; and she took the casket that the sun had given her, and found +that within it lay a dress as dazzling as the sun itself. So she put it +on, and went into the palace, and all the people gazed upon her; and +the dress pleased the bride so much that she asked whether it was to be +sold. ‘Not for gold and silver.’ said she, ‘but for flesh and blood.’ +The princess asked what she meant, and she said, ‘Let me speak with the +bridegroom this night in his chamber, and I will give thee the dress.’ +At last the princess agreed, but she told her chamberlain to give the +prince a sleeping draught, that he might not hear or see her. When +evening came, and the prince had fallen asleep, she was led into +his chamber, and she sat herself down at his feet, and said: ‘I have +followed thee seven years. I have been to the sun, the moon, and the +night-wind, to seek thee, and at last I have helped thee to overcome +the dragon. Wilt thou then forget me quite?’ But the prince all the time +slept so soundly, that her voice only passed over him, and seemed like +the whistling of the wind among the fir-trees. + +Then poor Lily was led away, and forced to give up the golden dress; and +when she saw that there was no help for her, she went out into a meadow, +and sat herself down and wept. But as she sat she bethought herself of +the egg that the moon had given her; and when she broke it, there ran +out a hen and twelve chickens of pure gold, that played about, and then +nestled under the old one’s wings, so as to form the most beautiful +sight in the world. And she rose up and drove them before her, till the +bride saw them from her window, and was so pleased that she came forth +and asked her if she would sell the brood. ‘Not for gold or silver, but +for flesh and blood: let me again this evening speak with the bridegroom +in his chamber, and I will give thee the whole brood.’ + +Then the princess thought to betray her as before, and agreed to +what she asked: but when the prince went to his chamber he asked +the chamberlain why the wind had whistled so in the night. And the +chamberlain told him all--how he had given him a sleeping draught, and +how a poor maiden had come and spoken to him in his chamber, and was +to come again that night. Then the prince took care to throw away the +sleeping draught; and when Lily came and began again to tell him what +woes had befallen her, and how faithful and true to him she had been, +he knew his beloved wife’s voice, and sprang up, and said, ‘You have +awakened me as from a dream, for the strange princess had thrown a spell +around me, so that I had altogether forgotten you; but Heaven hath sent +you to me in a lucky hour.’ + +And they stole away out of the palace by night unawares, and seated +themselves on the griffin, who flew back with them over the Red Sea. +When they were half-way across Lily let the nut fall into the water, +and immediately a large nut-tree arose from the sea, whereon the griffin +rested for a while, and then carried them safely home. There they found +their child, now grown up to be comely and fair; and after all their +troubles they lived happily together to the end of their days. + + + + +THE FOX AND THE HORSE + +A farmer had a horse that had been an excellent faithful servant to +him: but he was now grown too old to work; so the farmer would give him +nothing more to eat, and said, ‘I want you no longer, so take yourself +off out of my stable; I shall not take you back again until you are +stronger than a lion.’ Then he opened the door and turned him adrift. + +The poor horse was very melancholy, and wandered up and down in the +wood, seeking some little shelter from the cold wind and rain. Presently +a fox met him: ‘What’s the matter, my friend?’ said he, ‘why do you hang +down your head and look so lonely and woe-begone?’ ‘Ah!’ replied the +horse, ‘justice and avarice never dwell in one house; my master has +forgotten all that I have done for him so many years, and because I +can no longer work he has turned me adrift, and says unless I become +stronger than a lion he will not take me back again; what chance can I +have of that? he knows I have none, or he would not talk so.’ + +However, the fox bid him be of good cheer, and said, ‘I will help you; +lie down there, stretch yourself out quite stiff, and pretend to be +dead.’ The horse did as he was told, and the fox went straight to the +lion who lived in a cave close by, and said to him, ‘A little way off +lies a dead horse; come with me and you may make an excellent meal of +his carcase.’ The lion was greatly pleased, and set off immediately; and +when they came to the horse, the fox said, ‘You will not be able to eat +him comfortably here; I’ll tell you what--I will tie you fast to +his tail, and then you can draw him to your den, and eat him at your +leisure.’ + +This advice pleased the lion, so he laid himself down quietly for the +fox to make him fast to the horse. But the fox managed to tie his legs +together and bound all so hard and fast that with all his strength he +could not set himself free. When the work was done, the fox clapped the +horse on the shoulder, and said, ‘Jip! Dobbin! Jip!’ Then up he sprang, +and moved off, dragging the lion behind him. The beast began to roar +and bellow, till all the birds of the wood flew away for fright; but the +horse let him sing on, and made his way quietly over the fields to his +master’s house. + +‘Here he is, master,’ said he, ‘I have got the better of him’: and when +the farmer saw his old servant, his heart relented, and he said. ‘Thou +shalt stay in thy stable and be well taken care of.’ And so the poor old +horse had plenty to eat, and lived--till he died. + + + + +THE BLUE LIGHT + +There was once upon a time a soldier who for many years had served the +king faithfully, but when the war came to an end could serve no longer +because of the many wounds which he had received. The king said to him: +‘You may return to your home, I need you no longer, and you will not +receive any more money, for he only receives wages who renders me +service for them.’ Then the soldier did not know how to earn a living, +went away greatly troubled, and walked the whole day, until in the +evening he entered a forest. When darkness came on, he saw a light, +which he went up to, and came to a house wherein lived a witch. ‘Do give +me one night’s lodging, and a little to eat and drink,’ said he to +her, ‘or I shall starve.’ ‘Oho!’ she answered, ‘who gives anything to a +run-away soldier? Yet will I be compassionate, and take you in, if you +will do what I wish.’ ‘What do you wish?’ said the soldier. ‘That you +should dig all round my garden for me, tomorrow.’ The soldier consented, +and next day laboured with all his strength, but could not finish it by +the evening. ‘I see well enough,’ said the witch, ‘that you can do no +more today, but I will keep you yet another night, in payment for +which you must tomorrow chop me a load of wood, and chop it small.’ The +soldier spent the whole day in doing it, and in the evening the witch +proposed that he should stay one night more. ‘Tomorrow, you shall only +do me a very trifling piece of work. Behind my house, there is an old +dry well, into which my light has fallen, it burns blue, and never goes +out, and you shall bring it up again.’ Next day the old woman took him +to the well, and let him down in a basket. He found the blue light, and +made her a signal to draw him up again. She did draw him up, but when he +came near the edge, she stretched down her hand and wanted to take the +blue light away from him. ‘No,’ said he, perceiving her evil intention, +‘I will not give you the light until I am standing with both feet upon +the ground.’ The witch fell into a passion, let him fall again into the +well, and went away. + +The poor soldier fell without injury on the moist ground, and the blue +light went on burning, but of what use was that to him? He saw very well +that he could not escape death. He sat for a while very sorrowfully, +then suddenly he felt in his pocket and found his tobacco pipe, which +was still half full. ‘This shall be my last pleasure,’ thought he, +pulled it out, lit it at the blue light and began to smoke. When the +smoke had circled about the cavern, suddenly a little black dwarf stood +before him, and said: ‘Lord, what are your commands?’ ‘What my commands +are?’ replied the soldier, quite astonished. ‘I must do everything you +bid me,’ said the little man. ‘Good,’ said the soldier; ‘then in the +first place help me out of this well.’ The little man took him by the +hand, and led him through an underground passage, but he did not forget +to take the blue light with him. On the way the dwarf showed him the +treasures which the witch had collected and hidden there, and the +soldier took as much gold as he could carry. When he was above, he said +to the little man: ‘Now go and bind the old witch, and carry her before +the judge.’ In a short time she came by like the wind, riding on a wild +tom-cat and screaming frightfully. Nor was it long before the little man +reappeared. ‘It is all done,’ said he, ‘and the witch is already hanging +on the gallows. What further commands has my lord?’ inquired the dwarf. +‘At this moment, none,’ answered the soldier; ‘you can return home, only +be at hand immediately, if I summon you.’ ‘Nothing more is needed than +that you should light your pipe at the blue light, and I will appear +before you at once.’ Thereupon he vanished from his sight. + +The soldier returned to the town from which he came. He went to the +best inn, ordered himself handsome clothes, and then bade the landlord +furnish him a room as handsome as possible. When it was ready and the +soldier had taken possession of it, he summoned the little black manikin +and said: ‘I have served the king faithfully, but he has dismissed me, +and left me to hunger, and now I want to take my revenge.’ ‘What am I to +do?’ asked the little man. ‘Late at night, when the king’s daughter is +in bed, bring her here in her sleep, she shall do servant’s work for +me.’ The manikin said: ‘That is an easy thing for me to do, but a very +dangerous thing for you, for if it is discovered, you will fare ill.’ +When twelve o’clock had struck, the door sprang open, and the manikin +carried in the princess. ‘Aha! are you there?’ cried the soldier, ‘get +to your work at once! Fetch the broom and sweep the chamber.’ When +she had done this, he ordered her to come to his chair, and then he +stretched out his feet and said: ‘Pull off my boots,’ and then he +threw them in her face, and made her pick them up again, and clean +and brighten them. She, however, did everything he bade her, without +opposition, silently and with half-shut eyes. When the first cock +crowed, the manikin carried her back to the royal palace, and laid her +in her bed. + +Next morning when the princess arose she went to her father, and told +him that she had had a very strange dream. ‘I was carried through the +streets with the rapidity of lightning,’ said she, ‘and taken into a +soldier’s room, and I had to wait upon him like a servant, sweep his +room, clean his boots, and do all kinds of menial work. It was only a +dream, and yet I am just as tired as if I really had done everything.’ +‘The dream may have been true,’ said the king. ‘I will give you a piece +of advice. Fill your pocket full of peas, and make a small hole in the +pocket, and then if you are carried away again, they will fall out and +leave a track in the streets.’ But unseen by the king, the manikin was +standing beside him when he said that, and heard all. At night when +the sleeping princess was again carried through the streets, some peas +certainly did fall out of her pocket, but they made no track, for the +crafty manikin had just before scattered peas in every street there +was. And again the princess was compelled to do servant’s work until +cock-crow. + +Next morning the king sent his people out to seek the track, but it was +all in vain, for in every street poor children were sitting, picking up +peas, and saying: ‘It must have rained peas, last night.’ ‘We must think +of something else,’ said the king; ‘keep your shoes on when you go to +bed, and before you come back from the place where you are taken, hide +one of them there, I will soon contrive to find it.’ The black manikin +heard this plot, and at night when the soldier again ordered him to +bring the princess, revealed it to him, and told him that he knew of no +expedient to counteract this stratagem, and that if the shoe were found +in the soldier’s house it would go badly with him. ‘Do what I bid you,’ +replied the soldier, and again this third night the princess was obliged +to work like a servant, but before she went away, she hid her shoe under +the bed. + +Next morning the king had the entire town searched for his daughter’s +shoe. It was found at the soldier’s, and the soldier himself, who at the +entreaty of the dwarf had gone outside the gate, was soon brought back, +and thrown into prison. In his flight he had forgotten the most valuable +things he had, the blue light and the gold, and had only one ducat in +his pocket. And now loaded with chains, he was standing at the window of +his dungeon, when he chanced to see one of his comrades passing by. The +soldier tapped at the pane of glass, and when this man came up, said to +him: ‘Be so kind as to fetch me the small bundle I have left lying in +the inn, and I will give you a ducat for doing it.’ His comrade ran +thither and brought him what he wanted. As soon as the soldier was alone +again, he lighted his pipe and summoned the black manikin. ‘Have no +fear,’ said the latter to his master. ‘Go wheresoever they take you, and +let them do what they will, only take the blue light with you.’ Next day +the soldier was tried, and though he had done nothing wicked, the judge +condemned him to death. When he was led forth to die, he begged a last +favour of the king. ‘What is it?’ asked the king. ‘That I may smoke one +more pipe on my way.’ ‘You may smoke three,’ answered the king, ‘but do +not imagine that I will spare your life.’ Then the soldier pulled out +his pipe and lighted it at the blue light, and as soon as a few wreaths +of smoke had ascended, the manikin was there with a small cudgel in his +hand, and said: ‘What does my lord command?’ ‘Strike down to earth that +false judge there, and his constable, and spare not the king who has +treated me so ill.’ Then the manikin fell on them like lightning, +darting this way and that way, and whosoever was so much as touched by +his cudgel fell to earth, and did not venture to stir again. The king +was terrified; he threw himself on the soldier’s mercy, and merely to +be allowed to live at all, gave him his kingdom for his own, and his +daughter to wife. + + + + +THE RAVEN + +There was once a queen who had a little daughter, still too young to run +alone. One day the child was very troublesome, and the mother could not +quiet it, do what she would. She grew impatient, and seeing the ravens +flying round the castle, she opened the window, and said: ‘I wish you +were a raven and would fly away, then I should have a little peace.’ +Scarcely were the words out of her mouth, when the child in her arms was +turned into a raven, and flew away from her through the open window. The +bird took its flight to a dark wood and remained there for a long time, +and meanwhile the parents could hear nothing of their child. + +Long after this, a man was making his way through the wood when he heard +a raven calling, and he followed the sound of the voice. As he drew +near, the raven said, ‘I am by birth a king’s daughter, but am now under +the spell of some enchantment; you can, however, set me free.’ ‘What +am I to do?’ he asked. She replied, ‘Go farther into the wood until you +come to a house, wherein lives an old woman; she will offer you food and +drink, but you must not take of either; if you do, you will fall into +a deep sleep, and will not be able to help me. In the garden behind the +house is a large tan-heap, and on that you must stand and watch for me. +I shall drive there in my carriage at two o’clock in the afternoon for +three successive days; the first day it will be drawn by four white, the +second by four chestnut, and the last by four black horses; but if you +fail to keep awake and I find you sleeping, I shall not be set free.’ + +The man promised to do all that she wished, but the raven said, ‘Alas! I +know even now that you will take something from the woman and be unable +to save me.’ The man assured her again that he would on no account touch +a thing to eat or drink. + +When he came to the house and went inside, the old woman met him, and +said, ‘Poor man! how tired you are! Come in and rest and let me give you +something to eat and drink.’ + +‘No,’ answered the man, ‘I will neither eat not drink.’ + +But she would not leave him alone, and urged him saying, ‘If you will +not eat anything, at least you might take a draught of wine; one drink +counts for nothing,’ and at last he allowed himself to be persuaded, and +drank. + +As it drew towards the appointed hour, he went outside into the garden +and mounted the tan-heap to await the raven. Suddenly a feeling of +fatigue came over him, and unable to resist it, he lay down for a little +while, fully determined, however, to keep awake; but in another minute +his eyes closed of their own accord, and he fell into such a deep sleep, +that all the noises in the world would not have awakened him. At two +o’clock the raven came driving along, drawn by her four white horses; +but even before she reached the spot, she said to herself, sighing, ‘I +know he has fallen asleep.’ When she entered the garden, there she found +him as she had feared, lying on the tan-heap, fast asleep. She got out +of her carriage and went to him; she called him and shook him, but it +was all in vain, he still continued sleeping. + +The next day at noon, the old woman came to him again with food and +drink which he at first refused. At last, overcome by her persistent +entreaties that he would take something, he lifted the glass and drank +again. + +Towards two o’clock he went into the garden and on to the tan-heap to +watch for the raven. He had not been there long before he began to feel +so tired that his limbs seemed hardly able to support him, and he could +not stand upright any longer; so again he lay down and fell fast asleep. +As the raven drove along her four chestnut horses, she said sorrowfully +to herself, ‘I know he has fallen asleep.’ She went as before to look +for him, but he slept, and it was impossible to awaken him. + +The following day the old woman said to him, ‘What is this? You are not +eating or drinking anything, do you want to kill yourself?’ + +He answered, ‘I may not and will not either eat or drink.’ + +But she put down the dish of food and the glass of wine in front of him, +and when he smelt the wine, he was unable to resist the temptation, and +took a deep draught. + +When the hour came round again he went as usual on to the tan-heap in +the garden to await the king’s daughter, but he felt even more overcome +with weariness than on the two previous days, and throwing himself down, +he slept like a log. At two o’clock the raven could be seen approaching, +and this time her coachman and everything about her, as well as her +horses, were black. + +She was sadder than ever as she drove along, and said mournfully, ‘I +know he has fallen asleep, and will not be able to set me free.’ She +found him sleeping heavily, and all her efforts to awaken him were of no +avail. Then she placed beside him a loaf, and some meat, and a flask +of wine, of such a kind, that however much he took of them, they would +never grow less. After that she drew a gold ring, on which her name was +engraved, off her finger, and put it upon one of his. Finally, she laid +a letter near him, in which, after giving him particulars of the food +and drink she had left for him, she finished with the following words: +‘I see that as long as you remain here you will never be able to set me +free; if, however, you still wish to do so, come to the golden castle +of Stromberg; this is well within your power to accomplish.’ She then +returned to her carriage and drove to the golden castle of Stromberg. + +When the man awoke and found that he had been sleeping, he was grieved +at heart, and said, ‘She has no doubt been here and driven away again, +and it is now too late for me to save her.’ Then his eyes fell on the +things which were lying beside him; he read the letter, and knew from it +all that had happened. He rose up without delay, eager to start on his +way and to reach the castle of Stromberg, but he had no idea in which +direction he ought to go. He travelled about a long time in search of it +and came at last to a dark forest, through which he went on walking for +fourteen days and still could not find a way out. Once more the night +came on, and worn out he lay down under a bush and fell asleep. Again +the next day he pursued his way through the forest, and that evening, +thinking to rest again, he lay down as before, but he heard such a +howling and wailing that he found it impossible to sleep. He waited till +it was darker and people had begun to light up their houses, and then +seeing a little glimmer ahead of him, he went towards it. + +He found that the light came from a house which looked smaller than +it really was, from the contrast of its height with that of an immense +giant who stood in front of it. He thought to himself, ‘If the giant +sees me going in, my life will not be worth much.’ However, after a +while he summoned up courage and went forward. When the giant saw him, +he called out, ‘It is lucky for that you have come, for I have not had +anything to eat for a long time. I can have you now for my supper.’ ‘I +would rather you let that alone,’ said the man, ‘for I do not willingly +give myself up to be eaten; if you are wanting food I have enough to +satisfy your hunger.’ ‘If that is so,’ replied the giant, ‘I will leave +you in peace; I only thought of eating you because I had nothing else.’ + +So they went indoors together and sat down, and the man brought out the +bread, meat, and wine, which although he had eaten and drunk of them, +were still unconsumed. The giant was pleased with the good cheer, and +ate and drank to his heart’s content. When he had finished his supper +the man asked him if he could direct him to the castle of Stromberg. +The giant said, ‘I will look on my map; on it are marked all the towns, +villages, and houses.’ So he fetched his map, and looked for the castle, +but could not find it. ‘Never mind,’ he said, ‘I have larger maps +upstairs in the cupboard, we will look on those,’ but they searched in +vain, for the castle was not marked even on these. The man now thought +he should like to continue his journey, but the giant begged him to +remain for a day or two longer until the return of his brother, who was +away in search of provisions. When the brother came home, they asked him +about the castle of Stromberg, and he told them he would look on his own +maps as soon as he had eaten and appeased his hunger. Accordingly, when +he had finished his supper, they all went up together to his room and +looked through his maps, but the castle was not to be found. Then he +fetched other older maps, and they went on looking for the castle until +at last they found it, but it was many thousand miles away. ‘How shall I +be able to get there?’ asked the man. ‘I have two hours to spare,’ said +the giant, ‘and I will carry you into the neighbourhood of the castle; I +must then return to look after the child who is in our care.’ + +The giant, thereupon, carried the man to within about a hundred leagues +of the castle, where he left him, saying, ‘You will be able to walk the +remainder of the way yourself.’ The man journeyed on day and night +till he reached the golden castle of Stromberg. He found it situated, +however, on a glass mountain, and looking up from the foot he saw the +enchanted maiden drive round her castle and then go inside. He was +overjoyed to see her, and longed to get to the top of the mountain, but +the sides were so slippery that every time he attempted to climb he +fell back again. When he saw that it was impossible to reach her, he was +greatly grieved, and said to himself, ‘I will remain here and wait for +her,’ so he built himself a little hut, and there he sat and watched for +a whole year, and every day he saw the king’s daughter driving round her +castle, but still was unable to get nearer to her. + +Looking out from his hut one day he saw three robbers fighting and he +called out to them, ‘God be with you.’ They stopped when they heard the +call, but looking round and seeing nobody, they went on again with their +fighting, which now became more furious. ‘God be with you,’ he cried +again, and again they paused and looked about, but seeing no one went +back to their fighting. A third time he called out, ‘God be with you,’ +and then thinking he should like to know the cause of dispute between +the three men, he went out and asked them why they were fighting so +angrily with one another. One of them said that he had found a stick, +and that he had but to strike it against any door through which he +wished to pass, and it immediately flew open. Another told him that he +had found a cloak which rendered its wearer invisible; and the third had +caught a horse which would carry its rider over any obstacle, and even +up the glass mountain. They had been unable to decide whether they +would keep together and have the things in common, or whether they would +separate. On hearing this, the man said, ‘I will give you something in +exchange for those three things; not money, for that I have not got, +but something that is of far more value. I must first, however, prove +whether all you have told me about your three things is true.’ The +robbers, therefore, made him get on the horse, and handed him the stick +and the cloak, and when he had put this round him he was no longer +visible. Then he fell upon them with the stick and beat them one after +another, crying, ‘There, you idle vagabonds, you have got what you +deserve; are you satisfied now!’ + +After this he rode up the glass mountain. When he reached the gate of +the castle, he found it closed, but he gave it a blow with his stick, +and it flew wide open at once and he passed through. He mounted the +steps and entered the room where the maiden was sitting, with a golden +goblet full of wine in front of her. She could not see him for he still +wore his cloak. He took the ring which she had given him off his finger, +and threw it into the goblet, so that it rang as it touched the bottom. +‘That is my own ring,’ she exclaimed, ‘and if that is so the man must +also be here who is coming to set me free.’ + +She sought for him about the castle, but could find him nowhere. +Meanwhile he had gone outside again and mounted his horse and thrown off +the cloak. When therefore she came to the castle gate she saw him, and +cried aloud for joy. Then he dismounted and took her in his arms; and +she kissed him, and said, ‘Now you have indeed set me free, and tomorrow +we will celebrate our marriage.’ + + + + +THE GOLDEN GOOSE + +There was a man who had three sons, the youngest of whom was called +Dummling,[*] and was despised, mocked, and sneered at on every occasion. + +It happened that the eldest wanted to go into the forest to hew wood, +and before he went his mother gave him a beautiful sweet cake and a +bottle of wine in order that he might not suffer from hunger or thirst. + +When he entered the forest he met a little grey-haired old man who bade +him good day, and said: ‘Do give me a piece of cake out of your pocket, +and let me have a draught of your wine; I am so hungry and thirsty.’ But +the clever son answered: ‘If I give you my cake and wine, I shall have +none for myself; be off with you,’ and he left the little man standing +and went on. + +But when he began to hew down a tree, it was not long before he made a +false stroke, and the axe cut him in the arm, so that he had to go home +and have it bound up. And this was the little grey man’s doing. + +After this the second son went into the forest, and his mother gave him, +like the eldest, a cake and a bottle of wine. The little old grey man +met him likewise, and asked him for a piece of cake and a drink of wine. +But the second son, too, said sensibly enough: ‘What I give you will be +taken away from myself; be off!’ and he left the little man standing and +went on. His punishment, however, was not delayed; when he had made a +few blows at the tree he struck himself in the leg, so that he had to be +carried home. + +Then Dummling said: ‘Father, do let me go and cut wood.’ The father +answered: ‘Your brothers have hurt themselves with it, leave it alone, +you do not understand anything about it.’ But Dummling begged so long +that at last he said: ‘Just go then, you will get wiser by hurting +yourself.’ His mother gave him a cake made with water and baked in the +cinders, and with it a bottle of sour beer. + +When he came to the forest the little old grey man met him likewise, +and greeting him, said: ‘Give me a piece of your cake and a drink out +of your bottle; I am so hungry and thirsty.’ Dummling answered: ‘I have +only cinder-cake and sour beer; if that pleases you, we will sit +down and eat.’ So they sat down, and when Dummling pulled out his +cinder-cake, it was a fine sweet cake, and the sour beer had become good +wine. So they ate and drank, and after that the little man said: ‘Since +you have a good heart, and are willing to divide what you have, I will +give you good luck. There stands an old tree, cut it down, and you will +find something at the roots.’ Then the little man took leave of him. + +Dummling went and cut down the tree, and when it fell there was a goose +sitting in the roots with feathers of pure gold. He lifted her up, and +taking her with him, went to an inn where he thought he would stay the +night. Now the host had three daughters, who saw the goose and were +curious to know what such a wonderful bird might be, and would have +liked to have one of its golden feathers. + +The eldest thought: ‘I shall soon find an opportunity of pulling out a +feather,’ and as soon as Dummling had gone out she seized the goose by +the wing, but her finger and hand remained sticking fast to it. + +The second came soon afterwards, thinking only of how she might get a +feather for herself, but she had scarcely touched her sister than she +was held fast. + +At last the third also came with the like intent, and the others +screamed out: ‘Keep away; for goodness’ sake keep away!’ But she did +not understand why she was to keep away. ‘The others are there,’ she +thought, ‘I may as well be there too,’ and ran to them; but as soon as +she had touched her sister, she remained sticking fast to her. So they +had to spend the night with the goose. + +The next morning Dummling took the goose under his arm and set out, +without troubling himself about the three girls who were hanging on to +it. They were obliged to run after him continually, now left, now right, +wherever his legs took him. + +In the middle of the fields the parson met them, and when he saw the +procession he said: ‘For shame, you good-for-nothing girls, why are you +running across the fields after this young man? Is that seemly?’ At the +same time he seized the youngest by the hand in order to pull her away, +but as soon as he touched her he likewise stuck fast, and was himself +obliged to run behind. + +Before long the sexton came by and saw his master, the parson, running +behind three girls. He was astonished at this and called out: ‘Hi! +your reverence, whither away so quickly? Do not forget that we have a +christening today!’ and running after him he took him by the sleeve, but +was also held fast to it. + +Whilst the five were trotting thus one behind the other, two labourers +came with their hoes from the fields; the parson called out to them +and begged that they would set him and the sexton free. But they had +scarcely touched the sexton when they were held fast, and now there were +seven of them running behind Dummling and the goose. + +Soon afterwards he came to a city, where a king ruled who had a daughter +who was so serious that no one could make her laugh. So he had put forth +a decree that whosoever should be able to make her laugh should marry +her. When Dummling heard this, he went with his goose and all her train +before the king’s daughter, and as soon as she saw the seven people +running on and on, one behind the other, she began to laugh quite +loudly, and as if she would never stop. Thereupon Dummling asked to have +her for his wife; but the king did not like the son-in-law, and made all +manner of excuses and said he must first produce a man who could drink +a cellarful of wine. Dummling thought of the little grey man, who could +certainly help him; so he went into the forest, and in the same place +where he had felled the tree, he saw a man sitting, who had a very +sorrowful face. Dummling asked him what he was taking to heart so +sorely, and he answered: ‘I have such a great thirst and cannot quench +it; cold water I cannot stand, a barrel of wine I have just emptied, but +that to me is like a drop on a hot stone!’ + +‘There, I can help you,’ said Dummling, ‘just come with me and you shall +be satisfied.’ + +He led him into the king’s cellar, and the man bent over the huge +barrels, and drank and drank till his loins hurt, and before the day was +out he had emptied all the barrels. Then Dummling asked once more +for his bride, but the king was vexed that such an ugly fellow, whom +everyone called Dummling, should take away his daughter, and he made a +new condition; he must first find a man who could eat a whole mountain +of bread. Dummling did not think long, but went straight into the +forest, where in the same place there sat a man who was tying up his +body with a strap, and making an awful face, and saying: ‘I have eaten a +whole ovenful of rolls, but what good is that when one has such a hunger +as I? My stomach remains empty, and I must tie myself up if I am not to +die of hunger.’ + +At this Dummling was glad, and said: ‘Get up and come with me; you shall +eat yourself full.’ He led him to the king’s palace where all the +flour in the whole Kingdom was collected, and from it he caused a huge +mountain of bread to be baked. The man from the forest stood before it, +began to eat, and by the end of one day the whole mountain had vanished. +Then Dummling for the third time asked for his bride; but the king again +sought a way out, and ordered a ship which could sail on land and on +water. ‘As soon as you come sailing back in it,’ said he, ‘you shall +have my daughter for wife.’ + +Dummling went straight into the forest, and there sat the little grey +man to whom he had given his cake. When he heard what Dummling wanted, +he said: ‘Since you have given me to eat and to drink, I will give you +the ship; and I do all this because you once were kind to me.’ Then he +gave him the ship which could sail on land and water, and when the king +saw that, he could no longer prevent him from having his daughter. The +wedding was celebrated, and after the king’s death, Dummling inherited +his kingdom and lived for a long time contentedly with his wife. + + [*] Simpleton + + + + +THE WATER OF LIFE + +Long before you or I were born, there reigned, in a country a great way +off, a king who had three sons. This king once fell very ill--so ill +that nobody thought he could live. His sons were very much grieved +at their father’s sickness; and as they were walking together very +mournfully in the garden of the palace, a little old man met them and +asked what was the matter. They told him that their father was very ill, +and that they were afraid nothing could save him. ‘I know what would,’ +said the little old man; ‘it is the Water of Life. If he could have a +draught of it he would be well again; but it is very hard to get.’ Then +the eldest son said, ‘I will soon find it’: and he went to the sick +king, and begged that he might go in search of the Water of Life, as +it was the only thing that could save him. ‘No,’ said the king. ‘I had +rather die than place you in such great danger as you must meet with in +your journey.’ But he begged so hard that the king let him go; and the +prince thought to himself, ‘If I bring my father this water, he will +make me sole heir to his kingdom.’ + +Then he set out: and when he had gone on his way some time he came to a +deep valley, overhung with rocks and woods; and as he looked around, he +saw standing above him on one of the rocks a little ugly dwarf, with a +sugarloaf cap and a scarlet cloak; and the dwarf called to him and said, +‘Prince, whither so fast?’ ‘What is that to thee, you ugly imp?’ said +the prince haughtily, and rode on. + +But the dwarf was enraged at his behaviour, and laid a fairy spell +of ill-luck upon him; so that as he rode on the mountain pass became +narrower and narrower, and at last the way was so straitened that he +could not go to step forward: and when he thought to have turned his +horse round and go back the way he came, he heard a loud laugh ringing +round him, and found that the path was closed behind him, so that he was +shut in all round. He next tried to get off his horse and make his way +on foot, but again the laugh rang in his ears, and he found himself +unable to move a step, and thus he was forced to abide spellbound. + +Meantime the old king was lingering on in daily hope of his son’s +return, till at last the second son said, ‘Father, I will go in search +of the Water of Life.’ For he thought to himself, ‘My brother is surely +dead, and the kingdom will fall to me if I find the water.’ The king was +at first very unwilling to let him go, but at last yielded to his wish. +So he set out and followed the same road which his brother had done, +and met with the same elf, who stopped him at the same spot in the +mountains, saying, as before, ‘Prince, prince, whither so fast?’ ‘Mind +your own affairs, busybody!’ said the prince scornfully, and rode on. + +But the dwarf put the same spell upon him as he put on his elder +brother, and he, too, was at last obliged to take up his abode in the +heart of the mountains. Thus it is with proud silly people, who think +themselves above everyone else, and are too proud to ask or take advice. + +When the second prince had thus been gone a long time, the youngest son +said he would go and search for the Water of Life, and trusted he should +soon be able to make his father well again. So he set out, and the dwarf +met him too at the same spot in the valley, among the mountains, and +said, ‘Prince, whither so fast?’ And the prince said, ‘I am going in +search of the Water of Life, because my father is ill, and like to die: +can you help me? Pray be kind, and aid me if you can!’ ‘Do you know +where it is to be found?’ asked the dwarf. ‘No,’ said the prince, ‘I do +not. Pray tell me if you know.’ ‘Then as you have spoken to me kindly, +and are wise enough to seek for advice, I will tell you how and where to +go. The water you seek springs from a well in an enchanted castle; and, +that you may be able to reach it in safety, I will give you an iron wand +and two little loaves of bread; strike the iron door of the castle three +times with the wand, and it will open: two hungry lions will be lying +down inside gaping for their prey, but if you throw them the bread they +will let you pass; then hasten on to the well, and take some of the +Water of Life before the clock strikes twelve; for if you tarry longer +the door will shut upon you for ever.’ + +Then the prince thanked his little friend with the scarlet cloak for his +friendly aid, and took the wand and the bread, and went travelling on +and on, over sea and over land, till he came to his journey’s end, and +found everything to be as the dwarf had told him. The door flew open at +the third stroke of the wand, and when the lions were quieted he went on +through the castle and came at length to a beautiful hall. Around it he +saw several knights sitting in a trance; then he pulled off their rings +and put them on his own fingers. In another room he saw on a table a +sword and a loaf of bread, which he also took. Further on he came to a +room where a beautiful young lady sat upon a couch; and she welcomed him +joyfully, and said, if he would set her free from the spell that bound +her, the kingdom should be his, if he would come back in a year and +marry her. Then she told him that the well that held the Water of Life +was in the palace gardens; and bade him make haste, and draw what he +wanted before the clock struck twelve. + +He walked on; and as he walked through beautiful gardens he came to a +delightful shady spot in which stood a couch; and he thought to himself, +as he felt tired, that he would rest himself for a while, and gaze on +the lovely scenes around him. So he laid himself down, and sleep +fell upon him unawares, so that he did not wake up till the clock was +striking a quarter to twelve. Then he sprang from the couch dreadfully +frightened, ran to the well, filled a cup that was standing by him full +of water, and hastened to get away in time. Just as he was going out of +the iron door it struck twelve, and the door fell so quickly upon him +that it snapped off a piece of his heel. + +When he found himself safe, he was overjoyed to think that he had got +the Water of Life; and as he was going on his way homewards, he passed +by the little dwarf, who, when he saw the sword and the loaf, said, ‘You +have made a noble prize; with the sword you can at a blow slay whole +armies, and the bread will never fail you.’ Then the prince thought +to himself, ‘I cannot go home to my father without my brothers’; so he +said, ‘My dear friend, cannot you tell me where my two brothers are, who +set out in search of the Water of Life before me, and never came back?’ +‘I have shut them up by a charm between two mountains,’ said the dwarf, +‘because they were proud and ill-behaved, and scorned to ask advice.’ +The prince begged so hard for his brothers, that the dwarf at last set +them free, though unwillingly, saying, ‘Beware of them, for they have +bad hearts.’ Their brother, however, was greatly rejoiced to see them, +and told them all that had happened to him; how he had found the Water +of Life, and had taken a cup full of it; and how he had set a beautiful +princess free from a spell that bound her; and how she had engaged to +wait a whole year, and then to marry him, and to give him the kingdom. + +Then they all three rode on together, and on their way home came to a +country that was laid waste by war and a dreadful famine, so that it was +feared all must die for want. But the prince gave the king of the land +the bread, and all his kingdom ate of it. And he lent the king the +wonderful sword, and he slew the enemy’s army with it; and thus the +kingdom was once more in peace and plenty. In the same manner he +befriended two other countries through which they passed on their way. + +When they came to the sea, they got into a ship and during their voyage +the two eldest said to themselves, ‘Our brother has got the water which +we could not find, therefore our father will forsake us and give him the +kingdom, which is our right’; so they were full of envy and revenge, and +agreed together how they could ruin him. Then they waited till he was +fast asleep, and poured the Water of Life out of the cup, and took it +for themselves, giving him bitter sea-water instead. + +When they came to their journey’s end, the youngest son brought his cup +to the sick king, that he might drink and be healed. Scarcely, however, +had he tasted the bitter sea-water when he became worse even than he was +before; and then both the elder sons came in, and blamed the youngest +for what they had done; and said that he wanted to poison their father, +but that they had found the Water of Life, and had brought it with them. +He no sooner began to drink of what they brought him, than he felt his +sickness leave him, and was as strong and well as in his younger days. +Then they went to their brother, and laughed at him, and said, ‘Well, +brother, you found the Water of Life, did you? You have had the trouble +and we shall have the reward. Pray, with all your cleverness, why did +not you manage to keep your eyes open? Next year one of us will take +away your beautiful princess, if you do not take care. You had better +say nothing about this to our father, for he does not believe a word you +say; and if you tell tales, you shall lose your life into the bargain: +but be quiet, and we will let you off.’ + +The old king was still very angry with his youngest son, and thought +that he really meant to have taken away his life; so he called his court +together, and asked what should be done, and all agreed that he ought to +be put to death. The prince knew nothing of what was going on, till one +day, when the king’s chief huntsmen went a-hunting with him, and they +were alone in the wood together, the huntsman looked so sorrowful that +the prince said, ‘My friend, what is the matter with you?’ ‘I cannot and +dare not tell you,’ said he. But the prince begged very hard, and said, +‘Only tell me what it is, and do not think I shall be angry, for I will +forgive you.’ ‘Alas!’ said the huntsman; ‘the king has ordered me to +shoot you.’ The prince started at this, and said, ‘Let me live, and I +will change dresses with you; you shall take my royal coat to show to my +father, and do you give me your shabby one.’ ‘With all my heart,’ said +the huntsman; ‘I am sure I shall be glad to save you, for I could not +have shot you.’ Then he took the prince’s coat, and gave him the shabby +one, and went away through the wood. + +Some time after, three grand embassies came to the old king’s court, +with rich gifts of gold and precious stones for his youngest son; now +all these were sent from the three kings to whom he had lent his sword +and loaf of bread, in order to rid them of their enemy and feed their +people. This touched the old king’s heart, and he thought his son might +still be guiltless, and said to his court, ‘O that my son were still +alive! how it grieves me that I had him killed!’ ‘He is still alive,’ +said the huntsman; ‘and I am glad that I had pity on him, but let him +go in peace, and brought home his royal coat.’ At this the king was +overwhelmed with joy, and made it known throughout all his kingdom, that +if his son would come back to his court he would forgive him. + +Meanwhile the princess was eagerly waiting till her deliverer should +come back; and had a road made leading up to her palace all of shining +gold; and told her courtiers that whoever came on horseback, and rode +straight up to the gate upon it, was her true lover; and that they must +let him in: but whoever rode on one side of it, they must be sure was +not the right one; and that they must send him away at once. + +The time soon came, when the eldest brother thought that he would make +haste to go to the princess, and say that he was the one who had set +her free, and that he should have her for his wife, and the kingdom with +her. As he came before the palace and saw the golden road, he stopped to +look at it, and he thought to himself, ‘It is a pity to ride upon this +beautiful road’; so he turned aside and rode on the right-hand side of +it. But when he came to the gate, the guards, who had seen the road +he took, said to him, he could not be what he said he was, and must go +about his business. + +The second prince set out soon afterwards on the same errand; and when +he came to the golden road, and his horse had set one foot upon it, +he stopped to look at it, and thought it very beautiful, and said to +himself, ‘What a pity it is that anything should tread here!’ Then he +too turned aside and rode on the left side of it. But when he came to +the gate the guards said he was not the true prince, and that he too +must go away about his business; and away he went. + +Now when the full year was come round, the third brother left the forest +in which he had lain hid for fear of his father’s anger, and set out in +search of his betrothed bride. So he journeyed on, thinking of her all +the way, and rode so quickly that he did not even see what the road was +made of, but went with his horse straight over it; and as he came to the +gate it flew open, and the princess welcomed him with joy, and said +he was her deliverer, and should now be her husband and lord of the +kingdom. When the first joy at their meeting was over, the princess told +him she had heard of his father having forgiven him, and of his wish to +have him home again: so, before his wedding with the princess, he went +to visit his father, taking her with him. Then he told him everything; +how his brothers had cheated and robbed him, and yet that he had borne +all those wrongs for the love of his father. And the old king was very +angry, and wanted to punish his wicked sons; but they made their escape, +and got into a ship and sailed away over the wide sea, and where they +went to nobody knew and nobody cared. + +And now the old king gathered together his court, and asked all his +kingdom to come and celebrate the wedding of his son and the princess. +And young and old, noble and squire, gentle and simple, came at once +on the summons; and among the rest came the friendly dwarf, with the +sugarloaf hat, and a new scarlet cloak. + + And the wedding was held, and the merry bells run. + And all the good people they danced and they sung, + And feasted and frolick’d I can’t tell how long. + + + + +THE TWELVE HUNTSMEN + +There was once a king’s son who had a bride whom he loved very much. And +when he was sitting beside her and very happy, news came that his father +lay sick unto death, and desired to see him once again before his end. +Then he said to his beloved: ‘I must now go and leave you, I give you +a ring as a remembrance of me. When I am king, I will return and fetch +you.’ So he rode away, and when he reached his father, the latter was +dangerously ill, and near his death. He said to him: ‘Dear son, I wished +to see you once again before my end, promise me to marry as I wish,’ and +he named a certain king’s daughter who was to be his wife. The son was +in such trouble that he did not think what he was doing, and said: ‘Yes, +dear father, your will shall be done,’ and thereupon the king shut his +eyes, and died. + +When therefore the son had been proclaimed king, and the time of +mourning was over, he was forced to keep the promise which he had given +his father, and caused the king’s daughter to be asked in marriage, and +she was promised to him. His first betrothed heard of this, and fretted +so much about his faithfulness that she nearly died. Then her father +said to her: ‘Dearest child, why are you so sad? You shall have +whatsoever you will.’ She thought for a moment and said: ‘Dear father, +I wish for eleven girls exactly like myself in face, figure, and size.’ +The father said: ‘If it be possible, your desire shall be fulfilled,’ +and he caused a search to be made in his whole kingdom, until eleven +young maidens were found who exactly resembled his daughter in face, +figure, and size. + +When they came to the king’s daughter, she had twelve suits of +huntsmen’s clothes made, all alike, and the eleven maidens had to put +on the huntsmen’s clothes, and she herself put on the twelfth suit. +Thereupon she took her leave of her father, and rode away with them, +and rode to the court of her former betrothed, whom she loved so dearly. +Then she asked if he required any huntsmen, and if he would take all of +them into his service. The king looked at her and did not know her, but +as they were such handsome fellows, he said: ‘Yes,’ and that he would +willingly take them, and now they were the king’s twelve huntsmen. + +The king, however, had a lion which was a wondrous animal, for he knew +all concealed and secret things. It came to pass that one evening he +said to the king: ‘You think you have twelve huntsmen?’ ‘Yes,’ said the +king, ‘they are twelve huntsmen.’ The lion continued: ‘You are mistaken, +they are twelve girls.’ The king said: ‘That cannot be true! How +will you prove that to me?’ ‘Oh, just let some peas be strewn in the +ante-chamber,’ answered the lion, ‘and then you will soon see. Men have +a firm step, and when they walk over peas none of them stir, but girls +trip and skip, and drag their feet, and the peas roll about.’ The king +was well pleased with the counsel, and caused the peas to be strewn. + +There was, however, a servant of the king’s who favoured the huntsmen, +and when he heard that they were going to be put to this test he went to +them and repeated everything, and said: ‘The lion wants to make the king +believe that you are girls.’ Then the king’s daughter thanked him, and +said to her maidens: ‘Show some strength, and step firmly on the peas.’ +So next morning when the king had the twelve huntsmen called before +him, and they came into the ante-chamber where the peas were lying, they +stepped so firmly on them, and had such a strong, sure walk, that not +one of the peas either rolled or stirred. Then they went away again, +and the king said to the lion: ‘You have lied to me, they walk just like +men.’ The lion said: ‘They have been informed that they were going to +be put to the test, and have assumed some strength. Just let twelve +spinning-wheels be brought into the ante-chamber, and they will go to +them and be pleased with them, and that is what no man would do.’ +The king liked the advice, and had the spinning-wheels placed in the +ante-chamber. + +But the servant, who was well disposed to the huntsmen, went to them, +and disclosed the project. So when they were alone the king’s daughter +said to her eleven girls: ‘Show some constraint, and do not look round +at the spinning-wheels.’ And next morning when the king had his twelve +huntsmen summoned, they went through the ante-chamber, and never once +looked at the spinning-wheels. Then the king again said to the lion: +‘You have deceived me, they are men, for they have not looked at the +spinning-wheels.’ The lion replied: ‘They have restrained themselves.’ +The king, however, would no longer believe the lion. + +The twelve huntsmen always followed the king to the chase, and his +liking for them continually increased. Now it came to pass that +once when they were out hunting, news came that the king’s bride was +approaching. When the true bride heard that, it hurt her so much that +her heart was almost broken, and she fell fainting to the ground. The +king thought something had happened to his dear huntsman, ran up to him, +wanted to help him, and drew his glove off. Then he saw the ring which +he had given to his first bride, and when he looked in her face he +recognized her. Then his heart was so touched that he kissed her, and +when she opened her eyes he said: ‘You are mine, and I am yours, and +no one in the world can alter that.’ He sent a messenger to the other +bride, and entreated her to return to her own kingdom, for he had a wife +already, and someone who had just found an old key did not require a new +one. Thereupon the wedding was celebrated, and the lion was again taken +into favour, because, after all, he had told the truth. + + + + +THE KING OF THE GOLDEN MOUNTAIN + +There was once a merchant who had only one child, a son, that was very +young, and barely able to run alone. He had two richly laden ships then +making a voyage upon the seas, in which he had embarked all his wealth, +in the hope of making great gains, when the news came that both were +lost. Thus from being a rich man he became all at once so very poor that +nothing was left to him but one small plot of land; and there he often +went in an evening to take his walk, and ease his mind of a little of +his trouble. + +One day, as he was roaming along in a brown study, thinking with no +great comfort on what he had been and what he now was, and was like +to be, all on a sudden there stood before him a little, rough-looking, +black dwarf. ‘Prithee, friend, why so sorrowful?’ said he to the +merchant; ‘what is it you take so deeply to heart?’ ‘If you would do me +any good I would willingly tell you,’ said the merchant. ‘Who knows but +I may?’ said the little man: ‘tell me what ails you, and perhaps you +will find I may be of some use.’ Then the merchant told him how all his +wealth was gone to the bottom of the sea, and how he had nothing left +but that little plot of land. ‘Oh, trouble not yourself about that,’ +said the dwarf; ‘only undertake to bring me here, twelve years hence, +whatever meets you first on your going home, and I will give you as much +as you please.’ The merchant thought this was no great thing to ask; +that it would most likely be his dog or his cat, or something of that +sort, but forgot his little boy Heinel; so he agreed to the bargain, and +signed and sealed the bond to do what was asked of him. + +But as he drew near home, his little boy was so glad to see him that he +crept behind him, and laid fast hold of his legs, and looked up in +his face and laughed. Then the father started, trembling with fear and +horror, and saw what it was that he had bound himself to do; but as no +gold was come, he made himself easy by thinking that it was only a joke +that the dwarf was playing him, and that, at any rate, when the money +came, he should see the bearer, and would not take it in. + +About a month afterwards he went upstairs into a lumber-room to look +for some old iron, that he might sell it and raise a little money; and +there, instead of his iron, he saw a large pile of gold lying on the +floor. At the sight of this he was overjoyed, and forgetting all about +his son, went into trade again, and became a richer merchant than +before. + +Meantime little Heinel grew up, and as the end of the twelve years drew +near the merchant began to call to mind his bond, and became very sad +and thoughtful; so that care and sorrow were written upon his face. The +boy one day asked what was the matter, but his father would not tell for +some time; at last, however, he said that he had, without knowing it, +sold him for gold to a little, ugly-looking, black dwarf, and that the +twelve years were coming round when he must keep his word. Then Heinel +said, ‘Father, give yourself very little trouble about that; I shall be +too much for the little man.’ + +When the time came, the father and son went out together to the place +agreed upon: and the son drew a circle on the ground, and set himself +and his father in the middle of it. The little black dwarf soon came, +and walked round and round about the circle, but could not find any way +to get into it, and he either could not, or dared not, jump over it. At +last the boy said to him. ‘Have you anything to say to us, my friend, or +what do you want?’ Now Heinel had found a friend in a good fairy, that +was fond of him, and had told him what to do; for this fairy knew what +good luck was in store for him. ‘Have you brought me what you said you +would?’ said the dwarf to the merchant. The old man held his tongue, but +Heinel said again, ‘What do you want here?’ The dwarf said, ‘I come to +talk with your father, not with you.’ ‘You have cheated and taken in my +father,’ said the son; ‘pray give him up his bond at once.’ ‘Fair and +softly,’ said the little old man; ‘right is right; I have paid my money, +and your father has had it, and spent it; so be so good as to let me +have what I paid it for.’ ‘You must have my consent to that first,’ said +Heinel, ‘so please to step in here, and let us talk it over.’ The old +man grinned, and showed his teeth, as if he should have been very glad +to get into the circle if he could. Then at last, after a long talk, +they came to terms. Heinel agreed that his father must give him up, and +that so far the dwarf should have his way: but, on the other hand, the +fairy had told Heinel what fortune was in store for him, if he followed +his own course; and he did not choose to be given up to his hump-backed +friend, who seemed so anxious for his company. + +So, to make a sort of drawn battle of the matter, it was settled that +Heinel should be put into an open boat, that lay on the sea-shore hard +by; that the father should push him off with his own hand, and that he +should thus be set adrift, and left to the bad or good luck of wind and +weather. Then he took leave of his father, and set himself in the boat, +but before it got far off a wave struck it, and it fell with one side +low in the water, so the merchant thought that poor Heinel was lost, and +went home very sorrowful, while the dwarf went his way, thinking that at +any rate he had had his revenge. + +The boat, however, did not sink, for the good fairy took care of her +friend, and soon raised the boat up again, and it went safely on. The +young man sat safe within, till at length it ran ashore upon an unknown +land. As he jumped upon the shore he saw before him a beautiful castle +but empty and dreary within, for it was enchanted. ‘Here,’ said he to +himself, ‘must I find the prize the good fairy told me of.’ So he once +more searched the whole palace through, till at last he found a white +snake, lying coiled up on a cushion in one of the chambers. + +Now the white snake was an enchanted princess; and she was very glad +to see him, and said, ‘Are you at last come to set me free? Twelve +long years have I waited here for the fairy to bring you hither as she +promised, for you alone can save me. This night twelve men will come: +their faces will be black, and they will be dressed in chain armour. +They will ask what you do here, but give no answer; and let them do +what they will--beat, whip, pinch, prick, or torment you--bear all; only +speak not a word, and at twelve o’clock they must go away. The second +night twelve others will come: and the third night twenty-four, who +will even cut off your head; but at the twelfth hour of that night their +power is gone, and I shall be free, and will come and bring you the +Water of Life, and will wash you with it, and bring you back to life +and health.’ And all came to pass as she had said; Heinel bore all, and +spoke not a word; and the third night the princess came, and fell on his +neck and kissed him. Joy and gladness burst forth throughout the castle, +the wedding was celebrated, and he was crowned king of the Golden +Mountain. + +They lived together very happily, and the queen had a son. And thus +eight years had passed over their heads, when the king thought of his +father; and he began to long to see him once again. But the queen was +against his going, and said, ‘I know well that misfortunes will come +upon us if you go.’ However, he gave her no rest till she agreed. At his +going away she gave him a wishing-ring, and said, ‘Take this ring, and +put it on your finger; whatever you wish it will bring you; only promise +never to make use of it to bring me hence to your father’s house.’ Then +he said he would do what she asked, and put the ring on his finger, and +wished himself near the town where his father lived. + +Heinel found himself at the gates in a moment; but the guards would +not let him go in, because he was so strangely clad. So he went up to a +neighbouring hill, where a shepherd dwelt, and borrowed his old frock, +and thus passed unknown into the town. When he came to his father’s +house, he said he was his son; but the merchant would not believe him, +and said he had had but one son, his poor Heinel, who he knew was long +since dead: and as he was only dressed like a poor shepherd, he would +not even give him anything to eat. The king, however, still vowed that +he was his son, and said, ‘Is there no mark by which you would know me +if I am really your son?’ ‘Yes,’ said his mother, ‘our Heinel had a mark +like a raspberry on his right arm.’ Then he showed them the mark, and +they knew that what he had said was true. + +He next told them how he was king of the Golden Mountain, and was +married to a princess, and had a son seven years old. But the merchant +said, ‘that can never be true; he must be a fine king truly who travels +about in a shepherd’s frock!’ At this the son was vexed; and forgetting +his word, turned his ring, and wished for his queen and son. In an +instant they stood before him; but the queen wept, and said he had +broken his word, and bad luck would follow. He did all he could to +soothe her, and she at last seemed to be appeased; but she was not so in +truth, and was only thinking how she should punish him. + +One day he took her to walk with him out of the town, and showed her +the spot where the boat was set adrift upon the wide waters. Then he sat +himself down, and said, ‘I am very much tired; sit by me, I will rest my +head in your lap, and sleep a while.’ As soon as he had fallen asleep, +however, she drew the ring from his finger, and crept softly away, and +wished herself and her son at home in their kingdom. And when he awoke +he found himself alone, and saw that the ring was gone from his finger. +‘I can never go back to my father’s house,’ said he; ‘they would say I +am a sorcerer: I will journey forth into the world, till I come again to +my kingdom.’ + +So saying he set out and travelled till he came to a hill, where three +giants were sharing their father’s goods; and as they saw him pass they +cried out and said, ‘Little men have sharp wits; he shall part the goods +between us.’ Now there was a sword that cut off an enemy’s head whenever +the wearer gave the words, ‘Heads off!’; a cloak that made the owner +invisible, or gave him any form he pleased; and a pair of boots that +carried the wearer wherever he wished. Heinel said they must first let +him try these wonderful things, then he might know how to set a value +upon them. Then they gave him the cloak, and he wished himself a fly, +and in a moment he was a fly. ‘The cloak is very well,’ said he: ‘now +give me the sword.’ ‘No,’ said they; ‘not unless you undertake not to +say, “Heads off!” for if you do we are all dead men.’ So they gave it +him, charging him to try it on a tree. He next asked for the boots also; +and the moment he had all three in his power, he wished himself at +the Golden Mountain; and there he was at once. So the giants were left +behind with no goods to share or quarrel about. + +As Heinel came near his castle he heard the sound of merry music; and +the people around told him that his queen was about to marry another +husband. Then he threw his cloak around him, and passed through the +castle hall, and placed himself by the side of the queen, where no one +saw him. But when anything to eat was put upon her plate, he took it +away and ate it himself; and when a glass of wine was handed to her, he +took it and drank it; and thus, though they kept on giving her meat and +drink, her plate and cup were always empty. + +Upon this, fear and remorse came over her, and she went into her chamber +alone, and sat there weeping; and he followed her there. ‘Alas!’ said +she to herself, ‘was I not once set free? Why then does this enchantment +still seem to bind me?’ + +‘False and fickle one!’ said he. ‘One indeed came who set thee free, and +he is now near thee again; but how have you used him? Ought he to +have had such treatment from thee?’ Then he went out and sent away the +company, and said the wedding was at an end, for that he was come back +to the kingdom. But the princes, peers, and great men mocked at him. +However, he would enter into no parley with them, but only asked them +if they would go in peace or not. Then they turned upon him and tried +to seize him; but he drew his sword. ‘Heads Off!’ cried he; and with the +word the traitors’ heads fell before him, and Heinel was once more king +of the Golden Mountain. + + + + +DOCTOR KNOWALL + +There was once upon a time a poor peasant called Crabb, who drove with +two oxen a load of wood to the town, and sold it to a doctor for two +talers. When the money was being counted out to him, it so happened that +the doctor was sitting at table, and when the peasant saw how well he +ate and drank, his heart desired what he saw, and would willingly +have been a doctor too. So he remained standing a while, and at length +inquired if he too could not be a doctor. ‘Oh, yes,’ said the doctor, +‘that is soon managed.’ ‘What must I do?’ asked the peasant. ‘In the +first place buy yourself an A B C book of the kind which has a cock on +the frontispiece; in the second, turn your cart and your two oxen into +money, and get yourself some clothes, and whatsoever else pertains to +medicine; thirdly, have a sign painted for yourself with the words: “I +am Doctor Knowall,” and have that nailed up above your house-door.’ The +peasant did everything that he had been told to do. When he had doctored +people awhile, but not long, a rich and great lord had some money +stolen. Then he was told about Doctor Knowall who lived in such and such +a village, and must know what had become of the money. So the lord had +the horses harnessed to his carriage, drove out to the village, and +asked Crabb if he were Doctor Knowall. Yes, he was, he said. Then he was +to go with him and bring back the stolen money. ‘Oh, yes, but Grete, my +wife, must go too.’ The lord was willing, and let both of them have a +seat in the carriage, and they all drove away together. When they came +to the nobleman’s castle, the table was spread, and Crabb was told to +sit down and eat. ‘Yes, but my wife, Grete, too,’ said he, and he seated +himself with her at the table. And when the first servant came with a +dish of delicate fare, the peasant nudged his wife, and said: ‘Grete, +that was the first,’ meaning that was the servant who brought the first +dish. The servant, however, thought he intended by that to say: ‘That is +the first thief,’ and as he actually was so, he was terrified, and said +to his comrade outside: ‘The doctor knows all: we shall fare ill, he +said I was the first.’ The second did not want to go in at all, but was +forced. So when he went in with his dish, the peasant nudged his wife, +and said: ‘Grete, that is the second.’ This servant was equally alarmed, +and he got out as fast as he could. The third fared no better, for the +peasant again said: ‘Grete, that is the third.’ The fourth had to carry +in a dish that was covered, and the lord told the doctor that he was to +show his skill, and guess what was beneath the cover. Actually, there +were crabs. The doctor looked at the dish, had no idea what to say, and +cried: ‘Ah, poor Crabb.’ When the lord heard that, he cried: ‘There! he +knows it; he must also know who has the money!’ + +On this the servants looked terribly uneasy, and made a sign to the +doctor that they wished him to step outside for a moment. When therefore +he went out, all four of them confessed to him that they had stolen +the money, and said that they would willingly restore it and give him a +heavy sum into the bargain, if he would not denounce them, for if he +did they would be hanged. They led him to the spot where the money was +concealed. With this the doctor was satisfied, and returned to the hall, +sat down to the table, and said: ‘My lord, now will I search in my book +where the gold is hidden.’ The fifth servant, however, crept into the +stove to hear if the doctor knew still more. But the doctor sat still +and opened his A B C book, turned the pages backwards and forwards, and +looked for the cock. As he could not find it immediately he said: ‘I +know you are there, so you had better come out!’ Then the fellow in the +stove thought that the doctor meant him, and full of terror, sprang out, +crying: ‘That man knows everything!’ Then Doctor Knowall showed the lord +where the money was, but did not say who had stolen it, and received +from both sides much money in reward, and became a renowned man. + + + + +THE SEVEN RAVENS + +There was once a man who had seven sons, and last of all one daughter. +Although the little girl was very pretty, she was so weak and small that +they thought she could not live; but they said she should at once be +christened. + +So the father sent one of his sons in haste to the spring to get some +water, but the other six ran with him. Each wanted to be first at +drawing the water, and so they were in such a hurry that all let their +pitchers fall into the well, and they stood very foolishly looking at +one another, and did not know what to do, for none dared go home. In the +meantime the father was uneasy, and could not tell what made the +young men stay so long. ‘Surely,’ said he, ‘the whole seven must have +forgotten themselves over some game of play’; and when he had waited +still longer and they yet did not come, he flew into a rage and wished +them all turned into ravens. Scarcely had he spoken these words when he +heard a croaking over his head, and looked up and saw seven ravens as +black as coal flying round and round. Sorry as he was to see his wish +so fulfilled, he did not know how what was done could be undone, and +comforted himself as well as he could for the loss of his seven sons +with his dear little daughter, who soon became stronger and every day +more beautiful. + +For a long time she did not know that she had ever had any brothers; for +her father and mother took care not to speak of them before her: but one +day by chance she heard the people about her speak of them. ‘Yes,’ said +they, ‘she is beautiful indeed, but still ‘tis a pity that her brothers +should have been lost for her sake.’ Then she was much grieved, and went +to her father and mother, and asked if she had any brothers, and what +had become of them. So they dared no longer hide the truth from her, but +said it was the will of Heaven, and that her birth was only the innocent +cause of it; but the little girl mourned sadly about it every day, and +thought herself bound to do all she could to bring her brothers back; +and she had neither rest nor ease, till at length one day she stole +away, and set out into the wide world to find her brothers, wherever +they might be, and free them, whatever it might cost her. + +She took nothing with her but a little ring which her father and mother +had given her, a loaf of bread in case she should be hungry, a little +pitcher of water in case she should be thirsty, and a little stool +to rest upon when she should be weary. Thus she went on and on, and +journeyed till she came to the world’s end; then she came to the sun, +but the sun looked much too hot and fiery; so she ran away quickly to +the moon, but the moon was cold and chilly, and said, ‘I smell flesh +and blood this way!’ so she took herself away in a hurry and came to the +stars, and the stars were friendly and kind to her, and each star sat +upon his own little stool; but the morning star rose up and gave her a +little piece of wood, and said, ‘If you have not this little piece of +wood, you cannot unlock the castle that stands on the glass-mountain, +and there your brothers live.’ The little girl took the piece of wood, +rolled it up in a little cloth, and went on again until she came to the +glass-mountain, and found the door shut. Then she felt for the little +piece of wood; but when she unwrapped the cloth it was not there, and +she saw she had lost the gift of the good stars. What was to be done? +She wanted to save her brothers, and had no key of the castle of the +glass-mountain; so this faithful little sister took a knife out of her +pocket and cut off her little finger, that was just the size of the +piece of wood she had lost, and put it in the door and opened it. + +As she went in, a little dwarf came up to her, and said, ‘What are you +seeking for?’ ‘I seek for my brothers, the seven ravens,’ answered she. +Then the dwarf said, ‘My masters are not at home; but if you will wait +till they come, pray step in.’ Now the little dwarf was getting their +dinner ready, and he brought their food upon seven little plates, and +their drink in seven little glasses, and set them upon the table, and +out of each little plate their sister ate a small piece, and out of each +little glass she drank a small drop; but she let the ring that she had +brought with her fall into the last glass. + +On a sudden she heard a fluttering and croaking in the air, and the +dwarf said, ‘Here come my masters.’ When they came in, they wanted to +eat and drink, and looked for their little plates and glasses. Then said +one after the other, + +‘Who has eaten from my little plate? And who has been drinking out of my +little glass?’ + + ‘Caw! Caw! well I ween + Mortal lips have this way been.’ + +When the seventh came to the bottom of his glass, and found there the +ring, he looked at it, and knew that it was his father’s and mother’s, +and said, ‘O that our little sister would but come! then we should be +free.’ When the little girl heard this (for she stood behind the door +all the time and listened), she ran forward, and in an instant all +the ravens took their right form again; and all hugged and kissed each +other, and went merrily home. + + + + +THE WEDDING OF MRS FOX + + +FIRST STORY + +There was once upon a time an old fox with nine tails, who believed that +his wife was not faithful to him, and wished to put her to the test. He +stretched himself out under the bench, did not move a limb, and behaved +as if he were stone dead. Mrs Fox went up to her room, shut herself in, +and her maid, Miss Cat, sat by the fire, and did the cooking. When it +became known that the old fox was dead, suitors presented themselves. +The maid heard someone standing at the house-door, knocking. She went +and opened it, and it was a young fox, who said: + + ‘What may you be about, Miss Cat? + Do you sleep or do you wake?’ + +She answered: + + ‘I am not sleeping, I am waking, + Would you know what I am making? + I am boiling warm beer with butter, + Will you be my guest for supper?’ + +‘No, thank you, miss,’ said the fox, ‘what is Mrs Fox doing?’ The maid +replied: + + ‘She is sitting in her room, + Moaning in her gloom, + Weeping her little eyes quite red, + Because old Mr Fox is dead.’ + +‘Do just tell her, miss, that a young fox is here, who would like to woo +her.’ ‘Certainly, young sir.’ + + The cat goes up the stairs trip, trap, + The door she knocks at tap, tap, tap, + ‘Mistress Fox, are you inside?’ + ‘Oh, yes, my little cat,’ she cried. + ‘A wooer he stands at the door out there.’ + ‘What does he look like, my dear?’ + +‘Has he nine as beautiful tails as the late Mr Fox?’ ‘Oh, no,’ answered +the cat, ‘he has only one.’ ‘Then I will not have him.’ + +Miss Cat went downstairs and sent the wooer away. Soon afterwards there +was another knock, and another fox was at the door who wished to woo Mrs +Fox. He had two tails, but he did not fare better than the first. After +this still more came, each with one tail more than the other, but they +were all turned away, until at last one came who had nine tails, like +old Mr Fox. When the widow heard that, she said joyfully to the cat: + + ‘Now open the gates and doors all wide, + And carry old Mr Fox outside.’ + +But just as the wedding was going to be solemnized, old Mr Fox stirred +under the bench, and cudgelled all the rabble, and drove them and Mrs +Fox out of the house. + + +SECOND STORY + +When old Mr Fox was dead, the wolf came as a suitor, and knocked at the +door, and the cat who was servant to Mrs Fox, opened it for him. The +wolf greeted her, and said: + + ‘Good day, Mrs Cat of Kehrewit, + How comes it that alone you sit? + What are you making good?’ + +The cat replied: + + ‘In milk I’m breaking bread so sweet, + Will you be my guest, and eat?’ + +‘No, thank you, Mrs Cat,’ answered the wolf. ‘Is Mrs Fox not at home?’ + +The cat said: + + ‘She sits upstairs in her room, + Bewailing her sorrowful doom, + Bewailing her trouble so sore, + For old Mr Fox is no more.’ + +The wolf answered: + + ‘If she’s in want of a husband now, + Then will it please her to step below?’ + The cat runs quickly up the stair, + And lets her tail fly here and there, + Until she comes to the parlour door. + With her five gold rings at the door she knocks: + ‘Are you within, good Mistress Fox? + If you’re in want of a husband now, + Then will it please you to step below? + +Mrs Fox asked: ‘Has the gentleman red stockings on, and has he a pointed +mouth?’ ‘No,’ answered the cat. ‘Then he won’t do for me.’ + +When the wolf was gone, came a dog, a stag, a hare, a bear, a lion, and +all the beasts of the forest, one after the other. But one of the good +qualities which old Mr Fox had possessed, was always lacking, and the +cat had continually to send the suitors away. At length came a young +fox. Then Mrs Fox said: ‘Has the gentleman red stockings on, and has a +little pointed mouth?’ ‘Yes,’ said the cat, ‘he has.’ ‘Then let him come +upstairs,’ said Mrs Fox, and ordered the servant to prepare the wedding +feast. + + ‘Sweep me the room as clean as you can, + Up with the window, fling out my old man! + For many a fine fat mouse he brought, + Yet of his wife he never thought, + But ate up every one he caught.’ + +Then the wedding was solemnized with young Mr Fox, and there was much +rejoicing and dancing; and if they have not left off, they are dancing +still. + + + + +THE SALAD + +As a merry young huntsman was once going briskly along through a wood, +there came up a little old woman, and said to him, ‘Good day, good day; +you seem merry enough, but I am hungry and thirsty; do pray give me +something to eat.’ The huntsman took pity on her, and put his hand in +his pocket and gave her what he had. Then he wanted to go his way; but +she took hold of him, and said, ‘Listen, my friend, to what I am going +to tell you; I will reward you for your kindness; go your way, and after +a little time you will come to a tree where you will see nine birds +sitting on a cloak. Shoot into the midst of them, and one will fall down +dead: the cloak will fall too; take it, it is a wishing-cloak, and when +you wear it you will find yourself at any place where you may wish to +be. Cut open the dead bird, take out its heart and keep it, and you will +find a piece of gold under your pillow every morning when you rise. It +is the bird’s heart that will bring you this good luck.’ + +The huntsman thanked her, and thought to himself, ‘If all this does +happen, it will be a fine thing for me.’ When he had gone a hundred +steps or so, he heard a screaming and chirping in the branches over him, +and looked up and saw a flock of birds pulling a cloak with their bills +and feet; screaming, fighting, and tugging at each other as if +each wished to have it himself. ‘Well,’ said the huntsman, ‘this is +wonderful; this happens just as the old woman said’; then he shot into +the midst of them so that their feathers flew all about. Off went the +flock chattering away; but one fell down dead, and the cloak with it. +Then the huntsman did as the old woman told him, cut open the bird, took +out the heart, and carried the cloak home with him. + +The next morning when he awoke he lifted up his pillow, and there lay +the piece of gold glittering underneath; the same happened next day, and +indeed every day when he arose. He heaped up a great deal of gold, and +at last thought to himself, ‘Of what use is this gold to me whilst I am +at home? I will go out into the world and look about me.’ + +Then he took leave of his friends, and hung his bag and bow about his +neck, and went his way. It so happened that his road one day led through +a thick wood, at the end of which was a large castle in a green meadow, +and at one of the windows stood an old woman with a very beautiful young +lady by her side looking about them. Now the old woman was a witch, and +said to the young lady, ‘There is a young man coming out of the wood who +carries a wonderful prize; we must get it away from him, my dear child, +for it is more fit for us than for him. He has a bird’s heart that +brings a piece of gold under his pillow every morning.’ Meantime the +huntsman came nearer and looked at the lady, and said to himself, ‘I +have been travelling so long that I should like to go into this castle +and rest myself, for I have money enough to pay for anything I want’; +but the real reason was, that he wanted to see more of the beautiful +lady. Then he went into the house, and was welcomed kindly; and it was +not long before he was so much in love that he thought of nothing else +but looking at the lady’s eyes, and doing everything that she wished. +Then the old woman said, ‘Now is the time for getting the bird’s heart.’ +So the lady stole it away, and he never found any more gold under his +pillow, for it lay now under the young lady’s, and the old woman took it +away every morning; but he was so much in love that he never missed his +prize. + +‘Well,’ said the old witch, ‘we have got the bird’s heart, but not the +wishing-cloak yet, and that we must also get.’ ‘Let us leave him that,’ +said the young lady; ‘he has already lost his wealth.’ Then the witch +was very angry, and said, ‘Such a cloak is a very rare and wonderful +thing, and I must and will have it.’ So she did as the old woman told +her, and set herself at the window, and looked about the country and +seemed very sorrowful; then the huntsman said, ‘What makes you so sad?’ +‘Alas! dear sir,’ said she, ‘yonder lies the granite rock where all the +costly diamonds grow, and I want so much to go there, that whenever I +think of it I cannot help being sorrowful, for who can reach it? only +the birds and the flies--man cannot.’ ‘If that’s all your grief,’ said +the huntsman, ‘I’ll take you there with all my heart’; so he drew her under +his cloak, and the moment he wished to be on the granite mountain they +were both there. The diamonds glittered so on all sides that they were +delighted with the sight and picked up the finest. But the old witch +made a deep sleep come upon him, and he said to the young lady, ‘Let us +sit down and rest ourselves a little, I am so tired that I cannot stand +any longer.’ So they sat down, and he laid his head in her lap and +fell asleep; and whilst he was sleeping on she took the cloak from +his shoulders, hung it on her own, picked up the diamonds, and wished +herself home again. + +When he awoke and found that his lady had tricked him, and left him +alone on the wild rock, he said, ‘Alas! what roguery there is in the +world!’ and there he sat in great grief and fear, not knowing what to +do. Now this rock belonged to fierce giants who lived upon it; and as +he saw three of them striding about, he thought to himself, ‘I can only +save myself by feigning to be asleep’; so he laid himself down as if he +were in a sound sleep. When the giants came up to him, the first pushed +him with his foot, and said, ‘What worm is this that lies here curled +up?’ ‘Tread upon him and kill him,’ said the second. ‘It’s not worth the +trouble,’ said the third; ‘let him live, he’ll go climbing higher up the +mountain, and some cloud will come rolling and carry him away.’ And they +passed on. But the huntsman had heard all they said; and as soon as they +were gone, he climbed to the top of the mountain, and when he had sat +there a short time a cloud came rolling around him, and caught him in a +whirlwind and bore him along for some time, till it settled in a garden, +and he fell quite gently to the ground amongst the greens and cabbages. + +Then he looked around him, and said, ‘I wish I had something to eat, if +not I shall be worse off than before; for here I see neither apples +nor pears, nor any kind of fruits, nothing but vegetables.’ At last he +thought to himself, ‘I can eat salad, it will refresh and strengthen +me.’ So he picked out a fine head and ate of it; but scarcely had he +swallowed two bites when he felt himself quite changed, and saw with +horror that he was turned into an ass. However, he still felt very +hungry, and the salad tasted very nice; so he ate on till he came +to another kind of salad, and scarcely had he tasted it when he felt +another change come over him, and soon saw that he was lucky enough to +have found his old shape again. + +Then he laid himself down and slept off a little of his weariness; and +when he awoke the next morning he broke off a head both of the good and +the bad salad, and thought to himself, ‘This will help me to my fortune +again, and enable me to pay off some folks for their treachery.’ So he +went away to try and find the castle of his friends; and after wandering +about a few days he luckily found it. Then he stained his face all over +brown, so that even his mother would not have known him, and went into +the castle and asked for a lodging; ‘I am so tired,’ said he, ‘that I +can go no farther.’ ‘Countryman,’ said the witch, ‘who are you? and what +is your business?’ ‘I am,’ said he, ‘a messenger sent by the king to +find the finest salad that grows under the sun. I have been lucky +enough to find it, and have brought it with me; but the heat of the sun +scorches so that it begins to wither, and I don’t know that I can carry +it farther.’ + +When the witch and the young lady heard of his beautiful salad, they +longed to taste it, and said, ‘Dear countryman, let us just taste it.’ +‘To be sure,’ answered he; ‘I have two heads of it with me, and will +give you one’; so he opened his bag and gave them the bad. Then the +witch herself took it into the kitchen to be dressed; and when it was +ready she could not wait till it was carried up, but took a few leaves +immediately and put them in her mouth, and scarcely were they swallowed +when she lost her own form and ran braying down into the court in the +form of an ass. Now the servant-maid came into the kitchen, and seeing +the salad ready, was going to carry it up; but on the way she too felt a +wish to taste it as the old woman had done, and ate some leaves; so she +also was turned into an ass and ran after the other, letting the dish +with the salad fall on the ground. The messenger sat all this time with +the beautiful young lady, and as nobody came with the salad and she +longed to taste it, she said, ‘I don’t know where the salad can be.’ +Then he thought something must have happened, and said, ‘I will go +into the kitchen and see.’ And as he went he saw two asses in the court +running about, and the salad lying on the ground. ‘All right!’ said +he; ‘those two have had their share.’ Then he took up the rest of +the leaves, laid them on the dish and brought them to the young lady, +saying, ‘I bring you the dish myself that you may not wait any longer.’ +So she ate of it, and like the others ran off into the court braying +away. + +Then the huntsman washed his face and went into the court that they +might know him. ‘Now you shall be paid for your roguery,’ said he; and +tied them all three to a rope and took them along with him till he +came to a mill and knocked at the window. ‘What’s the matter?’ said the +miller. ‘I have three tiresome beasts here,’ said the other; ‘if you +will take them, give them food and room, and treat them as I tell you, +I will pay you whatever you ask.’ ‘With all my heart,’ said the miller; +‘but how shall I treat them?’ Then the huntsman said, ‘Give the old +one stripes three times a day and hay once; give the next (who was +the servant-maid) stripes once a day and hay three times; and give +the youngest (who was the beautiful lady) hay three times a day and +no stripes’: for he could not find it in his heart to have her beaten. +After this he went back to the castle, where he found everything he +wanted. + +Some days after, the miller came to him and told him that the old ass +was dead; ‘The other two,’ said he, ‘are alive and eat, but are so +sorrowful that they cannot last long.’ Then the huntsman pitied them, +and told the miller to drive them back to him, and when they came, he +gave them some of the good salad to eat. And the beautiful young lady +fell upon her knees before him, and said, ‘O dearest huntsman! forgive +me all the ill I have done you; my mother forced me to it, it was +against my will, for I always loved you very much. Your wishing-cloak +hangs up in the closet, and as for the bird’s heart, I will give it you +too.’ But he said, ‘Keep it, it will be just the same thing, for I mean +to make you my wife.’ So they were married, and lived together very +happily till they died. + + + + +THE STORY OF THE YOUTH WHO WENT FORTH TO LEARN WHAT FEAR WAS + +A certain father had two sons, the elder of who was smart and sensible, +and could do everything, but the younger was stupid and could neither +learn nor understand anything, and when people saw him they said: +‘There’s a fellow who will give his father some trouble!’ When anything +had to be done, it was always the elder who was forced to do it; but +if his father bade him fetch anything when it was late, or in the +night-time, and the way led through the churchyard, or any other dismal +place, he answered: ‘Oh, no father, I’ll not go there, it makes me +shudder!’ for he was afraid. Or when stories were told by the fire at +night which made the flesh creep, the listeners sometimes said: ‘Oh, +it makes us shudder!’ The younger sat in a corner and listened with +the rest of them, and could not imagine what they could mean. ‘They are +always saying: “It makes me shudder, it makes me shudder!” It does not +make me shudder,’ thought he. ‘That, too, must be an art of which I +understand nothing!’ + +Now it came to pass that his father said to him one day: ‘Hearken to me, +you fellow in the corner there, you are growing tall and strong, and you +too must learn something by which you can earn your bread. Look how your +brother works, but you do not even earn your salt.’ ‘Well, father,’ he +replied, ‘I am quite willing to learn something--indeed, if it could but +be managed, I should like to learn how to shudder. I don’t understand +that at all yet.’ The elder brother smiled when he heard that, and +thought to himself: ‘Goodness, what a blockhead that brother of mine is! +He will never be good for anything as long as he lives! He who wants to +be a sickle must bend himself betimes.’ + +The father sighed, and answered him: ‘You shall soon learn what it is to +shudder, but you will not earn your bread by that.’ + +Soon after this the sexton came to the house on a visit, and the father +bewailed his trouble, and told him how his younger son was so backward +in every respect that he knew nothing and learnt nothing. ‘Just think,’ +said he, ‘when I asked him how he was going to earn his bread, he +actually wanted to learn to shudder.’ ‘If that be all,’ replied the +sexton, ‘he can learn that with me. Send him to me, and I will soon +polish him.’ The father was glad to do it, for he thought: ‘It will +train the boy a little.’ The sexton therefore took him into his house, +and he had to ring the church bell. After a day or two, the sexton awoke +him at midnight, and bade him arise and go up into the church tower and +ring the bell. ‘You shall soon learn what shuddering is,’ thought he, +and secretly went there before him; and when the boy was at the top of +the tower and turned round, and was just going to take hold of the bell +rope, he saw a white figure standing on the stairs opposite the sounding +hole. ‘Who is there?’ cried he, but the figure made no reply, and did +not move or stir. ‘Give an answer,’ cried the boy, ‘or take yourself +off, you have no business here at night.’ + +The sexton, however, remained standing motionless that the boy might +think he was a ghost. The boy cried a second time: ‘What do you want +here?--speak if you are an honest fellow, or I will throw you down the +steps!’ The sexton thought: ‘He can’t mean to be as bad as his words,’ +uttered no sound and stood as if he were made of stone. Then the boy +called to him for the third time, and as that was also to no purpose, +he ran against him and pushed the ghost down the stairs, so that it fell +down the ten steps and remained lying there in a corner. Thereupon he +rang the bell, went home, and without saying a word went to bed, and +fell asleep. The sexton’s wife waited a long time for her husband, but +he did not come back. At length she became uneasy, and wakened the boy, +and asked: ‘Do you know where my husband is? He climbed up the tower +before you did.’ ‘No, I don’t know,’ replied the boy, ‘but someone was +standing by the sounding hole on the other side of the steps, and as he +would neither give an answer nor go away, I took him for a scoundrel, +and threw him downstairs. Just go there and you will see if it was he. +I should be sorry if it were.’ The woman ran away and found her husband, +who was lying moaning in the corner, and had broken his leg. + +She carried him down, and then with loud screams she hastened to the +boy’s father, ‘Your boy,’ cried she, ‘has been the cause of a great +misfortune! He has thrown my husband down the steps so that he broke his +leg. Take the good-for-nothing fellow out of our house.’ The father was +terrified, and ran thither and scolded the boy. ‘What wicked tricks +are these?’ said he. ‘The devil must have put them into your head.’ +‘Father,’ he replied, ‘do listen to me. I am quite innocent. He was +standing there by night like one intent on doing evil. I did not know +who it was, and I entreated him three times either to speak or to go +away.’ ‘Ah,’ said the father, ‘I have nothing but unhappiness with you. +Go out of my sight. I will see you no more.’ + +‘Yes, father, right willingly, wait only until it is day. Then will I +go forth and learn how to shudder, and then I shall, at any rate, +understand one art which will support me.’ ‘Learn what you will,’ spoke +the father, ‘it is all the same to me. Here are fifty talers for you. +Take these and go into the wide world, and tell no one from whence you +come, and who is your father, for I have reason to be ashamed of you.’ +‘Yes, father, it shall be as you will. If you desire nothing more than +that, I can easily keep it in mind.’ + +When the day dawned, therefore, the boy put his fifty talers into his +pocket, and went forth on the great highway, and continually said to +himself: ‘If I could but shudder! If I could but shudder!’ Then a man +approached who heard this conversation which the youth was holding with +himself, and when they had walked a little farther to where they could +see the gallows, the man said to him: ‘Look, there is the tree where +seven men have married the ropemaker’s daughter, and are now learning +how to fly. Sit down beneath it, and wait till night comes, and you will +soon learn how to shudder.’ ‘If that is all that is wanted,’ answered +the youth, ‘it is easily done; but if I learn how to shudder as fast as +that, you shall have my fifty talers. Just come back to me early in the +morning.’ Then the youth went to the gallows, sat down beneath it, and +waited till evening came. And as he was cold, he lighted himself a fire, +but at midnight the wind blew so sharply that in spite of his fire, he +could not get warm. And as the wind knocked the hanged men against each +other, and they moved backwards and forwards, he thought to himself: +‘If you shiver below by the fire, how those up above must freeze and +suffer!’ And as he felt pity for them, he raised the ladder, and climbed +up, unbound one of them after the other, and brought down all seven. +Then he stoked the fire, blew it, and set them all round it to warm +themselves. But they sat there and did not stir, and the fire caught +their clothes. So he said: ‘Take care, or I will hang you up again.’ The +dead men, however, did not hear, but were quite silent, and let their +rags go on burning. At this he grew angry, and said: ‘If you will not +take care, I cannot help you, I will not be burnt with you,’ and he hung +them up again each in his turn. Then he sat down by his fire and fell +asleep, and the next morning the man came to him and wanted to have +the fifty talers, and said: ‘Well do you know how to shudder?’ ‘No,’ +answered he, ‘how should I know? Those fellows up there did not open +their mouths, and were so stupid that they let the few old rags which +they had on their bodies get burnt.’ Then the man saw that he would not +get the fifty talers that day, and went away saying: ‘Such a youth has +never come my way before.’ + +The youth likewise went his way, and once more began to mutter to +himself: ‘Ah, if I could but shudder! Ah, if I could but shudder!’ A +waggoner who was striding behind him heard this and asked: ‘Who are +you?’ ‘I don’t know,’ answered the youth. Then the waggoner asked: ‘From +whence do you come?’ ‘I know not.’ ‘Who is your father?’ ‘That I may +not tell you.’ ‘What is it that you are always muttering between your +teeth?’ ‘Ah,’ replied the youth, ‘I do so wish I could shudder, but +no one can teach me how.’ ‘Enough of your foolish chatter,’ said the +waggoner. ‘Come, go with me, I will see about a place for you.’ The +youth went with the waggoner, and in the evening they arrived at an inn +where they wished to pass the night. Then at the entrance of the parlour +the youth again said quite loudly: ‘If I could but shudder! If I could +but shudder!’ The host who heard this, laughed and said: ‘If that is +your desire, there ought to be a good opportunity for you here.’ ‘Ah, +be silent,’ said the hostess, ‘so many prying persons have already lost +their lives, it would be a pity and a shame if such beautiful eyes as +these should never see the daylight again.’ + +But the youth said: ‘However difficult it may be, I will learn it. For +this purpose indeed have I journeyed forth.’ He let the host have +no rest, until the latter told him, that not far from thence stood a +haunted castle where anyone could very easily learn what shuddering was, +if he would but watch in it for three nights. The king had promised that +he who would venture should have his daughter to wife, and she was the +most beautiful maiden the sun shone on. Likewise in the castle lay great +treasures, which were guarded by evil spirits, and these treasures would +then be freed, and would make a poor man rich enough. Already many men +had gone into the castle, but as yet none had come out again. Then the +youth went next morning to the king, and said: ‘If it be allowed, I will +willingly watch three nights in the haunted castle.’ + +The king looked at him, and as the youth pleased him, he said: ‘You may +ask for three things to take into the castle with you, but they must +be things without life.’ Then he answered: ‘Then I ask for a fire, a +turning lathe, and a cutting-board with the knife.’ + +The king had these things carried into the castle for him during the +day. When night was drawing near, the youth went up and made himself +a bright fire in one of the rooms, placed the cutting-board and knife +beside it, and seated himself by the turning-lathe. ‘Ah, if I could +but shudder!’ said he, ‘but I shall not learn it here either.’ Towards +midnight he was about to poke his fire, and as he was blowing it, +something cried suddenly from one corner: ‘Au, miau! how cold we are!’ +‘You fools!’ cried he, ‘what are you crying about? If you are cold, come +and take a seat by the fire and warm yourselves.’ And when he had said +that, two great black cats came with one tremendous leap and sat down +on each side of him, and looked savagely at him with their fiery +eyes. After a short time, when they had warmed themselves, they said: +‘Comrade, shall we have a game of cards?’ ‘Why not?’ he replied, ‘but +just show me your paws.’ Then they stretched out their claws. ‘Oh,’ said +he, ‘what long nails you have! Wait, I must first cut them for you.’ +Thereupon he seized them by the throats, put them on the cutting-board +and screwed their feet fast. ‘I have looked at your fingers,’ said he, +‘and my fancy for card-playing has gone,’ and he struck them dead and +threw them out into the water. But when he had made away with these two, +and was about to sit down again by his fire, out from every hole and +corner came black cats and black dogs with red-hot chains, and more +and more of them came until he could no longer move, and they yelled +horribly, and got on his fire, pulled it to pieces, and tried to put +it out. He watched them for a while quietly, but at last when they were +going too far, he seized his cutting-knife, and cried: ‘Away with you, +vermin,’ and began to cut them down. Some of them ran away, the others +he killed, and threw out into the fish-pond. When he came back he fanned +the embers of his fire again and warmed himself. And as he thus sat, his +eyes would keep open no longer, and he felt a desire to sleep. Then he +looked round and saw a great bed in the corner. ‘That is the very thing +for me,’ said he, and got into it. When he was just going to shut his +eyes, however, the bed began to move of its own accord, and went over +the whole of the castle. ‘That’s right,’ said he, ‘but go faster.’ Then +the bed rolled on as if six horses were harnessed to it, up and down, +over thresholds and stairs, but suddenly hop, hop, it turned over upside +down, and lay on him like a mountain. But he threw quilts and pillows up +in the air, got out and said: ‘Now anyone who likes, may drive,’ and +lay down by his fire, and slept till it was day. In the morning the king +came, and when he saw him lying there on the ground, he thought the evil +spirits had killed him and he was dead. Then said he: ‘After all it is a +pity,--for so handsome a man.’ The youth heard it, got up, and said: ‘It +has not come to that yet.’ Then the king was astonished, but very glad, +and asked how he had fared. ‘Very well indeed,’ answered he; ‘one +night is past, the two others will pass likewise.’ Then he went to the +innkeeper, who opened his eyes very wide, and said: ‘I never expected to +see you alive again! Have you learnt how to shudder yet?’ ‘No,’ said he, +‘it is all in vain. If someone would but tell me!’ + +The second night he again went up into the old castle, sat down by the +fire, and once more began his old song: ‘If I could but shudder!’ When +midnight came, an uproar and noise of tumbling about was heard; at +first it was low, but it grew louder and louder. Then it was quiet for +a while, and at length with a loud scream, half a man came down the +chimney and fell before him. ‘Hullo!’ cried he, ‘another half belongs +to this. This is not enough!’ Then the uproar began again, there was a +roaring and howling, and the other half fell down likewise. ‘Wait,’ said +he, ‘I will just stoke up the fire a little for you.’ When he had done +that and looked round again, the two pieces were joined together, and a +hideous man was sitting in his place. ‘That is no part of our bargain,’ +said the youth, ‘the bench is mine.’ The man wanted to push him away; +the youth, however, would not allow that, but thrust him off with all +his strength, and seated himself again in his own place. Then still more +men fell down, one after the other; they brought nine dead men’s legs +and two skulls, and set them up and played at nine-pins with them. The +youth also wanted to play and said: ‘Listen you, can I join you?’ ‘Yes, +if you have any money.’ ‘Money enough,’ replied he, ‘but your balls are +not quite round.’ Then he took the skulls and put them in the lathe and +turned them till they were round. ‘There, now they will roll better!’ +said he. ‘Hurrah! now we’ll have fun!’ He played with them and lost some +of his money, but when it struck twelve, everything vanished from his +sight. He lay down and quietly fell asleep. Next morning the king came +to inquire after him. ‘How has it fared with you this time?’ asked he. +‘I have been playing at nine-pins,’ he answered, ‘and have lost a couple +of farthings.’ ‘Have you not shuddered then?’ ‘What?’ said he, ‘I have +had a wonderful time! If I did but know what it was to shudder!’ + +The third night he sat down again on his bench and said quite sadly: +‘If I could but shudder.’ When it grew late, six tall men came in and +brought a coffin. Then he said: ‘Ha, ha, that is certainly my little +cousin, who died only a few days ago,’ and he beckoned with his finger, +and cried: ‘Come, little cousin, come.’ They placed the coffin on the +ground, but he went to it and took the lid off, and a dead man lay +therein. He felt his face, but it was cold as ice. ‘Wait,’ said he, ‘I +will warm you a little,’ and went to the fire and warmed his hand and +laid it on the dead man’s face, but he remained cold. Then he took him +out, and sat down by the fire and laid him on his breast and rubbed his +arms that the blood might circulate again. As this also did no good, he +thought to himself: ‘When two people lie in bed together, they warm each +other,’ and carried him to the bed, covered him over and lay down by +him. After a short time the dead man became warm too, and began to move. +Then said the youth, ‘See, little cousin, have I not warmed you?’ The +dead man, however, got up and cried: ‘Now will I strangle you.’ + +‘What!’ said he, ‘is that the way you thank me? You shall at once go +into your coffin again,’ and he took him up, threw him into it, and shut +the lid. Then came the six men and carried him away again. ‘I cannot +manage to shudder,’ said he. ‘I shall never learn it here as long as I +live.’ + +Then a man entered who was taller than all others, and looked terrible. +He was old, however, and had a long white beard. ‘You wretch,’ cried he, +‘you shall soon learn what it is to shudder, for you shall die.’ ‘Not so +fast,’ replied the youth. ‘If I am to die, I shall have to have a say +in it.’ ‘I will soon seize you,’ said the fiend. ‘Softly, softly, do not +talk so big. I am as strong as you are, and perhaps even stronger.’ +‘We shall see,’ said the old man. ‘If you are stronger, I will let you +go--come, we will try.’ Then he led him by dark passages to a smith’s +forge, took an axe, and with one blow struck an anvil into the ground. +‘I can do better than that,’ said the youth, and went to the other +anvil. The old man placed himself near and wanted to look on, and his +white beard hung down. Then the youth seized the axe, split the anvil +with one blow, and in it caught the old man’s beard. ‘Now I have you,’ +said the youth. ‘Now it is your turn to die.’ Then he seized an iron bar +and beat the old man till he moaned and entreated him to stop, when he +would give him great riches. The youth drew out the axe and let him go. +The old man led him back into the castle, and in a cellar showed him +three chests full of gold. ‘Of these,’ said he, ‘one part is for the +poor, the other for the king, the third yours.’ In the meantime it +struck twelve, and the spirit disappeared, so that the youth stood in +darkness. ‘I shall still be able to find my way out,’ said he, and felt +about, found the way into the room, and slept there by his fire. +Next morning the king came and said: ‘Now you must have learnt what +shuddering is?’ ‘No,’ he answered; ‘what can it be? My dead cousin was +here, and a bearded man came and showed me a great deal of money down +below, but no one told me what it was to shudder.’ ‘Then,’ said the +king, ‘you have saved the castle, and shall marry my daughter.’ ‘That +is all very well,’ said he, ‘but still I do not know what it is to +shudder!’ + +Then the gold was brought up and the wedding celebrated; but howsoever +much the young king loved his wife, and however happy he was, he still +said always: ‘If I could but shudder--if I could but shudder.’ And this +at last angered her. Her waiting-maid said: ‘I will find a cure for him; +he shall soon learn what it is to shudder.’ She went out to the stream +which flowed through the garden, and had a whole bucketful of gudgeons +brought to her. At night when the young king was sleeping, his wife was +to draw the clothes off him and empty the bucket full of cold water +with the gudgeons in it over him, so that the little fishes would +sprawl about him. Then he woke up and cried: ‘Oh, what makes me shudder +so?--what makes me shudder so, dear wife? Ah! now I know what it is to +shudder!’ + + + + +KING GRISLY-BEARD + +A great king of a land far away in the East had a daughter who was very +beautiful, but so proud, and haughty, and conceited, that none of the +princes who came to ask her in marriage was good enough for her, and she +only made sport of them. + +Once upon a time the king held a great feast, and asked thither all +her suitors; and they all sat in a row, ranged according to their +rank--kings, and princes, and dukes, and earls, and counts, and barons, +and knights. Then the princess came in, and as she passed by them she +had something spiteful to say to every one. The first was too fat: ‘He’s +as round as a tub,’ said she. The next was too tall: ‘What a maypole!’ +said she. The next was too short: ‘What a dumpling!’ said she. The +fourth was too pale, and she called him ‘Wallface.’ The fifth was too +red, so she called him ‘Coxcomb.’ The sixth was not straight enough; +so she said he was like a green stick, that had been laid to dry over +a baker’s oven. And thus she had some joke to crack upon every one: but +she laughed more than all at a good king who was there. ‘Look at +him,’ said she; ‘his beard is like an old mop; he shall be called +Grisly-beard.’ So the king got the nickname of Grisly-beard. + +But the old king was very angry when he saw how his daughter behaved, +and how she ill-treated all his guests; and he vowed that, willing or +unwilling, she should marry the first man, be he prince or beggar, that +came to the door. + +Two days after there came by a travelling fiddler, who began to play +under the window and beg alms; and when the king heard him, he said, +‘Let him come in.’ So they brought in a dirty-looking fellow; and when +he had sung before the king and the princess, he begged a boon. Then the +king said, ‘You have sung so well, that I will give you my daughter for +your wife.’ The princess begged and prayed; but the king said, ‘I have +sworn to give you to the first comer, and I will keep my word.’ So words +and tears were of no avail; the parson was sent for, and she was married +to the fiddler. When this was over the king said, ‘Now get ready to +go--you must not stay here--you must travel on with your husband.’ + +Then the fiddler went his way, and took her with him, and they soon came +to a great wood. ‘Pray,’ said she, ‘whose is this wood?’ ‘It belongs +to King Grisly-beard,’ answered he; ‘hadst thou taken him, all had been +thine.’ ‘Ah! unlucky wretch that I am!’ sighed she; ‘would that I had +married King Grisly-beard!’ Next they came to some fine meadows. ‘Whose +are these beautiful green meadows?’ said she. ‘They belong to King +Grisly-beard, hadst thou taken him, they had all been thine.’ ‘Ah! +unlucky wretch that I am!’ said she; ‘would that I had married King +Grisly-beard!’ + +Then they came to a great city. ‘Whose is this noble city?’ said she. +‘It belongs to King Grisly-beard; hadst thou taken him, it had all been +thine.’ ‘Ah! wretch that I am!’ sighed she; ‘why did I not marry King +Grisly-beard?’ ‘That is no business of mine,’ said the fiddler: ‘why +should you wish for another husband? Am not I good enough for you?’ + +At last they came to a small cottage. ‘What a paltry place!’ said she; +‘to whom does that little dirty hole belong?’ Then the fiddler said, +‘That is your and my house, where we are to live.’ ‘Where are your +servants?’ cried she. ‘What do we want with servants?’ said he; ‘you +must do for yourself whatever is to be done. Now make the fire, and put +on water and cook my supper, for I am very tired.’ But the princess knew +nothing of making fires and cooking, and the fiddler was forced to help +her. When they had eaten a very scanty meal they went to bed; but the +fiddler called her up very early in the morning to clean the house. Thus +they lived for two days: and when they had eaten up all there was in the +cottage, the man said, ‘Wife, we can’t go on thus, spending money and +earning nothing. You must learn to weave baskets.’ Then he went out and +cut willows, and brought them home, and she began to weave; but it made +her fingers very sore. ‘I see this work won’t do,’ said he: ‘try and +spin; perhaps you will do that better.’ So she sat down and tried to +spin; but the threads cut her tender fingers till the blood ran. ‘See +now,’ said the fiddler, ‘you are good for nothing; you can do no work: +what a bargain I have got! However, I’ll try and set up a trade in pots +and pans, and you shall stand in the market and sell them.’ ‘Alas!’ +sighed she, ‘if any of my father’s court should pass by and see me +standing in the market, how they will laugh at me!’ + +But her husband did not care for that, and said she must work, if she +did not wish to die of hunger. At first the trade went well; for many +people, seeing such a beautiful woman, went to buy her wares, and paid +their money without thinking of taking away the goods. They lived on +this as long as it lasted; and then her husband bought a fresh lot of +ware, and she sat herself down with it in the corner of the market; but +a drunken soldier soon came by, and rode his horse against her stall, +and broke all her goods into a thousand pieces. Then she began to cry, +and knew not what to do. ‘Ah! what will become of me?’ said she; ‘what +will my husband say?’ So she ran home and told him all. ‘Who would +have thought you would have been so silly,’ said he, ‘as to put an +earthenware stall in the corner of the market, where everybody passes? +but let us have no more crying; I see you are not fit for this sort of +work, so I have been to the king’s palace, and asked if they did not +want a kitchen-maid; and they say they will take you, and there you will +have plenty to eat.’ + +Thus the princess became a kitchen-maid, and helped the cook to do all +the dirtiest work; but she was allowed to carry home some of the meat +that was left, and on this they lived. + +She had not been there long before she heard that the king’s eldest son +was passing by, going to be married; and she went to one of the windows +and looked out. Everything was ready, and all the pomp and brightness of +the court was there. Then she bitterly grieved for the pride and folly +which had brought her so low. And the servants gave her some of the rich +meats, which she put into her basket to take home. + +All on a sudden, as she was going out, in came the king’s son in golden +clothes; and when he saw a beautiful woman at the door, he took her +by the hand, and said she should be his partner in the dance; but she +trembled for fear, for she saw that it was King Grisly-beard, who was +making sport of her. However, he kept fast hold, and led her in; and the +cover of the basket came off, so that the meats in it fell about. Then +everybody laughed and jeered at her; and she was so abashed, that she +wished herself a thousand feet deep in the earth. She sprang to the +door to run away; but on the steps King Grisly-beard overtook her, and +brought her back and said, ‘Fear me not! I am the fiddler who has lived +with you in the hut. I brought you there because I really loved you. I +am also the soldier that overset your stall. I have done all this only +to cure you of your silly pride, and to show you the folly of your +ill-treatment of me. Now all is over: you have learnt wisdom, and it is +time to hold our marriage feast.’ + +Then the chamberlains came and brought her the most beautiful robes; and +her father and his whole court were there already, and welcomed her home +on her marriage. Joy was in every face and every heart. The feast was +grand; they danced and sang; all were merry; and I only wish that you +and I had been of the party. + + + + +IRON HANS + +There was once upon a time a king who had a great forest near his +palace, full of all kinds of wild animals. One day he sent out a +huntsman to shoot him a roe, but he did not come back. ‘Perhaps some +accident has befallen him,’ said the king, and the next day he sent out +two more huntsmen who were to search for him, but they too stayed away. +Then on the third day, he sent for all his huntsmen, and said: ‘Scour +the whole forest through, and do not give up until you have found all +three.’ But of these also, none came home again, none were seen again. +From that time forth, no one would any longer venture into the forest, +and it lay there in deep stillness and solitude, and nothing was seen +of it, but sometimes an eagle or a hawk flying over it. This lasted for +many years, when an unknown huntsman announced himself to the king as +seeking a situation, and offered to go into the dangerous forest. The +king, however, would not give his consent, and said: ‘It is not safe in +there; I fear it would fare with you no better than with the others, +and you would never come out again.’ The huntsman replied: ‘Lord, I will +venture it at my own risk, of fear I know nothing.’ + +The huntsman therefore betook himself with his dog to the forest. It was +not long before the dog fell in with some game on the way, and wanted to +pursue it; but hardly had the dog run two steps when it stood before a +deep pool, could go no farther, and a naked arm stretched itself out of +the water, seized it, and drew it under. When the huntsman saw that, he +went back and fetched three men to come with buckets and bale out the +water. When they could see to the bottom there lay a wild man whose body +was brown like rusty iron, and whose hair hung over his face down to his +knees. They bound him with cords, and led him away to the castle. There +was great astonishment over the wild man; the king, however, had him put +in an iron cage in his courtyard, and forbade the door to be opened +on pain of death, and the queen herself was to take the key into her +keeping. And from this time forth everyone could again go into the +forest with safety. + +The king had a son of eight years, who was once playing in the +courtyard, and while he was playing, his golden ball fell into the cage. +The boy ran thither and said: ‘Give me my ball out.’ ‘Not till you have +opened the door for me,’ answered the man. ‘No,’ said the boy, ‘I will +not do that; the king has forbidden it,’ and ran away. The next day he +again went and asked for his ball; the wild man said: ‘Open my door,’ +but the boy would not. On the third day the king had ridden out hunting, +and the boy went once more and said: ‘I cannot open the door even if I +wished, for I have not the key.’ Then the wild man said: ‘It lies under +your mother’s pillow, you can get it there.’ The boy, who wanted to have +his ball back, cast all thought to the winds, and brought the key. The +door opened with difficulty, and the boy pinched his fingers. When it +was open the wild man stepped out, gave him the golden ball, and hurried +away. The boy had become afraid; he called and cried after him: ‘Oh, +wild man, do not go away, or I shall be beaten!’ The wild man turned +back, took him up, set him on his shoulder, and went with hasty steps +into the forest. When the king came home, he observed the empty cage, +and asked the queen how that had happened. She knew nothing about it, +and sought the key, but it was gone. She called the boy, but no one +answered. The king sent out people to seek for him in the fields, but +they did not find him. Then he could easily guess what had happened, and +much grief reigned in the royal court. + +When the wild man had once more reached the dark forest, he took the boy +down from his shoulder, and said to him: ‘You will never see your father +and mother again, but I will keep you with me, for you have set me free, +and I have compassion on you. If you do all I bid you, you shall fare +well. Of treasure and gold have I enough, and more than anyone in the +world.’ He made a bed of moss for the boy on which he slept, and the +next morning the man took him to a well, and said: ‘Behold, the gold +well is as bright and clear as crystal, you shall sit beside it, and +take care that nothing falls into it, or it will be polluted. I will +come every evening to see if you have obeyed my order.’ The boy placed +himself by the brink of the well, and often saw a golden fish or a +golden snake show itself therein, and took care that nothing fell in. +As he was thus sitting, his finger hurt him so violently that he +involuntarily put it in the water. He drew it quickly out again, but saw +that it was quite gilded, and whatsoever pains he took to wash the gold +off again, all was to no purpose. In the evening Iron Hans came back, +looked at the boy, and said: ‘What has happened to the well?’ ‘Nothing +nothing,’ he answered, and held his finger behind his back, that the +man might not see it. But he said: ‘You have dipped your finger into +the water, this time it may pass, but take care you do not again let +anything go in.’ By daybreak the boy was already sitting by the well and +watching it. His finger hurt him again and he passed it over his head, +and then unhappily a hair fell down into the well. He took it quickly +out, but it was already quite gilded. Iron Hans came, and already knew +what had happened. ‘You have let a hair fall into the well,’ said he. +‘I will allow you to watch by it once more, but if this happens for the +third time then the well is polluted and you can no longer remain with +me.’ + +On the third day, the boy sat by the well, and did not stir his finger, +however much it hurt him. But the time was long to him, and he looked at +the reflection of his face on the surface of the water. And as he +still bent down more and more while he was doing so, and trying to look +straight into the eyes, his long hair fell down from his shoulders into +the water. He raised himself up quickly, but the whole of the hair of +his head was already golden and shone like the sun. You can imagine how +terrified the poor boy was! He took his pocket-handkerchief and tied it +round his head, in order that the man might not see it. When he came he +already knew everything, and said: ‘Take the handkerchief off.’ Then the +golden hair streamed forth, and let the boy excuse himself as he might, +it was of no use. ‘You have not stood the trial and can stay here no +longer. Go forth into the world, there you will learn what poverty is. +But as you have not a bad heart, and as I mean well by you, there is +one thing I will grant you; if you fall into any difficulty, come to the +forest and cry: “Iron Hans,” and then I will come and help you. My +power is great, greater than you think, and I have gold and silver in +abundance.’ + +Then the king’s son left the forest, and walked by beaten and unbeaten +paths ever onwards until at length he reached a great city. There he +looked for work, but could find none, and he learnt nothing by which he +could help himself. At length he went to the palace, and asked if they +would take him in. The people about court did not at all know what use +they could make of him, but they liked him, and told him to stay. At +length the cook took him into his service, and said he might carry wood +and water, and rake the cinders together. Once when it so happened that +no one else was at hand, the cook ordered him to carry the food to the +royal table, but as he did not like to let his golden hair be seen, he +kept his little cap on. Such a thing as that had never yet come under +the king’s notice, and he said: ‘When you come to the royal table you +must take your hat off.’ He answered: ‘Ah, Lord, I cannot; I have a bad +sore place on my head.’ Then the king had the cook called before him +and scolded him, and asked how he could take such a boy as that into his +service; and that he was to send him away at once. The cook, however, +had pity on him, and exchanged him for the gardener’s boy. + +And now the boy had to plant and water the garden, hoe and dig, and bear +the wind and bad weather. Once in summer when he was working alone in +the garden, the day was so warm he took his little cap off that the air +might cool him. As the sun shone on his hair it glittered and flashed so +that the rays fell into the bedroom of the king’s daughter, and up she +sprang to see what that could be. Then she saw the boy, and cried to +him: ‘Boy, bring me a wreath of flowers.’ He put his cap on with all +haste, and gathered wild field-flowers and bound them together. When he +was ascending the stairs with them, the gardener met him, and said: ‘How +can you take the king’s daughter a garland of such common flowers? Go +quickly, and get another, and seek out the prettiest and rarest.’ ‘Oh, +no,’ replied the boy, ‘the wild ones have more scent, and will please +her better.’ When he got into the room, the king’s daughter said: ‘Take +your cap off, it is not seemly to keep it on in my presence.’ He again +said: ‘I may not, I have a sore head.’ She, however, caught at his +cap and pulled it off, and then his golden hair rolled down on his +shoulders, and it was splendid to behold. He wanted to run out, but she +held him by the arm, and gave him a handful of ducats. With these he +departed, but he cared nothing for the gold pieces. He took them to the +gardener, and said: ‘I present them to your children, they can play with +them.’ The following day the king’s daughter again called to him that he +was to bring her a wreath of field-flowers, and then he went in with it, +she instantly snatched at his cap, and wanted to take it away from him, +but he held it fast with both hands. She again gave him a handful of +ducats, but he would not keep them, and gave them to the gardener for +playthings for his children. On the third day things went just the +same; she could not get his cap away from him, and he would not have her +money. + +Not long afterwards, the country was overrun by war. The king gathered +together his people, and did not know whether or not he could offer any +opposition to the enemy, who was superior in strength and had a mighty +army. Then said the gardener’s boy: ‘I am grown up, and will go to the +wars also, only give me a horse.’ The others laughed, and said: ‘Seek +one for yourself when we are gone, we will leave one behind us in the +stable for you.’ When they had gone forth, he went into the stable, and +led the horse out; it was lame of one foot, and limped hobblety jib, +hobblety jib; nevertheless he mounted it, and rode away to the dark +forest. When he came to the outskirts, he called ‘Iron Hans’ three +times so loudly that it echoed through the trees. Thereupon the wild man +appeared immediately, and said: ‘What do you desire?’ ‘I want a strong +steed, for I am going to the wars.’ ‘That you shall have, and still more +than you ask for.’ Then the wild man went back into the forest, and it +was not long before a stable-boy came out of it, who led a horse that +snorted with its nostrils, and could hardly be restrained, and behind +them followed a great troop of warriors entirely equipped in iron, and +their swords flashed in the sun. The youth made over his three-legged +horse to the stable-boy, mounted the other, and rode at the head of the +soldiers. When he got near the battlefield a great part of the king’s +men had already fallen, and little was wanting to make the rest give +way. Then the youth galloped thither with his iron soldiers, broke like +a hurricane over the enemy, and beat down all who opposed him. They +began to flee, but the youth pursued, and never stopped, until there +was not a single man left. Instead of returning to the king, however, he +conducted his troop by byways back to the forest, and called forth Iron +Hans. ‘What do you desire?’ asked the wild man. ‘Take back your horse +and your troops, and give me my three-legged horse again.’ All that he +asked was done, and soon he was riding on his three-legged horse. When +the king returned to his palace, his daughter went to meet him, and +wished him joy of his victory. ‘I am not the one who carried away the +victory,’ said he, ‘but a strange knight who came to my assistance with +his soldiers.’ The daughter wanted to hear who the strange knight was, +but the king did not know, and said: ‘He followed the enemy, and I did +not see him again.’ She inquired of the gardener where his boy was, but +he smiled, and said: ‘He has just come home on his three-legged horse, +and the others have been mocking him, and crying: “Here comes our +hobblety jib back again!” They asked, too: “Under what hedge have you +been lying sleeping all the time?” So he said: “I did the best of all, +and it would have gone badly without me.” And then he was still more +ridiculed.’ + +The king said to his daughter: ‘I will proclaim a great feast that shall +last for three days, and you shall throw a golden apple. Perhaps the +unknown man will show himself.’ When the feast was announced, the youth +went out to the forest, and called Iron Hans. ‘What do you desire?’ +asked he. ‘That I may catch the king’s daughter’s golden apple.’ ‘It is +as safe as if you had it already,’ said Iron Hans. ‘You shall likewise +have a suit of red armour for the occasion, and ride on a spirited +chestnut-horse.’ When the day came, the youth galloped to the spot, took +his place amongst the knights, and was recognized by no one. The king’s +daughter came forward, and threw a golden apple to the knights, but none +of them caught it but he, only as soon as he had it he galloped away. + +On the second day Iron Hans equipped him as a white knight, and gave him +a white horse. Again he was the only one who caught the apple, and +he did not linger an instant, but galloped off with it. The king grew +angry, and said: ‘That is not allowed; he must appear before me and tell +his name.’ He gave the order that if the knight who caught the apple, +should go away again they should pursue him, and if he would not come +back willingly, they were to cut him down and stab him. + +On the third day, he received from Iron Hans a suit of black armour and +a black horse, and again he caught the apple. But when he was riding off +with it, the king’s attendants pursued him, and one of them got so near +him that he wounded the youth’s leg with the point of his sword. The +youth nevertheless escaped from them, but his horse leapt so violently +that the helmet fell from the youth’s head, and they could see that he +had golden hair. They rode back and announced this to the king. + +The following day the king’s daughter asked the gardener about his +boy. ‘He is at work in the garden; the queer creature has been at the +festival too, and only came home yesterday evening; he has likewise +shown my children three golden apples which he has won.’ + +The king had him summoned into his presence, and he came and again had +his little cap on his head. But the king’s daughter went up to him and +took it off, and then his golden hair fell down over his shoulders, and +he was so handsome that all were amazed. ‘Are you the knight who came +every day to the festival, always in different colours, and who caught +the three golden apples?’ asked the king. ‘Yes,’ answered he, ‘and here +the apples are,’ and he took them out of his pocket, and returned them +to the king. ‘If you desire further proof, you may see the wound which +your people gave me when they followed me. But I am likewise the knight +who helped you to your victory over your enemies.’ ‘If you can perform +such deeds as that, you are no gardener’s boy; tell me, who is your +father?’ ‘My father is a mighty king, and gold have I in plenty as great +as I require.’ ‘I well see,’ said the king, ‘that I owe my thanks to +you; can I do anything to please you?’ ‘Yes,’ answered he, ‘that indeed +you can. Give me your daughter to wife.’ The maiden laughed, and said: +‘He does not stand much on ceremony, but I have already seen by his +golden hair that he was no gardener’s boy,’ and then she went and +kissed him. His father and mother came to the wedding, and were in great +delight, for they had given up all hope of ever seeing their dear +son again. And as they were sitting at the marriage-feast, the music +suddenly stopped, the doors opened, and a stately king came in with a +great retinue. He went up to the youth, embraced him and said: ‘I am +Iron Hans, and was by enchantment a wild man, but you have set me free; +all the treasures which I possess, shall be your property.’ + + + + +CAT-SKIN + +There was once a king, whose queen had hair of the purest gold, and was +so beautiful that her match was not to be met with on the whole face of +the earth. But this beautiful queen fell ill, and when she felt that her +end drew near she called the king to her and said, ‘Promise me that you +will never marry again, unless you meet with a wife who is as beautiful +as I am, and who has golden hair like mine.’ Then when the king in his +grief promised all she asked, she shut her eyes and died. But the king +was not to be comforted, and for a long time never thought of taking +another wife. At last, however, his wise men said, ‘this will not do; +the king must marry again, that we may have a queen.’ So messengers were +sent far and wide, to seek for a bride as beautiful as the late queen. +But there was no princess in the world so beautiful; and if there had +been, still there was not one to be found who had golden hair. So the +messengers came home, and had had all their trouble for nothing. + +Now the king had a daughter, who was just as beautiful as her mother, +and had the same golden hair. And when she was grown up, the king looked +at her and saw that she was just like this late queen: then he said to +his courtiers, ‘May I not marry my daughter? She is the very image of my +dead wife: unless I have her, I shall not find any bride upon the whole +earth, and you say there must be a queen.’ When the courtiers heard this +they were shocked, and said, ‘Heaven forbid that a father should marry +his daughter! Out of so great a sin no good can come.’ And his daughter +was also shocked, but hoped the king would soon give up such thoughts; +so she said to him, ‘Before I marry anyone I must have three dresses: +one must be of gold, like the sun; another must be of shining silver, +like the moon; and a third must be dazzling as the stars: besides this, +I want a mantle of a thousand different kinds of fur put together, to +which every beast in the kingdom must give a part of his skin.’ And thus +she thought he would think of the matter no more. But the king made the +most skilful workmen in his kingdom weave the three dresses: one golden, +like the sun; another silvery, like the moon; and a third sparkling, +like the stars: and his hunters were told to hunt out all the beasts in +his kingdom, and to take the finest fur out of their skins: and thus a +mantle of a thousand furs was made. + +When all were ready, the king sent them to her; but she got up in the +night when all were asleep, and took three of her trinkets, a golden +ring, a golden necklace, and a golden brooch, and packed the three +dresses--of the sun, the moon, and the stars--up in a nutshell, and +wrapped herself up in the mantle made of all sorts of fur, and besmeared +her face and hands with soot. Then she threw herself upon Heaven for +help in her need, and went away, and journeyed on the whole night, till +at last she came to a large wood. As she was very tired, she sat herself +down in the hollow of a tree and soon fell asleep: and there she slept +on till it was midday. + +Now as the king to whom the wood belonged was hunting in it, his dogs +came to the tree, and began to snuff about, and run round and round, and +bark. ‘Look sharp!’ said the king to the huntsmen, ‘and see what sort +of game lies there.’ And the huntsmen went up to the tree, and when they +came back again said, ‘In the hollow tree there lies a most wonderful +beast, such as we never saw before; its skin seems to be of a thousand +kinds of fur, but there it lies fast asleep.’ ‘See,’ said the king, ‘if +you can catch it alive, and we will take it with us.’ So the huntsmen +took it up, and the maiden awoke and was greatly frightened, and said, +‘I am a poor child that has neither father nor mother left; have pity on +me and take me with you.’ Then they said, ‘Yes, Miss Cat-skin, you will +do for the kitchen; you can sweep up the ashes, and do things of that +sort.’ So they put her into the coach, and took her home to the king’s +palace. Then they showed her a little corner under the staircase, where +no light of day ever peeped in, and said, ‘Cat-skin, you may lie and +sleep there.’ And she was sent into the kitchen, and made to fetch wood +and water, to blow the fire, pluck the poultry, pick the herbs, sift the +ashes, and do all the dirty work. + +Thus Cat-skin lived for a long time very sorrowfully. ‘Ah! pretty +princess!’ thought she, ‘what will now become of thee?’ But it happened +one day that a feast was to be held in the king’s castle, so she said to +the cook, ‘May I go up a little while and see what is going on? I will +take care and stand behind the door.’ And the cook said, ‘Yes, you may +go, but be back again in half an hour’s time, to rake out the ashes.’ +Then she took her little lamp, and went into her cabin, and took off the +fur skin, and washed the soot from off her face and hands, so that her +beauty shone forth like the sun from behind the clouds. She next opened +her nutshell, and brought out of it the dress that shone like the sun, +and so went to the feast. Everyone made way for her, for nobody knew +her, and they thought she could be no less than a king’s daughter. But +the king came up to her, and held out his hand and danced with her; and +he thought in his heart, ‘I never saw any one half so beautiful.’ + +When the dance was at an end she curtsied; and when the king looked +round for her, she was gone, no one knew wither. The guards that stood +at the castle gate were called in: but they had seen no one. The truth +was, that she had run into her little cabin, pulled off her dress, +blackened her face and hands, put on the fur-skin cloak, and was +Cat-skin again. When she went into the kitchen to her work, and began +to rake the ashes, the cook said, ‘Let that alone till the morning, and +heat the king’s soup; I should like to run up now and give a peep: but +take care you don’t let a hair fall into it, or you will run a chance of +never eating again.’ + +As soon as the cook went away, Cat-skin heated the king’s soup, and +toasted a slice of bread first, as nicely as ever she could; and when it +was ready, she went and looked in the cabin for her little golden ring, +and put it into the dish in which the soup was. When the dance was over, +the king ordered his soup to be brought in; and it pleased him so well, +that he thought he had never tasted any so good before. At the bottom +he saw a gold ring lying; and as he could not make out how it had got +there, he ordered the cook to be sent for. The cook was frightened when +he heard the order, and said to Cat-skin, ‘You must have let a hair fall +into the soup; if it be so, you will have a good beating.’ Then he went +before the king, and he asked him who had cooked the soup. ‘I did,’ +answered the cook. But the king said, ‘That is not true; it was better +done than you could do it.’ Then he answered, ‘To tell the truth I did +not cook it, but Cat-skin did.’ ‘Then let Cat-skin come up,’ said the +king: and when she came he said to her, ‘Who are you?’ ‘I am a poor +child,’ said she, ‘that has lost both father and mother.’ ‘How came you +in my palace?’ asked he. ‘I am good for nothing,’ said she, ‘but to be +scullion-girl, and to have boots and shoes thrown at my head.’ ‘But how +did you get the ring that was in the soup?’ asked the king. Then she +would not own that she knew anything about the ring; so the king sent +her away again about her business. + +After a time there was another feast, and Cat-skin asked the cook to let +her go up and see it as before. ‘Yes,’ said he, ‘but come again in half +an hour, and cook the king the soup that he likes so much.’ Then she +ran to her little cabin, washed herself quickly, and took her dress +out which was silvery as the moon, and put it on; and when she went in, +looking like a king’s daughter, the king went up to her, and rejoiced at +seeing her again, and when the dance began he danced with her. After the +dance was at an end she managed to slip out, so slyly that the king did +not see where she was gone; but she sprang into her little cabin, and +made herself into Cat-skin again, and went into the kitchen to cook the +soup. Whilst the cook was above stairs, she got the golden necklace and +dropped it into the soup; then it was brought to the king, who ate it, +and it pleased him as well as before; so he sent for the cook, who +was again forced to tell him that Cat-skin had cooked it. Cat-skin was +brought again before the king, but she still told him that she was only +fit to have boots and shoes thrown at her head. + +But when the king had ordered a feast to be got ready for the third +time, it happened just the same as before. ‘You must be a witch, +Cat-skin,’ said the cook; ‘for you always put something into your soup, +so that it pleases the king better than mine.’ However, he let her go up +as before. Then she put on her dress which sparkled like the stars, and +went into the ball-room in it; and the king danced with her again, and +thought she had never looked so beautiful as she did then. So whilst +he was dancing with her, he put a gold ring on her finger without her +seeing it, and ordered that the dance should be kept up a long time. +When it was at an end, he would have held her fast by the hand, but she +slipped away, and sprang so quickly through the crowd that he lost sight +of her: and she ran as fast as she could into her little cabin under +the stairs. But this time she kept away too long, and stayed beyond the +half-hour; so she had not time to take off her fine dress, and threw her +fur mantle over it, and in her haste did not blacken herself all over +with soot, but left one of her fingers white. + +Then she ran into the kitchen, and cooked the king’s soup; and as soon +as the cook was gone, she put the golden brooch into the dish. When the +king got to the bottom, he ordered Cat-skin to be called once more, and +soon saw the white finger, and the ring that he had put on it whilst +they were dancing: so he seized her hand, and kept fast hold of it, and +when she wanted to loose herself and spring away, the fur cloak fell off +a little on one side, and the starry dress sparkled underneath it. + +Then he got hold of the fur and tore it off, and her golden hair and +beautiful form were seen, and she could no longer hide herself: so she +washed the soot and ashes from her face, and showed herself to be the +most beautiful princess upon the face of the earth. But the king said, +‘You are my beloved bride, and we will never more be parted from each +other.’ And the wedding feast was held, and a merry day it was, as ever +was heard of or seen in that country, or indeed in any other. + + + + +SNOW-WHITE AND ROSE-RED + +There was once a poor widow who lived in a lonely cottage. In front of +the cottage was a garden wherein stood two rose-trees, one of which bore +white and the other red roses. She had two children who were like the +two rose-trees, and one was called Snow-white, and the other Rose-red. +They were as good and happy, as busy and cheerful as ever two children +in the world were, only Snow-white was more quiet and gentle than +Rose-red. Rose-red liked better to run about in the meadows and fields +seeking flowers and catching butterflies; but Snow-white sat at home +with her mother, and helped her with her housework, or read to her when +there was nothing to do. + +The two children were so fond of one another that they always held each +other by the hand when they went out together, and when Snow-white said: +‘We will not leave each other,’ Rose-red answered: ‘Never so long as we +live,’ and their mother would add: ‘What one has she must share with the +other.’ + +They often ran about the forest alone and gathered red berries, and no +beasts did them any harm, but came close to them trustfully. The little +hare would eat a cabbage-leaf out of their hands, the roe grazed by +their side, the stag leapt merrily by them, and the birds sat still upon +the boughs, and sang whatever they knew. + +No mishap overtook them; if they had stayed too late in the forest, and +night came on, they laid themselves down near one another upon the moss, +and slept until morning came, and their mother knew this and did not +worry on their account. + +Once when they had spent the night in the wood and the dawn had roused +them, they saw a beautiful child in a shining white dress sitting near +their bed. He got up and looked quite kindly at them, but said nothing +and went into the forest. And when they looked round they found that +they had been sleeping quite close to a precipice, and would certainly +have fallen into it in the darkness if they had gone only a few paces +further. And their mother told them that it must have been the angel who +watches over good children. + +Snow-white and Rose-red kept their mother’s little cottage so neat that +it was a pleasure to look inside it. In the summer Rose-red took care +of the house, and every morning laid a wreath of flowers by her mother’s +bed before she awoke, in which was a rose from each tree. In the winter +Snow-white lit the fire and hung the kettle on the hob. The kettle +was of brass and shone like gold, so brightly was it polished. In the +evening, when the snowflakes fell, the mother said: ‘Go, Snow-white, and +bolt the door,’ and then they sat round the hearth, and the mother took +her spectacles and read aloud out of a large book, and the two girls +listened as they sat and spun. And close by them lay a lamb upon the +floor, and behind them upon a perch sat a white dove with its head +hidden beneath its wings. + +One evening, as they were thus sitting comfortably together, someone +knocked at the door as if he wished to be let in. The mother said: +‘Quick, Rose-red, open the door, it must be a traveller who is seeking +shelter.’ Rose-red went and pushed back the bolt, thinking that it was a +poor man, but it was not; it was a bear that stretched his broad, black +head within the door. + +Rose-red screamed and sprang back, the lamb bleated, the dove fluttered, +and Snow-white hid herself behind her mother’s bed. But the bear began +to speak and said: ‘Do not be afraid, I will do you no harm! I am +half-frozen, and only want to warm myself a little beside you.’ + +‘Poor bear,’ said the mother, ‘lie down by the fire, only take care that +you do not burn your coat.’ Then she cried: ‘Snow-white, Rose-red, come +out, the bear will do you no harm, he means well.’ So they both came +out, and by-and-by the lamb and dove came nearer, and were not afraid +of him. The bear said: ‘Here, children, knock the snow out of my coat a +little’; so they brought the broom and swept the bear’s hide clean; +and he stretched himself by the fire and growled contentedly and +comfortably. It was not long before they grew quite at home, and played +tricks with their clumsy guest. They tugged his hair with their hands, +put their feet upon his back and rolled him about, or they took a +hazel-switch and beat him, and when he growled they laughed. But the +bear took it all in good part, only when they were too rough he called +out: ‘Leave me alive, children, + + Snow-white, Rose-red, + Will you beat your wooer dead?’ + +When it was bed-time, and the others went to bed, the mother said to the +bear: ‘You can lie there by the hearth, and then you will be safe from +the cold and the bad weather.’ As soon as day dawned the two children +let him out, and he trotted across the snow into the forest. + +Henceforth the bear came every evening at the same time, laid himself +down by the hearth, and let the children amuse themselves with him as +much as they liked; and they got so used to him that the doors were +never fastened until their black friend had arrived. + +When spring had come and all outside was green, the bear said one +morning to Snow-white: ‘Now I must go away, and cannot come back for the +whole summer.’ ‘Where are you going, then, dear bear?’ asked Snow-white. +‘I must go into the forest and guard my treasures from the wicked +dwarfs. In the winter, when the earth is frozen hard, they are obliged +to stay below and cannot work their way through; but now, when the sun +has thawed and warmed the earth, they break through it, and come out to +pry and steal; and what once gets into their hands, and in their caves, +does not easily see daylight again.’ + +Snow-white was quite sorry at his departure, and as she unbolted the +door for him, and the bear was hurrying out, he caught against the bolt +and a piece of his hairy coat was torn off, and it seemed to Snow-white +as if she had seen gold shining through it, but she was not sure about +it. The bear ran away quickly, and was soon out of sight behind the +trees. + +A short time afterwards the mother sent her children into the forest +to get firewood. There they found a big tree which lay felled on the +ground, and close by the trunk something was jumping backwards and +forwards in the grass, but they could not make out what it was. When +they came nearer they saw a dwarf with an old withered face and a +snow-white beard a yard long. The end of the beard was caught in a +crevice of the tree, and the little fellow was jumping about like a dog +tied to a rope, and did not know what to do. + +He glared at the girls with his fiery red eyes and cried: ‘Why do you +stand there? Can you not come here and help me?’ ‘What are you up to, +little man?’ asked Rose-red. ‘You stupid, prying goose!’ answered the +dwarf: ‘I was going to split the tree to get a little wood for cooking. +The little bit of food that we people get is immediately burnt up with +heavy logs; we do not swallow so much as you coarse, greedy folk. I had +just driven the wedge safely in, and everything was going as I wished; +but the cursed wedge was too smooth and suddenly sprang out, and the +tree closed so quickly that I could not pull out my beautiful white +beard; so now it is tight and I cannot get away, and the silly, sleek, +milk-faced things laugh! Ugh! how odious you are!’ + +The children tried very hard, but they could not pull the beard out, it +was caught too fast. ‘I will run and fetch someone,’ said Rose-red. ‘You +senseless goose!’ snarled the dwarf; ‘why should you fetch someone? You +are already two too many for me; can you not think of something better?’ +‘Don’t be impatient,’ said Snow-white, ‘I will help you,’ and she pulled +her scissors out of her pocket, and cut off the end of the beard. + +As soon as the dwarf felt himself free he laid hold of a bag which lay +amongst the roots of the tree, and which was full of gold, and lifted it +up, grumbling to himself: ‘Uncouth people, to cut off a piece of my fine +beard. Bad luck to you!’ and then he swung the bag upon his back, and +went off without even once looking at the children. + +Some time afterwards Snow-white and Rose-red went to catch a dish +of fish. As they came near the brook they saw something like a large +grasshopper jumping towards the water, as if it were going to leap in. +They ran to it and found it was the dwarf. ‘Where are you going?’ said +Rose-red; ‘you surely don’t want to go into the water?’ ‘I am not such +a fool!’ cried the dwarf; ‘don’t you see that the accursed fish wants +to pull me in?’ The little man had been sitting there fishing, and +unluckily the wind had tangled up his beard with the fishing-line; a +moment later a big fish made a bite and the feeble creature had not +strength to pull it out; the fish kept the upper hand and pulled the +dwarf towards him. He held on to all the reeds and rushes, but it was of +little good, for he was forced to follow the movements of the fish, and +was in urgent danger of being dragged into the water. + +The girls came just in time; they held him fast and tried to free his +beard from the line, but all in vain, beard and line were entangled fast +together. There was nothing to do but to bring out the scissors and cut +the beard, whereby a small part of it was lost. When the dwarf saw that +he screamed out: ‘Is that civil, you toadstool, to disfigure a man’s +face? Was it not enough to clip off the end of my beard? Now you have +cut off the best part of it. I cannot let myself be seen by my people. +I wish you had been made to run the soles off your shoes!’ Then he took +out a sack of pearls which lay in the rushes, and without another word +he dragged it away and disappeared behind a stone. + +It happened that soon afterwards the mother sent the two children to the +town to buy needles and thread, and laces and ribbons. The road led them +across a heath upon which huge pieces of rock lay strewn about. There +they noticed a large bird hovering in the air, flying slowly round and +round above them; it sank lower and lower, and at last settled near a +rock not far away. Immediately they heard a loud, piteous cry. They ran +up and saw with horror that the eagle had seized their old acquaintance +the dwarf, and was going to carry him off. + +The children, full of pity, at once took tight hold of the little man, +and pulled against the eagle so long that at last he let his booty go. +As soon as the dwarf had recovered from his first fright he cried +with his shrill voice: ‘Could you not have done it more carefully! You +dragged at my brown coat so that it is all torn and full of holes, you +clumsy creatures!’ Then he took up a sack full of precious stones, and +slipped away again under the rock into his hole. The girls, who by +this time were used to his ingratitude, went on their way and did their +business in town. + +As they crossed the heath again on their way home they surprised the +dwarf, who had emptied out his bag of precious stones in a clean spot, +and had not thought that anyone would come there so late. The evening +sun shone upon the brilliant stones; they glittered and sparkled with +all colours so beautifully that the children stood still and stared +at them. ‘Why do you stand gaping there?’ cried the dwarf, and his +ashen-grey face became copper-red with rage. He was still cursing when a +loud growling was heard, and a black bear came trotting towards them out +of the forest. The dwarf sprang up in a fright, but he could not reach +his cave, for the bear was already close. Then in the dread of his heart +he cried: ‘Dear Mr Bear, spare me, I will give you all my treasures; +look, the beautiful jewels lying there! Grant me my life; what do you +want with such a slender little fellow as I? you would not feel me +between your teeth. Come, take these two wicked girls, they are tender +morsels for you, fat as young quails; for mercy’s sake eat them!’ The +bear took no heed of his words, but gave the wicked creature a single +blow with his paw, and he did not move again. + +The girls had run away, but the bear called to them: ‘Snow-white and +Rose-red, do not be afraid; wait, I will come with you.’ Then they +recognized his voice and waited, and when he came up to them suddenly +his bearskin fell off, and he stood there a handsome man, clothed all in +gold. ‘I am a king’s son,’ he said, ‘and I was bewitched by that wicked +dwarf, who had stolen my treasures; I have had to run about the forest +as a savage bear until I was freed by his death. Now he has got his +well-deserved punishment. + +Snow-white was married to him, and Rose-red to his brother, and they +divided between them the great treasure which the dwarf had gathered +together in his cave. The old mother lived peacefully and happily with +her children for many years. She took the two rose-trees with her, and +they stood before her window, and every year bore the most beautiful +roses, white and red. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/example/inputs/metamorphosis.txt b/example/inputs/metamorphosis.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..421b067 --- /dev/null +++ b/example/inputs/metamorphosis.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1946 @@ +One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found +himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. He lay on +his armour-like back, and if he lifted his head a little he could +see his brown belly, slightly domed and divided by arches into stiff +sections. The bedding was hardly able to cover it and seemed ready +to slide off any moment. His many legs, pitifully thin compared +with the size of the rest of him, waved about helplessly as he +looked. + +"What's happened to me?" he thought. It wasn't a dream. His room, +a proper human room although a little too small, lay peacefully +between its four familiar walls. A collection of textile samples +lay spread out on the table - Samsa was a travelling salesman - and +above it there hung a picture that he had recently cut out of an +illustrated magazine and housed in a nice, gilded frame. It showed +a lady fitted out with a fur hat and fur boa who sat upright, +raising a heavy fur muff that covered the whole of her lower arm +towards the viewer. + +Gregor then turned to look out the window at the dull weather. +Drops of rain could be heard hitting the pane, which made him feel +quite sad. "How about if I sleep a little bit longer and forget all +this nonsense", he thought, but that was something he was unable to +do because he was used to sleeping on his right, and in his present +state couldn't get into that position. However hard he threw +himself onto his right, he always rolled back to where he was. He +must have tried it a hundred times, shut his eyes so that he +wouldn't have to look at the floundering legs, and only stopped when +he began to feel a mild, dull pain there that he had never felt +before. + +"Oh, God", he thought, "what a strenuous career it is that I've +chosen! Travelling day in and day out. Doing business like this +takes much more effort than doing your own business at home, and on +top of that there's the curse of travelling, worries about making +train connections, bad and irregular food, contact with different +people all the time so that you can never get to know anyone or +become friendly with them. It can all go to Hell!" He felt a +slight itch up on his belly; pushed himself slowly up on his back +towards the headboard so that he could lift his head better; found +where the itch was, and saw that it was covered with lots of little +white spots which he didn't know what to make of; and when he tried +to feel the place with one of his legs he drew it quickly back +because as soon as he touched it he was overcome by a cold shudder. + +He slid back into his former position. "Getting up early all the +time", he thought, "it makes you stupid. You've got to get enough +sleep. Other travelling salesmen live a life of luxury. For +instance, whenever I go back to the guest house during the morning +to copy out the contract, these gentlemen are always still sitting +there eating their breakfasts. I ought to just try that with my +boss; I'd get kicked out on the spot. But who knows, maybe that +would be the best thing for me. If I didn't have my parents to +think about I'd have given in my notice a long time ago, I'd have +gone up to the boss and told him just what I think, tell him +everything I would, let him know just what I feel. He'd fall right +off his desk! And it's a funny sort of business to be sitting up +there at your desk, talking down at your subordinates from up there, +especially when you have to go right up close because the boss is +hard of hearing. Well, there's still some hope; once I've got the +money together to pay off my parents' debt to him - another five or +six years I suppose - that's definitely what I'll do. That's when +I'll make the big change. First of all though, I've got to get up, +my train leaves at five." + +And he looked over at the alarm clock, ticking on the chest of +drawers. "God in Heaven!" he thought. It was half past six and the +hands were quietly moving forwards, it was even later than half +past, more like quarter to seven. Had the alarm clock not rung? He +could see from the bed that it had been set for four o'clock as it +should have been; it certainly must have rung. Yes, but was it +possible to quietly sleep through that furniture-rattling noise? +True, he had not slept peacefully, but probably all the more deeply +because of that. What should he do now? The next train went at +seven; if he were to catch that he would have to rush like mad and +the collection of samples was still not packed, and he did not at +all feel particularly fresh and lively. And even if he did catch +the train he would not avoid his boss's anger as the office +assistant would have been there to see the five o'clock train go, he +would have put in his report about Gregor's not being there a long +time ago. The office assistant was the boss's man, spineless, and +with no understanding. What about if he reported sick? But that +would be extremely strained and suspicious as in fifteen years of +service Gregor had never once yet been ill. His boss would +certainly come round with the doctor from the medical insurance +company, accuse his parents of having a lazy son, and accept the +doctor's recommendation not to make any claim as the doctor believed +that no-one was ever ill but that many were workshy. And what's +more, would he have been entirely wrong in this case? Gregor did in +fact, apart from excessive sleepiness after sleeping for so long, +feel completely well and even felt much hungrier than usual. + +He was still hurriedly thinking all this through, unable to decide +to get out of the bed, when the clock struck quarter to seven. +There was a cautious knock at the door near his head. "Gregor", +somebody called - it was his mother - "it's quarter to seven. +Didn't you want to go somewhere?" That gentle voice! Gregor was +shocked when he heard his own voice answering, it could hardly be +recognised as the voice he had had before. As if from deep inside +him, there was a painful and uncontrollable squeaking mixed in with +it, the words could be made out at first but then there was a sort +of echo which made them unclear, leaving the hearer unsure whether +he had heard properly or not. Gregor had wanted to give a full +answer and explain everything, but in the circumstances contented +himself with saying: "Yes, mother, yes, thank-you, I'm getting up +now." The change in Gregor's voice probably could not be noticed +outside through the wooden door, as his mother was satisfied with +this explanation and shuffled away. But this short conversation +made the other members of the family aware that Gregor, against +their expectations was still at home, and soon his father came +knocking at one of the side doors, gently, but with his fist. +"Gregor, Gregor", he called, "what's wrong?" And after a short +while he called again with a warning deepness in his voice: "Gregor! +Gregor!" At the other side door his sister came plaintively: +"Gregor? Aren't you well? Do you need anything?" Gregor answered to +both sides: "I'm ready, now", making an effort to remove all the +strangeness from his voice by enunciating very carefully and putting +long pauses between each, individual word. His father went back to +his breakfast, but his sister whispered: "Gregor, open the door, I +beg of you." Gregor, however, had no thought of opening the door, +and instead congratulated himself for his cautious habit, acquired +from his travelling, of locking all doors at night even when he was +at home. + +The first thing he wanted to do was to get up in peace without being +disturbed, to get dressed, and most of all to have his breakfast. +Only then would he consider what to do next, as he was well aware +that he would not bring his thoughts to any sensible conclusions by +lying in bed. He remembered that he had often felt a slight pain in +bed, perhaps caused by lying awkwardly, but that had always turned +out to be pure imagination and he wondered how his imaginings would +slowly resolve themselves today. He did not have the slightest +doubt that the change in his voice was nothing more than the first +sign of a serious cold, which was an occupational hazard for +travelling salesmen. + +It was a simple matter to throw off the covers; he only had to blow +himself up a little and they fell off by themselves. But it became +difficult after that, especially as he was so exceptionally broad. +He would have used his arms and his hands to push himself up; but +instead of them he only had all those little legs continuously +moving in different directions, and which he was moreover unable to +control. If he wanted to bend one of them, then that was the first +one that would stretch itself out; and if he finally managed to do +what he wanted with that leg, all the others seemed to be set free +and would move about painfully. "This is something that can't be +done in bed", Gregor said to himself, "so don't keep trying to do +it". + +The first thing he wanted to do was get the lower part of his body +out of the bed, but he had never seen this lower part, and could not +imagine what it looked like; it turned out to be too hard to move; +it went so slowly; and finally, almost in a frenzy, when he +carelessly shoved himself forwards with all the force he could +gather, he chose the wrong direction, hit hard against the lower +bedpost, and learned from the burning pain he felt that the lower +part of his body might well, at present, be the most sensitive. + +So then he tried to get the top part of his body out of the bed +first, carefully turning his head to the side. This he managed +quite easily, and despite its breadth and its weight, the bulk of +his body eventually followed slowly in the direction of the head. +But when he had at last got his head out of the bed and into the +fresh air it occurred to him that if he let himself fall it would be +a miracle if his head were not injured, so he became afraid to carry +on pushing himself forward the same way. And he could not knock +himself out now at any price; better to stay in bed than lose +consciousness. + +It took just as much effort to get back to where he had been +earlier, but when he lay there sighing, and was once more watching +his legs as they struggled against each other even harder than +before, if that was possible, he could think of no way of bringing +peace and order to this chaos. He told himself once more that it +was not possible for him to stay in bed and that the most sensible +thing to do would be to get free of it in whatever way he could at +whatever sacrifice. At the same time, though, he did not forget to +remind himself that calm consideration was much better than rushing +to desperate conclusions. At times like this he would direct his +eyes to the window and look out as clearly as he could, but +unfortunately, even the other side of the narrow street was +enveloped in morning fog and the view had little confidence or cheer +to offer him. "Seven o'clock, already", he said to himself when the +clock struck again, "seven o'clock, and there's still a fog like +this." And he lay there quietly a while longer, breathing lightly +as if he perhaps expected the total stillness to bring things back +to their real and natural state. + +But then he said to himself: "Before it strikes quarter past seven +I'll definitely have to have got properly out of bed. And by then +somebody will have come round from work to ask what's happened to me +as well, as they open up at work before seven o'clock." And so he +set himself to the task of swinging the entire length of his body +out of the bed all at the same time. If he succeeded in falling out +of bed in this way and kept his head raised as he did so he could +probably avoid injuring it. His back seemed to be quite hard, and +probably nothing would happen to it falling onto the carpet. His +main concern was for the loud noise he was bound to make, and which +even through all the doors would probably raise concern if not +alarm. But it was something that had to be risked. + +When Gregor was already sticking half way out of the bed - the new +method was more of a game than an effort, all he had to do was rock +back and forth - it occurred to him how simple everything would be +if somebody came to help him. Two strong people - he had his father +and the maid in mind - would have been more than enough; they would +only have to push their arms under the dome of his back, peel him +away from the bed, bend down with the load and then be patient and +careful as he swang over onto the floor, where, hopefully, the +little legs would find a use. Should he really call for help +though, even apart from the fact that all the doors were locked? +Despite all the difficulty he was in, he could not suppress a smile +at this thought. + +After a while he had already moved so far across that it would have +been hard for him to keep his balance if he rocked too hard. The +time was now ten past seven and he would have to make a final +decision very soon. Then there was a ring at the door of the flat. +"That'll be someone from work", he said to himself, and froze very +still, although his little legs only became all the more lively as +they danced around. For a moment everything remained quiet. +"They're not opening the door", Gregor said to himself, caught in +some nonsensical hope. But then of course, the maid's firm steps +went to the door as ever and opened it. Gregor only needed to hear +the visitor's first words of greeting and he knew who it was - the +chief clerk himself. Why did Gregor have to be the only one +condemned to work for a company where they immediately became highly +suspicious at the slightest shortcoming? Were all employees, every +one of them, louts, was there not one of them who was faithful and +devoted who would go so mad with pangs of conscience that he +couldn't get out of bed if he didn't spend at least a couple of +hours in the morning on company business? Was it really not enough +to let one of the trainees make enquiries - assuming enquiries were +even necessary - did the chief clerk have to come himself, and did +they have to show the whole, innocent family that this was so +suspicious that only the chief clerk could be trusted to have the +wisdom to investigate it? And more because these thoughts had made +him upset than through any proper decision, he swang himself with +all his force out of the bed. There was a loud thump, but it wasn't +really a loud noise. His fall was softened a little by the carpet, +and Gregor's back was also more elastic than he had thought, which +made the sound muffled and not too noticeable. He had not held his +head carefully enough, though, and hit it as he fell; annoyed and in +pain, he turned it and rubbed it against the carpet. + +"Something's fallen down in there", said the chief clerk in the room +on the left. Gregor tried to imagine whether something of the sort +that had happened to him today could ever happen to the chief clerk +too; you had to concede that it was possible. But as if in gruff +reply to this question, the chief clerk's firm footsteps in his +highly polished boots could now be heard in the adjoining room. +From the room on his right, Gregor's sister whispered to him to let +him know: "Gregor, the chief clerk is here." "Yes, I know", said +Gregor to himself; but without daring to raise his voice loud enough +for his sister to hear him. + +"Gregor", said his father now from the room to his left, "the chief +clerk has come round and wants to know why you didn't leave on the +early train. We don't know what to say to him. And anyway, he +wants to speak to you personally. So please open up this door. I'm +sure he'll be good enough to forgive the untidiness of your room." +Then the chief clerk called "Good morning, Mr. Samsa". "He isn't +well", said his mother to the chief clerk, while his father +continued to speak through the door. "He isn't well, please believe +me. Why else would Gregor have missed a train! The lad only ever +thinks about the business. It nearly makes me cross the way he +never goes out in the evenings; he's been in town for a week now but +stayed home every evening. He sits with us in the kitchen and just +reads the paper or studies train timetables. His idea of relaxation +is working with his fretsaw. He's made a little frame, for +instance, it only took him two or three evenings, you'll be amazed +how nice it is; it's hanging up in his room; you'll see it as soon +as Gregor opens the door. Anyway, I'm glad you're here; we wouldn't +have been able to get Gregor to open the door by ourselves; he's so +stubborn; and I'm sure he isn't well, he said this morning that he +is, but he isn't." "I'll be there in a moment", said Gregor slowly +and thoughtfully, but without moving so that he would not miss any +word of the conversation. "Well I can't think of any other way of +explaining it, Mrs. Samsa", said the chief clerk, "I hope it's +nothing serious. But on the other hand, I must say that if we +people in commerce ever become slightly unwell then, fortunately or +unfortunately as you like, we simply have to overcome it because of +business considerations." "Can the chief clerk come in to see you +now then?", asked his father impatiently, knocking at the door +again. "No", said Gregor. In the room on his right there followed +a painful silence; in the room on his left his sister began to cry. + +So why did his sister not go and join the others? She had probably +only just got up and had not even begun to get dressed. And why was +she crying? Was it because he had not got up, and had not let the +chief clerk in, because he was in danger of losing his job and if +that happened his boss would once more pursue their parents with the +same demands as before? There was no need to worry about things like +that yet. Gregor was still there and had not the slightest +intention of abandoning his family. For the time being he just lay +there on the carpet, and no-one who knew the condition he was in +would seriously have expected him to let the chief clerk in. It was +only a minor discourtesy, and a suitable excuse could easily be +found for it later on, it was not something for which Gregor could +be sacked on the spot. And it seemed to Gregor much more sensible +to leave him now in peace instead of disturbing him with talking at +him and crying. But the others didn't know what was happening, they +were worried, that would excuse their behaviour. + +The chief clerk now raised his voice, "Mr. Samsa", he called to him, +"what is wrong? You barricade yourself in your room, give us no more +than yes or no for an answer, you are causing serious and +unnecessary concern to your parents and you fail - and I mention +this just by the way - you fail to carry out your business duties in +a way that is quite unheard of. I'm speaking here on behalf of your +parents and of your employer, and really must request a clear and +immediate explanation. I am astonished, quite astonished. I +thought I knew you as a calm and sensible person, and now you +suddenly seem to be showing off with peculiar whims. This morning, +your employer did suggest a possible reason for your failure to +appear, it's true - it had to do with the money that was recently +entrusted to you - but I came near to giving him my word of honour +that that could not be the right explanation. But now that I see +your incomprehensible stubbornness I no longer feel any wish +whatsoever to intercede on your behalf. And nor is your position +all that secure. I had originally intended to say all this to you +in private, but since you cause me to waste my time here for no good +reason I don't see why your parents should not also learn of it. +Your turnover has been very unsatisfactory of late; I grant you that +it's not the time of year to do especially good business, we +recognise that; but there simply is no time of year to do no +business at all, Mr. Samsa, we cannot allow there to be." + +"But Sir", called Gregor, beside himself and forgetting all else in +the excitement, "I'll open up immediately, just a moment. I'm +slightly unwell, an attack of dizziness, I haven't been able to get +up. I'm still in bed now. I'm quite fresh again now, though. I'm +just getting out of bed. Just a moment. Be patient! It's not quite +as easy as I'd thought. I'm quite alright now, though. It's +shocking, what can suddenly happen to a person! I was quite alright +last night, my parents know about it, perhaps better than me, I had +a small symptom of it last night already. They must have noticed +it. I don't know why I didn't let you know at work! But you always +think you can get over an illness without staying at home. Please, +don't make my parents suffer! There's no basis for any of the +accusations you're making; nobody's ever said a word to me about any +of these things. Maybe you haven't read the latest contracts I sent +in. I'll set off with the eight o'clock train, as well, these few +hours of rest have given me strength. You don't need to wait, sir; +I'll be in the office soon after you, and please be so good as to +tell that to the boss and recommend me to him!" + +And while Gregor gushed out these words, hardly knowing what he was +saying, he made his way over to the chest of drawers - this was +easily done, probably because of the practise he had already had in +bed - where he now tried to get himself upright. He really did want +to open the door, really did want to let them see him and to speak +with the chief clerk; the others were being so insistent, and he was +curious to learn what they would say when they caught sight of him. +If they were shocked then it would no longer be Gregor's +responsibility and he could rest. If, however, they took everything +calmly he would still have no reason to be upset, and if he hurried +he really could be at the station for eight o'clock. The first few +times he tried to climb up on the smooth chest of drawers he just +slid down again, but he finally gave himself one last swing and +stood there upright; the lower part of his body was in serious pain +but he no longer gave any attention to it. Now he let himself fall +against the back of a nearby chair and held tightly to the edges of +it with his little legs. By now he had also calmed down, and kept +quiet so that he could listen to what the chief clerk was saying. + +"Did you understand a word of all that?" the chief clerk asked his +parents, "surely he's not trying to make fools of us". "Oh, God!" +called his mother, who was already in tears, "he could be seriously +ill and we're making him suffer. Grete! Grete!" she then cried. +"Mother?" his sister called from the other side. They communicated +across Gregor's room. "You'll have to go for the doctor straight +away. Gregor is ill. Quick, get the doctor. Did you hear the way +Gregor spoke just now?" "That was the voice of an animal", said the +chief clerk, with a calmness that was in contrast with his mother's +screams. "Anna! Anna!" his father called into the kitchen through +the entrance hall, clapping his hands, "get a locksmith here, now!" +And the two girls, their skirts swishing, immediately ran out +through the hall, wrenching open the front door of the flat as they +went. How had his sister managed to get dressed so quickly? There +was no sound of the door banging shut again; they must have left it +open; people often do in homes where something awful has happened. + +Gregor, in contrast, had become much calmer. So they couldn't +understand his words any more, although they seemed clear enough to +him, clearer than before - perhaps his ears had become used to the +sound. They had realised, though, that there was something wrong +with him, and were ready to help. The first response to his +situation had been confident and wise, and that made him feel +better. He felt that he had been drawn back in among people, and +from the doctor and the locksmith he expected great and surprising +achievements - although he did not really distinguish one from the +other. Whatever was said next would be crucial, so, in order to +make his voice as clear as possible, he coughed a little, but taking +care to do this not too loudly as even this might well sound +different from the way that a human coughs and he was no longer sure +he could judge this for himself. Meanwhile, it had become very +quiet in the next room. Perhaps his parents were sat at the table +whispering with the chief clerk, or perhaps they were all pressed +against the door and listening. + +Gregor slowly pushed his way over to the door with the chair. Once +there he let go of it and threw himself onto the door, holding +himself upright against it using the adhesive on the tips of his +legs. He rested there a little while to recover from the effort +involved and then set himself to the task of turning the key in the +lock with his mouth. He seemed, unfortunately, to have no proper +teeth - how was he, then, to grasp the key? - but the lack of teeth +was, of course, made up for with a very strong jaw; using the jaw, +he really was able to start the key turning, ignoring the fact that +he must have been causing some kind of damage as a brown fluid came +from his mouth, flowed over the key and dripped onto the floor. +"Listen", said the chief clerk in the next room, "he's turning the +key." Gregor was greatly encouraged by this; but they all should +have been calling to him, his father and his mother too: "Well done, +Gregor", they should have cried, "keep at it, keep hold of the +lock!" And with the idea that they were all excitedly following his +efforts, he bit on the key with all his strength, paying no +attention to the pain he was causing himself. As the key turned +round he turned around the lock with it, only holding himself +upright with his mouth, and hung onto the key or pushed it down +again with the whole weight of his body as needed. The clear sound +of the lock as it snapped back was Gregor's sign that he could break +his concentration, and as he regained his breath he said to himself: +"So, I didn't need the locksmith after all". Then he lay his head on +the handle of the door to open it completely. + +Because he had to open the door in this way, it was already wide +open before he could be seen. He had first to slowly turn himself +around one of the double doors, and he had to do it very carefully +if he did not want to fall flat on his back before entering the +room. He was still occupied with this difficult movement, unable to +pay attention to anything else, when he heard the chief clerk +exclaim a loud "Oh!", which sounded like the soughing of the wind. +Now he also saw him - he was the nearest to the door - his hand +pressed against his open mouth and slowly retreating as if driven by +a steady and invisible force. Gregor's mother, her hair still +dishevelled from bed despite the chief clerk's being there, looked +at his father. Then she unfolded her arms, took two steps forward +towards Gregor and sank down onto the floor into her skirts that +spread themselves out around her as her head disappeared down onto +her breast. His father looked hostile, and clenched his fists as if +wanting to knock Gregor back into his room. Then he looked +uncertainly round the living room, covered his eyes with his hands +and wept so that his powerful chest shook. + +So Gregor did not go into the room, but leant against the inside of +the other door which was still held bolted in place. In this way +only half of his body could be seen, along with his head above it +which he leant over to one side as he peered out at the others. +Meanwhile the day had become much lighter; part of the endless, +grey-black building on the other side of the street - which was a +hospital - could be seen quite clearly with the austere and regular +line of windows piercing its facade; the rain was still +falling, now throwing down large, individual droplets which hit the +ground one at a time. The washing up from breakfast lay on the +table; there was so much of it because, for Gregor's father, +breakfast was the most important meal of the day and he would +stretch it out for several hours as he sat reading a number of +different newspapers. On the wall exactly opposite there was +photograph of Gregor when he was a lieutenant in the army, his sword +in his hand and a carefree smile on his face as he called forth +respect for his uniform and bearing. The door to the entrance hall +was open and as the front door of the flat was also open he could +see onto the landing and the stairs where they began their way down +below. + +"Now, then", said Gregor, well aware that he was the only one to +have kept calm, "I'll get dressed straight away now, pack up my +samples and set off. Will you please just let me leave? You can +see", he said to the chief clerk, "that I'm not stubborn and I +like to do my job; being a commercial traveller is arduous but +without travelling I couldn't earn my living. So where are you +going, in to the office? Yes? Will you report everything accurately, +then? It's quite possible for someone to be temporarily unable to +work, but that's just the right time to remember what's been +achieved in the past and consider that later on, once the difficulty +has been removed, he will certainly work with all the more diligence +and concentration. You're well aware that I'm seriously in debt to +our employer as well as having to look after my parents and my +sister, so that I'm trapped in a difficult situation, but I will +work my way out of it again. Please don't make things any harder +for me than they are already, and don't take sides against me at the +office. I know that nobody likes the travellers. They think we +earn an enormous wage as well as having a soft time of it. That's +just prejudice but they have no particular reason to think better of +it. But you, sir, you have a better overview than the rest of the +staff, in fact, if I can say this in confidence, a better overview +than the boss himself - it's very easy for a businessman like him to +make mistakes about his employees and judge them more harshly than +he should. And you're also well aware that we travellers spend +almost the whole year away from the office, so that we can very +easily fall victim to gossip and chance and groundless complaints, +and it's almost impossible to defend yourself from that sort of +thing, we don't usually even hear about them, or if at all it's when +we arrive back home exhausted from a trip, and that's when we feel +the harmful effects of what's been going on without even knowing +what caused them. Please, don't go away, at least first say +something to show that you grant that I'm at least partly right!" + +But the chief clerk had turned away as soon as Gregor had started to +speak, and, with protruding lips, only stared back at him over his +trembling shoulders as he left. He did not keep still for a moment +while Gregor was speaking, but moved steadily towards the door +without taking his eyes off him. He moved very gradually, as if +there had been some secret prohibition on leaving the room. It was +only when he had reached the entrance hall that he made a sudden +movement, drew his foot from the living room, and rushed forward in +a panic. In the hall, he stretched his right hand far out towards +the stairway as if out there, there were some supernatural force +waiting to save him. + +Gregor realised that it was out of the question to let the chief +clerk go away in this mood if his position in the firm was not to be +put into extreme danger. That was something his parents did not +understand very well; over the years, they had become convinced that +this job would provide for Gregor for his entire life, and besides, +they had so much to worry about at present that they had lost sight +of any thought for the future. Gregor, though, did think about the +future. The chief clerk had to be held back, calmed down, convinced +and finally won over; the future of Gregor and his family depended +on it! If only his sister were here! She was clever; she was already +in tears while Gregor was still lying peacefully on his back. And +the chief clerk was a lover of women, surely she could persuade him; +she would close the front door in the entrance hall and talk him out +of his shocked state. But his sister was not there, Gregor would +have to do the job himself. And without considering that he still +was not familiar with how well he could move about in his present +state, or that his speech still might not - or probably would not - +be understood, he let go of the door; pushed himself through the +opening; tried to reach the chief clerk on the landing who, +ridiculously, was holding on to the banister with both hands; but +Gregor fell immediately over and, with a little scream as he sought +something to hold onto, landed on his numerous little legs. Hardly +had that happened than, for the first time that day, he began to +feel alright with his body; the little legs had the solid ground +under them; to his pleasure, they did exactly as he told them; they +were even making the effort to carry him where he wanted to go; and +he was soon believing that all his sorrows would soon be finally at +an end. He held back the urge to move but swayed from side to side +as he crouched there on the floor. His mother was not far away in +front of him and seemed, at first, quite engrossed in herself, but +then she suddenly jumped up with her arms outstretched and her +fingers spread shouting: "Help, for pity's sake, Help!" The way she +held her head suggested she wanted to see Gregor better, but the +unthinking way she was hurrying backwards showed that she did not; +she had forgotten that the table was behind her with all the +breakfast things on it; when she reached the table she sat quickly +down on it without knowing what she was doing; without even seeming +to notice that the coffee pot had been knocked over and a gush of +coffee was pouring down onto the carpet. + +"Mother, mother", said Gregor gently, looking up at her. He had +completely forgotten the chief clerk for the moment, but could not +help himself snapping in the air with his jaws at the sight of the +flow of coffee. That set his mother screaming anew, she fled from +the table and into the arms of his father as he rushed towards her. +Gregor, though, had no time to spare for his parents now; the chief +clerk had already reached the stairs; with his chin on the banister, +he looked back for the last time. Gregor made a run for him; he +wanted to be sure of reaching him; the chief clerk must have +expected something, as he leapt down several steps at once and +disappeared; his shouts resounding all around the staircase. The +flight of the chief clerk seemed, unfortunately, to put Gregor's +father into a panic as well. Until then he had been relatively self +controlled, but now, instead of running after the chief clerk +himself, or at least not impeding Gregor as he ran after him, +Gregor's father seized the chief clerk's stick in his right hand +(the chief clerk had left it behind on a chair, along with his hat +and overcoat), picked up a large newspaper from the table with his +left, and used them to drive Gregor back into his room, stamping his +foot at him as he went. Gregor's appeals to his father were of no +help, his appeals were simply not understood, however much he humbly +turned his head his father merely stamped his foot all the harder. +Across the room, despite the chilly weather, Gregor's mother had +pulled open a window, leant far out of it and pressed her hands to +her face. A strong draught of air flew in from the street towards +the stairway, the curtains flew up, the newspapers on the table +fluttered and some of them were blown onto the floor. Nothing would +stop Gregor's father as he drove him back, making hissing noises at +him like a wild man. Gregor had never had any practice in moving +backwards and was only able to go very slowly. If Gregor had only +been allowed to turn round he would have been back in his room +straight away, but he was afraid that if he took the time to do that +his father would become impatient, and there was the threat of a +lethal blow to his back or head from the stick in his father's hand +any moment. Eventually, though, Gregor realised that he had no +choice as he saw, to his disgust, that he was quite incapable of +going backwards in a straight line; so he began, as quickly as +possible and with frequent anxious glances at his father, to turn +himself round. It went very slowly, but perhaps his father was able +to see his good intentions as he did nothing to hinder him, in fact +now and then he used the tip of his stick to give directions from a +distance as to which way to turn. If only his father would stop +that unbearable hissing! It was making Gregor quite confused. When +he had nearly finished turning round, still listening to that +hissing, he made a mistake and turned himself back a little the way +he had just come. He was pleased when he finally had his head in +front of the doorway, but then saw that it was too narrow, and his +body was too broad to get through it without further difficulty. In +his present mood, it obviously did not occur to his father to open +the other of the double doors so that Gregor would have enough space +to get through. He was merely fixed on the idea that Gregor should +be got back into his room as quickly as possible. Nor would he ever +have allowed Gregor the time to get himself upright as preparation +for getting through the doorway. What he did, making more noise +than ever, was to drive Gregor forwards all the harder as if there +had been nothing in the way; it sounded to Gregor as if there was +now more than one father behind him; it was not a pleasant +experience, and Gregor pushed himself into the doorway without +regard for what might happen. One side of his body lifted itself, +he lay at an angle in the doorway, one flank scraped on the white +door and was painfully injured, leaving vile brown flecks on it, +soon he was stuck fast and would not have been able to move at all +by himself, the little legs along one side hung quivering in the air +while those on the other side were pressed painfully against the +ground. Then his father gave him a hefty shove from behind which +released him from where he was held and sent him flying, and heavily +bleeding, deep into his room. The door was slammed shut with the +stick, then, finally, all was quiet. + + + +II + + +It was not until it was getting dark that evening that Gregor awoke +from his deep and coma-like sleep. He would have woken soon +afterwards anyway even if he hadn't been disturbed, as he had had +enough sleep and felt fully rested. But he had the impression that +some hurried steps and the sound of the door leading into the front +room being carefully shut had woken him. The light from the +electric street lamps shone palely here and there onto the ceiling +and tops of the furniture, but down below, where Gregor was, it was +dark. He pushed himself over to the door, feeling his way clumsily +with his antennae - of which he was now beginning to learn the value +- in order to see what had been happening there. The whole of his +left side seemed like one, painfully stretched scar, and he limped +badly on his two rows of legs. One of the legs had been badly +injured in the events of that morning - it was nearly a miracle that +only one of them had been - and dragged along lifelessly. + +It was only when he had reached the door that he realised what it +actually was that had drawn him over to it; it was the smell of +something to eat. By the door there was a dish filled with +sweetened milk with little pieces of white bread floating in it. He +was so pleased he almost laughed, as he was even hungrier than he +had been that morning, and immediately dipped his head into the +milk, nearly covering his eyes with it. But he soon drew his head +back again in disappointment; not only did the pain in his tender +left side make it difficult to eat the food - he was only able to +eat if his whole body worked together as a snuffling whole - but the +milk did not taste at all nice. Milk like this was normally his +favourite drink, and his sister had certainly left it there for him +because of that, but he turned, almost against his own will, away +from the dish and crawled back into the centre of the room. + +Through the crack in the door, Gregor could see that the gas had +been lit in the living room. His father at this time would normally +be sat with his evening paper, reading it out in a loud voice to +Gregor's mother, and sometimes to his sister, but there was now not +a sound to be heard. Gregor's sister would often write and tell him +about this reading, but maybe his father had lost the habit in +recent times. It was so quiet all around too, even though there +must have been somebody in the flat. "What a quiet life it is the +family lead", said Gregor to himself, and, gazing into the darkness, +felt a great pride that he was able to provide a life like that in +such a nice home for his sister and parents. But what now, if all +this peace and wealth and comfort should come to a horrible and +frightening end? That was something that Gregor did not want to +think about too much, so he started to move about, crawling up and +down the room. + +Once during that long evening, the door on one side of the room was +opened very slightly and hurriedly closed again; later on the door +on the other side did the same; it seemed that someone needed to +enter the room but thought better of it. Gregor went and waited +immediately by the door, resolved either to bring the timorous +visitor into the room in some way or at least to find out who it +was; but the door was opened no more that night and Gregor waited in +vain. The previous morning while the doors were locked everyone had +wanted to get in there to him, but now, now that he had opened up +one of the doors and the other had clearly been unlocked some time +during the day, no-one came, and the keys were in the other sides. + +It was not until late at night that the gaslight in the living room +was put out, and now it was easy to see that his parents and sister had +stayed awake all that time, as they all could be distinctly heard as +they went away together on tip-toe. It was clear that no-one would +come into Gregor's room any more until morning; that gave him plenty +of time to think undisturbed about how he would have to re-arrange +his life. For some reason, the tall, empty room where he was forced +to remain made him feel uneasy as he lay there flat on the floor, +even though he had been living in it for five years. Hardly aware +of what he was doing other than a slight feeling of shame, he +hurried under the couch. It pressed down on his back a little, and +he was no longer able to lift his head, but he nonetheless felt +immediately at ease and his only regret was that his body was too +broad to get it all underneath. + +He spent the whole night there. Some of the time he passed in a +light sleep, although he frequently woke from it in alarm because of +his hunger, and some of the time was spent in worries and vague +hopes which, however, always led to the same conclusion: for the +time being he must remain calm, he must show patience and the +greatest consideration so that his family could bear the +unpleasantness that he, in his present condition, was forced to +impose on them. + +Gregor soon had the opportunity to test the strength of his +decisions, as early the next morning, almost before the night had +ended, his sister, nearly fully dressed, opened the door from the +front room and looked anxiously in. She did not see him straight +away, but when she did notice him under the couch - he had to be +somewhere, for God's sake, he couldn't have flown away - she was so +shocked that she lost control of herself and slammed the door shut +again from outside. But she seemed to regret her behaviour, as she +opened the door again straight away and came in on tip-toe as if +entering the room of someone seriously ill or even of a stranger. +Gregor had pushed his head forward, right to the edge of the couch, +and watched her. Would she notice that he had left the milk as it +was, realise that it was not from any lack of hunger and bring him +in some other food that was more suitable? If she didn't do it +herself he would rather go hungry than draw her attention to it, +although he did feel a terrible urge to rush forward from under the +couch, throw himself at his sister's feet and beg her for something +good to eat. However, his sister noticed the full dish immediately +and looked at it and the few drops of milk splashed around it with +some surprise. She immediately picked it up - using a rag, +not her bare hands - and carried it out. Gregor was extremely +curious as to what she would bring in its place, imagining the +wildest possibilities, but he never could have guessed what his +sister, in her goodness, actually did bring. In order to test his +taste, she brought him a whole selection of things, all spread out +on an old newspaper. There were old, half-rotten vegetables; bones +from the evening meal, covered in white sauce that had gone hard; a +few raisins and almonds; some cheese that Gregor had declared +inedible two days before; a dry roll and some bread spread with +butter and salt. As well as all that she had poured some water into +the dish, which had probably been permanently set aside for Gregor's +use, and placed it beside them. Then, out of consideration for +Gregor's feelings, as she knew that he would not eat in front of +her, she hurried out again and even turned the key in the lock so +that Gregor would know he could make things as comfortable for +himself as he liked. Gregor's little legs whirred, at last he could +eat. What's more, his injuries must already have completely healed +as he found no difficulty in moving. This amazed him, as more than +a month earlier he had cut his finger slightly with a knife, he +thought of how his finger had still hurt the day before yesterday. +"Am I less sensitive than I used to be, then?", he thought, and was +already sucking greedily at the cheese which had immediately, almost +compellingly, attracted him much more than the other foods on the +newspaper. Quickly one after another, his eyes watering with +pleasure, he consumed the cheese, the vegetables and the sauce; the +fresh foods, on the other hand, he didn't like at all, and even +dragged the things he did want to eat a little way away from them +because he couldn't stand the smell. Long after he had finished +eating and lay lethargic in the same place, his sister slowly turned +the key in the lock as a sign to him that he should withdraw. He +was immediately startled, although he had been half asleep, and he +hurried back under the couch. But he needed great self-control to +stay there even for the short time that his sister was in the room, +as eating so much food had rounded out his body a little and he +could hardly breathe in that narrow space. Half suffocating, he +watched with bulging eyes as his sister unselfconsciously took a +broom and swept up the left-overs, mixing them in with the food he +had not even touched at all as if it could not be used any more. +She quickly dropped it all into a bin, closed it with its wooden +lid, and carried everything out. She had hardly turned her back +before Gregor came out again from under the couch and stretched +himself. + +This was how Gregor received his food each day now, once in the +morning while his parents and the maid were still asleep, and the +second time after everyone had eaten their meal at midday as his +parents would sleep for a little while then as well, and Gregor's +sister would send the maid away on some errand. Gregor's father and +mother certainly did not want him to starve either, but perhaps it +would have been more than they could stand to have any more +experience of his feeding than being told about it, and perhaps his +sister wanted to spare them what distress she could as they were +indeed suffering enough. + +It was impossible for Gregor to find out what they had told the +doctor and the locksmith that first morning to get them out of the +flat. As nobody could understand him, nobody, not even his sister, +thought that he could understand them, so he had to be content to +hear his sister's sighs and appeals to the saints as she moved about +his room. It was only later, when she had become a little more used +to everything - there was, of course, no question of her ever +becoming fully used to the situation - that Gregor would sometimes +catch a friendly comment, or at least a comment that could be +construed as friendly. "He's enjoyed his dinner today", she might +say when he had diligently cleared away all the food left for him, +or if he left most of it, which slowly became more and more +frequent, she would often say, sadly, "now everything's just been +left there again". + +Although Gregor wasn't able to hear any news directly he did listen +to much of what was said in the next rooms, and whenever he heard +anyone speaking he would scurry straight to the appropriate door and +press his whole body against it. There was seldom any conversation, +especially at first, that was not about him in some way, even if +only in secret. For two whole days, all the talk at every mealtime +was about what they should do now; but even between meals they spoke +about the same subject as there were always at least two members of +the family at home - nobody wanted to be at home by themselves and +it was out of the question to leave the flat entirely empty. And on +the very first day the maid had fallen to her knees and begged +Gregor's mother to let her go without delay. It was not very clear +how much she knew of what had happened but she left within a quarter +of an hour, tearfully thanking Gregor's mother for her dismissal as +if she had done her an enormous service. She even swore +emphatically not to tell anyone the slightest about what had +happened, even though no-one had asked that of her. + +Now Gregor's sister also had to help his mother with the cooking; +although that was not so much bother as no-one ate very much. +Gregor often heard how one of them would unsuccessfully urge another +to eat, and receive no more answer than "no thanks, I've had enough" +or something similar. No-one drank very much either. His sister +would sometimes ask his father whether he would like a beer, hoping +for the chance to go and fetch it herself. When his father then +said nothing she would add, so that he would not feel selfish, that +she could send the housekeeper for it, but then his father would +close the matter with a big, loud "No", and no more would be said. + +Even before the first day had come to an end, his father had +explained to Gregor's mother and sister what their finances and +prospects were. Now and then he stood up from the table and took +some receipt or document from the little cash box he had saved from +his business when it had collapsed five years earlier. Gregor heard +how he opened the complicated lock and then closed it again after he +had taken the item he wanted. What he heard his father say was some +of the first good news that Gregor heard since he had first been +incarcerated in his room. He had thought that nothing at all +remained from his father's business, at least he had never told him +anything different, and Gregor had never asked him about it anyway. +Their business misfortune had reduced the family to a state of total +despair, and Gregor's only concern at that time had been to arrange +things so that they could all forget about it as quickly as +possible. So then he started working especially hard, with a fiery +vigour that raised him from a junior salesman to a travelling +representative almost overnight, bringing with it the chance to earn +money in quite different ways. Gregor converted his success at work +straight into cash that he could lay on the table at home for the +benefit of his astonished and delighted family. They had been good +times and they had never come again, at least not with the same +splendour, even though Gregor had later earned so much that he was +in a position to bear the costs of the whole family, and did bear +them. They had even got used to it, both Gregor and the family, +they took the money with gratitude and he was glad to provide it, +although there was no longer much warm affection given in return. +Gregor only remained close to his sister now. Unlike him, she was +very fond of music and a gifted and expressive violinist, it was his +secret plan to send her to the conservatory next year even though it +would cause great expense that would have to be made up for in some +other way. During Gregor's short periods in town, conversation with +his sister would often turn to the conservatory but it was only ever +mentioned as a lovely dream that could never be realised. Their +parents did not like to hear this innocent talk, but Gregor thought +about it quite hard and decided he would let them know what he +planned with a grand announcement of it on Christmas day. + +That was the sort of totally pointless thing that went through his +mind in his present state, pressed upright against the door and +listening. There were times when he simply became too tired to +continue listening, when his head would fall wearily against the +door and he would pull it up again with a start, as even the +slightest noise he caused would be heard next door and they would +all go silent. "What's that he's doing now", his father would say +after a while, clearly having gone over to the door, and only then +would the interrupted conversation slowly be taken up again. + +When explaining things, his father repeated himself several times, +partly because it was a long time since he had been occupied with +these matters himself and partly because Gregor's mother did not +understand everything the first time. From these repeated explanations +Gregor learned, to his pleasure, that despite all their misfortunes +there was still some money available from the old days. It was not +a lot, but it had not been touched in the meantime and some interest +had accumulated. Besides that, they had not been using up all the +money that Gregor had been bringing home every month, keeping only a +little for himself, so that that, too, had been accumulating. +Behind the door, Gregor nodded with enthusiasm in his pleasure at +this unexpected thrift and caution. He could actually have used +this surplus money to reduce his father's debt to his boss, and the +day when he could have freed himself from that job would have come +much closer, but now it was certainly better the way his father had +done things. + +This money, however, was certainly not enough to enable the family +to live off the interest; it was enough to maintain them for, +perhaps, one or two years, no more. That's to say, it was money +that should not really be touched but set aside for emergencies; +money to live on had to be earned. His father was healthy but old, +and lacking in self confidence. During the five years that he had +not been working - the first holiday in a life that had been full of +strain and no success - he had put on a lot of weight and become +very slow and clumsy. Would Gregor's elderly mother now have to go +and earn money? She suffered from asthma and it was a strain for her +just to move about the home, every other day would be spent +struggling for breath on the sofa by the open window. Would his +sister have to go and earn money? She was still a child of +seventeen, her life up till then had been very enviable, consisting +of wearing nice clothes, sleeping late, helping out in the business, +joining in with a few modest pleasures and most of all playing the +violin. Whenever they began to talk of the need to earn money, +Gregor would always first let go of the door and then throw himself +onto the cool, leather sofa next to it, as he became quite hot with +shame and regret. + +He would often lie there the whole night through, not sleeping a +wink but scratching at the leather for hours on end. Or he might go +to all the effort of pushing a chair to the window, climbing up onto +the sill and, propped up in the chair, leaning on the window to +stare out of it. He had used to feel a great sense of freedom from +doing this, but doing it now was obviously something more remembered +than experienced, as what he actually saw in this way was becoming +less distinct every day, even things that were quite near; he had +used to curse the ever-present view of the hospital across the +street, but now he could not see it at all, and if he had not known +that he lived in Charlottenstrasse, which was a quiet street despite +being in the middle of the city, he could have thought that he was +looking out the window at a barren waste where the grey sky and the +grey earth mingled inseparably. His observant sister only needed to +notice the chair twice before she would always push it back to its +exact position by the window after she had tidied up the room, and +even left the inner pane of the window open from then on. + +If Gregor had only been able to speak to his sister and thank her +for all that she had to do for him it would have been easier for him +to bear it; but as it was it caused him pain. His sister, +naturally, tried as far as possible to pretend there was nothing +burdensome about it, and the longer it went on, of course, the +better she was able to do so, but as time went by Gregor was also +able to see through it all so much better. It had even become very +unpleasant for him, now, whenever she entered the room. No sooner +had she come in than she would quickly close the door as a +precaution so that no-one would have to suffer the view into +Gregor's room, then she would go straight to the window and pull it +hurriedly open almost as if she were suffocating. Even if it was +cold, she would stay at the window breathing deeply for a little +while. She would alarm Gregor twice a day with this running about +and noise making; he would stay under the couch shivering the whole +while, knowing full well that she would certainly have liked to +spare him this ordeal, but it was impossible for her to be in the +same room with him with the windows closed. + +One day, about a month after Gregor's transformation when his sister +no longer had any particular reason to be shocked at his appearance, +she came into the room a little earlier than usual and found him +still staring out the window, motionless, and just where he would be +most horrible. In itself, his sister's not coming into the room +would have been no surprise for Gregor as it would have been +difficult for her to immediately open the window while he was still +there, but not only did she not come in, she went straight back and +closed the door behind her, a stranger would have thought he had +threatened her and tried to bite her. Gregor went straight to hide +himself under the couch, of course, but he had to wait until midday +before his sister came back and she seemed much more uneasy than +usual. It made him realise that she still found his appearance +unbearable and would continue to do so, she probably even had to +overcome the urge to flee when she saw the little bit of him that +protruded from under the couch. One day, in order to spare her even +this sight, he spent four hours carrying the bedsheet over to the +couch on his back and arranged it so that he was completely covered +and his sister would not be able to see him even if she bent down. +If she did not think this sheet was necessary then all she had to do +was take it off again, as it was clear enough that it was no +pleasure for Gregor to cut himself off so completely. She left the +sheet where it was. Gregor even thought he glimpsed a look of +gratitude one time when he carefully looked out from under the sheet +to see how his sister liked the new arrangement. + +For the first fourteen days, Gregor's parents could not bring +themselves to come into the room to see him. He would often hear +them say how they appreciated all the new work his sister was doing +even though, before, they had seen her as a girl who was somewhat +useless and frequently been annoyed with her. But now the two of +them, father and mother, would often both wait outside the door of +Gregor's room while his sister tidied up in there, and as soon as +she went out again she would have to tell them exactly how +everything looked, what Gregor had eaten, how he had behaved this +time and whether, perhaps, any slight improvement could be seen. +His mother also wanted to go in and visit Gregor relatively soon but +his father and sister at first persuaded her against it. Gregor +listened very closely to all this, and approved fully. Later, +though, she had to be held back by force, which made her call out: +"Let me go and see Gregor, he is my unfortunate son! Can't you +understand I have to see him?", and Gregor would think to himself +that maybe it would be better if his mother came in, not every day +of course, but one day a week, perhaps; she could understand +everything much better than his sister who, for all her courage, was +still just a child after all, and really might not have had an +adult's appreciation of the burdensome job she had taken on. + +Gregor's wish to see his mother was soon realised. Out of +consideration for his parents, Gregor wanted to avoid being seen at +the window during the day, the few square meters of the floor did +not give him much room to crawl about, it was hard to just lie +quietly through the night, his food soon stopped giving him any +pleasure at all, and so, to entertain himself, he got into the habit +of crawling up and down the walls and ceiling. He was especially +fond of hanging from the ceiling; it was quite different from lying +on the floor; he could breathe more freely; his body had a light +swing to it; and up there, relaxed and almost happy, it might happen +that he would surprise even himself by letting go of the ceiling and +landing on the floor with a crash. But now, of course, he had far +better control of his body than before and, even with a fall as +great as that, caused himself no damage. Very soon his sister +noticed Gregor's new way of entertaining himself - he had, after +all, left traces of the adhesive from his feet as he crawled about - +and got it into her head to make it as easy as possible for him by +removing the furniture that got in his way, especially the chest of +drawers and the desk. Now, this was not something that she would be +able to do by herself; she did not dare to ask for help from her +father; the sixteen year old maid had carried on bravely since the +cook had left but she certainly would not have helped in this, she +had even asked to be allowed to keep the kitchen locked at all times +and never to have to open the door unless it was especially +important; so his sister had no choice but to choose some time when +Gregor's father was not there and fetch his mother to help her. As +she approached the room, Gregor could hear his mother express her +joy, but once at the door she went silent. First, of course, his +sister came in and looked round to see that everything in the room +was alright; and only then did she let her mother enter. Gregor had +hurriedly pulled the sheet down lower over the couch and put more +folds into it so that everything really looked as if it had just +been thrown down by chance. Gregor also refrained, this time, from +spying out from under the sheet; he gave up the chance to see his +mother until later and was simply glad that she had come. "You can +come in, he can't be seen", said his sister, obviously leading her +in by the hand. The old chest of drawers was too heavy for a pair +of feeble women to be heaving about, but Gregor listened as they +pushed it from its place, his sister always taking on the heaviest +part of the work for herself and ignoring her mother's warnings that +she would strain herself. This lasted a very long time. After +labouring at it for fifteen minutes or more his mother said it would +be better to leave the chest where it was, for one thing it was too +heavy for them to get the job finished before Gregor's father got +home and leaving it in the middle of the room it would be in his way +even more, and for another thing it wasn't even sure that taking the +furniture away would really be any help to him. She thought just +the opposite; the sight of the bare walls saddened her right to her +heart; and why wouldn't Gregor feel the same way about it, he'd been +used to this furniture in his room for a long time and it would make +him feel abandoned to be in an empty room like that. Then, quietly, +almost whispering as if wanting Gregor (whose whereabouts she did +not know) to hear not even the tone of her voice, as she was +convinced that he did not understand her words, she added "and by +taking the furniture away, won't it seem like we're showing that +we've given up all hope of improvement and we're abandoning him to +cope for himself? I think it'd be best to leave the room exactly the +way it was before so that when Gregor comes back to us again he'll +find everything unchanged and he'll be able to forget the time in +between all the easier". + +Hearing these words from his mother made Gregor realise that the +lack of any direct human communication, along with the monotonous +life led by the family during these two months, must have made him +confused - he could think of no other way of explaining to himself +why he had seriously wanted his room emptied out. Had he really +wanted to transform his room into a cave, a warm room fitted out +with the nice furniture he had inherited? That would have let him +crawl around unimpeded in any direction, but it would also have let +him quickly forget his past when he had still been human. He had +come very close to forgetting, and it had only been the voice of his +mother, unheard for so long, that had shaken him out of it. Nothing +should be removed; everything had to stay; he could not do without +the good influence the furniture had on his condition; and if the +furniture made it difficult for him to crawl about mindlessly that +was not a loss but a great advantage. + +His sister, unfortunately, did not agree; she had become used to the +idea, not without reason, that she was Gregor's spokesman to his +parents about the things that concerned him. This meant that his +mother's advice now was sufficient reason for her to insist on +removing not only the chest of drawers and the desk, as she had +thought at first, but all the furniture apart from the all-important +couch. It was more than childish perversity, of course, or the +unexpected confidence she had recently acquired, that made her +insist; she had indeed noticed that Gregor needed a lot of room to +crawl about in, whereas the furniture, as far as anyone could see, +was of no use to him at all. Girls of that age, though, do become +enthusiastic about things and feel they must get their way whenever +they can. Perhaps this was what tempted Grete to make Gregor's +situation seem even more shocking than it was so that she could do +even more for him. Grete would probably be the only one who would +dare enter a room dominated by Gregor crawling about the bare walls +by himself. + +So she refused to let her mother dissuade her. Gregor's mother +already looked uneasy in his room, she soon stopped speaking and +helped Gregor's sister to get the chest of drawers out with what +strength she had. The chest of drawers was something that Gregor +could do without if he had to, but the writing desk had to stay. +Hardly had the two women pushed the chest of drawers, groaning, out +of the room than Gregor poked his head out from under the couch to +see what he could do about it. He meant to be as careful and +considerate as he could, but, unfortunately, it was his mother who +came back first while Grete in the next room had her arms round the +chest, pushing and pulling at it from side to side by herself +without, of course, moving it an inch. His mother was not used to +the sight of Gregor, he might have made her ill, so Gregor hurried +backwards to the far end of the couch. In his startlement, though, +he was not able to prevent the sheet at its front from moving a +little. It was enough to attract his mother's attention. She stood +very still, remained there a moment, and then went back out to +Grete. + +Gregor kept trying to assure himself that nothing unusual was +happening, it was just a few pieces of furniture being moved after +all, but he soon had to admit that the women going to and fro, their +little calls to each other, the scraping of the furniture on the +floor, all these things made him feel as if he were being assailed +from all sides. With his head and legs pulled in against him and +his body pressed to the floor, he was forced to admit to himself +that he could not stand all of this much longer. They were emptying +his room out; taking away everything that was dear to him; they had +already taken out the chest containing his fretsaw and other tools; +now they threatened to remove the writing desk with its place +clearly worn into the floor, the desk where he had done his homework +as a business trainee, at high school, even while he had been at +infant school--he really could not wait any longer to see whether +the two women's intentions were good. He had nearly forgotten they +were there anyway, as they were now too tired to say anything while +they worked and he could only hear their feet as they stepped +heavily on the floor. + +So, while the women were leant against the desk in the other room +catching their breath, he sallied out, changed direction four times +not knowing what he should save first before his attention was +suddenly caught by the picture on the wall - which was already +denuded of everything else that had been on it - of the lady dressed +in copious fur. He hurried up onto the picture and pressed himself +against its glass, it held him firmly and felt good on his hot +belly. This picture at least, now totally covered by Gregor, would +certainly be taken away by no-one. He turned his head to face the +door into the living room so that he could watch the women when they +came back. + +They had not allowed themselves a long rest and came back quite +soon; Grete had put her arm around her mother and was nearly +carrying her. "What shall we take now, then?", said Grete and +looked around. Her eyes met those of Gregor on the wall. Perhaps +only because her mother was there, she remained calm, bent her face +to her so that she would not look round and said, albeit hurriedly +and with a tremor in her voice: "Come on, let's go back in the +living room for a while?" Gregor could see what Grete had in mind, +she wanted to take her mother somewhere safe and then chase him down +from the wall. Well, she could certainly try it! He sat unyielding +on his picture. He would rather jump at Grete's face. + +But Grete's words had made her mother quite worried, she stepped to +one side, saw the enormous brown patch against the flowers of the +wallpaper, and before she even realised it was Gregor that she saw +screamed: "Oh God, oh God!" Arms outstretched, she fell onto the +couch as if she had given up everything and stayed there immobile. +"Gregor!" shouted his sister, glowering at him and shaking her fist. + That was the first word she had spoken to him directly since his +transformation. She ran into the other room to fetch some kind of +smelling salts to bring her mother out of her faint; Gregor wanted +to help too - he could save his picture later, although he stuck +fast to the glass and had to pull himself off by force; then he, +too, ran into the next room as if he could advise his sister like in +the old days; but he had to just stand behind her doing nothing; she +was looking into various bottles, he startled her when she turned +round; a bottle fell to the ground and broke; a splinter cut +Gregor's face, some kind of caustic medicine splashed all over him; +now, without delaying any longer, Grete took hold of all the bottles +she could and ran with them in to her mother; she slammed the door +shut with her foot. So now Gregor was shut out from his mother, +who, because of him, might be near to death; he could not open the +door if he did not want to chase his sister away, and she had to +stay with his mother; there was nothing for him to do but wait; and, +oppressed with anxiety and self-reproach, he began to crawl about, +he crawled over everything, walls, furniture, ceiling, and finally +in his confusion as the whole room began to spin around him he fell +down into the middle of the dinner table. + +He lay there for a while, numb and immobile, all around him it was +quiet, maybe that was a good sign. Then there was someone at the +door. The maid, of course, had locked herself in her kitchen so +that Grete would have to go and answer it. His father had arrived +home. "What's happened?" were his first words; Grete's appearance +must have made everything clear to him. She answered him with +subdued voice, and openly pressed her face into his chest: "Mother's +fainted, but she's better now. Gregor got out." "Just as I +expected", said his father, "just as I always said, but you women +wouldn't listen, would you." It was clear to Gregor that Grete had +not said enough and that his father took it to mean that something +bad had happened, that he was responsible for some act of violence. +That meant Gregor would now have to try to calm his father, as he +did not have the time to explain things to him even if that had been +possible. So he fled to the door of his room and pressed himself +against it so that his father, when he came in from the hall, could +see straight away that Gregor had the best intentions and would go +back into his room without delay, that it would not be necessary to +drive him back but that they had only to open the door and he would +disappear. + +His father, though, was not in the mood to notice subtleties like +that; "Ah!", he shouted as he came in, sounding as if he were both +angry and glad at the same time. Gregor drew his head back from the +door and lifted it towards his father. He really had not imagined +his father the way he stood there now; of late, with his new habit +of crawling about, he had neglected to pay attention to what was +going on the rest of the flat the way he had done before. He really +ought to have expected things to have changed, but still, still, was +that really his father? The same tired man as used to be laying +there entombed in his bed when Gregor came back from his business +trips, who would receive him sitting in the armchair in his +nightgown when he came back in the evenings; who was hardly even +able to stand up but, as a sign of his pleasure, would just raise +his arms and who, on the couple of times a year when they went for a +walk together on a Sunday or public holiday wrapped up tightly in +his overcoat between Gregor and his mother, would always labour his +way forward a little more slowly than them, who were already walking +slowly for his sake; who would place his stick down carefully and, +if he wanted to say something would invariably stop and gather his +companions around him. He was standing up straight enough now; +dressed in a smart blue uniform with gold buttons, the sort worn by +the employees at the banking institute; above the high, stiff collar +of the coat his strong double-chin emerged; under the bushy +eyebrows, his piercing, dark eyes looked out fresh and alert; his +normally unkempt white hair was combed down painfully close to his +scalp. He took his cap, with its gold monogram from, probably, some +bank, and threw it in an arc right across the room onto the sofa, +put his hands in his trouser pockets, pushing back the bottom of his +long uniform coat, and, with look of determination, walked towards +Gregor. He probably did not even know himself what he had in mind, +but nonetheless lifted his feet unusually high. Gregor was amazed +at the enormous size of the soles of his boots, but wasted no time +with that - he knew full well, right from the first day of his new +life, that his father thought it necessary to always be extremely +strict with him. And so he ran up to his father, stopped when his +father stopped, scurried forwards again when he moved, even +slightly. In this way they went round the room several times +without anything decisive happening, without even giving the +impression of a chase as everything went so slowly. Gregor remained +all this time on the floor, largely because he feared his father +might see it as especially provoking if he fled onto the wall or +ceiling. Whatever he did, Gregor had to admit that he certainly +would not be able to keep up this running about for long, as for +each step his father took he had to carry out countless movements. +He became noticeably short of breath, even in his earlier life his +lungs had not been very reliable. Now, as he lurched about in his +efforts to muster all the strength he could for running he could +hardly keep his eyes open; his thoughts became too slow for him to +think of any other way of saving himself than running; he almost +forgot that the walls were there for him to use although, here, they +were concealed behind carefully carved furniture full of notches and +protrusions - then, right beside him, lightly tossed, something flew +down and rolled in front of him. It was an apple; then another one +immediately flew at him; Gregor froze in shock; there was no longer +any point in running as his father had decided to bombard him. He +had filled his pockets with fruit from the bowl on the sideboard and +now, without even taking the time for careful aim, threw one apple +after another. These little, red apples rolled about on the floor, +knocking into each other as if they had electric motors. An apple +thrown without much force glanced against Gregor's back and slid off +without doing any harm. Another one however, immediately following +it, hit squarely and lodged in his back; Gregor wanted to drag +himself away, as if he could remove the surprising, the incredible +pain by changing his position; but he felt as if nailed to the spot +and spread himself out, all his senses in confusion. The last thing +he saw was the door of his room being pulled open, his sister was +screaming, his mother ran out in front of her in her blouse (as his +sister had taken off some of her clothes after she had fainted to +make it easier for her to breathe), she ran to his father, her +skirts unfastened and sliding one after another to the ground, +stumbling over the skirts she pushed herself to his father, her arms +around him, uniting herself with him totally - now Gregor lost his +ability to see anything - her hands behind his father's head begging +him to spare Gregor's life. + + + +III + + +No-one dared to remove the apple lodged in Gregor's flesh, so it +remained there as a visible reminder of his injury. He had suffered +it there for more than a month, and his condition seemed serious +enough to remind even his father that Gregor, despite his current +sad and revolting form, was a family member who could not be treated +as an enemy. On the contrary, as a family there was a duty to +swallow any revulsion for him and to be patient, just to be patient. + +Because of his injuries, Gregor had lost much of his mobility - +probably permanently. He had been reduced to the condition of an +ancient invalid and it took him long, long minutes to crawl across +his room - crawling over the ceiling was out of the question - but +this deterioration in his condition was fully (in his opinion) made +up for by the door to the living room being left open every evening. + He got into the habit of closely watching it for one or two hours +before it was opened and then, lying in the darkness of his room +where he could not be seen from the living room, he could watch the +family in the light of the dinner table and listen to their +conversation - with everyone's permission, in a way, and thus quite +differently from before. + +They no longer held the lively conversations of earlier times, of +course, the ones that Gregor always thought about with longing when +he was tired and getting into the damp bed in some small hotel room. + All of them were usually very quiet nowadays. Soon after dinner, +his father would go to sleep in his chair; his mother and sister +would urge each other to be quiet; his mother, bent deeply under the +lamp, would sew fancy underwear for a fashion shop; his sister, who +had taken a sales job, learned shorthand and French in the evenings +so that she might be able to get a better position later on. +Sometimes his father would wake up and say to Gregor's mother +"you're doing so much sewing again today!", as if he did not know +that he had been dozing - and then he would go back to sleep again +while mother and sister would exchange a tired grin. + +With a kind of stubbornness, Gregor's father refused to take his +uniform off even at home; while his nightgown hung unused on its peg +Gregor's father would slumber where he was, fully dressed, as if +always ready to serve and expecting to hear the voice of his +superior even here. The uniform had not been new to start with, but +as a result of this it slowly became even shabbier despite the +efforts of Gregor's mother and sister to look after it. Gregor +would often spend the whole evening looking at all the stains on +this coat, with its gold buttons always kept polished and shiny, +while the old man in it would sleep, highly uncomfortable but +peaceful. + +As soon as it struck ten, Gregor's mother would speak gently to his +father to wake him and try to persuade him to go to bed, as he +couldn't sleep properly where he was and he really had to get his +sleep if he was to be up at six to get to work. But since he had +been in work he had become more obstinate and would always insist on +staying longer at the table, even though he regularly fell asleep +and it was then harder than ever to persuade him to exchange the +chair for his bed. Then, however much mother and sister would +importune him with little reproaches and warnings he would keep +slowly shaking his head for a quarter of an hour with his eyes +closed and refusing to get up. Gregor's mother would tug at his +sleeve, whisper endearments into his ear, Gregor's sister would +leave her work to help her mother, but nothing would have any effect +on him. He would just sink deeper into his chair. Only when the +two women took him under the arms he would abruptly open his eyes, +look at them one after the other and say: "What a life! This is what +peace I get in my old age!" And supported by the two women he would +lift himself up carefully as if he were carrying the greatest load +himself, let the women take him to the door, send them off and carry +on by himself while Gregor's mother would throw down her needle and +his sister her pen so that they could run after his father and +continue being of help to him. + +Who, in this tired and overworked family, would have had time to +give more attention to Gregor than was absolutely necessary? The +household budget became even smaller; so now the maid was dismissed; +an enormous, thick-boned charwoman with white hair that flapped +around her head came every morning and evening to do the heaviest +work; everything else was looked after by Gregor's mother on top of +the large amount of sewing work she did. Gregor even learned, +listening to the evening conversation about what price they had +hoped for, that several items of jewellery belonging to the family +had been sold, even though both mother and sister had been very fond +of wearing them at functions and celebrations. But the loudest +complaint was that although the flat was much too big for their +present circumstances, they could not move out of it, there was no +imaginable way of transferring Gregor to the new address. He could +see quite well, though, that there were more reasons than +consideration for him that made it difficult for them to move, it +would have been quite easy to transport him in any suitable crate +with a few air holes in it; the main thing holding the family back +from their decision to move was much more to do with their total +despair, and the thought that they had been struck with a misfortune +unlike anything experienced by anyone else they knew or were related +to. They carried out absolutely everything that the world expects +from poor people, Gregor's father brought bank employees their +breakfast, his mother sacrificed herself by washing clothes for +strangers, his sister ran back and forth behind her desk at the +behest of the customers, but they just did not have the strength to +do any more. And the injury in Gregor's back began to hurt as much +as when it was new. After they had come back from taking his father +to bed Gregor's mother and sister would now leave their work where +it was and sit close together, cheek to cheek; his mother would +point to Gregor's room and say "Close that door, Grete", and then, +when he was in the dark again, they would sit in the next room and +their tears would mingle, or they would simply sit there staring +dry-eyed at the table. + +Gregor hardly slept at all, either night or day. Sometimes he would +think of taking over the family's affairs, just like before, the +next time the door was opened; he had long forgotten about his boss +and the chief clerk, but they would appear again in his thoughts, +the salesmen and the apprentices, that stupid teaboy, two or three +friends from other businesses, one of the chambermaids from a +provincial hotel, a tender memory that appeared and disappeared +again, a cashier from a hat shop for whom his attention had been +serious but too slow, - all of them appeared to him, mixed together +with strangers and others he had forgotten, but instead of helping +him and his family they were all of them inaccessible, and he was +glad when they disappeared. Other times he was not at all in the +mood to look after his family, he was filled with simple rage about +the lack of attention he was shown, and although he could think of +nothing he would have wanted, he made plans of how he could get into +the pantry where he could take all the things he was entitled to, +even if he was not hungry. Gregor's sister no longer thought about +how she could please him but would hurriedly push some food or other +into his room with her foot before she rushed out to work in the +morning and at midday, and in the evening she would sweep it away +again with the broom, indifferent as to whether it had been eaten or +- more often than not - had been left totally untouched. She still +cleared up the room in the evening, but now she could not have been +any quicker about it. Smears of dirt were left on the walls, here +and there were little balls of dust and filth. At first, Gregor +went into one of the worst of these places when his sister arrived +as a reproach to her, but he could have stayed there for weeks +without his sister doing anything about it; she could see the dirt +as well as he could but she had simply decided to leave him to it. +At the same time she became touchy in a way that was quite new for +her and which everyone in the family understood - cleaning up +Gregor's room was for her and her alone. Gregor's mother did once +thoroughly clean his room, and needed to use several bucketfuls of +water to do it - although that much dampness also made Gregor ill +and he lay flat on the couch, bitter and immobile. But his mother +was to be punished still more for what she had done, as hardly had +his sister arrived home in the evening than she noticed the change +in Gregor's room and, highly aggrieved, ran back into the living +room where, despite her mothers raised and imploring hands, she +broke into convulsive tears. Her father, of course, was startled +out of his chair and the two parents looked on astonished and +helpless; then they, too, became agitated; Gregor's father, standing +to the right of his mother, accused her of not leaving the cleaning +of Gregor's room to his sister; from her left, Gregor's sister +screamed at her that she was never to clean Gregor's room again; +while his mother tried to draw his father, who was beside himself +with anger, into the bedroom; his sister, quaking with tears, +thumped on the table with her small fists; and Gregor hissed in +anger that no-one had even thought of closing the door to save him +the sight of this and all its noise. + +Gregor's sister was exhausted from going out to work, and looking +after Gregor as she had done before was even more work for her, but +even so his mother ought certainly not to have taken her place. +Gregor, on the other hand, ought not to be neglected. Now, though, +the charwoman was here. This elderly widow, with a robust bone +structure that made her able to withstand the hardest of things in +her long life, wasn't really repelled by Gregor. Just by chance one +day, rather than any real curiosity, she opened the door to Gregor's +room and found herself face to face with him. He was taken totally +by surprise, no-one was chasing him but he began to rush to and fro +while she just stood there in amazement with her hands crossed in +front of her. From then on she never failed to open the door +slightly every evening and morning and look briefly in on him. At +first she would call to him as she did so with words that she +probably considered friendly, such as "come on then, you old +dung-beetle!", or "look at the old dung-beetle there!" Gregor never +responded to being spoken to in that way, but just remained where he +was without moving as if the door had never even been opened. If +only they had told this charwoman to clean up his room every day +instead of letting her disturb him for no reason whenever she felt +like it! One day, early in the morning while a heavy rain struck the +windowpanes, perhaps indicating that spring was coming, she began to +speak to him in that way once again. Gregor was so resentful of it +that he started to move toward her, he was slow and infirm, but it +was like a kind of attack. Instead of being afraid, the charwoman +just lifted up one of the chairs from near the door and stood there +with her mouth open, clearly intending not to close her mouth until +the chair in her hand had been slammed down into Gregor's back. +"Aren't you coming any closer, then?", she asked when Gregor turned +round again, and she calmly put the chair back in the corner. + +Gregor had almost entirely stopped eating. Only if he happened to +find himself next to the food that had been prepared for him he +might take some of it into his mouth to play with it, leave it there +a few hours and then, more often than not, spit it out again. At +first he thought it was distress at the state of his room that +stopped him eating, but he had soon got used to the changes made +there. They had got into the habit of putting things into this room +that they had no room for anywhere else, and there were now many +such things as one of the rooms in the flat had been rented out to +three gentlemen. These earnest gentlemen - all three of them had +full beards, as Gregor learned peering through the crack in the door +one day - were painfully insistent on things' being tidy. This +meant not only in their own room but, since they had taken a room in +this establishment, in the entire flat and especially in the +kitchen. Unnecessary clutter was something they could not tolerate, +especially if it was dirty. They had moreover brought most of their +own furnishings and equipment with them. For this reason, many +things had become superfluous which, although they could not be +sold, the family did not wish to discard. All these things found +their way into Gregor's room. The dustbins from the kitchen found +their way in there too. The charwoman was always in a hurry, and +anything she couldn't use for the time being she would just chuck in +there. He, fortunately, would usually see no more than the object +and the hand that held it. The woman most likely meant to fetch the +things back out again when she had time and the opportunity, or to +throw everything out in one go, but what actually happened was that +they were left where they landed when they had first been thrown +unless Gregor made his way through the junk and moved it somewhere +else. At first he moved it because, with no other room free where +he could crawl about, he was forced to, but later on he came to +enjoy it although moving about in that way left him sad and tired to +death, and he would remain immobile for hours afterwards. + +The gentlemen who rented the room would sometimes take their evening +meal at home in the living room that was used by everyone, and so +the door to this room was often kept closed in the evening. But +Gregor found it easy to give up having the door open, he had, after +all, often failed to make use of it when it was open and, without +the family having noticed it, lain in his room in its darkest +corner. One time, though, the charwoman left the door to the living +room slightly open, and it remained open when the gentlemen who +rented the room came in in the evening and the light was put on. +They sat up at the table where, formerly, Gregor had taken his meals +with his father and mother, they unfolded the serviettes and picked +up their knives and forks. Gregor's mother immediately appeared in +the doorway with a dish of meat and soon behind her came his sister +with a dish piled high with potatoes. The food was steaming, and +filled the room with its smell. The gentlemen bent over the dishes +set in front of them as if they wanted to test the food before +eating it, and the gentleman in the middle, who seemed to count as +an authority for the other two, did indeed cut off a piece of meat +while it was still in its dish, clearly wishing to establish whether +it was sufficiently cooked or whether it should be sent back to the +kitchen. It was to his satisfaction, and Gregor's mother and +sister, who had been looking on anxiously, began to breathe again +and smiled. + +The family themselves ate in the kitchen. Nonetheless, Gregor's +father came into the living room before he went into the kitchen, +bowed once with his cap in his hand and did his round of the table. +The gentlemen stood as one, and mumbled something into their beards. + Then, once they were alone, they ate in near perfect silence. It +seemed remarkable to Gregor that above all the various noises of +eating their chewing teeth could still be heard, as if they had +wanted to show Gregor that you need teeth in order to eat and it was +not possible to perform anything with jaws that are toothless +however nice they might be. "I'd like to eat something", said +Gregor anxiously, "but not anything like they're eating. They do +feed themselves. And here I am, dying!" + +Throughout all this time, Gregor could not remember having heard the +violin being played, but this evening it began to be heard from the +kitchen. The three gentlemen had already finished their meal, the +one in the middle had produced a newspaper, given a page to each of +the others, and now they leant back in their chairs reading them and +smoking. When the violin began playing they became attentive, stood +up and went on tip-toe over to the door of the hallway where they +stood pressed against each other. Someone must have heard them in +the kitchen, as Gregor's father called out: "Is the playing perhaps +unpleasant for the gentlemen? We can stop it straight away." "On +the contrary", said the middle gentleman, "would the young lady not +like to come in and play for us here in the room, where it is, after +all, much more cosy and comfortable?" "Oh yes, we'd love to", +called back Gregor's father as if he had been the violin player +himself. The gentlemen stepped back into the room and waited. +Gregor's father soon appeared with the music stand, his mother with +the music and his sister with the violin. She calmly prepared +everything for her to begin playing; his parents, who had never +rented a room out before and therefore showed an exaggerated +courtesy towards the three gentlemen, did not even dare to sit on +their own chairs; his father leant against the door with his right +hand pushed in between two buttons on his uniform coat; his mother, +though, was offered a seat by one of the gentlemen and sat - leaving +the chair where the gentleman happened to have placed it - out of +the way in a corner. + +His sister began to play; father and mother paid close attention, +one on each side, to the movements of her hands. Drawn in by the +playing, Gregor had dared to come forward a little and already had +his head in the living room. Before, he had taken great pride in +how considerate he was but now it hardly occurred to him that he had +become so thoughtless about the others. What's more, there was now +all the more reason to keep himself hidden as he was covered in the +dust that lay everywhere in his room and flew up at the slightest +movement; he carried threads, hairs, and remains of food about on +his back and sides; he was much too indifferent to everything now to +lay on his back and wipe himself on the carpet like he had used to +do several times a day. And despite this condition, he was not too +shy to move forward a little onto the immaculate floor of the living +room. + +No-one noticed him, though. The family was totally preoccupied with +the violin playing; at first, the three gentlemen had put their +hands in their pockets and come up far too close behind the music +stand to look at all the notes being played, and they must have +disturbed Gregor's sister, but soon, in contrast with the family, +they withdrew back to the window with their heads sunk and talking +to each other at half volume, and they stayed by the window while +Gregor's father observed them anxiously. It really now seemed very +obvious that they had expected to hear some beautiful or +entertaining violin playing but had been disappointed, that they had +had enough of the whole performance and it was only now out of +politeness that they allowed their peace to be disturbed. It was +especially unnerving, the way they all blew the smoke from their +cigarettes upwards from their mouth and noses. Yet Gregor's sister +was playing so beautifully. Her face was leant to one side, +following the lines of music with a careful and melancholy +expression. Gregor crawled a little further forward, keeping his +head close to the ground so that he could meet her eyes if the +chance came. Was he an animal if music could captivate him so? It +seemed to him that he was being shown the way to the unknown +nourishment he had been yearning for. He was determined to make his +way forward to his sister and tug at her skirt to show her she might +come into his room with her violin, as no-one appreciated her +playing here as much as he would. He never wanted to let her out of +his room, not while he lived, anyway; his shocking appearance +should, for once, be of some use to him; he wanted to be at every +door of his room at once to hiss and spit at the attackers; his +sister should not be forced to stay with him, though, but stay of +her own free will; she would sit beside him on the couch with her +ear bent down to him while he told her how he had always intended to +send her to the conservatory, how he would have told everyone about +it last Christmas - had Christmas really come and gone already? - if +this misfortune hadn't got in the way, and refuse to let anyone +dissuade him from it. On hearing all this, his sister would break +out in tears of emotion, and Gregor would climb up to her shoulder +and kiss her neck, which, since she had been going out to work, she +had kept free without any necklace or collar. + +"Mr. Samsa!", shouted the middle gentleman to Gregor's father, +pointing, without wasting any more words, with his forefinger at +Gregor as he slowly moved forward. The violin went silent, the +middle of the three gentlemen first smiled at his two friends, +shaking his head, and then looked back at Gregor. His father seemed +to think it more important to calm the three gentlemen before +driving Gregor out, even though they were not at all upset and +seemed to think Gregor was more entertaining than the violin playing +had been. He rushed up to them with his arms spread out and +attempted to drive them back into their room at the same time as +trying to block their view of Gregor with his body. Now they did +become a little annoyed, and it was not clear whether it was his +father's behaviour that annoyed them or the dawning realisation that +they had had a neighbour like Gregor in the next room without +knowing it. They asked Gregor's father for explanations, raised +their arms like he had, tugged excitedly at their beards and moved +back towards their room only very slowly. Meanwhile Gregor's sister +had overcome the despair she had fallen into when her playing was +suddenly interrupted. She had let her hands drop and let violin and +bow hang limply for a while but continued to look at the music as if +still playing, but then she suddenly pulled herself together, lay +the instrument on her mother's lap who still sat laboriously +struggling for breath where she was, and ran into the next room +which, under pressure from her father, the three gentlemen were more +quickly moving toward. Under his sister's experienced hand, the +pillows and covers on the beds flew up and were put into order and +she had already finished making the beds and slipped out again +before the three gentlemen had reached the room. Gregor's father +seemed so obsessed with what he was doing that he forgot all the +respect he owed to his tenants. He urged them and pressed them +until, when he was already at the door of the room, the middle of +the three gentlemen shouted like thunder and stamped his foot and +thereby brought Gregor's father to a halt. "I declare here and +now", he said, raising his hand and glancing at Gregor's mother and +sister to gain their attention too, "that with regard to the +repugnant conditions that prevail in this flat and with this family" +- here he looked briefly but decisively at the floor - "I give +immediate notice on my room. For the days that I have been living +here I will, of course, pay nothing at all, on the contrary I will +consider whether to proceed with some kind of action for damages +from you, and believe me it would be very easy to set out the +grounds for such an action." He was silent and looked straight +ahead as if waiting for something. And indeed, his two friends +joined in with the words: "And we also give immediate notice." With +that, he took hold of the door handle and slammed the door. + +Gregor's father staggered back to his seat, feeling his way with his +hands, and fell into it; it looked as if he was stretching himself +out for his usual evening nap but from the uncontrolled way his head +kept nodding it could be seen that he was not sleeping at all. +Throughout all this, Gregor had lain still where the three gentlemen +had first seen him. His disappointment at the failure of his plan, +and perhaps also because he was weak from hunger, made it impossible +for him to move. He was sure that everyone would turn on him any +moment, and he waited. He was not even startled out of this state +when the violin on his mother's lap fell from her trembling fingers +and landed loudly on the floor. + +"Father, Mother", said his sister, hitting the table with her hand +as introduction, "we can't carry on like this. Maybe you can't see +it, but I can. I don't want to call this monster my brother, all I +can say is: we have to try and get rid of it. We've done all that's +humanly possible to look after it and be patient, I don't think +anyone could accuse us of doing anything wrong." + +"She's absolutely right", said Gregor's father to himself. His +mother, who still had not had time to catch her breath, began to +cough dully, her hand held out in front of her and a deranged +expression in her eyes. + +Gregor's sister rushed to his mother and put her hand on her +forehead. Her words seemed to give Gregor's father some more +definite ideas. He sat upright, played with his uniform cap between +the plates left by the three gentlemen after their meal, and +occasionally looked down at Gregor as he lay there immobile. + +"We have to try and get rid of it", said Gregor's sister, now +speaking only to her father, as her mother was too occupied with +coughing to listen, "it'll be the death of both of you, I can see it +coming. We can't all work as hard as we have to and then come home +to be tortured like this, we can't endure it. I can't endure it any +more." And she broke out so heavily in tears that they flowed down +the face of her mother, and she wiped them away with mechanical hand +movements. + +"My child", said her father with sympathy and obvious understanding, +"what are we to do?" + +His sister just shrugged her shoulders as a sign of the helplessness +and tears that had taken hold of her, displacing her earlier +certainty. + +"If he could just understand us", said his father almost as a +question; his sister shook her hand vigorously through her tears as +a sign that of that there was no question. + +"If he could just understand us", repeated Gregor's father, closing +his eyes in acceptance of his sister's certainty that that was quite +impossible, "then perhaps we could come to some kind of arrangement +with him. But as it is ..." + +"It's got to go", shouted his sister, "that's the only way, Father. +You've got to get rid of the idea that that's Gregor. We've only +harmed ourselves by believing it for so long. How can that be +Gregor? If it were Gregor he would have seen long ago that it's not +possible for human beings to live with an animal like that and he +would have gone of his own free will. We wouldn't have a brother +any more, then, but we could carry on with our lives and remember +him with respect. As it is this animal is persecuting us, it's +driven out our tenants, it obviously wants to take over the whole +flat and force us to sleep on the streets. Father, look, just +look", she suddenly screamed, "he's starting again!" In her alarm, +which was totally beyond Gregor's comprehension, his sister even +abandoned his mother as she pushed herself vigorously out of her +chair as if more willing to sacrifice her own mother than stay +anywhere near Gregor. She rushed over to behind her father, who had +become excited merely because she was and stood up half raising his +hands in front of Gregor's sister as if to protect her. + +But Gregor had had no intention of frightening anyone, least of all +his sister. All he had done was begin to turn round so that he +could go back into his room, although that was in itself quite +startling as his pain-wracked condition meant that turning round +required a great deal of effort and he was using his head to help +himself do it, repeatedly raising it and striking it against the +floor. He stopped and looked round. They seemed to have realised +his good intention and had only been alarmed briefly. Now they all +looked at him in unhappy silence. His mother lay in her chair with +her legs stretched out and pressed against each other, her eyes +nearly closed with exhaustion; his sister sat next to his father +with her arms around his neck. + +"Maybe now they'll let me turn round", thought Gregor and went back +to work. He could not help panting loudly with the effort and had +sometimes to stop and take a rest. No-one was making him rush any +more, everything was left up to him. As soon as he had finally +finished turning round he began to move straight ahead. He was +amazed at the great distance that separated him from his room, and +could not understand how he had covered that distance in his weak +state a little while before and almost without noticing it. He +concentrated on crawling as fast as he could and hardly noticed that +there was not a word, not any cry, from his family to distract him. +He did not turn his head until he had reached the doorway. He did +not turn it all the way round as he felt his neck becoming stiff, +but it was nonetheless enough to see that nothing behind him had +changed, only his sister had stood up. With his last glance he saw +that his mother had now fallen completely asleep. + +He was hardly inside his room before the door was hurriedly shut, +bolted and locked. The sudden noise behind Gregor so startled him +that his little legs collapsed under him. It was his sister who had +been in so much of a rush. She had been standing there waiting and +sprung forward lightly, Gregor had not heard her coming at all, and +as she turned the key in the lock she said loudly to her parents "At +last!". + +"What now, then?", Gregor asked himself as he looked round in the +darkness. He soon made the discovery that he could no longer move +at all. This was no surprise to him, it seemed rather that being +able to actually move around on those spindly little legs until then +was unnatural. He also felt relatively comfortable. It is true +that his entire body was aching, but the pain seemed to be slowly +getting weaker and weaker and would finally disappear altogether. +He could already hardly feel the decayed apple in his back or the +inflamed area around it, which was entirely covered in white dust. +He thought back of his family with emotion and love. If it was +possible, he felt that he must go away even more strongly than his +sister. He remained in this state of empty and peaceful rumination +until he heard the clock tower strike three in the morning. He +watched as it slowly began to get light everywhere outside the +window too. Then, without his willing it, his head sank down +completely, and his last breath flowed weakly from his nostrils. + +When the cleaner came in early in the morning - they'd often asked +her not to keep slamming the doors but with her strength and in her +hurry she still did, so that everyone in the flat knew when she'd +arrived and from then on it was impossible to sleep in peace - she +made her usual brief look in on Gregor and at first found nothing +special. She thought he was laying there so still on purpose, +playing the martyr; she attributed all possible understanding to +him. She happened to be holding the long broom in her hand, so she +tried to tickle Gregor with it from the doorway. When she had no +success with that she tried to make a nuisance of herself and poked +at him a little, and only when she found she could shove him across +the floor with no resistance at all did she start to pay attention. +She soon realised what had really happened, opened her eyes wide, +whistled to herself, but did not waste time to yank open the bedroom +doors and shout loudly into the darkness of the bedrooms: "Come and +'ave a look at this, it's dead, just lying there, stone dead!" + +Mr. and Mrs. Samsa sat upright there in their marriage bed and had +to make an effort to get over the shock caused by the cleaner before +they could grasp what she was saying. But then, each from his own +side, they hurried out of bed. Mr. Samsa threw the blanket over his +shoulders, Mrs. Samsa just came out in her nightdress; and that is +how they went into Gregor's room. On the way they opened the door +to the living room where Grete had been sleeping since the three +gentlemen had moved in; she was fully dressed as if she had never +been asleep, and the paleness of her face seemed to confirm this. +"Dead?", asked Mrs. Samsa, looking at the charwoman enquiringly, +even though she could have checked for herself and could have known +it even without checking. "That's what I said", replied the +cleaner, and to prove it she gave Gregor's body another shove with +the broom, sending it sideways across the floor. Mrs. Samsa made a +movement as if she wanted to hold back the broom, but did not +complete it. "Now then", said Mr. Samsa, "let's give thanks to God +for that". He crossed himself, and the three women followed his +example. Grete, who had not taken her eyes from the corpse, said: +"Just look how thin he was. He didn't eat anything for so long. +The food came out again just the same as when it went in". Gregor's +body was indeed completely dried up and flat, they had not seen it +until then, but now he was not lifted up on his little legs, nor did +he do anything to make them look away. + +"Grete, come with us in here for a little while", said Mrs. Samsa +with a pained smile, and Grete followed her parents into the bedroom +but not without looking back at the body. The cleaner shut the door +and opened the window wide. Although it was still early in the +morning the fresh air had something of warmth mixed in with it. It +was already the end of March, after all. + +The three gentlemen stepped out of their room and looked round in +amazement for their breakfasts; they had been forgotten about. +"Where is our breakfast?", the middle gentleman asked the cleaner +irritably. She just put her finger on her lips and made a quick and +silent sign to the men that they might like to come into Gregor's +room. They did so, and stood around Gregor's corpse with their +hands in the pockets of their well-worn coats. It was now quite +light in the room. + +Then the door of the bedroom opened and Mr. Samsa appeared in his +uniform with his wife on one arm and his daughter on the other. All +of them had been crying a little; Grete now and then pressed her +face against her father's arm. + +"Leave my home. Now!", said Mr. Samsa, indicating the door and +without letting the women from him. "What do you mean?", asked the +middle of the three gentlemen somewhat disconcerted, and he smiled +sweetly. The other two held their hands behind their backs and +continually rubbed them together in gleeful anticipation of a loud +quarrel which could only end in their favour. "I mean just what I +said", answered Mr. Samsa, and, with his two companions, went in a +straight line towards the man. At first, he stood there still, +looking at the ground as if the contents of his head were +rearranging themselves into new positions. "Alright, we'll go +then", he said, and looked up at Mr. Samsa as if he had been +suddenly overcome with humility and wanted permission again from +Mr. Samsa for his decision. Mr. Samsa merely opened his eyes wide +and briefly nodded to him several times. At that, and without +delay, the man actually did take long strides into the front +hallway; his two friends had stopped rubbing their hands some time +before and had been listening to what was being said. Now they +jumped off after their friend as if taken with a sudden fear that +Mr. Samsa might go into the hallway in front of them and break the +connection with their leader. Once there, all three took their hats +from the stand, took their sticks from the holder, bowed without a +word and left the premises. Mr. Samsa and the two women followed +them out onto the landing; but they had had no reason to mistrust +the men's intentions and as they leaned over the landing they saw how +the three gentlemen made slow but steady progress down the many +steps. As they turned the corner on each floor they disappeared and +would reappear a few moments later; the further down they went, the +more that the Samsa family lost interest in them; when a butcher's +boy, proud of posture with his tray on his head, passed them on his +way up and came nearer than they were, Mr. Samsa and the women came +away from the landing and went, as if relieved, back into the flat. + +They decided the best way to make use of that day was for relaxation +and to go for a walk; not only had they earned a break from work but +they were in serious need of it. So they sat at the table and wrote +three letters of excusal, Mr. Samsa to his employers, Mrs. Samsa +to her contractor and Grete to her principal. The cleaner came in +while they were writing to tell them she was going, she'd finished +her work for that morning. The three of them at first just nodded +without looking up from what they were writing, and it was only when +the cleaner still did not seem to want to leave that they looked up +in irritation. "Well?", asked Mr. Samsa. The charwoman stood in +the doorway with a smile on her face as if she had some tremendous +good news to report, but would only do it if she was clearly asked +to. The almost vertical little ostrich feather on her hat, which +had been a source of irritation to Mr. Samsa all the time she had +been working for them, swayed gently in all directions. "What is it +you want then?", asked Mrs. Samsa, whom the cleaner had the most +respect for. "Yes", she answered, and broke into a friendly laugh +that made her unable to speak straight away, "well then, that thing +in there, you needn't worry about how you're going to get rid of it. + That's all been sorted out." Mrs. Samsa and Grete bent down over +their letters as if intent on continuing with what they were +writing; Mr. Samsa saw that the cleaner wanted to start describing +everything in detail but, with outstretched hand, he made it quite +clear that she was not to. So, as she was prevented from telling +them all about it, she suddenly remembered what a hurry she was in +and, clearly peeved, called out "Cheerio then, everyone", turned +round sharply and left, slamming the door terribly as she went. + +"Tonight she gets sacked", said Mr. Samsa, but he received no reply +from either his wife or his daughter as the charwoman seemed to have +destroyed the peace they had only just gained. They got up and went +over to the window where they remained with their arms around each +other. Mr. Samsa twisted round in his chair to look at them and sat +there watching for a while. Then he called out: "Come here, then. +Let's forget about all that old stuff, shall we. Come and give me a +bit of attention". The two women immediately did as he said, +hurrying over to him where they kissed him and hugged him and then +they quickly finished their letters. + +After that, the three of them left the flat together, which was +something they had not done for months, and took the tram out to the +open country outside the town. They had the tram, filled with warm +sunshine, all to themselves. Leant back comfortably on their seats, +they discussed their prospects and found that on closer examination +they were not at all bad - until then they had never asked each +other about their work but all three had jobs which were very good +and held particularly good promise for the future. The greatest +improvement for the time being, of course, would be achieved quite +easily by moving house; what they needed now was a flat that was +smaller and cheaper than the current one which had been chosen by +Gregor, one that was in a better location and, most of all, more +practical. All the time, Grete was becoming livelier. With all the +worry they had been having of late her cheeks had become pale, but, +while they were talking, Mr. and Mrs. Samsa were struck, almost +simultaneously, with the thought of how their daughter was +blossoming into a well built and beautiful young lady. They became +quieter. Just from each other's glance and almost without knowing +it they agreed that it would soon be time to find a good man for +her. And, as if in confirmation of their new dreams and good +intentions, as soon as they reached their destination Grete was the +first to get up and stretch out her young body. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/example/inputs/pride_and_prejudice.txt b/example/inputs/pride_and_prejudice.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6bc3ec3 --- /dev/null +++ b/example/inputs/pride_and_prejudice.txt @@ -0,0 +1,13960 @@ + It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in + possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. + + However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be + on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well + fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is + considered the rightful property of some one or other of their + daughters. + + “My dear Mr. Bennet,” said his lady to him one day, “have you + heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?” + + Mr. Bennet replied that he had not. + + “But it is,” returned she; “for Mrs. Long has just been here, and + she told me all about it.” + + Mr. Bennet made no answer. + + “Do you not want to know who has taken it?” cried his wife + impatiently. + + “You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.” + + This was invitation enough. + + “Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is + taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; + that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the + place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. + Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before + Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by + the end of next week.” + + “What is his name?” + + “Bingley.” + + “Is he married or single?” + + “Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; + four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!” + + “How so? How can it affect them?” + + “My dear Mr. Bennet,” replied his wife, “how can you be so + tiresome! You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of + them.” + + “Is that his design in settling here?” + + “Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely + that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you + must visit him as soon as he comes.” + + “I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may + send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for + as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley may like you + the best of the party.” + + “My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of + beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now. + When a woman has five grown-up daughters, she ought to give over + thinking of her own beauty.” + + “In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of.” + + “But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingley when he + comes into the neighbourhood.” + + “It is more than I engage for, I assure you.” + + “But consider your daughters. Only think what an establishment it + would be for one of them. Sir William and Lady Lucas are + determined to go, merely on that account, for in general, you + know, they visit no newcomers. Indeed you must go, for it will be + impossible for us to visit him if you do not.” + + “You are over-scrupulous, surely. I dare say Mr. Bingley will be + very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to + assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he + chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my + little Lizzy.” + + “I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit better + than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as + Jane, nor half so good-humoured as Lydia. But you are always + giving her the preference.” + + “They have none of them much to recommend them,” replied he; + “they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has + something more of quickness than her sisters.” + + “Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way? + You take delight in vexing me. You have no compassion for my poor + nerves.” + + “You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. + They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with + consideration these last twenty years at least.” + + “Ah, you do not know what I suffer.” + + “But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men + of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood.” + + “It will be no use to us, if twenty such should come, since you + will not visit them.” + + “Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will + visit them all.” + + Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, + reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty + years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his + character. Her mind was less difficult to develop. She was a + woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain + temper. When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous. + The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its + solace was visiting and news. + + + + + Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. + Bingley. He had always intended to visit him, though to the last + always assuring his wife that he should not go; and till the + evening after the visit was paid she had no knowledge of it. It + was then disclosed in the following manner. Observing his second + daughter employed in trimming a hat, he suddenly addressed her + with: + + “I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy.” + + “We are not in a way to know what Mr. Bingley likes,” said her + mother resentfully, “since we are not to visit.” + + “But you forget, mamma,” said Elizabeth, “that we shall meet him + at the assemblies, and that Mrs. Long promised to introduce him.” + + “I do not believe Mrs. Long will do any such thing. She has two + nieces of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I + have no opinion of her.” + + “No more have I,” said Mr. Bennet; “and I am glad to find that + you do not depend on her serving you.” + + Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any reply, but, unable to contain + herself, began scolding one of her daughters. + + “Don’t keep coughing so, Kitty, for Heaven’s sake! Have a little + compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces.” + + “Kitty has no discretion in her coughs,” said her father; “she + times them ill.” + + “I do not cough for my own amusement,” replied Kitty fretfully. + “When is your next ball to be, Lizzy?” + + “To-morrow fortnight.” + + “Aye, so it is,” cried her mother, “and Mrs. Long does not come + back till the day before; so it will be impossible for her to + introduce him, for she will not know him herself.” + + “Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and + introduce Mr. Bingley to her.” + + “Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted + with him myself; how can you be so teasing?” + + “I honour your circumspection. A fortnight’s acquaintance is + certainly very little. One cannot know what a man really is by + the end of a fortnight. But if we do not venture somebody else + will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her nieces must stand their + chance; and, therefore, as she will think it an act of kindness, + if you decline the office, I will take it on myself.” + + The girls stared at their father. Mrs. Bennet said only, + “Nonsense, nonsense!” + + “What can be the meaning of that emphatic exclamation?” cried he. + “Do you consider the forms of introduction, and the stress that + is laid on them, as nonsense? I cannot quite agree with you + there. What say you, Mary? For you are a young lady of deep + reflection, I know, and read great books and make extracts.” + + Mary wished to say something sensible, but knew not how. + + “While Mary is adjusting her ideas,” he continued, “let us return + to Mr. Bingley.” + + “I am sick of Mr. Bingley,” cried his wife. + + “I am sorry to hear that; but why did not you tell me that + before? If I had known as much this morning I certainly would not + have called on him. It is very unlucky; but as I have actually + paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now.” + + The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of + Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when the first + tumult of joy was over, she began to declare that it was what she + had expected all the while. + + “How good it was in you, my dear Mr. Bennet! But I knew I should + persuade you at last. I was sure you loved your girls too well to + neglect such an acquaintance. Well, how pleased I am! and it is + such a good joke, too, that you should have gone this morning and + never said a word about it till now.” + + “Now, Kitty, you may cough as much as you choose,” said Mr. + Bennet; and, as he spoke, he left the room, fatigued with the + raptures of his wife. + + “What an excellent father you have, girls!” said she, when the + door was shut. “I do not know how you will ever make him amends + for his kindness; or me, either, for that matter. At our time of + life it is not so pleasant, I can tell you, to be making new + acquaintances every day; but for your sakes, we would do + anything. Lydia, my love, though you are the youngest, I dare + say Mr. Bingley will dance with you at the next ball.” + + “Oh!” said Lydia stoutly, “I am not afraid; for though I am the + youngest, I’m the tallest.” + + The rest of the evening was spent in conjecturing how soon he + would return Mr. Bennet’s visit, and determining when they should + ask him to dinner. + + + + + Not all that Mrs. Bennet, however, with the assistance of her + five daughters, could ask on the subject, was sufficient to draw + from her husband any satisfactory description of Mr. Bingley. + They attacked him in various ways—with barefaced questions, + ingenious suppositions, and distant surmises; but he eluded the + skill of them all, and they were at last obliged to accept the + second-hand intelligence of their neighbour, Lady Lucas. Her + report was highly favourable. Sir William had been delighted with + him. He was quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremely + agreeable, and, to crown the whole, he meant to be at the next + assembly with a large party. Nothing could be more delightful! To + be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love; + and very lively hopes of Mr. Bingley’s heart were entertained. + + “If I can but see one of my daughters happily settled at + Netherfield,” said Mrs. Bennet to her husband, “and all the + others equally well married, I shall have nothing to wish for.” + + In a few days Mr. Bingley returned Mr. Bennet’s visit, and sat + about ten minutes with him in his library. He had entertained + hopes of being admitted to a sight of the young ladies, of whose + beauty he had heard much; but he saw only the father. The ladies + were somewhat more fortunate, for they had the advantage of + ascertaining from an upper window that he wore a blue coat, and + rode a black horse. + + An invitation to dinner was soon afterwards dispatched; and + already had Mrs. Bennet planned the courses that were to do + credit to her housekeeping, when an answer arrived which deferred + it all. Mr. Bingley was obliged to be in town the following day, + and, consequently, unable to accept the honour of their + invitation, etc. Mrs. Bennet was quite disconcerted. She could + not imagine what business he could have in town so soon after his + arrival in Hertfordshire; and she began to fear that he might be + always flying about from one place to another, and never settled + at Netherfield as he ought to be. Lady Lucas quieted her fears a + little by starting the idea of his being gone to London only to + get a large party for the ball; and a report soon followed that + Mr. Bingley was to bring twelve ladies and seven gentlemen with + him to the assembly. The girls grieved over such a number of + ladies, but were comforted the day before the ball by hearing, + that instead of twelve he brought only six with him from + London—his five sisters and a cousin. And when the party entered + the assembly room it consisted of only five altogether—Mr. + Bingley, his two sisters, the husband of the eldest, and another + young man. + + Mr. Bingley was good-looking and gentlemanlike; he had a pleasant + countenance, and easy, unaffected manners. His sisters were fine + women, with an air of decided fashion. His brother-in-law, Mr. + Hurst, merely looked the gentleman; but his friend Mr. Darcy soon + drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome + features, noble mien, and the report which was in general + circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having + ten thousand a year. The gentlemen pronounced him to be a fine + figure of a man, the ladies declared he was much handsomer than + Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with great admiration for about + half the evening, till his manners gave a disgust which turned + the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to be proud; to + be above his company, and above being pleased; and not all his + large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a most + forbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be + compared with his friend. + + Mr. Bingley had soon made himself acquainted with all the + principal people in the room; he was lively and unreserved, + danced every dance, was angry that the ball closed so early, and + talked of giving one himself at Netherfield. Such amiable + qualities must speak for themselves. What a contrast between him + and his friend! Mr. Darcy danced only once with Mrs. Hurst and + once with Miss Bingley, declined being introduced to any other + lady, and spent the rest of the evening in walking about the + room, speaking occasionally to one of his own party. His + character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man + in the world, and everybody hoped that he would never come there + again. Amongst the most violent against him was Mrs. Bennet, + whose dislike of his general behaviour was sharpened into + particular resentment by his having slighted one of her + daughters. + + Elizabeth Bennet had been obliged, by the scarcity of gentlemen, + to sit down for two dances; and during part of that time, Mr. + Darcy had been standing near enough for her to hear a + conversation between him and Mr. Bingley, who came from the dance + for a few minutes, to press his friend to join it. + + “Come, Darcy,” said he, “I must have you dance. I hate to see you + standing about by yourself in this stupid manner. You had much + better dance.” + + “I certainly shall not. You know how I detest it, unless I am + particularly acquainted with my partner. At such an assembly as + this it would be insupportable. Your sisters are engaged, and + there is not another woman in the room whom it would not be a + punishment to me to stand up with.” + + “I would not be so fastidious as you are,” cried Mr. Bingley, + “for a kingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant + girls in my life as I have this evening; and there are several of + them you see uncommonly pretty.” + + “You are dancing with the only handsome girl in the room,” said + Mr. Darcy, looking at the eldest Miss Bennet. + + “Oh! She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld! But there + is one of her sisters sitting down just behind you, who is very + pretty, and I dare say very agreeable. Do let me ask my partner + to introduce you.” + + “Which do you mean?” and turning round he looked for a moment at + Elizabeth, till catching her eye, he withdrew his own and coldly + said: “She is tolerable, but not handsome enough to tempt me; I + am in no humour at present to give consequence to young ladies + who are slighted by other men. You had better return to your + partner and enjoy her smiles, for you are wasting your time with + me.” + + Mr. Bingley followed his advice. Mr. Darcy walked off; and + Elizabeth remained with no very cordial feelings toward him. She + told the story, however, with great spirit among her friends; for + she had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in + anything ridiculous. + + The evening altogether passed off pleasantly to the whole family. + Mrs. Bennet had seen her eldest daughter much admired by the + Netherfield party. Mr. Bingley had danced with her twice, and she + had been distinguished by his sisters. Jane was as much gratified + by this as her mother could be, though in a quieter way. + Elizabeth felt Jane’s pleasure. Mary had heard herself mentioned + to Miss Bingley as the most accomplished girl in the + neighbourhood; and Catherine and Lydia had been fortunate enough + never to be without partners, which was all that they had yet + learnt to care for at a ball. They returned, therefore, in good + spirits to Longbourn, the village where they lived, and of which + they were the principal inhabitants. They found Mr. Bennet still + up. With a book he was regardless of time; and on the present + occasion he had a good deal of curiosity as to the event of an + evening which had raised such splendid expectations. He had + rather hoped that his wife’s views on the stranger would be + disappointed; but he soon found out that he had a different story + to hear. + + “Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet,” as she entered the room, “we have had a + most delightful evening, a most excellent ball. I wish you had + been there. Jane was so admired, nothing could be like it. + Everybody said how well she looked; and Mr. Bingley thought her + quite beautiful, and danced with her twice! Only think of that, + my dear; he actually danced with her twice! and she was the only + creature in the room that he asked a second time. First of all, + he asked Miss Lucas. I was so vexed to see him stand up with her! + But, however, he did not admire her at all; indeed, nobody can, + you know; and he seemed quite struck with Jane as she was going + down the dance. So he inquired who she was, and got introduced, + and asked her for the two next. Then the two third he danced with + Miss King, and the two fourth with Maria Lucas, and the two fifth + with Jane again, and the two sixth with Lizzy, and the + Boulanger—” + + “If he had had any compassion for me,” cried her husband + impatiently, “he would not have danced half so much! For God’s + sake, say no more of his partners. Oh that he had sprained his + ankle in the first dance!” + + “Oh! my dear, I am quite delighted with him. He is so excessively + handsome! And his sisters are charming women. I never in my life + saw anything more elegant than their dresses. I dare say the lace + upon Mrs. Hurst’s gown—” + + Here she was interrupted again. Mr. Bennet protested against any + description of finery. She was therefore obliged to seek another + branch of the subject, and related, with much bitterness of + spirit and some exaggeration, the shocking rudeness of Mr. Darcy. + + “But I can assure you,” she added, “that Lizzy does not lose much + by not suiting his fancy; for he is a most disagreeable, horrid + man, not at all worth pleasing. So high and so conceited that + there was no enduring him! He walked here, and he walked there, + fancying himself so very great! Not handsome enough to dance + with! I wish you had been there, my dear, to have given him one + of your set-downs. I quite detest the man.” + + + + + When Jane and Elizabeth were alone, the former, who had been + cautious in her praise of Mr. Bingley before, expressed to her + sister just how very much she admired him. + + “He is just what a young man ought to be,” said she, “sensible, + good-humoured, lively; and I never saw such happy manners!—so + much ease, with such perfect good breeding!” + + “He is also handsome,” replied Elizabeth, “which a young man + ought likewise to be, if he possibly can. His character is + thereby complete.” + + “I was very much flattered by his asking me to dance a second + time. I did not expect such a compliment.” + + “Did not you? I did for you. But that is one great difference + between us. Compliments always take you by surprise, and me + never. What could be more natural than his asking you again? He + could not help seeing that you were about five times as pretty as + every other woman in the room. No thanks to his gallantry for + that. Well, he certainly is very agreeable, and I give you leave + to like him. You have liked many a stupider person.” + + “Dear Lizzy!” + + “Oh! you are a great deal too apt, you know, to like people in + general. You never see a fault in anybody. All the world are good + and agreeable in your eyes. I never heard you speak ill of a + human being in your life.” + + “I would not wish to be hasty in censuring anyone; but I always + speak what I think.” + + “I know you do; and it is that which makes the wonder. With + your good sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies and + nonsense of others! Affectation of candour is common enough—one + meets with it everywhere. But to be candid without ostentation or + design—to take the good of everybody’s character and make it + still better, and say nothing of the bad—belongs to you alone. + And so you like this man’s sisters, too, do you? Their manners + are not equal to his.” + + “Certainly not—at first. But they are very pleasing women when + you converse with them. Miss Bingley is to live with her brother, + and keep his house; and I am much mistaken if we shall not find a + very charming neighbour in her.” + + Elizabeth listened in silence, but was not convinced; their + behaviour at the assembly had not been calculated to please in + general; and with more quickness of observation and less pliancy + of temper than her sister, and with a judgement too unassailed by + any attention to herself, she was very little disposed to approve + them. They were in fact very fine ladies; not deficient in good + humour when they were pleased, nor in the power of making + themselves agreeable when they chose it, but proud and conceited. + They were rather handsome, had been educated in one of the first + private seminaries in town, had a fortune of twenty thousand + pounds, were in the habit of spending more than they ought, and + of associating with people of rank, and were therefore in every + respect entitled to think well of themselves, and meanly of + others. They were of a respectable family in the north of + England; a circumstance more deeply impressed on their memories + than that their brother’s fortune and their own had been acquired + by trade. + + Mr. Bingley inherited property to the amount of nearly a hundred + thousand pounds from his father, who had intended to purchase an + estate, but did not live to do it. Mr. Bingley intended it + likewise, and sometimes made choice of his county; but as he was + now provided with a good house and the liberty of a manor, it was + doubtful to many of those who best knew the easiness of his + temper, whether he might not spend the remainder of his days at + Netherfield, and leave the next generation to purchase. + + His sisters were anxious for his having an estate of his own; + but, though he was now only established as a tenant, Miss Bingley + was by no means unwilling to preside at his table—nor was Mrs. + Hurst, who had married a man of more fashion than fortune, less + disposed to consider his house as her home when it suited her. + Mr. Bingley had not been of age two years, when he was tempted by + an accidental recommendation to look at Netherfield House. He did + look at it, and into it for half-an-hour—was pleased with the + situation and the principal rooms, satisfied with what the owner + said in its praise, and took it immediately. + + Between him and Darcy there was a very steady friendship, in + spite of great opposition of character. Bingley was endeared to + Darcy by the easiness, openness, and ductility of his temper, + though no disposition could offer a greater contrast to his own, + and though with his own he never appeared dissatisfied. On the + strength of Darcy’s regard, Bingley had the firmest reliance, and + of his judgement the highest opinion. In understanding, Darcy was + the superior. Bingley was by no means deficient, but Darcy was + clever. He was at the same time haughty, reserved, and + fastidious, and his manners, though well-bred, were not inviting. + In that respect his friend had greatly the advantage. Bingley was + sure of being liked wherever he appeared, Darcy was continually + giving offense. + + The manner in which they spoke of the Meryton assembly was + sufficiently characteristic. Bingley had never met with more + pleasant people or prettier girls in his life; everybody had been + most kind and attentive to him; there had been no formality, no + stiffness; he had soon felt acquainted with all the room; and, as + to Miss Bennet, he could not conceive an angel more beautiful. + Darcy, on the contrary, had seen a collection of people in whom + there was little beauty and no fashion, for none of whom he had + felt the smallest interest, and from none received either + attention or pleasure. Miss Bennet he acknowledged to be pretty, + but she smiled too much. + + Mrs. Hurst and her sister allowed it to be so—but still they + admired her and liked her, and pronounced her to be a sweet girl, + and one whom they would not object to know more of. Miss Bennet + was therefore established as a sweet girl, and their brother felt + authorized by such commendation to think of her as he chose. + + + + + Within a short walk of Longbourn lived a family with whom the + Bennets were particularly intimate. Sir William Lucas had been + formerly in trade in Meryton, where he had made a tolerable + fortune, and risen to the honour of knighthood by an address to + the king during his mayoralty. The distinction had perhaps been + felt too strongly. It had given him a disgust to his business, + and to his residence in a small market town; and, in quitting + them both, he had removed with his family to a house about a mile + from Meryton, denominated from that period Lucas Lodge, where he + could think with pleasure of his own importance, and, unshackled + by business, occupy himself solely in being civil to all the + world. For, though elated by his rank, it did not render him + supercilious; on the contrary, he was all attention to everybody. + By nature inoffensive, friendly, and obliging, his presentation + at St. James’s had made him courteous. + + Lady Lucas was a very good kind of woman, not too clever to be a + valuable neighbour to Mrs. Bennet. They had several children. The + eldest of them, a sensible, intelligent young woman, about + twenty-seven, was Elizabeth’s intimate friend. + + That the Miss Lucases and the Miss Bennets should meet to talk + over a ball was absolutely necessary; and the morning after the + assembly brought the former to Longbourn to hear and to + communicate. + + “You began the evening well, Charlotte,” said Mrs. Bennet with + civil self-command to Miss Lucas. “You were Mr. Bingley’s first + choice.” + + “Yes; but he seemed to like his second better.” + + “Oh! you mean Jane, I suppose, because he danced with her twice. + To be sure that did seem as if he admired her—indeed I rather + believe he did—I heard something about it—but I hardly know + what—something about Mr. Robinson.” + + “Perhaps you mean what I overheard between him and Mr. Robinson; + did not I mention it to you? Mr. Robinson’s asking him how he + liked our Meryton assemblies, and whether he did not think there + were a great many pretty women in the room, and which he + thought the prettiest? and his answering immediately to the last + question: ‘Oh! the eldest Miss Bennet, beyond a doubt; there + cannot be two opinions on that point.’” + + “Upon my word! Well, that is very decided indeed—that does seem + as if—but, however, it may all come to nothing, you know.” + + “My overhearings were more to the purpose than yours, Eliza,” + said Charlotte. “Mr. Darcy is not so well worth listening to as + his friend, is he?—poor Eliza!—to be only just tolerable.” + + “I beg you would not put it into Lizzy’s head to be vexed by his + ill-treatment, for he is such a disagreeable man, that it would + be quite a misfortune to be liked by him. Mrs. Long told me last + night that he sat close to her for half-an-hour without once + opening his lips.” + + “Are you quite sure, ma’am?—is not there a little mistake?” said + Jane. “I certainly saw Mr. Darcy speaking to her.” + + “Aye—because she asked him at last how he liked Netherfield, and + he could not help answering her; but she said he seemed quite + angry at being spoke to.” + + “Miss Bingley told me,” said Jane, “that he never speaks much, + unless among his intimate acquaintances. With them he is + remarkably agreeable.” + + “I do not believe a word of it, my dear. If he had been so very + agreeable, he would have talked to Mrs. Long. But I can guess how + it was; everybody says that he is eat up with pride, and I dare + say he had heard somehow that Mrs. Long does not keep a carriage, + and had come to the ball in a hack chaise.” + + “I do not mind his not talking to Mrs. Long,” said Miss Lucas, + “but I wish he had danced with Eliza.” + + “Another time, Lizzy,” said her mother, “I would not dance with + him, if I were you.” + + “I believe, ma’am, I may safely promise you never to dance with + him.” + + “His pride,” said Miss Lucas, “does not offend me so much as + pride often does, because there is an excuse for it. One cannot + wonder that so very fine a young man, with family, fortune, + everything in his favour, should think highly of himself. If I + may so express it, he has a right to be proud.” + + “That is very true,” replied Elizabeth, “and I could easily + forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.” + + “Pride,” observed Mary, who piqued herself upon the solidity of + her reflections, “is a very common failing, I believe. By all + that I have ever read, I am convinced that it is very common + indeed; that human nature is particularly prone to it, and that + there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of + self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or + imaginary. Vanity and pride are different things, though the + words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without + being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, + vanity to what we would have others think of us.” + + “If I were as rich as Mr. Darcy,” cried a young Lucas, who came + with his sisters, “I should not care how proud I was. I would + keep a pack of foxhounds, and drink a bottle of wine a day.” + + “Then you would drink a great deal more than you ought,” said + Mrs. Bennet; “and if I were to see you at it, I should take away + your bottle directly.” + + The boy protested that she should not; she continued to declare + that she would, and the argument ended only with the visit. + + + + + The ladies of Longbourn soon waited on those of Netherfield. The + visit was soon returned in due form. Miss Bennet’s pleasing + manners grew on the goodwill of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and + though the mother was found to be intolerable, and the younger + sisters not worth speaking to, a wish of being better acquainted + with them was expressed towards the two eldest. By Jane, this + attention was received with the greatest pleasure, but Elizabeth + still saw superciliousness in their treatment of everybody, + hardly excepting even her sister, and could not like them; though + their kindness to Jane, such as it was, had a value as arising in + all probability from the influence of their brother’s admiration. + It was generally evident whenever they met, that he did admire + her and to her it was equally evident that Jane was yielding to + the preference which she had begun to entertain for him from the + first, and was in a way to be very much in love; but she + considered with pleasure that it was not likely to be discovered + by the world in general, since Jane united, with great strength + of feeling, a composure of temper and a uniform cheerfulness of + manner which would guard her from the suspicions of the + impertinent. She mentioned this to her friend Miss Lucas. + + “It may perhaps be pleasant,” replied Charlotte, “to be able to + impose on the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a + disadvantage to be so very guarded. If a woman conceals her + affection with the same skill from the object of it, she may lose + the opportunity of fixing him; and it will then be but poor + consolation to believe the world equally in the dark. There is so + much of gratitude or vanity in almost every attachment, that it + is not safe to leave any to itself. We can all begin freely—a + slight preference is natural enough; but there are very few of us + who have heart enough to be really in love without encouragement. + In nine cases out of ten a woman had better show more affection + than she feels. Bingley likes your sister undoubtedly; but he may + never do more than like her, if she does not help him on.” + + “But she does help him on, as much as her nature will allow. If + I can perceive her regard for him, he must be a simpleton, + indeed, not to discover it too.” + + “Remember, Eliza, that he does not know Jane’s disposition as you + do.” + + “But if a woman is partial to a man, and does not endeavour to + conceal it, he must find it out.” + + “Perhaps he must, if he sees enough of her. But, though Bingley + and Jane meet tolerably often, it is never for many hours + together; and, as they always see each other in large mixed + parties, it is impossible that every moment should be employed in + conversing together. Jane should therefore make the most of every + half-hour in which she can command his attention. When she is + secure of him, there will be more leisure for falling in love as + much as she chooses.” + + “Your plan is a good one,” replied Elizabeth, “where nothing is + in question but the desire of being well married, and if I were + determined to get a rich husband, or any husband, I dare say I + should adopt it. But these are not Jane’s feelings; she is not + acting by design. As yet, she cannot even be certain of the + degree of her own regard nor of its reasonableness. She has known + him only a fortnight. She danced four dances with him at Meryton; + she saw him one morning at his own house, and has since dined + with him in company four times. This is not quite enough to make + her understand his character.” + + “Not as you represent it. Had she merely dined with him, she + might only have discovered whether he had a good appetite; but + you must remember that four evenings have also been spent + together—and four evenings may do a great deal.” + + “Yes; these four evenings have enabled them to ascertain that + they both like Vingt-un better than Commerce; but with respect to + any other leading characteristic, I do not imagine that much has + been unfolded.” + + “Well,” said Charlotte, “I wish Jane success with all my heart; + and if she were married to him to-morrow, I should think she had + as good a chance of happiness as if she were to be studying his + character for a twelvemonth. Happiness in marriage is entirely a + matter of chance. If the dispositions of the parties are ever so + well known to each other or ever so similar beforehand, it does + not advance their felicity in the least. They always continue to + grow sufficiently unlike afterwards to have their share of + vexation; and it is better to know as little as possible of the + defects of the person with whom you are to pass your life.” + + “You make me laugh, Charlotte; but it is not sound. You know it + is not sound, and that you would never act in this way yourself.” + + Occupied in observing Mr. Bingley’s attentions to her sister, + Elizabeth was far from suspecting that she was herself becoming + an object of some interest in the eyes of his friend. Mr. Darcy + had at first scarcely allowed her to be pretty; he had looked at + her without admiration at the ball; and when they next met, he + looked at her only to criticise. But no sooner had he made it + clear to himself and his friends that she hardly had a good + feature in her face, than he began to find it was rendered + uncommonly intelligent by the beautiful expression of her dark + eyes. To this discovery succeeded some others equally mortifying. + Though he had detected with a critical eye more than one failure + of perfect symmetry in her form, he was forced to acknowledge her + figure to be light and pleasing; and in spite of his asserting + that her manners were not those of the fashionable world, he was + caught by their easy playfulness. Of this she was perfectly + unaware; to her he was only the man who made himself agreeable + nowhere, and who had not thought her handsome enough to dance + with. + + He began to wish to know more of her, and as a step towards + conversing with her himself, attended to her conversation with + others. His doing so drew her notice. It was at Sir William + Lucas’s, where a large party were assembled. + + “What does Mr. Darcy mean,” said she to Charlotte, “by listening + to my conversation with Colonel Forster?” + + “That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer.” + + “But if he does it any more I shall certainly let him know that I + see what he is about. He has a very satirical eye, and if I do + not begin by being impertinent myself, I shall soon grow afraid + of him.” + + On his approaching them soon afterwards, though without seeming + to have any intention of speaking, Miss Lucas defied her friend + to mention such a subject to him; which immediately provoking + Elizabeth to do it, she turned to him and said: + + “Did you not think, Mr. Darcy, that I expressed myself uncommonly + well just now, when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a + ball at Meryton?” + + “With great energy; but it is always a subject which makes a lady + energetic.” + + “You are severe on us.” + + “It will be her turn soon to be teased,” said Miss Lucas. “I am + going to open the instrument, Eliza, and you know what follows.” + + “You are a very strange creature by way of a friend!—always + wanting me to play and sing before anybody and everybody! If my + vanity had taken a musical turn, you would have been invaluable; + but as it is, I would really rather not sit down before those who + must be in the habit of hearing the very best performers.” On + Miss Lucas’s persevering, however, she added, “Very well, if it + must be so, it must.” And gravely glancing at Mr. Darcy, “There + is a fine old saying, which everybody here is of course familiar + with: ‘Keep your breath to cool your porridge’; and I shall keep + mine to swell my song.” + + Her performance was pleasing, though by no means capital. After a + song or two, and before she could reply to the entreaties of + several that she would sing again, she was eagerly succeeded at + the instrument by her sister Mary, who having, in consequence of + being the only plain one in the family, worked hard for knowledge + and accomplishments, was always impatient for display. + + Mary had neither genius nor taste; and though vanity had given + her application, it had given her likewise a pedantic air and + conceited manner, which would have injured a higher degree of + excellence than she had reached. Elizabeth, easy and unaffected, + had been listened to with much more pleasure, though not playing + half so well; and Mary, at the end of a long concerto, was glad + to purchase praise and gratitude by Scotch and Irish airs, at the + request of her younger sisters, who, with some of the Lucases, + and two or three officers, joined eagerly in dancing at one end + of the room. + + Mr. Darcy stood near them in silent indignation at such a mode of + passing the evening, to the exclusion of all conversation, and + was too much engrossed by his thoughts to perceive that Sir + William Lucas was his neighbour, till Sir William thus began: + + “What a charming amusement for young people this is, Mr. Darcy! + There is nothing like dancing after all. I consider it as one of + the first refinements of polished society.” + + “Certainly, sir; and it has the advantage also of being in vogue + amongst the less polished societies of the world. Every savage + can dance.” + + Sir William only smiled. “Your friend performs delightfully,” he + continued after a pause, on seeing Bingley join the group; “and I + doubt not that you are an adept in the science yourself, Mr. + Darcy.” + + “You saw me dance at Meryton, I believe, sir.” + + “Yes, indeed, and received no inconsiderable pleasure from the + sight. Do you often dance at St. James’s?” + + “Never, sir.” + + “Do you not think it would be a proper compliment to the place?” + + “It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can avoid + it.” + + “You have a house in town, I conclude?” + + Mr. Darcy bowed. + + “I had once had some thought of fixing in town myself—for I am + fond of superior society; but I did not feel quite certain that + the air of London would agree with Lady Lucas.” + + He paused in hopes of an answer; but his companion was not + disposed to make any; and Elizabeth at that instant moving + towards them, he was struck with the action of doing a very + gallant thing, and called out to her: + + “My dear Miss Eliza, why are you not dancing? Mr. Darcy, you must + allow me to present this young lady to you as a very desirable + partner. You cannot refuse to dance, I am sure when so much + beauty is before you.” And, taking her hand, he would have given + it to Mr. Darcy who, though extremely surprised, was not + unwilling to receive it, when she instantly drew back, and said + with some discomposure to Sir William: + + “Indeed, sir, I have not the least intention of dancing. I + entreat you not to suppose that I moved this way in order to beg + for a partner.” + + Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to be allowed the + honour of her hand, but in vain. Elizabeth was determined; nor + did Sir William at all shake her purpose by his attempt at + persuasion. + + “You excel so much in the dance, Miss Eliza, that it is cruel to + deny me the happiness of seeing you; and though this gentleman + dislikes the amusement in general, he can have no objection, I am + sure, to oblige us for one half-hour.” + + “Mr. Darcy is all politeness,” said Elizabeth, smiling. + + “He is, indeed; but, considering the inducement, my dear Miss + Eliza, we cannot wonder at his complaisance—for who would object + to such a partner?” + + Elizabeth looked archly, and turned away. Her resistance had not + injured her with the gentleman, and he was thinking of her with + some complacency, when thus accosted by Miss Bingley: + + “I can guess the subject of your reverie.” + + “I should imagine not.” + + “You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many + evenings in this manner—in such society; and indeed I am quite of + your opinion. I was never more annoyed! The insipidity, and yet + the noise—the nothingness, and yet the self-importance of all + those people! What would I give to hear your strictures on them!” + + “Your conjecture is totally wrong, I assure you. My mind was more + agreeably engaged. I have been meditating on the very great + pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face of a pretty woman + can bestow.” + + Miss Bingley immediately fixed her eyes on his face, and desired + he would tell her what lady had the credit of inspiring such + reflections. Mr. Darcy replied with great intrepidity: + + “Miss Elizabeth Bennet.” + + “Miss Elizabeth Bennet!” repeated Miss Bingley. “I am all + astonishment. How long has she been such a favourite?—and pray, + when am I to wish you joy?” + + “That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask. A + lady’s imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to + love, from love to matrimony, in a moment. I knew you would be + wishing me joy.” + + “Nay, if you are serious about it, I shall consider the matter is + absolutely settled. You will be having a charming mother-in-law, + indeed; and, of course, she will always be at Pemberley with + you.” + + He listened to her with perfect indifference while she chose to + entertain herself in this manner; and as his composure convinced + her that all was safe, her wit flowed long. + + + + + Mr. Bennet’s property consisted almost entirely in an estate of + two thousand a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, was + entailed, in default of heirs male, on a distant relation; and + their mother’s fortune, though ample for her situation in life, + could but ill supply the deficiency of his. Her father had been + an attorney in Meryton, and had left her four thousand pounds. + + She had a sister married to a Mr. Phillips, who had been a clerk + to their father and succeeded him in the business, and a brother + settled in London in a respectable line of trade. + + The village of Longbourn was only one mile from Meryton; a most + convenient distance for the young ladies, who were usually + tempted thither three or four times a week, to pay their duty to + their aunt and to a milliner’s shop just over the way. The two + youngest of the family, Catherine and Lydia, were particularly + frequent in these attentions; their minds were more vacant than + their sisters’, and when nothing better offered, a walk to + Meryton was necessary to amuse their morning hours and furnish + conversation for the evening; and however bare of news the + country in general might be, they always contrived to learn some + from their aunt. At present, indeed, they were well supplied both + with news and happiness by the recent arrival of a militia + regiment in the neighbourhood; it was to remain the whole winter, + and Meryton was the headquarters. + + Their visits to Mrs. Phillips were now productive of the most + interesting intelligence. Every day added something to their + knowledge of the officers’ names and connections. Their lodgings + were not long a secret, and at length they began to know the + officers themselves. Mr. Phillips visited them all, and this + opened to his nieces a store of felicity unknown before. They + could talk of nothing but officers; and Mr. Bingley’s large + fortune, the mention of which gave animation to their mother, was + worthless in their eyes when opposed to the regimentals of an + ensign. + + After listening one morning to their effusions on this subject, + Mr. Bennet coolly observed: + + “From all that I can collect by your manner of talking, you must + be two of the silliest girls in the country. I have suspected it + some time, but I am now convinced.” + + Catherine was disconcerted, and made no answer; but Lydia, with + perfect indifference, continued to express her admiration of + Captain Carter, and her hope of seeing him in the course of the + day, as he was going the next morning to London. + + “I am astonished, my dear,” said Mrs. Bennet, “that you should be + so ready to think your own children silly. If I wished to think + slightingly of anybody’s children, it should not be of my own, + however.” + + “If my children are silly, I must hope to be always sensible of + it.” + + “Yes—but as it happens, they are all of them very clever.” + + “This is the only point, I flatter myself, on which we do not + agree. I had hoped that our sentiments coincided in every + particular, but I must so far differ from you as to think our two + youngest daughters uncommonly foolish.” + + “My dear Mr. Bennet, you must not expect such girls to have the + sense of their father and mother. When they get to our age, I + dare say they will not think about officers any more than we do. + I remember the time when I liked a red coat myself very well—and, + indeed, so I do still at my heart; and if a smart young colonel, + with five or six thousand a year, should want one of my girls I + shall not say nay to him; and I thought Colonel Forster looked + very becoming the other night at Sir William’s in his + regimentals.” + + “Mamma,” cried Lydia, “my aunt says that Colonel Forster and + Captain Carter do not go so often to Miss Watson’s as they did + when they first came; she sees them now very often standing in + Clarke’s library.” + + Mrs. Bennet was prevented replying by the entrance of the footman + with a note for Miss Bennet; it came from Netherfield, and the + servant waited for an answer. Mrs. Bennet’s eyes sparkled with + pleasure, and she was eagerly calling out, while her daughter + read, + + “Well, Jane, who is it from? What is it about? What does he say? + Well, Jane, make haste and tell us; make haste, my love.” + + “It is from Miss Bingley,” said Jane, and then read it aloud. + + “MY DEAR FRIEND,— + “If you are not so compassionate as to dine to-day with Louisa + and me, we shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest + of our lives, for a whole day’s tête-à-tête between two women + can never end without a quarrel. Come as soon as you can on + receipt of this. My brother and the gentlemen are to dine with + the officers.—Yours ever, + + “CAROLINE BINGLEY” + + “With the officers!” cried Lydia. “I wonder my aunt did not tell + us of that.” + + “Dining out,” said Mrs. Bennet, “that is very unlucky.” + + “Can I have the carriage?” said Jane. + + “No, my dear, you had better go on horseback, because it seems + likely to rain; and then you must stay all night.” + + “That would be a good scheme,” said Elizabeth, “if you were sure + that they would not offer to send her home.” + + “Oh! but the gentlemen will have Mr. Bingley’s chaise to go to + Meryton, and the Hursts have no horses to theirs.” + + “I had much rather go in the coach.” + + “But, my dear, your father cannot spare the horses, I am sure. + They are wanted in the farm, Mr. Bennet, are they not?” + + “They are wanted in the farm much oftener than I can get them.” + + “But if you have got them to-day,” said Elizabeth, “my mother’s + purpose will be answered.” + + She did at last extort from her father an acknowledgment that the + horses were engaged. Jane was therefore obliged to go on + horseback, and her mother attended her to the door with many + cheerful prognostics of a bad day. Her hopes were answered; Jane + had not been gone long before it rained hard. Her sisters were + uneasy for her, but her mother was delighted. The rain continued + the whole evening without intermission; Jane certainly could not + come back. + + “This was a lucky idea of mine, indeed!” said Mrs. Bennet more + than once, as if the credit of making it rain were all her own. + Till the next morning, however, she was not aware of all the + felicity of her contrivance. Breakfast was scarcely over when a + servant from Netherfield brought the following note for + Elizabeth: + + “MY DEAREST LIZZY,— + “I find myself very unwell this morning, which, I suppose, is to + be imputed to my getting wet through yesterday. My kind friends + will not hear of my returning till I am better. They insist also + on my seeing Mr. Jones—therefore do not be alarmed if you should + hear of his having been to me—and, excepting a sore throat and + headache, there is not much the matter with me.—Yours, etc.” + + “Well, my dear,” said Mr. Bennet, when Elizabeth had read the + note aloud, “if your daughter should have a dangerous fit of + illness—if she should die, it would be a comfort to know that it + was all in pursuit of Mr. Bingley, and under your orders.” + + “Oh! I am not afraid of her dying. People do not die of little + trifling colds. She will be taken good care of. As long as she + stays there, it is all very well. I would go and see her if I + could have the carriage.” + + Elizabeth, feeling really anxious, was determined to go to her, + though the carriage was not to be had; and as she was no + horsewoman, walking was her only alternative. She declared her + resolution. + + “How can you be so silly,” cried her mother, “as to think of such + a thing, in all this dirt! You will not be fit to be seen when + you get there.” + + “I shall be very fit to see Jane—which is all I want.” + + “Is this a hint to me, Lizzy,” said her father, “to send for the + horses?” + + “No, indeed, I do not wish to avoid the walk. The distance is + nothing when one has a motive; only three miles. I shall be back + by dinner.” + + “I admire the activity of your benevolence,” observed Mary, “but + every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my + opinion, exertion should always be in proportion to what is + required.” + + “We will go as far as Meryton with you,” said Catherine and + Lydia. Elizabeth accepted their company, and the three young + ladies set off together. + + “If we make haste,” said Lydia, as they walked along, “perhaps we + may see something of Captain Carter before he goes.” + + In Meryton they parted; the two youngest repaired to the lodgings + of one of the officers’ wives, and Elizabeth continued her walk + alone, crossing field after field at a quick pace, jumping over + stiles and springing over puddles with impatient activity, and + finding herself at last within view of the house, with weary + ankles, dirty stockings, and a face glowing with the warmth of + exercise. + + She was shown into the breakfast-parlour, where all but Jane were + assembled, and where her appearance created a great deal of + surprise. That she should have walked three miles so early in the + day, in such dirty weather, and by herself, was almost incredible + to Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley; and Elizabeth was convinced that + they held her in contempt for it. She was received, however, very + politely by them; and in their brother’s manners there was + something better than politeness; there was good humour and + kindness. Mr. Darcy said very little, and Mr. Hurst nothing at + all. The former was divided between admiration of the brilliancy + which exercise had given to her complexion, and doubt as to the + occasion’s justifying her coming so far alone. The latter was + thinking only of his breakfast. + + Her inquiries after her sister were not very favourably answered. + Miss Bennet had slept ill, and though up, was very feverish, and + not well enough to leave her room. Elizabeth was glad to be taken + to her immediately; and Jane, who had only been withheld by the + fear of giving alarm or inconvenience from expressing in her note + how much she longed for such a visit, was delighted at her + entrance. She was not equal, however, to much conversation, and + when Miss Bingley left them together, could attempt little + besides expressions of gratitude for the extraordinary kindness + she was treated with. Elizabeth silently attended her. + + When breakfast was over they were joined by the sisters; and + Elizabeth began to like them herself, when she saw how much + affection and solicitude they showed for Jane. The apothecary + came, and having examined his patient, said, as might be + supposed, that she had caught a violent cold, and that they must + endeavour to get the better of it; advised her to return to bed, + and promised her some draughts. The advice was followed readily, + for the feverish symptoms increased, and her head ached acutely. + Elizabeth did not quit her room for a moment; nor were the other + ladies often absent; the gentlemen being out, they had, in fact, + nothing to do elsewhere. + + When the clock struck three, Elizabeth felt that she must go, and + very unwillingly said so. Miss Bingley offered her the carriage, + and she only wanted a little pressing to accept it, when Jane + testified such concern in parting with her, that Miss Bingley was + obliged to convert the offer of the chaise to an invitation to + remain at Netherfield for the present. Elizabeth most thankfully + consented, and a servant was dispatched to Longbourn to acquaint + the family with her stay and bring back a supply of clothes. + + + + + At five o’clock the two ladies retired to dress, and at half-past + six Elizabeth was summoned to dinner. To the civil inquiries + which then poured in, and amongst which she had the pleasure of + distinguishing the much superior solicitude of Mr. Bingley’s, she + could not make a very favourable answer. Jane was by no means + better. The sisters, on hearing this, repeated three or four + times how much they were grieved, how shocking it was to have a + bad cold, and how excessively they disliked being ill themselves; + and then thought no more of the matter: and their indifference + towards Jane when not immediately before them restored Elizabeth + to the enjoyment of all her former dislike. + + Their brother, indeed, was the only one of the party whom she + could regard with any complacency. His anxiety for Jane was + evident, and his attentions to herself most pleasing, and they + prevented her feeling herself so much an intruder as she believed + she was considered by the others. She had very little notice from + any but him. Miss Bingley was engrossed by Mr. Darcy, her sister + scarcely less so; and as for Mr. Hurst, by whom Elizabeth sat, he + was an indolent man, who lived only to eat, drink, and play at + cards; who, when he found her to prefer a plain dish to a ragout, + had nothing to say to her. + + When dinner was over, she returned directly to Jane, and Miss + Bingley began abusing her as soon as she was out of the room. Her + manners were pronounced to be very bad indeed, a mixture of pride + and impertinence; she had no conversation, no style, no beauty. + Mrs. Hurst thought the same, and added: + + “She has nothing, in short, to recommend her, but being an + excellent walker. I shall never forget her appearance this + morning. She really looked almost wild.” + + “She did, indeed, Louisa. I could hardly keep my countenance. + Very nonsensical to come at all! Why must she be scampering + about the country, because her sister had a cold? Her hair, so + untidy, so blowsy!” + + “Yes, and her petticoat; I hope you saw her petticoat, six inches + deep in mud, I am absolutely certain; and the gown which had been + let down to hide it not doing its office.” + + “Your picture may be very exact, Louisa,” said Bingley; “but this + was all lost upon me. I thought Miss Elizabeth Bennet looked + remarkably well when she came into the room this morning. Her + dirty petticoat quite escaped my notice.” + + “You observed it, Mr. Darcy, I am sure,” said Miss Bingley; + “and I am inclined to think that you would not wish to see your + sister make such an exhibition.” + + “Certainly not.” + + “To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever + it is, above her ankles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! What + could she mean by it? It seems to me to show an abominable sort + of conceited independence, a most country-town indifference to + decorum.” + + “It shows an affection for her sister that is very pleasing,” + said Bingley. + + “I am afraid, Mr. Darcy,” observed Miss Bingley in a half + whisper, “that this adventure has rather affected your admiration + of her fine eyes.” + + “Not at all,” he replied; “they were brightened by the exercise.” + A short pause followed this speech, and Mrs. Hurst began again: + + “I have an excessive regard for Miss Jane Bennet, she is really a + very sweet girl, and I wish with all my heart she were well + settled. But with such a father and mother, and such low + connections, I am afraid there is no chance of it.” + + “I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an attorney in + Meryton.” + + “Yes; and they have another, who lives somewhere near Cheapside.” + + “That is capital,” added her sister, and they both laughed + heartily. + + “If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside,” cried + Bingley, “it would not make them one jot less agreeable.” + + “But it must very materially lessen their chance of marrying men + of any consideration in the world,” replied Darcy. + + To this speech Bingley made no answer; but his sisters gave it + their hearty assent, and indulged their mirth for some time at + the expense of their dear friend’s vulgar relations. + + With a renewal of tenderness, however, they returned to her room + on leaving the dining-parlour, and sat with her till summoned to + coffee. She was still very poorly, and Elizabeth would not quit + her at all, till late in the evening, when she had the comfort of + seeing her sleep, and when it seemed to her rather right than + pleasant that she should go downstairs herself. On entering the + drawing-room she found the whole party at loo, and was + immediately invited to join them; but suspecting them to be + playing high she declined it, and making her sister the excuse, + said she would amuse herself for the short time she could stay + below, with a book. Mr. Hurst looked at her with astonishment. + + “Do you prefer reading to cards?” said he; “that is rather + singular.” + + “Miss Eliza Bennet,” said Miss Bingley, “despises cards. She is a + great reader, and has no pleasure in anything else.” + + “I deserve neither such praise nor such censure,” cried + Elizabeth; “I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in + many things.” + + “In nursing your sister I am sure you have pleasure,” said + Bingley; “and I hope it will be soon increased by seeing her + quite well.” + + Elizabeth thanked him from her heart, and then walked towards the + table where a few books were lying. He immediately offered to + fetch her others—all that his library afforded. + + “And I wish my collection were larger for your benefit and my own + credit; but I am an idle fellow, and though I have not many, I + have more than I ever looked into.” + + Elizabeth assured him that she could suit herself perfectly with + those in the room. + + “I am astonished,” said Miss Bingley, “that my father should have + left so small a collection of books. What a delightful library + you have at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy!” + + “It ought to be good,” he replied, “it has been the work of many + generations.” + + “And then you have added so much to it yourself, you are always + buying books.” + + “I cannot comprehend the neglect of a family library in such days + as these.” + + “Neglect! I am sure you neglect nothing that can add to the + beauties of that noble place. Charles, when you build your + house, I wish it may be half as delightful as Pemberley.” + + “I wish it may.” + + “But I would really advise you to make your purchase in that + neighbourhood, and take Pemberley for a kind of model. There is + not a finer county in England than Derbyshire.” + + “With all my heart; I will buy Pemberley itself if Darcy will + sell it.” + + “I am talking of possibilities, Charles.” + + “Upon my word, Caroline, I should think it more possible to get + Pemberley by purchase than by imitation.” + + Elizabeth was so much caught with what passed, as to leave her + very little attention for her book; and soon laying it wholly + aside, she drew near the card-table, and stationed herself + between Mr. Bingley and his eldest sister, to observe the game. + + “Is Miss Darcy much grown since the spring?” said Miss Bingley; + “will she be as tall as I am?” + + “I think she will. She is now about Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s + height, or rather taller.” + + “How I long to see her again! I never met with anybody who + delighted me so much. Such a countenance, such manners! And so + extremely accomplished for her age! Her performance on the + pianoforte is exquisite.” + + “It is amazing to me,” said Bingley, “how young ladies can have + patience to be so very accomplished as they all are.” + + “All young ladies accomplished! My dear Charles, what do you + mean?” + + “Yes, all of them, I think. They all paint tables, cover screens, + and net purses. I scarcely know anyone who cannot do all this, + and I am sure I never heard a young lady spoken of for the first + time, without being informed that she was very accomplished.” + + “Your list of the common extent of accomplishments,” said Darcy, + “has too much truth. The word is applied to many a woman who + deserves it no otherwise than by netting a purse or covering a + screen. But I am very far from agreeing with you in your + estimation of ladies in general. I cannot boast of knowing more + than half-a-dozen, in the whole range of my acquaintance, that + are really accomplished.” + + “Nor I, I am sure,” said Miss Bingley. + + “Then,” observed Elizabeth, “you must comprehend a great deal in + your idea of an accomplished woman.” + + “Yes, I do comprehend a great deal in it.” + + “Oh! certainly,” cried his faithful assistant, “no one can be + really esteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is + usually met with. A woman must have a thorough knowledge of + music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages, to + deserve the word; and besides all this, she must possess a + certain something in her air and manner of walking, the tone of + her voice, her address and expressions, or the word will be but + half-deserved.” + + “All this she must possess,” added Darcy, “and to all this she + must yet add something more substantial, in the improvement of + her mind by extensive reading.” + + “I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished + women. I rather wonder now at your knowing any.” + + “Are you so severe upon your own sex as to doubt the possibility + of all this?” + + “I never saw such a woman. I never saw such capacity, and + taste, and application, and elegance, as you describe united.” + + Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley both cried out against the injustice + of her implied doubt, and were both protesting that they knew + many women who answered this description, when Mr. Hurst called + them to order, with bitter complaints of their inattention to + what was going forward. As all conversation was thereby at an + end, Elizabeth soon afterwards left the room. + + “Elizabeth Bennet,” said Miss Bingley, when the door was closed + on her, “is one of those young ladies who seek to recommend + themselves to the other sex by undervaluing their own; and with + many men, I dare say, it succeeds. But, in my opinion, it is a + paltry device, a very mean art.” + + “Undoubtedly,” replied Darcy, to whom this remark was chiefly + addressed, “there is a meanness in all the arts which ladies + sometimes condescend to employ for captivation. Whatever bears + affinity to cunning is despicable.” + + Miss Bingley was not so entirely satisfied with this reply as to + continue the subject. + + Elizabeth joined them again only to say that her sister was + worse, and that she could not leave her. Bingley urged Mr. Jones + being sent for immediately; while his sisters, convinced that no + country advice could be of any service, recommended an express to + town for one of the most eminent physicians. This she would not + hear of; but she was not so unwilling to comply with their + brother’s proposal; and it was settled that Mr. Jones should be + sent for early in the morning, if Miss Bennet were not decidedly + better. Bingley was quite uncomfortable; his sisters declared + that they were miserable. They solaced their wretchedness, + however, by duets after supper, while he could find no better + relief to his feelings than by giving his housekeeper directions + that every attention might be paid to the sick lady and her + sister. + + + + + Elizabeth passed the chief of the night in her sister’s room, and + in the morning had the pleasure of being able to send a tolerable + answer to the inquiries which she very early received from Mr. + Bingley by a housemaid, and some time afterwards from the two + elegant ladies who waited on his sisters. In spite of this + amendment, however, she requested to have a note sent to + Longbourn, desiring her mother to visit Jane, and form her own + judgement of her situation. The note was immediately dispatched, + and its contents as quickly complied with. Mrs. Bennet, + accompanied by her two youngest girls, reached Netherfield soon + after the family breakfast. + + Had she found Jane in any apparent danger, Mrs. Bennet would have + been very miserable; but being satisfied on seeing her that her + illness was not alarming, she had no wish of her recovering + immediately, as her restoration to health would probably remove + her from Netherfield. She would not listen, therefore, to her + daughter’s proposal of being carried home; neither did the + apothecary, who arrived about the same time, think it at all + advisable. After sitting a little while with Jane, on Miss + Bingley’s appearance and invitation, the mother and three + daughters all attended her into the breakfast parlour. Bingley + met them with hopes that Mrs. Bennet had not found Miss Bennet + worse than she expected. + + “Indeed I have, sir,” was her answer. “She is a great deal too + ill to be moved. Mr. Jones says we must not think of moving her. + We must trespass a little longer on your kindness.” + + “Removed!” cried Bingley. “It must not be thought of. My sister, + I am sure, will not hear of her removal.” + + “You may depend upon it, Madam,” said Miss Bingley, with cold + civility, “that Miss Bennet will receive every possible attention + while she remains with us.” + + Mrs. Bennet was profuse in her acknowledgments. + + “I am sure,” she added, “if it was not for such good friends I do + not know what would become of her, for she is very ill indeed, + and suffers a vast deal, though with the greatest patience in the + world, which is always the way with her, for she has, without + exception, the sweetest temper I have ever met with. I often tell + my other girls they are nothing to her. You have a sweet room + here, Mr. Bingley, and a charming prospect over the gravel walk. + I do not know a place in the country that is equal to + Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry, I + hope, though you have but a short lease.” + + “Whatever I do is done in a hurry,” replied he; “and therefore if + I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in + five minutes. At present, however, I consider myself as quite + fixed here.” + + “That is exactly what I should have supposed of you,” said + Elizabeth. + + “You begin to comprehend me, do you?” cried he, turning towards + her. + + “Oh! yes—I understand you perfectly.” + + “I wish I might take this for a compliment; but to be so easily + seen through I am afraid is pitiful.” + + “That is as it happens. It does not follow that a deep, intricate + character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours.” + + “Lizzy,” cried her mother, “remember where you are, and do not + run on in the wild manner that you are suffered to do at home.” + + “I did not know before,” continued Bingley immediately, “that you + were a studier of character. It must be an amusing study.” + + “Yes, but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have + at least that advantage.” + + “The country,” said Darcy, “can in general supply but a few + subjects for such a study. In a country neighbourhood you move in + a very confined and unvarying society.” + + “But people themselves alter so much, that there is something new + to be observed in them for ever.” + + “Yes, indeed,” cried Mrs. Bennet, offended by his manner of + mentioning a country neighbourhood. “I assure you there is quite + as much of that going on in the country as in town.” + + Everybody was surprised, and Darcy, after looking at her for a + moment, turned silently away. Mrs. Bennet, who fancied she had + gained a complete victory over him, continued her triumph. + + “I cannot see that London has any great advantage over the + country, for my part, except the shops and public places. The + country is a vast deal pleasanter, is it not, Mr. Bingley?” + + “When I am in the country,” he replied, “I never wish to leave + it; and when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have + each their advantages, and I can be equally happy in either.” + + “Aye—that is because you have the right disposition. But that + gentleman,” looking at Darcy, “seemed to think the country was + nothing at all.” + + “Indeed, Mamma, you are mistaken,” said Elizabeth, blushing for + her mother. “You quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that + there was not such a variety of people to be met with in the + country as in the town, which you must acknowledge to be true.” + + “Certainly, my dear, nobody said there were; but as to not + meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I believe there + are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we dine with + four-and-twenty families.” + + Nothing but concern for Elizabeth could enable Bingley to keep + his countenance. His sister was less delicate, and directed her + eyes towards Mr. Darcy with a very expressive smile. Elizabeth, + for the sake of saying something that might turn her mother’s + thoughts, now asked her if Charlotte Lucas had been at Longbourn + since her coming away. + + “Yes, she called yesterday with her father. What an agreeable man + Sir William is, Mr. Bingley, is not he? So much the man of + fashion! So genteel and easy! He has always something to say to + everybody. That is my idea of good breeding; and those persons + who fancy themselves very important, and never open their mouths, + quite mistake the matter.” + + “Did Charlotte dine with you?” + + “No, she would go home. I fancy she was wanted about the + mince-pies. For my part, Mr. Bingley, I always keep servants + that can do their own work; my daughters are brought up very + differently. But everybody is to judge for themselves, and the + Lucases are a very good sort of girls, I assure you. It is a pity + they are not handsome! Not that I think Charlotte so very + plain—but then she is our particular friend.” + + “She seems a very pleasant young woman.” + + “Oh! dear, yes; but you must own she is very plain. Lady Lucas + herself has often said so, and envied me Jane’s beauty. I do not + like to boast of my own child, but to be sure, Jane—one does not + often see anybody better looking. It is what everybody says. I do + not trust my own partiality. When she was only fifteen, there was + a man at my brother Gardiner’s in town so much in love with her + that my sister-in-law was sure he would make her an offer before + we came away. But, however, he did not. Perhaps he thought her + too young. However, he wrote some verses on her, and very pretty + they were.” + + “And so ended his affection,” said Elizabeth impatiently. “There + has been many a one, I fancy, overcome in the same way. I wonder + who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away + love!” + + “I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love,” said + Darcy. + + “Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Everything nourishes what + is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of + inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it + entirely away.” + + Darcy only smiled; and the general pause which ensued made + Elizabeth tremble lest her mother should be exposing herself + again. She longed to speak, but could think of nothing to say; + and after a short silence Mrs. Bennet began repeating her thanks + to Mr. Bingley for his kindness to Jane, with an apology for + troubling him also with Lizzy. Mr. Bingley was unaffectedly civil + in his answer, and forced his younger sister to be civil also, + and say what the occasion required. She performed her part indeed + without much graciousness, but Mrs. Bennet was satisfied, and + soon afterwards ordered her carriage. Upon this signal, the + youngest of her daughters put herself forward. The two girls had + been whispering to each other during the whole visit, and the + result of it was, that the youngest should tax Mr. Bingley with + having promised on his first coming into the country to give a + ball at Netherfield. + + Lydia was a stout, well-grown girl of fifteen, with a fine + complexion and good-humoured countenance; a favourite with her + mother, whose affection had brought her into public at an early + age. She had high animal spirits, and a sort of natural + self-consequence, which the attention of the officers, to whom + her uncle’s good dinners, and her own easy manners recommended + her, had increased into assurance. She was very equal, therefore, + to address Mr. Bingley on the subject of the ball, and abruptly + reminded him of his promise; adding, that it would be the most + shameful thing in the world if he did not keep it. His answer to + this sudden attack was delightful to their mother’s ear: + + “I am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep my engagement; and + when your sister is recovered, you shall, if you please, name the + very day of the ball. But you would not wish to be dancing when + she is ill.” + + Lydia declared herself satisfied. “Oh! yes—it would be much + better to wait till Jane was well, and by that time most likely + Captain Carter would be at Meryton again. And when you have given + your ball,” she added, “I shall insist on their giving one + also. I shall tell Colonel Forster it will be quite a shame if he + does not.” + + Mrs. Bennet and her daughters then departed, and Elizabeth + returned instantly to Jane, leaving her own and her relations’ + behaviour to the remarks of the two ladies and Mr. Darcy; the + latter of whom, however, could not be prevailed on to join in + their censure of her, in spite of all Miss Bingley’s witticisms + on fine eyes. + + + + + The day passed much as the day before had done. Mrs. Hurst and + Miss Bingley had spent some hours of the morning with the + invalid, who continued, though slowly, to mend; and in the + evening Elizabeth joined their party in the drawing-room. The + loo-table, however, did not appear. Mr. Darcy was writing, and + Miss Bingley, seated near him, was watching the progress of his + letter and repeatedly calling off his attention by messages to + his sister. Mr. Hurst and Mr. Bingley were at piquet, and Mrs. + Hurst was observing their game. + + Elizabeth took up some needlework, and was sufficiently amused in + attending to what passed between Darcy and his companion. The + perpetual commendations of the lady, either on his handwriting, + or on the evenness of his lines, or on the length of his letter, + with the perfect unconcern with which her praises were received, + formed a curious dialogue, and was exactly in union with her + opinion of each. + + “How delighted Miss Darcy will be to receive such a letter!” + + He made no answer. + + “You write uncommonly fast.” + + “You are mistaken. I write rather slowly.” + + “How many letters you must have occasion to write in the course + of a year! Letters of business, too! How odious I should think + them!” + + “It is fortunate, then, that they fall to my lot instead of + yours.” + + “Pray tell your sister that I long to see her.” + + “I have already told her so once, by your desire.” + + “I am afraid you do not like your pen. Let me mend it for you. I + mend pens remarkably well.” + + “Thank you—but I always mend my own.” + + “How can you contrive to write so even?” + + He was silent. + + “Tell your sister I am delighted to hear of her improvement on + the harp; and pray let her know that I am quite in raptures with + her beautiful little design for a table, and I think it + infinitely superior to Miss Grantley’s.” + + “Will you give me leave to defer your raptures till I write + again? At present I have not room to do them justice.” + + “Oh! it is of no consequence. I shall see her in January. But do + you always write such charming long letters to her, Mr. Darcy?” + + “They are generally long; but whether always charming it is not + for me to determine.” + + “It is a rule with me, that a person who can write a long letter + with ease, cannot write ill.” + + “That will not do for a compliment to Darcy, Caroline,” cried her + brother, “because he does not write with ease. He studies too + much for words of four syllables. Do not you, Darcy?” + + “My style of writing is very different from yours.” + + “Oh!” cried Miss Bingley, “Charles writes in the most careless + way imaginable. He leaves out half his words, and blots the + rest.” + + “My ideas flow so rapidly that I have not time to express them—by + which means my letters sometimes convey no ideas at all to my + correspondents.” + + “Your humility, Mr. Bingley,” said Elizabeth, “must disarm + reproof.” + + “Nothing is more deceitful,” said Darcy, “than the appearance of + humility. It is often only carelessness of opinion, and sometimes + an indirect boast.” + + “And which of the two do you call my little recent piece of + modesty?” + + “The indirect boast; for you are really proud of your defects in + writing, because you consider them as proceeding from a rapidity + of thought and carelessness of execution, which, if not + estimable, you think at least highly interesting. The power of + doing anything with quickness is always prized much by the + possessor, and often without any attention to the imperfection of + the performance. When you told Mrs. Bennet this morning that if + you ever resolved upon quitting Netherfield you should be gone in + five minutes, you meant it to be a sort of panegyric, of + compliment to yourself—and yet what is there so very laudable in + a precipitance which must leave very necessary business undone, + and can be of no real advantage to yourself or anyone else?” + + “Nay,” cried Bingley, “this is too much, to remember at night all + the foolish things that were said in the morning. And yet, upon + my honour, I believe what I said of myself to be true, and I + believe it at this moment. At least, therefore, I did not assume + the character of needless precipitance merely to show off before + the ladies.” + + “I dare say you believed it; but I am by no means convinced that + you would be gone with such celerity. Your conduct would be quite + as dependent on chance as that of any man I know; and if, as you + were mounting your horse, a friend were to say, ‘Bingley, you had + better stay till next week,’ you would probably do it, you would + probably not go—and at another word, might stay a month.” + + “You have only proved by this,” cried Elizabeth, “that Mr. + Bingley did not do justice to his own disposition. You have shown + him off now much more than he did himself.” + + “I am exceedingly gratified,” said Bingley, “by your converting + what my friend says into a compliment on the sweetness of my + temper. But I am afraid you are giving it a turn which that + gentleman did by no means intend; for he would certainly think + better of me, if under such a circumstance I were to give a flat + denial, and ride off as fast as I could.” + + “Would Mr. Darcy then consider the rashness of your original + intentions as atoned for by your obstinacy in adhering to it?” + + “Upon my word, I cannot exactly explain the matter; Darcy must + speak for himself.” + + “You expect me to account for opinions which you choose to call + mine, but which I have never acknowledged. Allowing the case, + however, to stand according to your representation, you must + remember, Miss Bennet, that the friend who is supposed to desire + his return to the house, and the delay of his plan, has merely + desired it, asked it without offering one argument in favour of + its propriety.” + + “To yield readily—easily—to the persuasion of a friend is no + merit with you.” + + “To yield without conviction is no compliment to the + understanding of either.” + + “You appear to me, Mr. Darcy, to allow nothing for the influence + of friendship and affection. A regard for the requester would + often make one readily yield to a request, without waiting for + arguments to reason one into it. I am not particularly speaking + of such a case as you have supposed about Mr. Bingley. We may as + well wait, perhaps, till the circumstance occurs before we + discuss the discretion of his behaviour thereupon. But in general + and ordinary cases between friend and friend, where one of them + is desired by the other to change a resolution of no very great + moment, should you think ill of that person for complying with + the desire, without waiting to be argued into it?” + + “Will it not be advisable, before we proceed on this subject, to + arrange with rather more precision the degree of importance which + is to appertain to this request, as well as the degree of + intimacy subsisting between the parties?” + + “By all means,” cried Bingley; “let us hear all the particulars, + not forgetting their comparative height and size; for that will + have more weight in the argument, Miss Bennet, than you may be + aware of. I assure you, that if Darcy were not such a great tall + fellow, in comparison with myself, I should not pay him half so + much deference. I declare I do not know a more awful object than + Darcy, on particular occasions, and in particular places; at his + own house especially, and of a Sunday evening, when he has + nothing to do.” + + Mr. Darcy smiled; but Elizabeth thought she could perceive that + he was rather offended, and therefore checked her laugh. Miss + Bingley warmly resented the indignity he had received, in an + expostulation with her brother for talking such nonsense. + + “I see your design, Bingley,” said his friend. “You dislike an + argument, and want to silence this.” + + “Perhaps I do. Arguments are too much like disputes. If you and + Miss Bennet will defer yours till I am out of the room, I shall + be very thankful; and then you may say whatever you like of me.” + + “What you ask,” said Elizabeth, “is no sacrifice on my side; and + Mr. Darcy had much better finish his letter.” + + Mr. Darcy took her advice, and did finish his letter. + + When that business was over, he applied to Miss Bingley and + Elizabeth for an indulgence of some music. Miss Bingley moved + with some alacrity to the pianoforte; and, after a polite request + that Elizabeth would lead the way which the other as politely and + more earnestly negatived, she seated herself. + + Mrs. Hurst sang with her sister, and while they were thus + employed, Elizabeth could not help observing, as she turned over + some music-books that lay on the instrument, how frequently Mr. + Darcy’s eyes were fixed on her. She hardly knew how to suppose + that she could be an object of admiration to so great a man; and + yet that he should look at her because he disliked her, was still + more strange. She could only imagine, however, at last that she + drew his notice because there was something more wrong and + reprehensible, according to his ideas of right, than in any other + person present. The supposition did not pain her. She liked him + too little to care for his approbation. + + After playing some Italian songs, Miss Bingley varied the charm + by a lively Scotch air; and soon afterwards Mr. Darcy, drawing + near Elizabeth, said to her: + + “Do not you feel a great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such + an opportunity of dancing a reel?” + + She smiled, but made no answer. He repeated the question, with + some surprise at her silence. + + “Oh!” said she, “I heard you before, but I could not immediately + determine what to say in reply. You wanted me, I know, to say + ‘Yes,’ that you might have the pleasure of despising my taste; + but I always delight in overthrowing those kind of schemes, and + cheating a person of their premeditated contempt. I have, + therefore, made up my mind to tell you, that I do not want to + dance a reel at all—and now despise me if you dare.” + + “Indeed I do not dare.” + + Elizabeth, having rather expected to affront him, was amazed at + his gallantry; but there was a mixture of sweetness and archness + in her manner which made it difficult for her to affront anybody; + and Darcy had never been so bewitched by any woman as he was by + her. He really believed, that were it not for the inferiority of + her connections, he should be in some danger. + + Miss Bingley saw, or suspected enough to be jealous; and her + great anxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received + some assistance from her desire of getting rid of Elizabeth. + + She often tried to provoke Darcy into disliking her guest, by + talking of their supposed marriage, and planning his happiness in + such an alliance. + + “I hope,” said she, as they were walking together in the + shrubbery the next day, “you will give your mother-in-law a few + hints, when this desirable event takes place, as to the advantage + of holding her tongue; and if you can compass it, do cure the + younger girls of running after officers. And, if I may mention so + delicate a subject, endeavour to check that little something, + bordering on conceit and impertinence, which your lady + possesses.” + + “Have you anything else to propose for my domestic felicity?” + + “Oh! yes. Do let the portraits of your uncle and aunt Phillips be + placed in the gallery at Pemberley. Put them next to your + great-uncle the judge. They are in the same profession, you know, + only in different lines. As for your Elizabeth’s picture, you + must not have it taken, for what painter could do justice to + those beautiful eyes?” + + “It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression, but + their colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine, + might be copied.” + + At that moment they were met from another walk by Mrs. Hurst and + Elizabeth herself. + + “I did not know that you intended to walk,” said Miss Bingley, in + some confusion, lest they had been overheard. + + “You used us abominably ill,” answered Mrs. Hurst, “running away + without telling us that you were coming out.” + + Then taking the disengaged arm of Mr. Darcy, she left Elizabeth + to walk by herself. The path just admitted three. Mr. Darcy felt + their rudeness, and immediately said: + + “This walk is not wide enough for our party. We had better go + into the avenue.” + + But Elizabeth, who had not the least inclination to remain with + them, laughingly answered: + + “No, no; stay where you are. You are charmingly grouped, and + appear to uncommon advantage. The picturesque would be spoilt by + admitting a fourth. Good-bye.” + + She then ran gaily off, rejoicing as she rambled about, in the + hope of being at home again in a day or two. Jane was already so + much recovered as to intend leaving her room for a couple of + hours that evening. + + + + + When the ladies removed after dinner, Elizabeth ran up to her + sister, and seeing her well guarded from cold, attended her into + the drawing-room, where she was welcomed by her two friends with + many professions of pleasure; and Elizabeth had never seen them + so agreeable as they were during the hour which passed before the + gentlemen appeared. Their powers of conversation were + considerable. They could describe an entertainment with accuracy, + relate an anecdote with humour, and laugh at their acquaintance + with spirit. + + But when the gentlemen entered, Jane was no longer the first + object; Miss Bingley’s eyes were instantly turned toward Darcy, + and she had something to say to him before he had advanced many + steps. He addressed himself to Miss Bennet, with a polite + congratulation; Mr. Hurst also made her a slight bow, and said he + was “very glad;” but diffuseness and warmth remained for + Bingley’s salutation. He was full of joy and attention. The first + half-hour was spent in piling up the fire, lest she should suffer + from the change of room; and she removed at his desire to the + other side of the fireplace, that she might be further from the + door. He then sat down by her, and talked scarcely to anyone + else. Elizabeth, at work in the opposite corner, saw it all with + great delight. + + When tea was over, Mr. Hurst reminded his sister-in-law of the + card-table—but in vain. She had obtained private intelligence + that Mr. Darcy did not wish for cards; and Mr. Hurst soon found + even his open petition rejected. She assured him that no one + intended to play, and the silence of the whole party on the + subject seemed to justify her. Mr. Hurst had therefore nothing to + do, but to stretch himself on one of the sofas and go to sleep. + Darcy took up a book; Miss Bingley did the same; and Mrs. Hurst, + principally occupied in playing with her bracelets and rings, + joined now and then in her brother’s conversation with Miss + Bennet. + + Miss Bingley’s attention was quite as much engaged in watching + Mr. Darcy’s progress through his book, as in reading her own; + and she was perpetually either making some inquiry, or looking at + his page. She could not win him, however, to any conversation; he + merely answered her question, and read on. At length, quite + exhausted by the attempt to be amused with her own book, which + she had only chosen because it was the second volume of his, she + gave a great yawn and said, “How pleasant it is to spend an + evening in this way! I declare after all there is no enjoyment + like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of a + book! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I + have not an excellent library.” + + No one made any reply. She then yawned again, threw aside her + book, and cast her eyes round the room in quest for some + amusement; when hearing her brother mentioning a ball to Miss + Bennet, she turned suddenly towards him and said: + + “By the bye, Charles, are you really serious in meditating a + dance at Netherfield? I would advise you, before you determine on + it, to consult the wishes of the present party; I am much + mistaken if there are not some among us to whom a ball would be + rather a punishment than a pleasure.” + + “If you mean Darcy,” cried her brother, “he may go to bed, if he + chooses, before it begins—but as for the ball, it is quite a + settled thing; and as soon as Nicholls has made white soup + enough, I shall send round my cards.” + + “I should like balls infinitely better,” she replied, “if they + were carried on in a different manner; but there is something + insufferably tedious in the usual process of such a meeting. It + would surely be much more rational if conversation instead of + dancing were made the order of the day.” + + “Much more rational, my dear Caroline, I dare say, but it would + not be near so much like a ball.” + + Miss Bingley made no answer, and soon afterwards she got up and + walked about the room. Her figure was elegant, and she walked + well; but Darcy, at whom it was all aimed, was still inflexibly + studious. In the desperation of her feelings, she resolved on one + effort more, and, turning to Elizabeth, said: + + “Miss Eliza Bennet, let me persuade you to follow my example, and + take a turn about the room. I assure you it is very refreshing + after sitting so long in one attitude.” + + Elizabeth was surprised, but agreed to it immediately. Miss + Bingley succeeded no less in the real object of her civility; Mr. + Darcy looked up. He was as much awake to the novelty of attention + in that quarter as Elizabeth herself could be, and unconsciously + closed his book. He was directly invited to join their party, but + he declined it, observing that he could imagine but two motives + for their choosing to walk up and down the room together, with + either of which motives his joining them would interfere. “What + could he mean? She was dying to know what could be his + meaning?”—and asked Elizabeth whether she could at all understand + him? + + “Not at all,” was her answer; “but depend upon it, he means to be + severe on us, and our surest way of disappointing him will be to + ask nothing about it.” + + Miss Bingley, however, was incapable of disappointing Mr. Darcy + in anything, and persevered therefore in requiring an explanation + of his two motives. + + “I have not the smallest objection to explaining them,” said he, + as soon as she allowed him to speak. “You either choose this + method of passing the evening because you are in each other’s + confidence, and have secret affairs to discuss, or because you + are conscious that your figures appear to the greatest advantage + in walking; if the first, I would be completely in your way, and + if the second, I can admire you much better as I sit by the + fire.” + + “Oh! shocking!” cried Miss Bingley. “I never heard anything so + abominable. How shall we punish him for such a speech?” + + “Nothing so easy, if you have but the inclination,” said + Elizabeth. “We can all plague and punish one another. Tease + him—laugh at him. Intimate as you are, you must know how it is to + be done.” + + “But upon my honour, I do not. I do assure you that my intimacy + has not yet taught me that. Tease calmness of manner and + presence of mind! No, no; I feel he may defy us there. And as to + laughter, we will not expose ourselves, if you please, by + attempting to laugh without a subject. Mr. Darcy may hug + himself.” + + “Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at!” cried Elizabeth. “That is an + uncommon advantage, and uncommon I hope it will continue, for it + would be a great loss to me to have many such acquaintances. I + dearly love a laugh.” + + “Miss Bingley,” said he, “has given me more credit than can be. + The wisest and the best of men—nay, the wisest and best of their + actions—may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object + in life is a joke.” + + “Certainly,” replied Elizabeth—“there are such people, but I hope + I am not one of them. I hope I never ridicule what is wise and + good. Follies and nonsense, whims and inconsistencies, do + divert me, I own, and I laugh at them whenever I can. But these, + I suppose, are precisely what you are without.” + + “Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been the + study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often expose a + strong understanding to ridicule.” + + “Such as vanity and pride.” + + “Yes, vanity is a weakness indeed. But pride—where there is a + real superiority of mind, pride will be always under good + regulation.” + + Elizabeth turned away to hide a smile. + + “Your examination of Mr. Darcy is over, I presume,” said Miss + Bingley; “and pray what is the result?” + + “I am perfectly convinced by it that Mr. Darcy has no defect. He + owns it himself without disguise.” + + “No,” said Darcy, “I have made no such pretension. I have faults + enough, but they are not, I hope, of understanding. My temper I + dare not vouch for. It is, I believe, too little + yielding—certainly too little for the convenience of the world. I + cannot forget the follies and vices of others so soon as I ought, + nor their offenses against myself. My feelings are not puffed + about with every attempt to move them. My temper would perhaps be + called resentful. My good opinion once lost, is lost forever.” + + “That is a failing indeed!” cried Elizabeth. “Implacable + resentment is a shade in a character. But you have chosen your + fault well. I really cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me.” + + “There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some + particular evil—a natural defect, which not even the best + education can overcome.” + + “And your defect is to hate everybody.” + + “And yours,” he replied with a smile, “is willfully to + misunderstand them.” + + “Do let us have a little music,” cried Miss Bingley, tired of a + conversation in which she had no share. “Louisa, you will not + mind my waking Mr. Hurst?” + + Her sister had not the smallest objection, and the pianoforte was + opened; and Darcy, after a few moments’ recollection, was not + sorry for it. He began to feel the danger of paying Elizabeth too + much attention. + + + + + In consequence of an agreement between the sisters, Elizabeth + wrote the next morning to their mother, to beg that the carriage + might be sent for them in the course of the day. But Mrs. Bennet, + who had calculated on her daughters remaining at Netherfield till + the following Tuesday, which would exactly finish Jane’s week, + could not bring herself to receive them with pleasure before. Her + answer, therefore, was not propitious, at least not to + Elizabeth’s wishes, for she was impatient to get home. Mrs. + Bennet sent them word that they could not possibly have the + carriage before Tuesday; and in her postscript it was added, that + if Mr. Bingley and his sister pressed them to stay longer, she + could spare them very well. Against staying longer, however, + Elizabeth was positively resolved—nor did she much expect it + would be asked; and fearful, on the contrary, as being considered + as intruding themselves needlessly long, she urged Jane to borrow + Mr. Bingley’s carriage immediately, and at length it was settled + that their original design of leaving Netherfield that morning + should be mentioned, and the request made. + + The communication excited many professions of concern; and enough + was said of wishing them to stay at least till the following day + to work on Jane; and till the morrow their going was deferred. + Miss Bingley was then sorry that she had proposed the delay, for + her jealousy and dislike of one sister much exceeded her + affection for the other. + + The master of the house heard with real sorrow that they were to + go so soon, and repeatedly tried to persuade Miss Bennet that it + would not be safe for her—that she was not enough recovered; but + Jane was firm where she felt herself to be right. + + To Mr. Darcy it was welcome intelligence—Elizabeth had been at + Netherfield long enough. She attracted him more than he liked—and + Miss Bingley was uncivil to her, and more teasing than usual to + himself. He wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no + sign of admiration should now escape him, nothing that could + elevate her with the hope of influencing his felicity; sensible + that if such an idea had been suggested, his behaviour during the + last day must have material weight in confirming or crushing it. + Steady to his purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to her through + the whole of Saturday, and though they were at one time left by + themselves for half-an-hour, he adhered most conscientiously to + his book, and would not even look at her. + + On Sunday, after morning service, the separation, so agreeable to + almost all, took place. Miss Bingley’s civility to Elizabeth + increased at last very rapidly, as well as her affection for + Jane; and when they parted, after assuring the latter of the + pleasure it would always give her to see her either at Longbourn + or Netherfield, and embracing her most tenderly, she even shook + hands with the former. Elizabeth took leave of the whole party in + the liveliest of spirits. + + They were not welcomed home very cordially by their mother. Mrs. + Bennet wondered at their coming, and thought them very wrong to + give so much trouble, and was sure Jane would have caught cold + again. But their father, though very laconic in his expressions + of pleasure, was really glad to see them; he had felt their + importance in the family circle. The evening conversation, when + they were all assembled, had lost much of its animation, and + almost all its sense by the absence of Jane and Elizabeth. + + They found Mary, as usual, deep in the study of thorough-bass and + human nature; and had some extracts to admire, and some new + observations of threadbare morality to listen to. Catherine and + Lydia had information for them of a different sort. Much had been + done and much had been said in the regiment since the preceding + Wednesday; several of the officers had dined lately with their + uncle, a private had been flogged, and it had actually been + hinted that Colonel Forster was going to be married. + + + + + “I hope, my dear,” said Mr. Bennet to his wife, as they were at + breakfast the next morning, “that you have ordered a good dinner + to-day, because I have reason to expect an addition to our family + party.” + + “Who do you mean, my dear? I know of nobody that is coming, I am + sure, unless Charlotte Lucas should happen to call in—and I hope + my dinners are good enough for her. I do not believe she often + sees such at home.” + + “The person of whom I speak is a gentleman, and a stranger.” + + Mrs. Bennet’s eyes sparkled. “A gentleman and a stranger! It is + Mr. Bingley, I am sure! Well, I am sure I shall be extremely glad + to see Mr. Bingley. But—good Lord! how unlucky! There is not a + bit of fish to be got to-day. Lydia, my love, ring the bell—I + must speak to Hill this moment.” + + “It is not Mr. Bingley,” said her husband; “it is a person whom + I never saw in the whole course of my life.” + + This roused a general astonishment; and he had the pleasure of + being eagerly questioned by his wife and his five daughters at + once. + + After amusing himself some time with their curiosity, he thus + explained: + + “About a month ago I received this letter; and about a fortnight + ago I answered it, for I thought it a case of some delicacy, and + requiring early attention. It is from my cousin, Mr. Collins, + who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of this house as soon + as he pleases.” + + “Oh! my dear,” cried his wife, “I cannot bear to hear that + mentioned. Pray do not talk of that odious man. I do think it is + the hardest thing in the world, that your estate should be + entailed away from your own children; and I am sure, if I had + been you, I should have tried long ago to do something or other + about it.” + + Jane and Elizabeth tried to explain to her the nature of an + entail. They had often attempted to do it before, but it was a + subject on which Mrs. Bennet was beyond the reach of reason, and + she continued to rail bitterly against the cruelty of settling an + estate away from a family of five daughters, in favour of a man + whom nobody cared anything about. + + “It certainly is a most iniquitous affair,” said Mr. Bennet, “and + nothing can clear Mr. Collins from the guilt of inheriting + Longbourn. But if you will listen to his letter, you may perhaps + be a little softened by his manner of expressing himself.” + + “No, that I am sure I shall not; and I think it is very + impertinent of him to write to you at all, and very hypocritical. + I hate such false friends. Why could he not keep on quarreling + with you, as his father did before him?” + + “Why, indeed; he does seem to have had some filial scruples on + that head, as you will hear.” + + “Hunsford, near Westerham, Kent, 15th October. + + “Dear Sir,— + “The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late + honoured father always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have + had the misfortune to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal + the breach; but for some time I was kept back by my own doubts, + fearing lest it might seem disrespectful to his memory for me to + be on good terms with anyone with whom it had always pleased him + to be at variance.—‘There, Mrs. Bennet.’—My mind, however, is now + made up on the subject, for having received ordination at Easter, + I have been so fortunate as to be distinguished by the patronage + of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine de Bourgh, widow of Sir + Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence has preferred me to + the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall be my earnest + endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards her + ladyship, and be ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies + which are instituted by the Church of England. As a clergyman, + moreover, I feel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing + of peace in all families within the reach of my influence; and on + these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures are + highly commendable, and that the circumstance of my being next in + the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your + side, and not lead you to reject the offered olive-branch. I + cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring + your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologise for it, as + well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible + amends—but of this hereafter. If you should have no objection to + receive me into your house, I propose myself the satisfaction of + waiting on you and your family, Monday, November 18th, by four + o’clock, and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the + Saturday se’ennight following, which I can do without any + inconvenience, as Lady Catherine is far from objecting to my + occasional absence on a Sunday, provided that some other + clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day.—I remain, dear + sir, with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters, your + well-wisher and friend, + + “WILLIAM COLLINS” + + “At four o’clock, therefore, we may expect this peace-making + gentleman,” said Mr. Bennet, as he folded up the letter. “He + seems to be a most conscientious and polite young man, upon my + word, and I doubt not will prove a valuable acquaintance, + especially if Lady Catherine should be so indulgent as to let him + come to us again.” + + “There is some sense in what he says about the girls, however, + and if he is disposed to make them any amends, I shall not be the + person to discourage him.” + + “Though it is difficult,” said Jane, “to guess in what way he can + mean to make us the atonement he thinks our due, the wish is + certainly to his credit.” + + Elizabeth was chiefly struck by his extraordinary deference for + Lady Catherine, and his kind intention of christening, marrying, + and burying his parishioners whenever it were required. + + “He must be an oddity, I think,” said she. “I cannot make him + out.—There is something very pompous in his style.—And what can + he mean by apologising for being next in the entail?—We cannot + suppose he would help it if he could.—Could he be a sensible man, + sir?” + + “No, my dear, I think not. I have great hopes of finding him + quite the reverse. There is a mixture of servility and + self-importance in his letter, which promises well. I am + impatient to see him.” + + “In point of composition,” said Mary, “the letter does not seem + defective. The idea of the olive-branch perhaps is not wholly + new, yet I think it is well expressed.” + + To Catherine and Lydia, neither the letter nor its writer were in + any degree interesting. It was next to impossible that their + cousin should come in a scarlet coat, and it was now some weeks + since they had received pleasure from the society of a man in any + other colour. As for their mother, Mr. Collins’s letter had done + away much of her ill-will, and she was preparing to see him with + a degree of composure which astonished her husband and daughters. + + Mr. Collins was punctual to his time, and was received with great + politeness by the whole family. Mr. Bennet indeed said little; + but the ladies were ready enough to talk, and Mr. Collins seemed + neither in need of encouragement, nor inclined to be silent + himself. He was a tall, heavy-looking young man of + five-and-twenty. His air was grave and stately, and his manners + were very formal. He had not been long seated before he + complimented Mrs. Bennet on having so fine a family of daughters; + said he had heard much of their beauty, but that in this instance + fame had fallen short of the truth; and added, that he did not + doubt her seeing them all in due time disposed of in marriage. + This gallantry was not much to the taste of some of his hearers; + but Mrs. Bennet, who quarreled with no compliments, answered most + readily. + + “You are very kind, I am sure; and I wish with all my heart it + may prove so, for else they will be destitute enough. Things are + settled so oddly.” + + “You allude, perhaps, to the entail of this estate.” + + “Ah! sir, I do indeed. It is a grievous affair to my poor girls, + you must confess. Not that I mean to find fault with you, for + such things I know are all chance in this world. There is no + knowing how estates will go when once they come to be entailed.” + + “I am very sensible, madam, of the hardship to my fair cousins, + and could say much on the subject, but that I am cautious of + appearing forward and precipitate. But I can assure the young + ladies that I come prepared to admire them. At present I will not + say more; but, perhaps, when we are better acquainted—” + + He was interrupted by a summons to dinner; and the girls smiled + on each other. They were not the only objects of Mr. Collins’s + admiration. The hall, the dining-room, and all its furniture, + were examined and praised; and his commendation of everything + would have touched Mrs. Bennet’s heart, but for the mortifying + supposition of his viewing it all as his own future property. The + dinner too in its turn was highly admired; and he begged to know + to which of his fair cousins the excellency of its cooking was + owing. But he was set right there by Mrs. Bennet, who assured him + with some asperity that they were very well able to keep a good + cook, and that her daughters had nothing to do in the kitchen. He + begged pardon for having displeased her. In a softened tone she + declared herself not at all offended; but he continued to + apologise for about a quarter of an hour. + + + + + During dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely spoke at all; but when the + servants were withdrawn, he thought it time to have some + conversation with his guest, and therefore started a subject in + which he expected him to shine, by observing that he seemed very + fortunate in his patroness. Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s attention + to his wishes, and consideration for his comfort, appeared very + remarkable. Mr. Bennet could not have chosen better. Mr. Collins + was eloquent in her praise. The subject elevated him to more than + usual solemnity of manner, and with a most important aspect he + protested that “he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour + in a person of rank—such affability and condescension, as he had + himself experienced from Lady Catherine. She had been graciously + pleased to approve of both of the discourses which he had already + had the honour of preaching before her. She had also asked him + twice to dine at Rosings, and had sent for him only the Saturday + before, to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening. Lady + Catherine was reckoned proud by many people he knew, but he had + never seen anything but affability in her. She had always spoken + to him as she would to any other gentleman; she made not the + smallest objection to his joining in the society of the + neighbourhood nor to his leaving the parish occasionally for a + week or two, to visit his relations. She had even condescended to + advise him to marry as soon as he could, provided he chose with + discretion; and had once paid him a visit in his humble + parsonage, where she had perfectly approved all the alterations + he had been making, and had even vouchsafed to suggest some + herself—some shelves in the closet up stairs.” + + “That is all very proper and civil, I am sure,” said Mrs. Bennet, + “and I dare say she is a very agreeable woman. It is a pity that + great ladies in general are not more like her. Does she live near + you, sir?” + + “The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by + a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship’s residence.” + + “I think you said she was a widow, sir? Has she any family?” + + “She has only one daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very + extensive property.” + + “Ah!” said Mrs. Bennet, shaking her head, “then she is better off + than many girls. And what sort of young lady is she? Is she + handsome?” + + “She is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself + says that, in point of true beauty, Miss de Bourgh is far + superior to the handsomest of her sex, because there is that in + her features which marks the young lady of distinguished birth. + She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has + prevented her from making that progress in many accomplishments + which she could not have otherwise failed of, as I am informed by + the lady who superintended her education, and who still resides + with them. But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends to + drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies.” + + “Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the + ladies at court.” + + “Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in + town; and by that means, as I told Lady Catherine one day, has + deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. Her + ladyship seemed pleased with the idea; and you may imagine that I + am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate + compliments which are always acceptable to ladies. I have more + than once observed to Lady Catherine, that her charming daughter + seemed born to be a duchess, and that the most elevated rank, + instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned by her. These + are the kind of little things which please her ladyship, and it + is a sort of attention which I conceive myself peculiarly bound + to pay.” + + “You judge very properly,” said Mr. Bennet, “and it is happy for + you that you possess the talent of flattering with delicacy. May + I ask whether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse + of the moment, or are the result of previous study?” + + “They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though + I sometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such + little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary + occasions, I always wish to give them as unstudied an air as + possible.” + + Mr. Bennet’s expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as + absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with the keenest + enjoyment, maintaining at the same time the most resolute + composure of countenance, and, except in an occasional glance at + Elizabeth, requiring no partner in his pleasure. + + By tea-time, however, the dose had been enough, and Mr. Bennet + was glad to take his guest into the drawing-room again, and, when + tea was over, glad to invite him to read aloud to the ladies. Mr. + Collins readily assented, and a book was produced; but, on + beholding it (for everything announced it to be from a + circulating library), he started back, and begging pardon, + protested that he never read novels. Kitty stared at him, and + Lydia exclaimed. Other books were produced, and after some + deliberation he chose Fordyce’s Sermons. Lydia gaped as he opened + the volume, and before he had, with very monotonous solemnity, + read three pages, she interrupted him with: + + “Do you know, mamma, that my uncle Phillips talks of turning away + Richard; and if he does, Colonel Forster will hire him. My aunt + told me so herself on Saturday. I shall walk to Meryton to-morrow + to hear more about it, and to ask when Mr. Denny comes back from + town.” + + Lydia was bid by her two eldest sisters to hold her tongue; but + Mr. Collins, much offended, laid aside his book, and said: + + “I have often observed how little young ladies are interested by + books of a serious stamp, though written solely for their + benefit. It amazes me, I confess; for, certainly, there can be + nothing so advantageous to them as instruction. But I will no + longer importune my young cousin.” + + Then turning to Mr. Bennet, he offered himself as his antagonist + at backgammon. Mr. Bennet accepted the challenge, observing that + he acted very wisely in leaving the girls to their own trifling + amusements. Mrs. Bennet and her daughters apologised most civilly + for Lydia’s interruption, and promised that it should not occur + again, if he would resume his book; but Mr. Collins, after + assuring them that he bore his young cousin no ill-will, and + should never resent her behaviour as any affront, seated himself + at another table with Mr. Bennet, and prepared for backgammon. + + + + + Mr. Collins was not a sensible man, and the deficiency of nature + had been but little assisted by education or society; the + greatest part of his life having been spent under the guidance of + an illiterate and miserly father; and though he belonged to one + of the universities, he had merely kept the necessary terms, + without forming at it any useful acquaintance. The subjection in + which his father had brought him up had given him originally + great humility of manner; but it was now a good deal counteracted + by the self-conceit of a weak head, living in retirement, and the + consequential feelings of early and unexpected prosperity. A + fortunate chance had recommended him to Lady Catherine de Bourgh + when the living of Hunsford was vacant; and the respect which he + felt for her high rank, and his veneration for her as his + patroness, mingling with a very good opinion of himself, of his + authority as a clergyman, and his right as a rector, made him + altogether a mixture of pride and obsequiousness, self-importance + and humility. + + Having now a good house and a very sufficient income, he intended + to marry; and in seeking a reconciliation with the Longbourn + family he had a wife in view, as he meant to choose one of the + daughters, if he found them as handsome and amiable as they were + represented by common report. This was his plan of amends—of + atonement—for inheriting their father’s estate; and he thought it + an excellent one, full of eligibility and suitableness, and + excessively generous and disinterested on his own part. + + His plan did not vary on seeing them. Miss Bennet’s lovely face + confirmed his views, and established all his strictest notions of + what was due to seniority; and for the first evening she was + his settled choice. The next morning, however, made an + alteration; for in a quarter of an hour’s tête-à-tête with Mrs. + Bennet before breakfast, a conversation beginning with his + parsonage-house, and leading naturally to the avowal of his + hopes, that a mistress might be found for it at Longbourn, + produced from her, amid very complaisant smiles and general + encouragement, a caution against the very Jane he had fixed on. + “As to her younger daughters, she could not take upon her to + say—she could not positively answer—but she did not know of any + prepossession; her eldest daughter, she must just mention—she + felt it incumbent on her to hint, was likely to be very soon + engaged.” + + Mr. Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth—and it was + soon done—done while Mrs. Bennet was stirring the fire. + Elizabeth, equally next to Jane in birth and beauty, succeeded + her of course. + + Mrs. Bennet treasured up the hint, and trusted that she might + soon have two daughters married; and the man whom she could not + bear to speak of the day before was now high in her good graces. + + Lydia’s intention of walking to Meryton was not forgotten; every + sister except Mary agreed to go with her; and Mr. Collins was to + attend them, at the request of Mr. Bennet, who was most anxious + to get rid of him, and have his library to himself; for thither + Mr. Collins had followed him after breakfast; and there he would + continue, nominally engaged with one of the largest folios in the + collection, but really talking to Mr. Bennet, with little + cessation, of his house and garden at Hunsford. Such doings + discomposed Mr. Bennet exceedingly. In his library he had been + always sure of leisure and tranquillity; and though prepared, as + he told Elizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other + room of the house, he was used to be free from them there; his + civility, therefore, was most prompt in inviting Mr. Collins to + join his daughters in their walk; and Mr. Collins, being in fact + much better fitted for a walker than a reader, was extremely + pleased to close his large book, and go. + + In pompous nothings on his side, and civil assents on that of his + cousins, their time passed till they entered Meryton. The + attention of the younger ones was then no longer to be gained by + him. Their eyes were immediately wandering up in the street in + quest of the officers, and nothing less than a very smart bonnet + indeed, or a really new muslin in a shop window, could recall + them. + + But the attention of every lady was soon caught by a young man, + whom they had never seen before, of most gentlemanlike + appearance, walking with another officer on the other side of the + way. The officer was the very Mr. Denny concerning whose return + from London Lydia came to inquire, and he bowed as they passed. + All were struck with the stranger’s air, all wondered who he + could be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find + out, led the way across the street, under pretense of wanting + something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained + the pavement when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached + the same spot. Mr. Denny addressed them directly, and entreated + permission to introduce his friend, Mr. Wickham, who had returned + with him the day before from town, and he was happy to say had + accepted a commission in their corps. This was exactly as it + should be; for the young man wanted only regimentals to make him + completely charming. His appearance was greatly in his favour; he + had all the best part of beauty, a fine countenance, a good + figure, and very pleasing address. The introduction was followed + up on his side by a happy readiness of conversation—a readiness + at the same time perfectly correct and unassuming; and the whole + party were still standing and talking together very agreeably, + when the sound of horses drew their notice, and Darcy and Bingley + were seen riding down the street. On distinguishing the ladies of + the group, the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and + began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, + and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on + his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy + corroborated it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to + fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by + the sight of the stranger, and Elizabeth happening to see the + countenance of both as they looked at each other, was all + astonishment at the effect of the meeting. Both changed colour, + one looked white, the other red. Mr. Wickham, after a few + moments, touched his hat—a salutation which Mr. Darcy just + deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? It was + impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know. + + In another minute, Mr. Bingley, but without seeming to have + noticed what passed, took leave and rode on with his friend. + + Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham walked with the young ladies to the + door of Mr. Phillip’s house, and then made their bows, in spite + of Miss Lydia’s pressing entreaties that they should come in, and + even in spite of Mrs. Phillips’s throwing up the parlour window + and loudly seconding the invitation. + + Mrs. Phillips was always glad to see her nieces; and the two + eldest, from their recent absence, were particularly welcome, and + she was eagerly expressing her surprise at their sudden return + home, which, as their own carriage had not fetched them, she + should have known nothing about, if she had not happened to see + Mr. Jones’s shop-boy in the street, who had told her that they + were not to send any more draughts to Netherfield because the + Miss Bennets were come away, when her civility was claimed + towards Mr. Collins by Jane’s introduction of him. She received + him with her very best politeness, which he returned with as much + more, apologising for his intrusion, without any previous + acquaintance with her, which he could not help flattering + himself, however, might be justified by his relationship to the + young ladies who introduced him to her notice. Mrs. Phillips was + quite awed by such an excess of good breeding; but her + contemplation of one stranger was soon put to an end by + exclamations and inquiries about the other; of whom, however, she + could only tell her nieces what they already knew, that Mr. Denny + had brought him from London, and that he was to have a + lieutenant’s commission in the ——shire. She had been watching him + the last hour, she said, as he walked up and down the street, and + had Mr. Wickham appeared, Kitty and Lydia would certainly have + continued the occupation, but unluckily no one passed windows now + except a few of the officers, who, in comparison with the + stranger, were become “stupid, disagreeable fellows.” Some of + them were to dine with the Phillipses the next day, and their + aunt promised to make her husband call on Mr. Wickham, and give + him an invitation also, if the family from Longbourn would come + in the evening. This was agreed to, and Mrs. Phillips protested + that they would have a nice comfortable noisy game of lottery + tickets, and a little bit of hot supper afterwards. The prospect + of such delights was very cheering, and they parted in mutual + good spirits. Mr. Collins repeated his apologies in quitting the + room, and was assured with unwearying civility that they were + perfectly needless. + + As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen + pass between the two gentlemen; but though Jane would have + defended either or both, had they appeared to be in the wrong, + she could no more explain such behaviour than her sister. + + Mr. Collins on his return highly gratified Mrs. Bennet by + admiring Mrs. Phillips’s manners and politeness. He protested + that, except Lady Catherine and her daughter, he had never seen a + more elegant woman; for she had not only received him with the + utmost civility, but even pointedly included him in her + invitation for the next evening, although utterly unknown to her + before. Something, he supposed, might be attributed to his + connection with them, but yet he had never met with so much + attention in the whole course of his life. + + + + + As no objection was made to the young people’s engagement with + their aunt, and all Mr. Collins’s scruples of leaving Mr. and + Mrs. Bennet for a single evening during his visit were most + steadily resisted, the coach conveyed him and his five cousins at + a suitable hour to Meryton; and the girls had the pleasure of + hearing, as they entered the drawing-room, that Mr. Wickham had + accepted their uncle’s invitation, and was then in the house. + + When this information was given, and they had all taken their + seats, Mr. Collins was at leisure to look around him and admire, + and he was so much struck with the size and furniture of the + apartment, that he declared he might almost have supposed himself + in the small summer breakfast parlour at Rosings; a comparison + that did not at first convey much gratification; but when Mrs. + Phillips understood from him what Rosings was, and who was its + proprietor—when she had listened to the description of only one + of Lady Catherine’s drawing-rooms, and found that the + chimney-piece alone had cost eight hundred pounds, she felt all + the force of the compliment, and would hardly have resented a + comparison with the housekeeper’s room. + + In describing to her all the grandeur of Lady Catherine and her + mansion, with occasional digressions in praise of his own humble + abode, and the improvements it was receiving, he was happily + employed until the gentlemen joined them; and he found in Mrs. + Phillips a very attentive listener, whose opinion of his + consequence increased with what she heard, and who was resolving + to retail it all among her neighbours as soon as she could. To + the girls, who could not listen to their cousin, and who had + nothing to do but to wish for an instrument, and examine their + own indifferent imitations of china on the mantelpiece, the + interval of waiting appeared very long. It was over at last, + however. The gentlemen did approach, and when Mr. Wickham walked + into the room, Elizabeth felt that she had neither been seeing + him before, nor thinking of him since, with the smallest degree + of unreasonable admiration. The officers of the ——shire were in + general a very creditable, gentlemanlike set, and the best of + them were of the present party; but Mr. Wickham was as far beyond + them all in person, countenance, air, and walk, as they were + superior to the broad-faced, stuffy uncle Phillips, breathing + port wine, who followed them into the room. + + Mr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female + eye was turned, and Elizabeth was the happy woman by whom he + finally seated himself; and the agreeable manner in which he + immediately fell into conversation, though it was only on its + being a wet night, made her feel that the commonest, dullest, + most threadbare topic might be rendered interesting by the skill + of the speaker. + + With such rivals for the notice of the fair as Mr. Wickham and + the officers, Mr. Collins seemed to sink into insignificance; to + the young ladies he certainly was nothing; but he had still at + intervals a kind listener in Mrs. Phillips, and was by her + watchfulness, most abundantly supplied with coffee and muffin. + When the card-tables were placed, he had the opportunity of + obliging her in turn, by sitting down to whist. + + “I know little of the game at present,” said he, “but I shall be + glad to improve myself, for in my situation in life—” Mrs. + Phillips was very glad for his compliance, but could not wait for + his reason. + + Mr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with ready delight was he + received at the other table between Elizabeth and Lydia. At first + there seemed danger of Lydia’s engrossing him entirely, for she + was a most determined talker; but being likewise extremely fond + of lottery tickets, she soon grew too much interested in the + game, too eager in making bets and exclaiming after prizes to + have attention for anyone in particular. Allowing for the common + demands of the game, Mr. Wickham was therefore at leisure to talk + to Elizabeth, and she was very willing to hear him, though what + she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope to be told—the + history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. She dared not even + mention that gentleman. Her curiosity, however, was unexpectedly + relieved. Mr. Wickham began the subject himself. He inquired how + far Netherfield was from Meryton; and, after receiving her + answer, asked in a hesitating manner how long Mr. Darcy had been + staying there. + + “About a month,” said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the + subject drop, added, “He is a man of very large property in + Derbyshire, I understand.” + + “Yes,” replied Mr. Wickham; “his estate there is a noble one. A + clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with a + person more capable of giving you certain information on that + head than myself, for I have been connected with his family in a + particular manner from my infancy.” + + Elizabeth could not but look surprised. + + “You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at such an assertion, + after seeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of our + meeting yesterday. Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?” + + “As much as I ever wish to be,” cried Elizabeth very warmly. “I + have spent four days in the same house with him, and I think him + very disagreeable.” + + “I have no right to give my opinion,” said Wickham, “as to his + being agreeable or otherwise. I am not qualified to form one. I + have known him too long and too well to be a fair judge. It is + impossible for me to be impartial. But I believe your opinion + of him would in general astonish—and perhaps you would not + express it quite so strongly anywhere else. Here you are in your + own family.” + + “Upon my word, I say no more here than I might say in any house + in the neighbourhood, except Netherfield. He is not at all liked + in Hertfordshire. Everybody is disgusted with his pride. You will + not find him more favourably spoken of by anyone.” + + “I cannot pretend to be sorry,” said Wickham, after a short + interruption, “that he or that any man should not be estimated + beyond their deserts; but with him I believe it does not often + happen. The world is blinded by his fortune and consequence, or + frightened by his high and imposing manners, and sees him only as + he chooses to be seen.” + + “I should take him, even on my slight acquaintance, to be an + ill-tempered man.” Wickham only shook his head. + + “I wonder,” said he, at the next opportunity of speaking, + “whether he is likely to be in this country much longer.” + + “I do not at all know; but I heard nothing of his going away + when I was at Netherfield. I hope your plans in favour of the + ——shire will not be affected by his being in the neighbourhood.” + + “Oh! no—it is not for me to be driven away by Mr. Darcy. If + he wishes to avoid seeing me, he must go. We are not on + friendly terms, and it always gives me pain to meet him, but I + have no reason for avoiding him but what I might proclaim + before all the world, a sense of very great ill-usage, and most + painful regrets at his being what he is. His father, Miss Bennet, + the late Mr. Darcy, was one of the best men that ever breathed, + and the truest friend I ever had; and I can never be in company + with this Mr. Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a + thousand tender recollections. His behaviour to myself has been + scandalous; but I verily believe I could forgive him anything and + everything, rather than his disappointing the hopes and + disgracing the memory of his father.” + + Elizabeth found the interest of the subject increase, and + listened with all her heart; but the delicacy of it prevented + further inquiry. + + Mr. Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Meryton, the + neighbourhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with all + that he had yet seen, and speaking of the latter with gentle but + very intelligible gallantry. + + “It was the prospect of constant society, and good society,” he + added, “which was my chief inducement to enter the ——shire. I + knew it to be a most respectable, agreeable corps, and my friend + Denny tempted me further by his account of their present + quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent + acquaintances Meryton had procured them. Society, I own, is + necessary to me. I have been a disappointed man, and my spirits + will not bear solitude. I must have employment and society. A + military life is not what I was intended for, but circumstances + have now made it eligible. The church ought to have been my + profession—I was brought up for the church, and I should at this + time have been in possession of a most valuable living, had it + pleased the gentleman we were speaking of just now.” + + “Indeed!” + + “Yes—the late Mr. Darcy bequeathed me the next presentation of + the best living in his gift. He was my godfather, and excessively + attached to me. I cannot do justice to his kindness. He meant to + provide for me amply, and thought he had done it; but when the + living fell, it was given elsewhere.” + + “Good heavens!” cried Elizabeth; “but how could that be? How + could his will be disregarded? Why did you not seek legal + redress?” + + “There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest + as to give me no hope from law. A man of honour could not have + doubted the intention, but Mr. Darcy chose to doubt it—or to + treat it as a merely conditional recommendation, and to assert + that I had forfeited all claim to it by extravagance, + imprudence—in short anything or nothing. Certain it is, that the + living became vacant two years ago, exactly as I was of an age to + hold it, and that it was given to another man; and no less + certain is it, that I cannot accuse myself of having really done + anything to deserve to lose it. I have a warm, unguarded temper, + and I may have spoken my opinion of him, and to him, too + freely. I can recall nothing worse. But the fact is, that we are + very different sort of men, and that he hates me.” + + “This is quite shocking! He deserves to be publicly disgraced.” + + “Some time or other he will be—but it shall not be by me. + Till I can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him.” + + Elizabeth honoured him for such feelings, and thought him + handsomer than ever as he expressed them. + + “But what,” said she, after a pause, “can have been his motive? + What can have induced him to behave so cruelly?” + + “A thorough, determined dislike of me—a dislike which I cannot + but attribute in some measure to jealousy. Had the late Mr. Darcy + liked me less, his son might have borne with me better; but his + father’s uncommon attachment to me irritated him, I believe, very + early in life. He had not a temper to bear the sort of + competition in which we stood—the sort of preference which was + often given me.” + + “I had not thought Mr. Darcy so bad as this—though I have never + liked him. I had not thought so very ill of him. I had supposed + him to be despising his fellow-creatures in general, but did not + suspect him of descending to such malicious revenge, such + injustice, such inhumanity as this.” + + After a few minutes’ reflection, however, she continued, “I do + remember his boasting one day, at Netherfield, of the + implacability of his resentments, of his having an unforgiving + temper. His disposition must be dreadful.” + + “I will not trust myself on the subject,” replied Wickham; “I + can hardly be just to him.” + + Elizabeth was again deep in thought, and after a time exclaimed, + “To treat in such a manner the godson, the friend, the favourite + of his father!” She could have added, “A young man, too, like + you, whose very countenance may vouch for your being + amiable”—but she contented herself with, “and one, too, who had + probably been his companion from childhood, connected together, + as I think you said, in the closest manner!” + + “We were born in the same parish, within the same park; the + greatest part of our youth was passed together; inmates of the + same house, sharing the same amusements, objects of the same + parental care. My father began life in the profession which + your uncle, Mr. Phillips, appears to do so much credit to—but he + gave up everything to be of use to the late Mr. Darcy and devoted + all his time to the care of the Pemberley property. He was most + highly esteemed by Mr. Darcy, a most intimate, confidential + friend. Mr. Darcy often acknowledged himself to be under the + greatest obligations to my father’s active superintendence, and + when, immediately before my father’s death, Mr. Darcy gave him a + voluntary promise of providing for me, I am convinced that he + felt it to be as much a debt of gratitude to him, as of his + affection to myself.” + + “How strange!” cried Elizabeth. “How abominable! I wonder that + the very pride of this Mr. Darcy has not made him just to you! If + from no better motive, that he should not have been too proud to + be dishonest—for dishonesty I must call it.” + + “It is wonderful,” replied Wickham, “for almost all his actions + may be traced to pride; and pride had often been his best friend. + It has connected him nearer with virtue than with any other + feeling. But we are none of us consistent, and in his behaviour + to me there were stronger impulses even than pride.” + + “Can such abominable pride as his have ever done him good?” + + “Yes. It has often led him to be liberal and generous, to give + his money freely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, + and relieve the poor. Family pride, and filial pride—for he is + very proud of what his father was—have done this. Not to appear + to disgrace his family, to degenerate from the popular qualities, + or lose the influence of the Pemberley House, is a powerful + motive. He has also brotherly pride, which, with some + brotherly affection, makes him a very kind and careful guardian + of his sister, and you will hear him generally cried up as the + most attentive and best of brothers.” + + “What sort of girl is Miss Darcy?” + + He shook his head. “I wish I could call her amiable. It gives me + pain to speak ill of a Darcy. But she is too much like her + brother—very, very proud. As a child, she was affectionate and + pleasing, and extremely fond of me; and I have devoted hours and + hours to her amusement. But she is nothing to me now. She is a + handsome girl, about fifteen or sixteen, and, I understand, + highly accomplished. Since her father’s death, her home has been + London, where a lady lives with her, and superintends her + education.” + + After many pauses and many trials of other subjects, Elizabeth + could not help reverting once more to the first, and saying: + + “I am astonished at his intimacy with Mr. Bingley! How can Mr. + Bingley, who seems good humour itself, and is, I really believe, + truly amiable, be in friendship with such a man? How can they + suit each other? Do you know Mr. Bingley?” + + “Not at all.” + + “He is a sweet-tempered, amiable, charming man. He cannot know + what Mr. Darcy is.” + + “Probably not; but Mr. Darcy can please where he chooses. He does + not want abilities. He can be a conversible companion if he + thinks it worth his while. Among those who are at all his equals + in consequence, he is a very different man from what he is to the + less prosperous. His pride never deserts him; but with the rich + he is liberal-minded, just, sincere, rational, honourable, and + perhaps agreeable—allowing something for fortune and figure.” + + The whist party soon afterwards breaking up, the players gathered + round the other table and Mr. Collins took his station between + his cousin Elizabeth and Mrs. Phillips. The usual inquiries as to + his success were made by the latter. It had not been very great; + he had lost every point; but when Mrs. Phillips began to express + her concern thereupon, he assured her with much earnest gravity + that it was not of the least importance, that he considered the + money as a mere trifle, and begged that she would not make + herself uneasy. + + “I know very well, madam,” said he, “that when persons sit down + to a card-table, they must take their chances of these things, + and happily I am not in such circumstances as to make five + shillings any object. There are undoubtedly many who could not + say the same, but thanks to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I am + removed far beyond the necessity of regarding little matters.” + + Mr. Wickham’s attention was caught; and after observing Mr. + Collins for a few moments, he asked Elizabeth in a low voice + whether her relation was very intimately acquainted with the + family of de Bourgh. + + “Lady Catherine de Bourgh,” she replied, “has very lately given + him a living. I hardly know how Mr. Collins was first introduced + to her notice, but he certainly has not known her long.” + + “You know of course that Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Anne + Darcy were sisters; consequently that she is aunt to the present + Mr. Darcy.” + + “No, indeed, I did not. I knew nothing at all of Lady Catherine’s + connections. I never heard of her existence till the day before + yesterday.” + + “Her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, will have a very large fortune, + and it is believed that she and her cousin will unite the two + estates.” + + This information made Elizabeth smile, as she thought of poor + Miss Bingley. Vain indeed must be all her attentions, vain and + useless her affection for his sister and her praise of himself, + if he were already self-destined for another. + + “Mr. Collins,” said she, “speaks highly both of Lady Catherine + and her daughter; but from some particulars that he has related + of her ladyship, I suspect his gratitude misleads him, and that + in spite of her being his patroness, she is an arrogant, + conceited woman.” + + “I believe her to be both in a great degree,” replied Wickham; “I + have not seen her for many years, but I very well remember that I + never liked her, and that her manners were dictatorial and + insolent. She has the reputation of being remarkably sensible and + clever; but I rather believe she derives part of her abilities + from her rank and fortune, part from her authoritative manner, + and the rest from the pride for her nephew, who chooses that + everyone connected with him should have an understanding of the + first class.” + + Elizabeth allowed that he had given a very rational account of + it, and they continued talking together, with mutual satisfaction + till supper put an end to cards, and gave the rest of the ladies + their share of Mr. Wickham’s attentions. There could be no + conversation in the noise of Mrs. Phillips’s supper party, but + his manners recommended him to everybody. Whatever he said, was + said well; and whatever he did, done gracefully. Elizabeth went + away with her head full of him. She could think of nothing but of + Mr. Wickham, and of what he had told her, all the way home; but + there was not time for her even to mention his name as they went, + for neither Lydia nor Mr. Collins were once silent. Lydia talked + incessantly of lottery tickets, of the fish she had lost and the + fish she had won; and Mr. Collins in describing the civility of + Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, protesting that he did not in the least + regard his losses at whist, enumerating all the dishes at supper, + and repeatedly fearing that he crowded his cousins, had more to + say than he could well manage before the carriage stopped at + Longbourn House. + + + + + Elizabeth related to Jane the next day what had passed between + Mr. Wickham and herself. Jane listened with astonishment and + concern; she knew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so + unworthy of Mr. Bingley’s regard; and yet, it was not in her + nature to question the veracity of a young man of such amiable + appearance as Wickham. The possibility of his having endured such + unkindness, was enough to interest all her tender feelings; and + nothing remained therefore to be done, but to think well of them + both, to defend the conduct of each, and throw into the account + of accident or mistake whatever could not be otherwise explained. + + “They have both,” said she, “been deceived, I dare say, in some + way or other, of which we can form no idea. Interested people + have perhaps misrepresented each to the other. It is, in short, + impossible for us to conjecture the causes or circumstances which + may have alienated them, without actual blame on either side.” + + “Very true, indeed; and now, my dear Jane, what have you got to + say on behalf of the interested people who have probably been + concerned in the business? Do clear them too, or we shall be + obliged to think ill of somebody.” + + “Laugh as much as you choose, but you will not laugh me out of my + opinion. My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in what a disgraceful + light it places Mr. Darcy, to be treating his father’s favourite + in such a manner, one whom his father had promised to provide + for. It is impossible. No man of common humanity, no man who had + any value for his character, could be capable of it. Can his most + intimate friends be so excessively deceived in him? Oh! no.” + + “I can much more easily believe Mr. Bingley’s being imposed on, + than that Mr. Wickham should invent such a history of himself as + he gave me last night; names, facts, everything mentioned without + ceremony. If it be not so, let Mr. Darcy contradict it. Besides, + there was truth in his looks.” + + “It is difficult indeed—it is distressing. One does not know what + to think.” + + “I beg your pardon; one knows exactly what to think.” + + But Jane could think with certainty on only one point—that Mr. + Bingley, if he had been imposed on, would have much to suffer + when the affair became public. + + The two young ladies were summoned from the shrubbery, where this + conversation passed, by the arrival of the very persons of whom + they had been speaking; Mr. Bingley and his sisters came to give + their personal invitation for the long-expected ball at + Netherfield, which was fixed for the following Tuesday. The two + ladies were delighted to see their dear friend again, called it + an age since they had met, and repeatedly asked what she had been + doing with herself since their separation. To the rest of the + family they paid little attention; avoiding Mrs. Bennet as much + as possible, saying not much to Elizabeth, and nothing at all to + the others. They were soon gone again, rising from their seats + with an activity which took their brother by surprise, and + hurrying off as if eager to escape from Mrs. Bennet’s civilities. + + The prospect of the Netherfield ball was extremely agreeable to + every female of the family. Mrs. Bennet chose to consider it as + given in compliment to her eldest daughter, and was particularly + flattered by receiving the invitation from Mr. Bingley himself, + instead of a ceremonious card. Jane pictured to herself a happy + evening in the society of her two friends, and the attentions of + their brother; and Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a + great deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of + everything in Mr. Darcy’s look and behaviour. The happiness + anticipated by Catherine and Lydia depended less on any single + event, or any particular person, for though they each, like + Elizabeth, meant to dance half the evening with Mr. Wickham, he + was by no means the only partner who could satisfy them, and a + ball was, at any rate, a ball. And even Mary could assure her + family that she had no disinclination for it. + + “While I can have my mornings to myself,” said she, “it is + enough—I think it is no sacrifice to join occasionally in evening + engagements. Society has claims on us all; and I profess myself + one of those who consider intervals of recreation and amusement + as desirable for everybody.” + + Elizabeth’s spirits were so high on this occasion, that though + she did not often speak unnecessarily to Mr. Collins, she could + not help asking him whether he intended to accept Mr. Bingley’s + invitation, and if he did, whether he would think it proper to + join in the evening’s amusement; and she was rather surprised to + find that he entertained no scruple whatever on that head, and + was very far from dreading a rebuke either from the Archbishop, + or Lady Catherine de Bourgh, by venturing to dance. + + “I am by no means of the opinion, I assure you,” said he, “that a + ball of this kind, given by a young man of character, to + respectable people, can have any evil tendency; and I am so far + from objecting to dancing myself, that I shall hope to be + honoured with the hands of all my fair cousins in the course of + the evening; and I take this opportunity of soliciting yours, + Miss Elizabeth, for the two first dances especially, a preference + which I trust my cousin Jane will attribute to the right cause, + and not to any disrespect for her.” + + Elizabeth felt herself completely taken in. She had fully + proposed being engaged by Mr. Wickham for those very dances; and + to have Mr. Collins instead! her liveliness had never been worse + timed. There was no help for it, however. Mr. Wickham’s happiness + and her own were perforce delayed a little longer, and Mr. + Collins’s proposal accepted with as good a grace as she could. + She was not the better pleased with his gallantry from the idea + it suggested of something more. It now first struck her, that + she was selected from among her sisters as worthy of being + mistress of Hunsford Parsonage, and of assisting to form a + quadrille table at Rosings, in the absence of more eligible + visitors. The idea soon reached to conviction, as she observed + his increasing civilities toward herself, and heard his frequent + attempt at a compliment on her wit and vivacity; and though more + astonished than gratified herself by this effect of her charms, + it was not long before her mother gave her to understand that the + probability of their marriage was extremely agreeable to her. + Elizabeth, however, did not choose to take the hint, being well + aware that a serious dispute must be the consequence of any + reply. Mr. Collins might never make the offer, and till he did, + it was useless to quarrel about him. + + If there had not been a Netherfield ball to prepare for and talk + of, the younger Miss Bennets would have been in a very pitiable + state at this time, for from the day of the invitation, to the + day of the ball, there was such a succession of rain as prevented + their walking to Meryton once. No aunt, no officers, no news + could be sought after—the very shoe-roses for Netherfield were + got by proxy. Even Elizabeth might have found some trial of her + patience in weather which totally suspended the improvement of + her acquaintance with Mr. Wickham; and nothing less than a dance + on Tuesday, could have made such a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and + Monday endurable to Kitty and Lydia. + + + + + Till Elizabeth entered the drawing-room at Netherfield, and + looked in vain for Mr. Wickham among the cluster of red coats + there assembled, a doubt of his being present had never occurred + to her. The certainty of meeting him had not been checked by any + of those recollections that might not unreasonably have alarmed + her. She had dressed with more than usual care, and prepared in + the highest spirits for the conquest of all that remained + unsubdued of his heart, trusting that it was not more than might + be won in the course of the evening. But in an instant arose the + dreadful suspicion of his being purposely omitted for Mr. Darcy’s + pleasure in the Bingleys’ invitation to the officers; and though + this was not exactly the case, the absolute fact of his absence + was pronounced by his friend Denny, to whom Lydia eagerly + applied, and who told them that Wickham had been obliged to go to + town on business the day before, and was not yet returned; + adding, with a significant smile, “I do not imagine his business + would have called him away just now, if he had not wanted to + avoid a certain gentleman here.” + + This part of his intelligence, though unheard by Lydia, was + caught by Elizabeth, and, as it assured her that Darcy was not + less answerable for Wickham’s absence than if her first surmise + had been just, every feeling of displeasure against the former + was so sharpened by immediate disappointment, that she could + hardly reply with tolerable civility to the polite inquiries + which he directly afterwards approached to make. Attendance, + forbearance, patience with Darcy, was injury to Wickham. She was + resolved against any sort of conversation with him, and turned + away with a degree of ill-humour which she could not wholly + surmount even in speaking to Mr. Bingley, whose blind partiality + provoked her. + + But Elizabeth was not formed for ill-humour; and though every + prospect of her own was destroyed for the evening, it could not + dwell long on her spirits; and having told all her griefs to + Charlotte Lucas, whom she had not seen for a week, she was soon + able to make a voluntary transition to the oddities of her + cousin, and to point him out to her particular notice. The first + two dances, however, brought a return of distress; they were + dances of mortification. Mr. Collins, awkward and solemn, + apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without + being aware of it, gave her all the shame and misery which a + disagreeable partner for a couple of dances can give. The moment + of her release from him was ecstasy. + + She danced next with an officer, and had the refreshment of + talking of Wickham, and of hearing that he was universally liked. + When those dances were over, she returned to Charlotte Lucas, and + was in conversation with her, when she found herself suddenly + addressed by Mr. Darcy who took her so much by surprise in his + application for her hand, that, without knowing what she did, she + accepted him. He walked away again immediately, and she was left + to fret over her own want of presence of mind; Charlotte tried to + console her: + + “I dare say you will find him very agreeable.” + + “Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all! + To find a man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not + wish me such an evil.” + + When the dancing recommenced, however, and Darcy approached to + claim her hand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her in a + whisper, not to be a simpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham + to make her appear unpleasant in the eyes of a man ten times his + consequence. Elizabeth made no answer, and took her place in the + set, amazed at the dignity to which she was arrived in being + allowed to stand opposite to Mr. Darcy, and reading in her + neighbours’ looks, their equal amazement in beholding it. They + stood for some time without speaking a word; and she began to + imagine that their silence was to last through the two dances, + and at first was resolved not to break it; till suddenly fancying + that it would be the greater punishment to her partner to oblige + him to talk, she made some slight observation on the dance. He + replied, and was again silent. After a pause of some minutes, she + addressed him a second time with:—“It is your turn to say + something now, Mr. Darcy. I talked about the dance, and you + ought to make some sort of remark on the size of the room, or the + number of couples.” + + He smiled, and assured her that whatever she wished him to say + should be said. + + “Very well. That reply will do for the present. Perhaps by and by + I may observe that private balls are much pleasanter than public + ones. But now we may be silent.” + + “Do you talk by rule, then, while you are dancing?” + + “Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know. It would look odd + to be entirely silent for half an hour together; and yet for the + advantage of some, conversation ought to be so arranged, as + that they may have the trouble of saying as little as possible.” + + “Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, or do + you imagine that you are gratifying mine?” + + “Both,” replied Elizabeth archly; “for I have always seen a great + similarity in the turn of our minds. We are each of an unsocial, + taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to say + something that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down to + posterity with all the éclat of a proverb.” + + “This is no very striking resemblance of your own character, I am + sure,” said he. “How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend + to say. You think it a faithful portrait undoubtedly.” + + “I must not decide on my own performance.” + + He made no answer, and they were again silent till they had gone + down the dance, when he asked her if she and her sisters did not + very often walk to Meryton. She answered in the affirmative, and, + unable to resist the temptation, added, “When you met us there + the other day, we had just been forming a new acquaintance.” + + The effect was immediate. A deeper shade of hauteur overspread + his features, but he said not a word, and Elizabeth, though + blaming herself for her own weakness, could not go on. At length + Darcy spoke, and in a constrained manner said, “Mr. Wickham is + blessed with such happy manners as may ensure his making + friends—whether he may be equally capable of retaining them, is + less certain.” + + “He has been so unlucky as to lose your friendship,” replied + Elizabeth with emphasis, “and in a manner which he is likely to + suffer from all his life.” + + Darcy made no answer, and seemed desirous of changing the + subject. At that moment, Sir William Lucas appeared close to + them, meaning to pass through the set to the other side of the + room; but on perceiving Mr. Darcy, he stopped with a bow of + superior courtesy to compliment him on his dancing and his + partner. + + “I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear sir. Such very + superior dancing is not often seen. It is evident that you belong + to the first circles. Allow me to say, however, that your fair + partner does not disgrace you, and that I must hope to have this + pleasure often repeated, especially when a certain desirable + event, my dear Eliza (glancing at her sister and Bingley) shall + take place. What congratulations will then flow in! I appeal to + Mr. Darcy:—but let me not interrupt you, sir. You will not thank + me for detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young + lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me.” + + The latter part of this address was scarcely heard by Darcy; but + Sir William’s allusion to his friend seemed to strike him + forcibly, and his eyes were directed with a very serious + expression towards Bingley and Jane, who were dancing together. + Recovering himself, however, shortly, he turned to his partner, + and said, “Sir William’s interruption has made me forget what we + were talking of.” + + “I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William could not + have interrupted two people in the room who had less to say for + themselves. We have tried two or three subjects already without + success, and what we are to talk of next I cannot imagine.” + + “What think you of books?” said he, smiling. + + “Books—oh! no. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the + same feelings.” + + “I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at + least be no want of subject. We may compare our different + opinions.” + + “No—I cannot talk of books in a ball-room; my head is always full + of something else.” + + “The present always occupies you in such scenes—does it?” said + he, with a look of doubt. + + “Yes, always,” she replied, without knowing what she said, for + her thoughts had wandered far from the subject, as soon + afterwards appeared by her suddenly exclaiming, “I remember + hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly ever forgave, + that your resentment once created was unappeasable. You are very + cautious, I suppose, as to its being created?” + + “I am,” said he, with a firm voice. + + “And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?” + + “I hope not.” + + “It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their + opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first.” + + “May I ask to what these questions tend?” + + “Merely to the illustration of your character,” said she, + endeavouring to shake off her gravity. “I am trying to make it + out.” + + “And what is your success?” + + She shook her head. “I do not get on at all. I hear such + different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly.” + + “I can readily believe,” answered he gravely, “that reports may + vary greatly with respect to me; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, + that you were not to sketch my character at the present moment, + as there is reason to fear that the performance would reflect no + credit on either.” + + “But if I do not take your likeness now, I may never have another + opportunity.” + + “I would by no means suspend any pleasure of yours,” he coldly + replied. She said no more, and they went down the other dance and + parted in silence; and on each side dissatisfied, though not to + an equal degree, for in Darcy’s breast there was a tolerably + powerful feeling towards her, which soon procured her pardon, and + directed all his anger against another. + + They had not long separated, when Miss Bingley came towards her, + and with an expression of civil disdain accosted her: + + “So, Miss Eliza, I hear you are quite delighted with George + Wickham! Your sister has been talking to me about him, and asking + me a thousand questions; and I find that the young man quite + forgot to tell you, among his other communication, that he was + the son of old Wickham, the late Mr. Darcy’s steward. Let me + recommend you, however, as a friend, not to give implicit + confidence to all his assertions; for as to Mr. Darcy’s using him + ill, it is perfectly false; for, on the contrary, he has always + been remarkably kind to him, though George Wickham has treated + Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. I do not know the + particulars, but I know very well that Mr. Darcy is not in the + least to blame, that he cannot bear to hear George Wickham + mentioned, and that though my brother thought that he could not + well avoid including him in his invitation to the officers, he + was excessively glad to find that he had taken himself out of the + way. His coming into the country at all is a most insolent thing, + indeed, and I wonder how he could presume to do it. I pity you, + Miss Eliza, for this discovery of your favourite’s guilt; but + really, considering his descent, one could not expect much + better.” + + “His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the + same,” said Elizabeth angrily; “for I have heard you accuse him + of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy’s steward, + and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself.” + + “I beg your pardon,” replied Miss Bingley, turning away with a + sneer. “Excuse my interference—it was kindly meant.” + + “Insolent girl!” said Elizabeth to herself. “You are much + mistaken if you expect to influence me by such a paltry attack as + this. I see nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the + malice of Mr. Darcy.” She then sought her eldest sister, who had + undertaken to make inquiries on the same subject of Bingley. Jane + met her with a smile of such sweet complacency, a glow of such + happy expression, as sufficiently marked how well she was + satisfied with the occurrences of the evening. Elizabeth + instantly read her feelings, and at that moment solicitude for + Wickham, resentment against his enemies, and everything else, + gave way before the hope of Jane’s being in the fairest way for + happiness. + + “I want to know,” said she, with a countenance no less smiling + than her sister’s, “what you have learnt about Mr. Wickham. But + perhaps you have been too pleasantly engaged to think of any + third person; in which case you may be sure of my pardon.” + + “No,” replied Jane, “I have not forgotten him; but I have nothing + satisfactory to tell you. Mr. Bingley does not know the whole of + his history, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances which + have principally offended Mr. Darcy; but he will vouch for the + good conduct, the probity, and honour of his friend, and is + perfectly convinced that Mr. Wickham has deserved much less + attention from Mr. Darcy than he has received; and I am sorry to + say by his account as well as his sister’s, Mr. Wickham is by no + means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very + imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. Darcy’s regard.” + + “Mr. Bingley does not know Mr. Wickham himself?” + + “No; he never saw him till the other morning at Meryton.” + + “This account then is what he has received from Mr. Darcy. I am + satisfied. But what does he say of the living?” + + “He does not exactly recollect the circumstances, though he has + heard them from Mr. Darcy more than once, but he believes that it + was left to him conditionally only.” + + “I have not a doubt of Mr. Bingley’s sincerity,” said Elizabeth + warmly; “but you must excuse my not being convinced by assurances + only. Mr. Bingley’s defense of his friend was a very able one, I + dare say; but since he is unacquainted with several parts of the + story, and has learnt the rest from that friend himself, I shall + venture to still think of both gentlemen as I did before.” + + She then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, + and on which there could be no difference of sentiment. Elizabeth + listened with delight to the happy, though modest hopes which + Jane entertained of Mr. Bingley’s regard, and said all in her + power to heighten her confidence in it. On their being joined by + Mr. Bingley himself, Elizabeth withdrew to Miss Lucas; to whose + inquiry after the pleasantness of her last partner she had + scarcely replied, before Mr. Collins came up to them, and told + her with great exultation that he had just been so fortunate as + to make a most important discovery. + + “I have found out,” said he, “by a singular accident, that there + is now in the room a near relation of my patroness. I happened to + overhear the gentleman himself mentioning to the young lady who + does the honours of the house the names of his cousin Miss de + Bourgh, and of her mother Lady Catherine. How wonderfully these + sort of things occur! Who would have thought of my meeting with, + perhaps, a nephew of Lady Catherine de Bourgh in this assembly! I + am most thankful that the discovery is made in time for me to pay + my respects to him, which I am now going to do, and trust he will + excuse my not having done it before. My total ignorance of the + connection must plead my apology.” + + “You are not going to introduce yourself to Mr. Darcy!” + + “Indeed I am. I shall entreat his pardon for not having done it + earlier. I believe him to be Lady Catherine’s nephew. It will + be in my power to assure him that her ladyship was quite well + yesterday se’nnight.” + + Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme, assuring + him that Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing him without + introduction as an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment + to his aunt; that it was not in the least necessary there should + be any notice on either side; and that if it were, it must belong + to Mr. Darcy, the superior in consequence, to begin the + acquaintance. Mr. Collins listened to her with the determined air + of following his own inclination, and, when she ceased speaking, + replied thus: + + “My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world + in your excellent judgement in all matters within the scope of + your understanding; but permit me to say, that there must be a + wide difference between the established forms of ceremony amongst + the laity, and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me + leave to observe that I consider the clerical office as equal in + point of dignity with the highest rank in the kingdom—provided + that a proper humility of behaviour is at the same time + maintained. You must therefore allow me to follow the dictates of + my conscience on this occasion, which leads me to perform what I + look on as a point of duty. Pardon me for neglecting to profit by + your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constant + guide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted + by education and habitual study to decide on what is right than a + young lady like yourself.” And with a low bow he left her to + attack Mr. Darcy, whose reception of his advances she eagerly + watched, and whose astonishment at being so addressed was very + evident. Her cousin prefaced his speech with a solemn bow and + though she could not hear a word of it, she felt as if hearing it + all, and saw in the motion of his lips the words “apology,” + “Hunsford,” and “Lady Catherine de Bourgh.” It vexed her to see + him expose himself to such a man. Mr. Darcy was eyeing him with + unrestrained wonder, and when at last Mr. Collins allowed him + time to speak, replied with an air of distant civility. Mr. + Collins, however, was not discouraged from speaking again, and + Mr. Darcy’s contempt seemed abundantly increasing with the length + of his second speech, and at the end of it he only made him a + slight bow, and moved another way. Mr. Collins then returned to + Elizabeth. + + “I have no reason, I assure you,” said he, “to be dissatisfied + with my reception. Mr. Darcy seemed much pleased with the + attention. He answered me with the utmost civility, and even paid + me the compliment of saying that he was so well convinced of Lady + Catherine’s discernment as to be certain she could never bestow a + favour unworthily. It was really a very handsome thought. Upon + the whole, I am much pleased with him.” + + As Elizabeth had no longer any interest of her own to pursue, she + turned her attention almost entirely on her sister and Mr. + Bingley; and the train of agreeable reflections which her + observations gave birth to, made her perhaps almost as happy as + Jane. She saw her in idea settled in that very house, in all the + felicity which a marriage of true affection could bestow; and she + felt capable, under such circumstances, of endeavouring even to + like Bingley’s two sisters. Her mother’s thoughts she plainly saw + were bent the same way, and she determined not to venture near + her, lest she might hear too much. When they sat down to supper, + therefore, she considered it a most unlucky perverseness which + placed them within one of each other; and deeply was she vexed to + find that her mother was talking to that one person (Lady Lucas) + freely, openly, and of nothing else but her expectation that Jane + would soon be married to Mr. Bingley. It was an animating + subject, and Mrs. Bennet seemed incapable of fatigue while + enumerating the advantages of the match. His being such a + charming young man, and so rich, and living but three miles from + them, were the first points of self-gratulation; and then it was + such a comfort to think how fond the two sisters were of Jane, + and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much as + she could do. It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her + younger daughters, as Jane’s marrying so greatly must throw them + in the way of other rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at + her time of life to be able to consign her single daughters to + the care of their sister, that she might not be obliged to go + into company more than she liked. It was necessary to make this + circumstance a matter of pleasure, because on such occasions it + is the etiquette; but no one was less likely than Mrs. Bennet to + find comfort in staying home at any period of her life. She + concluded with many good wishes that Lady Lucas might soon be + equally fortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing + there was no chance of it. + + In vain did Elizabeth endeavour to check the rapidity of her + mother’s words, or persuade her to describe her felicity in a + less audible whisper; for, to her inexpressible vexation, she + could perceive that the chief of it was overheard by Mr. Darcy, + who sat opposite to them. Her mother only scolded her for being + nonsensical. + + “What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I + am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged + to say nothing he may not like to hear.” + + “For heaven’s sake, madam, speak lower. What advantage can it be + for you to offend Mr. Darcy? You will never recommend yourself to + his friend by so doing!” + + Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence. Her + mother would talk of her views in the same intelligible tone. + Elizabeth blushed and blushed again with shame and vexation. She + could not help frequently glancing her eye at Mr. Darcy, though + every glance convinced her of what she dreaded; for though he was + not always looking at her mother, she was convinced that his + attention was invariably fixed by her. The expression of his face + changed gradually from indignant contempt to a composed and + steady gravity. + + At length, however, Mrs. Bennet had no more to say; and Lady + Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights + which she saw no likelihood of sharing, was left to the comforts + of cold ham and chicken. Elizabeth now began to revive. But not + long was the interval of tranquillity; for, when supper was over, + singing was talked of, and she had the mortification of seeing + Mary, after very little entreaty, preparing to oblige the + company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties, did she + endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance, but in vain; + Mary would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting + was delightful to her, and she began her song. Elizabeth’s eyes + were fixed on her with most painful sensations, and she watched + her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which + was very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving, + amongst the thanks of the table, the hint of a hope that she + might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of + half a minute began another. Mary’s powers were by no means + fitted for such a display; her voice was weak, and her manner + affected. Elizabeth was in agonies. She looked at Jane, to see + how she bore it; but Jane was very composedly talking to Bingley. + She looked at his two sisters, and saw them making signs of + derision at each other, and at Darcy, who continued, however, + imperturbably grave. She looked at her father to entreat his + interference, lest Mary should be singing all night. He took the + hint, and when Mary had finished her second song, said aloud, + “That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long + enough. Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.” + + Mary, though pretending not to hear, was somewhat disconcerted; + and Elizabeth, sorry for her, and sorry for her father’s speech, + was afraid her anxiety had done no good. Others of the party were + now applied to. + + “If I,” said Mr. Collins, “were so fortunate as to be able to + sing, I should have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the + company with an air; for I consider music as a very innocent + diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a + clergyman. I do not mean, however, to assert that we can be + justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there + are certainly other things to be attended to. The rector of a + parish has much to do. In the first place, he must make such an + agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to himself and not + offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the + time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and + the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be + excused from making as comfortable as possible. And I do not + think it of light importance that he should have attentive and + conciliatory manners towards everybody, especially towards those + to whom he owes his preferment. I cannot acquit him of that duty; + nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of + testifying his respect towards anybody connected with the + family.” And with a bow to Mr. Darcy, he concluded his speech, + which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room. + Many stared—many smiled; but no one looked more amused than Mr. + Bennet himself, while his wife seriously commended Mr. Collins + for having spoken so sensibly, and observed in a half-whisper to + Lady Lucas, that he was a remarkably clever, good kind of young + man. + + To Elizabeth it appeared that, had her family made an agreement + to expose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it + would have been impossible for them to play their parts with more + spirit or finer success; and happy did she think it for Bingley + and her sister that some of the exhibition had escaped his + notice, and that his feelings were not of a sort to be much + distressed by the folly which he must have witnessed. That his + two sisters and Mr. Darcy, however, should have such an + opportunity of ridiculing her relations, was bad enough, and she + could not determine whether the silent contempt of the gentleman, + or the insolent smiles of the ladies, were more intolerable. + + The rest of the evening brought her little amusement. She was + teased by Mr. Collins, who continued most perseveringly by her + side, and though he could not prevail on her to dance with him + again, put it out of her power to dance with others. In vain did + she entreat him to stand up with somebody else, and offer to + introduce him to any young lady in the room. He assured her, that + as to dancing, he was perfectly indifferent to it; that his chief + object was by delicate attentions to recommend himself to her and + that he should therefore make a point of remaining close to her + the whole evening. There was no arguing upon such a project. She + owed her greatest relief to her friend Miss Lucas, who often + joined them, and good-naturedly engaged Mr. Collins’s + conversation to herself. + + She was at least free from the offense of Mr. Darcy’s further + notice; though often standing within a very short distance of + her, quite disengaged, he never came near enough to speak. She + felt it to be the probable consequence of her allusions to Mr. + Wickham, and rejoiced in it. + + The Longbourn party were the last of all the company to depart, + and, by a manoeuvre of Mrs. Bennet, had to wait for their + carriage a quarter of an hour after everybody else was gone, + which gave them time to see how heartily they were wished away by + some of the family. Mrs. Hurst and her sister scarcely opened + their mouths, except to complain of fatigue, and were evidently + impatient to have the house to themselves. They repulsed every + attempt of Mrs. Bennet at conversation, and by so doing threw a + languor over the whole party, which was very little relieved by + the long speeches of Mr. Collins, who was complimenting Mr. + Bingley and his sisters on the elegance of their entertainment, + and the hospitality and politeness which had marked their + behaviour to their guests. Darcy said nothing at all. Mr. Bennet, + in equal silence, was enjoying the scene. Mr. Bingley and Jane + were standing together, a little detached from the rest, and + talked only to each other. Elizabeth preserved as steady a + silence as either Mrs. Hurst or Miss Bingley; and even Lydia was + too much fatigued to utter more than the occasional exclamation + of “Lord, how tired I am!” accompanied by a violent yawn. + + When at length they arose to take leave, Mrs. Bennet was most + pressingly civil in her hope of seeing the whole family soon at + Longbourn, and addressed herself especially to Mr. Bingley, to + assure him how happy he would make them by eating a family dinner + with them at any time, without the ceremony of a formal + invitation. Bingley was all grateful pleasure, and he readily + engaged for taking the earliest opportunity of waiting on her, + after his return from London, whither he was obliged to go the + next day for a short time. + + Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied, and quitted the house under + the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the necessary + preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding clothes, + she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at Netherfield in + the course of three or four months. Of having another daughter + married to Mr. Collins, she thought with equal certainty, and + with considerable, though not equal, pleasure. Elizabeth was the + least dear to her of all her children; and though the man and the + match were quite good enough for her, the worth of each was + eclipsed by Mr. Bingley and Netherfield. + + + + + The next day opened a new scene at Longbourn. Mr. Collins made + his declaration in form. Having resolved to do it without loss of + time, as his leave of absence extended only to the following + Saturday, and having no feelings of diffidence to make it + distressing to himself even at the moment, he set about it in a + very orderly manner, with all the observances, which he supposed + a regular part of the business. On finding Mrs. Bennet, + Elizabeth, and one of the younger girls together, soon after + breakfast, he addressed the mother in these words: + + “May I hope, madam, for your interest with your fair daughter + Elizabeth, when I solicit for the honour of a private audience + with her in the course of this morning?” + + Before Elizabeth had time for anything but a blush of surprise, + Mrs. Bennet answered instantly, “Oh dear!—yes—certainly. I am + sure Lizzy will be very happy—I am sure she can have no + objection. Come, Kitty, I want you up stairs.” And, gathering her + work together, she was hastening away, when Elizabeth called out: + + “Dear madam, do not go. I beg you will not go. Mr. Collins must + excuse me. He can have nothing to say to me that anybody need not + hear. I am going away myself.” + + “No, no, nonsense, Lizzy. I desire you to stay where you are.” + And upon Elizabeth’s seeming really, with vexed and embarrassed + looks, about to escape, she added: “Lizzy, I insist upon your + staying and hearing Mr. Collins.” + + Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction—and a moment’s + consideration making her also sensible that it would be wisest to + get it over as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down + again and tried to conceal, by incessant employment the feelings + which were divided between distress and diversion. Mrs. Bennet + and Kitty walked off, and as soon as they were gone, Mr. Collins + began. + + “Believe me, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that your modesty, so far + from doing you any disservice, rather adds to your other + perfections. You would have been less amiable in my eyes had + there not been this little unwillingness; but allow me to + assure you, that I have your respected mother’s permission for + this address. You can hardly doubt the purport of my discourse, + however your natural delicacy may lead you to dissemble; my + attentions have been too marked to be mistaken. Almost as soon as + I entered the house, I singled you out as the companion of my + future life. But before I am run away with by my feelings on this + subject, perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons + for marrying—and, moreover, for coming into Hertfordshire with + the design of selecting a wife, as I certainly did.” + + The idea of Mr. Collins, with all his solemn composure, being run + away with by his feelings, made Elizabeth so near laughing, that + she could not use the short pause he allowed in any attempt to + stop him further, and he continued: + + “My reasons for marrying are, first, that I think it a right + thing for every clergyman in easy circumstances (like myself) to + set the example of matrimony in his parish; secondly, that I am + convinced that it will add very greatly to my happiness; and + thirdly—which perhaps I ought to have mentioned earlier, that it + is the particular advice and recommendation of the very noble + lady whom I have the honour of calling patroness. Twice has she + condescended to give me her opinion (unasked too!) on this + subject; and it was but the very Saturday night before I left + Hunsford—between our pools at quadrille, while Mrs. Jenkinson was + arranging Miss de Bourgh’s footstool, that she said, ‘Mr. + Collins, you must marry. A clergyman like you must marry. Choose + properly, choose a gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, + let her be an active, useful sort of person, not brought up high, + but able to make a small income go a good way. This is my advice. + Find such a woman as soon as you can, bring her to Hunsford, and + I will visit her.’ Allow me, by the way, to observe, my fair + cousin, that I do not reckon the notice and kindness of Lady + Catherine de Bourgh as among the least of the advantages in my + power to offer. You will find her manners beyond anything I can + describe; and your wit and vivacity, I think, must be acceptable + to her, especially when tempered with the silence and respect + which her rank will inevitably excite. Thus much for my general + intention in favour of matrimony; it remains to be told why my + views were directed towards Longbourn instead of my own + neighbourhood, where I can assure you there are many amiable + young women. But the fact is, that being, as I am, to inherit + this estate after the death of your honoured father (who, + however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfy myself + without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, that + the loss to them might be as little as possible, when the + melancholy event takes place—which, however, as I have already + said, may not be for several years. This has been my motive, my + fair cousin, and I flatter myself it will not sink me in your + esteem. And now nothing remains for me but to assure you in the + most animated language of the violence of my affection. To + fortune I am perfectly indifferent, and shall make no demand of + that nature on your father, since I am well aware that it could + not be complied with; and that one thousand pounds in the four + per cents, which will not be yours till after your mother’s + decease, is all that you may ever be entitled to. On that head, + therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure + yourself that no ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when + we are married.” + + It was absolutely necessary to interrupt him now. + + “You are too hasty, sir,” she cried. “You forget that I have made + no answer. Let me do it without further loss of time. Accept my + thanks for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensible + of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for me to + do otherwise than to decline them.” + + “I am not now to learn,” replied Mr. Collins, with a formal wave + of the hand, “that it is usual with young ladies to reject the + addresses of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he + first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusal is + repeated a second, or even a third time. I am therefore by no + means discouraged by what you have just said, and shall hope to + lead you to the altar ere long.” + + “Upon my word, sir,” cried Elizabeth, “your hope is a rather + extraordinary one after my declaration. I do assure you that I am + not one of those young ladies (if such young ladies there are) + who are so daring as to risk their happiness on the chance of + being asked a second time. I am perfectly serious in my refusal. + You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the + last woman in the world who could make you so. Nay, were your + friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find + me in every respect ill qualified for the situation.” + + “Were it certain that Lady Catherine would think so,” said Mr. + Collins very gravely—“but I cannot imagine that her ladyship + would at all disapprove of you. And you may be certain when I + have the honour of seeing her again, I shall speak in the very + highest terms of your modesty, economy, and other amiable + qualification.” + + “Indeed, Mr. Collins, all praise of me will be unnecessary. You + must give me leave to judge for myself, and pay me the compliment + of believing what I say. I wish you very happy and very rich, and + by refusing your hand, do all in my power to prevent your being + otherwise. In making me the offer, you must have satisfied the + delicacy of your feelings with regard to my family, and may take + possession of Longbourn estate whenever it falls, without any + self-reproach. This matter may be considered, therefore, as + finally settled.” And rising as she thus spoke, she would have + quitted the room, had Mr. Collins not thus addressed her: + + “When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on the + subject, I shall hope to receive a more favourable answer than + you have now given me; though I am far from accusing you of + cruelty at present, because I know it to be the established + custom of your sex to reject a man on the first application, and + perhaps you have even now said as much to encourage my suit as + would be consistent with the true delicacy of the female + character.” + + “Really, Mr. Collins,” cried Elizabeth with some warmth, “you + puzzle me exceedingly. If what I have hitherto said can appear to + you in the form of encouragement, I know not how to express my + refusal in such a way as to convince you of its being one.” + + “You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, that + your refusal of my addresses is merely words of course. My + reasons for believing it are briefly these: It does not appear to + me that my hand is unworthy of your acceptance, or that the + establishment I can offer would be any other than highly + desirable. My situation in life, my connections with the family + of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, are circumstances + highly in my favour; and you should take it into further + consideration, that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is + by no means certain that another offer of marriage may ever be + made you. Your portion is unhappily so small that it will in all + likelihood undo the effects of your loveliness and amiable + qualifications. As I must therefore conclude that you are not + serious in your rejection of me, I shall choose to attribute it + to your wish of increasing my love by suspense, according to the + usual practice of elegant females.” + + “I do assure you, sir, that I have no pretensions whatever to + that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable + man. I would rather be paid the compliment of being believed + sincere. I thank you again and again for the honour you have done + me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely + impossible. My feelings in every respect forbid it. Can I speak + plainer? Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending + to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth + from her heart.” + + “You are uniformly charming!” cried he, with an air of awkward + gallantry; “and I am persuaded that when sanctioned by the + express authority of both your excellent parents, my proposals + will not fail of being acceptable.” + + To such perseverance in wilful self-deception Elizabeth would + make no reply, and immediately and in silence withdrew; + determined, if he persisted in considering her repeated refusals + as flattering encouragement, to apply to her father, whose + negative might be uttered in such a manner as to be decisive, and + whose behaviour at least could not be mistaken for the + affectation and coquetry of an elegant female. + + + + + Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent contemplation of his + successful love; for Mrs. Bennet, having dawdled about in the + vestibule to watch for the end of the conference, no sooner saw + Elizabeth open the door and with quick step pass her towards the + staircase, than she entered the breakfast-room, and congratulated + both him and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect of their + nearer connection. Mr. Collins received and returned these + felicitations with equal pleasure, and then proceeded to relate + the particulars of their interview, with the result of which he + trusted he had every reason to be satisfied, since the refusal + which his cousin had steadfastly given him would naturally flow + from her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her + character. + + This information, however, startled Mrs. Bennet; she would have + been glad to be equally satisfied that her daughter had meant to + encourage him by protesting against his proposals, but she dared + not believe it, and could not help saying so. + + “But, depend upon it, Mr. Collins,” she added, “that Lizzy shall + be brought to reason. I will speak to her about it directly. She + is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her own + interest but I will make her know it.” + + “Pardon me for interrupting you, madam,” cried Mr. Collins; “but + if she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she + would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my + situation, who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage + state. If therefore she actually persists in rejecting my suit, + perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me, + because if liable to such defects of temper, she could not + contribute much to my felicity.” + + “Sir, you quite misunderstand me,” said Mrs. Bennet, alarmed. + “Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. In everything + else she is as good-natured a girl as ever lived. I will go + directly to Mr. Bennet, and we shall very soon settle it with + her, I am sure.” + + She would not give him time to reply, but hurrying instantly to + her husband, called out as she entered the library, “Oh! Mr. + Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You + must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will + not have him, and if you do not make haste he will change his + mind and not have her.” + + Mr. Bennet raised his eyes from his book as she entered, and + fixed them on her face with a calm unconcern which was not in the + least altered by her communication. + + “I have not the pleasure of understanding you,” said he, when she + had finished her speech. “Of what are you talking?” + + “Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy. Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. + Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say that he will not have + Lizzy.” + + “And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems an hopeless + business.” + + “Speak to Lizzy about it yourself. Tell her that you insist upon + her marrying him.” + + “Let her be called down. She shall hear my opinion.” + + Mrs. Bennet rang the bell, and Miss Elizabeth was summoned to the + library. + + “Come here, child,” cried her father as she appeared. “I have + sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. + Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true?” Elizabeth + replied that it was. “Very well—and this offer of marriage you + have refused?” + + “I have, sir.” + + “Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon + your accepting it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?” + + “Yes, or I will never see her again.” + + “An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day + you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will + never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will + never see you again if you do.” + + Elizabeth could not but smile at such a conclusion of such a + beginning, but Mrs. Bennet, who had persuaded herself that her + husband regarded the affair as she wished, was excessively + disappointed. + + “What do you mean, Mr. Bennet, in talking this way? You promised + me to insist upon her marrying him.” + + “My dear,” replied her husband, “I have two small favours to + request. First, that you will allow me the free use of my + understanding on the present occasion; and secondly, of my room. + I shall be glad to have the library to myself as soon as may be.” + + Not yet, however, in spite of her disappointment in her husband, + did Mrs. Bennet give up the point. She talked to Elizabeth again + and again; coaxed and threatened her by turns. She endeavoured to + secure Jane in her interest; but Jane, with all possible + mildness, declined interfering; and Elizabeth, sometimes with + real earnestness, and sometimes with playful gaiety, replied to + her attacks. Though her manner varied, however, her determination + never did. + + Mr. Collins, meanwhile, was meditating in solitude on what had + passed. He thought too well of himself to comprehend on what + motives his cousin could refuse him; and though his pride was + hurt, he suffered in no other way. His regard for her was quite + imaginary; and the possibility of her deserving her mother’s + reproach prevented his feeling any regret. + + While the family were in this confusion, Charlotte Lucas came to + spend the day with them. She was met in the vestibule by Lydia, + who, flying to her, cried in a half whisper, “I am glad you are + come, for there is such fun here! What do you think has happened + this morning? Mr. Collins has made an offer to Lizzy, and she + will not have him.” + + Charlotte hardly had time to answer, before they were joined by + Kitty, who came to tell the same news; and no sooner had they + entered the breakfast-room, where Mrs. Bennet was alone, than she + likewise began on the subject, calling on Miss Lucas for her + compassion, and entreating her to persuade her friend Lizzy to + comply with the wishes of all her family. “Pray do, my dear Miss + Lucas,” she added in a melancholy tone, “for nobody is on my + side, nobody takes part with me. I am cruelly used, nobody feels + for my poor nerves.” + + Charlotte’s reply was spared by the entrance of Jane and + Elizabeth. + + “Aye, there she comes,” continued Mrs. Bennet, “looking as + unconcerned as may be, and caring no more for us than if we were + at York, provided she can have her own way. But I tell you, Miss + Lizzy—if you take it into your head to go on refusing every offer + of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband at all—and + I am sure I do not know who is to maintain you when your father + is dead. I shall not be able to keep you—and so I warn you. I + have done with you from this very day. I told you in the library, + you know, that I should never speak to you again, and you will + find me as good as my word. I have no pleasure in talking to + undutiful children. Not that I have much pleasure, indeed, in + talking to anybody. People who suffer as I do from nervous + complaints can have no great inclination for talking. Nobody can + tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not + complain are never pitied.” + + Her daughters listened in silence to this effusion, sensible that + any attempt to reason with her or soothe her would only increase + the irritation. She talked on, therefore, without interruption + from any of them, till they were joined by Mr. Collins, who + entered the room with an air more stately than usual, and on + perceiving whom, she said to the girls, “Now, I do insist upon + it, that you, all of you, hold your tongues, and let me and Mr. + Collins have a little conversation together.” + + Elizabeth passed quietly out of the room, Jane and Kitty + followed, but Lydia stood her ground, determined to hear all she + could; and Charlotte, detained first by the civility of Mr. + Collins, whose inquiries after herself and all her family were + very minute, and then by a little curiosity, satisfied herself + with walking to the window and pretending not to hear. In a + doleful voice Mrs. Bennet began the projected conversation: “Oh! + Mr. Collins!” + + “My dear madam,” replied he, “let us be for ever silent on this + point. Far be it from me,” he presently continued, in a voice + that marked his displeasure, “to resent the behaviour of your + daughter. Resignation to inevitable evils is the duty of us all; + the peculiar duty of a young man who has been so fortunate as I + have been in early preferment; and I trust I am resigned. Perhaps + not the less so from feeling a doubt of my positive happiness had + my fair cousin honoured me with her hand; for I have often + observed that resignation is never so perfect as when the + blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value in our + estimation. You will not, I hope, consider me as showing any + disrespect to your family, my dear madam, by thus withdrawing my + pretensions to your daughter’s favour, without having paid + yourself and Mr. Bennet the compliment of requesting you to + interpose your authority in my behalf. My conduct may, I fear, be + objectionable in having accepted my dismission from your + daughter’s lips instead of your own. But we are all liable to + error. I have certainly meant well through the whole affair. My + object has been to secure an amiable companion for myself, with + due consideration for the advantage of all your family, and if my + manner has been at all reprehensible, I here beg leave to + apologise.” + + + + + The discussion of Mr. Collins’s offer was now nearly at an end, + and Elizabeth had only to suffer from the uncomfortable feelings + necessarily attending it, and occasionally from some peevish + allusions of her mother. As for the gentleman himself, his + feelings were chiefly expressed, not by embarrassment or + dejection, or by trying to avoid her, but by stiffness of manner + and resentful silence. He scarcely ever spoke to her, and the + assiduous attentions which he had been so sensible of himself + were transferred for the rest of the day to Miss Lucas, whose + civility in listening to him was a seasonable relief to them all, + and especially to her friend. + + The morrow produced no abatement of Mrs. Bennet’s ill-humour or + ill health. Mr. Collins was also in the same state of angry + pride. Elizabeth had hoped that his resentment might shorten his + visit, but his plan did not appear in the least affected by it. + He was always to have gone on Saturday, and to Saturday he meant + to stay. + + After breakfast, the girls walked to Meryton to inquire if Mr. + Wickham were returned, and to lament over his absence from the + Netherfield ball. He joined them on their entering the town, and + attended them to their aunt’s where his regret and vexation, and + the concern of everybody, was well talked over. To Elizabeth, + however, he voluntarily acknowledged that the necessity of his + absence had been self-imposed. + + “I found,” said he, “as the time drew near that I had better not + meet Mr. Darcy; that to be in the same room, the same party with + him for so many hours together, might be more than I could bear, + and that scenes might arise unpleasant to more than myself.” + + She highly approved his forbearance, and they had leisure for a + full discussion of it, and for all the commendation which they + civilly bestowed on each other, as Wickham and another officer + walked back with them to Longbourn, and during the walk he + particularly attended to her. His accompanying them was a double + advantage; she felt all the compliment it offered to herself, and + it was most acceptable as an occasion of introducing him to her + father and mother. + + Soon after their return, a letter was delivered to Miss Bennet; + it came from Netherfield. The envelope contained a sheet of + elegant, little, hot-pressed paper, well covered with a lady’s + fair, flowing hand; and Elizabeth saw her sister’s countenance + change as she read it, and saw her dwelling intently on some + particular passages. Jane recollected herself soon, and putting + the letter away, tried to join with her usual cheerfulness in the + general conversation; but Elizabeth felt an anxiety on the + subject which drew off her attention even from Wickham; and no + sooner had he and his companion taken leave, than a glance from + Jane invited her to follow her up stairs. When they had gained + their own room, Jane, taking out the letter, said: + + “This is from Caroline Bingley; what it contains has surprised me + a good deal. The whole party have left Netherfield by this time, + and are on their way to town—and without any intention of coming + back again. You shall hear what she says.” + + She then read the first sentence aloud, which comprised the + information of their having just resolved to follow their brother + to town directly, and of their meaning to dine in Grosvenor + Street, where Mr. Hurst had a house. The next was in these words: + “I do not pretend to regret anything I shall leave in + Hertfordshire, except your society, my dearest friend; but we + will hope, at some future period, to enjoy many returns of that + delightful intercourse we have known, and in the meanwhile may + lessen the pain of separation by a very frequent and most + unreserved correspondence. I depend on you for that.” To these + highflown expressions Elizabeth listened with all the + insensibility of distrust; and though the suddenness of their + removal surprised her, she saw nothing in it really to lament; it + was not to be supposed that their absence from Netherfield would + prevent Mr. Bingley’s being there; and as to the loss of their + society, she was persuaded that Jane must cease to regard it, in + the enjoyment of his. + + “It is unlucky,” said she, after a short pause, “that you should + not be able to see your friends before they leave the country. + But may we not hope that the period of future happiness to which + Miss Bingley looks forward may arrive earlier than she is aware, + and that the delightful intercourse you have known as friends + will be renewed with yet greater satisfaction as sisters? Mr. + Bingley will not be detained in London by them.” + + “Caroline decidedly says that none of the party will return into + Hertfordshire this winter. I will read it to you:” + + “When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that the business + which took him to London might be concluded in three or four + days; but as we are certain it cannot be so, and at the same time + convinced that when Charles gets to town he will be in no hurry + to leave it again, we have determined on following him thither, + that he may not be obliged to spend his vacant hours in a + comfortless hotel. Many of my acquaintances are already there for + the winter; I wish that I could hear that you, my dearest friend, + had any intention of making one of the crowd—but of that I + despair. I sincerely hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire may + abound in the gaieties which that season generally brings, and + that your beaux will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling + the loss of the three of whom we shall deprive you.” + + “It is evident by this,” added Jane, “that he comes back no more + this winter.” + + “It is only evident that Miss Bingley does not mean that he + should.” + + “Why will you think so? It must be his own doing. He is his own + master. But you do not know all. I will read you the passage + which particularly hurts me. I will have no reserves from you.” + + “Mr. Darcy is impatient to see his sister; and, to confess the + truth, we are scarcely less eager to meet her again. I really + do not think Georgiana Darcy has her equal for beauty, elegance, + and accomplishments; and the affection she inspires in Louisa and + myself is heightened into something still more interesting, from + the hope we dare entertain of her being hereafter our sister. I + do not know whether I ever before mentioned to you my feelings on + this subject; but I will not leave the country without confiding + them, and I trust you will not esteem them unreasonable. My + brother admires her greatly already; he will have frequent + opportunity now of seeing her on the most intimate footing; her + relations all wish the connection as much as his own; and a + sister’s partiality is not misleading me, I think, when I call + Charles most capable of engaging any woman’s heart. With all + these circumstances to favour an attachment, and nothing to + prevent it, am I wrong, my dearest Jane, in indulging the hope of + an event which will secure the happiness of so many?” + + “What do you think of this sentence, my dear Lizzy?” said Jane + as she finished it. “Is it not clear enough? Does it not + expressly declare that Caroline neither expects nor wishes me to + be her sister; that she is perfectly convinced of her brother’s + indifference; and that if she suspects the nature of my feelings + for him, she means (most kindly!) to put me on my guard? Can + there be any other opinion on the subject?” + + “Yes, there can; for mine is totally different. Will you hear + it?” + + “Most willingly.” + + “You shall have it in a few words. Miss Bingley sees that her + brother is in love with you, and wants him to marry Miss Darcy. + She follows him to town in hope of keeping him there, and tries + to persuade you that he does not care about you.” + + Jane shook her head. + + “Indeed, Jane, you ought to believe me. No one who has ever seen + you together can doubt his affection. Miss Bingley, I am sure, + cannot. She is not such a simpleton. Could she have seen half as + much love in Mr. Darcy for herself, she would have ordered her + wedding clothes. But the case is this: We are not rich enough or + grand enough for them; and she is the more anxious to get Miss + Darcy for her brother, from the notion that when there has been + one intermarriage, she may have less trouble in achieving a + second; in which there is certainly some ingenuity, and I dare + say it would succeed, if Miss de Bourgh were out of the way. But, + my dearest Jane, you cannot seriously imagine that because Miss + Bingley tells you her brother greatly admires Miss Darcy, he is + in the smallest degree less sensible of your merit than when he + took leave of you on Tuesday, or that it will be in her power to + persuade him that, instead of being in love with you, he is very + much in love with her friend.” + + “If we thought alike of Miss Bingley,” replied Jane, “your + representation of all this might make me quite easy. But I know + the foundation is unjust. Caroline is incapable of wilfully + deceiving anyone; and all that I can hope in this case is that + she is deceiving herself.” + + “That is right. You could not have started a more happy idea, + since you will not take comfort in mine. Believe her to be + deceived, by all means. You have now done your duty by her, and + must fret no longer.” + + “But, my dear sister, can I be happy, even supposing the best, in + accepting a man whose sisters and friends are all wishing him to + marry elsewhere?” + + “You must decide for yourself,” said Elizabeth; “and if, upon + mature deliberation, you find that the misery of disobliging his + two sisters is more than equivalent to the happiness of being his + wife, I advise you by all means to refuse him.” + + “How can you talk so?” said Jane, faintly smiling. “You must know + that though I should be exceedingly grieved at their + disapprobation, I could not hesitate.” + + “I did not think you would; and that being the case, I cannot + consider your situation with much compassion.” + + “But if he returns no more this winter, my choice will never be + required. A thousand things may arise in six months!” + + The idea of his returning no more Elizabeth treated with the + utmost contempt. It appeared to her merely the suggestion of + Caroline’s interested wishes, and she could not for a moment + suppose that those wishes, however openly or artfully spoken, + could influence a young man so totally independent of everyone. + + She represented to her sister as forcibly as possible what she + felt on the subject, and had soon the pleasure of seeing its + happy effect. Jane’s temper was not desponding, and she was + gradually led to hope, though the diffidence of affection + sometimes overcame the hope, that Bingley would return to + Netherfield and answer every wish of her heart. + + They agreed that Mrs. Bennet should only hear of the departure of + the family, without being alarmed on the score of the gentleman’s + conduct; but even this partial communication gave her a great + deal of concern, and she bewailed it as exceedingly unlucky that + the ladies should happen to go away just as they were all getting + so intimate together. After lamenting it, however, at some + length, she had the consolation that Mr. Bingley would be soon + down again and soon dining at Longbourn, and the conclusion of + all was the comfortable declaration, that though he had been + invited only to a family dinner, she would take care to have two + full courses. + + + + + The Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases and again + during the chief of the day was Miss Lucas so kind as to listen + to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth took an opportunity of thanking her. + “It keeps him in good humour,” said she, “and I am more obliged + to you than I can express.” Charlotte assured her friend of her + satisfaction in being useful, and that it amply repaid her for + the little sacrifice of her time. This was very amiable, but + Charlotte’s kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any + conception of; its object was nothing else than to secure her + from any return of Mr. Collins’s addresses, by engaging them + towards herself. Such was Miss Lucas’s scheme; and appearances + were so favourable, that when they parted at night, she would + have felt almost secure of success if he had not been to leave + Hertfordshire so very soon. But here she did injustice to the + fire and independence of his character, for it led him to escape + out of Longbourn House the next morning with admirable slyness, + and hasten to Lucas Lodge to throw himself at her feet. He was + anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins, from a conviction + that if they saw him depart, they could not fail to conjecture + his design, and he was not willing to have the attempt known till + its success might be known likewise; for though feeling almost + secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably + encouraging, he was comparatively diffident since the adventure + of Wednesday. His reception, however, was of the most flattering + kind. Miss Lucas perceived him from an upper window as he walked + towards the house, and instantly set out to meet him accidentally + in the lane. But little had she dared to hope that so much love + and eloquence awaited her there. + + In as short a time as Mr. Collins’s long speeches would allow, + everything was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; + and as they entered the house he earnestly entreated her to name + the day that was to make him the happiest of men; and though such + a solicitation must be waived for the present, the lady felt no + inclination to trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with + which he was favoured by nature must guard his courtship from any + charm that could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss + Lucas, who accepted him solely from the pure and disinterested + desire of an establishment, cared not how soon that establishment + were gained. + + Sir William and Lady Lucas were speedily applied to for their + consent; and it was bestowed with a most joyful alacrity. Mr. + Collins’s present circumstances made it a most eligible match for + their daughter, to whom they could give little fortune; and his + prospects of future wealth were exceedingly fair. Lady Lucas + began directly to calculate, with more interest than the matter + had ever excited before, how many years longer Mr. Bennet was + likely to live; and Sir William gave it as his decided opinion, + that whenever Mr. Collins should be in possession of the + Longbourn estate, it would be highly expedient that both he and + his wife should make their appearance at St. James’s. The whole + family, in short, were properly overjoyed on the occasion. The + younger girls formed hopes of coming out a year or two sooner + than they might otherwise have done; and the boys were relieved + from their apprehension of Charlotte’s dying an old maid. + Charlotte herself was tolerably composed. She had gained her + point, and had time to consider of it. Her reflections were in + general satisfactory. Mr. Collins, to be sure, was neither + sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his + attachment to her must be imaginary. But still he would be her + husband. Without thinking highly either of men or matrimony, + marriage had always been her object; it was the only provision + for well-educated young women of small fortune, and however + uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantest + preservative from want. This preservative she had now obtained; + and at the age of twenty-seven, without having ever been + handsome, she felt all the good luck of it. The least agreeable + circumstance in the business was the surprise it must occasion to + Elizabeth Bennet, whose friendship she valued beyond that of any + other person. Elizabeth would wonder, and probably would blame + her; and though her resolution was not to be shaken, her feelings + must be hurt by such a disapprobation. She resolved to give her + the information herself, and therefore charged Mr. Collins, when + he returned to Longbourn to dinner, to drop no hint of what had + passed before any of the family. A promise of secrecy was of + course very dutifully given, but it could not be kept without + difficulty; for the curiosity excited by his long absence burst + forth in such very direct questions on his return as required + some ingenuity to evade, and he was at the same time exercising + great self-denial, for he was longing to publish his prosperous + love. + + As he was to begin his journey too early on the morrow to see any + of the family, the ceremony of leave-taking was performed when + the ladies moved for the night; and Mrs. Bennet, with great + politeness and cordiality, said how happy they should be to see + him at Longbourn again, whenever his engagements might allow him + to visit them. + + “My dear madam,” he replied, “this invitation is particularly + gratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; and + you may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon + as possible.” + + They were all astonished; and Mr. Bennet, who could by no means + wish for so speedy a return, immediately said: + + “But is there not danger of Lady Catherine’s disapprobation here, + my good sir? You had better neglect your relations than run the + risk of offending your patroness.” + + “My dear sir,” replied Mr. Collins, “I am particularly obliged to + you for this friendly caution, and you may depend upon my not + taking so material a step without her ladyship’s concurrence.” + + “You cannot be too much upon your guard. Risk anything rather + than her displeasure; and if you find it likely to be raised by + your coming to us again, which I should think exceedingly + probable, stay quietly at home, and be satisfied that we shall + take no offence.” + + “Believe me, my dear sir, my gratitude is warmly excited by such + affectionate attention; and depend upon it, you will speedily + receive from me a letter of thanks for this, and for every other + mark of your regard during my stay in Hertfordshire. As for my + fair cousins, though my absence may not be long enough to render + it necessary, I shall now take the liberty of wishing them health + and happiness, not excepting my cousin Elizabeth.” + + With proper civilities the ladies then withdrew; all of them + equally surprised that he meditated a quick return. Mrs. Bennet + wished to understand by it that he thought of paying his + addresses to one of her younger girls, and Mary might have been + prevailed on to accept him. She rated his abilities much higher + than any of the others; there was a solidity in his reflections + which often struck her, and though by no means so clever as + herself, she thought that if encouraged to read and improve + himself by such an example as hers, he might become a very + agreeable companion. But on the following morning, every hope of + this kind was done away. Miss Lucas called soon after breakfast, + and in a private conference with Elizabeth related the event of + the day before. + + The possibility of Mr. Collins’s fancying himself in love with + her friend had once occurred to Elizabeth within the last day or + two; but that Charlotte could encourage him seemed almost as far + from possibility as she could encourage him herself, and her + astonishment was consequently so great as to overcome at first + the bounds of decorum, and she could not help crying out: + + “Engaged to Mr. Collins! My dear Charlotte—impossible!” + + The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling + her story, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so + direct a reproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, + she soon regained her composure, and calmly replied: + + “Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? Do you think it + incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman’s + good opinion, because he was not so happy as to succeed with + you?” + + But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and making a strong + effort for it, was able to assure with tolerable firmness that + the prospect of their relationship was highly grateful to her, + and that she wished her all imaginable happiness. + + “I see what you are feeling,” replied Charlotte. “You must be + surprised, very much surprised—so lately as Mr. Collins was + wishing to marry you. But when you have had time to think it + over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I have done. I am + not romantic, you know; I never was. I ask only a comfortable + home; and considering Mr. Collins’s character, connection, and + situation in life, I am convinced that my chance of happiness + with him is as fair as most people can boast on entering the + marriage state.” + + Elizabeth quietly answered “Undoubtedly;” and after an awkward + pause, they returned to the rest of the family. Charlotte did not + stay much longer, and Elizabeth was then left to reflect on what + she had heard. It was a long time before she became at all + reconciled to the idea of so unsuitable a match. The strangeness + of Mr. Collins’s making two offers of marriage within three days + was nothing in comparison of his being now accepted. She had + always felt that Charlotte’s opinion of matrimony was not exactly + like her own, but she had not supposed it to be possible that, + when called into action, she would have sacrificed every better + feeling to worldly advantage. Charlotte the wife of Mr. Collins + was a most humiliating picture! And to the pang of a friend + disgracing herself and sunk in her esteem, was added the + distressing conviction that it was impossible for that friend to + be tolerably happy in the lot she had chosen. + + + + + Elizabeth was sitting with her mother and sisters, reflecting on + what she had heard, and doubting whether she was authorised to + mention it, when Sir William Lucas himself appeared, sent by his + daughter, to announce her engagement to the family. With many + compliments to them, and much self-gratulation on the prospect of + a connection between the houses, he unfolded the matter—to an + audience not merely wondering, but incredulous; for Mrs. Bennet, + with more perseverance than politeness, protested he must be + entirely mistaken; and Lydia, always unguarded and often uncivil, + boisterously exclaimed: + + “Good Lord! Sir William, how can you tell such a story? Do not + you know that Mr. Collins wants to marry Lizzy?” + + Nothing less than the complaisance of a courtier could have borne + without anger such treatment; but Sir William’s good breeding + carried him through it all; and though he begged leave to be + positive as to the truth of his information, he listened to all + their impertinence with the most forbearing courtesy. + + Elizabeth, feeling it incumbent on her to relieve him from so + unpleasant a situation, now put herself forward to confirm his + account, by mentioning her prior knowledge of it from Charlotte + herself; and endeavoured to put a stop to the exclamations of her + mother and sisters by the earnestness of her congratulations to + Sir William, in which she was readily joined by Jane, and by + making a variety of remarks on the happiness that might be + expected from the match, the excellent character of Mr. Collins, + and the convenient distance of Hunsford from London. + + Mrs. Bennet was in fact too much overpowered to say a great deal + while Sir William remained; but no sooner had he left them than + her feelings found a rapid vent. In the first place, she + persisted in disbelieving the whole of the matter; secondly, she + was very sure that Mr. Collins had been taken in; thirdly, she + trusted that they would never be happy together; and fourthly, + that the match might be broken off. Two inferences, however, were + plainly deduced from the whole: one, that Elizabeth was the real + cause of the mischief; and the other that she herself had been + barbarously misused by them all; and on these two points she + principally dwelt during the rest of the day. Nothing could + console and nothing could appease her. Nor did that day wear out + her resentment. A week elapsed before she could see Elizabeth + without scolding her, a month passed away before she could speak + to Sir William or Lady Lucas without being rude, and many months + were gone before she could at all forgive their daughter. + + Mr. Bennet’s emotions were much more tranquil on the occasion, + and such as he did experience he pronounced to be of a most + agreeable sort; for it gratified him, he said, to discover that + Charlotte Lucas, whom he had been used to think tolerably + sensible, was as foolish as his wife, and more foolish than his + daughter! + + Jane confessed herself a little surprised at the match; but she + said less of her astonishment than of her earnest desire for + their happiness; nor could Elizabeth persuade her to consider it + as improbable. Kitty and Lydia were far from envying Miss Lucas, + for Mr. Collins was only a clergyman; and it affected them in no + other way than as a piece of news to spread at Meryton. + + Lady Lucas could not be insensible of triumph on being able to + retort on Mrs. Bennet the comfort of having a daughter well + married; and she called at Longbourn rather oftener than usual to + say how happy she was, though Mrs. Bennet’s sour looks and + ill-natured remarks might have been enough to drive happiness + away. + + Between Elizabeth and Charlotte there was a restraint which kept + them mutually silent on the subject; and Elizabeth felt persuaded + that no real confidence could ever subsist between them again. + Her disappointment in Charlotte made her turn with fonder regard + to her sister, of whose rectitude and delicacy she was sure her + opinion could never be shaken, and for whose happiness she grew + daily more anxious, as Bingley had now been gone a week and + nothing more was heard of his return. + + Jane had sent Caroline an early answer to her letter, and was + counting the days till she might reasonably hope to hear again. + The promised letter of thanks from Mr. Collins arrived on + Tuesday, addressed to their father, and written with all the + solemnity of gratitude which a twelvemonth’s abode in the family + might have prompted. After discharging his conscience on that + head, he proceeded to inform them, with many rapturous + expressions, of his happiness in having obtained the affection of + their amiable neighbour, Miss Lucas, and then explained that it + was merely with the view of enjoying her society that he had been + so ready to close with their kind wish of seeing him again at + Longbourn, whither he hoped to be able to return on Monday + fortnight; for Lady Catherine, he added, so heartily approved his + marriage, that she wished it to take place as soon as possible, + which he trusted would be an unanswerable argument with his + amiable Charlotte to name an early day for making him the + happiest of men. + + Mr. Collins’s return into Hertfordshire was no longer a matter of + pleasure to Mrs. Bennet. On the contrary, she was as much + disposed to complain of it as her husband. It was very strange + that he should come to Longbourn instead of to Lucas Lodge; it + was also very inconvenient and exceedingly troublesome. She hated + having visitors in the house while her health was so indifferent, + and lovers were of all people the most disagreeable. Such were + the gentle murmurs of Mrs. Bennet, and they gave way only to the + greater distress of Mr. Bingley’s continued absence. + + Neither Jane nor Elizabeth were comfortable on this subject. Day + after day passed away without bringing any other tidings of him + than the report which shortly prevailed in Meryton of his coming + no more to Netherfield the whole winter; a report which highly + incensed Mrs. Bennet, and which she never failed to contradict as + a most scandalous falsehood. + + Even Elizabeth began to fear—not that Bingley was indifferent—but + that his sisters would be successful in keeping him away. + Unwilling as she was to admit an idea so destructive of Jane’s + happiness, and so dishonorable to the stability of her lover, she + could not prevent its frequently occurring. The united efforts of + his two unfeeling sisters and of his overpowering friend, + assisted by the attractions of Miss Darcy and the amusements of + London might be too much, she feared, for the strength of his + attachment. + + As for Jane, her anxiety under this suspense was, of course, + more painful than Elizabeth’s, but whatever she felt she was + desirous of concealing, and between herself and Elizabeth, + therefore, the subject was never alluded to. But as no such + delicacy restrained her mother, an hour seldom passed in which + she did not talk of Bingley, express her impatience for his + arrival, or even require Jane to confess that if he did not come + back she would think herself very ill used. It needed all Jane’s + steady mildness to bear these attacks with tolerable + tranquillity. + + Mr. Collins returned most punctually on Monday fortnight, but his + reception at Longbourn was not quite so gracious as it had been + on his first introduction. He was too happy, however, to need + much attention; and luckily for the others, the business of + love-making relieved them from a great deal of his company. The + chief of every day was spent by him at Lucas Lodge, and he + sometimes returned to Longbourn only in time to make an apology + for his absence before the family went to bed. + + Mrs. Bennet was really in a most pitiable state. The very mention + of anything concerning the match threw her into an agony of + ill-humour, and wherever she went she was sure of hearing it + talked of. The sight of Miss Lucas was odious to her. As her + successor in that house, she regarded her with jealous + abhorrence. Whenever Charlotte came to see them, she concluded + her to be anticipating the hour of possession; and whenever she + spoke in a low voice to Mr. Collins, was convinced that they were + talking of the Longbourn estate, and resolving to turn herself + and her daughters out of the house, as soon as Mr. Bennet were + dead. She complained bitterly of all this to her husband. + + “Indeed, Mr. Bennet,” said she, “it is very hard to think that + Charlotte Lucas should ever be mistress of this house, that I + should be forced to make way for her, and live to see her take + her place in it!” + + “My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. Let us hope + for better things. Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the + survivor.” + + This was not very consoling to Mrs. Bennet, and therefore, + instead of making any answer, she went on as before. + + “I cannot bear to think that they should have all this estate. If + it was not for the entail, I should not mind it.” + + “What should not you mind?” + + “I should not mind anything at all.” + + “Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state of such + insensibility.” + + “I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet, for anything about the + entail. How anyone could have the conscience to entail away an + estate from one’s own daughters, I cannot understand; and all for + the sake of Mr. Collins too! Why should he have it more than + anybody else?” + + “I leave it to yourself to determine,” said Mr. Bennet. + + + + + Miss Bingley’s letter arrived, and put an end to doubt. The very + first sentence conveyed the assurance of their being all settled + in London for the winter, and concluded with her brother’s regret + at not having had time to pay his respects to his friends in + Hertfordshire before he left the country. + + Hope was over, entirely over; and when Jane could attend to the + rest of the letter, she found little, except the professed + affection of the writer, that could give her any comfort. Miss + Darcy’s praise occupied the chief of it. Her many attractions + were again dwelt on, and Caroline boasted joyfully of their + increasing intimacy, and ventured to predict the accomplishment + of the wishes which had been unfolded in her former letter. She + wrote also with great pleasure of her brother’s being an inmate + of Mr. Darcy’s house, and mentioned with raptures some plans of + the latter with regard to new furniture. + + Elizabeth, to whom Jane very soon communicated the chief of all + this, heard it in silent indignation. Her heart was divided + between concern for her sister, and resentment against all + others. To Caroline’s assertion of her brother’s being partial to + Miss Darcy she paid no credit. That he was really fond of Jane, + she doubted no more than she had ever done; and much as she had + always been disposed to like him, she could not think without + anger, hardly without contempt, on that easiness of temper, that + want of proper resolution, which now made him the slave of his + designing friends, and led him to sacrifice of his own happiness + to the caprice of their inclination. Had his own happiness, + however, been the only sacrifice, he might have been allowed to + sport with it in whatever manner he thought best, but her + sister’s was involved in it, as she thought he must be sensible + himself. It was a subject, in short, on which reflection would be + long indulged, and must be unavailing. She could think of nothing + else; and yet whether Bingley’s regard had really died away, or + were suppressed by his friends’ interference; whether he had been + aware of Jane’s attachment, or whether it had escaped his + observation; whatever were the case, though her opinion of him + must be materially affected by the difference, her sister’s + situation remained the same, her peace equally wounded. + + A day or two passed before Jane had courage to speak of her + feelings to Elizabeth; but at last, on Mrs. Bennet’s leaving them + together, after a longer irritation than usual about Netherfield + and its master, she could not help saying: + + “Oh, that my dear mother had more command over herself! She can + have no idea of the pain she gives me by her continual + reflections on him. But I will not repine. It cannot last long. + He will be forgot, and we shall all be as we were before.” + + Elizabeth looked at her sister with incredulous solicitude, but + said nothing. + + “You doubt me,” cried Jane, slightly colouring; “indeed, you have + no reason. He may live in my memory as the most amiable man of my + acquaintance, but that is all. I have nothing either to hope or + fear, and nothing to reproach him with. Thank God! I have not + that pain. A little time, therefore—I shall certainly try to + get the better.” + + With a stronger voice she soon added, “I have this comfort + immediately, that it has not been more than an error of fancy on + my side, and that it has done no harm to anyone but myself.” + + “My dear Jane!” exclaimed Elizabeth, “you are too good. Your + sweetness and disinterestedness are really angelic; I do not know + what to say to you. I feel as if I had never done you justice, or + loved you as you deserve.” + + Miss Bennet eagerly disclaimed all extraordinary merit, and threw + back the praise on her sister’s warm affection. + + “Nay,” said Elizabeth, “this is not fair. You wish to think all + the world respectable, and are hurt if I speak ill of anybody. + I only want to think you perfect, and you set yourself + against it. Do not be afraid of my running into any excess, of my + encroaching on your privilege of universal good-will. You need + not. There are few people whom I really love, and still fewer of + whom I think well. The more I see of the world, the more am I + dissatisfied with it; and every day confirms my belief of the + inconsistency of all human characters, and of the little + dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit or + sense. I have met with two instances lately, one I will not + mention; the other is Charlotte’s marriage. It is unaccountable! + In every view it is unaccountable!” + + “My dear Lizzy, do not give way to such feelings as these. They + will ruin your happiness. You do not make allowance enough for + difference of situation and temper. Consider Mr. Collins’s + respectability, and Charlotte’s steady, prudent character. + Remember that she is one of a large family; that as to fortune, + it is a most eligible match; and be ready to believe, for + everybody’s sake, that she may feel something like regard and + esteem for our cousin.” + + “To oblige you, I would try to believe almost anything, but no + one else could be benefited by such a belief as this; for were I + persuaded that Charlotte had any regard for him, I should only + think worse of her understanding than I now do of her heart. My + dear Jane, Mr. Collins is a conceited, pompous, narrow-minded, + silly man; you know he is, as well as I do; and you must feel, as + well as I do, that the woman who married him cannot have a proper + way of thinking. You shall not defend her, though it is Charlotte + Lucas. You shall not, for the sake of one individual, change the + meaning of principle and integrity, nor endeavour to persuade + yourself or me, that selfishness is prudence, and insensibility + of danger security for happiness.” + + “I must think your language too strong in speaking of both,” + replied Jane; “and I hope you will be convinced of it by seeing + them happy together. But enough of this. You alluded to something + else. You mentioned two instances. I cannot misunderstand you, + but I entreat you, dear Lizzy, not to pain me by thinking that + person to blame, and saying your opinion of him is sunk. We must + not be so ready to fancy ourselves intentionally injured. We must + not expect a lively young man to be always so guarded and + circumspect. It is very often nothing but our own vanity that + deceives us. Women fancy admiration means more than it does.” + + “And men take care that they should.” + + “If it is designedly done, they cannot be justified; but I have + no idea of there being so much design in the world as some + persons imagine.” + + “I am far from attributing any part of Mr. Bingley’s conduct to + design,” said Elizabeth; “but without scheming to do wrong, or to + make others unhappy, there may be error, and there may be misery. + Thoughtlessness, want of attention to other people’s feelings, + and want of resolution, will do the business.” + + “And do you impute it to either of those?” + + “Yes; to the last. But if I go on, I shall displease you by + saying what I think of persons you esteem. Stop me whilst you + can.” + + “You persist, then, in supposing his sisters influence him?” + + “Yes, in conjunction with his friend.” + + “I cannot believe it. Why should they try to influence him? They + can only wish his happiness; and if he is attached to me, no + other woman can secure it.” + + “Your first position is false. They may wish many things besides + his happiness; they may wish his increase of wealth and + consequence; they may wish him to marry a girl who has all the + importance of money, great connections, and pride.” + + “Beyond a doubt, they do wish him to choose Miss Darcy,” replied + Jane; “but this may be from better feelings than you are + supposing. They have known her much longer than they have known + me; no wonder if they love her better. But, whatever may be their + own wishes, it is very unlikely they should have opposed their + brother’s. What sister would think herself at liberty to do it, + unless there were something very objectionable? If they believed + him attached to me, they would not try to part us; if he were so, + they could not succeed. By supposing such an affection, you make + everybody acting unnaturally and wrong, and me most unhappy. Do + not distress me by the idea. I am not ashamed of having been + mistaken—or, at least, it is light, it is nothing in comparison + of what I should feel in thinking ill of him or his sisters. Let + me take it in the best light, in the light in which it may be + understood.” + + Elizabeth could not oppose such a wish; and from this time Mr. + Bingley’s name was scarcely ever mentioned between them. + + Mrs. Bennet still continued to wonder and repine at his returning + no more, and though a day seldom passed in which Elizabeth did + not account for it clearly, there was little chance of her ever + considering it with less perplexity. Her daughter endeavoured to + convince her of what she did not believe herself, that his + attentions to Jane had been merely the effect of a common and + transient liking, which ceased when he saw her no more; but + though the probability of the statement was admitted at the time, + she had the same story to repeat every day. Mrs. Bennet’s best + comfort was that Mr. Bingley must be down again in the summer. + + Mr. Bennet treated the matter differently. “So, Lizzy,” said he + one day, “your sister is crossed in love, I find. I congratulate + her. Next to being married, a girl likes to be crossed a little + in love now and then. It is something to think of, and it gives + her a sort of distinction among her companions. When is your turn + to come? You will hardly bear to be long outdone by Jane. Now is + your time. Here are officers enough in Meryton to disappoint all + the young ladies in the country. Let Wickham be your man. He is a + pleasant fellow, and would jilt you creditably.” + + “Thank you, sir, but a less agreeable man would satisfy me. We + must not all expect Jane’s good fortune.” + + “True,” said Mr. Bennet, “but it is a comfort to think that + whatever of that kind may befall you, you have an affectionate + mother who will make the most of it.” + + Mr. Wickham’s society was of material service in dispelling the + gloom which the late perverse occurrences had thrown on many of + the Longbourn family. They saw him often, and to his other + recommendations was now added that of general unreserve. The + whole of what Elizabeth had already heard, his claims on Mr. + Darcy, and all that he had suffered from him, was now openly + acknowledged and publicly canvassed; and everybody was pleased to + know how much they had always disliked Mr. Darcy before they had + known anything of the matter. + + Miss Bennet was the only creature who could suppose there might + be any extenuating circumstances in the case, unknown to the + society of Hertfordshire; her mild and steady candour always + pleaded for allowances, and urged the possibility of mistakes—but + by everybody else Mr. Darcy was condemned as the worst of men. + + + + + After a week spent in professions of love and schemes of + felicity, Mr. Collins was called from his amiable Charlotte by + the arrival of Saturday. The pain of separation, however, might + be alleviated on his side, by preparations for the reception of + his bride; as he had reason to hope, that shortly after his + return into Hertfordshire, the day would be fixed that was to + make him the happiest of men. He took leave of his relations at + Longbourn with as much solemnity as before; wished his fair + cousins health and happiness again, and promised their father + another letter of thanks. + + On the following Monday, Mrs. Bennet had the pleasure of + receiving her brother and his wife, who came as usual to spend + the Christmas at Longbourn. Mr. Gardiner was a sensible, + gentlemanlike man, greatly superior to his sister, as well by + nature as education. The Netherfield ladies would have had + difficulty in believing that a man who lived by trade, and within + view of his own warehouses, could have been so well-bred and + agreeable. Mrs. Gardiner, who was several years younger than Mrs. + Bennet and Mrs. Phillips, was an amiable, intelligent, elegant + woman, and a great favourite with all her Longbourn nieces. + Between the two eldest and herself especially, there subsisted a + particular regard. They had frequently been staying with her in + town. + + The first part of Mrs. Gardiner’s business on her arrival was to + distribute her presents and describe the newest fashions. When + this was done she had a less active part to play. It became her + turn to listen. Mrs. Bennet had many grievances to relate, and + much to complain of. They had all been very ill-used since she + last saw her sister. Two of her girls had been upon the point of + marriage, and after all there was nothing in it. + + “I do not blame Jane,” she continued, “for Jane would have got + Mr. Bingley if she could. But Lizzy! Oh, sister! It is very hard + to think that she might have been Mr. Collins’s wife by this + time, had it not been for her own perverseness. He made her an + offer in this very room, and she refused him. The consequence of + it is, that Lady Lucas will have a daughter married before I + have, and that the Longbourn estate is just as much entailed as + ever. The Lucases are very artful people indeed, sister. They are + all for what they can get. I am sorry to say it of them, but so + it is. It makes me very nervous and poorly, to be thwarted so in + my own family, and to have neighbours who think of themselves + before anybody else. However, your coming just at this time is + the greatest of comforts, and I am very glad to hear what you + tell us, of long sleeves.” + + Mrs. Gardiner, to whom the chief of this news had been given + before, in the course of Jane and Elizabeth’s correspondence with + her, made her sister a slight answer, and, in compassion to her + nieces, turned the conversation. + + When alone with Elizabeth afterwards, she spoke more on the + subject. “It seems likely to have been a desirable match for + Jane,” said she. “I am sorry it went off. But these things happen + so often! A young man, such as you describe Mr. Bingley, so + easily falls in love with a pretty girl for a few weeks, and when + accident separates them, so easily forgets her, that these sort + of inconsistencies are very frequent.” + + “An excellent consolation in its way,” said Elizabeth, “but it + will not do for us. We do not suffer by accident. It does not + often happen that the interference of friends will persuade a + young man of independent fortune to think no more of a girl whom + he was violently in love with only a few days before.” + + “But that expression of ‘violently in love’ is so hackneyed, so + doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea. It is + as often applied to feelings which arise from a half-hour’s + acquaintance, as to a real, strong attachment. Pray, how violent + was Mr. Bingley’s love?” + + “I never saw a more promising inclination; he was growing quite + inattentive to other people, and wholly engrossed by her. Every + time they met, it was more decided and remarkable. At his own + ball he offended two or three young ladies, by not asking them to + dance; and I spoke to him twice myself, without receiving an + answer. Could there be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility + the very essence of love?” + + “Oh, yes!—of that kind of love which I suppose him to have felt. + Poor Jane! I am sorry for her, because, with her disposition, she + may not get over it immediately. It had better have happened to + you, Lizzy; you would have laughed yourself out of it sooner. + But do you think she would be prevailed upon to go back with us? + Change of scene might be of service—and perhaps a little relief + from home may be as useful as anything.” + + Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and felt + persuaded of her sister’s ready acquiescence. + + “I hope,” added Mrs. Gardiner, “that no consideration with regard + to this young man will influence her. We live in so different a + part of town, all our connections are so different, and, as you + well know, we go out so little, that it is very improbable that + they should meet at all, unless he really comes to see her.” + + “And that is quite impossible; for he is now in the custody of + his friend, and Mr. Darcy would no more suffer him to call on + Jane in such a part of London! My dear aunt, how could you think + of it? Mr. Darcy may perhaps have heard of such a place as + Gracechurch Street, but he would hardly think a month’s ablution + enough to cleanse him from its impurities, were he once to enter + it; and depend upon it, Mr. Bingley never stirs without him.” + + “So much the better. I hope they will not meet at all. But does + not Jane correspond with his sister? She will not be able to + help calling.” + + “She will drop the acquaintance entirely.” + + But in spite of the certainty in which Elizabeth affected to + place this point, as well as the still more interesting one of + Bingley’s being withheld from seeing Jane, she felt a solicitude + on the subject which convinced her, on examination, that she did + not consider it entirely hopeless. It was possible, and sometimes + she thought it probable, that his affection might be reanimated, + and the influence of his friends successfully combated by the + more natural influence of Jane’s attractions. + + Miss Bennet accepted her aunt’s invitation with pleasure; and the + Bingleys were no otherwise in her thoughts at the same time, than + as she hoped by Caroline’s not living in the same house with her + brother, she might occasionally spend a morning with her, without + any danger of seeing him. + + The Gardiners stayed a week at Longbourn; and what with the + Phillipses, the Lucases, and the officers, there was not a day + without its engagement. Mrs. Bennet had so carefully provided for + the entertainment of her brother and sister, that they did not + once sit down to a family dinner. When the engagement was for + home, some of the officers always made part of it—of which + officers Mr. Wickham was sure to be one; and on these occasions, + Mrs. Gardiner, rendered suspicious by Elizabeth’s warm + commendation, narrowly observed them both. Without supposing + them, from what she saw, to be very seriously in love, their + preference of each other was plain enough to make her a little + uneasy; and she resolved to speak to Elizabeth on the subject + before she left Hertfordshire, and represent to her the + imprudence of encouraging such an attachment. + + To Mrs. Gardiner, Wickham had one means of affording pleasure, + unconnected with his general powers. About ten or a dozen years + ago, before her marriage, she had spent a considerable time in + that very part of Derbyshire to which he belonged. They had, + therefore, many acquaintances in common; and though Wickham had + been little there since the death of Darcy’s father, it was yet + in his power to give her fresher intelligence of her former + friends than she had been in the way of procuring. + + Mrs. Gardiner had seen Pemberley, and known the late Mr. Darcy by + character perfectly well. Here consequently was an inexhaustible + subject of discourse. In comparing her recollection of Pemberley + with the minute description which Wickham could give, and in + bestowing her tribute of praise on the character of its late + possessor, she was delighting both him and herself. On being made + acquainted with the present Mr. Darcy’s treatment of him, she + tried to remember some of that gentleman’s reputed disposition + when quite a lad which might agree with it, and was confident at + last that she recollected having heard Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy + formerly spoken of as a very proud, ill-natured boy. + + + + + Mrs. Gardiner’s caution to Elizabeth was punctually and kindly + given on the first favourable opportunity of speaking to her + alone; after honestly telling her what she thought, she thus went + on: + + “You are too sensible a girl, Lizzy, to fall in love merely + because you are warned against it; and, therefore, I am not + afraid of speaking openly. Seriously, I would have you be on your + guard. Do not involve yourself or endeavour to involve him in an + affection which the want of fortune would make so very imprudent. + I have nothing to say against him; he is a most interesting + young man; and if he had the fortune he ought to have, I should + think you could not do better. But as it is, you must not let + your fancy run away with you. You have sense, and we all expect + you to use it. Your father would depend on your resolution and + good conduct, I am sure. You must not disappoint your father.” + + “My dear aunt, this is being serious indeed.” + + “Yes, and I hope to engage you to be serious likewise.” + + “Well, then, you need not be under any alarm. I will take care of + myself, and of Mr. Wickham too. He shall not be in love with me, + if I can prevent it.” + + “Elizabeth, you are not serious now.” + + “I beg your pardon, I will try again. At present I am not in love + with Mr. Wickham; no, I certainly am not. But he is, beyond all + comparison, the most agreeable man I ever saw—and if he becomes + really attached to me—I believe it will be better that he should + not. I see the imprudence of it. Oh! that abominable Mr. Darcy! + My father’s opinion of me does me the greatest honour, and I + should be miserable to forfeit it. My father, however, is partial + to Mr. Wickham. In short, my dear aunt, I should be very sorry to + be the means of making any of you unhappy; but since we see every + day that where there is affection, young people are seldom + withheld by immediate want of fortune from entering into + engagements with each other, how can I promise to be wiser than + so many of my fellow-creatures if I am tempted, or how am I even + to know that it would be wisdom to resist? All that I can promise + you, therefore, is not to be in a hurry. I will not be in a hurry + to believe myself his first object. When I am in company with + him, I will not be wishing. In short, I will do my best.” + + “Perhaps it will be as well if you discourage his coming here so + very often. At least, you should not remind your mother of + inviting him.” + + “As I did the other day,” said Elizabeth with a conscious smile: + “very true, it will be wise in me to refrain from that. But do + not imagine that he is always here so often. It is on your + account that he has been so frequently invited this week. You + know my mother’s ideas as to the necessity of constant company + for her friends. But really, and upon my honour, I will try to do + what I think to be the wisest; and now I hope you are satisfied.” + + Her aunt assured her that she was, and Elizabeth having thanked + her for the kindness of her hints, they parted; a wonderful + instance of advice being given on such a point, without being + resented. + + Mr. Collins returned into Hertfordshire soon after it had been + quitted by the Gardiners and Jane; but as he took up his abode + with the Lucases, his arrival was no great inconvenience to Mrs. + Bennet. His marriage was now fast approaching, and she was at + length so far resigned as to think it inevitable, and even + repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured tone, that she “wished + they might be happy.” Thursday was to be the wedding day, and on + Wednesday Miss Lucas paid her farewell visit; and when she rose + to take leave, Elizabeth, ashamed of her mother’s ungracious and + reluctant good wishes, and sincerely affected herself, + accompanied her out of the room. As they went downstairs + together, Charlotte said: + + “I shall depend on hearing from you very often, Eliza.” + + “That you certainly shall.” + + “And I have another favour to ask you. Will you come and see me?” + + “We shall often meet, I hope, in Hertfordshire.” + + “I am not likely to leave Kent for some time. Promise me, + therefore, to come to Hunsford.” + + Elizabeth could not refuse, though she foresaw little pleasure in + the visit. + + “My father and Maria are coming to me in March,” added Charlotte, + “and I hope you will consent to be of the party. Indeed, Eliza, + you will be as welcome as either of them.” + + The wedding took place; the bride and bridegroom set off for Kent + from the church door, and everybody had as much to say, or to + hear, on the subject as usual. Elizabeth soon heard from her + friend; and their correspondence was as regular and frequent as + it had ever been; that it should be equally unreserved was + impossible. Elizabeth could never address her without feeling + that all the comfort of intimacy was over, and though determined + not to slacken as a correspondent, it was for the sake of what + had been, rather than what was. Charlotte’s first letters were + received with a good deal of eagerness; there could not but be + curiosity to know how she would speak of her new home, how she + would like Lady Catherine, and how happy she would dare pronounce + herself to be; though, when the letters were read, Elizabeth felt + that Charlotte expressed herself on every point exactly as she + might have foreseen. She wrote cheerfully, seemed surrounded with + comforts, and mentioned nothing which she could not praise. The + house, furniture, neighbourhood, and roads, were all to her + taste, and Lady Catherine’s behaviour was most friendly and + obliging. It was Mr. Collins’s picture of Hunsford and Rosings + rationally softened; and Elizabeth perceived that she must wait + for her own visit there to know the rest. + + Jane had already written a few lines to her sister to announce + their safe arrival in London; and when she wrote again, Elizabeth + hoped it would be in her power to say something of the Bingleys. + + Her impatience for this second letter was as well rewarded as + impatience generally is. Jane had been a week in town without + either seeing or hearing from Caroline. She accounted for it, + however, by supposing that her last letter to her friend from + Longbourn had by some accident been lost. + + “My aunt,” she continued, “is going to-morrow into that part of + the town, and I shall take the opportunity of calling in + Grosvenor Street.” + + She wrote again when the visit was paid, and she had seen Miss + Bingley. “I did not think Caroline in spirits,” were her words, + “but she was very glad to see me, and reproached me for giving + her no notice of my coming to London. I was right, therefore, my + last letter had never reached her. I inquired after their + brother, of course. He was well, but so much engaged with Mr. + Darcy that they scarcely ever saw him. I found that Miss Darcy + was expected to dinner. I wish I could see her. My visit was not + long, as Caroline and Mrs. Hurst were going out. I dare say I + shall see them soon here.” + + Elizabeth shook her head over this letter. It convinced her that + accident only could discover to Mr. Bingley her sister’s being in + town. + + Four weeks passed away, and Jane saw nothing of him. She + endeavoured to persuade herself that she did not regret it; but + she could no longer be blind to Miss Bingley’s inattention. After + waiting at home every morning for a fortnight, and inventing + every evening a fresh excuse for her, the visitor did at last + appear; but the shortness of her stay, and yet more, the + alteration of her manner would allow Jane to deceive herself no + longer. The letter which she wrote on this occasion to her sister + will prove what she felt. + + “My dearest Lizzy will, I am sure, be incapable of triumphing in + her better judgement, at my expense, when I confess myself to + have been entirely deceived in Miss Bingley’s regard for me. But, + my dear sister, though the event has proved you right, do not + think me obstinate if I still assert that, considering what her + behaviour was, my confidence was as natural as your suspicion. I + do not at all comprehend her reason for wishing to be intimate + with me; but if the same circumstances were to happen again, I am + sure I should be deceived again. Caroline did not return my visit + till yesterday; and not a note, not a line, did I receive in the + meantime. When she did come, it was very evident that she had no + pleasure in it; she made a slight, formal apology, for not + calling before, said not a word of wishing to see me again, and + was in every respect so altered a creature, that when she went + away I was perfectly resolved to continue the acquaintance no + longer. I pity, though I cannot help blaming her. She was very + wrong in singling me out as she did; I can safely say that every + advance to intimacy began on her side. But I pity her, because + she must feel that she has been acting wrong, and because I am + very sure that anxiety for her brother is the cause of it. I need + not explain myself farther; and though we know this anxiety to + be quite needless, yet if she feels it, it will easily account + for her behaviour to me; and so deservedly dear as he is to his + sister, whatever anxiety she must feel on his behalf is natural + and amiable. I cannot but wonder, however, at her having any such + fears now, because, if he had at all cared about me, we must have + met, long ago. He knows of my being in town, I am certain, from + something she said herself; and yet it would seem, by her manner + of talking, as if she wanted to persuade herself that he is + really partial to Miss Darcy. I cannot understand it. If I were + not afraid of judging harshly, I should be almost tempted to say + that there is a strong appearance of duplicity in all this. But I + will endeavour to banish every painful thought, and think only of + what will make me happy—your affection, and the invariable + kindness of my dear uncle and aunt. Let me hear from you very + soon. Miss Bingley said something of his never returning to + Netherfield again, of giving up the house, but not with any + certainty. We had better not mention it. I am extremely glad that + you have such pleasant accounts from our friends at Hunsford. + Pray go to see them, with Sir William and Maria. I am sure you + will be very comfortable there.—Yours, etc.” + + This letter gave Elizabeth some pain; but her spirits returned as + she considered that Jane would no longer be duped, by the sister + at least. All expectation from the brother was now absolutely + over. She would not even wish for a renewal of his attentions. + His character sunk on every review of it; and as a punishment for + him, as well as a possible advantage to Jane, she seriously hoped + he might really soon marry Mr. Darcy’s sister, as by Wickham’s + account, she would make him abundantly regret what he had thrown + away. + + Mrs. Gardiner about this time reminded Elizabeth of her promise + concerning that gentleman, and required information; and + Elizabeth had such to send as might rather give contentment to + her aunt than to herself. His apparent partiality had subsided, + his attentions were over, he was the admirer of some one else. + Elizabeth was watchful enough to see it all, but she could see it + and write of it without material pain. Her heart had been but + slightly touched, and her vanity was satisfied with believing + that she would have been his only choice, had fortune permitted + it. The sudden acquisition of ten thousand pounds was the most + remarkable charm of the young lady to whom he was now rendering + himself agreeable; but Elizabeth, less clear-sighted perhaps in + this case than in Charlotte’s, did not quarrel with him for his + wish of independence. Nothing, on the contrary, could be more + natural; and while able to suppose that it cost him a few + struggles to relinquish her, she was ready to allow it a wise and + desirable measure for both, and could very sincerely wish him + happy. + + All this was acknowledged to Mrs. Gardiner; and after relating + the circumstances, she thus went on: “I am now convinced, my dear + aunt, that I have never been much in love; for had I really + experienced that pure and elevating passion, I should at present + detest his very name, and wish him all manner of evil. But my + feelings are not only cordial towards him; they are even + impartial towards Miss King. I cannot find out that I hate her at + all, or that I am in the least unwilling to think her a very good + sort of girl. There can be no love in all this. My watchfulness + has been effectual; and though I certainly should be a more + interesting object to all my acquaintances were I distractedly in + love with him, I cannot say that I regret my comparative + insignificance. Importance may sometimes be purchased too dearly. + Kitty and Lydia take his defection much more to heart than I do. + They are young in the ways of the world, and not yet open to the + mortifying conviction that handsome young men must have something + to live on as well as the plain.” + + + + + With no greater events than these in the Longbourn family, and + otherwise diversified by little beyond the walks to Meryton, + sometimes dirty and sometimes cold, did January and February pass + away. March was to take Elizabeth to Hunsford. She had not at + first thought very seriously of going thither; but Charlotte, she + soon found, was depending on the plan and she gradually learned + to consider it herself with greater pleasure as well as greater + certainty. Absence had increased her desire of seeing Charlotte + again, and weakened her disgust of Mr. Collins. There was novelty + in the scheme, and as, with such a mother and such + uncompanionable sisters, home could not be faultless, a little + change was not unwelcome for its own sake. The journey would + moreover give her a peep at Jane; and, in short, as the time drew + near, she would have been very sorry for any delay. Everything, + however, went on smoothly, and was finally settled according to + Charlotte’s first sketch. She was to accompany Sir William and + his second daughter. The improvement of spending a night in + London was added in time, and the plan became perfect as plan + could be. + + The only pain was in leaving her father, who would certainly miss + her, and who, when it came to the point, so little liked her + going, that he told her to write to him, and almost promised to + answer her letter. + + The farewell between herself and Mr. Wickham was perfectly + friendly; on his side even more. His present pursuit could not + make him forget that Elizabeth had been the first to excite and + to deserve his attention, the first to listen and to pity, the + first to be admired; and in his manner of bidding her adieu, + wishing her every enjoyment, reminding her of what she was to + expect in Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and trusting their opinion of + her—their opinion of everybody—would always coincide, there was a + solicitude, an interest which she felt must ever attach her to + him with a most sincere regard; and she parted from him convinced + that, whether married or single, he must always be her model of + the amiable and pleasing. + + Her fellow-travellers the next day were not of a kind to make her + think him less agreeable. Sir William Lucas, and his daughter + Maria, a good-humoured girl, but as empty-headed as himself, had + nothing to say that could be worth hearing, and were listened to + with about as much delight as the rattle of the chaise. Elizabeth + loved absurdities, but she had known Sir William’s too long. He + could tell her nothing new of the wonders of his presentation and + knighthood; and his civilities were worn out, like his + information. + + It was a journey of only twenty-four miles, and they began it so + early as to be in Gracechurch Street by noon. As they drove to + Mr. Gardiner’s door, Jane was at a drawing-room window watching + their arrival; when they entered the passage she was there to + welcome them, and Elizabeth, looking earnestly in her face, was + pleased to see it healthful and lovely as ever. On the stairs + were a troop of little boys and girls, whose eagerness for their + cousin’s appearance would not allow them to wait in the + drawing-room, and whose shyness, as they had not seen her for a + twelvemonth, prevented their coming lower. All was joy and + kindness. The day passed most pleasantly away; the morning in + bustle and shopping, and the evening at one of the theatres. + + Elizabeth then contrived to sit by her aunt. Their first object + was her sister; and she was more grieved than astonished to hear, + in reply to her minute inquiries, that though Jane always + struggled to support her spirits, there were periods of + dejection. It was reasonable, however, to hope that they would + not continue long. Mrs. Gardiner gave her the particulars also of + Miss Bingley’s visit in Gracechurch Street, and repeated + conversations occurring at different times between Jane and + herself, which proved that the former had, from her heart, given + up the acquaintance. + + Mrs. Gardiner then rallied her niece on Wickham’s desertion, and + complimented her on bearing it so well. + + “But my dear Elizabeth,” she added, “what sort of girl is Miss + King? I should be sorry to think our friend mercenary.” + + “Pray, my dear aunt, what is the difference in matrimonial + affairs, between the mercenary and the prudent motive? Where does + discretion end, and avarice begin? Last Christmas you were afraid + of his marrying me, because it would be imprudent; and now, + because he is trying to get a girl with only ten thousand pounds, + you want to find out that he is mercenary.” + + “If you will only tell me what sort of girl Miss King is, I shall + know what to think.” + + “She is a very good kind of girl, I believe. I know no harm of + her.” + + “But he paid her not the smallest attention till her + grandfather’s death made her mistress of this fortune.” + + “No—why should he? If it were not allowable for him to gain my + affections because I had no money, what occasion could there be + for making love to a girl whom he did not care about, and who was + equally poor?” + + “But there seems an indelicacy in directing his attentions + towards her so soon after this event.” + + “A man in distressed circumstances has not time for all those + elegant decorums which other people may observe. If she does + not object to it, why should we?” + + “Her not objecting does not justify him. It only shows her + being deficient in something herself—sense or feeling.” + + “Well,” cried Elizabeth, “have it as you choose. He shall be + mercenary, and she shall be foolish.” + + “No, Lizzy, that is what I do not choose. I should be sorry, + you know, to think ill of a young man who has lived so long in + Derbyshire.” + + “Oh! if that is all, I have a very poor opinion of young men who + live in Derbyshire; and their intimate friends who live in + Hertfordshire are not much better. I am sick of them all. Thank + Heaven! I am going to-morrow where I shall find a man who has not + one agreeable quality, who has neither manner nor sense to + recommend him. Stupid men are the only ones worth knowing, after + all.” + + “Take care, Lizzy; that speech savours strongly of + disappointment.” + + Before they were separated by the conclusion of the play, she had + the unexpected happiness of an invitation to accompany her uncle + and aunt in a tour of pleasure which they proposed taking in the + summer. + + “We have not determined how far it shall carry us,” said Mrs. + Gardiner, “but, perhaps, to the Lakes.” + + No scheme could have been more agreeable to Elizabeth, and her + acceptance of the invitation was most ready and grateful. “Oh, my + dear, dear aunt,” she rapturously cried, “what delight! what + felicity! You give me fresh life and vigour. Adieu to + disappointment and spleen. What are young men to rocks and + mountains? Oh! what hours of transport we shall spend! And when + we do return, it shall not be like other travellers, without + being able to give one accurate idea of anything. We will know + where we have gone—we will recollect what we have seen. Lakes, + mountains, and rivers shall not be jumbled together in our + imaginations; nor when we attempt to describe any particular + scene, will we begin quarreling about its relative situation. Let + our first effusions be less insupportable than those of the + generality of travellers.” + + + + + Every object in the next day’s journey was new and interesting to + Elizabeth; and her spirits were in a state of enjoyment; for she + had seen her sister looking so well as to banish all fear for her + health, and the prospect of her northern tour was a constant + source of delight. + + When they left the high road for the lane to Hunsford, every eye + was in search of the Parsonage, and every turning expected to + bring it in view. The palings of Rosings Park was their boundary + on one side. Elizabeth smiled at the recollection of all that she + had heard of its inhabitants. + + At length the Parsonage was discernible. The garden sloping to + the road, the house standing in it, the green pales, and the + laurel hedge, everything declared they were arriving. Mr. Collins + and Charlotte appeared at the door, and the carriage stopped at + the small gate which led by a short gravel walk to the house, + amidst the nods and smiles of the whole party. In a moment they + were all out of the chaise, rejoicing at the sight of each other. + Mrs. Collins welcomed her friend with the liveliest pleasure, and + Elizabeth was more and more satisfied with coming when she found + herself so affectionately received. She saw instantly that her + cousin’s manners were not altered by his marriage; his formal + civility was just what it had been, and he detained her some + minutes at the gate to hear and satisfy his inquiries after all + her family. They were then, with no other delay than his pointing + out the neatness of the entrance, taken into the house; and as + soon as they were in the parlour, he welcomed them a second time, + with ostentatious formality to his humble abode, and punctually + repeated all his wife’s offers of refreshment. + + Elizabeth was prepared to see him in his glory; and she could not + help in fancying that in displaying the good proportion of the + room, its aspect and its furniture, he addressed himself + particularly to her, as if wishing to make her feel what she had + lost in refusing him. But though everything seemed neat and + comfortable, she was not able to gratify him by any sigh of + repentance, and rather looked with wonder at her friend that she + could have so cheerful an air with such a companion. When Mr. + Collins said anything of which his wife might reasonably be + ashamed, which certainly was not unseldom, she involuntarily + turned her eye on Charlotte. Once or twice she could discern a + faint blush; but in general Charlotte wisely did not hear. After + sitting long enough to admire every article of furniture in the + room, from the sideboard to the fender, to give an account of + their journey, and of all that had happened in London, Mr. + Collins invited them to take a stroll in the garden, which was + large and well laid out, and to the cultivation of which he + attended himself. To work in this garden was one of his most + respectable pleasures; and Elizabeth admired the command of + countenance with which Charlotte talked of the healthfulness of + the exercise, and owned she encouraged it as much as possible. + Here, leading the way through every walk and cross walk, and + scarcely allowing them an interval to utter the praises he asked + for, every view was pointed out with a minuteness which left + beauty entirely behind. He could number the fields in every + direction, and could tell how many trees there were in the most + distant clump. But of all the views which his garden, or which + the country or kingdom could boast, none were to be compared with + the prospect of Rosings, afforded by an opening in the trees that + bordered the park nearly opposite the front of his house. It was + a handsome modern building, well situated on rising ground. + + From his garden, Mr. Collins would have led them round his two + meadows; but the ladies, not having shoes to encounter the + remains of a white frost, turned back; and while Sir William + accompanied him, Charlotte took her sister and friend over the + house, extremely well pleased, probably, to have the opportunity + of showing it without her husband’s help. It was rather small, + but well built and convenient; and everything was fitted up and + arranged with a neatness and consistency of which Elizabeth gave + Charlotte all the credit. When Mr. Collins could be forgotten, + there was really an air of great comfort throughout, and by + Charlotte’s evident enjoyment of it, Elizabeth supposed he must + be often forgotten. + + She had already learnt that Lady Catherine was still in the + country. It was spoken of again while they were at dinner, when + Mr. Collins joining in, observed: + + “Yes, Miss Elizabeth, you will have the honour of seeing Lady + Catherine de Bourgh on the ensuing Sunday at church, and I need + not say you will be delighted with her. She is all affability and + condescension, and I doubt not but you will be honoured with some + portion of her notice when service is over. I have scarcely any + hesitation in saying she will include you and my sister Maria in + every invitation with which she honours us during your stay here. + Her behaviour to my dear Charlotte is charming. We dine at + Rosings twice every week, and are never allowed to walk home. Her + ladyship’s carriage is regularly ordered for us. I should say, + one of her ladyship’s carriages, for she has several.” + + “Lady Catherine is a very respectable, sensible woman indeed,” + added Charlotte, “and a most attentive neighbour.” + + “Very true, my dear, that is exactly what I say. She is the sort + of woman whom one cannot regard with too much deference.” + + The evening was spent chiefly in talking over Hertfordshire news, + and telling again what had already been written; and when it + closed, Elizabeth, in the solitude of her chamber, had to + meditate upon Charlotte’s degree of contentment, to understand + her address in guiding, and composure in bearing with, her + husband, and to acknowledge that it was all done very well. She + had also to anticipate how her visit would pass, the quiet tenor + of their usual employments, the vexatious interruptions of Mr. + Collins, and the gaieties of their intercourse with Rosings. A + lively imagination soon settled it all. + + About the middle of the next day, as she was in her room getting + ready for a walk, a sudden noise below seemed to speak the whole + house in confusion; and, after listening a moment, she heard + somebody running up stairs in a violent hurry, and calling loudly + after her. She opened the door and met Maria in the landing + place, who, breathless with agitation, cried out— + + “Oh, my dear Eliza! pray make haste and come into the + dining-room, for there is such a sight to be seen! I will not + tell you what it is. Make haste, and come down this moment.” + + Elizabeth asked questions in vain; Maria would tell her nothing + more, and down they ran into the dining-room, which fronted the + lane, in quest of this wonder; It was two ladies stopping in a + low phaeton at the garden gate. + + “And is this all?” cried Elizabeth. “I expected at least that the + pigs were got into the garden, and here is nothing but Lady + Catherine and her daughter.” + + “La! my dear,” said Maria, quite shocked at the mistake, “it is + not Lady Catherine. The old lady is Mrs. Jenkinson, who lives + with them; the other is Miss de Bourgh. Only look at her. She is + quite a little creature. Who would have thought that she could be + so thin and small?” + + “She is abominably rude to keep Charlotte out of doors in all + this wind. Why does she not come in?” + + “Oh, Charlotte says she hardly ever does. It is the greatest of + favours when Miss de Bourgh comes in.” + + “I like her appearance,” said Elizabeth, struck with other ideas. + “She looks sickly and cross. Yes, she will do for him very well. + She will make him a very proper wife.” + + Mr. Collins and Charlotte were both standing at the gate in + conversation with the ladies; and Sir William, to Elizabeth’s + high diversion, was stationed in the doorway, in earnest + contemplation of the greatness before him, and constantly bowing + whenever Miss de Bourgh looked that way. + + At length there was nothing more to be said; the ladies drove on, + and the others returned into the house. Mr. Collins no sooner saw + the two girls than he began to congratulate them on their good + fortune, which Charlotte explained by letting them know that the + whole party was asked to dine at Rosings the next day. + + + + + Mr. Collins’s triumph, in consequence of this invitation, was + complete. The power of displaying the grandeur of his patroness + to his wondering visitors, and of letting them see her civility + towards himself and his wife, was exactly what he had wished for; + and that an opportunity of doing it should be given so soon, was + such an instance of Lady Catherine’s condescension, as he knew + not how to admire enough. + + “I confess,” said he, “that I should not have been at all + surprised by her ladyship’s asking us on Sunday to drink tea and + spend the evening at Rosings. I rather expected, from my + knowledge of her affability, that it would happen. But who could + have foreseen such an attention as this? Who could have imagined + that we should receive an invitation to dine there (an + invitation, moreover, including the whole party) so immediately + after your arrival!” + + “I am the less surprised at what has happened,” replied Sir + William, “from that knowledge of what the manners of the great + really are, which my situation in life has allowed me to acquire. + About the court, such instances of elegant breeding are not + uncommon.” + + Scarcely anything was talked of the whole day or next morning but + their visit to Rosings. Mr. Collins was carefully instructing + them in what they were to expect, that the sight of such rooms, + so many servants, and so splendid a dinner, might not wholly + overpower them. + + When the ladies were separating for the toilette, he said to + Elizabeth— + + “Do not make yourself uneasy, my dear cousin, about your apparel. + Lady Catherine is far from requiring that elegance of dress in us + which becomes herself and her daughter. I would advise you merely + to put on whatever of your clothes is superior to the rest—there + is no occasion for anything more. Lady Catherine will not think + the worse of you for being simply dressed. She likes to have the + distinction of rank preserved.” + + While they were dressing, he came two or three times to their + different doors, to recommend their being quick, as Lady + Catherine very much objected to be kept waiting for her dinner. + Such formidable accounts of her ladyship, and her manner of + living, quite frightened Maria Lucas who had been little used to + company, and she looked forward to her introduction at Rosings + with as much apprehension as her father had done to his + presentation at St. James’s. + + As the weather was fine, they had a pleasant walk of about half a + mile across the park. Every park has its beauty and its + prospects; and Elizabeth saw much to be pleased with, though she + could not be in such raptures as Mr. Collins expected the scene + to inspire, and was but slightly affected by his enumeration of + the windows in front of the house, and his relation of what the + glazing altogether had originally cost Sir Lewis de Bourgh. + + When they ascended the steps to the hall, Maria’s alarm was every + moment increasing, and even Sir William did not look perfectly + calm. Elizabeth’s courage did not fail her. She had heard nothing + of Lady Catherine that spoke her awful from any extraordinary + talents or miraculous virtue, and the mere stateliness of money + or rank she thought she could witness without trepidation. + + From the entrance-hall, of which Mr. Collins pointed out, with a + rapturous air, the fine proportion and the finished ornaments, + they followed the servants through an ante-chamber, to the room + where Lady Catherine, her daughter, and Mrs. Jenkinson were + sitting. Her ladyship, with great condescension, arose to receive + them; and as Mrs. Collins had settled it with her husband that + the office of introduction should be hers, it was performed in a + proper manner, without any of those apologies and thanks which he + would have thought necessary. + + In spite of having been at St. James’s, Sir William was so + completely awed by the grandeur surrounding him, that he had but + just courage enough to make a very low bow, and take his seat + without saying a word; and his daughter, frightened almost out of + her senses, sat on the edge of her chair, not knowing which way + to look. Elizabeth found herself quite equal to the scene, and + could observe the three ladies before her composedly. Lady + Catherine was a tall, large woman, with strongly-marked features, + which might once have been handsome. Her air was not + conciliating, nor was her manner of receiving them such as to + make her visitors forget their inferior rank. She was not + rendered formidable by silence; but whatever she said was spoken + in so authoritative a tone, as marked her self-importance, and + brought Mr. Wickham immediately to Elizabeth’s mind; and from the + observation of the day altogether, she believed Lady Catherine to + be exactly what he represented. + + When, after examining the mother, in whose countenance and + deportment she soon found some resemblance of Mr. Darcy, she + turned her eyes on the daughter, she could almost have joined in + Maria’s astonishment at her being so thin and so small. There was + neither in figure nor face any likeness between the ladies. Miss + de Bourgh was pale and sickly; her features, though not plain, + were insignificant; and she spoke very little, except in a low + voice, to Mrs. Jenkinson, in whose appearance there was nothing + remarkable, and who was entirely engaged in listening to what she + said, and placing a screen in the proper direction before her + eyes. + + After sitting a few minutes, they were all sent to one of the + windows to admire the view, Mr. Collins attending them to point + out its beauties, and Lady Catherine kindly informing them that + it was much better worth looking at in the summer. + + The dinner was exceedingly handsome, and there were all the + servants and all the articles of plate which Mr. Collins had + promised; and, as he had likewise foretold, he took his seat at + the bottom of the table, by her ladyship’s desire, and looked as + if he felt that life could furnish nothing greater. He carved, + and ate, and praised with delighted alacrity; and every dish was + commended, first by him and then by Sir William, who was now + enough recovered to echo whatever his son-in-law said, in a + manner which Elizabeth wondered Lady Catherine could bear. But + Lady Catherine seemed gratified by their excessive admiration, + and gave most gracious smiles, especially when any dish on the + table proved a novelty to them. The party did not supply much + conversation. Elizabeth was ready to speak whenever there was an + opening, but she was seated between Charlotte and Miss de + Bourgh—the former of whom was engaged in listening to Lady + Catherine, and the latter said not a word to her all dinner-time. + Mrs. Jenkinson was chiefly employed in watching how little Miss + de Bourgh ate, pressing her to try some other dish, and fearing + she was indisposed. Maria thought speaking out of the question, + and the gentlemen did nothing but eat and admire. + + When the ladies returned to the drawing-room, there was little to + be done but to hear Lady Catherine talk, which she did without + any intermission till coffee came in, delivering her opinion on + every subject in so decisive a manner, as proved that she was not + used to have her judgement controverted. She inquired into + Charlotte’s domestic concerns familiarly and minutely, gave her a + great deal of advice as to the management of them all; told her + how everything ought to be regulated in so small a family as + hers, and instructed her as to the care of her cows and her + poultry. Elizabeth found that nothing was beneath this great + lady’s attention, which could furnish her with an occasion of + dictating to others. In the intervals of her discourse with Mrs. + Collins, she addressed a variety of questions to Maria and + Elizabeth, but especially to the latter, of whose connections she + knew the least, and who she observed to Mrs. Collins was a very + genteel, pretty kind of girl. She asked her, at different times, + how many sisters she had, whether they were older or younger than + herself, whether any of them were likely to be married, whether + they were handsome, where they had been educated, what carriage + her father kept, and what had been her mother’s maiden name? + Elizabeth felt all the impertinence of her questions but answered + them very composedly. Lady Catherine then observed, + + “Your father’s estate is entailed on Mr. Collins, I think. For + your sake,” turning to Charlotte, “I am glad of it; but otherwise + I see no occasion for entailing estates from the female line. It + was not thought necessary in Sir Lewis de Bourgh’s family. Do you + play and sing, Miss Bennet?” + + “A little.” + + “Oh! then—some time or other we shall be happy to hear you. Our + instrument is a capital one, probably superior to——You shall try + it some day. Do your sisters play and sing?” + + “One of them does.” + + “Why did not you all learn? You ought all to have learned. The + Miss Webbs all play, and their father has not so good an income + as yours. Do you draw?” + + “No, not at all.” + + “What, none of you?” + + “Not one.” + + “That is very strange. But I suppose you had no opportunity. Your + mother should have taken you to town every spring for the benefit + of masters.” + + “My mother would have had no objection, but my father hates + London.” + + “Has your governess left you?” + + “We never had any governess.” + + “No governess! How was that possible? Five daughters brought up + at home without a governess! I never heard of such a thing. Your + mother must have been quite a slave to your education.” + + Elizabeth could hardly help smiling as she assured her that had + not been the case. + + “Then, who taught you? who attended to you? Without a governess, + you must have been neglected.” + + “Compared with some families, I believe we were; but such of us + as wished to learn never wanted the means. We were always + encouraged to read, and had all the masters that were necessary. + Those who chose to be idle, certainly might.” + + “Aye, no doubt; but that is what a governess will prevent, and if + I had known your mother, I should have advised her most + strenuously to engage one. I always say that nothing is to be + done in education without steady and regular instruction, and + nobody but a governess can give it. It is wonderful how many + families I have been the means of supplying in that way. I am + always glad to get a young person well placed out. Four nieces of + Mrs. Jenkinson are most delightfully situated through my means; + and it was but the other day that I recommended another young + person, who was merely accidentally mentioned to me, and the + family are quite delighted with her. Mrs. Collins, did I tell you + of Lady Metcalf’s calling yesterday to thank me? She finds Miss + Pope a treasure. ‘Lady Catherine,’ said she, ‘you have given me a + treasure.’ Are any of your younger sisters out, Miss Bennet?” + + “Yes, ma’am, all.” + + “All! What, all five out at once? Very odd! And you only the + second. The younger ones out before the elder ones are married! + Your younger sisters must be very young?” + + “Yes, my youngest is not sixteen. Perhaps she is full young to + be much in company. But really, ma’am, I think it would be very + hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have their share + of society and amusement, because the elder may not have the + means or inclination to marry early. The last-born has as good a + right to the pleasures of youth as the first. And to be kept back + on such a motive! I think it would not be very likely to + promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind.” + + “Upon my word,” said her ladyship, “you give your opinion very + decidedly for so young a person. Pray, what is your age?” + + “With three younger sisters grown up,” replied Elizabeth, + smiling, “your ladyship can hardly expect me to own it.” + + Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct + answer; and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature + who had ever dared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence. + + “You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure, therefore you need + not conceal your age.” + + “I am not one-and-twenty.” + + When the gentlemen had joined them, and tea was over, the + card-tables were placed. Lady Catherine, Sir William, and Mr. and + Mrs. Collins sat down to quadrille; and as Miss de Bourgh chose + to play at cassino, the two girls had the honour of assisting + Mrs. Jenkinson to make up her party. Their table was + superlatively stupid. Scarcely a syllable was uttered that did + not relate to the game, except when Mrs. Jenkinson expressed her + fears of Miss de Bourgh’s being too hot or too cold, or having + too much or too little light. A great deal more passed at the + other table. Lady Catherine was generally speaking—stating the + mistakes of the three others, or relating some anecdote of + herself. Mr. Collins was employed in agreeing to everything her + ladyship said, thanking her for every fish he won, and + apologising if he thought he won too many. Sir William did not + say much. He was storing his memory with anecdotes and noble + names. + + When Lady Catherine and her daughter had played as long as they + chose, the tables were broken up, the carriage was offered to + Mrs. Collins, gratefully accepted and immediately ordered. The + party then gathered round the fire to hear Lady Catherine + determine what weather they were to have on the morrow. From + these instructions they were summoned by the arrival of the + coach; and with many speeches of thankfulness on Mr. Collins’s + side and as many bows on Sir William’s they departed. As soon as + they had driven from the door, Elizabeth was called on by her + cousin to give her opinion of all that she had seen at Rosings, + which, for Charlotte’s sake, she made more favourable than it + really was. But her commendation, though costing her some + trouble, could by no means satisfy Mr. Collins, and he was very + soon obliged to take her ladyship’s praise into his own hands. + + + + + Sir William stayed only a week at Hunsford, but his visit was + long enough to convince him of his daughter’s being most + comfortably settled, and of her possessing such a husband and + such a neighbour as were not often met with. While Sir William + was with them, Mr. Collins devoted his morning to driving him out + in his gig, and showing him the country; but when he went away, + the whole family returned to their usual employments, and + Elizabeth was thankful to find that they did not see more of her + cousin by the alteration, for the chief of the time between + breakfast and dinner was now passed by him either at work in the + garden or in reading and writing, and looking out of the window + in his own book-room, which fronted the road. The room in which + the ladies sat was backwards. Elizabeth had at first rather + wondered that Charlotte should not prefer the dining-parlour for + common use; it was a better sized room, and had a more pleasant + aspect; but she soon saw that her friend had an excellent reason + for what she did, for Mr. Collins would undoubtedly have been + much less in his own apartment, had they sat in one equally + lively; and she gave Charlotte credit for the arrangement. + + From the drawing-room they could distinguish nothing in the lane, + and were indebted to Mr. Collins for the knowledge of what + carriages went along, and how often especially Miss de Bourgh + drove by in her phaeton, which he never failed coming to inform + them of, though it happened almost every day. She not + unfrequently stopped at the Parsonage, and had a few minutes’ + conversation with Charlotte, but was scarcely ever prevailed upon + to get out. + + Very few days passed in which Mr. Collins did not walk to + Rosings, and not many in which his wife did not think it + necessary to go likewise; and till Elizabeth recollected that + there might be other family livings to be disposed of, she could + not understand the sacrifice of so many hours. Now and then they + were honoured with a call from her ladyship, and nothing escaped + her observation that was passing in the room during these visits. + She examined into their employments, looked at their work, and + advised them to do it differently; found fault with the + arrangement of the furniture; or detected the housemaid in + negligence; and if she accepted any refreshment, seemed to do it + only for the sake of finding out that Mrs. Collins’s joints of + meat were too large for her family. + + Elizabeth soon perceived, that though this great lady was not in + commission of the peace of the county, she was a most active + magistrate in her own parish, the minutest concerns of which were + carried to her by Mr. Collins; and whenever any of the cottagers + were disposed to be quarrelsome, discontented, or too poor, she + sallied forth into the village to settle their differences, + silence their complaints, and scold them into harmony and plenty. + + The entertainment of dining at Rosings was repeated about twice a + week; and, allowing for the loss of Sir William, and there being + only one card-table in the evening, every such entertainment was + the counterpart of the first. Their other engagements were few, + as the style of living in the neighbourhood in general was beyond + Mr. Collins’s reach. This, however, was no evil to Elizabeth, and + upon the whole she spent her time comfortably enough; there were + half-hours of pleasant conversation with Charlotte, and the + weather was so fine for the time of year that she had often great + enjoyment out of doors. Her favourite walk, and where she + frequently went while the others were calling on Lady Catherine, + was along the open grove which edged that side of the park, where + there was a nice sheltered path, which no one seemed to value but + herself, and where she felt beyond the reach of Lady Catherine’s + curiosity. + + In this quiet way, the first fortnight of her visit soon passed + away. Easter was approaching, and the week preceding it was to + bring an addition to the family at Rosings, which in so small a + circle must be important. Elizabeth had heard soon after her + arrival that Mr. Darcy was expected there in the course of a few + weeks, and though there were not many of her acquaintances whom + she did not prefer, his coming would furnish one comparatively + new to look at in their Rosings parties, and she might be amused + in seeing how hopeless Miss Bingley’s designs on him were, by his + behaviour to his cousin, for whom he was evidently destined by + Lady Catherine, who talked of his coming with the greatest + satisfaction, spoke of him in terms of the highest admiration, + and seemed almost angry to find that he had already been + frequently seen by Miss Lucas and herself. + + His arrival was soon known at the Parsonage; for Mr. Collins was + walking the whole morning within view of the lodges opening into + Hunsford Lane, in order to have the earliest assurance of it, and + after making his bow as the carriage turned into the Park, + hurried home with the great intelligence. On the following + morning he hastened to Rosings to pay his respects. There were + two nephews of Lady Catherine to require them, for Mr. Darcy had + brought with him a Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger son of his + uncle Lord ——, and, to the great surprise of all the party, when + Mr. Collins returned, the gentlemen accompanied him. Charlotte + had seen them from her husband’s room, crossing the road, and + immediately running into the other, told the girls what an honour + they might expect, adding: + + “I may thank you, Eliza, for this piece of civility. Mr. Darcy + would never have come so soon to wait upon me.” + + Elizabeth had scarcely time to disclaim all right to the + compliment, before their approach was announced by the door-bell, + and shortly afterwards the three gentlemen entered the room. + Colonel Fitzwilliam, who led the way, was about thirty, not + handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman. Mr. + Darcy looked just as he had been used to look in + Hertfordshire—paid his compliments, with his usual reserve, to + Mrs. Collins, and whatever might be his feelings toward her + friend, met her with every appearance of composure. Elizabeth + merely curtseyed to him without saying a word. + + Colonel Fitzwilliam entered into conversation directly with the + readiness and ease of a well-bred man, and talked very + pleasantly; but his cousin, after having addressed a slight + observation on the house and garden to Mrs. Collins, sat for some + time without speaking to anybody. At length, however, his + civility was so far awakened as to inquire of Elizabeth after the + health of her family. She answered him in the usual way, and + after a moment’s pause, added: + + “My eldest sister has been in town these three months. Have you + never happened to see her there?” + + She was perfectly sensible that he never had; but she wished to + see whether he would betray any consciousness of what had passed + between the Bingleys and Jane, and she thought he looked a little + confused as he answered that he had never been so fortunate as to + meet Miss Bennet. The subject was pursued no farther, and the + gentlemen soon afterwards went away. + + + + + Colonel Fitzwilliam’s manners were very much admired at the + Parsonage, and the ladies all felt that he must add considerably + to the pleasures of their engagements at Rosings. It was some + days, however, before they received any invitation thither—for + while there were visitors in the house, they could not be + necessary; and it was not till Easter-day, almost a week after + the gentlemen’s arrival, that they were honoured by such an + attention, and then they were merely asked on leaving church to + come there in the evening. For the last week they had seen very + little of Lady Catherine or her daughter. Colonel Fitzwilliam had + called at the Parsonage more than once during the time, but Mr. + Darcy they had seen only at church. + + The invitation was accepted of course, and at a proper hour they + joined the party in Lady Catherine’s drawing-room. Her ladyship + received them civilly, but it was plain that their company was by + no means so acceptable as when she could get nobody else; and she + was, in fact, almost engrossed by her nephews, speaking to them, + especially to Darcy, much more than to any other person in the + room. + + Colonel Fitzwilliam seemed really glad to see them; anything was + a welcome relief to him at Rosings; and Mrs. Collins’s pretty + friend had moreover caught his fancy very much. He now seated + himself by her, and talked so agreeably of Kent and + Hertfordshire, of travelling and staying at home, of new books + and music, that Elizabeth had never been half so well entertained + in that room before; and they conversed with so much spirit and + flow, as to draw the attention of Lady Catherine herself, as well + as of Mr. Darcy. His eyes had been soon and repeatedly turned + towards them with a look of curiosity; and that her ladyship, + after a while, shared the feeling, was more openly acknowledged, + for she did not scruple to call out: + + “What is that you are saying, Fitzwilliam? What is it you are + talking of? What are you telling Miss Bennet? Let me hear what it + is.” + + “We are speaking of music, madam,” said he, when no longer able + to avoid a reply. + + “Of music! Then pray speak aloud. It is of all subjects my + delight. I must have my share in the conversation if you are + speaking of music. There are few people in England, I suppose, + who have more true enjoyment of music than myself, or a better + natural taste. If I had ever learnt, I should have been a great + proficient. And so would Anne, if her health had allowed her to + apply. I am confident that she would have performed delightfully. + How does Georgiana get on, Darcy?” + + Mr. Darcy spoke with affectionate praise of his sister’s + proficiency. + + “I am very glad to hear such a good account of her,” said Lady + Catherine; “and pray tell her from me, that she cannot expect to + excel if she does not practice a good deal.” + + “I assure you, madam,” he replied, “that she does not need such + advice. She practises very constantly.” + + “So much the better. It cannot be done too much; and when I next + write to her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any + account. I often tell young ladies that no excellence in music is + to be acquired without constant practice. I have told Miss Bennet + several times, that she will never play really well unless she + practises more; and though Mrs. Collins has no instrument, she is + very welcome, as I have often told her, to come to Rosings every + day, and play on the pianoforte in Mrs. Jenkinson’s room. She + would be in nobody’s way, you know, in that part of the house.” + + Mr. Darcy looked a little ashamed of his aunt’s ill-breeding, and + made no answer. + + When coffee was over, Colonel Fitzwilliam reminded Elizabeth of + having promised to play to him; and she sat down directly to the + instrument. He drew a chair near her. Lady Catherine listened to + half a song, and then talked, as before, to her other nephew; + till the latter walked away from her, and making with his usual + deliberation towards the pianoforte stationed himself so as to + command a full view of the fair performer’s countenance. + Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and at the first convenient + pause, turned to him with an arch smile, and said: + + “You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state + to hear me? I will not be alarmed though your sister does play + so well. There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to + be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at + every attempt to intimidate me.” + + “I shall not say you are mistaken,” he replied, “because you + could not really believe me to entertain any design of alarming + you; and I have had the pleasure of your acquaintance long enough + to know that you find great enjoyment in occasionally professing + opinions which in fact are not your own.” + + Elizabeth laughed heartily at this picture of herself, and said + to Colonel Fitzwilliam, “Your cousin will give you a very pretty + notion of me, and teach you not to believe a word I say. I am + particularly unlucky in meeting with a person so able to expose + my real character, in a part of the world where I had hoped to + pass myself off with some degree of credit. Indeed, Mr. Darcy, it + is very ungenerous in you to mention all that you knew to my + disadvantage in Hertfordshire—and, give me leave to say, very + impolitic too—for it is provoking me to retaliate, and such + things may come out as will shock your relations to hear.” + + “I am not afraid of you,” said he, smilingly. + + “Pray let me hear what you have to accuse him of,” cried Colonel + Fitzwilliam. “I should like to know how he behaves among + strangers.” + + “You shall hear then—but prepare yourself for something very + dreadful. The first time of my ever seeing him in Hertfordshire, + you must know, was at a ball—and at this ball, what do you think + he did? He danced only four dances, though gentlemen were scarce; + and, to my certain knowledge, more than one young lady was + sitting down in want of a partner. Mr. Darcy, you cannot deny the + fact.” + + “I had not at that time the honour of knowing any lady in the + assembly beyond my own party.” + + “True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room. Well, + Colonel Fitzwilliam, what do I play next? My fingers wait your + orders.” + + “Perhaps,” said Darcy, “I should have judged better, had I sought + an introduction; but I am ill-qualified to recommend myself to + strangers.” + + “Shall we ask your cousin the reason of this?” said Elizabeth, + still addressing Colonel Fitzwilliam. “Shall we ask him why a man + of sense and education, and who has lived in the world, is ill + qualified to recommend himself to strangers?” + + “I can answer your question,” said Fitzwilliam, “without applying + to him. It is because he will not give himself the trouble.” + + “I certainly have not the talent which some people possess,” said + Darcy, “of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. + I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested + in their concerns, as I often see done.” + + “My fingers,” said Elizabeth, “do not move over this instrument + in the masterly manner which I see so many women’s do. They have + not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same + expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own + fault—because I will not take the trouble of practising. It is + not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other + woman’s of superior execution.” + + Darcy smiled and said, “You are perfectly right. You have + employed your time much better. No one admitted to the privilege + of hearing you can think anything wanting. We neither of us + perform to strangers.” + + Here they were interrupted by Lady Catherine, who called out to + know what they were talking of. Elizabeth immediately began + playing again. Lady Catherine approached, and, after listening + for a few minutes, said to Darcy: + + “Miss Bennet would not play at all amiss if she practised more, + and could have the advantage of a London master. She has a very + good notion of fingering, though her taste is not equal to + Anne’s. Anne would have been a delightful performer, had her + health allowed her to learn.” + + Elizabeth looked at Darcy to see how cordially he assented to his + cousin’s praise; but neither at that moment nor at any other + could she discern any symptom of love; and from the whole of his + behaviour to Miss de Bourgh she derived this comfort for Miss + Bingley, that he might have been just as likely to marry her, + had she been his relation. + + Lady Catherine continued her remarks on Elizabeth’s performance, + mixing with them many instructions on execution and taste. + Elizabeth received them with all the forbearance of civility, + and, at the request of the gentlemen, remained at the instrument + till her ladyship’s carriage was ready to take them all home. + + + + + Elizabeth was sitting by herself the next morning, and writing to + Jane while Mrs. Collins and Maria were gone on business into the + village, when she was startled by a ring at the door, the certain + signal of a visitor. As she had heard no carriage, she thought it + not unlikely to be Lady Catherine, and under that apprehension + was putting away her half-finished letter that she might escape + all impertinent questions, when the door opened, and, to her very + great surprise, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Darcy only, entered the room. + + He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologised for + his intrusion by letting her know that he had understood all the + ladies were to be within. + + They then sat down, and when her inquiries after Rosings were + made, seemed in danger of sinking into total silence. It was + absolutely necessary, therefore, to think of something, and in + this emergence recollecting when she had seen him last in + Hertfordshire, and feeling curious to know what he would say on + the subject of their hasty departure, she observed: + + “How very suddenly you all quitted Netherfield last November, Mr. + Darcy! It must have been a most agreeable surprise to Mr. Bingley + to see you all after him so soon; for, if I recollect right, he + went but the day before. He and his sisters were well, I hope, + when you left London?” + + “Perfectly so, I thank you.” + + She found that she was to receive no other answer, and, after a + short pause added: + + “I think I have understood that Mr. Bingley has not much idea of + ever returning to Netherfield again?” + + “I have never heard him say so; but it is probable that he may + spend very little of his time there in the future. He has many + friends, and is at a time of life when friends and engagements + are continually increasing.” + + “If he means to be but little at Netherfield, it would be better + for the neighbourhood that he should give up the place entirely, + for then we might possibly get a settled family there. But, + perhaps, Mr. Bingley did not take the house so much for the + convenience of the neighbourhood as for his own, and we must + expect him to keep it or quit it on the same principle.” + + “I should not be surprised,” said Darcy, “if he were to give it + up as soon as any eligible purchase offers.” + + Elizabeth made no answer. She was afraid of talking longer of his + friend; and, having nothing else to say, was now determined to + leave the trouble of finding a subject to him. + + He took the hint, and soon began with, “This seems a very + comfortable house. Lady Catherine, I believe, did a great deal to + it when Mr. Collins first came to Hunsford.” + + “I believe she did—and I am sure she could not have bestowed her + kindness on a more grateful object.” + + “Mr. Collins appears to be very fortunate in his choice of a + wife.” + + “Yes, indeed, his friends may well rejoice in his having met with + one of the very few sensible women who would have accepted him, + or have made him happy if they had. My friend has an excellent + understanding—though I am not certain that I consider her + marrying Mr. Collins as the wisest thing she ever did. She seems + perfectly happy, however, and in a prudential light it is + certainly a very good match for her.” + + “It must be very agreeable for her to be settled within so easy a + distance of her own family and friends.” + + “An easy distance, do you call it? It is nearly fifty miles.” + + “And what is fifty miles of good road? Little more than half a + day’s journey. Yes, I call it a very easy distance.” + + “I should never have considered the distance as one of the + advantages of the match,” cried Elizabeth. “I should never have + said Mrs. Collins was settled near her family.” + + “It is a proof of your own attachment to Hertfordshire. Anything + beyond the very neighbourhood of Longbourn, I suppose, would + appear far.” + + As he spoke there was a sort of smile which Elizabeth fancied she + understood; he must be supposing her to be thinking of Jane and + Netherfield, and she blushed as she answered: + + “I do not mean to say that a woman may not be settled too near + her family. The far and the near must be relative, and depend on + many varying circumstances. Where there is fortune to make the + expenses of travelling unimportant, distance becomes no evil. But + that is not the case here. Mr. and Mrs. Collins have a + comfortable income, but not such a one as will allow of frequent + journeys—and I am persuaded my friend would not call herself + near her family under less than half the present distance.” + + Mr. Darcy drew his chair a little towards her, and said, “You + cannot have a right to such very strong local attachment. You + cannot have been always at Longbourn.” + + Elizabeth looked surprised. The gentleman experienced some change + of feeling; he drew back his chair, took a newspaper from the + table, and glancing over it, said, in a colder voice: + + “Are you pleased with Kent?” + + A short dialogue on the subject of the country ensued, on either + side calm and concise—and soon put an end to by the entrance of + Charlotte and her sister, just returned from her walk. The + tête-à-tête surprised them. Mr. Darcy related the mistake which + had occasioned his intruding on Miss Bennet, and after sitting a + few minutes longer without saying much to anybody, went away. + + “What can be the meaning of this?” said Charlotte, as soon as he + was gone. “My dear, Eliza, he must be in love with you, or he + would never have called us in this familiar way.” + + But when Elizabeth told of his silence, it did not seem very + likely, even to Charlotte’s wishes, to be the case; and after + various conjectures, they could at last only suppose his visit to + proceed from the difficulty of finding anything to do, which was + the more probable from the time of year. All field sports were + over. Within doors there was Lady Catherine, books, and a + billiard-table, but gentlemen cannot always be within doors; and + in the nearness of the Parsonage, or the pleasantness of the walk + to it, or of the people who lived in it, the two cousins found a + temptation from this period of walking thither almost every day. + They called at various times of the morning, sometimes + separately, sometimes together, and now and then accompanied by + their aunt. It was plain to them all that Colonel Fitzwilliam + came because he had pleasure in their society, a persuasion which + of course recommended him still more; and Elizabeth was reminded + by her own satisfaction in being with him, as well as by his + evident admiration of her, of her former favourite George + Wickham; and though, in comparing them, she saw there was less + captivating softness in Colonel Fitzwilliam’s manners, she + believed he might have the best informed mind. + + But why Mr. Darcy came so often to the Parsonage, it was more + difficult to understand. It could not be for society, as he + frequently sat there ten minutes together without opening his + lips; and when he did speak, it seemed the effect of necessity + rather than of choice—a sacrifice to propriety, not a pleasure to + himself. He seldom appeared really animated. Mrs. Collins knew + not what to make of him. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s occasionally + laughing at his stupidity, proved that he was generally + different, which her own knowledge of him could not have told + her; and as she would liked to have believed this change the + effect of love, and the object of that love her friend Eliza, she + set herself seriously to work to find it out. She watched him + whenever they were at Rosings, and whenever he came to Hunsford; + but without much success. He certainly looked at her friend a + great deal, but the expression of that look was disputable. It + was an earnest, steadfast gaze, but she often doubted whether + there were much admiration in it, and sometimes it seemed nothing + but absence of mind. + + She had once or twice suggested to Elizabeth the possibility of + his being partial to her, but Elizabeth always laughed at the + idea; and Mrs. Collins did not think it right to press the + subject, from the danger of raising expectations which might only + end in disappointment; for in her opinion it admitted not of a + doubt, that all her friend’s dislike would vanish, if she could + suppose him to be in her power. + + In her kind schemes for Elizabeth, she sometimes planned her + marrying Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was beyond comparison the most + pleasant man; he certainly admired her, and his situation in life + was most eligible; but, to counterbalance these advantages, Mr. + Darcy had considerable patronage in the church, and his cousin + could have none at all. + + + + + More than once did Elizabeth, in her ramble within the park, + unexpectedly meet Mr. Darcy. She felt all the perverseness of the + mischance that should bring him where no one else was brought, + and, to prevent its ever happening again, took care to inform him + at first that it was a favourite haunt of hers. How it could + occur a second time, therefore, was very odd! Yet it did, and + even a third. It seemed like wilful ill-nature, or a voluntary + penance, for on these occasions it was not merely a few formal + inquiries and an awkward pause and then away, but he actually + thought it necessary to turn back and walk with her. He never + said a great deal, nor did she give herself the trouble of + talking or of listening much; but it struck her in the course of + their third rencontre that he was asking some odd unconnected + questions—about her pleasure in being at Hunsford, her love of + solitary walks, and her opinion of Mr. and Mrs. Collins’s + happiness; and that in speaking of Rosings and her not perfectly + understanding the house, he seemed to expect that whenever she + came into Kent again she would be staying there too. His words + seemed to imply it. Could he have Colonel Fitzwilliam in his + thoughts? She supposed, if he meant anything, he must mean an + allusion to what might arise in that quarter. It distressed her a + little, and she was quite glad to find herself at the gate in the + pales opposite the Parsonage. + + She was engaged one day as she walked, in perusing Jane’s last + letter, and dwelling on some passages which proved that Jane had + not written in spirits, when, instead of being again surprised by + Mr. Darcy, she saw on looking up that Colonel Fitzwilliam was + meeting her. Putting away the letter immediately and forcing a + smile, she said: + + “I did not know before that you ever walked this way.” + + “I have been making the tour of the park,” he replied, “as I + generally do every year, and intend to close it with a call at + the Parsonage. Are you going much farther?” + + “No, I should have turned in a moment.” + + And accordingly she did turn, and they walked towards the + Parsonage together. + + “Do you certainly leave Kent on Saturday?” said she. + + “Yes—if Darcy does not put it off again. But I am at his + disposal. He arranges the business just as he pleases.” + + “And if not able to please himself in the arrangement, he has at + least pleasure in the great power of choice. I do not know + anybody who seems more to enjoy the power of doing what he likes + than Mr. Darcy.” + + “He likes to have his own way very well,” replied Colonel + Fitzwilliam. “But so we all do. It is only that he has better + means of having it than many others, because he is rich, and many + others are poor. I speak feelingly. A younger son, you know, must + be inured to self-denial and dependence.” + + “In my opinion, the younger son of an earl can know very little + of either. Now seriously, what have you ever known of self-denial + and dependence? When have you been prevented by want of money + from going wherever you chose, or procuring anything you had a + fancy for?” + + “These are home questions—and perhaps I cannot say that I have + experienced many hardships of that nature. But in matters of + greater weight, I may suffer from want of money. Younger sons + cannot marry where they like.” + + “Unless where they like women of fortune, which I think they very + often do.” + + “Our habits of expense make us too dependent, and there are not + many in my rank of life who can afford to marry without some + attention to money.” + + “Is this,” thought Elizabeth, “meant for me?” and she coloured at + the idea; but, recovering herself, said in a lively tone, “And + pray, what is the usual price of an earl’s younger son? Unless + the elder brother is very sickly, I suppose you would not ask + above fifty thousand pounds.” + + He answered her in the same style, and the subject dropped. To + interrupt a silence which might make him fancy her affected with + what had passed, she soon afterwards said: + + “I imagine your cousin brought you down with him chiefly for the + sake of having someone at his disposal. I wonder he does not + marry, to secure a lasting convenience of that kind. But, + perhaps, his sister does as well for the present, and, as she is + under his sole care, he may do what he likes with her.” + + “No,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, “that is an advantage which he + must divide with me. I am joined with him in the guardianship of + Miss Darcy.” + + “Are you indeed? And pray what sort of guardians do you make? + Does your charge give you much trouble? Young ladies of her age + are sometimes a little difficult to manage, and if she has the + true Darcy spirit, she may like to have her own way.” + + As she spoke she observed him looking at her earnestly; and the + manner in which he immediately asked her why she supposed Miss + Darcy likely to give them any uneasiness, convinced her that she + had somehow or other got pretty near the truth. She directly + replied: + + “You need not be frightened. I never heard any harm of her; and I + dare say she is one of the most tractable creatures in the world. + She is a very great favourite with some ladies of my + acquaintance, Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. I think I have heard + you say that you know them.” + + “I know them a little. Their brother is a pleasant gentlemanlike + man—he is a great friend of Darcy’s.” + + “Oh! yes,” said Elizabeth drily; “Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to + Mr. Bingley, and takes a prodigious deal of care of him.” + + “Care of him! Yes, I really believe Darcy does take care of him + in those points where he most wants care. From something that he + told me in our journey hither, I have reason to think Bingley + very much indebted to him. But I ought to beg his pardon, for I + have no right to suppose that Bingley was the person meant. It + was all conjecture.” + + “What is it you mean?” + + “It is a circumstance which Darcy could not wish to be generally + known, because if it were to get round to the lady’s family, it + would be an unpleasant thing.” + + “You may depend upon my not mentioning it.” + + “And remember that I have not much reason for supposing it to be + Bingley. What he told me was merely this: that he congratulated + himself on having lately saved a friend from the inconveniences + of a most imprudent marriage, but without mentioning names or any + other particulars, and I only suspected it to be Bingley from + believing him the kind of young man to get into a scrape of that + sort, and from knowing them to have been together the whole of + last summer.” + + “Did Mr. Darcy give you reasons for this interference?” + + “I understood that there were some very strong objections against + the lady.” + + “And what arts did he use to separate them?” + + “He did not talk to me of his own arts,” said Fitzwilliam, + smiling. “He only told me what I have now told you.” + + Elizabeth made no answer, and walked on, her heart swelling with + indignation. After watching her a little, Fitzwilliam asked her + why she was so thoughtful. + + “I am thinking of what you have been telling me,” said she. “Your + cousin’s conduct does not suit my feelings. Why was he to be the + judge?” + + “You are rather disposed to call his interference officious?” + + “I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on the propriety + of his friend’s inclination, or why, upon his own judgement + alone, he was to determine and direct in what manner his friend + was to be happy. But,” she continued, recollecting herself, “as + we know none of the particulars, it is not fair to condemn him. + It is not to be supposed that there was much affection in the + case.” + + “That is not an unnatural surmise,” said Fitzwilliam, “but it is + a lessening of the honour of my cousin’s triumph very sadly.” + + This was spoken jestingly; but it appeared to her so just a + picture of Mr. Darcy, that she would not trust herself with an + answer, and therefore, abruptly changing the conversation talked + on indifferent matters until they reached the Parsonage. There, + shut into her own room, as soon as their visitor left them, she + could think without interruption of all that she had heard. It + was not to be supposed that any other people could be meant than + those with whom she was connected. There could not exist in the + world two men over whom Mr. Darcy could have such boundless + influence. That he had been concerned in the measures taken to + separate Bingley and Jane she had never doubted; but she had + always attributed to Miss Bingley the principal design and + arrangement of them. If his own vanity, however, did not mislead + him, he was the cause, his pride and caprice were the cause, of + all that Jane had suffered, and still continued to suffer. He had + ruined for a while every hope of happiness for the most + affectionate, generous heart in the world; and no one could say + how lasting an evil he might have inflicted. + + “There were some very strong objections against the lady,” were + Colonel Fitzwilliam’s words; and those strong objections probably + were, her having one uncle who was a country attorney, and + another who was in business in London. + + “To Jane herself,” she exclaimed, “there could be no possibility + of objection; all loveliness and goodness as she is!—her + understanding excellent, her mind improved, and her manners + captivating. Neither could anything be urged against my father, + who, though with some peculiarities, has abilities Mr. Darcy + himself need not disdain, and respectability which he will + probably never reach.” When she thought of her mother, her + confidence gave way a little; but she would not allow that any + objections there had material weight with Mr. Darcy, whose + pride, she was convinced, would receive a deeper wound from the + want of importance in his friend’s connections, than from their + want of sense; and she was quite decided, at last, that he had + been partly governed by this worst kind of pride, and partly by + the wish of retaining Mr. Bingley for his sister. + + The agitation and tears which the subject occasioned, brought on + a headache; and it grew so much worse towards the evening, that, + added to her unwillingness to see Mr. Darcy, it determined her + not to attend her cousins to Rosings, where they were engaged to + drink tea. Mrs. Collins, seeing that she was really unwell, did + not press her to go and as much as possible prevented her husband + from pressing her; but Mr. Collins could not conceal his + apprehension of Lady Catherine’s being rather displeased by her + staying at home. + + + + + When they were gone, Elizabeth, as if intending to exasperate + herself as much as possible against Mr. Darcy, chose for her + employment the examination of all the letters which Jane had + written to her since her being in Kent. They contained no actual + complaint, nor was there any revival of past occurrences, or any + communication of present suffering. But in all, and in almost + every line of each, there was a want of that cheerfulness which + had been used to characterise her style, and which, proceeding + from the serenity of a mind at ease with itself and kindly + disposed towards everyone, had been scarcely ever clouded. + Elizabeth noticed every sentence conveying the idea of + uneasiness, with an attention which it had hardly received on the + first perusal. Mr. Darcy’s shameful boast of what misery he had + been able to inflict, gave her a keener sense of her sister’s + sufferings. It was some consolation to think that his visit to + Rosings was to end on the day after the next—and, a still + greater, that in less than a fortnight she should herself be with + Jane again, and enabled to contribute to the recovery of her + spirits, by all that affection could do. + + She could not think of Darcy’s leaving Kent without remembering + that his cousin was to go with him; but Colonel Fitzwilliam had + made it clear that he had no intentions at all, and agreeable as + he was, she did not mean to be unhappy about him. + + While settling this point, she was suddenly roused by the sound + of the door-bell, and her spirits were a little fluttered by the + idea of its being Colonel Fitzwilliam himself, who had once + before called late in the evening, and might now come to inquire + particularly after her. But this idea was soon banished, and her + spirits were very differently affected, when, to her utter + amazement, she saw Mr. Darcy walk into the room. In an hurried + manner he immediately began an inquiry after her health, imputing + his visit to a wish of hearing that she were better. She answered + him with cold civility. He sat down for a few moments, and then + getting up, walked about the room. Elizabeth was surprised, but + said not a word. After a silence of several minutes, he came + towards her in an agitated manner, and thus began: + + “In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not + be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire + and love you.” + + Elizabeth’s astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, + coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient + encouragement; and the avowal of all that he felt, and had long + felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well; but there were + feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was + not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His + sense of her inferiority—of its being a degradation—of the family + obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on + with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was + wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit. + + In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be + insensible to the compliment of such a man’s affection, and + though her intentions did not vary for an instant, she was at + first sorry for the pain he was to receive; till, roused to + resentment by his subsequent language, she lost all compassion in + anger. She tried, however, to compose herself to answer him with + patience, when he should have done. He concluded with + representing to her the strength of that attachment which, in + spite of all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; + and with expressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her + acceptance of his hand. As he said this, she could easily see + that he had no doubt of a favourable answer. He spoke of + apprehension and anxiety, but his countenance expressed real + security. Such a circumstance could only exasperate farther, and, + when he ceased, the colour rose into her cheeks, and she said: + + “In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to + express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however + unequally they may be returned. It is natural that obligation + should be felt, and if I could feel gratitude, I would now + thank you. But I cannot—I have never desired your good opinion, + and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly. I am sorry + to have occasioned pain to anyone. It has been most unconsciously + done, however, and I hope will be of short duration. The feelings + which, you tell me, have long prevented the acknowledgment of + your regard, can have little difficulty in overcoming it after + this explanation.” + + Mr. Darcy, who was leaning against the mantelpiece with his eyes + fixed on her face, seemed to catch her words with no less + resentment than surprise. His complexion became pale with anger, + and the disturbance of his mind was visible in every feature. He + was struggling for the appearance of composure, and would not + open his lips till he believed himself to have attained it. The + pause was to Elizabeth’s feelings dreadful. At length, with a + voice of forced calmness, he said: + + “And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of + expecting! I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so + little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of + small importance.” + + “I might as well inquire,” replied she, “why with so evident a + desire of offending and insulting me, you chose to tell me that + you liked me against your will, against your reason, and even + against your character? Was not this some excuse for incivility, + if I was uncivil? But I have other provocations. You know I + have. Had not my feelings decided against you—had they been + indifferent, or had they even been favourable, do you think that + any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been + the means of ruining, perhaps for ever, the happiness of a most + beloved sister?” + + As she pronounced these words, Mr. Darcy changed colour; but the + emotion was short, and he listened without attempting to + interrupt her while she continued: + + “I have every reason in the world to think ill of you. No motive + can excuse the unjust and ungenerous part you acted there. You + dare not, you cannot deny, that you have been the principal, if + not the only means of dividing them from each other—of exposing + one to the censure of the world for caprice and instability, and + the other to its derision for disappointed hopes, and involving + them both in misery of the acutest kind.” + + She paused, and saw with no slight indignation that he was + listening with an air which proved him wholly unmoved by any + feeling of remorse. He even looked at her with a smile of + affected incredulity. + + “Can you deny that you have done it?” she repeated. + + With assumed tranquillity he then replied: “I have no wish of + denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend + from your sister, or that I rejoice in my success. Towards him + I have been kinder than towards myself.” + + Elizabeth disdained the appearance of noticing this civil + reflection, but its meaning did not escape, nor was it likely to + conciliate her. + + “But it is not merely this affair,” she continued, “on which my + dislike is founded. Long before it had taken place my opinion of + you was decided. Your character was unfolded in the recital which + I received many months ago from Mr. Wickham. On this subject, + what can you have to say? In what imaginary act of friendship can + you here defend yourself? or under what misrepresentation can you + here impose upon others?” + + “You take an eager interest in that gentleman’s concerns,” said + Darcy, in a less tranquil tone, and with a heightened colour. + + “Who that knows what his misfortunes have been, can help feeling + an interest in him?” + + “His misfortunes!” repeated Darcy contemptuously; “yes, his + misfortunes have been great indeed.” + + “And of your infliction,” cried Elizabeth with energy. “You have + reduced him to his present state of poverty—comparative poverty. + You have withheld the advantages which you must know to have been + designed for him. You have deprived the best years of his life of + that independence which was no less his due than his desert. You + have done all this! and yet you can treat the mention of his + misfortune with contempt and ridicule.” + + “And this,” cried Darcy, as he walked with quick steps across the + room, “is your opinion of me! This is the estimation in which you + hold me! I thank you for explaining it so fully. My faults, + according to this calculation, are heavy indeed! But perhaps,” + added he, stopping in his walk, and turning towards her, “these + offenses might have been overlooked, had not your pride been hurt + by my honest confession of the scruples that had long prevented + my forming any serious design. These bitter accusations might + have been suppressed, had I, with greater policy, concealed my + struggles, and flattered you into the belief of my being impelled + by unqualified, unalloyed inclination; by reason, by reflection, + by everything. But disguise of every sort is my abhorrence. Nor + am I ashamed of the feelings I related. They were natural and + just. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your + connections?—to congratulate myself on the hope of relations, + whose condition in life is so decidedly beneath my own?” + + Elizabeth felt herself growing more angry every moment; yet she + tried to the utmost to speak with composure when she said: + + “You are mistaken, Mr. Darcy, if you suppose that the mode of + your declaration affected me in any other way, than as it spared + me the concern which I might have felt in refusing you, had you + behaved in a more gentlemanlike manner.” + + She saw him start at this, but he said nothing, and she + continued: + + “You could not have made the offer of your hand in any possible + way that would have tempted me to accept it.” + + Again his astonishment was obvious; and he looked at her with an + expression of mingled incredulity and mortification. She went on: + + “From the very beginning—from the first moment, I may almost + say—of my acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with + the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your + selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form + the groundwork of disapprobation on which succeeding events have + built so immovable a dislike; and I had not known you a month + before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I + could ever be prevailed on to marry.” + + “You have said quite enough, madam. I perfectly comprehend your + feelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have + been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and + accept my best wishes for your health and happiness.” + + And with these words he hastily left the room, and Elizabeth + heard him the next moment open the front door and quit the house. + + The tumult of her mind, was now painfully great. She knew not how + to support herself, and from actual weakness sat down and cried + for half-an-hour. Her astonishment, as she reflected on what had + passed, was increased by every review of it. That she should + receive an offer of marriage from Mr. Darcy! That he should have + been in love with her for so many months! So much in love as to + wish to marry her in spite of all the objections which had made + him prevent his friend’s marrying her sister, and which must + appear at least with equal force in his own case—was almost + incredible! It was gratifying to have inspired unconsciously so + strong an affection. But his pride, his abominable pride—his + shameless avowal of what he had done with respect to Jane—his + unpardonable assurance in acknowledging, though he could not + justify it, and the unfeeling manner in which he had mentioned + Mr. Wickham, his cruelty towards whom he had not attempted to + deny, soon overcame the pity which the consideration of his + attachment had for a moment excited. She continued in very + agitated reflections till the sound of Lady Catherine’s carriage + made her feel how unequal she was to encounter Charlotte’s + observation, and hurried her away to her room. + + + + + Elizabeth awoke the next morning to the same thoughts and + meditations which had at length closed her eyes. She could not + yet recover from the surprise of what had happened; it was + impossible to think of anything else; and, totally indisposed for + employment, she resolved, soon after breakfast, to indulge + herself in air and exercise. She was proceeding directly to her + favourite walk, when the recollection of Mr. Darcy’s sometimes + coming there stopped her, and instead of entering the park, she + turned up the lane, which led farther from the turnpike-road. The + park paling was still the boundary on one side, and she soon + passed one of the gates into the ground. + + After walking two or three times along that part of the lane, she + was tempted, by the pleasantness of the morning, to stop at the + gates and look into the park. The five weeks which she had now + passed in Kent had made a great difference in the country, and + every day was adding to the verdure of the early trees. She was + on the point of continuing her walk, when she caught a glimpse of + a gentleman within the sort of grove which edged the park; he was + moving that way; and, fearful of its being Mr. Darcy, she was + directly retreating. But the person who advanced was now near + enough to see her, and stepping forward with eagerness, + pronounced her name. She had turned away; but on hearing herself + called, though in a voice which proved it to be Mr. Darcy, she + moved again towards the gate. He had by that time reached it + also, and, holding out a letter, which she instinctively took, + said, with a look of haughty composure, “I have been walking in + the grove some time in the hope of meeting you. Will you do me + the honour of reading that letter?” And then, with a slight bow, + turned again into the plantation, and was soon out of sight. + + With no expectation of pleasure, but with the strongest + curiosity, Elizabeth opened the letter, and, to her still + increasing wonder, perceived an envelope containing two sheets of + letter-paper, written quite through, in a very close hand. The + envelope itself was likewise full. Pursuing her way along the + lane, she then began it. It was dated from Rosings, at eight + o’clock in the morning, and was as follows:— + + “Be not alarmed, madam, on receiving this letter, by the + apprehension of its containing any repetition of those sentiments + or renewal of those offers which were last night so disgusting to + you. I write without any intention of paining you, or humbling + myself, by dwelling on wishes which, for the happiness of both, + cannot be too soon forgotten; and the effort which the formation + and the perusal of this letter must occasion, should have been + spared, had not my character required it to be written and read. + You must, therefore, pardon the freedom with which I demand your + attention; your feelings, I know, will bestow it unwillingly, but + I demand it of your justice. + + “Two offenses of a very different nature, and by no means of + equal magnitude, you last night laid to my charge. The first + mentioned was, that, regardless of the sentiments of either, I + had detached Mr. Bingley from your sister, and the other, that I + had, in defiance of various claims, in defiance of honour and + humanity, ruined the immediate prosperity and blasted the + prospects of Mr. Wickham. Wilfully and wantonly to have thrown + off the companion of my youth, the acknowledged favourite of my + father, a young man who had scarcely any other dependence than on + our patronage, and who had been brought up to expect its + exertion, would be a depravity, to which the separation of two + young persons, whose affection could be the growth of only a few + weeks, could bear no comparison. But from the severity of that + blame which was last night so liberally bestowed, respecting each + circumstance, I shall hope to be in the future secured, when the + following account of my actions and their motives has been read. + If, in the explanation of them, which is due to myself, I am + under the necessity of relating feelings which may be offensive + to yours, I can only say that I am sorry. The necessity must be + obeyed, and further apology would be absurd. + + “I had not been long in Hertfordshire, before I saw, in common + with others, that Bingley preferred your elder sister to any + other young woman in the country. But it was not till the evening + of the dance at Netherfield that I had any apprehension of his + feeling a serious attachment. I had often seen him in love + before. At that ball, while I had the honour of dancing with you, + I was first made acquainted, by Sir William Lucas’s accidental + information, that Bingley’s attentions to your sister had given + rise to a general expectation of their marriage. He spoke of it + as a certain event, of which the time alone could be undecided. + From that moment I observed my friend’s behaviour attentively; + and I could then perceive that his partiality for Miss Bennet was + beyond what I had ever witnessed in him. Your sister I also + watched. Her look and manners were open, cheerful, and engaging + as ever, but without any symptom of peculiar regard, and I + remained convinced from the evening’s scrutiny, that though she + received his attentions with pleasure, she did not invite them by + any participation of sentiment. If you have not been mistaken + here, I must have been in error. Your superior knowledge of + your sister must make the latter probable. If it be so, if I have + been misled by such error to inflict pain on her, your resentment + has not been unreasonable. But I shall not scruple to assert, + that the serenity of your sister’s countenance and air was such + as might have given the most acute observer a conviction that, + however amiable her temper, her heart was not likely to be easily + touched. That I was desirous of believing her indifferent is + certain—but I will venture to say that my investigation and + decisions are not usually influenced by my hopes or fears. I did + not believe her to be indifferent because I wished it; I believed + it on impartial conviction, as truly as I wished it in reason. My + objections to the marriage were not merely those which I last + night acknowledged to have the utmost force of passion to put + aside, in my own case; the want of connection could not be so + great an evil to my friend as to me. But there were other causes + of repugnance; causes which, though still existing, and existing + to an equal degree in both instances, I had myself endeavoured to + forget, because they were not immediately before me. These causes + must be stated, though briefly. The situation of your mother’s + family, though objectionable, was nothing in comparison to that + total want of propriety so frequently, so almost uniformly + betrayed by herself, by your three younger sisters, and + occasionally even by your father. Pardon me. It pains me to + offend you. But amidst your concern for the defects of your + nearest relations, and your displeasure at this representation of + them, let it give you consolation to consider that, to have + conducted yourselves so as to avoid any share of the like + censure, is praise no less generally bestowed on you and your + elder sister, than it is honourable to the sense and disposition + of both. I will only say farther that from what passed that + evening, my opinion of all parties was confirmed, and every + inducement heightened which could have led me before, to preserve + my friend from what I esteemed a most unhappy connection. He left + Netherfield for London, on the day following, as you, I am + certain, remember, with the design of soon returning. + + “The part which I acted is now to be explained. His sisters’ + uneasiness had been equally excited with my own; our coincidence + of feeling was soon discovered, and, alike sensible that no time + was to be lost in detaching their brother, we shortly resolved on + joining him directly in London. We accordingly went—and there I + readily engaged in the office of pointing out to my friend the + certain evils of such a choice. I described, and enforced them + earnestly. But, however this remonstrance might have staggered or + delayed his determination, I do not suppose that it would + ultimately have prevented the marriage, had it not been seconded + by the assurance that I hesitated not in giving, of your sister’s + indifference. He had before believed her to return his affection + with sincere, if not with equal regard. But Bingley has great + natural modesty, with a stronger dependence on my judgement than + on his own. To convince him, therefore, that he had deceived + himself, was no very difficult point. To persuade him against + returning into Hertfordshire, when that conviction had been + given, was scarcely the work of a moment. I cannot blame myself + for having done thus much. There is but one part of my conduct in + the whole affair on which I do not reflect with satisfaction; it + is that I condescended to adopt the measures of art so far as to + conceal from him your sister’s being in town. I knew it myself, + as it was known to Miss Bingley; but her brother is even yet + ignorant of it. That they might have met without ill consequence + is perhaps probable; but his regard did not appear to me enough + extinguished for him to see her without some danger. Perhaps this + concealment, this disguise was beneath me; it is done, however, + and it was done for the best. On this subject I have nothing more + to say, no other apology to offer. If I have wounded your + sister’s feelings, it was unknowingly done and though the motives + which governed me may to you very naturally appear insufficient, + I have not yet learnt to condemn them. + + “With respect to that other, more weighty accusation, of having + injured Mr. Wickham, I can only refute it by laying before you + the whole of his connection with my family. Of what he has + particularly accused me I am ignorant; but of the truth of what + I shall relate, I can summon more than one witness of undoubted + veracity. + + “Mr. Wickham is the son of a very respectable man, who had for + many years the management of all the Pemberley estates, and whose + good conduct in the discharge of his trust naturally inclined my + father to be of service to him; and on George Wickham, who was + his godson, his kindness was therefore liberally bestowed. My + father supported him at school, and afterwards at Cambridge—most + important assistance, as his own father, always poor from the + extravagance of his wife, would have been unable to give him a + gentleman’s education. My father was not only fond of this young + man’s society, whose manners were always engaging; he had also + the highest opinion of him, and hoping the church would be his + profession, intended to provide for him in it. As for myself, it + is many, many years since I first began to think of him in a very + different manner. The vicious propensities—the want of principle, + which he was careful to guard from the knowledge of his best + friend, could not escape the observation of a young man of nearly + the same age with himself, and who had opportunities of seeing + him in unguarded moments, which Mr. Darcy could not have. Here + again I shall give you pain—to what degree you only can tell. But + whatever may be the sentiments which Mr. Wickham has created, a + suspicion of their nature shall not prevent me from unfolding his + real character—it adds even another motive. + + “My excellent father died about five years ago; and his + attachment to Mr. Wickham was to the last so steady, that in his + will he particularly recommended it to me, to promote his + advancement in the best manner that his profession might + allow—and if he took orders, desired that a valuable family + living might be his as soon as it became vacant. There was also a + legacy of one thousand pounds. His own father did not long + survive mine, and within half a year from these events, Mr. + Wickham wrote to inform me that, having finally resolved against + taking orders, he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for + him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of + the preferment, by which he could not be benefited. He had some + intention, he added, of studying law, and I must be aware that + the interest of one thousand pounds would be a very insufficient + support therein. I rather wished, than believed him to be + sincere; but, at any rate, was perfectly ready to accede to his + proposal. I knew that Mr. Wickham ought not to be a clergyman; + the business was therefore soon settled—he resigned all claim to + assistance in the church, were it possible that he could ever be + in a situation to receive it, and accepted in return three + thousand pounds. All connection between us seemed now dissolved. + I thought too ill of him to invite him to Pemberley, or admit his + society in town. In town I believe he chiefly lived, but his + studying the law was a mere pretence, and being now free from all + restraint, his life was a life of idleness and dissipation. For + about three years I heard little of him; but on the decease of + the incumbent of the living which had been designed for him, he + applied to me again by letter for the presentation. His + circumstances, he assured me, and I had no difficulty in + believing it, were exceedingly bad. He had found the law a most + unprofitable study, and was now absolutely resolved on being + ordained, if I would present him to the living in question—of + which he trusted there could be little doubt, as he was well + assured that I had no other person to provide for, and I could + not have forgotten my revered father’s intentions. You will + hardly blame me for refusing to comply with this entreaty, or for + resisting every repetition to it. His resentment was in + proportion to the distress of his circumstances—and he was + doubtless as violent in his abuse of me to others as in his + reproaches to myself. After this period every appearance of + acquaintance was dropped. How he lived I know not. But last + summer he was again most painfully obtruded on my notice. + + “I must now mention a circumstance which I would wish to forget + myself, and which no obligation less than the present should + induce me to unfold to any human being. Having said thus much, I + feel no doubt of your secrecy. My sister, who is more than ten + years my junior, was left to the guardianship of my mother’s + nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and myself. About a year ago, she + was taken from school, and an establishment formed for her in + London; and last summer she went with the lady who presided over + it, to Ramsgate; and thither also went Mr. Wickham, undoubtedly + by design; for there proved to have been a prior acquaintance + between him and Mrs. Younge, in whose character we were most + unhappily deceived; and by her connivance and aid, he so far + recommended himself to Georgiana, whose affectionate heart + retained a strong impression of his kindness to her as a child, + that she was persuaded to believe herself in love, and to consent + to an elopement. She was then but fifteen, which must be her + excuse; and after stating her imprudence, I am happy to add, that + I owed the knowledge of it to herself. I joined them unexpectedly + a day or two before the intended elopement, and then Georgiana, + unable to support the idea of grieving and offending a brother + whom she almost looked up to as a father, acknowledged the whole + to me. You may imagine what I felt and how I acted. Regard for my + sister’s credit and feelings prevented any public exposure; but I + wrote to Mr. Wickham, who left the place immediately, and Mrs. + Younge was of course removed from her charge. Mr. Wickham’s chief + object was unquestionably my sister’s fortune, which is thirty + thousand pounds; but I cannot help supposing that the hope of + revenging himself on me was a strong inducement. His revenge + would have been complete indeed. + + “This, madam, is a faithful narrative of every event in which we + have been concerned together; and if you do not absolutely reject + it as false, you will, I hope, acquit me henceforth of cruelty + towards Mr. Wickham. I know not in what manner, under what form + of falsehood he had imposed on you; but his success is not + perhaps to be wondered at. Ignorant as you previously were of + everything concerning either, detection could not be in your + power, and suspicion certainly not in your inclination. + + “You may possibly wonder why all this was not told you last + night; but I was not then master enough of myself to know what + could or ought to be revealed. For the truth of everything here + related, I can appeal more particularly to the testimony of + Colonel Fitzwilliam, who, from our near relationship and constant + intimacy, and, still more, as one of the executors of my father’s + will, has been unavoidably acquainted with every particular of + these transactions. If your abhorrence of me should make my + assertions valueless, you cannot be prevented by the same cause + from confiding in my cousin; and that there may be the + possibility of consulting him, I shall endeavour to find some + opportunity of putting this letter in your hands in the course of + the morning. I will only add, God bless you. + + “FITZWILLIAM DARCY” + + + + + If Elizabeth, when Mr. Darcy gave her the letter, did not expect + it to contain a renewal of his offers, she had formed no + expectation at all of its contents. But such as they were, it may + well be supposed how eagerly she went through them, and what a + contrariety of emotion they excited. Her feelings as she read + were scarcely to be defined. With amazement did she first + understand that he believed any apology to be in his power; and + steadfastly was she persuaded, that he could have no explanation + to give, which a just sense of shame would not conceal. With a + strong prejudice against everything he might say, she began his + account of what had happened at Netherfield. She read with an + eagerness which hardly left her power of comprehension, and from + impatience of knowing what the next sentence might bring, was + incapable of attending to the sense of the one before her eyes. + His belief of her sister’s insensibility she instantly resolved + to be false; and his account of the real, the worst objections to + the match, made her too angry to have any wish of doing him + justice. He expressed no regret for what he had done which + satisfied her; his style was not penitent, but haughty. It was + all pride and insolence. + + But when this subject was succeeded by his account of Mr. + Wickham—when she read with somewhat clearer attention a relation + of events which, if true, must overthrow every cherished opinion + of his worth, and which bore so alarming an affinity to his own + history of himself—her feelings were yet more acutely painful and + more difficult of definition. Astonishment, apprehension, and + even horror, oppressed her. She wished to discredit it entirely, + repeatedly exclaiming, “This must be false! This cannot be! This + must be the grossest falsehood!”—and when she had gone through + the whole letter, though scarcely knowing anything of the last + page or two, put it hastily away, protesting that she would not + regard it, that she would never look in it again. + + In this perturbed state of mind, with thoughts that could rest on + nothing, she walked on; but it would not do; in half a minute the + letter was unfolded again, and collecting herself as well as she + could, she again began the mortifying perusal of all that related + to Wickham, and commanded herself so far as to examine the + meaning of every sentence. The account of his connection with the + Pemberley family was exactly what he had related himself; and the + kindness of the late Mr. Darcy, though she had not before known + its extent, agreed equally well with his own words. So far each + recital confirmed the other; but when she came to the will, the + difference was great. What Wickham had said of the living was + fresh in her memory, and as she recalled his very words, it was + impossible not to feel that there was gross duplicity on one side + or the other; and, for a few moments, she flattered herself that + her wishes did not err. But when she read and re-read with the + closest attention, the particulars immediately following of + Wickham’s resigning all pretensions to the living, of his + receiving in lieu so considerable a sum as three thousand pounds, + again was she forced to hesitate. She put down the letter, + weighed every circumstance with what she meant to be + impartiality—deliberated on the probability of each statement—but + with little success. On both sides it was only assertion. Again + she read on; but every line proved more clearly that the affair, + which she had believed it impossible that any contrivance could + so represent as to render Mr. Darcy’s conduct in it less than + infamous, was capable of a turn which must make him entirely + blameless throughout the whole. + + The extravagance and general profligacy which he scrupled not to + lay at Mr. Wickham’s charge, exceedingly shocked her; the more + so, as she could bring no proof of its injustice. She had never + heard of him before his entrance into the ——shire Militia, in + which he had engaged at the persuasion of the young man who, on + meeting him accidentally in town, had there renewed a slight + acquaintance. Of his former way of life nothing had been known in + Hertfordshire but what he told himself. As to his real character, + had information been in her power, she had never felt a wish of + inquiring. His countenance, voice, and manner had established him + at once in the possession of every virtue. She tried to recollect + some instance of goodness, some distinguished trait of integrity + or benevolence, that might rescue him from the attacks of Mr. + Darcy; or at least, by the predominance of virtue, atone for + those casual errors under which she would endeavour to class what + Mr. Darcy had described as the idleness and vice of many years’ + continuance. But no such recollection befriended her. She could + see him instantly before her, in every charm of air and address; + but she could remember no more substantial good than the general + approbation of the neighbourhood, and the regard which his social + powers had gained him in the mess. After pausing on this point a + considerable while, she once more continued to read. But, alas! + the story which followed, of his designs on Miss Darcy, received + some confirmation from what had passed between Colonel + Fitzwilliam and herself only the morning before; and at last she + was referred for the truth of every particular to Colonel + Fitzwilliam himself—from whom she had previously received the + information of his near concern in all his cousin’s affairs, and + whose character she had no reason to question. At one time she + had almost resolved on applying to him, but the idea was checked + by the awkwardness of the application, and at length wholly + banished by the conviction that Mr. Darcy would never have + hazarded such a proposal, if he had not been well assured of his + cousin’s corroboration. + + She perfectly remembered everything that had passed in + conversation between Wickham and herself, in their first evening + at Mr. Phillips’s. Many of his expressions were still fresh in + her memory. She was now struck with the impropriety of such + communications to a stranger, and wondered it had escaped her + before. She saw the indelicacy of putting himself forward as he + had done, and the inconsistency of his professions with his + conduct. She remembered that he had boasted of having no fear of + seeing Mr. Darcy—that Mr. Darcy might leave the country, but that + he should stand his ground; yet he had avoided the Netherfield + ball the very next week. She remembered also that, till the + Netherfield family had quitted the country, he had told his story + to no one but herself; but that after their removal it had been + everywhere discussed; that he had then no reserves, no scruples + in sinking Mr. Darcy’s character, though he had assured her that + respect for the father would always prevent his exposing the son. + + How differently did everything now appear in which he was + concerned! His attentions to Miss King were now the consequence + of views solely and hatefully mercenary; and the mediocrity of + her fortune proved no longer the moderation of his wishes, but + his eagerness to grasp at anything. His behaviour to herself + could now have had no tolerable motive; he had either been + deceived with regard to her fortune, or had been gratifying his + vanity by encouraging the preference which she believed she had + most incautiously shown. Every lingering struggle in his favour + grew fainter and fainter; and in farther justification of Mr. + Darcy, she could not but allow that Mr. Bingley, when questioned + by Jane, had long ago asserted his blamelessness in the affair; + that proud and repulsive as were his manners, she had never, in + the whole course of their acquaintance—an acquaintance which had + latterly brought them much together, and given her a sort of + intimacy with his ways—seen anything that betrayed him to be + unprincipled or unjust—anything that spoke him of irreligious or + immoral habits; that among his own connections he was esteemed + and valued—that even Wickham had allowed him merit as a brother, + and that she had often heard him speak so affectionately of his + sister as to prove him capable of some amiable feeling; that had + his actions been what Mr. Wickham represented them, so gross a + violation of everything right could hardly have been concealed + from the world; and that friendship between a person capable of + it, and such an amiable man as Mr. Bingley, was incomprehensible. + + She grew absolutely ashamed of herself. Of neither Darcy nor + Wickham could she think without feeling she had been blind, + partial, prejudiced, absurd. + + “How despicably I have acted!” she cried; “I, who have prided + myself on my discernment! I, who have valued myself on my + abilities! who have often disdained the generous candour of my + sister, and gratified my vanity in useless or blameable mistrust! + How humiliating is this discovery! Yet, how just a humiliation! + Had I been in love, I could not have been more wretchedly blind! + But vanity, not love, has been my folly. Pleased with the + preference of one, and offended by the neglect of the other, on + the very beginning of our acquaintance, I have courted + prepossession and ignorance, and driven reason away, where either + were concerned. Till this moment I never knew myself.” + + From herself to Jane—from Jane to Bingley, her thoughts were in a + line which soon brought to her recollection that Mr. Darcy’s + explanation there had appeared very insufficient, and she read + it again. Widely different was the effect of a second perusal. + How could she deny that credit to his assertions in one instance, + which she had been obliged to give in the other? He declared + himself to be totally unsuspicious of her sister’s attachment; + and she could not help remembering what Charlotte’s opinion had + always been. Neither could she deny the justice of his + description of Jane. She felt that Jane’s feelings, though + fervent, were little displayed, and that there was a constant + complacency in her air and manner not often united with great + sensibility. + + When she came to that part of the letter in which her family were + mentioned in terms of such mortifying, yet merited reproach, her + sense of shame was severe. The justice of the charge struck her + too forcibly for denial, and the circumstances to which he + particularly alluded as having passed at the Netherfield ball, + and as confirming all his first disapprobation, could not have + made a stronger impression on his mind than on hers. + + The compliment to herself and her sister was not unfelt. It + soothed, but it could not console her for the contempt which had + thus been self-attracted by the rest of her family; and as she + considered that Jane’s disappointment had in fact been the work + of her nearest relations, and reflected how materially the credit + of both must be hurt by such impropriety of conduct, she felt + depressed beyond anything she had ever known before. + + After wandering along the lane for two hours, giving way to every + variety of thought—re-considering events, determining + probabilities, and reconciling herself, as well as she could, to + a change so sudden and so important, fatigue, and a recollection + of her long absence, made her at length return home; and she + entered the house with the wish of appearing cheerful as usual, + and the resolution of repressing such reflections as must make + her unfit for conversation. + + She was immediately told that the two gentlemen from Rosings had + each called during her absence; Mr. Darcy, only for a few + minutes, to take leave—but that Colonel Fitzwilliam had been + sitting with them at least an hour, hoping for her return, and + almost resolving to walk after her till she could be found. + Elizabeth could but just affect concern in missing him; she + really rejoiced at it. Colonel Fitzwilliam was no longer an + object; she could think only of her letter. + + + + + The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning, and Mr. Collins + having been in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting + obeisance, was able to bring home the pleasing intelligence, of + their appearing in very good health, and in as tolerable spirits + as could be expected, after the melancholy scene so lately gone + through at Rosings. To Rosings he then hastened, to console Lady + Catherine and her daughter; and on his return brought back, with + great satisfaction, a message from her ladyship, importing that + she felt herself so dull as to make her very desirous of having + them all to dine with her. + + Elizabeth could not see Lady Catherine without recollecting that, + had she chosen it, she might by this time have been presented to + her as her future niece; nor could she think, without a smile, of + what her ladyship’s indignation would have been. “What would she + have said? how would she have behaved?” were questions with which + she amused herself. + + Their first subject was the diminution of the Rosings party. “I + assure you, I feel it exceedingly,” said Lady Catherine; “I + believe no one feels the loss of friends so much as I do. But I + am particularly attached to these young men, and know them to be + so much attached to me! They were excessively sorry to go! But so + they always are. The dear Colonel rallied his spirits tolerably + till just at last; but Darcy seemed to feel it most acutely, + more, I think, than last year. His attachment to Rosings + certainly increases.” + + Mr. Collins had a compliment, and an allusion to throw in here, + which were kindly smiled on by the mother and daughter. + + Lady Catherine observed, after dinner, that Miss Bennet seemed + out of spirits, and immediately accounting for it by herself, by + supposing that she did not like to go home again so soon, she + added: + + “But if that is the case, you must write to your mother and beg + that you may stay a little longer. Mrs. Collins will be very glad + of your company, I am sure.” + + “I am much obliged to your ladyship for your kind invitation,” + replied Elizabeth, “but it is not in my power to accept it. I + must be in town next Saturday.” + + “Why, at that rate, you will have been here only six weeks. I + expected you to stay two months. I told Mrs. Collins so before + you came. There can be no occasion for your going so soon. Mrs. + Bennet could certainly spare you for another fortnight.” + + “But my father cannot. He wrote last week to hurry my return.” + + “Oh! your father of course may spare you, if your mother can. + Daughters are never of so much consequence to a father. And if + you will stay another month complete, it will be in my power to + take one of you as far as London, for I am going there early in + June, for a week; and as Dawson does not object to the + barouche-box, there will be very good room for one of you—and + indeed, if the weather should happen to be cool, I should not + object to taking you both, as you are neither of you large.” + + “You are all kindness, madam; but I believe we must abide by our + original plan.” + + Lady Catherine seemed resigned. “Mrs. Collins, you must send a + servant with them. You know I always speak my mind, and I cannot + bear the idea of two young women travelling post by themselves. + It is highly improper. You must contrive to send somebody. I have + the greatest dislike in the world to that sort of thing. Young + women should always be properly guarded and attended, according + to their situation in life. When my niece Georgiana went to + Ramsgate last summer, I made a point of her having two + men-servants go with her. Miss Darcy, the daughter of Mr. Darcy, + of Pemberley, and Lady Anne, could not have appeared with + propriety in a different manner. I am excessively attentive to + all those things. You must send John with the young ladies, Mrs. + Collins. I am glad it occurred to me to mention it; for it would + really be discreditable to you to let them go alone.” + + “My uncle is to send a servant for us.” + + “Oh! Your uncle! He keeps a man-servant, does he? I am very glad + you have somebody who thinks of these things. Where shall you + change horses? Oh! Bromley, of course. If you mention my name at + the Bell, you will be attended to.” + + Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respecting their + journey, and as she did not answer them all herself, attention + was necessary, which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her; or, + with a mind so occupied, she might have forgotten where she was. + Reflection must be reserved for solitary hours; whenever she was + alone, she gave way to it as the greatest relief; and not a day + went by without a solitary walk, in which she might indulge in + all the delight of unpleasant recollections. + + Mr. Darcy’s letter she was in a fair way of soon knowing by + heart. She studied every sentence; and her feelings towards its + writer were at times widely different. When she remembered the + style of his address, she was still full of indignation; but when + she considered how unjustly she had condemned and upbraided him, + her anger was turned against herself; and his disappointed + feelings became the object of compassion. His attachment excited + gratitude, his general character respect; but she could not + approve him; nor could she for a moment repent her refusal, or + feel the slightest inclination ever to see him again. In her own + past behaviour, there was a constant source of vexation and + regret; and in the unhappy defects of her family, a subject of + yet heavier chagrin. They were hopeless of remedy. Her father, + contented with laughing at them, would never exert himself to + restrain the wild giddiness of his youngest daughters; and her + mother, with manners so far from right herself, was entirely + insensible of the evil. Elizabeth had frequently united with Jane + in an endeavour to check the imprudence of Catherine and Lydia; + but while they were supported by their mother’s indulgence, what + chance could there be of improvement? Catherine, weak-spirited, + irritable, and completely under Lydia’s guidance, had been always + affronted by their advice; and Lydia, self-willed and careless, + would scarcely give them a hearing. They were ignorant, idle, and + vain. While there was an officer in Meryton, they would flirt + with him; and while Meryton was within a walk of Longbourn, they + would be going there forever. + + Anxiety on Jane’s behalf was another prevailing concern; and Mr. + Darcy’s explanation, by restoring Bingley to all her former good + opinion, heightened the sense of what Jane had lost. His + affection was proved to have been sincere, and his conduct + cleared of all blame, unless any could attach to the implicitness + of his confidence in his friend. How grievous then was the + thought that, of a situation so desirable in every respect, so + replete with advantage, so promising for happiness, Jane had been + deprived, by the folly and indecorum of her own family! + + When to these recollections was added the development of + Wickham’s character, it may be easily believed that the happy + spirits which had seldom been depressed before, were now so much + affected as to make it almost impossible for her to appear + tolerably cheerful. + + Their engagements at Rosings were as frequent during the last + week of her stay as they had been at first. The very last evening + was spent there; and her ladyship again inquired minutely into + the particulars of their journey, gave them directions as to the + best method of packing, and was so urgent on the necessity of + placing gowns in the only right way, that Maria thought herself + obliged, on her return, to undo all the work of the morning, and + pack her trunk afresh. + + When they parted, Lady Catherine, with great condescension, + wished them a good journey, and invited them to come to Hunsford + again next year; and Miss de Bourgh exerted herself so far as to + curtsey and hold out her hand to both. + + + + + On Saturday morning Elizabeth and Mr. Collins met for breakfast a + few minutes before the others appeared; and he took the + opportunity of paying the parting civilities which he deemed + indispensably necessary. + + “I know not, Miss Elizabeth,” said he, “whether Mrs. Collins has + yet expressed her sense of your kindness in coming to us; but I + am very certain you will not leave the house without receiving + her thanks for it. The favour of your company has been much felt, + I assure you. We know how little there is to tempt anyone to our + humble abode. Our plain manner of living, our small rooms and few + domestics, and the little we see of the world, must make Hunsford + extremely dull to a young lady like yourself; but I hope you will + believe us grateful for the condescension, and that we have done + everything in our power to prevent your spending your time + unpleasantly.” + + Elizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness. + She had spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure of + being with Charlotte, and the kind attentions she had received, + must make her feel the obliged. Mr. Collins was gratified, and + with a more smiling solemnity replied: + + “It gives me great pleasure to hear that you have passed your + time not disagreeably. We have certainly done our best; and most + fortunately having it in our power to introduce you to very + superior society, and, from our connection with Rosings, the + frequent means of varying the humble home scene, I think we may + flatter ourselves that your Hunsford visit cannot have been + entirely irksome. Our situation with regard to Lady Catherine’s + family is indeed the sort of extraordinary advantage and blessing + which few can boast. You see on what a footing we are. You see + how continually we are engaged there. In truth I must acknowledge + that, with all the disadvantages of this humble parsonage, I + should not think anyone abiding in it an object of compassion, + while they are sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.” + + Words were insufficient for the elevation of his feelings; and he + was obliged to walk about the room, while Elizabeth tried to + unite civility and truth in a few short sentences. + + “You may, in fact, carry a very favourable report of us into + Hertfordshire, my dear cousin. I flatter myself at least that you + will be able to do so. Lady Catherine’s great attentions to Mrs. + Collins you have been a daily witness of; and altogether I trust + it does not appear that your friend has drawn an unfortunate—but + on this point it will be as well to be silent. Only let me assure + you, my dear Miss Elizabeth, that I can from my heart most + cordially wish you equal felicity in marriage. My dear Charlotte + and I have but one mind and one way of thinking. There is in + everything a most remarkable resemblance of character and ideas + between us. We seem to have been designed for each other.” + + Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where + that was the case, and with equal sincerity could add, that she + firmly believed and rejoiced in his domestic comforts. She was + not sorry, however, to have the recital of them interrupted by + the lady from whom they sprang. Poor Charlotte! it was melancholy + to leave her to such society! But she had chosen it with her eyes + open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to + go, she did not seem to ask for compassion. Her home and her + housekeeping, her parish and her poultry, and all their dependent + concerns, had not yet lost their charms. + + At length the chaise arrived, the trunks were fastened on, the + parcels placed within, and it was pronounced to be ready. After + an affectionate parting between the friends, Elizabeth was + attended to the carriage by Mr. Collins, and as they walked down + the garden he was commissioning her with his best respects to all + her family, not forgetting his thanks for the kindness he had + received at Longbourn in the winter, and his compliments to Mr. + and Mrs. Gardiner, though unknown. He then handed her in, Maria + followed, and the door was on the point of being closed, when he + suddenly reminded them, with some consternation, that they had + hitherto forgotten to leave any message for the ladies at + Rosings. + + “But,” he added, “you will of course wish to have your humble + respects delivered to them, with your grateful thanks for their + kindness to you while you have been here.” + + Elizabeth made no objection; the door was then allowed to be + shut, and the carriage drove off. + + “Good gracious!” cried Maria, after a few minutes’ silence, “it + seems but a day or two since we first came! and yet how many + things have happened!” + + “A great many indeed,” said her companion with a sigh. + + “We have dined nine times at Rosings, besides drinking tea there + twice! How much I shall have to tell!” + + Elizabeth added privately, “And how much I shall have to + conceal!” + + Their journey was performed without much conversation, or any + alarm; and within four hours of their leaving Hunsford they + reached Mr. Gardiner’s house, where they were to remain a few + days. + + Jane looked well, and Elizabeth had little opportunity of + studying her spirits, amidst the various engagements which the + kindness of her aunt had reserved for them. But Jane was to go + home with her, and at Longbourn there would be leisure enough for + observation. + + It was not without an effort, meanwhile, that she could wait even + for Longbourn, before she told her sister of Mr. Darcy’s + proposals. To know that she had the power of revealing what would + so exceedingly astonish Jane, and must, at the same time, so + highly gratify whatever of her own vanity she had not yet been + able to reason away, was such a temptation to openness as nothing + could have conquered but the state of indecision in which she + remained as to the extent of what she should communicate; and her + fear, if she once entered on the subject, of being hurried into + repeating something of Bingley which might only grieve her sister + further. + + + + + It was the second week in May, in which the three young ladies + set out together from Gracechurch Street for the town of ——, in + Hertfordshire; and, as they drew near the appointed inn where Mr. + Bennet’s carriage was to meet them, they quickly perceived, in + token of the coachman’s punctuality, both Kitty and Lydia looking + out of a dining-room up stairs. These two girls had been above an + hour in the place, happily employed in visiting an opposite + milliner, watching the sentinel on guard, and dressing a salad + and cucumber. + + After welcoming their sisters, they triumphantly displayed a + table set out with such cold meat as an inn larder usually + affords, exclaiming, “Is not this nice? Is not this an agreeable + surprise?” + + “And we mean to treat you all,” added Lydia, “but you must lend + us the money, for we have just spent ours at the shop out there.” + Then, showing her purchases—“Look here, I have bought this + bonnet. I do not think it is very pretty; but I thought I might + as well buy it as not. I shall pull it to pieces as soon as I get + home, and see if I can make it up any better.” + + And when her sisters abused it as ugly, she added, with perfect + unconcern, “Oh! but there were two or three much uglier in the + shop; and when I have bought some prettier-coloured satin to trim + it with fresh, I think it will be very tolerable. Besides, it + will not much signify what one wears this summer, after the + ——shire have left Meryton, and they are going in a fortnight.” + + “Are they indeed!” cried Elizabeth, with the greatest + satisfaction. + + “They are going to be encamped near Brighton; and I do so want + papa to take us all there for the summer! It would be such a + delicious scheme; and I dare say would hardly cost anything at + all. Mamma would like to go too of all things! Only think what a + miserable summer else we shall have!” + + “Yes,” thought Elizabeth, “that would be a delightful scheme + indeed, and completely do for us at once. Good Heaven! Brighton, + and a whole campful of soldiers, to us, who have been overset + already by one poor regiment of militia, and the monthly balls of + Meryton!” + + “Now I have got some news for you,” said Lydia, as they sat down + at table. “What do you think? It is excellent news—capital + news—and about a certain person we all like!” + + Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other, and the waiter was told + he need not stay. Lydia laughed, and said: + + “Aye, that is just like your formality and discretion. You + thought the waiter must not hear, as if he cared! I dare say he + often hears worse things said than I am going to say. But he is + an ugly fellow! I am glad he is gone. I never saw such a long + chin in my life. Well, but now for my news; it is about dear + Wickham; too good for the waiter, is it not? There is no danger + of Wickham’s marrying Mary King. There’s for you! She is gone + down to her uncle at Liverpool: gone to stay. Wickham is safe.” + + “And Mary King is safe!” added Elizabeth; “safe from a connection + imprudent as to fortune.” + + “She is a great fool for going away, if she liked him.” + + “But I hope there is no strong attachment on either side,” said + Jane. + + “I am sure there is not on his. I will answer for it, he never + cared three straws about her—who could about such a nasty + little freckled thing?” + + Elizabeth was shocked to think that, however incapable of such + coarseness of expression herself, the coarseness of the + sentiment was little other than her own breast had harboured + and fancied liberal! + + As soon as all had ate, and the elder ones paid, the carriage was + ordered; and after some contrivance, the whole party, with all + their boxes, work-bags, and parcels, and the unwelcome addition + of Kitty’s and Lydia’s purchases, were seated in it. + + “How nicely we are all crammed in,” cried Lydia. “I am glad I + bought my bonnet, if it is only for the fun of having another + bandbox! Well, now let us be quite comfortable and snug, and talk + and laugh all the way home. And in the first place, let us hear + what has happened to you all since you went away. Have you seen + any pleasant men? Have you had any flirting? I was in great hopes + that one of you would have got a husband before you came back. + Jane will be quite an old maid soon, I declare. She is almost + three-and-twenty! Lord, how ashamed I should be of not being + married before three-and-twenty! My aunt Phillips wants you so to + get husbands, you can’t think. She says Lizzy had better have + taken Mr. Collins; but I do not think there would have been any + fun in it. Lord! how I should like to be married before any of + you; and then I would chaperon you about to all the balls. Dear + me! we had such a good piece of fun the other day at Colonel + Forster’s. Kitty and me were to spend the day there, and Mrs. + Forster promised to have a little dance in the evening; (by the + bye, Mrs. Forster and me are such friends!) and so she asked + the two Harringtons to come, but Harriet was ill, and so Pen was + forced to come by herself; and then, what do you think we did? We + dressed up Chamberlayne in woman’s clothes on purpose to pass for + a lady, only think what fun! Not a soul knew of it, but Colonel + and Mrs. Forster, and Kitty and me, except my aunt, for we were + forced to borrow one of her gowns; and you cannot imagine how + well he looked! When Denny, and Wickham, and Pratt, and two or + three more of the men came in, they did not know him in the + least. Lord! how I laughed! and so did Mrs. Forster. I thought I + should have died. And that made the men suspect something, and + then they soon found out what was the matter.” + + With such kinds of histories of their parties and good jokes, did + Lydia, assisted by Kitty’s hints and additions, endeavour to + amuse her companions all the way to Longbourn. Elizabeth listened + as little as she could, but there was no escaping the frequent + mention of Wickham’s name. + + Their reception at home was most kind. Mrs. Bennet rejoiced to + see Jane in undiminished beauty; and more than once during dinner + did Mr. Bennet say voluntarily to Elizabeth: + + “I am glad you are come back, Lizzy.” + + Their party in the dining-room was large, for almost all the + Lucases came to meet Maria and hear the news; and various were + the subjects that occupied them: Lady Lucas was inquiring of + Maria, after the welfare and poultry of her eldest daughter; Mrs. + Bennet was doubly engaged, on one hand collecting an account of + the present fashions from Jane, who sat some way below her, and, + on the other, retailing them all to the younger Lucases; and + Lydia, in a voice rather louder than any other person’s, was + enumerating the various pleasures of the morning to anybody who + would hear her. + + “Oh! Mary,” said she, “I wish you had gone with us, for we had + such fun! As we went along, Kitty and I drew up the blinds, and + pretended there was nobody in the coach; and I should have gone + so all the way, if Kitty had not been sick; and when we got to + the George, I do think we behaved very handsomely, for we treated + the other three with the nicest cold luncheon in the world, and + if you would have gone, we would have treated you too. And then + when we came away it was such fun! I thought we never should have + got into the coach. I was ready to die of laughter. And then we + were so merry all the way home! we talked and laughed so loud, + that anybody might have heard us ten miles off!” + + To this Mary very gravely replied, “Far be it from me, my dear + sister, to depreciate such pleasures! They would doubtless be + congenial with the generality of female minds. But I confess they + would have no charms for me—I should infinitely prefer a book.” + + But of this answer Lydia heard not a word. She seldom listened to + anybody for more than half a minute, and never attended to Mary + at all. + + In the afternoon Lydia was urgent with the rest of the girls to + walk to Meryton, and to see how everybody went on; but Elizabeth + steadily opposed the scheme. It should not be said that the Miss + Bennets could not be at home half a day before they were in + pursuit of the officers. There was another reason too for her + opposition. She dreaded seeing Mr. Wickham again, and was + resolved to avoid it as long as possible. The comfort to her of + the regiment’s approaching removal was indeed beyond expression. + In a fortnight they were to go—and once gone, she hoped there + could be nothing more to plague her on his account. + + She had not been many hours at home before she found that the + Brighton scheme, of which Lydia had given them a hint at the inn, + was under frequent discussion between her parents. Elizabeth saw + directly that her father had not the smallest intention of + yielding; but his answers were at the same time so vague and + equivocal, that her mother, though often disheartened, had never + yet despaired of succeeding at last. + + + + + + Elizabeth’s impatience to acquaint Jane with what had happened + could no longer be overcome; and at length, resolving to suppress + every particular in which her sister was concerned, and preparing + her to be surprised, she related to her the next morning the + chief of the scene between Mr. Darcy and herself. + + Miss Bennet’s astonishment was soon lessened by the strong + sisterly partiality which made any admiration of Elizabeth appear + perfectly natural; and all surprise was shortly lost in other + feelings. She was sorry that Mr. Darcy should have delivered his + sentiments in a manner so little suited to recommend them; but + still more was she grieved for the unhappiness which her sister’s + refusal must have given him. + + “His being so sure of succeeding was wrong,” said she, “and + certainly ought not to have appeared; but consider how much it + must increase his disappointment!” + + “Indeed,” replied Elizabeth, “I am heartily sorry for him; but he + has other feelings, which will probably soon drive away his + regard for me. You do not blame me, however, for refusing him?” + + “Blame you! Oh, no.” + + “But you blame me for having spoken so warmly of Wickham?” + + “No—I do not know that you were wrong in saying what you did.” + + “But you will know it, when I tell you what happened the very + next day.” + + She then spoke of the letter, repeating the whole of its contents + as far as they concerned George Wickham. What a stroke was this + for poor Jane! who would willingly have gone through the world + without believing that so much wickedness existed in the whole + race of mankind, as was here collected in one individual. Nor was + Darcy’s vindication, though grateful to her feelings, capable of + consoling her for such discovery. Most earnestly did she labour + to prove the probability of error, and seek to clear the one + without involving the other. + + “This will not do,” said Elizabeth; “you never will be able to + make both of them good for anything. Take your choice, but you + must be satisfied with only one. There is but such a quantity of + merit between them; just enough to make one good sort of man; and + of late it has been shifting about pretty much. For my part, I am + inclined to believe it all Darcy’s; but you shall do as you + choose.” + + It was some time, however, before a smile could be extorted from + Jane. + + “I do not know when I have been more shocked,” said she. “Wickham + so very bad! It is almost past belief. And poor Mr. Darcy! Dear + Lizzy, only consider what he must have suffered. Such a + disappointment! and with the knowledge of your ill opinion, too! + and having to relate such a thing of his sister! It is really too + distressing. I am sure you must feel it so.” + + “Oh! no, my regret and compassion are all done away by seeing you + so full of both. I know you will do him such ample justice, that + I am growing every moment more unconcerned and indifferent. Your + profusion makes me saving; and if you lament over him much + longer, my heart will be as light as a feather.” + + “Poor Wickham! there is such an expression of goodness in his + countenance! such an openness and gentleness in his manner!” + + “There certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of + those two young men. One has got all the goodness, and the other + all the appearance of it.” + + “I never thought Mr. Darcy so deficient in the appearance of it + as you used to do.” + + “And yet I meant to be uncommonly clever in taking so decided a + dislike to him, without any reason. It is such a spur to one’s + genius, such an opening for wit, to have a dislike of that kind. + One may be continually abusive without saying anything just; but + one cannot always be laughing at a man without now and then + stumbling on something witty.” + + “Lizzy, when you first read that letter, I am sure you could not + treat the matter as you do now.” + + “Indeed, I could not. I was uncomfortable enough, I may say + unhappy. And with no one to speak to about what I felt, no Jane + to comfort me and say that I had not been so very weak and vain + and nonsensical as I knew I had! Oh! how I wanted you!” + + “How unfortunate that you should have used such very strong + expressions in speaking of Wickham to Mr. Darcy, for now they + do appear wholly undeserved.” + + “Certainly. But the misfortune of speaking with bitterness is a + most natural consequence of the prejudices I had been + encouraging. There is one point on which I want your advice. I + want to be told whether I ought, or ought not, to make our + acquaintances in general understand Wickham’s character.” + + Miss Bennet paused a little, and then replied, “Surely there can + be no occasion for exposing him so dreadfully. What is your + opinion?” + + “That it ought not to be attempted. Mr. Darcy has not authorised + me to make his communication public. On the contrary, every + particular relative to his sister was meant to be kept as much as + possible to myself; and if I endeavour to undeceive people as to + the rest of his conduct, who will believe me? The general + prejudice against Mr. Darcy is so violent, that it would be the + death of half the good people in Meryton to attempt to place him + in an amiable light. I am not equal to it. Wickham will soon be + gone; and therefore it will not signify to anyone here what he + really is. Some time hence it will be all found out, and then we + may laugh at their stupidity in not knowing it before. At present + I will say nothing about it.” + + “You are quite right. To have his errors made public might ruin + him for ever. He is now, perhaps, sorry for what he has done, and + anxious to re-establish a character. We must not make him + desperate.” + + The tumult of Elizabeth’s mind was allayed by this conversation. + She had got rid of two of the secrets which had weighed on her + for a fortnight, and was certain of a willing listener in Jane, + whenever she might wish to talk again of either. But there was + still something lurking behind, of which prudence forbade the + disclosure. She dared not relate the other half of Mr. Darcy’s + letter, nor explain to her sister how sincerely she had been + valued by her friend. Here was knowledge in which no one could + partake; and she was sensible that nothing less than a perfect + understanding between the parties could justify her in throwing + off this last encumbrance of mystery. “And then,” said she, “if + that very improbable event should ever take place, I shall merely + be able to tell what Bingley may tell in a much more agreeable + manner himself. The liberty of communication cannot be mine till + it has lost all its value!” + + She was now, on being settled at home, at leisure to observe the + real state of her sister’s spirits. Jane was not happy. She still + cherished a very tender affection for Bingley. Having never even + fancied herself in love before, her regard had all the warmth of + first attachment, and, from her age and disposition, greater + steadiness than most first attachments often boast; and so + fervently did she value his remembrance, and prefer him to every + other man, that all her good sense, and all her attention to the + feelings of her friends, were requisite to check the indulgence + of those regrets which must have been injurious to her own health + and their tranquillity. + + “Well, Lizzy,” said Mrs. Bennet one day, “what is your opinion + now of this sad business of Jane’s? For my part, I am + determined never to speak of it again to anybody. I told my + sister Phillips so the other day. But I cannot find out that Jane + saw anything of him in London. Well, he is a very undeserving + young man—and I do not suppose there’s the least chance in the + world of her ever getting him now. There is no talk of his coming + to Netherfield again in the summer; and I have inquired of + everybody, too, who is likely to know.” + + “I do not believe he will ever live at Netherfield any more.” + + “Oh well! it is just as he chooses. Nobody wants him to come. + Though I shall always say he used my daughter extremely ill; and + if I was her, I would not have put up with it. Well, my comfort + is, I am sure Jane will die of a broken heart; and then he will + be sorry for what he has done.” + + But as Elizabeth could not receive comfort from any such + expectation, she made no answer. + + “Well, Lizzy,” continued her mother, soon afterwards, “and so the + Collinses live very comfortable, do they? Well, well, I only hope + it will last. And what sort of table do they keep? Charlotte is + an excellent manager, I dare say. If she is half as sharp as her + mother, she is saving enough. There is nothing extravagant in + their housekeeping, I dare say.” + + “No, nothing at all.” + + “A great deal of good management, depend upon it. Yes, yes. + They will take care not to outrun their income. They will + never be distressed for money. Well, much good may it do them! + And so, I suppose, they often talk of having Longbourn when your + father is dead. They look upon it as quite their own, I dare say, + whenever that happens.” + + “It was a subject which they could not mention before me.” + + “No; it would have been strange if they had; but I make no doubt + they often talk of it between themselves. Well, if they can be + easy with an estate that is not lawfully their own, so much the + better. I should be ashamed of having one that was only + entailed on me.” + + + + + + The first week of their return was soon gone. The second began. + It was the last of the regiment’s stay in Meryton, and all the + young ladies in the neighbourhood were drooping apace. The + dejection was almost universal. The elder Miss Bennets alone were + still able to eat, drink, and sleep, and pursue the usual course + of their employments. Very frequently were they reproached for + this insensibility by Kitty and Lydia, whose own misery was + extreme, and who could not comprehend such hard-heartedness in + any of the family. + + “Good Heaven! what is to become of us? What are we to do?” would + they often exclaim in the bitterness of woe. “How can you be + smiling so, Lizzy?” + + Their affectionate mother shared all their grief; she remembered + what she had herself endured on a similar occasion, + five-and-twenty years ago. + + “I am sure,” said she, “I cried for two days together when + Colonel Miller’s regiment went away. I thought I should have + broken my heart.” + + “I am sure I shall break mine,” said Lydia. + + “If one could but go to Brighton!” observed Mrs. Bennet. + + “Oh, yes!—if one could but go to Brighton! But papa is so + disagreeable.” + + “A little sea-bathing would set me up forever.” + + “And my aunt Phillips is sure it would do me a great deal of + good,” added Kitty. + + Such were the kind of lamentations resounding perpetually through + Longbourn House. Elizabeth tried to be diverted by them; but all + sense of pleasure was lost in shame. She felt anew the justice of + Mr. Darcy’s objections; and never had she been so much disposed + to pardon his interference in the views of his friend. + + But the gloom of Lydia’s prospect was shortly cleared away; for + she received an invitation from Mrs. Forster, the wife of the + colonel of the regiment, to accompany her to Brighton. This + invaluable friend was a very young woman, and very lately + married. A resemblance in good humour and good spirits had + recommended her and Lydia to each other, and out of their three + months’ acquaintance they had been intimate two. + + The rapture of Lydia on this occasion, her adoration of Mrs. + Forster, the delight of Mrs. Bennet, and the mortification of + Kitty, are scarcely to be described. Wholly inattentive to her + sister’s feelings, Lydia flew about the house in restless + ecstasy, calling for everyone’s congratulations, and laughing and + talking with more violence than ever; whilst the luckless Kitty + continued in the parlour repined at her fate in terms as + unreasonable as her accent was peevish. + + “I cannot see why Mrs. Forster should not ask me as well as + Lydia,” said she, “Though I am not her particular friend. I + have just as much right to be asked as she has, and more too, for + I am two years older.” + + In vain did Elizabeth attempt to make her reasonable, and Jane to + make her resigned. As for Elizabeth herself, this invitation was + so far from exciting in her the same feelings as in her mother + and Lydia, that she considered it as the death warrant of all + possibility of common sense for the latter; and detestable as + such a step must make her were it known, she could not help + secretly advising her father not to let her go. She represented + to him all the improprieties of Lydia’s general behaviour, the + little advantage she could derive from the friendship of such a + woman as Mrs. Forster, and the probability of her being yet more + imprudent with such a companion at Brighton, where the + temptations must be greater than at home. He heard her + attentively, and then said: + + “Lydia will never be easy until she has exposed herself in some + public place or other, and we can never expect her to do it with + so little expense or inconvenience to her family as under the + present circumstances.” + + “If you were aware,” said Elizabeth, “of the very great + disadvantage to us all which must arise from the public notice of + Lydia’s unguarded and imprudent manner—nay, which has already + arisen from it, I am sure you would judge differently in the + affair.” + + “Already arisen?” repeated Mr. Bennet. “What, has she frightened + away some of your lovers? Poor little Lizzy! But do not be cast + down. Such squeamish youths as cannot bear to be connected with a + little absurdity are not worth a regret. Come, let me see the + list of pitiful fellows who have been kept aloof by Lydia’s + folly.” + + “Indeed you are mistaken. I have no such injuries to resent. It + is not of particular, but of general evils, which I am now + complaining. Our importance, our respectability in the world must + be affected by the wild volatility, the assurance and disdain of + all restraint which mark Lydia’s character. Excuse me, for I must + speak plainly. If you, my dear father, will not take the trouble + of checking her exuberant spirits, and of teaching her that her + present pursuits are not to be the business of her life, she will + soon be beyond the reach of amendment. Her character will be + fixed, and she will, at sixteen, be the most determined flirt + that ever made herself or her family ridiculous; a flirt, too, in + the worst and meanest degree of flirtation; without any + attraction beyond youth and a tolerable person; and, from the + ignorance and emptiness of her mind, wholly unable to ward off + any portion of that universal contempt which her rage for + admiration will excite. In this danger Kitty also is + comprehended. She will follow wherever Lydia leads. Vain, + ignorant, idle, and absolutely uncontrolled! Oh! my dear father, + can you suppose it possible that they will not be censured and + despised wherever they are known, and that their sisters will not + be often involved in the disgrace?” + + Mr. Bennet saw that her whole heart was in the subject, and + affectionately taking her hand said in reply: + + “Do not make yourself uneasy, my love. Wherever you and Jane are + known you must be respected and valued; and you will not appear + to less advantage for having a couple of—or I may say, three—very + silly sisters. We shall have no peace at Longbourn if Lydia does + not go to Brighton. Let her go, then. Colonel Forster is a + sensible man, and will keep her out of any real mischief; and she + is luckily too poor to be an object of prey to anybody. At + Brighton she will be of less importance even as a common flirt + than she has been here. The officers will find women better worth + their notice. Let us hope, therefore, that her being there may + teach her her own insignificance. At any rate, she cannot grow + many degrees worse, without authorising us to lock her up for the + rest of her life.” + + With this answer Elizabeth was forced to be content; but her own + opinion continued the same, and she left him disappointed and + sorry. It was not in her nature, however, to increase her + vexations by dwelling on them. She was confident of having + performed her duty, and to fret over unavoidable evils, or + augment them by anxiety, was no part of her disposition. + + Had Lydia and her mother known the substance of her conference + with her father, their indignation would hardly have found + expression in their united volubility. In Lydia’s imagination, a + visit to Brighton comprised every possibility of earthly + happiness. She saw, with the creative eye of fancy, the streets + of that gay bathing-place covered with officers. She saw herself + the object of attention, to tens and to scores of them at present + unknown. She saw all the glories of the camp—its tents stretched + forth in beauteous uniformity of lines, crowded with the young + and the gay, and dazzling with scarlet; and, to complete the + view, she saw herself seated beneath a tent, tenderly flirting + with at least six officers at once. + + Had she known her sister sought to tear her from such prospects + and such realities as these, what would have been her sensations? + They could have been understood only by her mother, who might + have felt nearly the same. Lydia’s going to Brighton was all that + consoled her for her melancholy conviction of her husband’s never + intending to go there himself. + + But they were entirely ignorant of what had passed; and their + raptures continued, with little intermission, to the very day of + Lydia’s leaving home. + + Elizabeth was now to see Mr. Wickham for the last time. Having + been frequently in company with him since her return, agitation + was pretty well over; the agitations of former partiality + entirely so. She had even learnt to detect, in the very + gentleness which had first delighted her, an affectation and a + sameness to disgust and weary. In his present behaviour to + herself, moreover, she had a fresh source of displeasure, for the + inclination he soon testified of renewing those intentions which + had marked the early part of their acquaintance could only serve, + after what had since passed, to provoke her. She lost all concern + for him in finding herself thus selected as the object of such + idle and frivolous gallantry; and while she steadily repressed + it, could not but feel the reproof contained in his believing, + that however long, and for whatever cause, his attentions had + been withdrawn, her vanity would be gratified, and her preference + secured at any time by their renewal. + + On the very last day of the regiment’s remaining at Meryton, he + dined, with other of the officers, at Longbourn; and so little + was Elizabeth disposed to part from him in good humour, that on + his making some inquiry as to the manner in which her time had + passed at Hunsford, she mentioned Colonel Fitzwilliam’s and Mr. + Darcy’s having both spent three weeks at Rosings, and asked him, + if he was acquainted with the former. + + He looked surprised, displeased, alarmed; but with a moment’s + recollection and a returning smile, replied, that he had formerly + seen him often; and, after observing that he was a very + gentlemanlike man, asked her how she had liked him. Her answer + was warmly in his favour. With an air of indifference he soon + afterwards added: + + “How long did you say he was at Rosings?” + + “Nearly three weeks.” + + “And you saw him frequently?” + + “Yes, almost every day.” + + “His manners are very different from his cousin’s.” + + “Yes, very different. But I think Mr. Darcy improves upon + acquaintance.” + + “Indeed!” cried Mr. Wickham with a look which did not escape her. + “And pray, may I ask?—” But checking himself, he added, in a + gayer tone, “Is it in address that he improves? Has he deigned to + add aught of civility to his ordinary style?—for I dare not + hope,” he continued in a lower and more serious tone, “that he is + improved in essentials.” + + “Oh, no!” said Elizabeth. “In essentials, I believe, he is very + much what he ever was.” + + While she spoke, Wickham looked as if scarcely knowing whether to + rejoice over her words, or to distrust their meaning. There was a + something in her countenance which made him listen with an + apprehensive and anxious attention, while she added: + + “When I said that he improved on acquaintance, I did not mean + that his mind or his manners were in a state of improvement, but + that, from knowing him better, his disposition was better + understood.” + + Wickham’s alarm now appeared in a heightened complexion and + agitated look; for a few minutes he was silent, till, shaking off + his embarrassment, he turned to her again, and said in the + gentlest of accents: + + “You, who so well know my feeling towards Mr. Darcy, will readily + comprehend how sincerely I must rejoice that he is wise enough to + assume even the appearance of what is right. His pride, in that + direction, may be of service, if not to himself, to many others, + for it must only deter him from such foul misconduct as I have + suffered by. I only fear that the sort of cautiousness to which + you, I imagine, have been alluding, is merely adopted on his + visits to his aunt, of whose good opinion and judgement he stands + much in awe. His fear of her has always operated, I know, when + they were together; and a good deal is to be imputed to his wish + of forwarding the match with Miss de Bourgh, which I am certain + he has very much at heart.” + + Elizabeth could not repress a smile at this, but she answered + only by a slight inclination of the head. She saw that he wanted + to engage her on the old subject of his grievances, and she was + in no humour to indulge him. The rest of the evening passed with + the appearance, on his side, of usual cheerfulness, but with no + further attempt to distinguish Elizabeth; and they parted at last + with mutual civility, and possibly a mutual desire of never + meeting again. + + When the party broke up, Lydia returned with Mrs. Forster to + Meryton, from whence they were to set out early the next morning. + The separation between her and her family was rather noisy than + pathetic. Kitty was the only one who shed tears; but she did weep + from vexation and envy. Mrs. Bennet was diffuse in her good + wishes for the felicity of her daughter, and impressive in her + injunctions that she should not miss the opportunity of enjoying + herself as much as possible—advice which there was every reason + to believe would be well attended to; and in the clamorous + happiness of Lydia herself in bidding farewell, the more gentle + adieus of her sisters were uttered without being heard. + + + + + + Had Elizabeth’s opinion been all drawn from her own family, she + could not have formed a very pleasing opinion of conjugal + felicity or domestic comfort. Her father, captivated by youth and + beauty, and that appearance of good humour which youth and beauty + generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and + illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all + real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had + vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were + overthrown. But Mr. Bennet was not of a disposition to seek + comfort for the disappointment which his own imprudence had + brought on, in any of those pleasures which too often console the + unfortunate for their folly or their vice. He was fond of the + country and of books; and from these tastes had arisen his + principal enjoyments. To his wife he was very little otherwise + indebted, than as her ignorance and folly had contributed to his + amusement. This is not the sort of happiness which a man would in + general wish to owe to his wife; but where other powers of + entertainment are wanting, the true philosopher will derive + benefit from such as are given. + + Elizabeth, however, had never been blind to the impropriety of + her father’s behaviour as a husband. She had always seen it with + pain; but respecting his abilities, and grateful for his + affectionate treatment of herself, she endeavoured to forget what + she could not overlook, and to banish from her thoughts that + continual breach of conjugal obligation and decorum which, in + exposing his wife to the contempt of her own children, was so + highly reprehensible. But she had never felt so strongly as now + the disadvantages which must attend the children of so unsuitable + a marriage, nor ever been so fully aware of the evils arising + from so ill-judged a direction of talents; talents, which, + rightly used, might at least have preserved the respectability of + his daughters, even if incapable of enlarging the mind of his + wife. + + When Elizabeth had rejoiced over Wickham’s departure she found + little other cause for satisfaction in the loss of the regiment. + Their parties abroad were less varied than before, and at home + she had a mother and sister whose constant repinings at the + dullness of everything around them threw a real gloom over their + domestic circle; and, though Kitty might in time regain her + natural degree of sense, since the disturbers of her brain were + removed, her other sister, from whose disposition greater evil + might be apprehended, was likely to be hardened in all her folly + and assurance by a situation of such double danger as a + watering-place and a camp. Upon the whole, therefore, she found, + what has been sometimes found before, that an event to which she + had been looking with impatient desire did not, in taking place, + bring all the satisfaction she had promised herself. It was + consequently necessary to name some other period for the + commencement of actual felicity—to have some other point on which + her wishes and hopes might be fixed, and by again enjoying the + pleasure of anticipation, console herself for the present, and + prepare for another disappointment. Her tour to the Lakes was now + the object of her happiest thoughts; it was her best consolation + for all the uncomfortable hours which the discontentedness of her + mother and Kitty made inevitable; and could she have included + Jane in the scheme, every part of it would have been perfect. + + “But it is fortunate,” thought she, “that I have something to + wish for. Were the whole arrangement complete, my disappointment + would be certain. But here, by carrying with me one ceaseless + source of regret in my sister’s absence, I may reasonably hope to + have all my expectations of pleasure realised. A scheme of which + every part promises delight can never be successful; and general + disappointment is only warded off by the defence of some little + peculiar vexation.” + + When Lydia went away she promised to write very often and very + minutely to her mother and Kitty; but her letters were always + long expected, and always very short. Those to her mother + contained little else than that they were just returned from the + library, where such and such officers had attended them, and + where she had seen such beautiful ornaments as made her quite + wild; that she had a new gown, or a new parasol, which she would + have described more fully, but was obliged to leave off in a + violent hurry, as Mrs. Forster called her, and they were going + off to the camp; and from her correspondence with her sister, + there was still less to be learnt—for her letters to Kitty, + though rather longer, were much too full of lines under the words + to be made public. + + After the first fortnight or three weeks of her absence, health, + good humour, and cheerfulness began to reappear at Longbourn. + Everything wore a happier aspect. The families who had been in + town for the winter came back again, and summer finery and summer + engagements arose. Mrs. Bennet was restored to her usual + querulous serenity; and, by the middle of June, Kitty was so much + recovered as to be able to enter Meryton without tears; an event + of such happy promise as to make Elizabeth hope that by the + following Christmas she might be so tolerably reasonable as not + to mention an officer above once a day, unless, by some cruel and + malicious arrangement at the War Office, another regiment should + be quartered in Meryton. + + The time fixed for the beginning of their northern tour was now + fast approaching, and a fortnight only was wanting of it, when a + letter arrived from Mrs. Gardiner, which at once delayed its + commencement and curtailed its extent. Mr. Gardiner would be + prevented by business from setting out till a fortnight later in + July, and must be in London again within a month, and as that + left too short a period for them to go so far, and see so much as + they had proposed, or at least to see it with the leisure and + comfort they had built on, they were obliged to give up the + Lakes, and substitute a more contracted tour, and, according to + the present plan, were to go no farther northwards than + Derbyshire. In that county there was enough to be seen to occupy + the chief of their three weeks; and to Mrs. Gardiner it had a + peculiarly strong attraction. The town where she had formerly + passed some years of her life, and where they were now to spend a + few days, was probably as great an object of her curiosity as all + the celebrated beauties of Matlock, Chatsworth, Dovedale, or the + Peak. + + Elizabeth was excessively disappointed; she had set her heart on + seeing the Lakes, and still thought there might have been time + enough. But it was her business to be satisfied—and certainly her + temper to be happy; and all was soon right again. + + With the mention of Derbyshire there were many ideas connected. + It was impossible for her to see the word without thinking of + Pemberley and its owner. “But surely,” said she, “I may enter his + county with impunity, and rob it of a few petrified spars without + his perceiving me.” + + The period of expectation was now doubled. Four weeks were to + pass away before her uncle and aunt’s arrival. But they did pass + away, and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, with their four children, did at + length appear at Longbourn. The children, two girls of six and + eight years old, and two younger boys, were to be left under the + particular care of their cousin Jane, who was the general + favourite, and whose steady sense and sweetness of temper exactly + adapted her for attending to them in every way—teaching them, + playing with them, and loving them. + + The Gardiners stayed only one night at Longbourn, and set off the + next morning with Elizabeth in pursuit of novelty and amusement. + One enjoyment was certain—that of suitableness of companions; a + suitableness which comprehended health and temper to bear + inconveniences—cheerfulness to enhance every pleasure—and + affection and intelligence, which might supply it among + themselves if there were disappointments abroad. + + It is not the object of this work to give a description of + Derbyshire, nor of any of the remarkable places through which + their route thither lay; Oxford, Blenheim, Warwick, Kenilworth, + Birmingham, etc. are sufficiently known. A small part of + Derbyshire is all the present concern. To the little town of + Lambton, the scene of Mrs. Gardiner’s former residence, and where + she had lately learned some acquaintance still remained, they + bent their steps, after having seen all the principal wonders of + the country; and within five miles of Lambton, Elizabeth found + from her aunt that Pemberley was situated. It was not in their + direct road, nor more than a mile or two out of it. In talking + over their route the evening before, Mrs. Gardiner expressed an + inclination to see the place again. Mr. Gardiner declared his + willingness, and Elizabeth was applied to for her approbation. + + “My love, should not you like to see a place of which you have + heard so much?” said her aunt; “a place, too, with which so many + of your acquaintances are connected. Wickham passed all his youth + there, you know.” + + Elizabeth was distressed. She felt that she had no business at + Pemberley, and was obliged to assume a disinclination for seeing + it. She must own that she was tired of seeing great houses; after + going over so many, she really had no pleasure in fine carpets or + satin curtains. + + Mrs. Gardiner abused her stupidity. “If it were merely a fine + house richly furnished,” said she, “I should not care about it + myself; but the grounds are delightful. They have some of the + finest woods in the country.” + + Elizabeth said no more—but her mind could not acquiesce. The + possibility of meeting Mr. Darcy, while viewing the place, + instantly occurred. It would be dreadful! She blushed at the very + idea, and thought it would be better to speak openly to her aunt + than to run such a risk. But against this there were objections; + and she finally resolved that it could be the last resource, if + her private inquiries to the absence of the family were + unfavourably answered. + + Accordingly, when she retired at night, she asked the chambermaid + whether Pemberley were not a very fine place? what was the name + of its proprietor? and, with no little alarm, whether the family + were down for the summer? A most welcome negative followed the + last question—and her alarms now being removed, she was at + leisure to feel a great deal of curiosity to see the house + herself; and when the subject was revived the next morning, and + she was again applied to, could readily answer, and with a proper + air of indifference, that she had not really any dislike to the + scheme. To Pemberley, therefore, they were to go. + + + + + + Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance + of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length + they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter. + + The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. + They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some + time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent. + + Elizabeth’s mind was too full for conversation, but she saw and + admired every remarkable spot and point of view. They gradually + ascended for half-a-mile, and then found themselves at the top of + a considerable eminence, where the wood ceased, and the eye was + instantly caught by Pemberley House, situated on the opposite + side of a valley, into which the road with some abruptness wound. + It was a large, handsome stone building, standing well on rising + ground, and backed by a ridge of high woody hills; and in front, + a stream of some natural importance was swelled into greater, but + without any artificial appearance. Its banks were neither formal + nor falsely adorned. Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen + a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty + had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste. They were + all of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt + that to be mistress of Pemberley might be something! + + They descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the + door; and, while examining the nearer aspect of the house, all + her apprehension of meeting its owner returned. She dreaded lest + the chambermaid had been mistaken. On applying to see the place, + they were admitted into the hall; and Elizabeth, as they waited + for the housekeeper, had leisure to wonder at her being where she + was. + + The housekeeper came; a respectable-looking elderly woman, much + less fine, and more civil, than she had any notion of finding + her. They followed her into the dining-parlour. It was a large, + well proportioned room, handsomely fitted up. Elizabeth, after + slightly surveying it, went to a window to enjoy its prospect. + The hill, crowned with wood, which they had descended, receiving + increased abruptness from the distance, was a beautiful object. + Every disposition of the ground was good; and she looked on the + whole scene, the river, the trees scattered on its banks and the + winding of the valley, as far as she could trace it, with + delight. As they passed into other rooms these objects were + taking different positions; but from every window there were + beauties to be seen. The rooms were lofty and handsome, and their + furniture suitable to the fortune of its proprietor; but + Elizabeth saw, with admiration of his taste, that it was neither + gaudy nor uselessly fine; with less of splendour, and more real + elegance, than the furniture of Rosings. + + “And of this place,” thought she, “I might have been mistress! + With these rooms I might now have been familiarly acquainted! + Instead of viewing them as a stranger, I might have rejoiced in + them as my own, and welcomed to them as visitors my uncle and + aunt. But no,”—recollecting herself—“that could never be; my + uncle and aunt would have been lost to me; I should not have been + allowed to invite them.” + + This was a lucky recollection—it saved her from something very + like regret. + + She longed to inquire of the housekeeper whether her master was + really absent, but had not the courage for it. At length however, + the question was asked by her uncle; and she turned away with + alarm, while Mrs. Reynolds replied that he was, adding, “But we + expect him to-morrow, with a large party of friends.” How + rejoiced was Elizabeth that their own journey had not by any + circumstance been delayed a day! + + Her aunt now called her to look at a picture. She approached and + saw the likeness of Mr. Wickham, suspended, amongst several other + miniatures, over the mantelpiece. Her aunt asked her, smilingly, + how she liked it. The housekeeper came forward, and told them it + was a picture of a young gentleman, the son of her late master’s + steward, who had been brought up by him at his own expense. “He + is now gone into the army,” she added; “but I am afraid he has + turned out very wild.” + + Mrs. Gardiner looked at her niece with a smile, but Elizabeth + could not return it. + + “And that,” said Mrs. Reynolds, pointing to another of the + miniatures, “is my master—and very like him. It was drawn at the + same time as the other—about eight years ago.” + + “I have heard much of your master’s fine person,” said Mrs. + Gardiner, looking at the picture; “it is a handsome face. But, + Lizzy, you can tell us whether it is like or not.” + + Mrs. Reynolds respect for Elizabeth seemed to increase on this + intimation of her knowing her master. + + “Does that young lady know Mr. Darcy?” + + Elizabeth coloured, and said: “A little.” + + “And do not you think him a very handsome gentleman, ma’am?” + + “Yes, very handsome.” + + “I am sure I know none so handsome; but in the gallery up + stairs you will see a finer, larger picture of him than this. + This room was my late master’s favourite room, and these + miniatures are just as they used to be then. He was very fond of + them.” + + This accounted to Elizabeth for Mr. Wickham’s being among them. + + Mrs. Reynolds then directed their attention to one of Miss Darcy, + drawn when she was only eight years old. + + “And is Miss Darcy as handsome as her brother?” said Mrs. + Gardiner. + + “Oh! yes—the handsomest young lady that ever was seen; and so + accomplished!—She plays and sings all day long. In the next room + is a new instrument just come down for her—a present from my + master; she comes here to-morrow with him.” + + Mr. Gardiner, whose manners were very easy and pleasant, + encouraged her communicativeness by his questions and remarks; + Mrs. Reynolds, either by pride or attachment, had evidently great + pleasure in talking of her master and his sister. + + “Is your master much at Pemberley in the course of the year?” + + “Not so much as I could wish, sir; but I dare say he may spend + half his time here; and Miss Darcy is always down for the summer + months.” + + “Except,” thought Elizabeth, “when she goes to Ramsgate.” + + “If your master would marry, you might see more of him.” + + “Yes, sir; but I do not know when that will be. I do not know + who is good enough for him.” + + Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner smiled. Elizabeth could not help saying, + “It is very much to his credit, I am sure, that you should think + so.” + + “I say no more than the truth, and everybody will say that knows + him,” replied the other. Elizabeth thought this was going pretty + far; and she listened with increasing astonishment as the + housekeeper added, “I have never known a cross word from him in + my life, and I have known him ever since he was four years old.” + + This was praise, of all others most extraordinary, most opposite + to her ideas. That he was not a good-tempered man had been her + firmest opinion. Her keenest attention was awakened; she longed + to hear more, and was grateful to her uncle for saying: + + “There are very few people of whom so much can be said. You are + lucky in having such a master.” + + “Yes, sir, I know I am. If I were to go through the world, I + could not meet with a better. But I have always observed, that + they who are good-natured when children, are good-natured when + they grow up; and he was always the sweetest-tempered, most + generous-hearted boy in the world.” + + Elizabeth almost stared at her. “Can this be Mr. Darcy?” thought + she. + + “His father was an excellent man,” said Mrs. Gardiner. + + “Yes, ma’am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like + him—just as affable to the poor.” + + Elizabeth listened, wondered, doubted, and was impatient for + more. Mrs. Reynolds could interest her on no other point. She + related the subjects of the pictures, the dimensions of the + rooms, and the price of the furniture, in vain. Mr. Gardiner, + highly amused by the kind of family prejudice to which he + attributed her excessive commendation of her master, soon led + again to the subject; and she dwelt with energy on his many + merits as they proceeded together up the great staircase. + + “He is the best landlord, and the best master,” said she, “that + ever lived; not like the wild young men nowadays, who think of + nothing but themselves. There is not one of his tenants or + servants but will give him a good name. Some people call him + proud; but I am sure I never saw anything of it. To my fancy, it + is only because he does not rattle away like other young men.” + + “In what an amiable light does this place him!” thought + Elizabeth. + + “This fine account of him,” whispered her aunt as they walked, + “is not quite consistent with his behaviour to our poor friend.” + + “Perhaps we might be deceived.” + + “That is not very likely; our authority was too good.” + + On reaching the spacious lobby above they were shown into a very + pretty sitting-room, lately fitted up with greater elegance and + lightness than the apartments below; and were informed that it + was but just done to give pleasure to Miss Darcy, who had taken a + liking to the room when last at Pemberley. + + “He is certainly a good brother,” said Elizabeth, as she walked + towards one of the windows. + + Mrs. Reynolds anticipated Miss Darcy’s delight, when she should + enter the room. “And this is always the way with him,” she added. + “Whatever can give his sister any pleasure is sure to be done in + a moment. There is nothing he would not do for her.” + + The picture-gallery, and two or three of the principal bedrooms, + were all that remained to be shown. In the former were many good + paintings; but Elizabeth knew nothing of the art; and from such + as had been already visible below, she had willingly turned to + look at some drawings of Miss Darcy’s, in crayons, whose subjects + were usually more interesting, and also more intelligible. + + In the gallery there were many family portraits, but they could + have little to fix the attention of a stranger. Elizabeth walked + in quest of the only face whose features would be known to her. + At last it arrested her—and she beheld a striking resemblance to + Mr. Darcy, with such a smile over the face as she remembered to + have sometimes seen when he looked at her. She stood several + minutes before the picture, in earnest contemplation, and + returned to it again before they quitted the gallery. Mrs. + Reynolds informed them that it had been taken in his father’s + lifetime. + + There was certainly at this moment, in Elizabeth’s mind, a more + gentle sensation towards the original than she had ever felt at + the height of their acquaintance. The commendation bestowed on + him by Mrs. Reynolds was of no trifling nature. What praise is + more valuable than the praise of an intelligent servant? As a + brother, a landlord, a master, she considered how many people’s + happiness were in his guardianship!—how much of pleasure or pain + was it in his power to bestow!—how much of good or evil must be + done by him! Every idea that had been brought forward by the + housekeeper was favourable to his character, and as she stood + before the canvas on which he was represented, and fixed his eyes + upon herself, she thought of his regard with a deeper sentiment + of gratitude than it had ever raised before; she remembered its + warmth, and softened its impropriety of expression. + + When all of the house that was open to general inspection had + been seen, they returned downstairs, and, taking leave of the + housekeeper, were consigned over to the gardener, who met them at + the hall-door. + + As they walked across the hall towards the river, Elizabeth + turned back to look again; her uncle and aunt stopped also, and + while the former was conjecturing as to the date of the building, + the owner of it himself suddenly came forward from the road, + which led behind it to the stables. + + They were within twenty yards of each other, and so abrupt was + his appearance, that it was impossible to avoid his sight. Their + eyes instantly met, and the cheeks of both were overspread with + the deepest blush. He absolutely started, and for a moment seemed + immovable from surprise; but shortly recovering himself, advanced + towards the party, and spoke to Elizabeth, if not in terms of + perfect composure, at least of perfect civility. + + She had instinctively turned away; but stopping on his approach, + received his compliments with an embarrassment impossible to be + overcome. Had his first appearance, or his resemblance to the + picture they had just been examining, been insufficient to assure + the other two that they now saw Mr. Darcy, the gardener’s + expression of surprise, on beholding his master, must immediately + have told it. They stood a little aloof while he was talking to + their niece, who, astonished and confused, scarcely dared lift + her eyes to his face, and knew not what answer she returned to + his civil inquiries after her family. Amazed at the alteration of + his manner since they last parted, every sentence that he uttered + was increasing her embarrassment; and every idea of the + impropriety of her being found there recurring to her mind, the + few minutes in which they continued were some of the most + uncomfortable in her life. Nor did he seem much more at ease; + when he spoke, his accent had none of its usual sedateness; and + he repeated his inquiries as to the time of her having left + Longbourn, and of her having stayed in Derbyshire, so often, and + in so hurried a way, as plainly spoke the distraction of his + thoughts. + + At length every idea seemed to fail him; and, after standing a + few moments without saying a word, he suddenly recollected + himself, and took leave. + + The others then joined her, and expressed admiration of his + figure; but Elizabeth heard not a word, and wholly engrossed by + her own feelings, followed them in silence. She was overpowered + by shame and vexation. Her coming there was the most unfortunate, + the most ill-judged thing in the world! How strange it must + appear to him! In what a disgraceful light might it not strike so + vain a man! It might seem as if she had purposely thrown herself + in his way again! Oh! why did she come? Or, why did he thus come + a day before he was expected? Had they been only ten minutes + sooner, they should have been beyond the reach of his + discrimination; for it was plain that he was that moment + arrived—that moment alighted from his horse or his carriage. She + blushed again and again over the perverseness of the meeting. And + his behaviour, so strikingly altered—what could it mean? That he + should even speak to her was amazing!—but to speak with such + civility, to inquire after her family! Never in her life had she + seen his manners so little dignified, never had he spoken with + such gentleness as on this unexpected meeting. What a contrast + did it offer to his last address in Rosings Park, when he put his + letter into her hand! She knew not what to think, or how to + account for it. + + They had now entered a beautiful walk by the side of the water, + and every step was bringing forward a nobler fall of ground, or a + finer reach of the woods to which they were approaching; but it + was some time before Elizabeth was sensible of any of it; and, + though she answered mechanically to the repeated appeals of her + uncle and aunt, and seemed to direct her eyes to such objects as + they pointed out, she distinguished no part of the scene. Her + thoughts were all fixed on that one spot of Pemberley House, + whichever it might be, where Mr. Darcy then was. She longed to + know what at the moment was passing in his mind—in what manner he + thought of her, and whether, in defiance of everything, she was + still dear to him. Perhaps he had been civil only because he felt + himself at ease; yet there had been that in his voice which was + not like ease. Whether he had felt more of pain or of pleasure in + seeing her she could not tell, but he certainly had not seen her + with composure. + + At length, however, the remarks of her companions on her absence + of mind aroused her, and she felt the necessity of appearing more + like herself. + + They entered the woods, and bidding adieu to the river for a + while, ascended some of the higher grounds; when, in spots where + the opening of the trees gave the eye power to wander, were many + charming views of the valley, the opposite hills, with the long + range of woods overspreading many, and occasionally part of the + stream. Mr. Gardiner expressed a wish of going round the whole + park, but feared it might be beyond a walk. With a triumphant + smile they were told that it was ten miles round. It settled the + matter; and they pursued the accustomed circuit; which brought + them again, after some time, in a descent among hanging woods, to + the edge of the water, and one of its narrowest parts. They + crossed it by a simple bridge, in character with the general air + of the scene; it was a spot less adorned than any they had yet + visited; and the valley, here contracted into a glen, allowed + room only for the stream, and a narrow walk amidst the rough + coppice-wood which bordered it. Elizabeth longed to explore its + windings; but when they had crossed the bridge, and perceived + their distance from the house, Mrs. Gardiner, who was not a great + walker, could go no farther, and thought only of returning to the + carriage as quickly as possible. Her niece was, therefore, + obliged to submit, and they took their way towards the house on + the opposite side of the river, in the nearest direction; but + their progress was slow, for Mr. Gardiner, though seldom able to + indulge the taste, was very fond of fishing, and was so much + engaged in watching the occasional appearance of some trout in + the water, and talking to the man about them, that he advanced + but little. Whilst wandering on in this slow manner, they were + again surprised, and Elizabeth’s astonishment was quite equal to + what it had been at first, by the sight of Mr. Darcy approaching + them, and at no great distance. The walk here being here less + sheltered than on the other side, allowed them to see him before + they met. Elizabeth, however astonished, was at least more + prepared for an interview than before, and resolved to appear and + to speak with calmness, if he really intended to meet them. For a + few moments, indeed, she felt that he would probably strike into + some other path. The idea lasted while a turning in the walk + concealed him from their view; the turning past, he was + immediately before them. With a glance, she saw that he had lost + none of his recent civility; and, to imitate his politeness, she + began, as they met, to admire the beauty of the place; but she + had not got beyond the words “delightful,” and “charming,” when + some unlucky recollections obtruded, and she fancied that praise + of Pemberley from her might be mischievously construed. Her + colour changed, and she said no more. + + Mrs. Gardiner was standing a little behind; and on her pausing, + he asked her if she would do him the honour of introducing him to + her friends. This was a stroke of civility for which she was + quite unprepared; and she could hardly suppress a smile at his + being now seeking the acquaintance of some of those very people + against whom his pride had revolted in his offer to herself. + “What will be his surprise,” thought she, “when he knows who they + are? He takes them now for people of fashion.” + + The introduction, however, was immediately made; and as she named + their relationship to herself, she stole a sly look at him, to + see how he bore it, and was not without the expectation of his + decamping as fast as he could from such disgraceful companions. + That he was surprised by the connection was evident; he + sustained it, however, with fortitude, and so far from going + away, turned back with them, and entered into conversation with + Mr. Gardiner. Elizabeth could not but be pleased, could not but + triumph. It was consoling that he should know she had some + relations for whom there was no need to blush. She listened most + attentively to all that passed between them, and gloried in every + expression, every sentence of her uncle, which marked his + intelligence, his taste, or his good manners. + + The conversation soon turned upon fishing; and she heard Mr. + Darcy invite him, with the greatest civility, to fish there as + often as he chose while he continued in the neighbourhood, + offering at the same time to supply him with fishing tackle, and + pointing out those parts of the stream where there was usually + most sport. Mrs. Gardiner, who was walking arm-in-arm with + Elizabeth, gave her a look expressive of wonder. Elizabeth said + nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly; the compliment must be + all for herself. Her astonishment, however, was extreme, and + continually was she repeating, “Why is he so altered? From what + can it proceed? It cannot be for me—it cannot be for my sake + that his manners are thus softened. My reproofs at Hunsford could + not work such a change as this. It is impossible that he should + still love me.” + + After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front, the + two gentlemen behind, on resuming their places, after descending + to the brink of the river for the better inspection of some + curious water-plant, there chanced to be a little alteration. It + originated in Mrs. Gardiner, who, fatigued by the exercise of the + morning, found Elizabeth’s arm inadequate to her support, and + consequently preferred her husband’s. Mr. Darcy took her place by + her niece, and they walked on together. After a short silence, + the lady first spoke. She wished him to know that she had been + assured of his absence before she came to the place, and + accordingly began by observing, that his arrival had been very + unexpected—“for your housekeeper,” she added, “informed us that + you would certainly not be here till to-morrow; and indeed, + before we left Bakewell, we understood that you were not + immediately expected in the country.” He acknowledged the truth + of it all, and said that business with his steward had occasioned + his coming forward a few hours before the rest of the party with + whom he had been travelling. “They will join me early to-morrow,” + he continued, “and among them are some who will claim an + acquaintance with you—Mr. Bingley and his sisters.” + + Elizabeth answered only by a slight bow. Her thoughts were + instantly driven back to the time when Mr. Bingley’s name had + been the last mentioned between them; and, if she might judge by + his complexion, his mind was not very differently engaged. + + “There is also one other person in the party,” he continued after + a pause, “who more particularly wishes to be known to you. Will + you allow me, or do I ask too much, to introduce my sister to + your acquaintance during your stay at Lambton?” + + The surprise of such an application was great indeed; it was too + great for her to know in what manner she acceded to it. She + immediately felt that whatever desire Miss Darcy might have of + being acquainted with her must be the work of her brother, and, + without looking farther, it was satisfactory; it was gratifying + to know that his resentment had not made him think really ill of + her. + + They now walked on in silence, each of them deep in thought. + Elizabeth was not comfortable; that was impossible; but she was + flattered and pleased. His wish of introducing his sister to her + was a compliment of the highest kind. They soon outstripped the + others, and when they had reached the carriage, Mr. and Mrs. + Gardiner were half a quarter of a mile behind. + + He then asked her to walk into the house—but she declared herself + not tired, and they stood together on the lawn. At such a time + much might have been said, and silence was very awkward. She + wanted to talk, but there seemed to be an embargo on every + subject. At last she recollected that she had been travelling, + and they talked of Matlock and Dove Dale with great perseverance. + Yet time and her aunt moved slowly—and her patience and her ideas + were nearly worn out before the tête-à-tête was over. + + On Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s coming up they were all pressed to go + into the house and take some refreshment; but this was declined, + and they parted on each side with utmost politeness. Mr. Darcy + handed the ladies into the carriage; and when it drove off, + Elizabeth saw him walking slowly towards the house. + + The observations of her uncle and aunt now began; and each of + them pronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they + had expected. “He is perfectly well behaved, polite, and + unassuming,” said her uncle. + + “There is something a little stately in him, to be sure,” + replied her aunt, “but it is confined to his air, and is not + unbecoming. I can now say with the housekeeper, that though some + people may call him proud, I have seen nothing of it.” + + “I was never more surprised than by his behaviour to us. It was + more than civil; it was really attentive; and there was no + necessity for such attention. His acquaintance with Elizabeth was + very trifling.” + + “To be sure, Lizzy,” said her aunt, “he is not so handsome as + Wickham; or, rather, he has not Wickham’s countenance, for his + features are perfectly good. But how came you to tell me that he + was so disagreeable?” + + Elizabeth excused herself as well as she could; said that she had + liked him better when they had met in Kent than before, and that + she had never seen him so pleasant as this morning. + + “But perhaps he may be a little whimsical in his civilities,” + replied her uncle. “Your great men often are; and therefore I + shall not take him at his word, as he might change his mind + another day, and warn me off his grounds.” + + Elizabeth felt that they had entirely misunderstood his + character, but said nothing. + + “From what we have seen of him,” continued Mrs. Gardiner, “I + really should not have thought that he could have behaved in so + cruel a way by anybody as he has done by poor Wickham. He has not + an ill-natured look. On the contrary, there is something pleasing + about his mouth when he speaks. And there is something of dignity + in his countenance that would not give one an unfavourable idea + of his heart. But, to be sure, the good lady who showed us his + house did give him a most flaming character! I could hardly help + laughing aloud sometimes. But he is a liberal master, I suppose, + and that in the eye of a servant comprehends every virtue.” + + Elizabeth here felt herself called on to say something in + vindication of his behaviour to Wickham; and therefore gave them + to understand, in as guarded a manner as she could, that by what + she had heard from his relations in Kent, his actions were + capable of a very different construction; and that his character + was by no means so faulty, nor Wickham’s so amiable, as they had + been considered in Hertfordshire. In confirmation of this, she + related the particulars of all the pecuniary transactions in + which they had been connected, without actually naming her + authority, but stating it to be such as might be relied on. + + Mrs. Gardiner was surprised and concerned; but as they were now + approaching the scene of her former pleasures, every idea gave + way to the charm of recollection; and she was too much engaged in + pointing out to her husband all the interesting spots in its + environs to think of anything else. Fatigued as she had been by + the morning’s walk they had no sooner dined than she set off + again in quest of her former acquaintance, and the evening was + spent in the satisfactions of an intercourse renewed after many + years’ discontinuance. + + The occurrences of the day were too full of interest to leave + Elizabeth much attention for any of these new friends; and she + could do nothing but think, and think with wonder, of Mr. Darcy’s + civility, and, above all, of his wishing her to be acquainted + with his sister. + + + + + + Elizabeth had settled it that Mr. Darcy would bring his sister to + visit her the very day after her reaching Pemberley; and was + consequently resolved not to be out of sight of the inn the whole + of that morning. But her conclusion was false; for on the very + morning after their arrival at Lambton, these visitors came. They + had been walking about the place with some of their new friends, + and were just returning to the inn to dress themselves for dining + with the same family, when the sound of a carriage drew them to a + window, and they saw a gentleman and a lady in a curricle driving + up the street. Elizabeth immediately recognizing the livery, + guessed what it meant, and imparted no small degree of her + surprise to her relations by acquainting them with the honour + which she expected. Her uncle and aunt were all amazement; and + the embarrassment of her manner as she spoke, joined to the + circumstance itself, and many of the circumstances of the + preceding day, opened to them a new idea on the business. Nothing + had ever suggested it before, but they felt that there was no + other way of accounting for such attentions from such a quarter + than by supposing a partiality for their niece. While these + newly-born notions were passing in their heads, the perturbation + of Elizabeth’s feelings was at every moment increasing. She was + quite amazed at her own discomposure; but amongst other causes of + disquiet, she dreaded lest the partiality of the brother should + have said too much in her favour; and, more than commonly anxious + to please, she naturally suspected that every power of pleasing + would fail her. + + She retreated from the window, fearful of being seen; and as she + walked up and down the room, endeavouring to compose herself, saw + such looks of inquiring surprise in her uncle and aunt as made + everything worse. + + Miss Darcy and her brother appeared, and this formidable + introduction took place. With astonishment did Elizabeth see that + her new acquaintance was at least as much embarrassed as herself. + Since her being at Lambton, she had heard that Miss Darcy was + exceedingly proud; but the observation of a very few minutes + convinced her that she was only exceedingly shy. She found it + difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyllable. + + Miss Darcy was tall, and on a larger scale than Elizabeth; and, + though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her + appearance womanly and graceful. She was less handsome than her + brother; but there was sense and good humour in her face, and her + manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle. Elizabeth, who had + expected to find in her as acute and unembarrassed an observer as + ever Mr. Darcy had been, was much relieved by discerning such + different feelings. + + They had not long been together before Mr. Darcy told her that + Bingley was also coming to wait on her; and she had barely time + to express her satisfaction, and prepare for such a visitor, when + Bingley’s quick step was heard on the stairs, and in a moment he + entered the room. All Elizabeth’s anger against him had been long + done away; but had she still felt any, it could hardly have stood + its ground against the unaffected cordiality with which he + expressed himself on seeing her again. He inquired in a friendly, + though general way, after her family, and looked and spoke with + the same good-humoured ease that he had ever done. + + To Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner he was scarcely a less interesting + personage than to herself. They had long wished to see him. The + whole party before them, indeed, excited a lively attention. The + suspicions which had just arisen of Mr. Darcy and their niece + directed their observation towards each with an earnest though + guarded inquiry; and they soon drew from those inquiries the full + conviction that one of them at least knew what it was to love. Of + the lady’s sensations they remained a little in doubt; but that + the gentleman was overflowing with admiration was evident enough. + + Elizabeth, on her side, had much to do. She wanted to ascertain + the feelings of each of her visitors; she wanted to compose her + own, and to make herself agreeable to all; and in the latter + object, where she feared most to fail, she was most sure of + success, for those to whom she endeavoured to give pleasure were + prepossessed in her favour. Bingley was ready, Georgiana was + eager, and Darcy determined, to be pleased. + + In seeing Bingley, her thoughts naturally flew to her sister; + and, oh! how ardently did she long to know whether any of his + were directed in a like manner. Sometimes she could fancy that he + talked less than on former occasions, and once or twice pleased + herself with the notion that, as he looked at her, he was trying + to trace a resemblance. But, though this might be imaginary, she + could not be deceived as to his behaviour to Miss Darcy, who had + been set up as a rival to Jane. No look appeared on either side + that spoke particular regard. Nothing occurred between them that + could justify the hopes of his sister. On this point she was soon + satisfied; and two or three little circumstances occurred ere + they parted, which, in her anxious interpretation, denoted a + recollection of Jane not untinctured by tenderness, and a wish of + saying more that might lead to the mention of her, had he dared. + He observed to her, at a moment when the others were talking + together, and in a tone which had something of real regret, that + it “was a very long time since he had had the pleasure of seeing + her;” and, before she could reply, he added, “It is above eight + months. We have not met since the 26th of November, when we were + all dancing together at Netherfield.” + + Elizabeth was pleased to find his memory so exact; and he + afterwards took occasion to ask her, when unattended to by any of + the rest, whether all her sisters were at Longbourn. There was + not much in the question, nor in the preceding remark; but there + was a look and a manner which gave them meaning. + + It was not often that she could turn her eyes on Mr. Darcy + himself; but, whenever she did catch a glimpse, she saw an + expression of general complaisance, and in all that he said she + heard an accent so removed from hauteur or disdain of his + companions, as convinced her that the improvement of manners + which she had yesterday witnessed however temporary its existence + might prove, had at least outlived one day. When she saw him thus + seeking the acquaintance and courting the good opinion of people + with whom any intercourse a few months ago would have been a + disgrace—when she saw him thus civil, not only to herself, but to + the very relations whom he had openly disdained, and recollected + their last lively scene in Hunsford Parsonage—the difference, the + change was so great, and struck so forcibly on her mind, that she + could hardly restrain her astonishment from being visible. Never, + even in the company of his dear friends at Netherfield, or his + dignified relations at Rosings, had she seen him so desirous to + please, so free from self-consequence or unbending reserve, as + now, when no importance could result from the success of his + endeavours, and when even the acquaintance of those to whom his + attentions were addressed would draw down the ridicule and + censure of the ladies both of Netherfield and Rosings. + + Their visitors stayed with them above half-an-hour; and when they + arose to depart, Mr. Darcy called on his sister to join him in + expressing their wish of seeing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, and Miss + Bennet, to dinner at Pemberley, before they left the country. + Miss Darcy, though with a diffidence which marked her little in + the habit of giving invitations, readily obeyed. Mrs. Gardiner + looked at her niece, desirous of knowing how she, whom the + invitation most concerned, felt disposed as to its acceptance, + but Elizabeth had turned away her head. Presuming however, that + this studied avoidance spoke rather a momentary embarrassment + than any dislike of the proposal, and seeing in her husband, who + was fond of society, a perfect willingness to accept it, she + ventured to engage for her attendance, and the day after the next + was fixed on. + + Bingley expressed great pleasure in the certainty of seeing + Elizabeth again, having still a great deal to say to her, and + many inquiries to make after all their Hertfordshire friends. + Elizabeth, construing all this into a wish of hearing her speak + of her sister, was pleased, and on this account, as well as some + others, found herself, when their visitors left them, capable of + considering the last half-hour with some satisfaction, though + while it was passing, the enjoyment of it had been little. Eager + to be alone, and fearful of inquiries or hints from her uncle and + aunt, she stayed with them only long enough to hear their + favourable opinion of Bingley, and then hurried away to dress. + + But she had no reason to fear Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner’s curiosity; + it was not their wish to force her communication. It was evident + that she was much better acquainted with Mr. Darcy than they had + before any idea of; it was evident that he was very much in love + with her. They saw much to interest, but nothing to justify + inquiry. + + Of Mr. Darcy it was now a matter of anxiety to think well; and, + as far as their acquaintance reached, there was no fault to find. + They could not be untouched by his politeness; and had they drawn + his character from their own feelings and his servant’s report, + without any reference to any other account, the circle in + Hertfordshire to which he was known would not have recognized it + for Mr. Darcy. There was now an interest, however, in believing + the housekeeper; and they soon became sensible that the authority + of a servant who had known him since he was four years old, and + whose own manners indicated respectability, was not to be hastily + rejected. Neither had anything occurred in the intelligence of + their Lambton friends that could materially lessen its weight. + They had nothing to accuse him of but pride; pride he probably + had, and if not, it would certainly be imputed by the inhabitants + of a small market-town where the family did not visit. It was + acknowledged, however, that he was a liberal man, and did much + good among the poor. + + With respect to Wickham, the travellers soon found that he was + not held there in much estimation; for though the chief of his + concerns with the son of his patron were imperfectly understood, + it was yet a well-known fact that, on his quitting Derbyshire, he + had left many debts behind him, which Mr. Darcy afterwards + discharged. + + As for Elizabeth, her thoughts were at Pemberley this evening + more than the last; and the evening, though as it passed it + seemed long, was not long enough to determine her feelings + towards one in that mansion; and she lay awake two whole hours + endeavouring to make them out. She certainly did not hate him. + No; hatred had vanished long ago, and she had almost as long been + ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him, that could be so + called. The respect created by the conviction of his valuable + qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for some + time ceased to be repugnant to her feeling; and it was now + heightened into somewhat of a friendlier nature, by the testimony + so highly in his favour, and bringing forward his disposition in + so amiable a light, which yesterday had produced. But above all, + above respect and esteem, there was a motive within her of + goodwill which could not be overlooked. It was gratitude; + gratitude, not merely for having once loved her, but for loving + her still well enough to forgive all the petulance and acrimony + of her manner in rejecting him, and all the unjust accusations + accompanying her rejection. He who, she had been persuaded, would + avoid her as his greatest enemy, seemed, on this accidental + meeting, most eager to preserve the acquaintance, and without any + indelicate display of regard, or any peculiarity of manner, where + their two selves only were concerned, was soliciting the good + opinion of her friends, and bent on making her known to his + sister. Such a change in a man of so much pride exciting not only + astonishment but gratitude—for to love, ardent love, it must be + attributed; and as such its impression on her was of a sort to be + encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not be + exactly defined. She respected, she esteemed, she was grateful to + him, she felt a real interest in his welfare; and she only wanted + to know how far she wished that welfare to depend upon herself, + and how far it would be for the happiness of both that she should + employ the power, which her fancy told her she still possessed, + of bringing on her the renewal of his addresses. + + It had been settled in the evening between the aunt and the + niece, that such a striking civility as Miss Darcy’s in coming to + see them on the very day of her arrival at Pemberley, for she had + reached it only to a late breakfast, ought to be imitated, though + it could not be equalled, by some exertion of politeness on their + side; and, consequently, that it would be highly expedient to + wait on her at Pemberley the following morning. They were, + therefore, to go. Elizabeth was pleased; though when she asked + herself the reason, she had very little to say in reply. + + Mr. Gardiner left them soon after breakfast. The fishing scheme + had been renewed the day before, and a positive engagement made + of his meeting some of the gentlemen at Pemberley before noon. + + + + + + Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley’s dislike of her + had originated in jealousy, she could not help feeling how + unwelcome her appearance at Pemberley must be to her, and was + curious to know with how much civility on that lady’s side the + acquaintance would now be renewed. + + On reaching the house, they were shown through the hall into the + saloon, whose northern aspect rendered it delightful for summer. + Its windows opening to the ground, admitted a most refreshing + view of the high woody hills behind the house, and of the + beautiful oaks and Spanish chestnuts which were scattered over + the intermediate lawn. + + In this house they were received by Miss Darcy, who was sitting + there with Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley, and the lady with whom + she lived in London. Georgiana’s reception of them was very + civil, but attended with all the embarrassment which, though + proceeding from shyness and the fear of doing wrong, would easily + give to those who felt themselves inferior the belief of her + being proud and reserved. Mrs. Gardiner and her niece, however, + did her justice, and pitied her. + + By Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley they were noticed only by a + curtsey; and, on their being seated, a pause, awkward as such + pauses must always be, succeeded for a few moments. It was first + broken by Mrs. Annesley, a genteel, agreeable-looking woman, + whose endeavour to introduce some kind of discourse proved her to + be more truly well-bred than either of the others; and between + her and Mrs. Gardiner, with occasional help from Elizabeth, the + conversation was carried on. Miss Darcy looked as if she wished + for courage enough to join in it; and sometimes did venture a + short sentence when there was least danger of its being heard. + + Elizabeth soon saw that she was herself closely watched by Miss + Bingley, and that she could not speak a word, especially to Miss + Darcy, without calling her attention. This observation would not + have prevented her from trying to talk to the latter, had they + not been seated at an inconvenient distance; but she was not + sorry to be spared the necessity of saying much. Her own thoughts + were employing her. She expected every moment that some of the + gentlemen would enter the room. She wished, she feared that the + master of the house might be amongst them; and whether she wished + or feared it most, she could scarcely determine. After sitting in + this manner a quarter of an hour without hearing Miss Bingley’s + voice, Elizabeth was roused by receiving from her a cold inquiry + after the health of her family. She answered with equal + indifference and brevity, and the other said no more. + + The next variation which their visit afforded was produced by the + entrance of servants with cold meat, cake, and a variety of all + the finest fruits in season; but this did not take place till + after many a significant look and smile from Mrs. Annesley to + Miss Darcy had been given, to remind her of her post. There was + now employment for the whole party—for though they could not all + talk, they could all eat; and the beautiful pyramids of grapes, + nectarines, and peaches soon collected them round the table. + + While thus engaged, Elizabeth had a fair opportunity of deciding + whether she most feared or wished for the appearance of Mr. + Darcy, by the feelings which prevailed on his entering the room; + and then, though but a moment before she had believed her wishes + to predominate, she began to regret that he came. + + He had been some time with Mr. Gardiner, who, with two or three + other gentlemen from the house, was engaged by the river, and had + left him only on learning that the ladies of the family intended + a visit to Georgiana that morning. No sooner did he appear than + Elizabeth wisely resolved to be perfectly easy and unembarrassed; + a resolution the more necessary to be made, but perhaps not the + more easily kept, because she saw that the suspicions of the + whole party were awakened against them, and that there was + scarcely an eye which did not watch his behaviour when he first + came into the room. In no countenance was attentive curiosity so + strongly marked as in Miss Bingley’s, in spite of the smiles + which overspread her face whenever she spoke to one of its + objects; for jealousy had not yet made her desperate, and her + attentions to Mr. Darcy were by no means over. Miss Darcy, on her + brother’s entrance, exerted herself much more to talk, and + Elizabeth saw that he was anxious for his sister and herself to + get acquainted, and forwarded as much as possible, every attempt + at conversation on either side. Miss Bingley saw all this + likewise; and, in the imprudence of anger, took the first + opportunity of saying, with sneering civility: + + “Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the ——shire Militia removed from + Meryton? They must be a great loss to your family.” + + In Darcy’s presence she dared not mention Wickham’s name; but + Elizabeth instantly comprehended that he was uppermost in her + thoughts; and the various recollections connected with him gave + her a moment’s distress; but exerting herself vigorously to repel + the ill-natured attack, she presently answered the question in a + tolerably detached tone. While she spoke, an involuntary glance + showed her Darcy, with a heightened complexion, earnestly looking + at her, and his sister overcome with confusion, and unable to + lift up her eyes. Had Miss Bingley known what pain she was then + giving her beloved friend, she undoubtedly would have refrained + from the hint; but she had merely intended to discompose + Elizabeth by bringing forward the idea of a man to whom she + believed her partial, to make her betray a sensibility which + might injure her in Darcy’s opinion, and, perhaps, to remind the + latter of all the follies and absurdities by which some part of + her family were connected with that corps. Not a syllable had + ever reached her of Miss Darcy’s meditated elopement. To no + creature had it been revealed, where secrecy was possible, except + to Elizabeth; and from all Bingley’s connections her brother was + particularly anxious to conceal it, from the very wish which + Elizabeth had long ago attributed to him, of their becoming + hereafter her own. He had certainly formed such a plan, and + without meaning that it should affect his endeavour to separate + him from Miss Bennet, it is probable that it might add something + to his lively concern for the welfare of his friend. + + Elizabeth’s collected behaviour, however, soon quieted his + emotion; and as Miss Bingley, vexed and disappointed, dared not + approach nearer to Wickham, Georgiana also recovered in time, + though not enough to be able to speak any more. Her brother, + whose eye she feared to meet, scarcely recollected her interest + in the affair, and the very circumstance which had been designed + to turn his thoughts from Elizabeth seemed to have fixed them on + her more and more cheerfully. + + Their visit did not continue long after the question and answer + above mentioned; and while Mr. Darcy was attending them to their + carriage Miss Bingley was venting her feelings in criticisms on + Elizabeth’s person, behaviour, and dress. But Georgiana would not + join her. Her brother’s recommendation was enough to ensure her + favour; his judgement could not err. And he had spoken in such + terms of Elizabeth as to leave Georgiana without the power of + finding her otherwise than lovely and amiable. When Darcy + returned to the saloon, Miss Bingley could not help repeating to + him some part of what she had been saying to his sister. + + “How very ill Miss Eliza Bennet looks this morning, Mr. Darcy,” + she cried; “I never in my life saw anyone so much altered as she + is since the winter. She is grown so brown and coarse! Louisa and + I were agreeing that we should not have known her again.” + + However little Mr. Darcy might have liked such an address, he + contented himself with coolly replying that he perceived no other + alteration than her being rather tanned, no miraculous + consequence of travelling in the summer. + + “For my own part,” she rejoined, “I must confess that I never + could see any beauty in her. Her face is too thin; her complexion + has no brilliancy; and her features are not at all handsome. Her + nose wants character—there is nothing marked in its lines. Her + teeth are tolerable, but not out of the common way; and as for + her eyes, which have sometimes been called so fine, I could never + see anything extraordinary in them. They have a sharp, shrewish + look, which I do not like at all; and in her air altogether there + is a self-sufficiency without fashion, which is intolerable.” + + Persuaded as Miss Bingley was that Darcy admired Elizabeth, this + was not the best method of recommending herself; but angry people + are not always wise; and in seeing him at last look somewhat + nettled, she had all the success she expected. He was resolutely + silent, however, and, from a determination of making him speak, + she continued: + + “I remember, when we first knew her in Hertfordshire, how amazed + we all were to find that she was a reputed beauty; and I + particularly recollect your saying one night, after they had been + dining at Netherfield, ‘She a beauty!—I should as soon call her + mother a wit.’ But afterwards she seemed to improve on you, and I + believe you thought her rather pretty at one time.” + + “Yes,” replied Darcy, who could contain himself no longer, “but + that was only when I first saw her, for it is many months since + I have considered her as one of the handsomest women of my + acquaintance.” + + He then went away, and Miss Bingley was left to all the + satisfaction of having forced him to say what gave no one any + pain but herself. + + Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth talked of all that had occurred + during their visit, as they returned, except what had + particularly interested them both. The look and behaviour of + everybody they had seen were discussed, except of the person who + had mostly engaged their attention. They talked of his sister, + his friends, his house, his fruit—of everything but himself; yet + Elizabeth was longing to know what Mrs. Gardiner thought of him, + and Mrs. Gardiner would have been highly gratified by her niece’s + beginning the subject. + + + + + + Elizabeth had been a good deal disappointed in not finding a + letter from Jane on their first arrival at Lambton; and this + disappointment had been renewed on each of the mornings that had + now been spent there; but on the third her repining was over, and + her sister justified, by the receipt of two letters from her at + once, on one of which was marked that it had been missent + elsewhere. Elizabeth was not surprised at it, as Jane had written + the direction remarkably ill. + + They had just been preparing to walk as the letters came in; and + her uncle and aunt, leaving her to enjoy them in quiet, set off + by themselves. The one missent must first be attended to; it had + been written five days ago. The beginning contained an account of + all their little parties and engagements, with such news as the + country afforded; but the latter half, which was dated a day + later, and written in evident agitation, gave more important + intelligence. It was to this effect: + + “Since writing the above, dearest Lizzy, something has occurred + of a most unexpected and serious nature; but I am afraid of + alarming you—be assured that we are all well. What I have to say + relates to poor Lydia. An express came at twelve last night, just + as we were all gone to bed, from Colonel Forster, to inform us + that she was gone off to Scotland with one of his officers; to + own the truth, with Wickham! Imagine our surprise. To Kitty, + however, it does not seem so wholly unexpected. I am very, very + sorry. So imprudent a match on both sides! But I am willing to + hope the best, and that his character has been misunderstood. + Thoughtless and indiscreet I can easily believe him, but this + step (and let us rejoice over it) marks nothing bad at heart. His + choice is disinterested at least, for he must know my father can + give her nothing. Our poor mother is sadly grieved. My father + bears it better. How thankful am I that we never let them know + what has been said against him; we must forget it ourselves. They + were off Saturday night about twelve, as is conjectured, but were + not missed till yesterday morning at eight. The express was sent + off directly. My dear Lizzy, they must have passed within ten + miles of us. Colonel Forster gives us reason to expect him here + soon. Lydia left a few lines for his wife, informing her of their + intention. I must conclude, for I cannot be long from my poor + mother. I am afraid you will not be able to make it out, but I + hardly know what I have written.” + + Without allowing herself time for consideration, and scarcely + knowing what she felt, Elizabeth on finishing this letter + instantly seized the other, and opening it with the utmost + impatience, read as follows: it had been written a day later than + the conclusion of the first. + + “By this time, my dearest sister, you have received my hurried + letter; I wish this may be more intelligible, but though not + confined for time, my head is so bewildered that I cannot answer + for being coherent. Dearest Lizzy, I hardly know what I would + write, but I have bad news for you, and it cannot be delayed. + Imprudent as the marriage between Mr. Wickham and our poor Lydia + would be, we are now anxious to be assured it has taken place, + for there is but too much reason to fear they are not gone to + Scotland. Colonel Forster came yesterday, having left Brighton + the day before, not many hours after the express. Though Lydia’s + short letter to Mrs. F. gave them to understand that they were + going to Gretna Green, something was dropped by Denny expressing + his belief that W. never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia + at all, which was repeated to Colonel F., who, instantly taking + the alarm, set off from B. intending to trace their route. He did + trace them easily to Clapham, but no further; for on entering + that place, they removed into a hackney coach, and dismissed the + chaise that brought them from Epsom. All that is known after this + is, that they were seen to continue the London road. I know not + what to think. After making every possible inquiry on that side + London, Colonel F. came on into Hertfordshire, anxiously renewing + them at all the turnpikes, and at the inns in Barnet and + Hatfield, but without any success—no such people had been seen to + pass through. With the kindest concern he came on to Longbourn, + and broke his apprehensions to us in a manner most creditable to + his heart. I am sincerely grieved for him and Mrs. F., but no one + can throw any blame on them. Our distress, my dear Lizzy, is very + great. My father and mother believe the worst, but I cannot think + so ill of him. Many circumstances might make it more eligible for + them to be married privately in town than to pursue their first + plan; and even if he could form such a design against a young + woman of Lydia’s connections, which is not likely, can I suppose + her so lost to everything? Impossible! I grieve to find, however, + that Colonel F. is not disposed to depend upon their marriage; he + shook his head when I expressed my hopes, and said he feared W. + was not a man to be trusted. My poor mother is really ill, and + keeps her room. Could she exert herself, it would be better; but + this is not to be expected. And as to my father, I never in my + life saw him so affected. Poor Kitty has anger for having + concealed their attachment; but as it was a matter of confidence, + one cannot wonder. I am truly glad, dearest Lizzy, that you have + been spared something of these distressing scenes; but now, as + the first shock is over, shall I own that I long for your return? + I am not so selfish, however, as to press for it, if + inconvenient. Adieu! I take up my pen again to do what I have + just told you I would not; but circumstances are such that I + cannot help earnestly begging you all to come here as soon as + possible. I know my dear uncle and aunt so well, that I am not + afraid of requesting it, though I have still something more to + ask of the former. My father is going to London with Colonel + Forster instantly, to try to discover her. What he means to do I + am sure I know not; but his excessive distress will not allow him + to pursue any measure in the best and safest way, and Colonel + Forster is obliged to be at Brighton again to-morrow evening. In + such an exigence, my uncle’s advice and assistance would be + everything in the world; he will immediately comprehend what I + must feel, and I rely upon his goodness.” + + “Oh! where, where is my uncle?” cried Elizabeth, darting from her + seat as she finished the letter, in eagerness to follow him, + without losing a moment of the time so precious; but as she + reached the door it was opened by a servant, and Mr. Darcy + appeared. Her pale face and impetuous manner made him start, and + before he could recover himself to speak, she, in whose mind + every idea was superseded by Lydia’s situation, hastily + exclaimed, “I beg your pardon, but I must leave you. I must find + Mr. Gardiner this moment, on business that cannot be delayed; I + have not an instant to lose.” + + “Good God! what is the matter?” cried he, with more feeling than + politeness; then recollecting himself, “I will not detain you a + minute; but let me, or let the servant go after Mr. and Mrs. + Gardiner. You are not well enough; you cannot go yourself.” + + Elizabeth hesitated, but her knees trembled under her and she + felt how little would be gained by her attempting to pursue them. + Calling back the servant, therefore, she commissioned him, though + in so breathless an accent as made her almost unintelligible, to + fetch his master and mistress home instantly. + + On his quitting the room she sat down, unable to support herself, + and looking so miserably ill, that it was impossible for Darcy to + leave her, or to refrain from saying, in a tone of gentleness and + commiseration, “Let me call your maid. Is there nothing you could + take to give you present relief? A glass of wine; shall I get you + one? You are very ill.” + + “No, I thank you,” she replied, endeavouring to recover herself. + “There is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well; I am only + distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from + Longbourn.” + + She burst into tears as she alluded to it, and for a few minutes + could not speak another word. Darcy, in wretched suspense, could + only say something indistinctly of his concern, and observe her + in compassionate silence. At length she spoke again. “I have just + had a letter from Jane, with such dreadful news. It cannot be + concealed from anyone. My younger sister has left all her + friends—has eloped; has thrown herself into the power of—of Mr. + Wickham. They are gone off together from Brighton. You know him + too well to doubt the rest. She has no money, no connections, + nothing that can tempt him to—she is lost for ever.” + + Darcy was fixed in astonishment. “When I consider,” she added in + a yet more agitated voice, “that I might have prevented it! I + who knew what he was. Had I but explained some part of it + only—some part of what I learnt, to my own family! Had his + character been known, this could not have happened. But it is + all—all too late now.” + + “I am grieved indeed,” cried Darcy; “grieved—shocked. But is it + certain—absolutely certain?” + + “Oh, yes! They left Brighton together on Sunday night, and were + traced almost to London, but not beyond; they are certainly not + gone to Scotland.” + + “And what has been done, what has been attempted, to recover + her?” + + “My father is gone to London, and Jane has written to beg my + uncle’s immediate assistance; and we shall be off, I hope, in + half-an-hour. But nothing can be done—I know very well that + nothing can be done. How is such a man to be worked on? How are + they even to be discovered? I have not the smallest hope. It is + every way horrible!” + + Darcy shook his head in silent acquiescence. + + “When my eyes were opened to his real character—Oh! had I known + what I ought, what I dared to do! But I knew not—I was afraid of + doing too much. Wretched, wretched mistake!” + + Darcy made no answer. He seemed scarcely to hear her, and was + walking up and down the room in earnest meditation, his brow + contracted, his air gloomy. Elizabeth soon observed, and + instantly understood it. Her power was sinking; everything must + sink under such a proof of family weakness, such an assurance of + the deepest disgrace. She could neither wonder nor condemn, but + the belief of his self-conquest brought nothing consolatory to + her bosom, afforded no palliation of her distress. It was, on the + contrary, exactly calculated to make her understand her own + wishes; and never had she so honestly felt that she could have + loved him, as now, when all love must be vain. + + But self, though it would intrude, could not engross her. + Lydia—the humiliation, the misery she was bringing on them all, + soon swallowed up every private care; and covering her face with + her handkerchief, Elizabeth was soon lost to everything else; + and, after a pause of several minutes, was only recalled to a + sense of her situation by the voice of her companion, who, in a + manner which, though it spoke compassion, spoke likewise + restraint, said, “I am afraid you have been long desiring my + absence, nor have I anything to plead in excuse of my stay, but + real, though unavailing concern. Would to Heaven that anything + could be either said or done on my part that might offer + consolation to such distress! But I will not torment you with + vain wishes, which may seem purposely to ask for your thanks. + This unfortunate affair will, I fear, prevent my sister’s having + the pleasure of seeing you at Pemberley to-day.” + + “Oh, yes. Be so kind as to apologise for us to Miss Darcy. Say + that urgent business calls us home immediately. Conceal the + unhappy truth as long as it is possible, I know it cannot be + long.” + + He readily assured her of his secrecy; again expressed his sorrow + for her distress, wished it a happier conclusion than there was + at present reason to hope, and leaving his compliments for her + relations, with only one serious, parting look, went away. + + As he quitted the room, Elizabeth felt how improbable it was that + they should ever see each other again on such terms of cordiality + as had marked their several meetings in Derbyshire; and as she + threw a retrospective glance over the whole of their + acquaintance, so full of contradictions and varieties, sighed at + the perverseness of those feelings which would now have promoted + its continuance, and would formerly have rejoiced in its + termination. + + If gratitude and esteem are good foundations of affection, + Elizabeth’s change of sentiment will be neither improbable nor + faulty. But if otherwise—if regard springing from such sources is + unreasonable or unnatural, in comparison of what is so often + described as arising on a first interview with its object, and + even before two words have been exchanged, nothing can be said in + her defence, except that she had given somewhat of a trial to the + latter method in her partiality for Wickham, and that its ill + success might, perhaps, authorise her to seek the other less + interesting mode of attachment. Be that as it may, she saw him go + with regret; and in this early example of what Lydia’s infamy + must produce, found additional anguish as she reflected on that + wretched business. Never, since reading Jane’s second letter, had + she entertained a hope of Wickham’s meaning to marry her. No one + but Jane, she thought, could flatter herself with such an + expectation. Surprise was the least of her feelings on this + development. While the contents of the first letter remained in + her mind, she was all surprise—all astonishment that Wickham + should marry a girl whom it was impossible he could marry for + money; and how Lydia could ever have attached him had appeared + incomprehensible. But now it was all too natural. For such an + attachment as this she might have sufficient charms; and though + she did not suppose Lydia to be deliberately engaging in an + elopement without the intention of marriage, she had no + difficulty in believing that neither her virtue nor her + understanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey. + + She had never perceived, while the regiment was in Hertfordshire, + that Lydia had any partiality for him; but she was convinced that + Lydia wanted only encouragement to attach herself to anybody. + Sometimes one officer, sometimes another, had been her favourite, + as their attentions raised them in her opinion. Her affections + had continually been fluctuating but never without an object. The + mischief of neglect and mistaken indulgence towards such a + girl—oh! how acutely did she now feel it! + + She was wild to be at home—to hear, to see, to be upon the spot + to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon + her, in a family so deranged, a father absent, a mother incapable + of exertion, and requiring constant attendance; and though almost + persuaded that nothing could be done for Lydia, her uncle’s + interference seemed of the utmost importance, and till he entered + the room her impatience was severe. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had + hurried back in alarm, supposing by the servant’s account that + their niece was taken suddenly ill; but satisfying them instantly + on that head, she eagerly communicated the cause of their + summons, reading the two letters aloud, and dwelling on the + postscript of the last with trembling energy.— Though Lydia had + never been a favourite with them, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner could not + but be deeply afflicted. Not Lydia only, but all were concerned + in it; and after the first exclamations of surprise and horror, + Mr. Gardiner promised every assistance in his power. Elizabeth, + though expecting no less, thanked him with tears of gratitude; + and all three being actuated by one spirit, everything relating + to their journey was speedily settled. They were to be off as + soon as possible. “But what is to be done about Pemberley?” cried + Mrs. Gardiner. “John told us Mr. Darcy was here when you sent for + us; was it so?” + + “Yes; and I told him we should not be able to keep our + engagement. That is all settled.” + + “What is all settled?” repeated the other, as she ran into her + room to prepare. “And are they upon such terms as for her to + disclose the real truth? Oh, that I knew how it was!” + + But wishes were vain, or at least could only serve to amuse her + in the hurry and confusion of the following hour. Had Elizabeth + been at leisure to be idle, she would have remained certain that + all employment was impossible to one so wretched as herself; but + she had her share of business as well as her aunt, and amongst + the rest there were notes to be written to all their friends at + Lambton, with false excuses for their sudden departure. An hour, + however, saw the whole completed; and Mr. Gardiner meanwhile + having settled his account at the inn, nothing remained to be + done but to go; and Elizabeth, after all the misery of the + morning, found herself, in a shorter space of time than she could + have supposed, seated in the carriage, and on the road to + Longbourn. + + + + + + “I have been thinking it over again, Elizabeth,” said her uncle, + as they drove from the town; “and really, upon serious + consideration, I am much more inclined than I was to judge as + your eldest sister does on the matter. It appears to me so very + unlikely that any young man should form such a design against a + girl who is by no means unprotected or friendless, and who was + actually staying in his colonel’s family, that I am strongly + inclined to hope the best. Could he expect that her friends would + not step forward? Could he expect to be noticed again by the + regiment, after such an affront to Colonel Forster? His + temptation is not adequate to the risk!” + + “Do you really think so?” cried Elizabeth, brightening up for a + moment. + + “Upon my word,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “I begin to be of your + uncle’s opinion. It is really too great a violation of decency, + honour, and interest, for him to be guilty of. I cannot think so + very ill of Wickham. Can you yourself, Lizzy, so wholly give him + up, as to believe him capable of it?” + + “Not, perhaps, of neglecting his own interest; but of every other + neglect I can believe him capable. If, indeed, it should be so! + But I dare not hope it. Why should they not go on to Scotland if + that had been the case?” + + “In the first place,” replied Mr. Gardiner, “there is no absolute + proof that they are not gone to Scotland.” + + “Oh! but their removing from the chaise into a hackney coach is + such a presumption! And, besides, no traces of them were to be + found on the Barnet road.” + + “Well, then—supposing them to be in London. They may be there, + though for the purpose of concealment, for no more exceptional + purpose. It is not likely that money should be very abundant on + either side; and it might strike them that they could be more + economically, though less expeditiously, married in London than + in Scotland.” + + “But why all this secrecy? Why any fear of detection? Why must + their marriage be private? Oh, no, no—this is not likely. His + most particular friend, you see by Jane’s account, was persuaded + of his never intending to marry her. Wickham will never marry a + woman without some money. He cannot afford it. And what claims + has Lydia—what attraction has she beyond youth, health, and good + humour that could make him, for her sake, forego every chance of + benefiting himself by marrying well? As to what restraint the + apprehensions of disgrace in the corps might throw on a + dishonourable elopement with her, I am not able to judge; for I + know nothing of the effects that such a step might produce. But + as to your other objection, I am afraid it will hardly hold good. + Lydia has no brothers to step forward; and he might imagine, from + my father’s behaviour, from his indolence and the little + attention he has ever seemed to give to what was going forward in + his family, that he would do as little, and think as little + about it, as any father could do, in such a matter.” + + “But can you think that Lydia is so lost to everything but love + of him as to consent to live with him on any terms other than + marriage?” + + “It does seem, and it is most shocking indeed,” replied + Elizabeth, with tears in her eyes, “that a sister’s sense of + decency and virtue in such a point should admit of doubt. But, + really, I know not what to say. Perhaps I am not doing her + justice. But she is very young; she has never been taught to + think on serious subjects; and for the last half-year, nay, for a + twelvemonth—she has been given up to nothing but amusement and + vanity. She has been allowed to dispose of her time in the most + idle and frivolous manner, and to adopt any opinions that came in + her way. Since the ——shire were first quartered in Meryton, + nothing but love, flirtation, and officers have been in her head. + She has been doing everything in her power by thinking and + talking on the subject, to give greater—what shall I call it? + susceptibility to her feelings; which are naturally lively + enough. And we all know that Wickham has every charm of person + and address that can captivate a woman.” + + “But you see that Jane,” said her aunt, “does not think so very + ill of Wickham as to believe him capable of the attempt.” + + “Of whom does Jane ever think ill? And who is there, whatever + might be their former conduct, that she would think capable of + such an attempt, till it were proved against them? But Jane + knows, as well as I do, what Wickham really is. We both know that + he has been profligate in every sense of the word; that he has + neither integrity nor honour; that he is as false and deceitful + as he is insinuating.” + + “And do you really know all this?” cried Mrs. Gardiner, whose + curiosity as to the mode of her intelligence was all alive. + + “I do indeed,” replied Elizabeth, colouring. “I told you, the + other day, of his infamous behaviour to Mr. Darcy; and you + yourself, when last at Longbourn, heard in what manner he spoke + of the man who had behaved with such forbearance and liberality + towards him. And there are other circumstances which I am not at + liberty—which it is not worth while to relate; but his lies about + the whole Pemberley family are endless. From what he said of Miss + Darcy I was thoroughly prepared to see a proud, reserved, + disagreeable girl. Yet he knew to the contrary himself. He must + know that she was as amiable and unpretending as we have found + her.” + + “But does Lydia know nothing of this? can she be ignorant of what + you and Jane seem so well to understand?” + + “Oh, yes!—that, that is the worst of all. Till I was in Kent, and + saw so much both of Mr. Darcy and his relation Colonel + Fitzwilliam, I was ignorant of the truth myself. And when I + returned home, the ——shire was to leave Meryton in a week or + fortnight’s time. As that was the case, neither Jane, to whom I + related the whole, nor I, thought it necessary to make our + knowledge public; for of what use could it apparently be to any + one, that the good opinion which all the neighbourhood had of him + should then be overthrown? And even when it was settled that + Lydia should go with Mrs. Forster, the necessity of opening her + eyes to his character never occurred to me. That she could be + in any danger from the deception never entered my head. That such + a consequence as this could ensue, you may easily believe, was + far enough from my thoughts.” + + “When they all removed to Brighton, therefore, you had no reason, + I suppose, to believe them fond of each other?” + + “Not the slightest. I can remember no symptom of affection on + either side; and had anything of the kind been perceptible, you + must be aware that ours is not a family on which it could be + thrown away. When first he entered the corps, she was ready + enough to admire him; but so we all were. Every girl in or near + Meryton was out of her senses about him for the first two months; + but he never distinguished her by any particular attention; + and, consequently, after a moderate period of extravagant and + wild admiration, her fancy for him gave way, and others of the + regiment, who treated her with more distinction, again became her + favourites.” + + It may be easily believed, that however little of novelty could + be added to their fears, hopes, and conjectures, on this + interesting subject, by its repeated discussion, no other could + detain them from it long, during the whole of the journey. From + Elizabeth’s thoughts it was never absent. Fixed there by the + keenest of all anguish, self-reproach, she could find no interval + of ease or forgetfulness. + + They travelled as expeditiously as possible, and, sleeping one + night on the road, reached Longbourn by dinner time the next day. + It was a comfort to Elizabeth to consider that Jane could not + have been wearied by long expectations. + + The little Gardiners, attracted by the sight of a chaise, were + standing on the steps of the house as they entered the paddock; + and, when the carriage drove up to the door, the joyful surprise + that lighted up their faces, and displayed itself over their + whole bodies, in a variety of capers and frisks, was the first + pleasing earnest of their welcome. + + Elizabeth jumped out; and, after giving each of them a hasty + kiss, hurried into the vestibule, where Jane, who came running + down from her mother’s apartment, immediately met her. + + Elizabeth, as she affectionately embraced her, whilst tears + filled the eyes of both, lost not a moment in asking whether + anything had been heard of the fugitives. + + “Not yet,” replied Jane. “But now that my dear uncle is come, I + hope everything will be well.” + + “Is my father in town?” + + “Yes, he went on Tuesday, as I wrote you word.” + + “And have you heard from him often?” + + “We have heard only twice. He wrote me a few lines on Wednesday + to say that he had arrived in safety, and to give me his + directions, which I particularly begged him to do. He merely + added that he should not write again till he had something of + importance to mention.” + + “And my mother—how is she? How are you all?” + + “My mother is tolerably well, I trust; though her spirits are + greatly shaken. She is up stairs and will have great satisfaction + in seeing you all. She does not yet leave her dressing-room. Mary + and Kitty, thank Heaven, are quite well.” + + “But you—how are you?” cried Elizabeth. “You look pale. How much + you must have gone through!” + + Her sister, however, assured her of her being perfectly well; and + their conversation, which had been passing while Mr. and Mrs. + Gardiner were engaged with their children, was now put an end to + by the approach of the whole party. Jane ran to her uncle and + aunt, and welcomed and thanked them both, with alternate smiles + and tears. + + When they were all in the drawing-room, the questions which + Elizabeth had already asked were of course repeated by the + others, and they soon found that Jane had no intelligence to + give. The sanguine hope of good, however, which the benevolence + of her heart suggested had not yet deserted her; she still + expected that it would all end well, and that every morning would + bring some letter, either from Lydia or her father, to explain + their proceedings, and, perhaps, announce their marriage. + + Mrs. Bennet, to whose apartment they all repaired, after a few + minutes’ conversation together, received them exactly as might be + expected; with tears and lamentations of regret, invectives + against the villainous conduct of Wickham, and complaints of her + own sufferings and ill-usage; blaming everybody but the person to + whose ill-judging indulgence the errors of her daughter must + principally be owing. + + “If I had been able,” said she, “to carry my point in going to + Brighton, with all my family, this would not have happened; but + poor dear Lydia had nobody to take care of her. Why did the + Forsters ever let her go out of their sight? I am sure there was + some great neglect or other on their side, for she is not the + kind of girl to do such a thing if she had been well looked + after. I always thought they were very unfit to have the charge + of her; but I was overruled, as I always am. Poor dear child! And + now here’s Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight + Wickham, wherever he meets him and then he will be killed, and + what is to become of us all? The Collinses will turn us out + before he is cold in his grave, and if you are not kind to us, + brother, I do not know what we shall do.” + + They all exclaimed against such terrific ideas; and Mr. Gardiner, + after general assurances of his affection for her and all her + family, told her that he meant to be in London the very next day, + and would assist Mr. Bennet in every endeavour for recovering + Lydia. + + “Do not give way to useless alarm,” added he; “though it is right + to be prepared for the worst, there is no occasion to look on it + as certain. It is not quite a week since they left Brighton. In a + few days more we may gain some news of them; and till we know + that they are not married, and have no design of marrying, do not + let us give the matter over as lost. As soon as I get to town I + shall go to my brother, and make him come home with me to + Gracechurch Street; and then we may consult together as to what + is to be done.” + + “Oh! my dear brother,” replied Mrs. Bennet, “that is exactly what + I could most wish for. And now do, when you get to town, find + them out, wherever they may be; and if they are not married + already, make them marry. And as for wedding clothes, do not + let them wait for that, but tell Lydia she shall have as much + money as she chooses to buy them, after they are married. And, + above all, keep Mr. Bennet from fighting. Tell him what a + dreadful state I am in, that I am frighted out of my wits—and + have such tremblings, such flutterings, all over me—such spasms + in my side and pains in my head, and such beatings at heart, that + I can get no rest by night nor by day. And tell my dear Lydia not + to give any directions about her clothes till she has seen me, + for she does not know which are the best warehouses. Oh, brother, + how kind you are! I know you will contrive it all.” + + But Mr. Gardiner, though he assured her again of his earnest + endeavours in the cause, could not avoid recommending moderation + to her, as well in her hopes as her fear; and after talking with + her in this manner till dinner was on the table, they all left + her to vent all her feelings on the housekeeper, who attended in + the absence of her daughters. + + Though her brother and sister were persuaded that there was no + real occasion for such a seclusion from the family, they did not + attempt to oppose it, for they knew that she had not prudence + enough to hold her tongue before the servants, while they waited + at table, and judged it better that one only of the household, + and the one whom they could most trust should comprehend all her + fears and solicitude on the subject. + + In the dining-room they were soon joined by Mary and Kitty, who + had been too busily engaged in their separate apartments to make + their appearance before. One came from her books, and the other + from her toilette. The faces of both, however, were tolerably + calm; and no change was visible in either, except that the loss + of her favourite sister, or the anger which she had herself + incurred in this business, had given more of fretfulness than + usual to the accents of Kitty. As for Mary, she was mistress + enough of herself to whisper to Elizabeth, with a countenance of + grave reflection, soon after they were seated at table: + + “This is a most unfortunate affair, and will probably be much + talked of. But we must stem the tide of malice, and pour into the + wounded bosoms of each other the balm of sisterly consolation.” + + Then, perceiving in Elizabeth no inclination of replying, she + added, “Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia, we may draw from + it this useful lesson: that loss of virtue in a female is + irretrievable; that one false step involves her in endless ruin; + that her reputation is no less brittle than it is beautiful; and + that she cannot be too much guarded in her behaviour towards the + undeserving of the other sex.” + + Elizabeth lifted up her eyes in amazement, but was too much + oppressed to make any reply. Mary, however, continued to console + herself with such kind of moral extractions from the evil before + them. + + In the afternoon, the two elder Miss Bennets were able to be for + half-an-hour by themselves; and Elizabeth instantly availed + herself of the opportunity of making any inquiries, which Jane + was equally eager to satisfy. After joining in general + lamentations over the dreadful sequel of this event, which + Elizabeth considered as all but certain, and Miss Bennet could + not assert to be wholly impossible, the former continued the + subject, by saying, “But tell me all and everything about it + which I have not already heard. Give me further particulars. What + did Colonel Forster say? Had they no apprehension of anything + before the elopement took place? They must have seen them + together for ever.” + + “Colonel Forster did own that he had often suspected some + partiality, especially on Lydia’s side, but nothing to give him + any alarm. I am so grieved for him! His behaviour was attentive + and kind to the utmost. He was coming to us, in order to assure + us of his concern, before he had any idea of their not being gone + to Scotland: when that apprehension first got abroad, it hastened + his journey.” + + “And was Denny convinced that Wickham would not marry? Did he + know of their intending to go off? Had Colonel Forster seen Denny + himself?” + + “Yes; but, when questioned by him, Denny denied knowing + anything of their plans, and would not give his real opinion + about it. He did not repeat his persuasion of their not + marrying—and from that, I am inclined to hope, he might have + been misunderstood before.” + + “And till Colonel Forster came himself, not one of you + entertained a doubt, I suppose, of their being really married?” + + “How was it possible that such an idea should enter our brains? I + felt a little uneasy—a little fearful of my sister’s happiness + with him in marriage, because I knew that his conduct had not + been always quite right. My father and mother knew nothing of + that; they only felt how imprudent a match it must be. Kitty then + owned, with a very natural triumph on knowing more than the rest + of us, that in Lydia’s last letter she had prepared her for such + a step. She had known, it seems, of their being in love with each + other, many weeks.” + + “But not before they went to Brighton?” + + “No, I believe not.” + + “And did Colonel Forster appear to think well of Wickham himself? + Does he know his real character?” + + “I must confess that he did not speak so well of Wickham as he + formerly did. He believed him to be imprudent and extravagant. + And since this sad affair has taken place, it is said that he + left Meryton greatly in debt; but I hope this may be false.” + + “Oh, Jane, had we been less secret, had we told what we knew of + him, this could not have happened!” + + “Perhaps it would have been better,” replied her sister. “But to + expose the former faults of any person without knowing what their + present feelings were, seemed unjustifiable. We acted with the + best intentions.” + + “Could Colonel Forster repeat the particulars of Lydia’s note to + his wife?” + + “He brought it with him for us to see.” + + Jane then took it from her pocket-book, and gave it to Elizabeth. + These were the contents: + + “My dear Harriet, + “You will laugh when you know where I am gone, and I cannot help + laughing myself at your surprise to-morrow morning, as soon as I + am missed. I am going to Gretna Green, and if you cannot guess + with who, I shall think you a simpleton, for there is but one man + in the world I love, and he is an angel. I should never be happy + without him, so think it no harm to be off. You need not send + them word at Longbourn of my going, if you do not like it, for it + will make the surprise the greater, when I write to them and sign + my name ‘Lydia Wickham.’ What a good joke it will be! I can + hardly write for laughing. Pray make my excuses to Pratt for not + keeping my engagement, and dancing with him to-night. Tell him I + hope he will excuse me when he knows all; and tell him I will + dance with him at the next ball we meet, with great pleasure. I + shall send for my clothes when I get to Longbourn; but I wish you + would tell Sally to mend a great slit in my worked muslin gown + before they are packed up. Good-bye. Give my love to Colonel + Forster. I hope you will drink to our good journey. + + “Your affectionate friend, + “LYDIA BENNET.” + + “Oh! thoughtless, thoughtless Lydia!” cried Elizabeth when she + had finished it. “What a letter is this, to be written at such a + moment! But at least it shows that she was serious on the + subject of their journey. Whatever he might afterwards persuade + her to, it was not on her side a scheme of infamy. My poor + father! how he must have felt it!” + + “I never saw anyone so shocked. He could not speak a word for + full ten minutes. My mother was taken ill immediately, and the + whole house in such confusion!” + + “Oh! Jane,” cried Elizabeth, “was there a servant belonging to it + who did not know the whole story before the end of the day?” + + “I do not know. I hope there was. But to be guarded at such a + time is very difficult. My mother was in hysterics, and though I + endeavoured to give her every assistance in my power, I am afraid + I did not do so much as I might have done! But the horror of what + might possibly happen almost took from me my faculties.” + + “Your attendance upon her has been too much for you. You do not + look well. Oh that I had been with you! you have had every care + and anxiety upon yourself alone.” + + “Mary and Kitty have been very kind, and would have shared in + every fatigue, I am sure; but I did not think it right for either + of them. Kitty is slight and delicate; and Mary studies so much, + that her hours of repose should not be broken in on. My aunt + Phillips came to Longbourn on Tuesday, after my father went away; + and was so good as to stay till Thursday with me. She was of + great use and comfort to us all. And Lady Lucas has been very + kind; she walked here on Wednesday morning to condole with us, + and offered her services, or any of her daughters’, if they + should be of use to us.” + + “She had better have stayed at home,” cried Elizabeth; “perhaps + she meant well, but, under such a misfortune as this, one + cannot see too little of one’s neighbours. Assistance is + impossible; condolence insufferable. Let them triumph over us at + a distance, and be satisfied.” + + She then proceeded to inquire into the measures which her father + had intended to pursue, while in town, for the recovery of his + daughter. + + “He meant I believe,” replied Jane, “to go to Epsom, the place + where they last changed horses, see the postilions and try if + anything could be made out from them. His principal object must + be to discover the number of the hackney coach which took them + from Clapham. It had come with a fare from London; and as he + thought that the circumstance of a gentleman and lady’s removing + from one carriage into another might be remarked he meant to make + inquiries at Clapham. If he could anyhow discover at what house + the coachman had before set down his fare, he determined to make + inquiries there, and hoped it might not be impossible to find out + the stand and number of the coach. I do not know of any other + designs that he had formed; but he was in such a hurry to be + gone, and his spirits so greatly discomposed, that I had + difficulty in finding out even so much as this.” + + + + + + The whole party were in hopes of a letter from Mr. Bennet the + next morning, but the post came in without bringing a single line + from him. His family knew him to be, on all common occasions, a + most negligent and dilatory correspondent; but at such a time + they had hoped for exertion. They were forced to conclude that he + had no pleasing intelligence to send; but even of that they + would have been glad to be certain. Mr. Gardiner had waited only + for the letters before he set off. + + When he was gone, they were certain at least of receiving + constant information of what was going on, and their uncle + promised, at parting, to prevail on Mr. Bennet to return to + Longbourn, as soon as he could, to the great consolation of his + sister, who considered it as the only security for her husband’s + not being killed in a duel. + + Mrs. Gardiner and the children were to remain in Hertfordshire a + few days longer, as the former thought her presence might be + serviceable to her nieces. She shared in their attendance on Mrs. + Bennet, and was a great comfort to them in their hours of + freedom. Their other aunt also visited them frequently, and + always, as she said, with the design of cheering and heartening + them up—though, as she never came without reporting some fresh + instance of Wickham’s extravagance or irregularity, she seldom + went away without leaving them more dispirited than she found + them. + + All Meryton seemed striving to blacken the man who, but three + months before, had been almost an angel of light. He was declared + to be in debt to every tradesman in the place, and his intrigues, + all honoured with the title of seduction, had been extended into + every tradesman’s family. Everybody declared that he was the + wickedest young man in the world; and everybody began to find out + that they had always distrusted the appearance of his goodness. + Elizabeth, though she did not credit above half of what was said, + believed enough to make her former assurance of her sister’s ruin + more certain; and even Jane, who believed still less of it, + became almost hopeless, more especially as the time was now come + when, if they had gone to Scotland, which she had never before + entirely despaired of, they must in all probability have gained + some news of them. + + Mr. Gardiner left Longbourn on Sunday; on Tuesday his wife + received a letter from him; it told them that, on his arrival, he + had immediately found out his brother, and persuaded him to come + to Gracechurch Street; that Mr. Bennet had been to Epsom and + Clapham, before his arrival, but without gaining any satisfactory + information; and that he was now determined to inquire at all the + principal hotels in town, as Mr. Bennet thought it possible they + might have gone to one of them, on their first coming to London, + before they procured lodgings. Mr. Gardiner himself did not + expect any success from this measure, but as his brother was + eager in it, he meant to assist him in pursuing it. He added that + Mr. Bennet seemed wholly disinclined at present to leave London + and promised to write again very soon. There was also a + postscript to this effect: + + “I have written to Colonel Forster to desire him to find out, if + possible, from some of the young man’s intimates in the regiment, + whether Wickham has any relations or connections who would be + likely to know in what part of town he has now concealed himself. + If there were anyone that one could apply to with a probability + of gaining such a clue as that, it might be of essential + consequence. At present we have nothing to guide us. Colonel + Forster will, I dare say, do everything in his power to satisfy + us on this head. But, on second thoughts, perhaps, Lizzy could + tell us what relations he has now living, better than any other + person.” + + Elizabeth was at no loss to understand from whence this deference + to her authority proceeded; but it was not in her power to give + any information of so satisfactory a nature as the compliment + deserved. She had never heard of his having had any relations, + except a father and mother, both of whom had been dead many + years. It was possible, however, that some of his companions in + the ——shire might be able to give more information; and though + she was not very sanguine in expecting it, the application was a + something to look forward to. + + Every day at Longbourn was now a day of anxiety; but the most + anxious part of each was when the post was expected. The arrival + of letters was the grand object of every morning’s impatience. + Through letters, whatever of good or bad was to be told would be + communicated, and every succeeding day was expected to bring some + news of importance. + + But before they heard again from Mr. Gardiner, a letter arrived + for their father, from a different quarter, from Mr. Collins; + which, as Jane had received directions to open all that came for + him in his absence, she accordingly read; and Elizabeth, who knew + what curiosities his letters always were, looked over her, and + read it likewise. It was as follows: + + “My dear Sir, + “I feel myself called upon, by our relationship, and my situation + in life, to condole with you on the grievous affliction you are + now suffering under, of which we were yesterday informed by a + letter from Hertfordshire. Be assured, my dear sir, that Mrs. + Collins and myself sincerely sympathise with you and all your + respectable family, in your present distress, which must be of + the bitterest kind, because proceeding from a cause which no time + can remove. No arguments shall be wanting on my part that can + alleviate so severe a misfortune—or that may comfort you, under a + circumstance that must be of all others the most afflicting to a + parent’s mind. The death of your daughter would have been a + blessing in comparison of this. And it is the more to be + lamented, because there is reason to suppose as my dear Charlotte + informs me, that this licentiousness of behaviour in your + daughter has proceeded from a faulty degree of indulgence; + though, at the same time, for the consolation of yourself and + Mrs. Bennet, I am inclined to think that her own disposition must + be naturally bad, or she could not be guilty of such an enormity, + at so early an age. Howsoever that may be, you are grievously to + be pitied; in which opinion I am not only joined by Mrs. Collins, + but likewise by Lady Catherine and her daughter, to whom I have + related the affair. They agree with me in apprehending that this + false step in one daughter will be injurious to the fortunes of + all the others; for who, as Lady Catherine herself + condescendingly says, will connect themselves with such a family? + And this consideration leads me moreover to reflect, with + augmented satisfaction, on a certain event of last November; for + had it been otherwise, I must have been involved in all your + sorrow and disgrace. Let me then advise you, dear sir, to console + yourself as much as possible, to throw off your unworthy child + from your affection for ever, and leave her to reap the fruits of + her own heinous offense. + + “I am, dear sir, etc., etc.” + + Mr. Gardiner did not write again till he had received an answer + from Colonel Forster; and then he had nothing of a pleasant + nature to send. It was not known that Wickham had a single + relationship with whom he kept up any connection, and it was + certain that he had no near one living. His former acquaintances + had been numerous; but since he had been in the militia, it did + not appear that he was on terms of particular friendship with any + of them. There was no one, therefore, who could be pointed out as + likely to give any news of him. And in the wretched state of his + own finances, there was a very powerful motive for secrecy, in + addition to his fear of discovery by Lydia’s relations, for it + had just transpired that he had left gaming debts behind him to a + very considerable amount. Colonel Forster believed that more than + a thousand pounds would be necessary to clear his expenses at + Brighton. He owed a good deal in town, but his debts of honour + were still more formidable. Mr. Gardiner did not attempt to + conceal these particulars from the Longbourn family. Jane heard + them with horror. “A gamester!” she cried. “This is wholly + unexpected. I had not an idea of it.” + + Mr. Gardiner added in his letter, that they might expect to see + their father at home on the following day, which was Saturday. + Rendered spiritless by the ill-success of all their endeavours, + he had yielded to his brother-in-law’s entreaty that he would + return to his family, and leave it to him to do whatever occasion + might suggest to be advisable for continuing their pursuit. When + Mrs. Bennet was told of this, she did not express so much + satisfaction as her children expected, considering what her + anxiety for his life had been before. + + “What, is he coming home, and without poor Lydia?” she cried. + “Sure he will not leave London before he has found them. Who is + to fight Wickham, and make him marry her, if he comes away?” + + As Mrs. Gardiner began to wish to be at home, it was settled that + she and the children should go to London, at the same time that + Mr. Bennet came from it. The coach, therefore, took them the + first stage of their journey, and brought its master back to + Longbourn. + + Mrs. Gardiner went away in all the perplexity about Elizabeth and + her Derbyshire friend that had attended her from that part of the + world. His name had never been voluntarily mentioned before them + by her niece; and the kind of half-expectation which Mrs. + Gardiner had formed, of their being followed by a letter from + him, had ended in nothing. Elizabeth had received none since her + return that could come from Pemberley. + + The present unhappy state of the family rendered any other excuse + for the lowness of her spirits unnecessary; nothing, therefore, + could be fairly conjectured from that, though Elizabeth, who + was by this time tolerably well acquainted with her own feelings, + was perfectly aware that, had she known nothing of Darcy, she + could have borne the dread of Lydia’s infamy somewhat better. It + would have spared her, she thought, one sleepless night out of + two. + + When Mr. Bennet arrived, he had all the appearance of his usual + philosophic composure. He said as little as he had ever been in + the habit of saying; made no mention of the business that had + taken him away, and it was some time before his daughters had + courage to speak of it. + + It was not till the afternoon, when he had joined them at tea, + that Elizabeth ventured to introduce the subject; and then, on + her briefly expressing her sorrow for what he must have endured, + he replied, “Say nothing of that. Who should suffer but myself? + It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it.” + + “You must not be too severe upon yourself,” replied Elizabeth. + + “You may well warn me against such an evil. Human nature is so + prone to fall into it! No, Lizzy, let me once in my life feel how + much I have been to blame. I am not afraid of being overpowered + by the impression. It will pass away soon enough.” + + “Do you suppose them to be in London?” + + “Yes; where else can they be so well concealed?” + + “And Lydia used to want to go to London,” added Kitty. + + “She is happy then,” said her father drily; “and her residence + there will probably be of some duration.” + + Then after a short silence he continued: + + “Lizzy, I bear you no ill-will for being justified in your advice + to me last May, which, considering the event, shows some + greatness of mind.” + + They were interrupted by Miss Bennet, who came to fetch her + mother’s tea. + + “This is a parade,” he cried, “which does one good; it gives such + an elegance to misfortune! Another day I will do the same; I will + sit in my library, in my nightcap and powdering gown, and give as + much trouble as I can; or, perhaps, I may defer it till Kitty + runs away.” + + “I am not going to run away, papa,” said Kitty fretfully. “If I + should ever go to Brighton, I would behave better than Lydia.” + + “You go to Brighton. I would not trust you so near it as + Eastbourne for fifty pounds! No, Kitty, I have at last learnt to + be cautious, and you will feel the effects of it. No officer is + ever to enter into my house again, nor even to pass through the + village. Balls will be absolutely prohibited, unless you stand up + with one of your sisters. And you are never to stir out of doors + till you can prove that you have spent ten minutes of every day + in a rational manner.” + + Kitty, who took all these threats in a serious light, began to + cry. + + “Well, well,” said he, “do not make yourself unhappy. If you are + a good girl for the next ten years, I will take you to a review + at the end of them.” + + + + + + Two days after Mr. Bennet’s return, as Jane and Elizabeth were + walking together in the shrubbery behind the house, they saw the + housekeeper coming towards them, and, concluding that she came to + call them to their mother, went forward to meet her; but, instead + of the expected summons, when they approached her, she said to + Miss Bennet, “I beg your pardon, madam, for interrupting you, but + I was in hopes you might have got some good news from town, so I + took the liberty of coming to ask.” + + “What do you mean, Hill? We have heard nothing from town.” + + “Dear madam,” cried Mrs. Hill, in great astonishment, “don’t you + know there is an express come for master from Mr. Gardiner? He + has been here this half-hour, and master has had a letter.” + + Away ran the girls, too eager to get in to have time for speech. + They ran through the vestibule into the breakfast-room; from + thence to the library; their father was in neither; and they were + on the point of seeking him up stairs with their mother, when + they were met by the butler, who said: + + “If you are looking for my master, ma’am, he is walking towards + the little copse.” + + Upon this information, they instantly passed through the hall + once more, and ran across the lawn after their father, who was + deliberately pursuing his way towards a small wood on one side of + the paddock. + + Jane, who was not so light nor so much in the habit of running as + Elizabeth, soon lagged behind, while her sister, panting for + breath, came up with him, and eagerly cried out: + + “Oh, papa, what news—what news? Have you heard from my uncle?” + + “Yes I have had a letter from him by express.” + + “Well, and what news does it bring—good or bad?” + + “What is there of good to be expected?” said he, taking the + letter from his pocket. “But perhaps you would like to read it.” + + Elizabeth impatiently caught it from his hand. Jane now came up. + + “Read it aloud,” said their father, “for I hardly know myself + what it is about.” + + “Gracechurch Street, Monday, August 2. + + “My dear Brother, + “At last I am able to send you some tidings of my niece, and such + as, upon the whole, I hope it will give you satisfaction. Soon + after you left me on Saturday, I was fortunate enough to find out + in what part of London they were. The particulars I reserve till + we meet; it is enough to know they are discovered. I have seen + them both—” + “Then it is as I always hoped,” cried Jane; “they are + married!” + + Elizabeth read on: + + “I have seen them both. They are not married, nor can I find + there was any intention of being so; but if you are willing to + perform the engagements which I have ventured to make on your + side, I hope it will not be long before they are. All that is + required of you is, to assure to your daughter, by settlement, + her equal share of the five thousand pounds secured among your + children after the decease of yourself and my sister; and, + moreover, to enter into an engagement of allowing her, during + your life, one hundred pounds per annum. These are conditions + which, considering everything, I had no hesitation in complying + with, as far as I thought myself privileged, for you. I shall + send this by express, that no time may be lost in bringing me + your answer. You will easily comprehend, from these particulars, + that Mr. Wickham’s circumstances are not so hopeless as they are + generally believed to be. The world has been deceived in that + respect; and I am happy to say there will be some little money, + even when all his debts are discharged, to settle on my niece, in + addition to her own fortune. If, as I conclude will be the case, + you send me full powers to act in your name throughout the whole + of this business, I will immediately give directions to + Haggerston for preparing a proper settlement. There will not be + the smallest occasion for your coming to town again; therefore + stay quiet at Longbourn, and depend on my diligence and care. + Send back your answer as fast as you can, and be careful to write + explicitly. We have judged it best that my niece should be + married from this house, of which I hope you will approve. She + comes to us to-day. I shall write again as soon as anything more + is determined on. Yours, etc., + + “EDW. GARDINER.” + + “Is it possible?” cried Elizabeth, when she had finished. “Can it + be possible that he will marry her?” + + “Wickham is not so undeserving, then, as we thought him,” said + her sister. “My dear father, I congratulate you.” + + “And have you answered the letter?” cried Elizabeth. + + “No; but it must be done soon.” + + Most earnestly did she then entreat him to lose no more time + before he wrote. + + “Oh! my dear father,” she cried, “come back and write + immediately. Consider how important every moment is in such a + case.” + + “Let me write for you,” said Jane, “if you dislike the trouble + yourself.” + + “I dislike it very much,” he replied; “but it must be done.” + + And so saying, he turned back with them, and walked towards the + house. + + “And may I ask—” said Elizabeth; “but the terms, I suppose, must + be complied with.” + + “Complied with! I am only ashamed of his asking so little.” + + “And they must marry! Yet he is such a man!” + + “Yes, yes, they must marry. There is nothing else to be done. But + there are two things that I want very much to know; one is, how + much money your uncle has laid down to bring it about; and the + other, how am I ever to pay him.” + + “Money! My uncle!” cried Jane, “what do you mean, sir?” + + “I mean, that no man in his senses would marry Lydia on so slight + a temptation as one hundred a year during my life, and fifty + after I am gone.” + + “That is very true,” said Elizabeth; “though it had not occurred + to me before. His debts to be discharged, and something still to + remain! Oh! it must be my uncle’s doings! Generous, good man, I + am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could not do all + this.” + + “No,” said her father; “Wickham’s a fool if he takes her with a + farthing less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to + think so ill of him, in the very beginning of our relationship.” + + “Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be + repaid?” + + Mr. Bennet made no answer, and each of them, deep in thought, + continued silent till they reached the house. Their father then + went on to the library to write, and the girls walked into the + breakfast-room. + + “And they are really to be married!” cried Elizabeth, as soon as + they were by themselves. “How strange this is! And for this we + are to be thankful. That they should marry, small as is their + chance of happiness, and wretched as is his character, we are + forced to rejoice. Oh, Lydia!” + + “I comfort myself with thinking,” replied Jane, “that he + certainly would not marry Lydia if he had not a real regard for + her. Though our kind uncle has done something towards clearing + him, I cannot believe that ten thousand pounds, or anything like + it, has been advanced. He has children of his own, and may have + more. How could he spare half ten thousand pounds?” + + “If he were ever able to learn what Wickham’s debts have been,” + said Elizabeth, “and how much is settled on his side on our + sister, we shall exactly know what Mr. Gardiner has done for + them, because Wickham has not sixpence of his own. The kindness + of my uncle and aunt can never be requited. Their taking her + home, and affording her their personal protection and + countenance, is such a sacrifice to her advantage as years of + gratitude cannot enough acknowledge. By this time she is actually + with them! If such goodness does not make her miserable now, she + will never deserve to be happy! What a meeting for her, when she + first sees my aunt!” + + “We must endeavour to forget all that has passed on either side,” + said Jane: “I hope and trust they will yet be happy. His + consenting to marry her is a proof, I will believe, that he is + come to a right way of thinking. Their mutual affection will + steady them; and I flatter myself they will settle so quietly, + and live in so rational a manner, as may in time make their past + imprudence forgotten.” + + “Their conduct has been such,” replied Elizabeth, “as neither + you, nor I, nor anybody can ever forget. It is useless to talk of + it.” + + It now occurred to the girls that their mother was in all + likelihood perfectly ignorant of what had happened. They went to + the library, therefore, and asked their father whether he would + not wish them to make it known to her. He was writing and, + without raising his head, coolly replied: + + “Just as you please.” + + “May we take my uncle’s letter to read to her?” + + “Take whatever you like, and get away.” + + Elizabeth took the letter from his writing-table, and they went + up stairs together. Mary and Kitty were both with Mrs. Bennet: + one communication would, therefore, do for all. After a slight + preparation for good news, the letter was read aloud. Mrs. Bennet + could hardly contain herself. As soon as Jane had read Mr. + Gardiner’s hope of Lydia’s being soon married, her joy burst + forth, and every following sentence added to its exuberance. She + was now in an irritation as violent from delight, as she had ever + been fidgety from alarm and vexation. To know that her daughter + would be married was enough. She was disturbed by no fear for her + felicity, nor humbled by any remembrance of her misconduct. + + “My dear, dear Lydia!” she cried. “This is delightful indeed! She + will be married! I shall see her again! She will be married at + sixteen! My good, kind brother! I knew how it would be. I knew he + would manage everything! How I long to see her! and to see dear + Wickham too! But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I will write + to my sister Gardiner about them directly. Lizzy, my dear, run + down to your father, and ask him how much he will give her. Stay, + stay, I will go myself. Ring the bell, Kitty, for Hill. I will + put on my things in a moment. My dear, dear Lydia! How merry we + shall be together when we meet!” + + Her eldest daughter endeavoured to give some relief to the + violence of these transports, by leading her thoughts to the + obligations which Mr. Gardiner’s behaviour laid them all under. + + “For we must attribute this happy conclusion,” she added, “in a + great measure to his kindness. We are persuaded that he has + pledged himself to assist Mr. Wickham with money.” + + “Well,” cried her mother, “it is all very right; who should do it + but her own uncle? If he had not had a family of his own, I and + my children must have had all his money, you know; and it is the + first time we have ever had anything from him, except a few + presents. Well! I am so happy! In a short time I shall have a + daughter married. Mrs. Wickham! How well it sounds! And she was + only sixteen last June. My dear Jane, I am in such a flutter, + that I am sure I can’t write; so I will dictate, and you write + for me. We will settle with your father about the money + afterwards; but the things should be ordered immediately.” + + She was then proceeding to all the particulars of calico, muslin, + and cambric, and would shortly have dictated some very plentiful + orders, had not Jane, though with some difficulty, persuaded her + to wait till her father was at leisure to be consulted. One day’s + delay, she observed, would be of small importance; and her mother + was too happy to be quite so obstinate as usual. Other schemes, + too, came into her head. + + “I will go to Meryton,” said she, “as soon as I am dressed, and + tell the good, good news to my sister Philips. And as I come + back, I can call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long. Kitty, run down and + order the carriage. An airing would do me a great deal of good, I + am sure. Girls, can I do anything for you in Meryton? Oh! Here + comes Hill! My dear Hill, have you heard the good news? Miss + Lydia is going to be married; and you shall all have a bowl of + punch to make merry at her wedding.” + + Mrs. Hill began instantly to express her joy. Elizabeth received + her congratulations amongst the rest, and then, sick of this + folly, took refuge in her own room, that she might think with + freedom. + + Poor Lydia’s situation must, at best, be bad enough; but that it + was no worse, she had need to be thankful. She felt it so; and + though, in looking forward, neither rational happiness nor + worldly prosperity could be justly expected for her sister, in + looking back to what they had feared, only two hours ago, she + felt all the advantages of what they had gained. + + + + + + Mr. Bennet had very often wished before this period of his life + that, instead of spending his whole income, he had laid by an + annual sum for the better provision of his children, and of his + wife, if she survived him. He now wished it more than ever. Had + he done his duty in that respect, Lydia need not have been + indebted to her uncle for whatever of honour or credit could now + be purchased for her. The satisfaction of prevailing on one of + the most worthless young men in Great Britain to be her husband + might then have rested in its proper place. + + He was seriously concerned that a cause of so little advantage to + anyone should be forwarded at the sole expense of his + brother-in-law, and he was determined, if possible, to find out + the extent of his assistance, and to discharge the obligation as + soon as he could. + + When first Mr. Bennet had married, economy was held to be + perfectly useless, for, of course, they were to have a son. The + son was to join in cutting off the entail, as soon as he should + be of age, and the widow and younger children would by that means + be provided for. Five daughters successively entered the world, + but yet the son was to come; and Mrs. Bennet, for many years + after Lydia’s birth, had been certain that he would. This event + had at last been despaired of, but it was then too late to be + saving. Mrs. Bennet had no turn for economy, and her husband’s + love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their + income. + + Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on Mrs. + Bennet and the children. But in what proportions it should be + divided amongst the latter depended on the will of the parents. + This was one point, with regard to Lydia, at least, which was now + to be settled, and Mr. Bennet could have no hesitation in + acceding to the proposal before him. In terms of grateful + acknowledgment for the kindness of his brother, though expressed + most concisely, he then delivered on paper his perfect + approbation of all that was done, and his willingness to fulfil + the engagements that had been made for him. He had never before + supposed that, could Wickham be prevailed on to marry his + daughter, it would be done with so little inconvenience to + himself as by the present arrangement. He would scarcely be ten + pounds a year the loser by the hundred that was to be paid them; + for, what with her board and pocket allowance, and the continual + presents in money which passed to her through her mother’s hands, + Lydia’s expenses had been very little within that sum. + + That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side, + too, was another very welcome surprise; for his wish at present + was to have as little trouble in the business as possible. When + the first transports of rage which had produced his activity in + seeking her were over, he naturally returned to all his former + indolence. His letter was soon dispatched; for, though dilatory + in undertaking business, he was quick in its execution. He begged + to know further particulars of what he was indebted to his + brother, but was too angry with Lydia to send any message to her. + + The good news spread quickly through the house, and with + proportionate speed through the neighbourhood. It was borne in + the latter with decent philosophy. To be sure, it would have been + more for the advantage of conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet come + upon the town; or, as the happiest alternative, been secluded + from the world, in some distant farmhouse. But there was much to + be talked of in marrying her; and the good-natured wishes for her + well-doing which had proceeded before from all the spiteful old + ladies in Meryton lost but a little of their spirit in this + change of circumstances, because with such an husband her misery + was considered certain. + + It was a fortnight since Mrs. Bennet had been downstairs; but on + this happy day she again took her seat at the head of her table, + and in spirits oppressively high. No sentiment of shame gave a + damp to her triumph. The marriage of a daughter, which had been + the first object of her wishes since Jane was sixteen, was now on + the point of accomplishment, and her thoughts and her words ran + wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials, fine muslins, new + carriages, and servants. She was busily searching through the + neighbourhood for a proper situation for her daughter, and, + without knowing or considering what their income might be, + rejected many as deficient in size and importance. + + “Haye Park might do,” said she, “if the Gouldings could quit + it—or the great house at Stoke, if the drawing-room were larger; + but Ashworth is too far off! I could not bear to have her ten + miles from me; and as for Pulvis Lodge, the attics are dreadful.” + + Her husband allowed her to talk on without interruption while the + servants remained. But when they had withdrawn, he said to her: + “Mrs. Bennet, before you take any or all of these houses for your + son and daughter, let us come to a right understanding. Into + one house in this neighbourhood they shall never have + admittance. I will not encourage the impudence of either, by + receiving them at Longbourn.” + + A long dispute followed this declaration; but Mr. Bennet was + firm. It soon led to another; and Mrs. Bennet found, with + amazement and horror, that her husband would not advance a guinea + to buy clothes for his daughter. He protested that she should + receive from him no mark of affection whatever on the occasion. + Mrs. Bennet could hardly comprehend it. That his anger could be + carried to such a point of inconceivable resentment as to refuse + his daughter a privilege without which her marriage would + scarcely seem valid, exceeded all she could believe possible. She + was more alive to the disgrace which her want of new clothes must + reflect on her daughter’s nuptials, than to any sense of shame at + her eloping and living with Wickham a fortnight before they took + place. + + Elizabeth was now most heartily sorry that she had, from the + distress of the moment, been led to make Mr. Darcy acquainted + with their fears for her sister; for since her marriage would so + shortly give the proper termination to the elopement, they might + hope to conceal its unfavourable beginning from all those who + were not immediately on the spot. + + She had no fear of its spreading farther through his means. There + were few people on whose secrecy she would have more confidently + depended; but, at the same time, there was no one whose knowledge + of a sister’s frailty would have mortified her so much—not, + however, from any fear of disadvantage from it individually to + herself, for, at any rate, there seemed a gulf impassable between + them. Had Lydia’s marriage been concluded on the most honourable + terms, it was not to be supposed that Mr. Darcy would connect + himself with a family where, to every other objection, would now + be added an alliance and relationship of the nearest kind with a + man whom he so justly scorned. + + From such a connection she could not wonder that he would shrink. + The wish of procuring her regard, which she had assured herself + of his feeling in Derbyshire, could not in rational expectation + survive such a blow as this. She was humbled, she was grieved; + she repented, though she hardly knew of what. She became jealous + of his esteem, when she could no longer hope to be benefited by + it. She wanted to hear of him, when there seemed the least chance + of gaining intelligence. She was convinced that she could have + been happy with him, when it was no longer likely they should + meet. + + What a triumph for him, as she often thought, could he know that + the proposals which she had proudly spurned only four months ago, + would now have been most gladly and gratefully received! He was + as generous, she doubted not, as the most generous of his sex; + but while he was mortal, there must be a triumph. + + She began now to comprehend that he was exactly the man who, in + disposition and talents, would most suit her. His understanding + and temper, though unlike her own, would have answered all her + wishes. It was an union that must have been to the advantage of + both; by her ease and liveliness, his mind might have been + softened, his manners improved; and from his judgement, + information, and knowledge of the world, she must have received + benefit of greater importance. + + But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring multitude + what connubial felicity really was. An union of a different + tendency, and precluding the possibility of the other, was soon + to be formed in their family. + + How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable + independence, she could not imagine. But how little of permanent + happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together + because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could + easily conjecture. + + Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet’s + acknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurance of his + eagerness to promote the welfare of any of his family; and + concluded with entreaties that the subject might never be + mentioned to him again. The principal purport of his letter was + to inform them that Mr. Wickham had resolved on quitting the + militia. + + “It was greatly my wish that he should do so,” he added, “as soon + as his marriage was fixed on. And I think you will agree with me, + in considering the removal from that corps as highly advisable, + both on his account and my niece’s. It is Mr. Wickham’s intention + to go into the regulars; and among his former friends, there are + still some who are able and willing to assist him in the army. He + has the promise of an ensigncy in General ——’s regiment, now + quartered in the North. It is an advantage to have it so far from + this part of the kingdom. He promises fairly; and I hope among + different people, where they may each have a character to + preserve, they will both be more prudent. I have written to + Colonel Forster, to inform him of our present arrangements, and + to request that he will satisfy the various creditors of Mr. + Wickham in and near Brighton, with assurances of speedy payment, + for which I have pledged myself. And will you give yourself the + trouble of carrying similar assurances to his creditors in + Meryton, of whom I shall subjoin a list according to his + information? He has given in all his debts; I hope at least he + has not deceived us. Haggerston has our directions, and all will + be completed in a week. They will then join his regiment, unless + they are first invited to Longbourn; and I understand from Mrs. + Gardiner, that my niece is very desirous of seeing you all before + she leaves the South. She is well, and begs to be dutifully + remembered to you and her mother.—Yours, etc., + + “E. GARDINER.” + + Mr. Bennet and his daughters saw all the advantages of Wickham’s + removal from the ——shire as clearly as Mr. Gardiner could do. But + Mrs. Bennet was not so well pleased with it. Lydia’s being + settled in the North, just when she had expected most pleasure + and pride in her company, for she had by no means given up her + plan of their residing in Hertfordshire, was a severe + disappointment; and, besides, it was such a pity that Lydia + should be taken from a regiment where she was acquainted with + everybody, and had so many favourites. + + “She is so fond of Mrs. Forster,” said she, “it will be quite + shocking to send her away! And there are several of the young + men, too, that she likes very much. The officers may not be so + pleasant in General ——’s regiment.” + + His daughter’s request, for such it might be considered, of being + admitted into her family again before she set off for the North, + received at first an absolute negative. But Jane and Elizabeth, + who agreed in wishing, for the sake of their sister’s feelings + and consequence, that she should be noticed on her marriage by + her parents, urged him so earnestly yet so rationally and so + mildly, to receive her and her husband at Longbourn, as soon as + they were married, that he was prevailed on to think as they + thought, and act as they wished. And their mother had the + satisfaction of knowing that she would be able to show her + married daughter in the neighbourhood before she was banished to + the North. When Mr. Bennet wrote again to his brother, therefore, + he sent his permission for them to come; and it was settled, that + as soon as the ceremony was over, they should proceed to + Longbourn. Elizabeth was surprised, however, that Wickham should + consent to such a scheme, and had she consulted only her own + inclination, any meeting with him would have been the last object + of her wishes. + + + + + + Their sister’s wedding day arrived; and Jane and Elizabeth felt + for her probably more than she felt for herself. The carriage was + sent to meet them at ——, and they were to return in it by + dinner-time. Their arrival was dreaded by the elder Miss Bennets, + and Jane more especially, who gave Lydia the feelings which would + have attended herself, had she been the culprit, and was + wretched in the thought of what her sister must endure. + + They came. The family were assembled in the breakfast room to + receive them. Smiles decked the face of Mrs. Bennet as the + carriage drove up to the door; her husband looked impenetrably + grave; her daughters, alarmed, anxious, uneasy. + + Lydia’s voice was heard in the vestibule; the door was thrown + open, and she ran into the room. Her mother stepped forwards, + embraced her, and welcomed her with rapture; gave her hand, with + an affectionate smile, to Wickham, who followed his lady; and + wished them both joy with an alacrity which shewed no doubt of + their happiness. + + Their reception from Mr. Bennet, to whom they then turned, was + not quite so cordial. His countenance rather gained in austerity; + and he scarcely opened his lips. The easy assurance of the young + couple, indeed, was enough to provoke him. Elizabeth was + disgusted, and even Miss Bennet was shocked. Lydia was Lydia + still; untamed, unabashed, wild, noisy, and fearless. She turned + from sister to sister, demanding their congratulations; and when + at length they all sat down, looked eagerly round the room, took + notice of some little alteration in it, and observed, with a + laugh, that it was a great while since she had been there. + + Wickham was not at all more distressed than herself, but his + manners were always so pleasing, that had his character and his + marriage been exactly what they ought, his smiles and his easy + address, while he claimed their relationship, would have + delighted them all. Elizabeth had not before believed him quite + equal to such assurance; but she sat down, resolving within + herself to draw no limits in future to the impudence of an + impudent man. She blushed, and Jane blushed; but the cheeks of + the two who caused their confusion suffered no variation of + colour. + + There was no want of discourse. The bride and her mother could + neither of them talk fast enough; and Wickham, who happened to + sit near Elizabeth, began inquiring after his acquaintance in + that neighbourhood, with a good humoured ease which she felt very + unable to equal in her replies. They seemed each of them to have + the happiest memories in the world. Nothing of the past was + recollected with pain; and Lydia led voluntarily to subjects + which her sisters would not have alluded to for the world. + + “Only think of its being three months,” she cried, “since I went + away; it seems but a fortnight I declare; and yet there have been + things enough happened in the time. Good gracious! when I went + away, I am sure I had no more idea of being married till I came + back again! though I thought it would be very good fun if I was.” + + Her father lifted up his eyes. Jane was distressed. Elizabeth + looked expressively at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor saw + anything of which she chose to be insensible, gaily continued, + “Oh! mamma, do the people hereabouts know I am married to-day? I + was afraid they might not; and we overtook William Goulding in + his curricle, so I was determined he should know it, and so I let + down the side-glass next to him, and took off my glove, and let + my hand just rest upon the window frame, so that he might see the + ring, and then I bowed and smiled like anything.” + + Elizabeth could bear it no longer. She got up, and ran out of the + room; and returned no more, till she heard them passing through + the hall to the dining parlour. She then joined them soon enough + to see Lydia, with anxious parade, walk up to her mother’s right + hand, and hear her say to her eldest sister, “Ah! Jane, I take + your place now, and you must go lower, because I am a married + woman.” + + It was not to be supposed that time would give Lydia that + embarrassment from which she had been so wholly free at first. + Her ease and good spirits increased. She longed to see Mrs. + Phillips, the Lucases, and all their other neighbours, and to + hear herself called “Mrs. Wickham” by each of them; and in the + mean time, she went after dinner to show her ring, and boast of + being married, to Mrs. Hill and the two housemaids. + + “Well, mamma,” said she, when they were all returned to the + breakfast room, “and what do you think of my husband? Is not he a + charming man? I am sure my sisters must all envy me. I only hope + they may have half my good luck. They must all go to Brighton. + That is the place to get husbands. What a pity it is, mamma, we + did not all go.” + + “Very true; and if I had my will, we should. But my dear Lydia, I + don’t at all like your going such a way off. Must it be so?” + + “Oh, lord! yes;—there is nothing in that. I shall like it of all + things. You and papa, and my sisters, must come down and see us. + We shall be at Newcastle all the winter, and I dare say there + will be some balls, and I will take care to get good partners for + them all.” + + “I should like it beyond anything!” said her mother. + + “And then when you go away, you may leave one or two of my + sisters behind you; and I dare say I shall get husbands for them + before the winter is over.” + + “I thank you for my share of the favour,” said Elizabeth; “but I + do not particularly like your way of getting husbands.” + + Their visitors were not to remain above ten days with them. Mr. + Wickham had received his commission before he left London, and he + was to join his regiment at the end of a fortnight. + + No one but Mrs. Bennet regretted that their stay would be so + short; and she made the most of the time by visiting about with + her daughter, and having very frequent parties at home. These + parties were acceptable to all; to avoid a family circle was even + more desirable to such as did think, than such as did not. + + Wickham’s affection for Lydia was just what Elizabeth had + expected to find it; not equal to Lydia’s for him. She had + scarcely needed her present observation to be satisfied, from the + reason of things, that their elopement had been brought on by the + strength of her love, rather than by his; and she would have + wondered why, without violently caring for her, he chose to elope + with her at all, had she not felt certain that his flight was + rendered necessary by distress of circumstances; and if that were + the case, he was not the young man to resist an opportunity of + having a companion. + + Lydia was exceedingly fond of him. He was her dear Wickham on + every occasion; no one was to be put in competition with him. He + did every thing best in the world; and she was sure he would kill + more birds on the first of September, than any body else in the + country. + + One morning, soon after their arrival, as she was sitting with + her two elder sisters, she said to Elizabeth: + + “Lizzy, I never gave you an account of my wedding, I believe. + You were not by, when I told mamma and the others all about it. + Are not you curious to hear how it was managed?” + + “No really,” replied Elizabeth; “I think there cannot be too + little said on the subject.” + + “La! You are so strange! But I must tell you how it went off. We + were married, you know, at St. Clement’s, because Wickham’s + lodgings were in that parish. And it was settled that we should + all be there by eleven o’clock. My uncle and aunt and I were to + go together; and the others were to meet us at the church. Well, + Monday morning came, and I was in such a fuss! I was so afraid, + you know, that something would happen to put it off, and then I + should have gone quite distracted. And there was my aunt, all the + time I was dressing, preaching and talking away just as if she + was reading a sermon. However, I did not hear above one word in + ten, for I was thinking, you may suppose, of my dear Wickham. I + longed to know whether he would be married in his blue coat.” + + “Well, and so we breakfasted at ten as usual; I thought it would + never be over; for, by the bye, you are to understand, that my + uncle and aunt were horrid unpleasant all the time I was with + them. If you’ll believe me, I did not once put my foot out of + doors, though I was there a fortnight. Not one party, or scheme, + or anything. To be sure London was rather thin, but, however, the + Little Theatre was open. Well, and so just as the carriage came + to the door, my uncle was called away upon business to that + horrid man Mr. Stone. And then, you know, when once they get + together, there is no end of it. Well, I was so frightened I did + not know what to do, for my uncle was to give me away; and if we + were beyond the hour, we could not be married all day. But, + luckily, he came back again in ten minutes’ time, and then we all + set out. However, I recollected afterwards that if he had been + prevented going, the wedding need not be put off, for Mr. Darcy + might have done as well.” + + “Mr. Darcy!” repeated Elizabeth, in utter amazement. + + “Oh, yes!—he was to come there with Wickham, you know. But + gracious me! I quite forgot! I ought not to have said a word + about it. I promised them so faithfully! What will Wickham say? + It was to be such a secret!” + + “If it was to be secret,” said Jane, “say not another word on the + subject. You may depend upon my seeking no further.” + + “Oh! certainly,” said Elizabeth, though burning with curiosity; + “we will ask you no questions.” + + “Thank you,” said Lydia, “for if you did, I should certainly tell + you all, and then Wickham would be angry.” + + On such encouragement to ask, Elizabeth was forced to put it out + of her power, by running away. + + But to live in ignorance on such a point was impossible; or at + least it was impossible not to try for information. Mr. Darcy had + been at her sister’s wedding. It was exactly a scene, and exactly + among people, where he had apparently least to do, and least + temptation to go. Conjectures as to the meaning of it, rapid and + wild, hurried into her brain; but she was satisfied with none. + Those that best pleased her, as placing his conduct in the + noblest light, seemed most improbable. She could not bear such + suspense; and hastily seizing a sheet of paper, wrote a short + letter to her aunt, to request an explanation of what Lydia had + dropt, if it were compatible with the secrecy which had been + intended. + + “You may readily comprehend,” she added, “what my curiosity must + be to know how a person unconnected with any of us, and + (comparatively speaking) a stranger to our family, should have + been amongst you at such a time. Pray write instantly, and let me + understand it—unless it is, for very cogent reasons, to remain in + the secrecy which Lydia seems to think necessary; and then I must + endeavour to be satisfied with ignorance.” + + “Not that I shall, though,” she added to herself, as she + finished the letter; “and my dear aunt, if you do not tell me in + an honourable manner, I shall certainly be reduced to tricks and + stratagems to find it out.” + + Jane’s delicate sense of honour would not allow her to speak to + Elizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall; Elizabeth was + glad of it;—till it appeared whether her inquiries would receive + any satisfaction, she had rather be without a confidante. + + + + + + Elizabeth had the satisfaction of receiving an answer to her + letter as soon as she possibly could. She was no sooner in + possession of it than, hurrying into the little copse, where she + was least likely to be interrupted, she sat down on one of the + benches and prepared to be happy; for the length of the letter + convinced her that it did not contain a denial. + + “Gracechurch Street, Sept. 6. + + “My dear Niece, + + “I have just received your letter, and shall devote this whole + morning to answering it, as I foresee that a little writing + will not comprise what I have to tell you. I must confess myself + surprised by your application; I did not expect it from you. + Don’t think me angry, however, for I only mean to let you know + that I had not imagined such inquiries to be necessary on your + side. If you do not choose to understand me, forgive my + impertinence. Your uncle is as much surprised as I am—and nothing + but the belief of your being a party concerned would have allowed + him to act as he has done. But if you are really innocent and + ignorant, I must be more explicit. + + “On the very day of my coming home from Longbourn, your uncle had + a most unexpected visitor. Mr. Darcy called, and was shut up with + him several hours. It was all over before I arrived; so my + curiosity was not so dreadfully racked as yours seems to have + been. He came to tell Mr. Gardiner that he had found out where + your sister and Mr. Wickham were, and that he had seen and talked + with them both; Wickham repeatedly, Lydia once. From what I can + collect, he left Derbyshire only one day after ourselves, and + came to town with the resolution of hunting for them. The motive + professed was his conviction of its being owing to himself that + Wickham’s worthlessness had not been so well known as to make it + impossible for any young woman of character to love or confide in + him. He generously imputed the whole to his mistaken pride, and + confessed that he had before thought it beneath him to lay his + private actions open to the world. His character was to speak for + itself. He called it, therefore, his duty to step forward, and + endeavour to remedy an evil which had been brought on by himself. + If he had another motive, I am sure it would never disgrace + him. He had been some days in town, before he was able to + discover them; but he had something to direct his search, which + was more than we had; and the consciousness of this was another + reason for his resolving to follow us. + + “There is a lady, it seems, a Mrs. Younge, who was some time ago + governess to Miss Darcy, and was dismissed from her charge on + some cause of disapprobation, though he did not say what. She + then took a large house in Edward-street, and has since + maintained herself by letting lodgings. This Mrs. Younge was, he + knew, intimately acquainted with Wickham; and he went to her for + intelligence of him as soon as he got to town. But it was two or + three days before he could get from her what he wanted. She would + not betray her trust, I suppose, without bribery and corruption, + for she really did know where her friend was to be found. Wickham + indeed had gone to her on their first arrival in London, and had + she been able to receive them into her house, they would have + taken up their abode with her. At length, however, our kind + friend procured the wished-for direction. They were in —— street. + He saw Wickham, and afterwards insisted on seeing Lydia. His + first object with her, he acknowledged, had been to persuade her + to quit her present disgraceful situation, and return to her + friends as soon as they could be prevailed on to receive her, + offering his assistance, as far as it would go. But he found + Lydia absolutely resolved on remaining where she was. She cared + for none of her friends; she wanted no help of his; she would not + hear of leaving Wickham. She was sure they should be married some + time or other, and it did not much signify when. Since such were + her feelings, it only remained, he thought, to secure and + expedite a marriage, which, in his very first conversation with + Wickham, he easily learnt had never been his design. He + confessed himself obliged to leave the regiment, on account of + some debts of honour, which were very pressing; and scrupled not + to lay all the ill-consequences of Lydia’s flight on her own + folly alone. He meant to resign his commission immediately; and + as to his future situation, he could conjecture very little about + it. He must go somewhere, but he did not know where, and he knew + he should have nothing to live on. + + “Mr. Darcy asked him why he had not married your sister at once. + Though Mr. Bennet was not imagined to be very rich, he would have + been able to do something for him, and his situation must have + been benefited by marriage. But he found, in reply to this + question, that Wickham still cherished the hope of more + effectually making his fortune by marriage in some other country. + Under such circumstances, however, he was not likely to be proof + against the temptation of immediate relief. + + “They met several times, for there was much to be discussed. + Wickham of course wanted more than he could get; but at length + was reduced to be reasonable. + + “Everything being settled between them, Mr. Darcy’s next step + was to make your uncle acquainted with it, and he first called in + Gracechurch street the evening before I came home. But Mr. + Gardiner could not be seen, and Mr. Darcy found, on further + inquiry, that your father was still with him, but would quit town + the next morning. He did not judge your father to be a person + whom he could so properly consult as your uncle, and therefore + readily postponed seeing him till after the departure of the + former. He did not leave his name, and till the next day it was + only known that a gentleman had called on business. + + “On Saturday he came again. Your father was gone, your uncle at + home, and, as I said before, they had a great deal of talk + together. + + “They met again on Sunday, and then I saw him too. It was not + all settled before Monday: as soon as it was, the express was + sent off to Longbourn. But our visitor was very obstinate. I + fancy, Lizzy, that obstinacy is the real defect of his character, + after all. He has been accused of many faults at different times, + but this is the true one. Nothing was to be done that he did + not do himself; though I am sure (and I do not speak it to be + thanked, therefore say nothing about it), your uncle would most + readily have settled the whole. + + “They battled it together for a long time, which was more than + either the gentleman or lady concerned in it deserved. But at + last your uncle was forced to yield, and instead of being allowed + to be of use to his niece, was forced to put up with only having + the probable credit of it, which went sorely against the grain; + and I really believe your letter this morning gave him great + pleasure, because it required an explanation that would rob him + of his borrowed feathers, and give the praise where it was due. + But, Lizzy, this must go no farther than yourself, or Jane at + most. + + “You know pretty well, I suppose, what has been done for the + young people. His debts are to be paid, amounting, I believe, to + considerably more than a thousand pounds, another thousand in + addition to her own settled upon her, and his commission + purchased. The reason why all this was to be done by him alone, + was such as I have given above. It was owing to him, to his + reserve and want of proper consideration, that Wickham’s + character had been so misunderstood, and consequently that he had + been received and noticed as he was. Perhaps there was some truth + in this; though I doubt whether his reserve, or anybody’s + reserve, can be answerable for the event. But in spite of all + this fine talking, my dear Lizzy, you may rest perfectly assured + that your uncle would never have yielded, if we had not given him + credit for another interest in the affair. + + “When all this was resolved on, he returned again to his friends, + who were still staying at Pemberley; but it was agreed that he + should be in London once more when the wedding took place, and + all money matters were then to receive the last finish. + + “I believe I have now told you every thing. It is a relation + which you tell me is to give you great surprise; I hope at least + it will not afford you any displeasure. Lydia came to us; and + Wickham had constant admission to the house. He was exactly + what he had been, when I knew him in Hertfordshire; but I would + not tell you how little I was satisfied with her behaviour + while she staid with us, if I had not perceived, by Jane’s letter + last Wednesday, that her conduct on coming home was exactly of a + piece with it, and therefore what I now tell you can give you no + fresh pain. I talked to her repeatedly in the most serious + manner, representing to her all the wickedness of what she had + done, and all the unhappiness she had brought on her family. If + she heard me, it was by good luck, for I am sure she did not + listen. I was sometimes quite provoked, but then I recollected my + dear Elizabeth and Jane, and for their sakes had patience with + her. + + “Mr. Darcy was punctual in his return, and as Lydia informed you, + attended the wedding. He dined with us the next day, and was to + leave town again on Wednesday or Thursday. Will you be very angry + with me, my dear Lizzy, if I take this opportunity of saying + (what I was never bold enough to say before) how much I like him. + His behaviour to us has, in every respect, been as pleasing as + when we were in Derbyshire. His understanding and opinions all + please me; he wants nothing but a little more liveliness, and + that, if he marry prudently, his wife may teach him. I + thought him very sly;—he hardly ever mentioned your name. But + slyness seems the fashion. + + “Pray forgive me if I have been very presuming, or at least do + not punish me so far as to exclude me from P. I shall never be + quite happy till I have been all round the park. A low phaeton, + with a nice little pair of ponies, would be the very thing. + + “But I must write no more. The children have been wanting me this + half hour. + + “Yours, very sincerely, + “M. GARDINER.” + + The contents of this letter threw Elizabeth into a flutter of + spirits, in which it was difficult to determine whether pleasure + or pain bore the greatest share. The vague and unsettled + suspicions which uncertainty had produced of what Mr. Darcy might + have been doing to forward her sister’s match, which she had + feared to encourage as an exertion of goodness too great to be + probable, and at the same time dreaded to be just, from the pain + of obligation, were proved beyond their greatest extent to be + true! He had followed them purposely to town, he had taken on + himself all the trouble and mortification attendant on such a + research; in which supplication had been necessary to a woman + whom he must abominate and despise, and where he was reduced to + meet, frequently meet, reason with, persuade, and finally bribe, + the man whom he always most wished to avoid, and whose very name + it was punishment to him to pronounce. He had done all this for a + girl whom he could neither regard nor esteem. Her heart did + whisper that he had done it for her. But it was a hope shortly + checked by other considerations, and she soon felt that even her + vanity was insufficient, when required to depend on his affection + for her—for a woman who had already refused him—as able to + overcome a sentiment so natural as abhorrence against + relationship with Wickham. Brother-in-law of Wickham! Every kind + of pride must revolt from the connection. He had, to be sure, + done much. She was ashamed to think how much. But he had given a + reason for his interference, which asked no extraordinary stretch + of belief. It was reasonable that he should feel he had been + wrong; he had liberality, and he had the means of exercising it; + and though she would not place herself as his principal + inducement, she could, perhaps, believe that remaining partiality + for her might assist his endeavours in a cause where her peace of + mind must be materially concerned. It was painful, exceedingly + painful, to know that they were under obligations to a person who + could never receive a return. They owed the restoration of Lydia, + her character, every thing, to him. Oh! how heartily did she + grieve over every ungracious sensation she had ever encouraged, + every saucy speech she had ever directed towards him. For herself + she was humbled; but she was proud of him. Proud that in a cause + of compassion and honour, he had been able to get the better of + himself. She read over her aunt’s commendation of him again and + again. It was hardly enough; but it pleased her. She was even + sensible of some pleasure, though mixed with regret, on finding + how steadfastly both she and her uncle had been persuaded that + affection and confidence subsisted between Mr. Darcy and herself. + + She was roused from her seat, and her reflections, by some one’s + approach; and before she could strike into another path, she was + overtaken by Wickham. + + “I am afraid I interrupt your solitary ramble, my dear sister?” + said he, as he joined her. + + “You certainly do,” she replied with a smile; “but it does not + follow that the interruption must be unwelcome.” + + “I should be sorry indeed, if it were. We were always good + friends; and now we are better.” + + “True. Are the others coming out?” + + “I do not know. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia are going in the carriage + to Meryton. And so, my dear sister, I find, from our uncle and + aunt, that you have actually seen Pemberley.” + + She replied in the affirmative. + + “I almost envy you the pleasure, and yet I believe it would be + too much for me, or else I could take it in my way to Newcastle. + And you saw the old housekeeper, I suppose? Poor Reynolds, she + was always very fond of me. But of course she did not mention my + name to you.” + + “Yes, she did.” + + “And what did she say?” + + “That you were gone into the army, and she was afraid had—not + turned out well. At such a distance as that, you know, things + are strangely misrepresented.” + + “Certainly,” he replied, biting his lips. Elizabeth hoped she had + silenced him; but he soon afterwards said: + + “I was surprised to see Darcy in town last month. We passed each + other several times. I wonder what he can be doing there.” + + “Perhaps preparing for his marriage with Miss de Bourgh,” said + Elizabeth. “It must be something particular, to take him there at + this time of year.” + + “Undoubtedly. Did you see him while you were at Lambton? I + thought I understood from the Gardiners that you had.” + + “Yes; he introduced us to his sister.” + + “And do you like her?” + + “Very much.” + + “I have heard, indeed, that she is uncommonly improved within + this year or two. When I last saw her, she was not very + promising. I am very glad you liked her. I hope she will turn out + well.” + + “I dare say she will; she has got over the most trying age.” + + “Did you go by the village of Kympton?” + + “I do not recollect that we did.” + + “I mention it, because it is the living which I ought to have + had. A most delightful place!—Excellent Parsonage House! It would + have suited me in every respect.” + + “How should you have liked making sermons?” + + “Exceedingly well. I should have considered it as part of my + duty, and the exertion would soon have been nothing. One ought + not to repine;—but, to be sure, it would have been such a thing + for me! The quiet, the retirement of such a life would have + answered all my ideas of happiness! But it was not to be. Did you + ever hear Darcy mention the circumstance, when you were in Kent?” + + “I have heard from authority, which I thought as good, that + it was left you conditionally only, and at the will of the + present patron.” + + “You have. Yes, there was something in that; I told you so from + the first, you may remember.” + + “I did hear, too, that there was a time, when sermon-making was + not so palatable to you as it seems to be at present; that you + actually declared your resolution of never taking orders, and + that the business had been compromised accordingly.” + + “You did! and it was not wholly without foundation. You may + remember what I told you on that point, when first we talked of + it.” + + They were now almost at the door of the house, for she had walked + fast to get rid of him; and unwilling, for her sister’s sake, to + provoke him, she only said in reply, with a good-humoured smile: + + “Come, Mr. Wickham, we are brother and sister, you know. Do not + let us quarrel about the past. In future, I hope we shall be + always of one mind.” + + She held out her hand; he kissed it with affectionate gallantry, + though he hardly knew how to look, and they entered the house. + + + + + + Mr. Wickham was so perfectly satisfied with this conversation + that he never again distressed himself, or provoked his dear + sister Elizabeth, by introducing the subject of it; and she was + pleased to find that she had said enough to keep him quiet. + + The day of his and Lydia’s departure soon came, and Mrs. Bennet + was forced to submit to a separation, which, as her husband by no + means entered into her scheme of their all going to Newcastle, + was likely to continue at least a twelvemonth. + + “Oh! my dear Lydia,” she cried, “when shall we meet again?” + + “Oh, lord! I don’t know. Not these two or three years, perhaps.” + + “Write to me very often, my dear.” + + “As often as I can. But you know married women have never much + time for writing. My sisters may write to me. They will have + nothing else to do.” + + Mr. Wickham’s adieus were much more affectionate than his wife’s. + He smiled, looked handsome, and said many pretty things. + + “He is as fine a fellow,” said Mr. Bennet, as soon as they were + out of the house, “as ever I saw. He simpers, and smirks, and + makes love to us all. I am prodigiously proud of him. I defy even + Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law.” + + The loss of her daughter made Mrs. Bennet very dull for several + days. + + “I often think,” said she, “that there is nothing so bad as + parting with one’s friends. One seems so forlorn without them.” + + “This is the consequence, you see, Madam, of marrying a + daughter,” said Elizabeth. “It must make you better satisfied + that your other four are single.” + + “It is no such thing. Lydia does not leave me because she is + married, but only because her husband’s regiment happens to be so + far off. If that had been nearer, she would not have gone so + soon.” + + But the spiritless condition which this event threw her into was + shortly relieved, and her mind opened again to the agitation of + hope, by an article of news which then began to be in + circulation. The housekeeper at Netherfield had received orders + to prepare for the arrival of her master, who was coming down in + a day or two, to shoot there for several weeks. Mrs. Bennet was + quite in the fidgets. She looked at Jane, and smiled and shook + her head by turns. + + “Well, well, and so Mr. Bingley is coming down, sister,” (for + Mrs. Phillips first brought her the news). “Well, so much the + better. Not that I care about it, though. He is nothing to us, + you know, and I am sure I never want to see him again. But, + however, he is very welcome to come to Netherfield, if he likes + it. And who knows what may happen? But that is nothing to us. + You know, sister, we agreed long ago never to mention a word + about it. And so, is it quite certain he is coming?” + + “You may depend on it,” replied the other, “for Mrs. Nicholls was + in Meryton last night; I saw her passing by, and went out myself + on purpose to know the truth of it; and she told me that it was + certain true. He comes down on Thursday at the latest, very + likely on Wednesday. She was going to the butcher’s, she told me, + on purpose to order in some meat on Wednesday, and she has got + three couple of ducks just fit to be killed.” + + Miss Bennet had not been able to hear of his coming without + changing colour. It was many months since she had mentioned his + name to Elizabeth; but now, as soon as they were alone together, + she said: + + “I saw you look at me to-day, Lizzy, when my aunt told us of the + present report; and I know I appeared distressed. But don’t + imagine it was from any silly cause. I was only confused for the + moment, because I felt that I should be looked at. I do assure + you that the news does not affect me either with pleasure or + pain. I am glad of one thing, that he comes alone; because we + shall see the less of him. Not that I am afraid of myself, but + I dread other people’s remarks.” + + Elizabeth did not know what to make of it. Had she not seen him + in Derbyshire, she might have supposed him capable of coming + there with no other view than what was acknowledged; but she + still thought him partial to Jane, and she wavered as to the + greater probability of his coming there with his friend’s + permission, or being bold enough to come without it. + + “Yet it is hard,” she sometimes thought, “that this poor man + cannot come to a house which he has legally hired, without + raising all this speculation! I will leave him to himself.” + + In spite of what her sister declared, and really believed to be + her feelings in the expectation of his arrival, Elizabeth could + easily perceive that her spirits were affected by it. They were + more disturbed, more unequal, than she had often seen them. + + The subject which had been so warmly canvassed between their + parents, about a twelvemonth ago, was now brought forward again. + + “As soon as ever Mr. Bingley comes, my dear,” said Mrs. Bennet, + “you will wait on him of course.” + + “No, no. You forced me into visiting him last year, and promised, + if I went to see him, he should marry one of my daughters. But it + ended in nothing, and I will not be sent on a fool’s errand + again.” + + His wife represented to him how absolutely necessary such an + attention would be from all the neighbouring gentlemen, on his + returning to Netherfield. + + “’Tis an etiquette I despise,” said he. “If he wants our + society, let him seek it. He knows where we live. I will not + spend my hours in running after my neighbours every time they + go away and come back again.” + + “Well, all I know is, that it will be abominably rude if you do + not wait on him. But, however, that shan’t prevent my asking him + to dine here, I am determined. We must have Mrs. Long and the + Gouldings soon. That will make thirteen with ourselves, so there + will be just room at table for him.” + + Consoled by this resolution, she was the better able to bear her + husband’s incivility; though it was very mortifying to know that + her neighbours might all see Mr. Bingley, in consequence of it, + before they did. As the day of his arrival drew near,— + + “I begin to be sorry that he comes at all,” said Jane to her + sister. “It would be nothing; I could see him with perfect + indifference, but I can hardly bear to hear it thus perpetually + talked of. My mother means well; but she does not know, no one + can know, how much I suffer from what she says. Happy shall I be, + when his stay at Netherfield is over!” + + “I wish I could say anything to comfort you,” replied Elizabeth; + “but it is wholly out of my power. You must feel it; and the + usual satisfaction of preaching patience to a sufferer is denied + me, because you have always so much.” + + Mr. Bingley arrived. Mrs. Bennet, through the assistance of + servants, contrived to have the earliest tidings of it, that the + period of anxiety and fretfulness on her side might be as long as + it could. She counted the days that must intervene before their + invitation could be sent; hopeless of seeing him before. But on + the third morning after his arrival in Hertfordshire, she saw + him, from her dressing-room window, enter the paddock and ride + towards the house. + + Her daughters were eagerly called to partake of her joy. Jane + resolutely kept her place at the table; but Elizabeth, to satisfy + her mother, went to the window—she looked,—she saw Mr. Darcy with + him, and sat down again by her sister. + + “There is a gentleman with him, mamma,” said Kitty; “who can it + be?” + + “Some acquaintance or other, my dear, I suppose; I am sure I do + not know.” + + “La!” replied Kitty, “it looks just like that man that used to be + with him before. Mr. what’s-his-name. That tall, proud man.” + + “Good gracious! Mr. Darcy!—and so it does, I vow. Well, any + friend of Mr. Bingley’s will always be welcome here, to be sure; + but else I must say that I hate the very sight of him.” + + Jane looked at Elizabeth with surprise and concern. She knew but + little of their meeting in Derbyshire, and therefore felt for the + awkwardness which must attend her sister, in seeing him almost + for the first time after receiving his explanatory letter. Both + sisters were uncomfortable enough. Each felt for the other, and + of course for themselves; and their mother talked on, of her + dislike of Mr. Darcy, and her resolution to be civil to him only + as Mr. Bingley’s friend, without being heard by either of them. + But Elizabeth had sources of uneasiness which could not be + suspected by Jane, to whom she had never yet had courage to shew + Mrs. Gardiner’s letter, or to relate her own change of sentiment + towards him. To Jane, he could be only a man whose proposals she + had refused, and whose merit she had undervalued; but to her own + more extensive information, he was the person to whom the whole + family were indebted for the first of benefits, and whom she + regarded herself with an interest, if not quite so tender, at + least as reasonable and just as what Jane felt for Bingley. Her + astonishment at his coming—at his coming to Netherfield, to + Longbourn, and voluntarily seeking her again, was almost equal to + what she had known on first witnessing his altered behaviour in + Derbyshire. + + The colour which had been driven from her face, returned for half + a minute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added + lustre to her eyes, as she thought for that space of time that + his affection and wishes must still be unshaken. But she would + not be secure. + + “Let me first see how he behaves,” said she; “it will then be + early enough for expectation.” + + She sat intently at work, striving to be composed, and without + daring to lift up her eyes, till anxious curiosity carried them + to the face of her sister as the servant was approaching the + door. Jane looked a little paler than usual, but more sedate than + Elizabeth had expected. On the gentlemen’s appearing, her colour + increased; yet she received them with tolerable ease, and with a + propriety of behaviour equally free from any symptom of + resentment or any unnecessary complaisance. + + Elizabeth said as little to either as civility would allow, and + sat down again to her work, with an eagerness which it did not + often command. She had ventured only one glance at Darcy. He + looked serious, as usual; and, she thought, more as he had been + used to look in Hertfordshire, than as she had seen him at + Pemberley. But, perhaps he could not in her mother’s presence be + what he was before her uncle and aunt. It was a painful, but not + an improbable, conjecture. + + Bingley, she had likewise seen for an instant, and in that short + period saw him looking both pleased and embarrassed. He was + received by Mrs. Bennet with a degree of civility which made her + two daughters ashamed, especially when contrasted with the cold + and ceremonious politeness of her curtsey and address to his + friend. + + Elizabeth, particularly, who knew that her mother owed to the + latter the preservation of her favourite daughter from + irremediable infamy, was hurt and distressed to a most painful + degree by a distinction so ill applied. + + Darcy, after inquiring of her how Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner did, a + question which she could not answer without confusion, said + scarcely anything. He was not seated by her; perhaps that was the + reason of his silence; but it had not been so in Derbyshire. + There he had talked to her friends, when he could not to herself. + But now several minutes elapsed without bringing the sound of his + voice; and when occasionally, unable to resist the impulse of + curiosity, she raised her eyes to his face, she as often found + him looking at Jane as at herself, and frequently on no object + but the ground. More thoughtfulness and less anxiety to please, + than when they last met, were plainly expressed. She was + disappointed, and angry with herself for being so. + + “Could I expect it to be otherwise!” said she. “Yet why did he + come?” + + She was in no humour for conversation with anyone but himself; + and to him she had hardly courage to speak. + + She inquired after his sister, but could do no more. + + “It is a long time, Mr. Bingley, since you went away,” said Mrs. + Bennet. + + He readily agreed to it. + + “I began to be afraid you would never come back again. People + did say you meant to quit the place entirely at Michaelmas; + but, however, I hope it is not true. A great many changes have + happened in the neighbourhood, since you went away. Miss Lucas is + married and settled. And one of my own daughters. I suppose you + have heard of it; indeed, you must have seen it in the papers. It + was in The Times and The Courier, I know; though it was not put + in as it ought to be. It was only said, ‘Lately, George Wickham, + Esq. to Miss Lydia Bennet,’ without there being a syllable said + of her father, or the place where she lived, or anything. It was + my brother Gardiner’s drawing up too, and I wonder how he came to + make such an awkward business of it. Did you see it?” + + Bingley replied that he did, and made his congratulations. + Elizabeth dared not lift up her eyes. How Mr. Darcy looked, + therefore, she could not tell. + + “It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to have a daughter well + married,” continued her mother, “but at the same time, Mr. + Bingley, it is very hard to have her taken such a way from me. + They are gone down to Newcastle, a place quite northward, it + seems, and there they are to stay I do not know how long. His + regiment is there; for I suppose you have heard of his leaving + the ——shire, and of his being gone into the regulars. Thank + Heaven! he has some friends, though perhaps not so many as he + deserves.” + + Elizabeth, who knew this to be levelled at Mr. Darcy, was in such + misery of shame, that she could hardly keep her seat. It drew + from her, however, the exertion of speaking, which nothing else + had so effectually done before; and she asked Bingley whether he + meant to make any stay in the country at present. A few weeks, he + believed. + + “When you have killed all your own birds, Mr. Bingley,” said her + mother, “I beg you will come here, and shoot as many as you + please on Mr. Bennet’s manor. I am sure he will be vastly happy + to oblige you, and will save all the best of the covies for you.” + + Elizabeth’s misery increased, at such unnecessary, such officious + attention! Were the same fair prospect to arise at present as had + flattered them a year ago, every thing, she was persuaded, would + be hastening to the same vexatious conclusion. At that instant, + she felt that years of happiness could not make Jane or herself + amends for moments of such painful confusion. + + “The first wish of my heart,” said she to herself, “is never more + to be in company with either of them. Their society can afford no + pleasure that will atone for such wretchedness as this! Let me + never see either one or the other again!” + + Yet the misery, for which years of happiness were to offer no + compensation, received soon afterwards material relief, from + observing how much the beauty of her sister re-kindled the + admiration of her former lover. When first he came in, he had + spoken to her but little; but every five minutes seemed to be + giving her more of his attention. He found her as handsome as she + had been last year; as good natured, and as unaffected, though + not quite so chatty. Jane was anxious that no difference should + be perceived in her at all, and was really persuaded that she + talked as much as ever. But her mind was so busily engaged, that + she did not always know when she was silent. + + When the gentlemen rose to go away, Mrs. Bennet was mindful of + her intended civility, and they were invited and engaged to dine + at Longbourn in a few days time. + + “You are quite a visit in my debt, Mr. Bingley,” she added, “for + when you went to town last winter, you promised to take a family + dinner with us, as soon as you returned. I have not forgot, you + see; and I assure you, I was very much disappointed that you did + not come back and keep your engagement.” + + Bingley looked a little silly at this reflection, and said + something of his concern at having been prevented by business. + They then went away. + + Mrs. Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and + dine there that day; but, though she always kept a very good + table, she did not think anything less than two courses could be + good enough for a man on whom she had such anxious designs, or + satisfy the appetite and pride of one who had ten thousand a + year. + + + + + + As soon as they were gone, Elizabeth walked out to recover her + spirits; or in other words, to dwell without interruption on + those subjects that must deaden them more. Mr. Darcy’s behaviour + astonished and vexed her. + + “Why, if he came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent,” said + she, “did he come at all?” + + She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure. + + “He could be still amiable, still pleasing, to my uncle and aunt, + when he was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me, why come + hither? If he no longer cares for me, why silent? Teasing, + teasing, man! I will think no more about him.” + + Her resolution was for a short time involuntarily kept by the + approach of her sister, who joined her with a cheerful look, + which showed her better satisfied with their visitors, than + Elizabeth. + + “Now,” said she, “that this first meeting is over, I feel + perfectly easy. I know my own strength, and I shall never be + embarrassed again by his coming. I am glad he dines here on + Tuesday. It will then be publicly seen that, on both sides, we + meet only as common and indifferent acquaintance.” + + “Yes, very indifferent indeed,” said Elizabeth, laughingly. “Oh, + Jane, take care.” + + “My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak, as to be in danger + now?” + + “I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in + love with you as ever.” + + They did not see the gentlemen again till Tuesday; and Mrs. + Bennet, in the meanwhile, was giving way to all the happy + schemes, which the good humour and common politeness of Bingley, + in half an hour’s visit, had revived. + + On Tuesday there was a large party assembled at Longbourn; and + the two who were most anxiously expected, to the credit of their + punctuality as sportsmen, were in very good time. When they + repaired to the dining-room, Elizabeth eagerly watched to see + whether Bingley would take the place, which, in all their former + parties, had belonged to him, by her sister. Her prudent mother, + occupied by the same ideas, forbore to invite him to sit by + herself. On entering the room, he seemed to hesitate; but Jane + happened to look round, and happened to smile: it was decided. He + placed himself by her. + + Elizabeth, with a triumphant sensation, looked towards his + friend. He bore it with noble indifference, and she would have + imagined that Bingley had received his sanction to be happy, had + she not seen his eyes likewise turned towards Mr. Darcy, with an + expression of half-laughing alarm. + + His behaviour to her sister was such, during dinner time, as + showed an admiration of her, which, though more guarded than + formerly, persuaded Elizabeth, that if left wholly to himself, + Jane’s happiness, and his own, would be speedily secured. Though + she dared not depend upon the consequence, she yet received + pleasure from observing his behaviour. It gave her all the + animation that her spirits could boast; for she was in no + cheerful humour. Mr. Darcy was almost as far from her as the + table could divide them. He was on one side of her mother. She + knew how little such a situation would give pleasure to either, + or make either appear to advantage. She was not near enough to + hear any of their discourse, but she could see how seldom they + spoke to each other, and how formal and cold was their manner + whenever they did. Her mother’s ungraciousness, made the sense of + what they owed him more painful to Elizabeth’s mind; and she + would, at times, have given anything to be privileged to tell him + that his kindness was neither unknown nor unfelt by the whole of + the family. + + She was in hopes that the evening would afford some opportunity + of bringing them together; that the whole of the visit would not + pass away without enabling them to enter into something more of + conversation than the mere ceremonious salutation attending his + entrance. Anxious and uneasy, the period which passed in the + drawing-room, before the gentlemen came, was wearisome and dull + to a degree that almost made her uncivil. She looked forward to + their entrance as the point on which all her chance of pleasure + for the evening must depend. + + “If he does not come to me, then,” said she, “I shall give him + up for ever.” + + The gentlemen came; and she thought he looked as if he would have + answered her hopes; but, alas! the ladies had crowded round the + table, where Miss Bennet was making tea, and Elizabeth pouring + out the coffee, in so close a confederacy that there was not a + single vacancy near her which would admit of a chair. And on the + gentlemen’s approaching, one of the girls moved closer to her + than ever, and said, in a whisper: + + “The men shan’t come and part us, I am determined. We want none + of them; do we?” + + Darcy had walked away to another part of the room. She followed + him with her eyes, envied everyone to whom he spoke, had scarcely + patience enough to help anybody to coffee; and then was enraged + against herself for being so silly! + + “A man who has once been refused! How could I ever be foolish + enough to expect a renewal of his love? Is there one among the + sex, who would not protest against such a weakness as a second + proposal to the same woman? There is no indignity so abhorrent to + their feelings!” + + She was a little revived, however, by his bringing back his + coffee cup himself; and she seized the opportunity of saying: + + “Is your sister at Pemberley still?” + + “Yes, she will remain there till Christmas.” + + “And quite alone? Have all her friends left her?” + + “Mrs. Annesley is with her. The others have been gone on to + Scarborough, these three weeks.” + + She could think of nothing more to say; but if he wished to + converse with her, he might have better success. He stood by her, + however, for some minutes, in silence; and, at last, on the young + lady’s whispering to Elizabeth again, he walked away. + + When the tea-things were removed, and the card-tables placed, the + ladies all rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined + by him, when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a + victim to her mother’s rapacity for whist players, and in a few + moments after seated with the rest of the party. She now lost + every expectation of pleasure. They were confined for the evening + at different tables, and she had nothing to hope, but that his + eyes were so often turned towards her side of the room, as to + make him play as unsuccessfully as herself. + + Mrs. Bennet had designed to keep the two Netherfield gentlemen to + supper; but their carriage was unluckily ordered before any of + the others, and she had no opportunity of detaining them. + + “Well girls,” said she, as soon as they were left to themselves, + “What say you to the day? I think every thing has passed off + uncommonly well, I assure you. The dinner was as well dressed as + any I ever saw. The venison was roasted to a turn—and everybody + said they never saw so fat a haunch. The soup was fifty times + better than what we had at the Lucases’ last week; and even Mr. + Darcy acknowledged, that the partridges were remarkably well + done; and I suppose he has two or three French cooks at least. + And, my dear Jane, I never saw you look in greater beauty. Mrs. + Long said so too, for I asked her whether you did not. And what + do you think she said besides? ‘Ah! Mrs. Bennet, we shall have + her at Netherfield at last.’ She did indeed. I do think Mrs. Long + is as good a creature as ever lived—and her nieces are very + pretty behaved girls, and not at all handsome: I like them + prodigiously.” + + Mrs. Bennet, in short, was in very great spirits; she had seen + enough of Bingley’s behaviour to Jane, to be convinced that she + would get him at last; and her expectations of advantage to her + family, when in a happy humour, were so far beyond reason, that + she was quite disappointed at not seeing him there again the next + day, to make his proposals. + + “It has been a very agreeable day,” said Miss Bennet to + Elizabeth. “The party seemed so well selected, so suitable one + with the other. I hope we may often meet again.” + + Elizabeth smiled. + + “Lizzy, you must not do so. You must not suspect me. It mortifies + me. I assure you that I have now learnt to enjoy his conversation + as an agreeable and sensible young man, without having a wish + beyond it. I am perfectly satisfied, from what his manners now + are, that he never had any design of engaging my affection. It is + only that he is blessed with greater sweetness of address, and a + stronger desire of generally pleasing, than any other man.” + + “You are very cruel,” said her sister, “you will not let me + smile, and are provoking me to it every moment.” + + “How hard it is in some cases to be believed!” + + “And how impossible in others!” + + “But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than I + acknowledge?” + + “That is a question which I hardly know how to answer. We all + love to instruct, though we can teach only what is not worth + knowing. Forgive me; and if you persist in indifference, do not + make me your confidante.” + + + + + + A few days after this visit, Mr. Bingley called again, and alone. + His friend had left him that morning for London, but was to + return home in ten days time. He sat with them above an hour, and + was in remarkably good spirits. Mrs. Bennet invited him to dine + with them; but, with many expressions of concern, he confessed + himself engaged elsewhere. + + “Next time you call,” said she, “I hope we shall be more lucky.” + + He should be particularly happy at any time, etc. etc.; and if + she would give him leave, would take an early opportunity of + waiting on them. + + “Can you come to-morrow?” + + Yes, he had no engagement at all for to-morrow; and her + invitation was accepted with alacrity. + + He came, and in such very good time that the ladies were none of + them dressed. In ran Mrs. Bennet to her daughter’s room, in her + dressing gown, and with her hair half finished, crying out: + + “My dear Jane, make haste and hurry down. He is come—Mr. Bingley + is come. He is, indeed. Make haste, make haste. Here, Sarah, come + to Miss Bennet this moment, and help her on with her gown. Never + mind Miss Lizzy’s hair.” + + “We will be down as soon as we can,” said Jane; “but I dare say + Kitty is forwarder than either of us, for she went up stairs half + an hour ago.” + + “Oh! hang Kitty! what has she to do with it? Come be quick, be + quick! Where is your sash, my dear?” + + But when her mother was gone, Jane would not be prevailed on to + go down without one of her sisters. + + The same anxiety to get them by themselves was visible again in + the evening. After tea, Mr. Bennet retired to the library, as was + his custom, and Mary went up stairs to her instrument. Two + obstacles of the five being thus removed, Mrs. Bennet sat looking + and winking at Elizabeth and Catherine for a considerable time, + without making any impression on them. Elizabeth would not + observe her; and when at last Kitty did, she very innocently + said, “What is the matter mamma? What do you keep winking at me + for? What am I to do?” + + “Nothing child, nothing. I did not wink at you.” She then sat + still five minutes longer; but unable to waste such a precious + occasion, she suddenly got up, and saying to Kitty, “Come here, + my love, I want to speak to you,” took her out of the room. Jane + instantly gave a look at Elizabeth which spoke her distress at + such premeditation, and her entreaty that she would not give in + to it. In a few minutes, Mrs. Bennet half-opened the door and + called out: + + “Lizzy, my dear, I want to speak with you.” + + Elizabeth was forced to go. + + “We may as well leave them by themselves you know;” said her + mother, as soon as she was in the hall. “Kitty and I are going up + stairs to sit in my dressing-room.” + + Elizabeth made no attempt to reason with her mother, but remained + quietly in the hall, till she and Kitty were out of sight, then + returned into the drawing-room. + + Mrs. Bennet’s schemes for this day were ineffectual. Bingley was + every thing that was charming, except the professed lover of her + daughter. His ease and cheerfulness rendered him a most agreeable + addition to their evening party; and he bore with the ill-judged + officiousness of the mother, and heard all her silly remarks with + a forbearance and command of countenance particularly grateful to + the daughter. + + He scarcely needed an invitation to stay supper; and before he + went away, an engagement was formed, chiefly through his own and + Mrs. Bennet’s means, for his coming next morning to shoot with + her husband. + + After this day, Jane said no more of her indifference. Not a word + passed between the sisters concerning Bingley; but Elizabeth went + to bed in the happy belief that all must speedily be concluded, + unless Mr. Darcy returned within the stated time. Seriously, + however, she felt tolerably persuaded that all this must have + taken place with that gentleman’s concurrence. + + Bingley was punctual to his appointment; and he and Mr. Bennet + spent the morning together, as had been agreed on. The latter was + much more agreeable than his companion expected. There was + nothing of presumption or folly in Bingley that could provoke his + ridicule, or disgust him into silence; and he was more + communicative, and less eccentric, than the other had ever seen + him. Bingley of course returned with him to dinner; and in the + evening Mrs. Bennet’s invention was again at work to get every + body away from him and her daughter. Elizabeth, who had a letter + to write, went into the breakfast room for that purpose soon + after tea; for as the others were all going to sit down to cards, + she could not be wanted to counteract her mother’s schemes. + + But on returning to the drawing-room, when her letter was + finished, she saw, to her infinite surprise, there was reason to + fear that her mother had been too ingenious for her. On opening + the door, she perceived her sister and Bingley standing together + over the hearth, as if engaged in earnest conversation; and had + this led to no suspicion, the faces of both, as they hastily + turned round and moved away from each other, would have told it + all. Their situation was awkward enough; but hers she thought + was still worse. Not a syllable was uttered by either; and + Elizabeth was on the point of going away again, when Bingley, who + as well as the other had sat down, suddenly rose, and whispering + a few words to her sister, ran out of the room. + + Jane could have no reserves from Elizabeth, where confidence + would give pleasure; and instantly embracing her, acknowledged, + with the liveliest emotion, that she was the happiest creature in + the world. + + “’Tis too much!” she added, “by far too much. I do not deserve + it. Oh! why is not everybody as happy?” + + Elizabeth’s congratulations were given with a sincerity, a + warmth, a delight, which words could but poorly express. Every + sentence of kindness was a fresh source of happiness to Jane. But + she would not allow herself to stay with her sister, or say half + that remained to be said for the present. + + “I must go instantly to my mother;” she cried. “I would not on + any account trifle with her affectionate solicitude; or allow her + to hear it from anyone but myself. He is gone to my father + already. Oh! Lizzy, to know that what I have to relate will give + such pleasure to all my dear family! how shall I bear so much + happiness!” + + She then hastened away to her mother, who had purposely broken up + the card party, and was sitting up stairs with Kitty. + + Elizabeth, who was left by herself, now smiled at the rapidity + and ease with which an affair was finally settled, that had given + them so many previous months of suspense and vexation. + + “And this,” said she, “is the end of all his friend’s anxious + circumspection! of all his sister’s falsehood and contrivance! + the happiest, wisest, most reasonable end!” + + In a few minutes she was joined by Bingley, whose conference with + her father had been short and to the purpose. + + “Where is your sister?” said he hastily, as he opened the door. + + “With my mother up stairs. She will be down in a moment, I dare + say.” + + He then shut the door, and, coming up to her, claimed the good + wishes and affection of a sister. Elizabeth honestly and heartily + expressed her delight in the prospect of their relationship. They + shook hands with great cordiality; and then, till her sister came + down, she had to listen to all he had to say of his own + happiness, and of Jane’s perfections; and in spite of his being a + lover, Elizabeth really believed all his expectations of felicity + to be rationally founded, because they had for basis the + excellent understanding, and super-excellent disposition of Jane, + and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her and + himself. + + It was an evening of no common delight to them all; the + satisfaction of Miss Bennet’s mind gave a glow of such sweet + animation to her face, as made her look handsomer than ever. + Kitty simpered and smiled, and hoped her turn was coming soon. + Mrs. Bennet could not give her consent or speak her approbation + in terms warm enough to satisfy her feelings, though she talked + to Bingley of nothing else for half an hour; and when Mr. Bennet + joined them at supper, his voice and manner plainly showed how + really happy he was. + + Not a word, however, passed his lips in allusion to it, till + their visitor took his leave for the night; but as soon as he was + gone, he turned to his daughter, and said: + + “Jane, I congratulate you. You will be a very happy woman.” + + Jane went to him instantly, kissed him, and thanked him for his + goodness. + + “You are a good girl;” he replied, “and I have great pleasure in + thinking you will be so happily settled. I have not a doubt of + your doing very well together. Your tempers are by no means + unlike. You are each of you so complying, that nothing will ever + be resolved on; so easy, that every servant will cheat you; and + so generous, that you will always exceed your income.” + + “I hope not so. Imprudence or thoughtlessness in money matters + would be unpardonable in me.” + + “Exceed their income! My dear Mr. Bennet,” cried his wife, “what + are you talking of? Why, he has four or five thousand a year, and + very likely more.” Then addressing her daughter, “Oh! my dear, + dear Jane, I am so happy! I am sure I shan’t get a wink of sleep + all night. I knew how it would be. I always said it must be so, + at last. I was sure you could not be so beautiful for nothing! I + remember, as soon as ever I saw him, when he first came into + Hertfordshire last year, I thought how likely it was that you + should come together. Oh! he is the handsomest young man that + ever was seen!” + + Wickham, Lydia, were all forgotten. Jane was beyond competition + her favourite child. At that moment, she cared for no other. Her + younger sisters soon began to make interest with her for objects + of happiness which she might in future be able to dispense. + + Mary petitioned for the use of the library at Netherfield; and + Kitty begged very hard for a few balls there every winter. + + Bingley, from this time, was of course a daily visitor at + Longbourn; coming frequently before breakfast, and always + remaining till after supper; unless when some barbarous + neighbour, who could not be enough detested, had given him an + invitation to dinner which he thought himself obliged to accept. + + Elizabeth had now but little time for conversation with her + sister; for while he was present, Jane had no attention to bestow + on anyone else; but she found herself considerably useful to both + of them in those hours of separation that must sometimes occur. + In the absence of Jane, he always attached himself to Elizabeth, + for the pleasure of talking of her; and when Bingley was gone, + Jane constantly sought the same means of relief. + + “He has made me so happy,” said she, one evening, “by telling me + that he was totally ignorant of my being in town last spring! I + had not believed it possible.” + + “I suspected as much,” replied Elizabeth. “But how did he account + for it?” + + “It must have been his sister’s doing. They were certainly no + friends to his acquaintance with me, which I cannot wonder at, + since he might have chosen so much more advantageously in many + respects. But when they see, as I trust they will, that their + brother is happy with me, they will learn to be contented, and we + shall be on good terms again; though we can never be what we once + were to each other.” + + “That is the most unforgiving speech,” said Elizabeth, “that I + ever heard you utter. Good girl! It would vex me, indeed, to see + you again the dupe of Miss Bingley’s pretended regard.” + + “Would you believe it, Lizzy, that when he went to town last + November, he really loved me, and nothing but a persuasion of + my being indifferent would have prevented his coming down + again!” + + “He made a little mistake to be sure; but it is to the credit of + his modesty.” + + This naturally introduced a panegyric from Jane on his + diffidence, and the little value he put on his own good + qualities. Elizabeth was pleased to find that he had not betrayed + the interference of his friend; for, though Jane had the most + generous and forgiving heart in the world, she knew it was a + circumstance which must prejudice her against him. + + “I am certainly the most fortunate creature that ever existed!” + cried Jane. “Oh! Lizzy, why am I thus singled from my family, and + blessed above them all! If I could but see you as happy! If there + were but such another man for you!” + + “If you were to give me forty such men, I never could be so happy + as you. Till I have your disposition, your goodness, I never can + have your happiness. No, no, let me shift for myself; and, + perhaps, if I have very good luck, I may meet with another Mr. + Collins in time.” + + The situation of affairs in the Longbourn family could not be + long a secret. Mrs. Bennet was privileged to whisper it to Mrs. + Phillips, and she ventured, without any permission, to do the + same by all her neighbours in Meryton. + + The Bennets were speedily pronounced to be the luckiest family in + the world, though only a few weeks before, when Lydia had first + run away, they had been generally proved to be marked out for + misfortune. + + + + + + One morning, about a week after Bingley’s engagement with Jane + had been formed, as he and the females of the family were sitting + together in the dining-room, their attention was suddenly drawn + to the window, by the sound of a carriage; and they perceived a + chaise and four driving up the lawn. It was too early in the + morning for visitors, and besides, the equipage did not answer to + that of any of their neighbours. The horses were post; and + neither the carriage, nor the livery of the servant who preceded + it, were familiar to them. As it was certain, however, that + somebody was coming, Bingley instantly prevailed on Miss Bennet + to avoid the confinement of such an intrusion, and walk away with + him into the shrubbery. They both set off, and the conjectures of + the remaining three continued, though with little satisfaction, + till the door was thrown open and their visitor entered. It was + Lady Catherine de Bourgh. + + They were of course all intending to be surprised; but their + astonishment was beyond their expectation; and on the part of + Mrs. Bennet and Kitty, though she was perfectly unknown to them, + even inferior to what Elizabeth felt. + + She entered the room with an air more than usually ungracious, + made no other reply to Elizabeth’s salutation than a slight + inclination of the head, and sat down without saying a word. + Elizabeth had mentioned her name to her mother on her ladyship’s + entrance, though no request of introduction had been made. + + Mrs. Bennet, all amazement, though flattered by having a guest of + such high importance, received her with the utmost politeness. + After sitting for a moment in silence, she said very stiffly to + Elizabeth, + + “I hope you are well, Miss Bennet. That lady, I suppose, is your + mother.” + + Elizabeth replied very concisely that she was. + + “And that I suppose is one of your sisters.” + + “Yes, madam,” said Mrs. Bennet, delighted to speak to Lady + Catherine. “She is my youngest girl but one. My youngest of all + is lately married, and my eldest is somewhere about the grounds, + walking with a young man who, I believe, will soon become a part + of the family.” + + “You have a very small park here,” returned Lady Catherine after + a short silence. + + “It is nothing in comparison of Rosings, my lady, I dare say; but + I assure you it is much larger than Sir William Lucas’s.” + + “This must be a most inconvenient sitting room for the evening, + in summer; the windows are full west.” + + Mrs. Bennet assured her that they never sat there after dinner, + and then added: + + “May I take the liberty of asking your ladyship whether you left + Mr. and Mrs. Collins well.” + + “Yes, very well. I saw them the night before last.” + + Elizabeth now expected that she would produce a letter for her + from Charlotte, as it seemed the only probable motive for her + calling. But no letter appeared, and she was completely puzzled. + + Mrs. Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take + some refreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not + very politely, declined eating anything; and then, rising up, + said to Elizabeth, + + “Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of a little + wilderness on one side of your lawn. I should be glad to take a + turn in it, if you will favour me with your company.” + + “Go, my dear,” cried her mother, “and show her ladyship about the + different walks. I think she will be pleased with the hermitage.” + + Elizabeth obeyed, and running into her own room for her parasol, + attended her noble guest downstairs. As they passed through the + hall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the dining-parlour and + drawing-room, and pronouncing them, after a short survey, to be + decent looking rooms, walked on. + + Her carriage remained at the door, and Elizabeth saw that her + waiting-woman was in it. They proceeded in silence along the + gravel walk that led to the copse; Elizabeth was determined to + make no effort for conversation with a woman who was now more + than usually insolent and disagreeable. + + “How could I ever think her like her nephew?” said she, as she + looked in her face. + + As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the + following manner:— + + “You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of + my journey hither. Your own heart, your own conscience, must tell + you why I come.” + + Elizabeth looked with unaffected astonishment. + + “Indeed, you are mistaken, Madam. I have not been at all able to + account for the honour of seeing you here.” + + “Miss Bennet,” replied her ladyship, in an angry tone, “you ought + to know, that I am not to be trifled with. But however insincere + you may choose to be, you shall not find me so. My character + has ever been celebrated for its sincerity and frankness, and in + a cause of such moment as this, I shall certainly not depart from + it. A report of a most alarming nature reached me two days ago. I + was told that not only your sister was on the point of being most + advantageously married, but that you, that Miss Elizabeth Bennet, + would, in all likelihood, be soon afterwards united to my nephew, + my own nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I know it must be a scandalous + falsehood, though I would not injure him so much as to suppose + the truth of it possible, I instantly resolved on setting off for + this place, that I might make my sentiments known to you.” + + “If you believed it impossible to be true,” said Elizabeth, + colouring with astonishment and disdain, “I wonder you took the + trouble of coming so far. What could your ladyship propose by + it?” + + “At once to insist upon having such a report universally + contradicted.” + + “Your coming to Longbourn, to see me and my family,” said + Elizabeth coolly, “will be rather a confirmation of it; if, + indeed, such a report is in existence.” + + “If! Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Has it not been + industriously circulated by yourselves? Do you not know that such + a report is spread abroad?” + + “I never heard that it was.” + + “And can you likewise declare, that there is no foundation for + it?” + + “I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your ladyship. + You may ask questions which I shall not choose to answer.” + + “This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist on being + satisfied. Has he, has my nephew, made you an offer of marriage?” + + “Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible.” + + “It ought to be so; it must be so, while he retains the use of + his reason. But your arts and allurements may, in a moment of + infatuation, have made him forget what he owes to himself and to + all his family. You may have drawn him in.” + + “If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it.” + + “Miss Bennet, do you know who I am? I have not been accustomed to + such language as this. I am almost the nearest relation he has in + the world, and am entitled to know all his dearest concerns.” + + “But you are not entitled to know mine; nor will such behaviour + as this, ever induce me to be explicit.” + + “Let me be rightly understood. This match, to which you have the + presumption to aspire, can never take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy + is engaged to my daughter. Now what have you to say?” + + “Only this; that if he is so, you can have no reason to suppose + he will make an offer to me.” + + Lady Catherine hesitated for a moment, and then replied: + + “The engagement between them is of a peculiar kind. From their + infancy, they have been intended for each other. It was the + favourite wish of his mother, as well as of hers. While in + their cradles, we planned the union: and now, at the moment when + the wishes of both sisters would be accomplished in their + marriage, to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of + no importance in the world, and wholly unallied to the family! Do + you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? To his tacit + engagement with Miss de Bourgh? Are you lost to every feeling of + propriety and delicacy? Have you not heard me say that from his + earliest hours he was destined for his cousin?” + + “Yes, and I had heard it before. But what is that to me? If there + is no other objection to my marrying your nephew, I shall + certainly not be kept from it by knowing that his mother and aunt + wished him to marry Miss de Bourgh. You both did as much as you + could in planning the marriage. Its completion depended on + others. If Mr. Darcy is neither by honour nor inclination + confined to his cousin, why is not he to make another choice? And + if I am that choice, why may not I accept him?” + + “Because honour, decorum, prudence, nay, interest, forbid it. + Yes, Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by + his family or friends, if you wilfully act against the + inclinations of all. You will be censured, slighted, and + despised, by everyone connected with him. Your alliance will be a + disgrace; your name will never even be mentioned by any of us.” + + “These are heavy misfortunes,” replied Elizabeth. “But the wife + of Mr. Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness + necessarily attached to her situation, that she could, upon the + whole, have no cause to repine.” + + “Obstinate, headstrong girl! I am ashamed of you! Is this your + gratitude for my attentions to you last spring? Is nothing due to + me on that score? Let us sit down. You are to understand, Miss + Bennet, that I came here with the determined resolution of + carrying my purpose; nor will I be dissuaded from it. I have not + been used to submit to any person’s whims. I have not been in the + habit of brooking disappointment.” + + “That will make your ladyship’s situation at present more + pitiable; but it will have no effect on me.” + + “I will not be interrupted. Hear me in silence. My daughter and + my nephew are formed for each other. They are descended, on the + maternal side, from the same noble line; and, on the father’s, + from respectable, honourable, and ancient—though + untitled—families. Their fortune on both sides is splendid. They + are destined for each other by the voice of every member of their + respective houses; and what is to divide them? The upstart + pretensions of a young woman without family, connections, or + fortune. Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be. If + you were sensible of your own good, you would not wish to quit + the sphere in which you have been brought up.” + + “In marrying your nephew, I should not consider myself as + quitting that sphere. He is a gentleman; I am a gentleman’s + daughter; so far we are equal.” + + “True. You are a gentleman’s daughter. But who was your mother? + Who are your uncles and aunts? Do not imagine me ignorant of + their condition.” + + “Whatever my connections may be,” said Elizabeth, “if your nephew + does not object to them, they can be nothing to you.” + + “Tell me once for all, are you engaged to him?” + + Though Elizabeth would not, for the mere purpose of obliging Lady + Catherine, have answered this question, she could not but say, + after a moment’s deliberation: + + “I am not.” + + Lady Catherine seemed pleased. + + “And will you promise me, never to enter into such an + engagement?” + + “I will make no promise of the kind.” + + “Miss Bennet I am shocked and astonished. I expected to find a + more reasonable young woman. But do not deceive yourself into a + belief that I will ever recede. I shall not go away till you have + given me the assurance I require.” + + “And I certainly never shall give it. I am not to be + intimidated into anything so wholly unreasonable. Your ladyship + wants Mr. Darcy to marry your daughter; but would my giving you + the wished-for promise make their marriage at all more + probable? Supposing him to be attached to me, would my refusing + to accept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin? + Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which + you have supported this extraordinary application have been as + frivolous as the application was ill-judged. You have widely + mistaken my character, if you think I can be worked on by such + persuasions as these. How far your nephew might approve of your + interference in his affairs, I cannot tell; but you have + certainly no right to concern yourself in mine. I must beg, + therefore, to be importuned no farther on the subject.” + + “Not so hasty, if you please. I have by no means done. To all the + objections I have already urged, I have still another to add. I + am no stranger to the particulars of your youngest sister’s + infamous elopement. I know it all; that the young man’s marrying + her was a patched-up business, at the expence of your father and + uncles. And is such a girl to be my nephew’s sister? Is her + husband, who is the son of his late father’s steward, to be his + brother? Heaven and earth!—of what are you thinking? Are the + shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?” + + “You can now have nothing further to say,” she resentfully + answered. “You have insulted me in every possible method. I must + beg to return to the house.” + + And she rose as she spoke. Lady Catherine rose also, and they + turned back. Her ladyship was highly incensed. + + “You have no regard, then, for the honour and credit of my + nephew! Unfeeling, selfish girl! Do you not consider that a + connection with you must disgrace him in the eyes of everybody?” + + “Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say. You know my + sentiments.” + + “You are then resolved to have him?” + + “I have said no such thing. I am only resolved to act in that + manner, which will, in my own opinion, constitute my happiness, + without reference to you, or to any person so wholly + unconnected with me.” + + “It is well. You refuse, then, to oblige me. You refuse to obey + the claims of duty, honour, and gratitude. You are determined to + ruin him in the opinion of all his friends, and make him the + contempt of the world.” + + “Neither duty, nor honour, nor gratitude,” replied Elizabeth, + “have any possible claim on me, in the present instance. No + principle of either would be violated by my marriage with Mr. + Darcy. And with regard to the resentment of his family, or the + indignation of the world, if the former were excited by his + marrying me, it would not give me one moment’s concern—and the + world in general would have too much sense to join in the scorn.” + + “And this is your real opinion! This is your final resolve! Very + well. I shall now know how to act. Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, + that your ambition will ever be gratified. I came to try you. I + hoped to find you reasonable; but, depend upon it, I will carry + my point.” + + In this manner Lady Catherine talked on, till they were at the + door of the carriage, when, turning hastily round, she added, “I + take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your + mother. You deserve no such attention. I am most seriously + displeased.” + + Elizabeth made no answer; and without attempting to persuade her + ladyship to return into the house, walked quietly into it + herself. She heard the carriage drive away as she proceeded up + stairs. Her mother impatiently met her at the door of the + dressing-room, to ask why Lady Catherine would not come in again + and rest herself. + + “She did not choose it,” said her daughter, “she would go.” + + “She is a very fine-looking woman! and her calling here was + prodigiously civil! for she only came, I suppose, to tell us the + Collinses were well. She is on her road somewhere, I dare say, + and so, passing through Meryton, thought she might as well call + on you. I suppose she had nothing particular to say to you, + Lizzy?” + + Elizabeth was forced to give into a little falsehood here; for to + acknowledge the substance of their conversation was impossible. + + + + + + The discomposure of spirits which this extraordinary visit threw + Elizabeth into, could not be easily overcome; nor could she, for + many hours, learn to think of it less than incessantly. Lady + Catherine, it appeared, had actually taken the trouble of this + journey from Rosings, for the sole purpose of breaking off her + supposed engagement with Mr. Darcy. It was a rational scheme, to + be sure! but from what the report of their engagement could + originate, Elizabeth was at a loss to imagine; till she + recollected that his being the intimate friend of Bingley, and + her being the sister of Jane, was enough, at a time when the + expectation of one wedding made everybody eager for another, to + supply the idea. She had not herself forgotten to feel that the + marriage of her sister must bring them more frequently together. + And her neighbours at Lucas Lodge, therefore (for through their + communication with the Collinses, the report, she concluded, had + reached Lady Catherine), had only set that down as almost + certain and immediate, which she had looked forward to as + possible at some future time. + + In revolving Lady Catherine’s expressions, however, she could not + help feeling some uneasiness as to the possible consequence of + her persisting in this interference. From what she had said of + her resolution to prevent their marriage, it occurred to + Elizabeth that she must meditate an application to her nephew; + and how he might take a similar representation of the evils + attached to a connection with her, she dared not pronounce. She + knew not the exact degree of his affection for his aunt, or his + dependence on her judgment, but it was natural to suppose that he + thought much higher of her ladyship than she could do; and it + was certain that, in enumerating the miseries of a marriage with + one, whose immediate connections were so unequal to his own, + his aunt would address him on his weakest side. With his notions + of dignity, he would probably feel that the arguments, which to + Elizabeth had appeared weak and ridiculous, contained much good + sense and solid reasoning. + + If he had been wavering before as to what he should do, which had + often seemed likely, the advice and entreaty of so near a + relation might settle every doubt, and determine him at once to + be as happy as dignity unblemished could make him. In that case + he would return no more. Lady Catherine might see him in her way + through town; and his engagement to Bingley of coming again to + Netherfield must give way. + + “If, therefore, an excuse for not keeping his promise should come + to his friend within a few days,” she added, “I shall know how to + understand it. I shall then give over every expectation, every + wish of his constancy. If he is satisfied with only regretting + me, when he might have obtained my affections and hand, I shall + soon cease to regret him at all.” + + The surprise of the rest of the family, on hearing who their + visitor had been, was very great; but they obligingly satisfied + it, with the same kind of supposition which had appeased Mrs. + Bennet’s curiosity; and Elizabeth was spared from much teasing on + the subject. + + The next morning, as she was going downstairs, she was met by her + father, who came out of his library with a letter in his hand. + + “Lizzy,” said he, “I was going to look for you; come into my + room.” + + She followed him thither; and her curiosity to know what he had + to tell her was heightened by the supposition of its being in + some manner connected with the letter he held. It suddenly struck + her that it might be from Lady Catherine; and she anticipated + with dismay all the consequent explanations. + + She followed her father to the fire place, and they both sat + down. He then said, + + “I have received a letter this morning that has astonished me + exceedingly. As it principally concerns yourself, you ought to + know its contents. I did not know before, that I had two + daughters on the brink of matrimony. Let me congratulate you on a + very important conquest.” + + The colour now rushed into Elizabeth’s cheeks in the + instantaneous conviction of its being a letter from the nephew, + instead of the aunt; and she was undetermined whether most to be + pleased that he explained himself at all, or offended that his + letter was not rather addressed to herself; when her father + continued: + + “You look conscious. Young ladies have great penetration in such + matters as these; but I think I may defy even your sagacity, to + discover the name of your admirer. This letter is from Mr. + Collins.” + + “From Mr. Collins! and what can he have to say?” + + “Something very much to the purpose of course. He begins with + congratulations on the approaching nuptials of my eldest + daughter, of which, it seems, he has been told by some of the + good-natured, gossiping Lucases. I shall not sport with your + impatience, by reading what he says on that point. What relates + to yourself, is as follows: ‘Having thus offered you the sincere + congratulations of Mrs. Collins and myself on this happy event, + let me now add a short hint on the subject of another; of which + we have been advertised by the same authority. Your daughter + Elizabeth, it is presumed, will not long bear the name of Bennet, + after her elder sister has resigned it, and the chosen partner of + her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one of the most + illustrious personages in this land.’ + + “Can you possibly guess, Lizzy, who is meant by this? ‘This young + gentleman is blessed, in a peculiar way, with every thing the + heart of mortal can most desire,—splendid property, noble + kindred, and extensive patronage. Yet in spite of all these + temptations, let me warn my cousin Elizabeth, and yourself, of + what evils you may incur by a precipitate closure with this + gentleman’s proposals, which, of course, you will be inclined to + take immediate advantage of.’ + + “Have you any idea, Lizzy, who this gentleman is? But now it + comes out: + + “‘My motive for cautioning you is as follows. We have reason to + imagine that his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, does not look on + the match with a friendly eye.’ + + “Mr. Darcy, you see, is the man! Now, Lizzy, I think I have + surprised you. Could he, or the Lucases, have pitched on any man + within the circle of our acquaintance, whose name would have + given the lie more effectually to what they related? Mr. Darcy, + who never looks at any woman but to see a blemish, and who + probably never looked at you in his life! It is admirable!” + + Elizabeth tried to join in her father’s pleasantry, but could + only force one most reluctant smile. Never had his wit been + directed in a manner so little agreeable to her. + + “Are you not diverted?” + + “Oh! yes. Pray read on.” + + “‘After mentioning the likelihood of this marriage to her + ladyship last night, she immediately, with her usual + condescension, expressed what she felt on the occasion; when it + became apparent, that on the score of some family objections on + the part of my cousin, she would never give her consent to what + she termed so disgraceful a match. I thought it my duty to give + the speediest intelligence of this to my cousin, that she and her + noble admirer may be aware of what they are about, and not run + hastily into a marriage which has not been properly sanctioned.’ + Mr. Collins moreover adds, ‘I am truly rejoiced that my cousin + Lydia’s sad business has been so well hushed up, and am only + concerned that their living together before the marriage took + place should be so generally known. I must not, however, neglect + the duties of my station, or refrain from declaring my amazement + at hearing that you received the young couple into your house as + soon as they were married. It was an encouragement of vice; and + had I been the rector of Longbourn, I should very strenuously + have opposed it. You ought certainly to forgive them, as a + Christian, but never to admit them in your sight, or allow their + names to be mentioned in your hearing.’ That is his notion of + Christian forgiveness! The rest of his letter is only about his + dear Charlotte’s situation, and his expectation of a young + olive-branch. But, Lizzy, you look as if you did not enjoy it. + You are not going to be missish, I hope, and pretend to be + affronted at an idle report. For what do we live, but to make + sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?” + + “Oh!” cried Elizabeth, “I am excessively diverted. But it is so + strange!” + + “Yes—that is what makes it amusing. Had they fixed on any other + man it would have been nothing; but his perfect indifference, + and your pointed dislike, make it so delightfully absurd! Much + as I abominate writing, I would not give up Mr. Collins’s + correspondence for any consideration. Nay, when I read a letter + of his, I cannot help giving him the preference even over + Wickham, much as I value the impudence and hypocrisy of my + son-in-law. And pray, Lizzy, what said Lady Catherine about this + report? Did she call to refuse her consent?” + + To this question his daughter replied only with a laugh; and as + it had been asked without the least suspicion, she was not + distressed by his repeating it. Elizabeth had never been more at + a loss to make her feelings appear what they were not. It was + necessary to laugh, when she would rather have cried. Her father + had most cruelly mortified her, by what he said of Mr. Darcy’s + indifference, and she could do nothing but wonder at such a want + of penetration, or fear that perhaps, instead of his seeing too + little, she might have fancied too much. + + + + + + Instead of receiving any such letter of excuse from his friend, + as Elizabeth half expected Mr. Bingley to do, he was able to + bring Darcy with him to Longbourn before many days had passed + after Lady Catherine’s visit. The gentlemen arrived early; and, + before Mrs. Bennet had time to tell him of their having seen his + aunt, of which her daughter sat in momentary dread, Bingley, who + wanted to be alone with Jane, proposed their all walking out. It + was agreed to. Mrs. Bennet was not in the habit of walking; Mary + could never spare time; but the remaining five set off together. + Bingley and Jane, however, soon allowed the others to outstrip + them. They lagged behind, while Elizabeth, Kitty, and Darcy were + to entertain each other. Very little was said by either; Kitty + was too much afraid of him to talk; Elizabeth was secretly + forming a desperate resolution; and perhaps he might be doing the + same. + + They walked towards the Lucases, because Kitty wished to call + upon Maria; and as Elizabeth saw no occasion for making it a + general concern, when Kitty left them she went boldly on with him + alone. Now was the moment for her resolution to be executed, and, + while her courage was high, she immediately said: + + “Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and, for the sake of + giving relief to my own feelings, care not how much I may be + wounding yours. I can no longer help thanking you for your + unexampled kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known + it, I have been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully + I feel it. Were it known to the rest of my family, I should not + have merely my own gratitude to express.” + + “I am sorry, exceedingly sorry,” replied Darcy, in a tone of + surprise and emotion, “that you have ever been informed of what + may, in a mistaken light, have given you uneasiness. I did not + think Mrs. Gardiner was so little to be trusted.” + + “You must not blame my aunt. Lydia’s thoughtlessness first + betrayed to me that you had been concerned in the matter; and, of + course, I could not rest till I knew the particulars. Let me + thank you again and again, in the name of all my family, for that + generous compassion which induced you to take so much trouble, + and bear so many mortifications, for the sake of discovering + them.” + + “If you will thank me,” he replied, “let it be for yourself + alone. That the wish of giving happiness to you might add force + to the other inducements which led me on, I shall not attempt to + deny. But your family owe me nothing. Much as I respect them, I + believe I thought only of you.” + + Elizabeth was too much embarrassed to say a word. After a short + pause, her companion added, “You are too generous to trifle with + me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me + so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged, but one + word from you will silence me on this subject for ever.” + + Elizabeth, feeling all the more than common awkwardness and + anxiety of his situation, now forced herself to speak; and + immediately, though not very fluently, gave him to understand + that her sentiments had undergone so material a change, since the + period to which he alluded, as to make her receive with gratitude + and pleasure his present assurances. The happiness which this + reply produced, was such as he had probably never felt before; + and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and as + warmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do. Had + Elizabeth been able to encounter his eye, she might have seen how + well the expression of heartfelt delight, diffused over his face, + became him; but, though she could not look, she could listen, and + he told her of feelings, which, in proving of what importance she + was to him, made his affection every moment more valuable. + + They walked on, without knowing in what direction. There was too + much to be thought, and felt, and said, for attention to any + other objects. She soon learnt that they were indebted for their + present good understanding to the efforts of his aunt, who did + call on him in her return through London, and there relate her + journey to Longbourn, its motive, and the substance of her + conversation with Elizabeth; dwelling emphatically on every + expression of the latter which, in her ladyship’s apprehension, + peculiarly denoted her perverseness and assurance; in the belief + that such a relation must assist her endeavours to obtain that + promise from her nephew which she had refused to give. But, + unluckily for her ladyship, its effect had been exactly + contrariwise. + + “It taught me to hope,” said he, “as I had scarcely ever allowed + myself to hope before. I knew enough of your disposition to be + certain that, had you been absolutely, irrevocably decided + against me, you would have acknowledged it to Lady Catherine, + frankly and openly.” + + Elizabeth coloured and laughed as she replied, “Yes, you know + enough of my frankness to believe me capable of that. After + abusing you so abominably to your face, I could have no scruple + in abusing you to all your relations.” + + “What did you say of me, that I did not deserve? For, though your + accusations were ill-founded, formed on mistaken premises, my + behaviour to you at the time had merited the severest reproof. It + was unpardonable. I cannot think of it without abhorrence.” + + “We will not quarrel for the greater share of blame annexed to + that evening,” said Elizabeth. “The conduct of neither, if + strictly examined, will be irreproachable; but since then, we + have both, I hope, improved in civility.” + + “I cannot be so easily reconciled to myself. The recollection of + what I then said, of my conduct, my manners, my expressions + during the whole of it, is now, and has been many months, + inexpressibly painful to me. Your reproof, so well applied, I + shall never forget: ‘had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike + manner.’ Those were your words. You know not, you can scarcely + conceive, how they have tortured me;—though it was some time, I + confess, before I was reasonable enough to allow their justice.” + + “I was certainly very far from expecting them to make so strong + an impression. I had not the smallest idea of their being ever + felt in such a way.” + + “I can easily believe it. You thought me then devoid of every + proper feeling, I am sure you did. The turn of your countenance I + shall never forget, as you said that I could not have addressed + you in any possible way that would induce you to accept me.” + + “Oh! do not repeat what I then said. These recollections will not + do at all. I assure you that I have long been most heartily + ashamed of it.” + + Darcy mentioned his letter. “Did it,” said he, “did it soon make + you think better of me? Did you, on reading it, give any credit + to its contents?” + + She explained what its effect on her had been, and how gradually + all her former prejudices had been removed. + + “I knew,” said he, “that what I wrote must give you pain, but it + was necessary. I hope you have destroyed the letter. There was + one part especially, the opening of it, which I should dread your + having the power of reading again. I can remember some + expressions which might justly make you hate me.” + + “The letter shall certainly be burnt, if you believe it essential + to the preservation of my regard; but, though we have both reason + to think my opinions not entirely unalterable, they are not, I + hope, quite so easily changed as that implies.” + + “When I wrote that letter,” replied Darcy, “I believed myself + perfectly calm and cool, but I am since convinced that it was + written in a dreadful bitterness of spirit.” + + “The letter, perhaps, began in bitterness, but it did not end so. + The adieu is charity itself. But think no more of the letter. The + feelings of the person who wrote, and the person who received it, + are now so widely different from what they were then, that every + unpleasant circumstance attending it ought to be forgotten. You + must learn some of my philosophy. Think only of the past as its + remembrance gives you pleasure.” + + “I cannot give you credit for any philosophy of the kind. Your + retrospections must be so totally void of reproach, that the + contentment arising from them is not of philosophy, but, what is + much better, of innocence. But with me, it is not so. Painful + recollections will intrude which cannot, which ought not, to be + repelled. I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, + though not in principle. As a child I was taught what was + right, but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given + good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit. + Unfortunately an only son (for many years an only child), I was + spoilt by my parents, who, though good themselves (my father, + particularly, all that was benevolent and amiable), allowed, + encouraged, almost taught me to be selfish and overbearing; to + care for none beyond my own family circle; to think meanly of all + the rest of the world; to wish at least to think meanly of + their sense and worth compared with my own. Such I was, from + eight to eight and twenty; and such I might still have been but + for you, dearest, loveliest Elizabeth! What do I not owe you! You + taught me a lesson, hard indeed at first, but most advantageous. + By you, I was properly humbled. I came to you without a doubt of + my reception. You showed me how insufficient were all my + pretensions to please a woman worthy of being pleased.” + + “Had you then persuaded yourself that I should?” + + “Indeed I had. What will you think of my vanity? I believed you + to be wishing, expecting my addresses.” + + “My manners must have been in fault, but not intentionally, I + assure you. I never meant to deceive you, but my spirits might + often lead me wrong. How you must have hated me after that + evening?” + + “Hate you! I was angry perhaps at first, but my anger soon began + to take a proper direction.” + + “I am almost afraid of asking what you thought of me, when we met + at Pemberley. You blamed me for coming?” + + “No indeed; I felt nothing but surprise.” + + “Your surprise could not be greater than mine in being noticed + by you. My conscience told me that I deserved no extraordinary + politeness, and I confess that I did not expect to receive more + than my due.” + + “My object then,” replied Darcy, “was to show you, by every + civility in my power, that I was not so mean as to resent the + past; and I hoped to obtain your forgiveness, to lessen your ill + opinion, by letting you see that your reproofs had been attended + to. How soon any other wishes introduced themselves I can hardly + tell, but I believe in about half an hour after I had seen you.” + + He then told her of Georgiana’s delight in her acquaintance, and + of her disappointment at its sudden interruption; which naturally + leading to the cause of that interruption, she soon learnt that + his resolution of following her from Derbyshire in quest of her + sister had been formed before he quitted the inn, and that his + gravity and thoughtfulness there had arisen from no other + struggles than what such a purpose must comprehend. + + She expressed her gratitude again, but it was too painful a + subject to each, to be dwelt on farther. + + After walking several miles in a leisurely manner, and too busy + to know anything about it, they found at last, on examining their + watches, that it was time to be at home. + + “What could become of Mr. Bingley and Jane!” was a wonder which + introduced the discussion of their affairs. Darcy was delighted + with their engagement; his friend had given him the earliest + information of it. + + “I must ask whether you were surprised?” said Elizabeth. + + “Not at all. When I went away, I felt that it would soon happen.” + + “That is to say, you had given your permission. I guessed as + much.” And though he exclaimed at the term, she found that it had + been pretty much the case. + + “On the evening before my going to London,” said he, “I made a + confession to him, which I believe I ought to have made long ago. + I told him of all that had occurred to make my former + interference in his affairs absurd and impertinent. His surprise + was great. He had never had the slightest suspicion. I told him, + moreover, that I believed myself mistaken in supposing, as I had + done, that your sister was indifferent to him; and as I could + easily perceive that his attachment to her was unabated, I felt + no doubt of their happiness together.” + + Elizabeth could not help smiling at his easy manner of directing + his friend. + + “Did you speak from your own observation,” said she, “when you + told him that my sister loved him, or merely from my information + last spring?” + + “From the former. I had narrowly observed her during the two + visits which I had lately made here; and I was convinced of her + affection.” + + “And your assurance of it, I suppose, carried immediate + conviction to him.” + + “It did. Bingley is most unaffectedly modest. His diffidence had + prevented his depending on his own judgment in so anxious a case, + but his reliance on mine made every thing easy. I was obliged to + confess one thing, which for a time, and not unjustly, offended + him. I could not allow myself to conceal that your sister had + been in town three months last winter, that I had known it, and + purposely kept it from him. He was angry. But his anger, I am + persuaded, lasted no longer than he remained in any doubt of your + sister’s sentiments. He has heartily forgiven me now.” + + Elizabeth longed to observe that Mr. Bingley had been a most + delightful friend; so easily guided that his worth was + invaluable; but she checked herself. She remembered that he had + yet to learn to be laughed at, and it was rather too early to + begin. In anticipating the happiness of Bingley, which of course + was to be inferior only to his own, he continued the conversation + till they reached the house. In the hall they parted. + + + + + + “My dear Lizzy, where can you have been walking to?” was a + question which Elizabeth received from Jane as soon as she + entered their room, and from all the others when they sat down to + table. She had only to say in reply, that they had wandered + about, till she was beyond her own knowledge. She coloured as she + spoke; but neither that, nor anything else, awakened a suspicion + of the truth. + + The evening passed quietly, unmarked by anything extraordinary. + The acknowledged lovers talked and laughed, the unacknowledged + were silent. Darcy was not of a disposition in which happiness + overflows in mirth; and Elizabeth, agitated and confused, rather + knew that she was happy than felt herself to be so; for, + besides the immediate embarrassment, there were other evils + before her. She anticipated what would be felt in the family when + her situation became known; she was aware that no one liked him + but Jane; and even feared that with the others it was a dislike + which not all his fortune and consequence might do away. + + At night she opened her heart to Jane. Though suspicion was very + far from Miss Bennet’s general habits, she was absolutely + incredulous here. + + “You are joking, Lizzy. This cannot be!—engaged to Mr. Darcy! No, + no, you shall not deceive me. I know it to be impossible.” + + “This is a wretched beginning indeed! My sole dependence was on + you; and I am sure nobody else will believe me, if you do not. + Yet, indeed, I am in earnest. I speak nothing but the truth. He + still loves me, and we are engaged.” + + Jane looked at her doubtingly. “Oh, Lizzy! it cannot be. I know + how much you dislike him.” + + “You know nothing of the matter. That is all to be forgot. + Perhaps I did not always love him so well as I do now. But in + such cases as these, a good memory is unpardonable. This is the + last time I shall ever remember it myself.” + + Miss Bennet still looked all amazement. Elizabeth again, and more + seriously assured her of its truth. + + “Good Heaven! can it be really so! Yet now I must believe you,” + cried Jane. “My dear, dear Lizzy, I would—I do congratulate + you—but are you certain? forgive the question—are you quite + certain that you can be happy with him?” + + “There can be no doubt of that. It is settled between us already, + that we are to be the happiest couple in the world. But are you + pleased, Jane? Shall you like to have such a brother?” + + “Very, very much. Nothing could give either Bingley or myself + more delight. But we considered it, we talked of it as + impossible. And do you really love him quite well enough? Oh, + Lizzy! do anything rather than marry without affection. Are you + quite sure that you feel what you ought to do?” + + “Oh, yes! You will only think I feel more than I ought to do, + when I tell you all.” + + “What do you mean?” + + “Why, I must confess that I love him better than I do Bingley. I + am afraid you will be angry.” + + “My dearest sister, now be serious. I want to talk very + seriously. Let me know every thing that I am to know, without + delay. Will you tell me how long you have loved him?” + + “It has been coming on so gradually, that I hardly know when it + began. But I believe I must date it from my first seeing his + beautiful grounds at Pemberley.” + + Another entreaty that she would be serious, however, produced the + desired effect; and she soon satisfied Jane by her solemn + assurances of attachment. When convinced on that article, Miss + Bennet had nothing further to wish. + + “Now I am quite happy,” said she, “for you will be as happy as + myself. I always had a value for him. Were it for nothing but his + love of you, I must always have esteemed him; but now, as + Bingley’s friend and your husband, there can be only Bingley and + yourself more dear to me. But Lizzy, you have been very sly, very + reserved with me. How little did you tell me of what passed at + Pemberley and Lambton! I owe all that I know of it to another, + not to you.” + + Elizabeth told her the motives of her secrecy. She had been + unwilling to mention Bingley; and the unsettled state of her own + feelings had made her equally avoid the name of his friend. But + now she would no longer conceal from her his share in Lydia’s + marriage. All was acknowledged, and half the night spent in + conversation. + + “Good gracious!” cried Mrs. Bennet, as she stood at a window the + next morning, “if that disagreeable Mr. Darcy is not coming here + again with our dear Bingley! What can he mean by being so + tiresome as to be always coming here? I had no notion but he + would go a-shooting, or something or other, and not disturb us + with his company. What shall we do with him? Lizzy, you must walk + out with him again, that he may not be in Bingley’s way.” + + Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a proposal; + yet was really vexed that her mother should be always giving him + such an epithet. + + As soon as they entered, Bingley looked at her so expressively, + and shook hands with such warmth, as left no doubt of his good + information; and he soon afterwards said aloud, “Mrs. Bennet, + have you no more lanes hereabouts in which Lizzy may lose her way + again to-day?” + + “I advise Mr. Darcy, and Lizzy, and Kitty,” said Mrs. Bennet, “to + walk to Oakham Mount this morning. It is a nice long walk, and + Mr. Darcy has never seen the view.” + + “It may do very well for the others,” replied Mr. Bingley; “but I + am sure it will be too much for Kitty. Won’t it, Kitty?” Kitty + owned that she had rather stay at home. Darcy professed a great + curiosity to see the view from the Mount, and Elizabeth silently + consented. As she went up stairs to get ready, Mrs. Bennet + followed her, saying: + + “I am quite sorry, Lizzy, that you should be forced to have that + disagreeable man all to yourself. But I hope you will not mind + it: it is all for Jane’s sake, you know; and there is no occasion + for talking to him, except just now and then. So, do not put + yourself to inconvenience.” + + During their walk, it was resolved that Mr. Bennet’s consent + should be asked in the course of the evening. Elizabeth reserved + to herself the application for her mother’s. She could not + determine how her mother would take it; sometimes doubting + whether all his wealth and grandeur would be enough to overcome + her abhorrence of the man. But whether she were violently set + against the match, or violently delighted with it, it was certain + that her manner would be equally ill adapted to do credit to her + sense; and she could no more bear that Mr. Darcy should hear the + first raptures of her joy, than the first vehemence of her + disapprobation. + + In the evening, soon after Mr. Bennet withdrew to the library, + she saw Mr. Darcy rise also and follow him, and her agitation on + seeing it was extreme. She did not fear her father’s opposition, + but he was going to be made unhappy; and that it should be + through her means—that she, his favourite child, should be + distressing him by her choice, should be filling him with fears + and regrets in disposing of her—was a wretched reflection, and + she sat in misery till Mr. Darcy appeared again, when, looking at + him, she was a little relieved by his smile. In a few minutes he + approached the table where she was sitting with Kitty; and, while + pretending to admire her work said in a whisper, “Go to your + father, he wants you in the library.” She was gone directly. + + Her father was walking about the room, looking grave and anxious. + “Lizzy,” said he, “what are you doing? Are you out of your + senses, to be accepting this man? Have not you always hated him?” + + How earnestly did she then wish that her former opinions had been + more reasonable, her expressions more moderate! It would have + spared her from explanations and professions which it was + exceedingly awkward to give; but they were now necessary, and she + assured him, with some confusion, of her attachment to Mr. Darcy. + + “Or, in other words, you are determined to have him. He is rich, + to be sure, and you may have more fine clothes and fine carriages + than Jane. But will they make you happy?” + + “Have you any other objection,” said Elizabeth, “than your belief + of my indifference?” + + “None at all. We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of + man; but this would be nothing if you really liked him.” + + “I do, I do like him,” she replied, with tears in her eyes, “I + love him. Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly + amiable. You do not know what he really is; then pray do not pain + me by speaking of him in such terms.” + + “Lizzy,” said her father, “I have given him my consent. He is the + kind of man, indeed, to whom I should never dare refuse anything, + which he condescended to ask. I now give it to you, if you are + resolved on having him. But let me advise you to think better of + it. I know your disposition, Lizzy. I know that you could be + neither happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your + husband; unless you looked up to him as a superior. Your lively + talents would place you in the greatest danger in an unequal + marriage. You could scarcely escape discredit and misery. My + child, let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to + respect your partner in life. You know not what you are about.” + + Elizabeth, still more affected, was earnest and solemn in her + reply; and at length, by repeated assurances that Mr. Darcy was + really the object of her choice, by explaining the gradual change + which her estimation of him had undergone, relating her absolute + certainty that his affection was not the work of a day, but had + stood the test of many months’ suspense, and enumerating with + energy all his good qualities, she did conquer her father’s + incredulity, and reconcile him to the match. + + “Well, my dear,” said he, when she ceased speaking, “I have no + more to say. If this be the case, he deserves you. I could not + have parted with you, my Lizzy, to anyone less worthy.” + + To complete the favourable impression, she then told him what Mr. + Darcy had voluntarily done for Lydia. He heard her with + astonishment. + + “This is an evening of wonders, indeed! And so, Darcy did every + thing; made up the match, gave the money, paid the fellow’s + debts, and got him his commission! So much the better. It will + save me a world of trouble and economy. Had it been your uncle’s + doing, I must and would have paid him; but these violent young + lovers carry every thing their own way. I shall offer to pay him + to-morrow; he will rant and storm about his love for you, and + there will be an end of the matter.” + + He then recollected her embarrassment a few days before, on his + reading Mr. Collins’s letter; and after laughing at her some + time, allowed her at last to go—saying, as she quitted the room, + “If any young men come for Mary or Kitty, send them in, for I am + quite at leisure.” + + Elizabeth’s mind was now relieved from a very heavy weight; and, + after half an hour’s quiet reflection in her own room, she was + able to join the others with tolerable composure. Every thing was + too recent for gaiety, but the evening passed tranquilly away; + there was no longer anything material to be dreaded, and the + comfort of ease and familiarity would come in time. + + When her mother went up to her dressing-room at night, she + followed her, and made the important communication. Its effect + was most extraordinary; for on first hearing it, Mrs. Bennet sat + quite still, and unable to utter a syllable. Nor was it under + many, many minutes that she could comprehend what she heard; + though not in general backward to credit what was for the + advantage of her family, or that came in the shape of a lover to + any of them. She began at length to recover, to fidget about in + her chair, get up, sit down again, wonder, and bless herself. + + “Good gracious! Lord bless me! only think! dear me! Mr. Darcy! + Who would have thought it! And is it really true? Oh! my sweetest + Lizzy! how rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what + jewels, what carriages you will have! Jane’s is nothing to + it—nothing at all. I am so pleased—so happy. Such a charming + man!—so handsome! so tall!—Oh, my dear Lizzy! pray apologise for + my having disliked him so much before. I hope he will overlook + it. Dear, dear Lizzy. A house in town! Every thing that is + charming! Three daughters married! Ten thousand a year! Oh, Lord! + What will become of me. I shall go distracted.” + + This was enough to prove that her approbation need not be + doubted: and Elizabeth, rejoicing that such an effusion was heard + only by herself, soon went away. But before she had been three + minutes in her own room, her mother followed her. + + “My dearest child,” she cried, “I can think of nothing else! Ten + thousand a year, and very likely more! ’Tis as good as a Lord! + And a special licence. You must and shall be married by a special + licence. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is + particularly fond of, that I may have it to-morrow.” + + This was a sad omen of what her mother’s behaviour to the + gentleman himself might be; and Elizabeth found that, though in + the certain possession of his warmest affection, and secure of + her relations’ consent, there was still something to be wished + for. But the morrow passed off much better than she expected; for + Mrs. Bennet luckily stood in such awe of her intended son-in-law + that she ventured not to speak to him, unless it was in her power + to offer him any attention, or mark her deference for his + opinion. + + Elizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing her father taking pains + to get acquainted with him; and Mr. Bennet soon assured her that + he was rising every hour in his esteem. + + “I admire all my three sons-in-law highly,” said he. “Wickham, + perhaps, is my favourite; but I think I shall like your husband + quite as well as Jane’s.” + + + + + + Elizabeth’s spirits soon rising to playfulness again, she wanted + Mr. Darcy to account for his having ever fallen in love with her. + “How could you begin?” said she. “I can comprehend your going on + charmingly, when you had once made a beginning; but what could + set you off in the first place?” + + “I cannot fix on the hour, or the spot, or the look, or the + words, which laid the foundation. It is too long ago. I was in + the middle before I knew that I had begun.” + + “My beauty you had early withstood, and as for my manners—my + behaviour to you was at least always bordering on the uncivil, + and I never spoke to you without rather wishing to give you pain + than not. Now be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?” + + “For the liveliness of your mind, I did.” + + “You may as well call it impertinence at once. It was very little + less. The fact is, that you were sick of civility, of deference, + of officious attention. You were disgusted with the women who + were always speaking, and looking, and thinking for your + approbation alone. I roused, and interested you, because I was so + unlike them. Had you not been really amiable, you would have + hated me for it; but in spite of the pains you took to disguise + yourself, your feelings were always noble and just; and in your + heart, you thoroughly despised the persons who so assiduously + courted you. There—I have saved you the trouble of accounting for + it; and really, all things considered, I begin to think it + perfectly reasonable. To be sure, you knew no actual good of + me—but nobody thinks of that when they fall in love.” + + “Was there no good in your affectionate behaviour to Jane while + she was ill at Netherfield?” + + “Dearest Jane! who could have done less for her? But make a + virtue of it by all means. My good qualities are under your + protection, and you are to exaggerate them as much as possible; + and, in return, it belongs to me to find occasions for teasing + and quarrelling with you as often as may be; and I shall begin + directly by asking you what made you so unwilling to come to the + point at last. What made you so shy of me, when you first called, + and afterwards dined here? Why, especially, when you called, did + you look as if you did not care about me?” + + “Because you were grave and silent, and gave me no + encouragement.” + + “But I was embarrassed.” + + “And so was I.” + + “You might have talked to me more when you came to dinner.” + + “A man who had felt less, might.” + + “How unlucky that you should have a reasonable answer to give, + and that I should be so reasonable as to admit it! But I wonder + how long you would have gone on, if you had been left to + yourself. I wonder when you would have spoken, if I had not + asked you! My resolution of thanking you for your kindness to + Lydia had certainly great effect. Too much, I am afraid; for + what becomes of the moral, if our comfort springs from a breach + of promise? for I ought not to have mentioned the subject. This + will never do.” + + “You need not distress yourself. The moral will be perfectly + fair. Lady Catherine’s unjustifiable endeavours to separate us + were the means of removing all my doubts. I am not indebted for + my present happiness to your eager desire of expressing your + gratitude. I was not in a humour to wait for any opening of + yours. My aunt’s intelligence had given me hope, and I was + determined at once to know every thing.” + + “Lady Catherine has been of infinite use, which ought to make her + happy, for she loves to be of use. But tell me, what did you come + down to Netherfield for? Was it merely to ride to Longbourn and + be embarrassed? or had you intended any more serious + consequence?” + + “My real purpose was to see you, and to judge, if I could, + whether I might ever hope to make you love me. My avowed one, or + what I avowed to myself, was to see whether your sister were + still partial to Bingley, and if she were, to make the confession + to him which I have since made.” + + “Shall you ever have courage to announce to Lady Catherine what + is to befall her?” + + “I am more likely to want more time than courage, Elizabeth. But + it ought to be done, and if you will give me a sheet of paper, it + shall be done directly.” + + “And if I had not a letter to write myself, I might sit by you + and admire the evenness of your writing, as another young lady + once did. But I have an aunt, too, who must not be longer + neglected.” + + From an unwillingness to confess how much her intimacy with Mr. + Darcy had been over-rated, Elizabeth had never yet answered Mrs. + Gardiner’s long letter; but now, having that to communicate + which she knew would be most welcome, she was almost ashamed to + find that her uncle and aunt had already lost three days of + happiness, and immediately wrote as follows: + + “I would have thanked you before, my dear aunt, as I ought to + have done, for your long, kind, satisfactory, detail of + particulars; but to say the truth, I was too cross to write. You + supposed more than really existed. But now suppose as much as + you choose; give a loose rein to your fancy, indulge your + imagination in every possible flight which the subject will + afford, and unless you believe me actually married, you cannot + greatly err. You must write again very soon, and praise him a + great deal more than you did in your last. I thank you, again and + again, for not going to the Lakes. How could I be so silly as to + wish it! Your idea of the ponies is delightful. We will go round + the Park every day. I am the happiest creature in the world. + Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such + justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh. + Mr. Darcy sends you all the love in the world that he can spare + from me. You are all to come to Pemberley at Christmas. Yours, + etc.” + + Mr. Darcy’s letter to Lady Catherine was in a different style; + and still different from either was what Mr. Bennet sent to Mr. + Collins, in reply to his last. + + “Dear Sir, + “I must trouble you once more for congratulations. Elizabeth will + soon be the wife of Mr. Darcy. Console Lady Catherine as well as + you can. But, if I were you, I would stand by the nephew. He has + more to give. + + “Yours sincerely, etc.” + + Miss Bingley’s congratulations to her brother, on his approaching + marriage, were all that was affectionate and insincere. She wrote + even to Jane on the occasion, to express her delight, and repeat + all her former professions of regard. Jane was not deceived, but + she was affected; and though feeling no reliance on her, could + not help writing her a much kinder answer than she knew was + deserved. + + The joy which Miss Darcy expressed on receiving similar + information, was as sincere as her brother’s in sending it. Four + sides of paper were insufficient to contain all her delight, and + all her earnest desire of being loved by her sister. + + Before any answer could arrive from Mr. Collins, or any + congratulations to Elizabeth from his wife, the Longbourn family + heard that the Collinses were come themselves to Lucas Lodge. The + reason of this sudden removal was soon evident. Lady Catherine + had been rendered so exceedingly angry by the contents of her + nephew’s letter, that Charlotte, really rejoicing in the match, + was anxious to get away till the storm was blown over. At such a + moment, the arrival of her friend was a sincere pleasure to + Elizabeth, though in the course of their meetings she must + sometimes think the pleasure dearly bought, when she saw Mr. + Darcy exposed to all the parading and obsequious civility of her + husband. He bore it, however, with admirable calmness. He could + even listen to Sir William Lucas, when he complimented him on + carrying away the brightest jewel of the country, and expressed + his hopes of their all meeting frequently at St. James’s, with + very decent composure. If he did shrug his shoulders, it was not + till Sir William was out of sight. + + Mrs. Phillips’s vulgarity was another, and perhaps a greater, tax + on his forbearance; and though Mrs. Phillips, as well as her + sister, stood in too much awe of him to speak with the + familiarity which Bingley’s good humour encouraged, yet, whenever + she did speak, she must be vulgar. Nor was her respect for him, + though it made her more quiet, at all likely to make her more + elegant. Elizabeth did all she could to shield him from the + frequent notice of either, and was ever anxious to keep him to + herself, and to those of her family with whom he might converse + without mortification; and though the uncomfortable feelings + arising from all this took from the season of courtship much of + its pleasure, it added to the hope of the future; and she looked + forward with delight to the time when they should be removed from + society so little pleasing to either, to all the comfort and + elegance of their family party at Pemberley. + + + + + + Happy for all her maternal feelings was the day on which Mrs. + Bennet got rid of her two most deserving daughters. With what + delighted pride she afterwards visited Mrs. Bingley, and talked + of Mrs. Darcy, may be guessed. I wish I could say, for the sake + of her family, that the accomplishment of her earnest desire in + the establishment of so many of her children produced so happy an + effect as to make her a sensible, amiable, well-informed woman + for the rest of her life; though perhaps it was lucky for her + husband, who might not have relished domestic felicity in so + unusual a form, that she still was occasionally nervous and + invariably silly. + + Mr. Bennet missed his second daughter exceedingly; his affection + for her drew him oftener from home than anything else could do. + He delighted in going to Pemberley, especially when he was least + expected. + + Mr. Bingley and Jane remained at Netherfield only a twelvemonth. + So near a vicinity to her mother and Meryton relations was not + desirable even to his easy temper, or her affectionate heart. + The darling wish of his sisters was then gratified; he bought an + estate in a neighbouring county to Derbyshire, and Jane and + Elizabeth, in addition to every other source of happiness, were + within thirty miles of each other. + + Kitty, to her very material advantage, spent the chief of her + time with her two elder sisters. In society so superior to what + she had generally known, her improvement was great. She was not + of so ungovernable a temper as Lydia; and, removed from the + influence of Lydia’s example, she became, by proper attention and + management, less irritable, less ignorant, and less insipid. From + the further disadvantage of Lydia’s society she was of course + carefully kept, and though Mrs. Wickham frequently invited her to + come and stay with her, with the promise of balls and young men, + her father would never consent to her going. + + Mary was the only daughter who remained at home; and she was + necessarily drawn from the pursuit of accomplishments by Mrs. + Bennet’s being quite unable to sit alone. Mary was obliged to mix + more with the world, but she could still moralize over every + morning visit; and as she was no longer mortified by comparisons + between her sisters’ beauty and her own, it was suspected by her + father that she submitted to the change without much reluctance. + + As for Wickham and Lydia, their characters suffered no revolution + from the marriage of her sisters. He bore with philosophy the + conviction that Elizabeth must now become acquainted with + whatever of his ingratitude and falsehood had before been unknown + to her; and in spite of every thing, was not wholly without hope + that Darcy might yet be prevailed on to make his fortune. The + congratulatory letter which Elizabeth received from Lydia on her + marriage, explained to her that, by his wife at least, if not by + himself, such a hope was cherished. The letter was to this + effect: + + “My dear Lizzy, + “I wish you joy. If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my + dear Wickham, you must be very happy. It is a great comfort to + have you so rich, and when you have nothing else to do, I hope + you will think of us. I am sure Wickham would like a place at + court very much, and I do not think we shall have quite money + enough to live upon without some help. Any place would do, of + about three or four hundred a year; but however, do not speak to + Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not. + + “Yours, etc.” + + As it happened that Elizabeth had much rather not, she + endeavoured in her answer to put an end to every entreaty and + expectation of the kind. Such relief, however, as it was in her + power to afford, by the practice of what might be called economy + in her own private expences, she frequently sent them. It had + always been evident to her that such an income as theirs, under + the direction of two persons so extravagant in their wants, and + heedless of the future, must be very insufficient to their + support; and whenever they changed their quarters, either Jane or + herself were sure of being applied to for some little assistance + towards discharging their bills. Their manner of living, even + when the restoration of peace dismissed them to a home, was + unsettled in the extreme. They were always moving from place to + place in quest of a cheap situation, and always spending more + than they ought. His affection for her soon sunk into + indifference; hers lasted a little longer; and in spite of her + youth and her manners, she retained all the claims to reputation + which her marriage had given her. + + Though Darcy could never receive him at Pemberley, yet, for + Elizabeth’s sake, he assisted him further in his profession. + Lydia was occasionally a visitor there, when her husband was gone + to enjoy himself in London or Bath; and with the Bingleys they + both of them frequently staid so long, that even Bingley’s good + humour was overcome, and he proceeded so far as to talk of + giving them a hint to be gone. + + Miss Bingley was very deeply mortified by Darcy’s marriage; but + as she thought it advisable to retain the right of visiting at + Pemberley, she dropt all her resentment; was fonder than ever of + Georgiana, almost as attentive to Darcy as heretofore, and paid + off every arrear of civility to Elizabeth. + + Pemberley was now Georgiana’s home; and the attachment of the + sisters was exactly what Darcy had hoped to see. They were able + to love each other even as well as they intended. Georgiana had + the highest opinion in the world of Elizabeth; though at first + she often listened with an astonishment bordering on alarm at her + lively, sportive, manner of talking to her brother. He, who had + always inspired in herself a respect which almost overcame her + affection, she now saw the object of open pleasantry. Her mind + received knowledge which had never before fallen in her way. By + Elizabeth’s instructions, she began to comprehend that a woman + may take liberties with her husband which a brother will not + always allow in a sister more than ten years younger than + himself. + + Lady Catherine was extremely indignant on the marriage of her + nephew; and as she gave way to all the genuine frankness of her + character in her reply to the letter which announced its + arrangement, she sent him language so very abusive, especially of + Elizabeth, that for some time all intercourse was at an end. But + at length, by Elizabeth’s persuasion, he was prevailed on to + overlook the offence, and seek a reconciliation; and, after a + little further resistance on the part of his aunt, her resentment + gave way, either to her affection for him, or her curiosity to + see how his wife conducted herself; and she condescended to wait + on them at Pemberley, in spite of that pollution which its woods + had received, not merely from the presence of such a mistress, + but the visits of her uncle and aunt from the city. + + With the Gardiners, they were always on the most intimate terms. + Darcy, as well as Elizabeth, really loved them; and they were + both ever sensible of the warmest gratitude towards the persons + who, by bringing her into Derbyshire, had been the means of + uniting them. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/example/inputs/wonderland.txt b/example/inputs/wonderland.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3c6402d --- /dev/null +++ b/example/inputs/wonderland.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3334 @@ +Down the Rabbit-Hole + +Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the +bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into +the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or +conversations in it, “and what is the use of a book,” thought Alice +“without pictures or conversations?” + +So she was considering in her own mind (as well as she could, for the +hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whether the pleasure of +making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and +picking the daisies, when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran +close by her. + +There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it +so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself, “Oh +dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!” (when she thought it over afterwards, +it occurred to her that she ought to have wondered at this, but at the +time it all seemed quite natural); but when the Rabbit actually took a +watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried +on, Alice started to her feet, for it flashed across her mind that she +had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket, or a +watch to take out of it, and burning with curiosity, she ran across the +field after it, and fortunately was just in time to see it pop down a +large rabbit-hole under the hedge. + +In another moment down went Alice after it, never once considering how +in the world she was to get out again. + +The rabbit-hole went straight on like a tunnel for some way, and then +dipped suddenly down, so suddenly that Alice had not a moment to think +about stopping herself before she found herself falling down a very +deep well. + +Either the well was very deep, or she fell very slowly, for she had +plenty of time as she went down to look about her and to wonder what +was going to happen next. First, she tried to look down and make out +what she was coming to, but it was too dark to see anything; then she +looked at the sides of the well, and noticed that they were filled with +cupboards and book-shelves; here and there she saw maps and pictures +hung upon pegs. She took down a jar from one of the shelves as she +passed; it was labelled “ORANGE MARMALADE”, but to her great +disappointment it was empty: she did not like to drop the jar for fear +of killing somebody underneath, so managed to put it into one of the +cupboards as she fell past it. + +“Well!” thought Alice to herself, “after such a fall as this, I shall +think nothing of tumbling down stairs! How brave they’ll all think me +at home! Why, I wouldn’t say anything about it, even if I fell off the +top of the house!” (Which was very likely true.) + +Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end? “I wonder how +many miles I’ve fallen by this time?” she said aloud. “I must be +getting somewhere near the centre of the earth. Let me see: that would +be four thousand miles down, I think—” (for, you see, Alice had learnt +several things of this sort in her lessons in the schoolroom, and +though this was not a very good opportunity for showing off her +knowledge, as there was no one to listen to her, still it was good +practice to say it over) “—yes, that’s about the right distance—but +then I wonder what Latitude or Longitude I’ve got to?” (Alice had no +idea what Latitude was, or Longitude either, but thought they were nice +grand words to say.) + +Presently she began again. “I wonder if I shall fall right through +the earth! How funny it’ll seem to come out among the people that walk +with their heads downward! The Antipathies, I think—” (she was rather +glad there was no one listening, this time, as it didn’t sound at all +the right word) “—but I shall have to ask them what the name of the +country is, you know. Please, Ma’am, is this New Zealand or Australia?” +(and she tried to curtsey as she spoke—fancy curtseying as you’re +falling through the air! Do you think you could manage it?) “And what +an ignorant little girl she’ll think me for asking! No, it’ll never do +to ask: perhaps I shall see it written up somewhere.” + +Down, down, down. There was nothing else to do, so Alice soon began +talking again. “Dinah’ll miss me very much to-night, I should think!” +(Dinah was the cat.) “I hope they’ll remember her saucer of milk at +tea-time. Dinah my dear! I wish you were down here with me! There are +no mice in the air, I’m afraid, but you might catch a bat, and that’s +very like a mouse, you know. But do cats eat bats, I wonder?” And here +Alice began to get rather sleepy, and went on saying to herself, in a +dreamy sort of way, “Do cats eat bats? Do cats eat bats?” and +sometimes, “Do bats eat cats?” for, you see, as she couldn’t answer +either question, it didn’t much matter which way she put it. She felt +that she was dozing off, and had just begun to dream that she was +walking hand in hand with Dinah, and saying to her very earnestly, +“Now, Dinah, tell me the truth: did you ever eat a bat?” when suddenly, +thump! thump! down she came upon a heap of sticks and dry leaves, and +the fall was over. + +Alice was not a bit hurt, and she jumped up on to her feet in a moment: +she looked up, but it was all dark overhead; before her was another +long passage, and the White Rabbit was still in sight, hurrying down +it. There was not a moment to be lost: away went Alice like the wind, +and was just in time to hear it say, as it turned a corner, “Oh my ears +and whiskers, how late it’s getting!” She was close behind it when she +turned the corner, but the Rabbit was no longer to be seen: she found +herself in a long, low hall, which was lit up by a row of lamps hanging +from the roof. + +There were doors all round the hall, but they were all locked; and when +Alice had been all the way down one side and up the other, trying every +door, she walked sadly down the middle, wondering how she was ever to +get out again. + +Suddenly she came upon a little three-legged table, all made of solid +glass; there was nothing on it except a tiny golden key, and Alice’s +first thought was that it might belong to one of the doors of the hall; +but, alas! either the locks were too large, or the key was too small, +but at any rate it would not open any of them. However, on the second +time round, she came upon a low curtain she had not noticed before, and +behind it was a little door about fifteen inches high: she tried the +little golden key in the lock, and to her great delight it fitted! + +Alice opened the door and found that it led into a small passage, not +much larger than a rat-hole: she knelt down and looked along the +passage into the loveliest garden you ever saw. How she longed to get +out of that dark hall, and wander about among those beds of bright +flowers and those cool fountains, but she could not even get her head +through the doorway; “and even if my head would go through,” thought +poor Alice, “it would be of very little use without my shoulders. Oh, +how I wish I could shut up like a telescope! I think I could, if I only +knew how to begin.” For, you see, so many out-of-the-way things had +happened lately, that Alice had begun to think that very few things +indeed were really impossible. + +There seemed to be no use in waiting by the little door, so she went +back to the table, half hoping she might find another key on it, or at +any rate a book of rules for shutting people up like telescopes: this +time she found a little bottle on it, (“which certainly was not here +before,” said Alice,) and round the neck of the bottle was a paper +label, with the words “DRINK ME,” beautifully printed on it in large +letters. + +It was all very well to say “Drink me,” but the wise little Alice was +not going to do that in a hurry. “No, I’ll look first,” she said, +“and see whether it’s marked ‘poison’ or not”; for she had read +several nice little histories about children who had got burnt, and +eaten up by wild beasts and other unpleasant things, all because they +would not remember the simple rules their friends had taught them: +such as, that a red-hot poker will burn you if you hold it too long; +and that if you cut your finger very deeply with a knife, it usually +bleeds; and she had never forgotten that, if you drink much from a +bottle marked “poison,” it is almost certain to disagree with you, +sooner or later. + +However, this bottle was not marked “poison,” so Alice ventured to +taste it, and finding it very nice, (it had, in fact, a sort of mixed +flavour of cherry-tart, custard, pine-apple, roast turkey, toffee, and +hot buttered toast,) she very soon finished it off. + +* * * * * * * + + * * * * * * + +* * * * * * * + + +“What a curious feeling!” said Alice; “I must be shutting up like a +telescope.” + +And so it was indeed: she was now only ten inches high, and her face +brightened up at the thought that she was now the right size for going +through the little door into that lovely garden. First, however, she +waited for a few minutes to see if she was going to shrink any further: +she felt a little nervous about this; “for it might end, you know,” +said Alice to herself, “in my going out altogether, like a candle. I +wonder what I should be like then?” And she tried to fancy what the +flame of a candle is like after the candle is blown out, for she could +not remember ever having seen such a thing. + +After a while, finding that nothing more happened, she decided on going +into the garden at once; but, alas for poor Alice! when she got to the +door, she found she had forgotten the little golden key, and when she +went back to the table for it, she found she could not possibly reach +it: she could see it quite plainly through the glass, and she tried her +best to climb up one of the legs of the table, but it was too slippery; +and when she had tired herself out with trying, the poor little thing +sat down and cried. + +“Come, there’s no use in crying like that!” said Alice to herself, +rather sharply; “I advise you to leave off this minute!” She generally +gave herself very good advice, (though she very seldom followed it), +and sometimes she scolded herself so severely as to bring tears into +her eyes; and once she remembered trying to box her own ears for having +cheated herself in a game of croquet she was playing against herself, +for this curious child was very fond of pretending to be two people. +“But it’s no use now,” thought poor Alice, “to pretend to be two +people! Why, there’s hardly enough of me left to make one respectable +person!” + +Soon her eye fell on a little glass box that was lying under the table: +she opened it, and found in it a very small cake, on which the words +“EAT ME” were beautifully marked in currants. “Well, I’ll eat it,” said +Alice, “and if it makes me grow larger, I can reach the key; and if it +makes me grow smaller, I can creep under the door; so either way I’ll +get into the garden, and I don’t care which happens!” + +She ate a little bit, and said anxiously to herself, “Which way? Which +way?”, holding her hand on the top of her head to feel which way it was +growing, and she was quite surprised to find that she remained the same +size: to be sure, this generally happens when one eats cake, but Alice +had got so much into the way of expecting nothing but out-of-the-way +things to happen, that it seemed quite dull and stupid for life to go +on in the common way. + +So she set to work, and very soon finished off the cake. + +* * * * * * * + + * * * * * * + +* * * * * * * + + + + +The Pool of Tears + + +“Curiouser and curiouser!” cried Alice (she was so much surprised, that +for the moment she quite forgot how to speak good English); “now I’m +opening out like the largest telescope that ever was! Good-bye, feet!” +(for when she looked down at her feet, they seemed to be almost out of +sight, they were getting so far off). “Oh, my poor little feet, I +wonder who will put on your shoes and stockings for you now, dears? I’m +sure I shan’t be able! I shall be a great deal too far off to trouble +myself about you: you must manage the best way you can;—but I must be +kind to them,” thought Alice, “or perhaps they won’t walk the way I +want to go! Let me see: I’ll give them a new pair of boots every +Christmas.” + +And she went on planning to herself how she would manage it. “They must +go by the carrier,” she thought; “and how funny it’ll seem, sending +presents to one’s own feet! And how odd the directions will look! + + Alice’s Right Foot, Esq., Hearthrug, near the Fender, (with + Alice’s love). + +Oh dear, what nonsense I’m talking!” + +Just then her head struck against the roof of the hall: in fact she was +now more than nine feet high, and she at once took up the little golden +key and hurried off to the garden door. + +Poor Alice! It was as much as she could do, lying down on one side, to +look through into the garden with one eye; but to get through was more +hopeless than ever: she sat down and began to cry again. + +“You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” said Alice, “a great girl like +you,” (she might well say this), “to go on crying in this way! Stop +this moment, I tell you!” But she went on all the same, shedding +gallons of tears, until there was a large pool all round her, about +four inches deep and reaching half down the hall. + +After a time she heard a little pattering of feet in the distance, and +she hastily dried her eyes to see what was coming. It was the White +Rabbit returning, splendidly dressed, with a pair of white kid gloves +in one hand and a large fan in the other: he came trotting along in a +great hurry, muttering to himself as he came, “Oh! the Duchess, the +Duchess! Oh! won’t she be savage if I’ve kept her waiting!” Alice felt +so desperate that she was ready to ask help of any one; so, when the +Rabbit came near her, she began, in a low, timid voice, “If you please, +sir—” The Rabbit started violently, dropped the white kid gloves and +the fan, and skurried away into the darkness as hard as he could go. + +Alice took up the fan and gloves, and, as the hall was very hot, she +kept fanning herself all the time she went on talking: “Dear, dear! How +queer everything is to-day! And yesterday things went on just as usual. +I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the +same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling +a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next question is, Who +in the world am I? Ah, that’s the great puzzle!” And she began +thinking over all the children she knew that were of the same age as +herself, to see if she could have been changed for any of them. + +“I’m sure I’m not Ada,” she said, “for her hair goes in such long +ringlets, and mine doesn’t go in ringlets at all; and I’m sure I can’t +be Mabel, for I know all sorts of things, and she, oh! she knows such a +very little! Besides, she’s she, and I’m I, and—oh dear, how +puzzling it all is! I’ll try if I know all the things I used to know. +Let me see: four times five is twelve, and four times six is thirteen, +and four times seven is—oh dear! I shall never get to twenty at that +rate! However, the Multiplication Table doesn’t signify: let’s try +Geography. London is the capital of Paris, and Paris is the capital of +Rome, and Rome—no, that’s all wrong, I’m certain! I must have been +changed for Mabel! I’ll try and say ‘How doth the little—’” and she +crossed her hands on her lap as if she were saying lessons, and began +to repeat it, but her voice sounded hoarse and strange, and the words +did not come the same as they used to do:— + +“How doth the little crocodile + Improve his shining tail, +And pour the waters of the Nile + On every golden scale! + +“How cheerfully he seems to grin, + How neatly spread his claws, +And welcome little fishes in + With gently smiling jaws!” + + +“I’m sure those are not the right words,” said poor Alice, and her eyes +filled with tears again as she went on, “I must be Mabel after all, and +I shall have to go and live in that poky little house, and have next to +no toys to play with, and oh! ever so many lessons to learn! No, I’ve +made up my mind about it; if I’m Mabel, I’ll stay down here! It’ll be +no use their putting their heads down and saying ‘Come up again, dear!’ +I shall only look up and say ‘Who am I then? Tell me that first, and +then, if I like being that person, I’ll come up: if not, I’ll stay down +here till I’m somebody else’—but, oh dear!” cried Alice, with a sudden +burst of tears, “I do wish they would put their heads down! I am so +very tired of being all alone here!” + +As she said this she looked down at her hands, and was surprised to see +that she had put on one of the Rabbit’s little white kid gloves while +she was talking. “How can I have done that?” she thought. “I must be +growing small again.” She got up and went to the table to measure +herself by it, and found that, as nearly as she could guess, she was +now about two feet high, and was going on shrinking rapidly: she soon +found out that the cause of this was the fan she was holding, and she +dropped it hastily, just in time to avoid shrinking away altogether. + +“That was a narrow escape!” said Alice, a good deal frightened at the +sudden change, but very glad to find herself still in existence; “and +now for the garden!” and she ran with all speed back to the little +door: but, alas! the little door was shut again, and the little golden +key was lying on the glass table as before, “and things are worse than +ever,” thought the poor child, “for I never was so small as this +before, never! And I declare it’s too bad, that it is!” + +As she said these words her foot slipped, and in another moment, +splash! she was up to her chin in salt water. Her first idea was that +she had somehow fallen into the sea, “and in that case I can go back by +railway,” she said to herself. (Alice had been to the seaside once in +her life, and had come to the general conclusion, that wherever you go +to on the English coast you find a number of bathing machines in the +sea, some children digging in the sand with wooden spades, then a row +of lodging houses, and behind them a railway station.) However, she +soon made out that she was in the pool of tears which she had wept when +she was nine feet high. + +“I wish I hadn’t cried so much!” said Alice, as she swam about, trying +to find her way out. “I shall be punished for it now, I suppose, by +being drowned in my own tears! That will be a queer thing, to be +sure! However, everything is queer to-day.” + +Just then she heard something splashing about in the pool a little way +off, and she swam nearer to make out what it was: at first she thought +it must be a walrus or hippopotamus, but then she remembered how small +she was now, and she soon made out that it was only a mouse that had +slipped in like herself. + +“Would it be of any use, now,” thought Alice, “to speak to this mouse? +Everything is so out-of-the-way down here, that I should think very +likely it can talk: at any rate, there’s no harm in trying.” So she +began: “O Mouse, do you know the way out of this pool? I am very tired +of swimming about here, O Mouse!” (Alice thought this must be the right +way of speaking to a mouse: she had never done such a thing before, but +she remembered having seen in her brother’s Latin Grammar, “A mouse—of +a mouse—to a mouse—a mouse—O mouse!”) The Mouse looked at her rather +inquisitively, and seemed to her to wink with one of its little eyes, +but it said nothing. + +“Perhaps it doesn’t understand English,” thought Alice; “I daresay it’s +a French mouse, come over with William the Conqueror.” (For, with all +her knowledge of history, Alice had no very clear notion how long ago +anything had happened.) So she began again: “Où est ma chatte?” which +was the first sentence in her French lesson-book. The Mouse gave a +sudden leap out of the water, and seemed to quiver all over with +fright. “Oh, I beg your pardon!” cried Alice hastily, afraid that she +had hurt the poor animal’s feelings. “I quite forgot you didn’t like +cats.” + +“Not like cats!” cried the Mouse, in a shrill, passionate voice. “Would +you like cats if you were me?” + +“Well, perhaps not,” said Alice in a soothing tone: “don’t be angry +about it. And yet I wish I could show you our cat Dinah: I think you’d +take a fancy to cats if you could only see her. She is such a dear +quiet thing,” Alice went on, half to herself, as she swam lazily about +in the pool, “and she sits purring so nicely by the fire, licking her +paws and washing her face—and she is such a nice soft thing to +nurse—and she’s such a capital one for catching mice—oh, I beg your +pardon!” cried Alice again, for this time the Mouse was bristling all +over, and she felt certain it must be really offended. “We won’t talk +about her any more if you’d rather not.” + +“We indeed!” cried the Mouse, who was trembling down to the end of his +tail. “As if I would talk on such a subject! Our family always +hated cats: nasty, low, vulgar things! Don’t let me hear the name +again!” + +“I won’t indeed!” said Alice, in a great hurry to change the subject of +conversation. “Are you—are you fond—of—of dogs?” The Mouse did not +answer, so Alice went on eagerly: “There is such a nice little dog near +our house I should like to show you! A little bright-eyed terrier, you +know, with oh, such long curly brown hair! And it’ll fetch things when +you throw them, and it’ll sit up and beg for its dinner, and all sorts +of things—I can’t remember half of them—and it belongs to a farmer, you +know, and he says it’s so useful, it’s worth a hundred pounds! He says +it kills all the rats and—oh dear!” cried Alice in a sorrowful tone, +“I’m afraid I’ve offended it again!” For the Mouse was swimming away +from her as hard as it could go, and making quite a commotion in the +pool as it went. + +So she called softly after it, “Mouse dear! Do come back again, and we +won’t talk about cats or dogs either, if you don’t like them!” When the +Mouse heard this, it turned round and swam slowly back to her: its face +was quite pale (with passion, Alice thought), and it said in a low +trembling voice, “Let us get to the shore, and then I’ll tell you my +history, and you’ll understand why it is I hate cats and dogs.” + +It was high time to go, for the pool was getting quite crowded with the +birds and animals that had fallen into it: there were a Duck and a +Dodo, a Lory and an Eaglet, and several other curious creatures. Alice +led the way, and the whole party swam to the shore. + + + + +A Caucus-Race and a Long Tale + + +They were indeed a queer-looking party that assembled on the bank—the +birds with draggled feathers, the animals with their fur clinging close +to them, and all dripping wet, cross, and uncomfortable. + +The first question of course was, how to get dry again: they had a +consultation about this, and after a few minutes it seemed quite +natural to Alice to find herself talking familiarly with them, as if +she had known them all her life. Indeed, she had quite a long argument +with the Lory, who at last turned sulky, and would only say, “I am +older than you, and must know better;” and this Alice would not allow +without knowing how old it was, and, as the Lory positively refused to +tell its age, there was no more to be said. + +At last the Mouse, who seemed to be a person of authority among them, +called out, “Sit down, all of you, and listen to me! I’ll soon make +you dry enough!” They all sat down at once, in a large ring, with the +Mouse in the middle. Alice kept her eyes anxiously fixed on it, for she +felt sure she would catch a bad cold if she did not get dry very soon. + +“Ahem!” said the Mouse with an important air, “are you all ready? This +is the driest thing I know. Silence all round, if you please! ‘William +the Conqueror, whose cause was favoured by the pope, was soon submitted +to by the English, who wanted leaders, and had been of late much +accustomed to usurpation and conquest. Edwin and Morcar, the earls of +Mercia and Northumbria—’” + +“Ugh!” said the Lory, with a shiver. + +“I beg your pardon!” said the Mouse, frowning, but very politely: “Did +you speak?” + +“Not I!” said the Lory hastily. + +“I thought you did,” said the Mouse. “—I proceed. ‘Edwin and Morcar, +the earls of Mercia and Northumbria, declared for him: and even +Stigand, the patriotic archbishop of Canterbury, found it advisable—’” + +“Found what?” said the Duck. + +“Found it,” the Mouse replied rather crossly: “of course you know +what ‘it’ means.” + +“I know what ‘it’ means well enough, when I find a thing,” said the +Duck: “it’s generally a frog or a worm. The question is, what did the +archbishop find?” + +The Mouse did not notice this question, but hurriedly went on, “‘—found +it advisable to go with Edgar Atheling to meet William and offer him +the crown. William’s conduct at first was moderate. But the insolence +of his Normans—’ How are you getting on now, my dear?” it continued, +turning to Alice as it spoke. + +“As wet as ever,” said Alice in a melancholy tone: “it doesn’t seem to +dry me at all.” + +“In that case,” said the Dodo solemnly, rising to its feet, “I move +that the meeting adjourn, for the immediate adoption of more energetic +remedies—” + +“Speak English!” said the Eaglet. “I don’t know the meaning of half +those long words, and, what’s more, I don’t believe you do either!” And +the Eaglet bent down its head to hide a smile: some of the other birds +tittered audibly. + +“What I was going to say,” said the Dodo in an offended tone, “was, +that the best thing to get us dry would be a Caucus-race.” + +“What is a Caucus-race?” said Alice; not that she wanted much to +know, but the Dodo had paused as if it thought that somebody ought to +speak, and no one else seemed inclined to say anything. + +“Why,” said the Dodo, “the best way to explain it is to do it.” (And, +as you might like to try the thing yourself, some winter day, I will +tell you how the Dodo managed it.) + +First it marked out a race-course, in a sort of circle, (“the exact +shape doesn’t matter,” it said,) and then all the party were placed +along the course, here and there. There was no “One, two, three, and +away,” but they began running when they liked, and left off when they +liked, so that it was not easy to know when the race was over. However, +when they had been running half an hour or so, and were quite dry +again, the Dodo suddenly called out “The race is over!” and they all +crowded round it, panting, and asking, “But who has won?” + +This question the Dodo could not answer without a great deal of +thought, and it sat for a long time with one finger pressed upon its +forehead (the position in which you usually see Shakespeare, in the +pictures of him), while the rest waited in silence. At last the Dodo +said, “Everybody has won, and all must have prizes.” + +“But who is to give the prizes?” quite a chorus of voices asked. + +“Why, she, of course,” said the Dodo, pointing to Alice with one +finger; and the whole party at once crowded round her, calling out in a +confused way, “Prizes! Prizes!” + +Alice had no idea what to do, and in despair she put her hand in her +pocket, and pulled out a box of comfits, (luckily the salt water had +not got into it), and handed them round as prizes. There was exactly +one a-piece, all round. + +“But she must have a prize herself, you know,” said the Mouse. + +“Of course,” the Dodo replied very gravely. “What else have you got in +your pocket?” he went on, turning to Alice. + +“Only a thimble,” said Alice sadly. + +“Hand it over here,” said the Dodo. + +Then they all crowded round her once more, while the Dodo solemnly +presented the thimble, saying “We beg your acceptance of this elegant +thimble;” and, when it had finished this short speech, they all +cheered. + +Alice thought the whole thing very absurd, but they all looked so grave +that she did not dare to laugh; and, as she could not think of anything +to say, she simply bowed, and took the thimble, looking as solemn as +she could. + +The next thing was to eat the comfits: this caused some noise and +confusion, as the large birds complained that they could not taste +theirs, and the small ones choked and had to be patted on the back. +However, it was over at last, and they sat down again in a ring, and +begged the Mouse to tell them something more. + +“You promised to tell me your history, you know,” said Alice, “and why +it is you hate—C and D,” she added in a whisper, half afraid that it +would be offended again. + +“Mine is a long and a sad tale!” said the Mouse, turning to Alice, and +sighing. + +“It is a long tail, certainly,” said Alice, looking down with wonder +at the Mouse’s tail; “but why do you call it sad?” And she kept on +puzzling about it while the Mouse was speaking, so that her idea of the +tale was something like this:— + + “Fury said to a mouse, That he met in the house, ‘Let us both + go to law: I will prosecute you.—Come, I’ll take no + denial; We must have a trial: For really this morning I’ve + nothing to do.’ Said the mouse to the cur, ‘Such a trial, dear + sir, With no jury or judge, would be wasting our breath.’ + ‘I’ll be judge, I’ll be jury,’ Said cunning old Fury: ‘I’ll + try the whole cause, and condemn you to death.’” + +“You are not attending!” said the Mouse to Alice severely. “What are +you thinking of?” + +“I beg your pardon,” said Alice very humbly: “you had got to the fifth +bend, I think?” + +“I had not!” cried the Mouse, sharply and very angrily. + +“A knot!” said Alice, always ready to make herself useful, and looking +anxiously about her. “Oh, do let me help to undo it!” + +“I shall do nothing of the sort,” said the Mouse, getting up and +walking away. “You insult me by talking such nonsense!” + +“I didn’t mean it!” pleaded poor Alice. “But you’re so easily offended, +you know!” + +The Mouse only growled in reply. + +“Please come back and finish your story!” Alice called after it; and +the others all joined in chorus, “Yes, please do!” but the Mouse only +shook its head impatiently, and walked a little quicker. + +“What a pity it wouldn’t stay!” sighed the Lory, as soon as it was +quite out of sight; and an old Crab took the opportunity of saying to +her daughter “Ah, my dear! Let this be a lesson to you never to lose +your temper!” “Hold your tongue, Ma!” said the young Crab, a little +snappishly. “You’re enough to try the patience of an oyster!” + +“I wish I had our Dinah here, I know I do!” said Alice aloud, +addressing nobody in particular. “She’d soon fetch it back!” + +“And who is Dinah, if I might venture to ask the question?” said the +Lory. + +Alice replied eagerly, for she was always ready to talk about her pet: +“Dinah’s our cat. And she’s such a capital one for catching mice you +can’t think! And oh, I wish you could see her after the birds! Why, +she’ll eat a little bird as soon as look at it!” + +This speech caused a remarkable sensation among the party. Some of the +birds hurried off at once: one old Magpie began wrapping itself up very +carefully, remarking, “I really must be getting home; the night-air +doesn’t suit my throat!” and a Canary called out in a trembling voice +to its children, “Come away, my dears! It’s high time you were all in +bed!” On various pretexts they all moved off, and Alice was soon left +alone. + +“I wish I hadn’t mentioned Dinah!” she said to herself in a melancholy +tone. “Nobody seems to like her, down here, and I’m sure she’s the best +cat in the world! Oh, my dear Dinah! I wonder if I shall ever see you +any more!” And here poor Alice began to cry again, for she felt very +lonely and low-spirited. In a little while, however, she again heard a +little pattering of footsteps in the distance, and she looked up +eagerly, half hoping that the Mouse had changed his mind, and was +coming back to finish his story. + + + + +The Rabbit Sends in a Little Bill + + +It was the White Rabbit, trotting slowly back again, and looking +anxiously about as it went, as if it had lost something; and she heard +it muttering to itself “The Duchess! The Duchess! Oh my dear paws! Oh +my fur and whiskers! She’ll get me executed, as sure as ferrets are +ferrets! Where can I have dropped them, I wonder?” Alice guessed in a +moment that it was looking for the fan and the pair of white kid +gloves, and she very good-naturedly began hunting about for them, but +they were nowhere to be seen—everything seemed to have changed since +her swim in the pool, and the great hall, with the glass table and the +little door, had vanished completely. + +Very soon the Rabbit noticed Alice, as she went hunting about, and +called out to her in an angry tone, “Why, Mary Ann, what are you +doing out here? Run home this moment, and fetch me a pair of gloves and +a fan! Quick, now!” And Alice was so much frightened that she ran off +at once in the direction it pointed to, without trying to explain the +mistake it had made. + +“He took me for his housemaid,” she said to herself as she ran. “How +surprised he’ll be when he finds out who I am! But I’d better take him +his fan and gloves—that is, if I can find them.” As she said this, she +came upon a neat little house, on the door of which was a bright brass +plate with the name “W. RABBIT,” engraved upon it. She went in without +knocking, and hurried upstairs, in great fear lest she should meet the +real Mary Ann, and be turned out of the house before she had found the +fan and gloves. + +“How queer it seems,” Alice said to herself, “to be going messages for +a rabbit! I suppose Dinah’ll be sending me on messages next!” And she +began fancying the sort of thing that would happen: “‘Miss Alice! Come +here directly, and get ready for your walk!’ ‘Coming in a minute, +nurse! But I’ve got to see that the mouse doesn’t get out.’ Only I +don’t think,” Alice went on, “that they’d let Dinah stop in the house +if it began ordering people about like that!” + +By this time she had found her way into a tidy little room with a table +in the window, and on it (as she had hoped) a fan and two or three +pairs of tiny white kid gloves: she took up the fan and a pair of the +gloves, and was just going to leave the room, when her eye fell upon a +little bottle that stood near the looking-glass. There was no label +this time with the words “DRINK ME,” but nevertheless she uncorked it +and put it to her lips. “I know something interesting is sure to +happen,” she said to herself, “whenever I eat or drink anything; so +I’ll just see what this bottle does. I do hope it’ll make me grow large +again, for really I’m quite tired of being such a tiny little thing!” + +It did so indeed, and much sooner than she had expected: before she had +drunk half the bottle, she found her head pressing against the ceiling, +and had to stoop to save her neck from being broken. She hastily put +down the bottle, saying to herself “That’s quite enough—I hope I shan’t +grow any more—As it is, I can’t get out at the door—I do wish I hadn’t +drunk quite so much!” + +Alas! it was too late to wish that! She went on growing, and growing, +and very soon had to kneel down on the floor: in another minute there +was not even room for this, and she tried the effect of lying down with +one elbow against the door, and the other arm curled round her head. +Still she went on growing, and, as a last resource, she put one arm out +of the window, and one foot up the chimney, and said to herself “Now I +can do no more, whatever happens. What will become of me?” + +Luckily for Alice, the little magic bottle had now had its full effect, +and she grew no larger: still it was very uncomfortable, and, as there +seemed to be no sort of chance of her ever getting out of the room +again, no wonder she felt unhappy. + +“It was much pleasanter at home,” thought poor Alice, “when one wasn’t +always growing larger and smaller, and being ordered about by mice and +rabbits. I almost wish I hadn’t gone down that rabbit-hole—and yet—and +yet—it’s rather curious, you know, this sort of life! I do wonder what +can have happened to me! When I used to read fairy-tales, I fancied +that kind of thing never happened, and now here I am in the middle of +one! There ought to be a book written about me, that there ought! And +when I grow up, I’ll write one—but I’m grown up now,” she added in a +sorrowful tone; “at least there’s no room to grow up any more here.” + +“But then,” thought Alice, “shall I never get any older than I am +now? That’ll be a comfort, one way—never to be an old woman—but +then—always to have lessons to learn! Oh, I shouldn’t like that!” + +“Oh, you foolish Alice!” she answered herself. “How can you learn +lessons in here? Why, there’s hardly room for you, and no room at all +for any lesson-books!” + +And so she went on, taking first one side and then the other, and +making quite a conversation of it altogether; but after a few minutes +she heard a voice outside, and stopped to listen. + +“Mary Ann! Mary Ann!” said the voice. “Fetch me my gloves this moment!” +Then came a little pattering of feet on the stairs. Alice knew it was +the Rabbit coming to look for her, and she trembled till she shook the +house, quite forgetting that she was now about a thousand times as +large as the Rabbit, and had no reason to be afraid of it. + +Presently the Rabbit came up to the door, and tried to open it; but, as +the door opened inwards, and Alice’s elbow was pressed hard against it, +that attempt proved a failure. Alice heard it say to itself “Then I’ll +go round and get in at the window.” + +“That you won’t!” thought Alice, and, after waiting till she fancied +she heard the Rabbit just under the window, she suddenly spread out her +hand, and made a snatch in the air. She did not get hold of anything, +but she heard a little shriek and a fall, and a crash of broken glass, +from which she concluded that it was just possible it had fallen into a +cucumber-frame, or something of the sort. + +Next came an angry voice—the Rabbit’s—“Pat! Pat! Where are you?” And +then a voice she had never heard before, “Sure then I’m here! Digging +for apples, yer honour!” + +“Digging for apples, indeed!” said the Rabbit angrily. “Here! Come and +help me out of this!” (Sounds of more broken glass.) + +“Now tell me, Pat, what’s that in the window?” + +“Sure, it’s an arm, yer honour!” (He pronounced it “arrum.”) + +“An arm, you goose! Who ever saw one that size? Why, it fills the whole +window!” + +“Sure, it does, yer honour: but it’s an arm for all that.” + +“Well, it’s got no business there, at any rate: go and take it away!” + +There was a long silence after this, and Alice could only hear whispers +now and then; such as, “Sure, I don’t like it, yer honour, at all, at +all!” “Do as I tell you, you coward!” and at last she spread out her +hand again, and made another snatch in the air. This time there were +two little shrieks, and more sounds of broken glass. “What a number +of cucumber-frames there must be!” thought Alice. “I wonder what +they’ll do next! As for pulling me out of the window, I only wish they +could! I’m sure I don’t want to stay in here any longer!” + +She waited for some time without hearing anything more: at last came a +rumbling of little cartwheels, and the sound of a good many voices all +talking together: she made out the words: “Where’s the other +ladder?—Why, I hadn’t to bring but one; Bill’s got the other—Bill! +fetch it here, lad!—Here, put ’em up at this corner—No, tie ’em +together first—they don’t reach half high enough yet—Oh! they’ll do +well enough; don’t be particular—Here, Bill! catch hold of this +rope—Will the roof bear?—Mind that loose slate—Oh, it’s coming down! +Heads below!” (a loud crash)—“Now, who did that?—It was Bill, I +fancy—Who’s to go down the chimney?—Nay, I shan’t! You do +it!—That I won’t, then!—Bill’s to go down—Here, Bill! the master says +you’re to go down the chimney!” + +“Oh! So Bill’s got to come down the chimney, has he?” said Alice to +herself. “Shy, they seem to put everything upon Bill! I wouldn’t be in +Bill’s place for a good deal: this fireplace is narrow, to be sure; but +I think I can kick a little!” + +She drew her foot as far down the chimney as she could, and waited till +she heard a little animal (she couldn’t guess of what sort it was) +scratching and scrambling about in the chimney close above her: then, +saying to herself “This is Bill,” she gave one sharp kick, and waited +to see what would happen next. + +The first thing she heard was a general chorus of “There goes Bill!” +then the Rabbit’s voice along—“Catch him, you by the hedge!” then +silence, and then another confusion of voices—“Hold up his head—Brandy +now—Don’t choke him—How was it, old fellow? What happened to you? Tell +us all about it!” + +Last came a little feeble, squeaking voice, (“That’s Bill,” thought +Alice,) “Well, I hardly know—No more, thank ye; I’m better now—but I’m +a deal too flustered to tell you—all I know is, something comes at me +like a Jack-in-the-box, and up I goes like a sky-rocket!” + +“So you did, old fellow!” said the others. + +“We must burn the house down!” said the Rabbit’s voice; and Alice +called out as loud as she could, “If you do, I’ll set Dinah at you!” + +There was a dead silence instantly, and Alice thought to herself, “I +wonder what they will do next! If they had any sense, they’d take the +roof off.” After a minute or two, they began moving about again, and +Alice heard the Rabbit say, “A barrowful will do, to begin with.” + +“A barrowful of what?” thought Alice; but she had not long to doubt, +for the next moment a shower of little pebbles came rattling in at the +window, and some of them hit her in the face. “I’ll put a stop to +this,” she said to herself, and shouted out, “You’d better not do that +again!” which produced another dead silence. + +Alice noticed with some surprise that the pebbles were all turning into +little cakes as they lay on the floor, and a bright idea came into her +head. “If I eat one of these cakes,” she thought, “it’s sure to make +some change in my size; and as it can’t possibly make me larger, it +must make me smaller, I suppose.” + +So she swallowed one of the cakes, and was delighted to find that she +began shrinking directly. As soon as she was small enough to get +through the door, she ran out of the house, and found quite a crowd of +little animals and birds waiting outside. The poor little Lizard, Bill, +was in the middle, being held up by two guinea-pigs, who were giving it +something out of a bottle. They all made a rush at Alice the moment she +appeared; but she ran off as hard as she could, and soon found herself +safe in a thick wood. + +“The first thing I’ve got to do,” said Alice to herself, as she +wandered about in the wood, “is to grow to my right size again; and the +second thing is to find my way into that lovely garden. I think that +will be the best plan.” + +It sounded an excellent plan, no doubt, and very neatly and simply +arranged; the only difficulty was, that she had not the smallest idea +how to set about it; and while she was peering about anxiously among +the trees, a little sharp bark just over her head made her look up in a +great hurry. + +An enormous puppy was looking down at her with large round eyes, and +feebly stretching out one paw, trying to touch her. “Poor little +thing!” said Alice, in a coaxing tone, and she tried hard to whistle to +it; but she was terribly frightened all the time at the thought that it +might be hungry, in which case it would be very likely to eat her up in +spite of all her coaxing. + +Hardly knowing what she did, she picked up a little bit of stick, and +held it out to the puppy; whereupon the puppy jumped into the air off +all its feet at once, with a yelp of delight, and rushed at the stick, +and made believe to worry it; then Alice dodged behind a great thistle, +to keep herself from being run over; and the moment she appeared on the +other side, the puppy made another rush at the stick, and tumbled head +over heels in its hurry to get hold of it; then Alice, thinking it was +very like having a game of play with a cart-horse, and expecting every +moment to be trampled under its feet, ran round the thistle again; then +the puppy began a series of short charges at the stick, running a very +little way forwards each time and a long way back, and barking hoarsely +all the while, till at last it sat down a good way off, panting, with +its tongue hanging out of its mouth, and its great eyes half shut. + +This seemed to Alice a good opportunity for making her escape; so she +set off at once, and ran till she was quite tired and out of breath, +and till the puppy’s bark sounded quite faint in the distance. + +“And yet what a dear little puppy it was!” said Alice, as she leant +against a buttercup to rest herself, and fanned herself with one of the +leaves: “I should have liked teaching it tricks very much, if—if I’d +only been the right size to do it! Oh dear! I’d nearly forgotten that +I’ve got to grow up again! Let me see—how is it to be managed? I +suppose I ought to eat or drink something or other; but the great +question is, what?” + +The great question certainly was, what? Alice looked all round her at +the flowers and the blades of grass, but she did not see anything that +looked like the right thing to eat or drink under the circumstances. +There was a large mushroom growing near her, about the same height as +herself; and when she had looked under it, and on both sides of it, and +behind it, it occurred to her that she might as well look and see what +was on the top of it. + +She stretched herself up on tiptoe, and peeped over the edge of the +mushroom, and her eyes immediately met those of a large blue +caterpillar, that was sitting on the top with its arms folded, quietly +smoking a long hookah, and taking not the smallest notice of her or of +anything else. + + + + +Advice from a Caterpillar + + +The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in +silence: at last the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth, and +addressed her in a languid, sleepy voice. + +“Who are you?” said the Caterpillar. + +This was not an encouraging opening for a conversation. Alice replied, +rather shyly, “I—I hardly know, sir, just at present—at least I know +who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been +changed several times since then.” + +“What do you mean by that?” said the Caterpillar sternly. “Explain +yourself!” + +“I can’t explain myself, I’m afraid, sir,” said Alice, “because I’m +not myself, you see.” + +“I don’t see,” said the Caterpillar. + +“I’m afraid I can’t put it more clearly,” Alice replied very politely, +“for I can’t understand it myself to begin with; and being so many +different sizes in a day is very confusing.” + +“It isn’t,” said the Caterpillar. + +“Well, perhaps you haven’t found it so yet,” said Alice; “but when you +have to turn into a chrysalis—you will some day, you know—and then +after that into a butterfly, I should think you’ll feel it a little +queer, won’t you?” + +“Not a bit,” said the Caterpillar. + +“Well, perhaps your feelings may be different,” said Alice; “all I know +is, it would feel very queer to me.” + +“You!” said the Caterpillar contemptuously. “Who are you?” + +Which brought them back again to the beginning of the conversation. +Alice felt a little irritated at the Caterpillar’s making such very +short remarks, and she drew herself up and said, very gravely, “I +think, you ought to tell me who you are, first.” + +“Why?” said the Caterpillar. + +Here was another puzzling question; and as Alice could not think of any +good reason, and as the Caterpillar seemed to be in a very unpleasant +state of mind, she turned away. + +“Come back!” the Caterpillar called after her. “I’ve something +important to say!” + +This sounded promising, certainly: Alice turned and came back again. + +“Keep your temper,” said the Caterpillar. + +“Is that all?” said Alice, swallowing down her anger as well as she +could. + +“No,” said the Caterpillar. + +Alice thought she might as well wait, as she had nothing else to do, +and perhaps after all it might tell her something worth hearing. For +some minutes it puffed away without speaking, but at last it unfolded +its arms, took the hookah out of its mouth again, and said, “So you +think you’re changed, do you?” + +“I’m afraid I am, sir,” said Alice; “I can’t remember things as I +used—and I don’t keep the same size for ten minutes together!” + +“Can’t remember what things?” said the Caterpillar. + +“Well, I’ve tried to say “How doth the little busy bee,” but it all +came different!” Alice replied in a very melancholy voice. + +“Repeat, “You are old, Father William,’” said the Caterpillar. + +Alice folded her hands, and began:— + +“You are old, Father William,” the young man said, + “And your hair has become very white; +And yet you incessantly stand on your head— + Do you think, at your age, it is right?” + +“In my youth,” Father William replied to his son, + “I feared it might injure the brain; +But, now that I’m perfectly sure I have none, + Why, I do it again and again.” + +“You are old,” said the youth, “as I mentioned before, + And have grown most uncommonly fat; +Yet you turned a back-somersault in at the door— + Pray, what is the reason of that?” + +“In my youth,” said the sage, as he shook his grey locks, + “I kept all my limbs very supple +By the use of this ointment—one shilling the box— + Allow me to sell you a couple?” + +“You are old,” said the youth, “and your jaws are too weak + For anything tougher than suet; +Yet you finished the goose, with the bones and the beak— + Pray, how did you manage to do it?” + +“In my youth,” said his father, “I took to the law, + And argued each case with my wife; +And the muscular strength, which it gave to my jaw, + Has lasted the rest of my life.” + +“You are old,” said the youth, “one would hardly suppose + That your eye was as steady as ever; +Yet you balanced an eel on the end of your nose— + What made you so awfully clever?” + +“I have answered three questions, and that is enough,” + Said his father; “don’t give yourself airs! +Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff? + Be off, or I’ll kick you down stairs!” + + +“That is not said right,” said the Caterpillar. + +“Not quite right, I’m afraid,” said Alice, timidly; “some of the +words have got altered.” + +“It is wrong from beginning to end,” said the Caterpillar decidedly, +and there was silence for some minutes. + +The Caterpillar was the first to speak. + +“What size do you want to be?” it asked. + +“Oh, I’m not particular as to size,” Alice hastily replied; “only one +doesn’t like changing so often, you know.” + +“I don’t know,” said the Caterpillar. + +Alice said nothing: she had never been so much contradicted in her life +before, and she felt that she was losing her temper. + +“Are you content now?” said the Caterpillar. + +“Well, I should like to be a little larger, sir, if you wouldn’t +mind,” said Alice: “three inches is such a wretched height to be.” + +“It is a very good height indeed!” said the Caterpillar angrily, +rearing itself upright as it spoke (it was exactly three inches high). + +“But I’m not used to it!” pleaded poor Alice in a piteous tone. And she +thought of herself, “I wish the creatures wouldn’t be so easily +offended!” + +“You’ll get used to it in time,” said the Caterpillar; and it put the +hookah into its mouth and began smoking again. + +This time Alice waited patiently until it chose to speak again. In a +minute or two the Caterpillar took the hookah out of its mouth and +yawned once or twice, and shook itself. Then it got down off the +mushroom, and crawled away in the grass, merely remarking as it went, +“One side will make you grow taller, and the other side will make you +grow shorter.” + +“One side of what? The other side of what?” thought Alice to +herself. + +“Of the mushroom,” said the Caterpillar, just as if she had asked it +aloud; and in another moment it was out of sight. + +Alice remained looking thoughtfully at the mushroom for a minute, +trying to make out which were the two sides of it; and as it was +perfectly round, she found this a very difficult question. However, at +last she stretched her arms round it as far as they would go, and broke +off a bit of the edge with each hand. + +“And now which is which?” she said to herself, and nibbled a little of +the right-hand bit to try the effect: the next moment she felt a +violent blow underneath her chin: it had struck her foot! + +She was a good deal frightened by this very sudden change, but she felt +that there was no time to be lost, as she was shrinking rapidly; so she +set to work at once to eat some of the other bit. Her chin was pressed +so closely against her foot, that there was hardly room to open her +mouth; but she did it at last, and managed to swallow a morsel of the +lefthand bit. + +* * * * * * * + + * * * * * * + +* * * * * * * + + +“Come, my head’s free at last!” said Alice in a tone of delight, which +changed into alarm in another moment, when she found that her shoulders +were nowhere to be found: all she could see, when she looked down, was +an immense length of neck, which seemed to rise like a stalk out of a +sea of green leaves that lay far below her. + +“What can all that green stuff be?” said Alice. “And where have my +shoulders got to? And oh, my poor hands, how is it I can’t see you?” +She was moving them about as she spoke, but no result seemed to follow, +except a little shaking among the distant green leaves. + +As there seemed to be no chance of getting her hands up to her head, +she tried to get her head down to them, and was delighted to find that +her neck would bend about easily in any direction, like a serpent. She +had just succeeded in curving it down into a graceful zigzag, and was +going to dive in among the leaves, which she found to be nothing but +the tops of the trees under which she had been wandering, when a sharp +hiss made her draw back in a hurry: a large pigeon had flown into her +face, and was beating her violently with its wings. + +“Serpent!” screamed the Pigeon. + +“I’m not a serpent!” said Alice indignantly. “Let me alone!” + +“Serpent, I say again!” repeated the Pigeon, but in a more subdued +tone, and added with a kind of sob, “I’ve tried every way, and nothing +seems to suit them!” + +“I haven’t the least idea what you’re talking about,” said Alice. + +“I’ve tried the roots of trees, and I’ve tried banks, and I’ve tried +hedges,” the Pigeon went on, without attending to her; “but those +serpents! There’s no pleasing them!” + +Alice was more and more puzzled, but she thought there was no use in +saying anything more till the Pigeon had finished. + +“As if it wasn’t trouble enough hatching the eggs,” said the Pigeon; +“but I must be on the look-out for serpents night and day! Why, I +haven’t had a wink of sleep these three weeks!” + +“I’m very sorry you’ve been annoyed,” said Alice, who was beginning to +see its meaning. + +“And just as I’d taken the highest tree in the wood,” continued the +Pigeon, raising its voice to a shriek, “and just as I was thinking I +should be free of them at last, they must needs come wriggling down +from the sky! Ugh, Serpent!” + +“But I’m not a serpent, I tell you!” said Alice. “I’m a—I’m a—” + +“Well! What are you?” said the Pigeon. “I can see you’re trying to +invent something!” + +“I—I’m a little girl,” said Alice, rather doubtfully, as she remembered +the number of changes she had gone through that day. + +“A likely story indeed!” said the Pigeon in a tone of the deepest +contempt. “I’ve seen a good many little girls in my time, but never +one with such a neck as that! No, no! You’re a serpent; and there’s +no use denying it. I suppose you’ll be telling me next that you never +tasted an egg!” + +“I have tasted eggs, certainly,” said Alice, who was a very truthful +child; “but little girls eat eggs quite as much as serpents do, you +know.” + +“I don’t believe it,” said the Pigeon; “but if they do, why then +they’re a kind of serpent, that’s all I can say.” + +This was such a new idea to Alice, that she was quite silent for a +minute or two, which gave the Pigeon the opportunity of adding, “You’re +looking for eggs, I know that well enough; and what does it matter to +me whether you’re a little girl or a serpent?” + +“It matters a good deal to me,” said Alice hastily; “but I’m not +looking for eggs, as it happens; and if I was, I shouldn’t want +yours: I don’t like them raw.” + +“Well, be off, then!” said the Pigeon in a sulky tone, as it settled +down again into its nest. Alice crouched down among the trees as well +as she could, for her neck kept getting entangled among the branches, +and every now and then she had to stop and untwist it. After a while +she remembered that she still held the pieces of mushroom in her hands, +and she set to work very carefully, nibbling first at one and then at +the other, and growing sometimes taller and sometimes shorter, until +she had succeeded in bringing herself down to her usual height. + +It was so long since she had been anything near the right size, that it +felt quite strange at first; but she got used to it in a few minutes, +and began talking to herself, as usual. “Come, there’s half my plan +done now! How puzzling all these changes are! I’m never sure what I’m +going to be, from one minute to another! However, I’ve got back to my +right size: the next thing is, to get into that beautiful garden—how +is that to be done, I wonder?” As she said this, she came suddenly +upon an open place, with a little house in it about four feet high. +“Whoever lives there,” thought Alice, “it’ll never do to come upon them +this size: why, I should frighten them out of their wits!” So she +began nibbling at the righthand bit again, and did not venture to go +near the house till she had brought herself down to nine inches high. + + + + +Pig and Pepper + + +For a minute or two she stood looking at the house, and wondering what +to do next, when suddenly a footman in livery came running out of the +wood—(she considered him to be a footman because he was in livery: +otherwise, judging by his face only, she would have called him a +fish)—and rapped loudly at the door with his knuckles. It was opened by +another footman in livery, with a round face, and large eyes like a +frog; and both footmen, Alice noticed, had powdered hair that curled +all over their heads. She felt very curious to know what it was all +about, and crept a little way out of the wood to listen. + +The Fish-Footman began by producing from under his arm a great letter, +nearly as large as himself, and this he handed over to the other, +saying, in a solemn tone, “For the Duchess. An invitation from the +Queen to play croquet.” The Frog-Footman repeated, in the same solemn +tone, only changing the order of the words a little, “From the Queen. +An invitation for the Duchess to play croquet.” + +Then they both bowed low, and their curls got entangled together. + +Alice laughed so much at this, that she had to run back into the wood +for fear of their hearing her; and when she next peeped out the +Fish-Footman was gone, and the other was sitting on the ground near the +door, staring stupidly up into the sky. + +Alice went timidly up to the door, and knocked. + +“There’s no sort of use in knocking,” said the Footman, “and that for +two reasons. First, because I’m on the same side of the door as you +are; secondly, because they’re making such a noise inside, no one could +possibly hear you.” And certainly there was a most extraordinary +noise going on within—a constant howling and sneezing, and every now +and then a great crash, as if a dish or kettle had been broken to +pieces. + +“Please, then,” said Alice, “how am I to get in?” + +“There might be some sense in your knocking,” the Footman went on +without attending to her, “if we had the door between us. For instance, +if you were inside, you might knock, and I could let you out, you +know.” He was looking up into the sky all the time he was speaking, and +this Alice thought decidedly uncivil. “But perhaps he can’t help it,” +she said to herself; “his eyes are so very nearly at the top of his +head. But at any rate he might answer questions.—How am I to get in?” +she repeated, aloud. + +“I shall sit here,” the Footman remarked, “till tomorrow—” + +At this moment the door of the house opened, and a large plate came +skimming out, straight at the Footman’s head: it just grazed his nose, +and broke to pieces against one of the trees behind him. + +“—or next day, maybe,” the Footman continued in the same tone, exactly +as if nothing had happened. + +“How am I to get in?” asked Alice again, in a louder tone. + +“Are you to get in at all?” said the Footman. “That’s the first +question, you know.” + +It was, no doubt: only Alice did not like to be told so. “It’s really +dreadful,” she muttered to herself, “the way all the creatures argue. +It’s enough to drive one crazy!” + +The Footman seemed to think this a good opportunity for repeating his +remark, with variations. “I shall sit here,” he said, “on and off, for +days and days.” + +“But what am I to do?” said Alice. + +“Anything you like,” said the Footman, and began whistling. + +“Oh, there’s no use in talking to him,” said Alice desperately: “he’s +perfectly idiotic!” And she opened the door and went in. + +The door led right into a large kitchen, which was full of smoke from +one end to the other: the Duchess was sitting on a three-legged stool +in the middle, nursing a baby; the cook was leaning over the fire, +stirring a large cauldron which seemed to be full of soup. + +“There’s certainly too much pepper in that soup!” Alice said to +herself, as well as she could for sneezing. + +There was certainly too much of it in the air. Even the Duchess sneezed +occasionally; and as for the baby, it was sneezing and howling +alternately without a moment’s pause. The only things in the kitchen +that did not sneeze, were the cook, and a large cat which was sitting +on the hearth and grinning from ear to ear. + +“Please would you tell me,” said Alice, a little timidly, for she was +not quite sure whether it was good manners for her to speak first, “why +your cat grins like that?” + +“It’s a Cheshire cat,” said the Duchess, “and that’s why. Pig!” + +She said the last word with such sudden violence that Alice quite +jumped; but she saw in another moment that it was addressed to the +baby, and not to her, so she took courage, and went on again:— + +“I didn’t know that Cheshire cats always grinned; in fact, I didn’t +know that cats could grin.” + +“They all can,” said the Duchess; “and most of ’em do.” + +“I don’t know of any that do,” Alice said very politely, feeling quite +pleased to have got into a conversation. + +“You don’t know much,” said the Duchess; “and that’s a fact.” + +Alice did not at all like the tone of this remark, and thought it would +be as well to introduce some other subject of conversation. While she +was trying to fix on one, the cook took the cauldron of soup off the +fire, and at once set to work throwing everything within her reach at +the Duchess and the baby—the fire-irons came first; then followed a +shower of saucepans, plates, and dishes. The Duchess took no notice of +them even when they hit her; and the baby was howling so much already, +that it was quite impossible to say whether the blows hurt it or not. + +“Oh, please mind what you’re doing!” cried Alice, jumping up and down +in an agony of terror. “Oh, there goes his precious nose!” as an +unusually large saucepan flew close by it, and very nearly carried it +off. + +“If everybody minded their own business,” the Duchess said in a hoarse +growl, “the world would go round a deal faster than it does.” + +“Which would not be an advantage,” said Alice, who felt very glad to +get an opportunity of showing off a little of her knowledge. “Just +think of what work it would make with the day and night! You see the +earth takes twenty-four hours to turn round on its axis—” + +“Talking of axes,” said the Duchess, “chop off her head!” + +Alice glanced rather anxiously at the cook, to see if she meant to take +the hint; but the cook was busily stirring the soup, and seemed not to +be listening, so she went on again: “Twenty-four hours, I think; or +is it twelve? I—” + +“Oh, don’t bother me,” said the Duchess; “I never could abide +figures!” And with that she began nursing her child again, singing a +sort of lullaby to it as she did so, and giving it a violent shake at +the end of every line: + +“Speak roughly to your little boy, + And beat him when he sneezes: +He only does it to annoy, + Because he knows it teases.” + + +(In which the cook and the baby joined): + + +“Wow! wow! wow!” + + +While the Duchess sang the second verse of the song, she kept tossing +the baby violently up and down, and the poor little thing howled so, +that Alice could hardly hear the words:— + +“I speak severely to my boy, + I beat him when he sneezes; +For he can thoroughly enjoy + The pepper when he pleases!” + + + + +“Wow! wow! wow!” + + +“Here! you may nurse it a bit, if you like!” the Duchess said to Alice, +flinging the baby at her as she spoke. “I must go and get ready to play +croquet with the Queen,” and she hurried out of the room. The cook +threw a frying-pan after her as she went out, but it just missed her. + +Alice caught the baby with some difficulty, as it was a queer-shaped +little creature, and held out its arms and legs in all directions, +“just like a star-fish,” thought Alice. The poor little thing was +snorting like a steam-engine when she caught it, and kept doubling +itself up and straightening itself out again, so that altogether, for +the first minute or two, it was as much as she could do to hold it. + +As soon as she had made out the proper way of nursing it, (which was to +twist it up into a sort of knot, and then keep tight hold of its right +ear and left foot, so as to prevent its undoing itself,) she carried it +out into the open air. “If I don’t take this child away with me,” +thought Alice, “they’re sure to kill it in a day or two: wouldn’t it be +murder to leave it behind?” She said the last words out loud, and the +little thing grunted in reply (it had left off sneezing by this time). +“Don’t grunt,” said Alice; “that’s not at all a proper way of +expressing yourself.” + +The baby grunted again, and Alice looked very anxiously into its face +to see what was the matter with it. There could be no doubt that it had +a very turn-up nose, much more like a snout than a real nose; also +its eyes were getting extremely small for a baby: altogether Alice did +not like the look of the thing at all. “But perhaps it was only +sobbing,” she thought, and looked into its eyes again, to see if there +were any tears. + +No, there were no tears. “If you’re going to turn into a pig, my dear,” +said Alice, seriously, “I’ll have nothing more to do with you. Mind +now!” The poor little thing sobbed again (or grunted, it was impossible +to say which), and they went on for some while in silence. + +Alice was just beginning to think to herself, “Now, what am I to do +with this creature when I get it home?” when it grunted again, so +violently, that she looked down into its face in some alarm. This time +there could be no mistake about it: it was neither more nor less than +a pig, and she felt that it would be quite absurd for her to carry it +further. + +So she set the little creature down, and felt quite relieved to see it +trot away quietly into the wood. “If it had grown up,” she said to +herself, “it would have made a dreadfully ugly child: but it makes +rather a handsome pig, I think.” And she began thinking over other +children she knew, who might do very well as pigs, and was just saying +to herself, “if one only knew the right way to change them—” when she +was a little startled by seeing the Cheshire Cat sitting on a bough of +a tree a few yards off. + +The Cat only grinned when it saw Alice. It looked good-natured, she +thought: still it had very long claws and a great many teeth, so she +felt that it ought to be treated with respect. + +“Cheshire Puss,” she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know +whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little +wider. “Come, it’s pleased so far,” thought Alice, and she went on. +“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” + +“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. + +“I don’t much care where—” said Alice. + +“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. + +“—so long as I get somewhere,” Alice added as an explanation. + +“Oh, you’re sure to do that,” said the Cat, “if you only walk long +enough.” + +Alice felt that this could not be denied, so she tried another +question. “What sort of people live about here?” + +“In that direction,” the Cat said, waving its right paw round, “lives +a Hatter: and in that direction,” waving the other paw, “lives a +March Hare. Visit either you like: they’re both mad.” + +“But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice remarked. + +“Oh, you can’t help that,” said the Cat: “we’re all mad here. I’m mad. +You’re mad.” + +“How do you know I’m mad?” said Alice. + +“You must be,” said the Cat, “or you wouldn’t have come here.” + +Alice didn’t think that proved it at all; however, she went on “And how +do you know that you’re mad?” + +“To begin with,” said the Cat, “a dog’s not mad. You grant that?” + +“I suppose so,” said Alice. + +“Well, then,” the Cat went on, “you see, a dog growls when it’s angry, +and wags its tail when it’s pleased. Now I growl when I’m pleased, +and wag my tail when I’m angry. Therefore I’m mad.” + +“I call it purring, not growling,” said Alice. + +“Call it what you like,” said the Cat. “Do you play croquet with the +Queen to-day?” + +“I should like it very much,” said Alice, “but I haven’t been invited +yet.” + +“You’ll see me there,” said the Cat, and vanished. + +Alice was not much surprised at this, she was getting so used to queer +things happening. While she was looking at the place where it had been, +it suddenly appeared again. + +“By-the-bye, what became of the baby?” said the Cat. “I’d nearly +forgotten to ask.” + +“It turned into a pig,” Alice quietly said, just as if it had come back +in a natural way. + +“I thought it would,” said the Cat, and vanished again. + +Alice waited a little, half expecting to see it again, but it did not +appear, and after a minute or two she walked on in the direction in +which the March Hare was said to live. “I’ve seen hatters before,” she +said to herself; “the March Hare will be much the most interesting, and +perhaps as this is May it won’t be raving mad—at least not so mad as it +was in March.” As she said this, she looked up, and there was the Cat +again, sitting on a branch of a tree. + +“Did you say pig, or fig?” said the Cat. + +“I said pig,” replied Alice; “and I wish you wouldn’t keep appearing +and vanishing so suddenly: you make one quite giddy.” + +“All right,” said the Cat; and this time it vanished quite slowly, +beginning with the end of the tail, and ending with the grin, which +remained some time after the rest of it had gone. + +“Well! I’ve often seen a cat without a grin,” thought Alice; “but a +grin without a cat! It’s the most curious thing I ever saw in my life!” + +She had not gone much farther before she came in sight of the house of +the March Hare: she thought it must be the right house, because the +chimneys were shaped like ears and the roof was thatched with fur. It +was so large a house, that she did not like to go nearer till she had +nibbled some more of the lefthand bit of mushroom, and raised herself +to about two feet high: even then she walked up towards it rather +timidly, saying to herself “Suppose it should be raving mad after all! +I almost wish I’d gone to see the Hatter instead!” + + + + +A Mad Tea-Party + + +There was a table set out under a tree in front of the house, and the +March Hare and the Hatter were having tea at it: a Dormouse was sitting +between them, fast asleep, and the other two were using it as a +cushion, resting their elbows on it, and talking over its head. “Very +uncomfortable for the Dormouse,” thought Alice; “only, as it’s asleep, +I suppose it doesn’t mind.” + +The table was a large one, but the three were all crowded together at +one corner of it: “No room! No room!” they cried out when they saw +Alice coming. “There’s plenty of room!” said Alice indignantly, and +she sat down in a large arm-chair at one end of the table. + +“Have some wine,” the March Hare said in an encouraging tone. + +Alice looked all round the table, but there was nothing on it but tea. +“I don’t see any wine,” she remarked. + +“There isn’t any,” said the March Hare. + +“Then it wasn’t very civil of you to offer it,” said Alice angrily. + +“It wasn’t very civil of you to sit down without being invited,” said +the March Hare. + +“I didn’t know it was your table,” said Alice; “it’s laid for a great +many more than three.” + +“Your hair wants cutting,” said the Hatter. He had been looking at +Alice for some time with great curiosity, and this was his first +speech. + +“You should learn not to make personal remarks,” Alice said with some +severity; “it’s very rude.” + +The Hatter opened his eyes very wide on hearing this; but all he said +was, “Why is a raven like a writing-desk?” + +“Come, we shall have some fun now!” thought Alice. “I’m glad they’ve +begun asking riddles.—I believe I can guess that,” she added aloud. + +“Do you mean that you think you can find out the answer to it?” said +the March Hare. + +“Exactly so,” said Alice. + +“Then you should say what you mean,” the March Hare went on. + +“I do,” Alice hastily replied; “at least—at least I mean what I +say—that’s the same thing, you know.” + +“Not the same thing a bit!” said the Hatter. “You might just as well +say that ‘I see what I eat’ is the same thing as ‘I eat what I see’!” + +“You might just as well say,” added the March Hare, “that ‘I like what +I get’ is the same thing as ‘I get what I like’!” + +“You might just as well say,” added the Dormouse, who seemed to be +talking in his sleep, “that ‘I breathe when I sleep’ is the same thing +as ‘I sleep when I breathe’!” + +“It is the same thing with you,” said the Hatter, and here the +conversation dropped, and the party sat silent for a minute, while +Alice thought over all she could remember about ravens and +writing-desks, which wasn’t much. + +The Hatter was the first to break the silence. “What day of the month +is it?” he said, turning to Alice: he had taken his watch out of his +pocket, and was looking at it uneasily, shaking it every now and then, +and holding it to his ear. + +Alice considered a little, and then said “The fourth.” + +“Two days wrong!” sighed the Hatter. “I told you butter wouldn’t suit +the works!” he added looking angrily at the March Hare. + +“It was the best butter,” the March Hare meekly replied. + +“Yes, but some crumbs must have got in as well,” the Hatter grumbled: +“you shouldn’t have put it in with the bread-knife.” + +The March Hare took the watch and looked at it gloomily: then he dipped +it into his cup of tea, and looked at it again: but he could think of +nothing better to say than his first remark, “It was the best butter, +you know.” + +Alice had been looking over his shoulder with some curiosity. “What a +funny watch!” she remarked. “It tells the day of the month, and doesn’t +tell what o’clock it is!” + +“Why should it?” muttered the Hatter. “Does your watch tell you what +year it is?” + +“Of course not,” Alice replied very readily: “but that’s because it +stays the same year for such a long time together.” + +“Which is just the case with mine,” said the Hatter. + +Alice felt dreadfully puzzled. The Hatter’s remark seemed to have no +sort of meaning in it, and yet it was certainly English. “I don’t quite +understand you,” she said, as politely as she could. + +“The Dormouse is asleep again,” said the Hatter, and he poured a little +hot tea upon its nose. + +The Dormouse shook its head impatiently, and said, without opening its +eyes, “Of course, of course; just what I was going to remark myself.” + +“Have you guessed the riddle yet?” the Hatter said, turning to Alice +again. + +“No, I give it up,” Alice replied: “what’s the answer?” + +“I haven’t the slightest idea,” said the Hatter. + +“Nor I,” said the March Hare. + +Alice sighed wearily. “I think you might do something better with the +time,” she said, “than waste it in asking riddles that have no +answers.” + +“If you knew Time as well as I do,” said the Hatter, “you wouldn’t talk +about wasting it. It’s him.” + +“I don’t know what you mean,” said Alice. + +“Of course you don’t!” the Hatter said, tossing his head +contemptuously. “I dare say you never even spoke to Time!” + +“Perhaps not,” Alice cautiously replied: “but I know I have to beat +time when I learn music.” + +“Ah! that accounts for it,” said the Hatter. “He won’t stand beating. +Now, if you only kept on good terms with him, he’d do almost anything +you liked with the clock. For instance, suppose it were nine o’clock in +the morning, just time to begin lessons: you’d only have to whisper a +hint to Time, and round goes the clock in a twinkling! Half-past one, +time for dinner!” + +(“I only wish it was,” the March Hare said to itself in a whisper.) + +“That would be grand, certainly,” said Alice thoughtfully: “but then—I +shouldn’t be hungry for it, you know.” + +“Not at first, perhaps,” said the Hatter: “but you could keep it to +half-past one as long as you liked.” + +“Is that the way you manage?” Alice asked. + +The Hatter shook his head mournfully. “Not I!” he replied. “We +quarrelled last March—just before he went mad, you know—” (pointing +with his tea spoon at the March Hare,) “—it was at the great concert +given by the Queen of Hearts, and I had to sing + +‘Twinkle, twinkle, little bat! +How I wonder what you’re at!’ + + +You know the song, perhaps?” + +“I’ve heard something like it,” said Alice. + +“It goes on, you know,” the Hatter continued, “in this way:— + +‘Up above the world you fly, +Like a tea-tray in the sky. + Twinkle, twinkle—’” + + +Here the Dormouse shook itself, and began singing in its sleep +“Twinkle, twinkle, twinkle, twinkle—” and went on so long that they +had to pinch it to make it stop. + +“Well, I’d hardly finished the first verse,” said the Hatter, “when the +Queen jumped up and bawled out, ‘He’s murdering the time! Off with his +head!’” + +“How dreadfully savage!” exclaimed Alice. + +“And ever since that,” the Hatter went on in a mournful tone, “he won’t +do a thing I ask! It’s always six o’clock now.” + +A bright idea came into Alice’s head. “Is that the reason so many +tea-things are put out here?” she asked. + +“Yes, that’s it,” said the Hatter with a sigh: “it’s always tea-time, +and we’ve no time to wash the things between whiles.” + +“Then you keep moving round, I suppose?” said Alice. + +“Exactly so,” said the Hatter: “as the things get used up.” + +“But what happens when you come to the beginning again?” Alice ventured +to ask. + +“Suppose we change the subject,” the March Hare interrupted, yawning. +“I’m getting tired of this. I vote the young lady tells us a story.” + +“I’m afraid I don’t know one,” said Alice, rather alarmed at the +proposal. + +“Then the Dormouse shall!” they both cried. “Wake up, Dormouse!” And +they pinched it on both sides at once. + +The Dormouse slowly opened his eyes. “I wasn’t asleep,” he said in a +hoarse, feeble voice: “I heard every word you fellows were saying.” + +“Tell us a story!” said the March Hare. + +“Yes, please do!” pleaded Alice. + +“And be quick about it,” added the Hatter, “or you’ll be asleep again +before it’s done.” + +“Once upon a time there were three little sisters,” the Dormouse began +in a great hurry; “and their names were Elsie, Lacie, and Tillie; and +they lived at the bottom of a well—” + +“What did they live on?” said Alice, who always took a great interest +in questions of eating and drinking. + +“They lived on treacle,” said the Dormouse, after thinking a minute or +two. + +“They couldn’t have done that, you know,” Alice gently remarked; +“they’d have been ill.” + +“So they were,” said the Dormouse; “very ill.” + +Alice tried to fancy to herself what such an extraordinary ways of +living would be like, but it puzzled her too much, so she went on: “But +why did they live at the bottom of a well?” + +“Take some more tea,” the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly. + +“I’ve had nothing yet,” Alice replied in an offended tone, “so I can’t +take more.” + +“You mean you can’t take less,” said the Hatter: “it’s very easy to +take more than nothing.” + +“Nobody asked your opinion,” said Alice. + +“Who’s making personal remarks now?” the Hatter asked triumphantly. + +Alice did not quite know what to say to this: so she helped herself to +some tea and bread-and-butter, and then turned to the Dormouse, and +repeated her question. “Why did they live at the bottom of a well?” + +The Dormouse again took a minute or two to think about it, and then +said, “It was a treacle-well.” + +“There’s no such thing!” Alice was beginning very angrily, but the +Hatter and the March Hare went “Sh! sh!” and the Dormouse sulkily +remarked, “If you can’t be civil, you’d better finish the story for +yourself.” + +“No, please go on!” Alice said very humbly; “I won’t interrupt again. I +dare say there may be one.” + +“One, indeed!” said the Dormouse indignantly. However, he consented to +go on. “And so these three little sisters—they were learning to draw, +you know—” + +“What did they draw?” said Alice, quite forgetting her promise. + +“Treacle,” said the Dormouse, without considering at all this time. + +“I want a clean cup,” interrupted the Hatter: “let’s all move one place +on.” + +He moved on as he spoke, and the Dormouse followed him: the March Hare +moved into the Dormouse’s place, and Alice rather unwillingly took the +place of the March Hare. The Hatter was the only one who got any +advantage from the change: and Alice was a good deal worse off than +before, as the March Hare had just upset the milk-jug into his plate. + +Alice did not wish to offend the Dormouse again, so she began very +cautiously: “But I don’t understand. Where did they draw the treacle +from?” + +“You can draw water out of a water-well,” said the Hatter; “so I should +think you could draw treacle out of a treacle-well—eh, stupid?” + +“But they were in the well,” Alice said to the Dormouse, not choosing +to notice this last remark. + +“Of course they were,” said the Dormouse; “—well in.” + +This answer so confused poor Alice, that she let the Dormouse go on for +some time without interrupting it. + +“They were learning to draw,” the Dormouse went on, yawning and rubbing +its eyes, for it was getting very sleepy; “and they drew all manner of +things—everything that begins with an M—” + +“Why with an M?” said Alice. + +“Why not?” said the March Hare. + +Alice was silent. + +The Dormouse had closed its eyes by this time, and was going off into a +doze; but, on being pinched by the Hatter, it woke up again with a +little shriek, and went on: “—that begins with an M, such as +mouse-traps, and the moon, and memory, and muchness—you know you say +things are “much of a muchness”—did you ever see such a thing as a +drawing of a muchness?” + +“Really, now you ask me,” said Alice, very much confused, “I don’t +think—” + +“Then you shouldn’t talk,” said the Hatter. + +This piece of rudeness was more than Alice could bear: she got up in +great disgust, and walked off; the Dormouse fell asleep instantly, and +neither of the others took the least notice of her going, though she +looked back once or twice, half hoping that they would call after her: +the last time she saw them, they were trying to put the Dormouse into +the teapot. + +“At any rate I’ll never go there again!” said Alice as she picked her +way through the wood. “It’s the stupidest tea-party I ever was at in +all my life!” + +Just as she said this, she noticed that one of the trees had a door +leading right into it. “That’s very curious!” she thought. “But +everything’s curious today. I think I may as well go in at once.” And +in she went. + +Once more she found herself in the long hall, and close to the little +glass table. “Now, I’ll manage better this time,” she said to herself, +and began by taking the little golden key, and unlocking the door that +led into the garden. Then she went to work nibbling at the mushroom +(she had kept a piece of it in her pocket) till she was about a foot +high: then she walked down the little passage: and then—she found +herself at last in the beautiful garden, among the bright flower-beds +and the cool fountains. + + + + +The Queen’s Croquet-Ground + + +A large rose-tree stood near the entrance of the garden: the roses +growing on it were white, but there were three gardeners at it, busily +painting them red. Alice thought this a very curious thing, and she +went nearer to watch them, and just as she came up to them she heard +one of them say, “Look out now, Five! Don’t go splashing paint over me +like that!” + +“I couldn’t help it,” said Five, in a sulky tone; “Seven jogged my +elbow.” + +On which Seven looked up and said, “That’s right, Five! Always lay the +blame on others!” + +“You’d better not talk!” said Five. “I heard the Queen say only +yesterday you deserved to be beheaded!” + +“What for?” said the one who had spoken first. + +“That’s none of your business, Two!” said Seven. + +“Yes, it is his business!” said Five, “and I’ll tell him—it was for +bringing the cook tulip-roots instead of onions.” + +Seven flung down his brush, and had just begun “Well, of all the unjust +things—” when his eye chanced to fall upon Alice, as she stood watching +them, and he checked himself suddenly: the others looked round also, +and all of them bowed low. + +“Would you tell me,” said Alice, a little timidly, “why you are +painting those roses?” + +Five and Seven said nothing, but looked at Two. Two began in a low +voice, “Why the fact is, you see, Miss, this here ought to have been a +red rose-tree, and we put a white one in by mistake; and if the Queen +was to find it out, we should all have our heads cut off, you know. So +you see, Miss, we’re doing our best, afore she comes, to—” At this +moment Five, who had been anxiously looking across the garden, called +out “The Queen! The Queen!” and the three gardeners instantly threw +themselves flat upon their faces. There was a sound of many footsteps, +and Alice looked round, eager to see the Queen. + +First came ten soldiers carrying clubs; these were all shaped like the +three gardeners, oblong and flat, with their hands and feet at the +corners: next the ten courtiers; these were ornamented all over with +diamonds, and walked two and two, as the soldiers did. After these came +the royal children; there were ten of them, and the little dears came +jumping merrily along hand in hand, in couples: they were all +ornamented with hearts. Next came the guests, mostly Kings and Queens, +and among them Alice recognised the White Rabbit: it was talking in a +hurried nervous manner, smiling at everything that was said, and went +by without noticing her. Then followed the Knave of Hearts, carrying +the King’s crown on a crimson velvet cushion; and, last of all this +grand procession, came THE KING AND QUEEN OF HEARTS. + +Alice was rather doubtful whether she ought not to lie down on her face +like the three gardeners, but she could not remember ever having heard +of such a rule at processions; “and besides, what would be the use of a +procession,” thought she, “if people had all to lie down upon their +faces, so that they couldn’t see it?” So she stood still where she was, +and waited. + +When the procession came opposite to Alice, they all stopped and looked +at her, and the Queen said severely “Who is this?” She said it to the +Knave of Hearts, who only bowed and smiled in reply. + +“Idiot!” said the Queen, tossing her head impatiently; and, turning to +Alice, she went on, “What’s your name, child?” + +“My name is Alice, so please your Majesty,” said Alice very politely; +but she added, to herself, “Why, they’re only a pack of cards, after +all. I needn’t be afraid of them!” + +“And who are these?” said the Queen, pointing to the three gardeners +who were lying round the rose-tree; for, you see, as they were lying on +their faces, and the pattern on their backs was the same as the rest of +the pack, she could not tell whether they were gardeners, or soldiers, +or courtiers, or three of her own children. + +“How should I know?” said Alice, surprised at her own courage. “It’s +no business of mine.” + +The Queen turned crimson with fury, and, after glaring at her for a +moment like a wild beast, screamed “Off with her head! Off—” + +“Nonsense!” said Alice, very loudly and decidedly, and the Queen was +silent. + +The King laid his hand upon her arm, and timidly said “Consider, my +dear: she is only a child!” + +The Queen turned angrily away from him, and said to the Knave “Turn +them over!” + +The Knave did so, very carefully, with one foot. + +“Get up!” said the Queen, in a shrill, loud voice, and the three +gardeners instantly jumped up, and began bowing to the King, the Queen, +the royal children, and everybody else. + +“Leave off that!” screamed the Queen. “You make me giddy.” And then, +turning to the rose-tree, she went on, “What have you been doing +here?” + +“May it please your Majesty,” said Two, in a very humble tone, going +down on one knee as he spoke, “we were trying—” + +“I see!” said the Queen, who had meanwhile been examining the roses. +“Off with their heads!” and the procession moved on, three of the +soldiers remaining behind to execute the unfortunate gardeners, who ran +to Alice for protection. + +“You shan’t be beheaded!” said Alice, and she put them into a large +flower-pot that stood near. The three soldiers wandered about for a +minute or two, looking for them, and then quietly marched off after the +others. + +“Are their heads off?” shouted the Queen. + +“Their heads are gone, if it please your Majesty!” the soldiers shouted +in reply. + +“That’s right!” shouted the Queen. “Can you play croquet?” + +The soldiers were silent, and looked at Alice, as the question was +evidently meant for her. + +“Yes!” shouted Alice. + +“Come on, then!” roared the Queen, and Alice joined the procession, +wondering very much what would happen next. + +“It’s—it’s a very fine day!” said a timid voice at her side. She was +walking by the White Rabbit, who was peeping anxiously into her face. + +“Very,” said Alice: “—where’s the Duchess?” + +“Hush! Hush!” said the Rabbit in a low, hurried tone. He looked +anxiously over his shoulder as he spoke, and then raised himself upon +tiptoe, put his mouth close to her ear, and whispered “She’s under +sentence of execution.” + +“What for?” said Alice. + +“Did you say ‘What a pity!’?” the Rabbit asked. + +“No, I didn’t,” said Alice: “I don’t think it’s at all a pity. I said +‘What for?’” + +“She boxed the Queen’s ears—” the Rabbit began. Alice gave a little +scream of laughter. “Oh, hush!” the Rabbit whispered in a frightened +tone. “The Queen will hear you! You see, she came rather late, and the +Queen said—” + +“Get to your places!” shouted the Queen in a voice of thunder, and +people began running about in all directions, tumbling up against each +other; however, they got settled down in a minute or two, and the game +began. Alice thought she had never seen such a curious croquet-ground +in her life; it was all ridges and furrows; the balls were live +hedgehogs, the mallets live flamingoes, and the soldiers had to double +themselves up and to stand on their hands and feet, to make the arches. + +The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo: +she succeeded in getting its body tucked away, comfortably enough, +under her arm, with its legs hanging down, but generally, just as she +had got its neck nicely straightened out, and was going to give the +hedgehog a blow with its head, it would twist itself round and look +up in her face, with such a puzzled expression that she could not help +bursting out laughing: and when she had got its head down, and was +going to begin again, it was very provoking to find that the hedgehog +had unrolled itself, and was in the act of crawling away: besides all +this, there was generally a ridge or furrow in the way wherever she +wanted to send the hedgehog to, and, as the doubled-up soldiers were +always getting up and walking off to other parts of the ground, Alice +soon came to the conclusion that it was a very difficult game indeed. + +The players all played at once without waiting for turns, quarrelling +all the while, and fighting for the hedgehogs; and in a very short time +the Queen was in a furious passion, and went stamping about, and +shouting “Off with his head!” or “Off with her head!” about once in a +minute. + +Alice began to feel very uneasy: to be sure, she had not as yet had any +dispute with the Queen, but she knew that it might happen any minute, +“and then,” thought she, “what would become of me? They’re dreadfully +fond of beheading people here; the great wonder is, that there’s any +one left alive!” + +She was looking about for some way of escape, and wondering whether she +could get away without being seen, when she noticed a curious +appearance in the air: it puzzled her very much at first, but, after +watching it a minute or two, she made it out to be a grin, and she said +to herself “It’s the Cheshire Cat: now I shall have somebody to talk +to.” + +“How are you getting on?” said the Cat, as soon as there was mouth +enough for it to speak with. + +Alice waited till the eyes appeared, and then nodded. “It’s no use +speaking to it,” she thought, “till its ears have come, or at least one +of them.” In another minute the whole head appeared, and then Alice put +down her flamingo, and began an account of the game, feeling very glad +she had someone to listen to her. The Cat seemed to think that there +was enough of it now in sight, and no more of it appeared. + +“I don’t think they play at all fairly,” Alice began, in rather a +complaining tone, “and they all quarrel so dreadfully one can’t hear +oneself speak—and they don’t seem to have any rules in particular; at +least, if there are, nobody attends to them—and you’ve no idea how +confusing it is all the things being alive; for instance, there’s the +arch I’ve got to go through next walking about at the other end of the +ground—and I should have croqueted the Queen’s hedgehog just now, only +it ran away when it saw mine coming!” + +“How do you like the Queen?” said the Cat in a low voice. + +“Not at all,” said Alice: “she’s so extremely—” Just then she noticed +that the Queen was close behind her, listening: so she went on, +“—likely to win, that it’s hardly worth while finishing the game.” + +The Queen smiled and passed on. + +“Who are you talking to?” said the King, going up to Alice, and +looking at the Cat’s head with great curiosity. + +“It’s a friend of mine—a Cheshire Cat,” said Alice: “allow me to +introduce it.” + +“I don’t like the look of it at all,” said the King: “however, it may +kiss my hand if it likes.” + +“I’d rather not,” the Cat remarked. + +“Don’t be impertinent,” said the King, “and don’t look at me like +that!” He got behind Alice as he spoke. + +“A cat may look at a king,” said Alice. “I’ve read that in some book, +but I don’t remember where.” + +“Well, it must be removed,” said the King very decidedly, and he called +the Queen, who was passing at the moment, “My dear! I wish you would +have this cat removed!” + +The Queen had only one way of settling all difficulties, great or +small. “Off with his head!” she said, without even looking round. + +“I’ll fetch the executioner myself,” said the King eagerly, and he +hurried off. + +Alice thought she might as well go back, and see how the game was going +on, as she heard the Queen’s voice in the distance, screaming with +passion. She had already heard her sentence three of the players to be +executed for having missed their turns, and she did not like the look +of things at all, as the game was in such confusion that she never knew +whether it was her turn or not. So she went in search of her hedgehog. + +The hedgehog was engaged in a fight with another hedgehog, which seemed +to Alice an excellent opportunity for croqueting one of them with the +other: the only difficulty was, that her flamingo was gone across to +the other side of the garden, where Alice could see it trying in a +helpless sort of way to fly up into a tree. + +By the time she had caught the flamingo and brought it back, the fight +was over, and both the hedgehogs were out of sight: “but it doesn’t +matter much,” thought Alice, “as all the arches are gone from this side +of the ground.” So she tucked it away under her arm, that it might not +escape again, and went back for a little more conversation with her +friend. + +When she got back to the Cheshire Cat, she was surprised to find quite +a large crowd collected round it: there was a dispute going on between +the executioner, the King, and the Queen, who were all talking at once, +while all the rest were quite silent, and looked very uncomfortable. + +The moment Alice appeared, she was appealed to by all three to settle +the question, and they repeated their arguments to her, though, as they +all spoke at once, she found it very hard indeed to make out exactly +what they said. + +The executioner’s argument was, that you couldn’t cut off a head unless +there was a body to cut it off from: that he had never had to do such a +thing before, and he wasn’t going to begin at his time of life. + +The King’s argument was, that anything that had a head could be +beheaded, and that you weren’t to talk nonsense. + +The Queen’s argument was, that if something wasn’t done about it in +less than no time she’d have everybody executed, all round. (It was +this last remark that had made the whole party look so grave and +anxious.) + +Alice could think of nothing else to say but “It belongs to the +Duchess: you’d better ask her about it.” + +“She’s in prison,” the Queen said to the executioner: “fetch her here.” +And the executioner went off like an arrow. + +The Cat’s head began fading away the moment he was gone, and, by the +time he had come back with the Duchess, it had entirely disappeared; so +the King and the executioner ran wildly up and down looking for it, +while the rest of the party went back to the game. + + + + +The Mock Turtle’s Story + + +“You can’t think how glad I am to see you again, you dear old thing!” +said the Duchess, as she tucked her arm affectionately into Alice’s, +and they walked off together. + +Alice was very glad to find her in such a pleasant temper, and thought +to herself that perhaps it was only the pepper that had made her so +savage when they met in the kitchen. + +“When I’m a Duchess,” she said to herself, (not in a very hopeful +tone though), “I won’t have any pepper in my kitchen at all. Soup +does very well without—Maybe it’s always pepper that makes people +hot-tempered,” she went on, very much pleased at having found out a new +kind of rule, “and vinegar that makes them sour—and camomile that makes +them bitter—and—and barley-sugar and such things that make children +sweet-tempered. I only wish people knew that: then they wouldn’t be +so stingy about it, you know—” + +She had quite forgotten the Duchess by this time, and was a little +startled when she heard her voice close to her ear. “You’re thinking +about something, my dear, and that makes you forget to talk. I can’t +tell you just now what the moral of that is, but I shall remember it in +a bit.” + +“Perhaps it hasn’t one,” Alice ventured to remark. + +“Tut, tut, child!” said the Duchess. “Everything’s got a moral, if only +you can find it.” And she squeezed herself up closer to Alice’s side as +she spoke. + +Alice did not much like keeping so close to her: first, because the +Duchess was very ugly; and secondly, because she was exactly the +right height to rest her chin upon Alice’s shoulder, and it was an +uncomfortably sharp chin. However, she did not like to be rude, so she +bore it as well as she could. + +“The game’s going on rather better now,” she said, by way of keeping up +the conversation a little. + +“’Tis so,” said the Duchess: “and the moral of that is—‘Oh, ’tis love, +’tis love, that makes the world go round!’” + +“Somebody said,” Alice whispered, “that it’s done by everybody minding +their own business!” + +“Ah, well! It means much the same thing,” said the Duchess, digging her +sharp little chin into Alice’s shoulder as she added, “and the moral of +that is—‘Take care of the sense, and the sounds will take care of +themselves.’” + +“How fond she is of finding morals in things!” Alice thought to +herself. + +“I dare say you’re wondering why I don’t put my arm round your waist,” +the Duchess said after a pause: “the reason is, that I’m doubtful about +the temper of your flamingo. Shall I try the experiment?” + +“He might bite,” Alice cautiously replied, not feeling at all anxious +to have the experiment tried. + +“Very true,” said the Duchess: “flamingoes and mustard both bite. And +the moral of that is—‘Birds of a feather flock together.’” + +“Only mustard isn’t a bird,” Alice remarked. + +“Right, as usual,” said the Duchess: “what a clear way you have of +putting things!” + +“It’s a mineral, I think,” said Alice. + +“Of course it is,” said the Duchess, who seemed ready to agree to +everything that Alice said; “there’s a large mustard-mine near here. +And the moral of that is—‘The more there is of mine, the less there is +of yours.’” + +“Oh, I know!” exclaimed Alice, who had not attended to this last +remark, “it’s a vegetable. It doesn’t look like one, but it is.” + +“I quite agree with you,” said the Duchess; “and the moral of that +is—‘Be what you would seem to be’—or if you’d like it put more +simply—‘Never imagine yourself not to be otherwise than what it might +appear to others that what you were or might have been was not +otherwise than what you had been would have appeared to them to be +otherwise.’” + +“I think I should understand that better,” Alice said very politely, +“if I had it written down: but I can’t quite follow it as you say it.” + +“That’s nothing to what I could say if I chose,” the Duchess replied, +in a pleased tone. + +“Pray don’t trouble yourself to say it any longer than that,” said +Alice. + +“Oh, don’t talk about trouble!” said the Duchess. “I make you a present +of everything I’ve said as yet.” + +“A cheap sort of present!” thought Alice. “I’m glad they don’t give +birthday presents like that!” But she did not venture to say it out +loud. + +“Thinking again?” the Duchess asked, with another dig of her sharp +little chin. + +“I’ve a right to think,” said Alice sharply, for she was beginning to +feel a little worried. + +“Just about as much right,” said the Duchess, “as pigs have to fly; and +the m—” + +But here, to Alice’s great surprise, the Duchess’s voice died away, +even in the middle of her favourite word ‘moral,’ and the arm that was +linked into hers began to tremble. Alice looked up, and there stood the +Queen in front of them, with her arms folded, frowning like a +thunderstorm. + +“A fine day, your Majesty!” the Duchess began in a low, weak voice. + +“Now, I give you fair warning,” shouted the Queen, stamping on the +ground as she spoke; “either you or your head must be off, and that in +about half no time! Take your choice!” + +The Duchess took her choice, and was gone in a moment. + +“Let’s go on with the game,” the Queen said to Alice; and Alice was too +much frightened to say a word, but slowly followed her back to the +croquet-ground. + +The other guests had taken advantage of the Queen’s absence, and were +resting in the shade: however, the moment they saw her, they hurried +back to the game, the Queen merely remarking that a moment’s delay +would cost them their lives. + +All the time they were playing the Queen never left off quarrelling +with the other players, and shouting “Off with his head!” or “Off with +her head!” Those whom she sentenced were taken into custody by the +soldiers, who of course had to leave off being arches to do this, so +that by the end of half an hour or so there were no arches left, and +all the players, except the King, the Queen, and Alice, were in custody +and under sentence of execution. + +Then the Queen left off, quite out of breath, and said to Alice, “Have +you seen the Mock Turtle yet?” + +“No,” said Alice. “I don’t even know what a Mock Turtle is.” + +“It’s the thing Mock Turtle Soup is made from,” said the Queen. + +“I never saw one, or heard of one,” said Alice. + +“Come on, then,” said the Queen, “and he shall tell you his history,” + +As they walked off together, Alice heard the King say in a low voice, +to the company generally, “You are all pardoned.” “Come, that’s a +good thing!” she said to herself, for she had felt quite unhappy at the +number of executions the Queen had ordered. + +They very soon came upon a Gryphon, lying fast asleep in the sun. (If +you don’t know what a Gryphon is, look at the picture.) “Up, lazy +thing!” said the Queen, “and take this young lady to see the Mock +Turtle, and to hear his history. I must go back and see after some +executions I have ordered;” and she walked off, leaving Alice alone +with the Gryphon. Alice did not quite like the look of the creature, +but on the whole she thought it would be quite as safe to stay with it +as to go after that savage Queen: so she waited. + +The Gryphon sat up and rubbed its eyes: then it watched the Queen till +she was out of sight: then it chuckled. “What fun!” said the Gryphon, +half to itself, half to Alice. + +“What is the fun?” said Alice. + +“Why, she,” said the Gryphon. “It’s all her fancy, that: they never +executes nobody, you know. Come on!” + +“Everybody says ‘come on!’ here,” thought Alice, as she went slowly +after it: “I never was so ordered about in all my life, never!” + +They had not gone far before they saw the Mock Turtle in the distance, +sitting sad and lonely on a little ledge of rock, and, as they came +nearer, Alice could hear him sighing as if his heart would break. She +pitied him deeply. “What is his sorrow?” she asked the Gryphon, and the +Gryphon answered, very nearly in the same words as before, “It’s all +his fancy, that: he hasn’t got no sorrow, you know. Come on!” + +So they went up to the Mock Turtle, who looked at them with large eyes +full of tears, but said nothing. + +“This here young lady,” said the Gryphon, “she wants for to know your +history, she do.” + +“I’ll tell it her,” said the Mock Turtle in a deep, hollow tone: “sit +down, both of you, and don’t speak a word till I’ve finished.” + +So they sat down, and nobody spoke for some minutes. Alice thought to +herself, “I don’t see how he can ever finish, if he doesn’t begin.” +But she waited patiently. + +“Once,” said the Mock Turtle at last, with a deep sigh, “I was a real +Turtle.” + +These words were followed by a very long silence, broken only by an +occasional exclamation of “Hjckrrh!” from the Gryphon, and the constant +heavy sobbing of the Mock Turtle. Alice was very nearly getting up and +saying, “Thank you, sir, for your interesting story,” but she could not +help thinking there must be more to come, so she sat still and said +nothing. + +“When we were little,” the Mock Turtle went on at last, more calmly, +though still sobbing a little now and then, “we went to school in the +sea. The master was an old Turtle—we used to call him Tortoise—” + +“Why did you call him Tortoise, if he wasn’t one?” Alice asked. + +“We called him Tortoise because he taught us,” said the Mock Turtle +angrily: “really you are very dull!” + +“You ought to be ashamed of yourself for asking such a simple +question,” added the Gryphon; and then they both sat silent and looked +at poor Alice, who felt ready to sink into the earth. At last the +Gryphon said to the Mock Turtle, “Drive on, old fellow! Don’t be all +day about it!” and he went on in these words: + +“Yes, we went to school in the sea, though you mayn’t believe it—” + +“I never said I didn’t!” interrupted Alice. + +“You did,” said the Mock Turtle. + +“Hold your tongue!” added the Gryphon, before Alice could speak again. +The Mock Turtle went on. + +“We had the best of educations—in fact, we went to school every day—” + +“I’ve been to a day-school, too,” said Alice; “you needn’t be so +proud as all that.” + +“With extras?” asked the Mock Turtle a little anxiously. + +“Yes,” said Alice, “we learned French and music.” + +“And washing?” said the Mock Turtle. + +“Certainly not!” said Alice indignantly. + +“Ah! then yours wasn’t a really good school,” said the Mock Turtle in a +tone of great relief. “Now at ours they had at the end of the bill, +‘French, music, and washing—extra.’” + +“You couldn’t have wanted it much,” said Alice; “living at the bottom +of the sea.” + +“I couldn’t afford to learn it.” said the Mock Turtle with a sigh. “I +only took the regular course.” + +“What was that?” inquired Alice. + +“Reeling and Writhing, of course, to begin with,” the Mock Turtle +replied; “and then the different branches of Arithmetic—Ambition, +Distraction, Uglification, and Derision.” + +“I never heard of ‘Uglification,’” Alice ventured to say. “What is it?” + +The Gryphon lifted up both its paws in surprise. “What! Never heard of +uglifying!” it exclaimed. “You know what to beautify is, I suppose?” + +“Yes,” said Alice doubtfully: “it means—to—make—anything—prettier.” + +“Well, then,” the Gryphon went on, “if you don’t know what to uglify +is, you are a simpleton.” + +Alice did not feel encouraged to ask any more questions about it, so +she turned to the Mock Turtle, and said “What else had you to learn?” + +“Well, there was Mystery,” the Mock Turtle replied, counting off the +subjects on his flappers, “—Mystery, ancient and modern, with +Seaography: then Drawling—the Drawling-master was an old conger-eel, +that used to come once a week: he taught us Drawling, Stretching, and +Fainting in Coils.” + +“What was that like?” said Alice. + +“Well, I can’t show it you myself,” the Mock Turtle said: “I’m too +stiff. And the Gryphon never learnt it.” + +“Hadn’t time,” said the Gryphon: “I went to the Classics master, +though. He was an old crab, he was.” + +“I never went to him,” the Mock Turtle said with a sigh: “he taught +Laughing and Grief, they used to say.” + +“So he did, so he did,” said the Gryphon, sighing in his turn; and both +creatures hid their faces in their paws. + +“And how many hours a day did you do lessons?” said Alice, in a hurry +to change the subject. + +“Ten hours the first day,” said the Mock Turtle: “nine the next, and so +on.” + +“What a curious plan!” exclaimed Alice. + +“That’s the reason they’re called lessons,” the Gryphon remarked: +“because they lessen from day to day.” + +This was quite a new idea to Alice, and she thought it over a little +before she made her next remark. “Then the eleventh day must have been +a holiday?” + +“Of course it was,” said the Mock Turtle. + +“And how did you manage on the twelfth?” Alice went on eagerly. + +“That’s enough about lessons,” the Gryphon interrupted in a very +decided tone: “tell her something about the games now.” + + + + +The Lobster Quadrille + + +The Mock Turtle sighed deeply, and drew the back of one flapper across +his eyes. He looked at Alice, and tried to speak, but for a minute or +two sobs choked his voice. “Same as if he had a bone in his throat,” +said the Gryphon: and it set to work shaking him and punching him in +the back. At last the Mock Turtle recovered his voice, and, with tears +running down his cheeks, he went on again:— + +“You may not have lived much under the sea—” (“I haven’t,” said +Alice)—“and perhaps you were never even introduced to a lobster—” +(Alice began to say “I once tasted—” but checked herself hastily, and +said “No, never”) “—so you can have no idea what a delightful thing a +Lobster Quadrille is!” + +“No, indeed,” said Alice. “What sort of a dance is it?” + +“Why,” said the Gryphon, “you first form into a line along the +sea-shore—” + +“Two lines!” cried the Mock Turtle. “Seals, turtles, salmon, and so on; +then, when you’ve cleared all the jelly-fish out of the way—” + +“That generally takes some time,” interrupted the Gryphon. + +“—you advance twice—” + +“Each with a lobster as a partner!” cried the Gryphon. + +“Of course,” the Mock Turtle said: “advance twice, set to partners—” + +“—change lobsters, and retire in same order,” continued the Gryphon. + +“Then, you know,” the Mock Turtle went on, “you throw the—” + +“The lobsters!” shouted the Gryphon, with a bound into the air. + +“—as far out to sea as you can—” + +“Swim after them!” screamed the Gryphon. + +“Turn a somersault in the sea!” cried the Mock Turtle, capering wildly +about. + +“Change lobsters again!” yelled the Gryphon at the top of its voice. + +“Back to land again, and that’s all the first figure,” said the Mock +Turtle, suddenly dropping his voice; and the two creatures, who had +been jumping about like mad things all this time, sat down again very +sadly and quietly, and looked at Alice. + +“It must be a very pretty dance,” said Alice timidly. + +“Would you like to see a little of it?” said the Mock Turtle. + +“Very much indeed,” said Alice. + +“Come, let’s try the first figure!” said the Mock Turtle to the +Gryphon. “We can do without lobsters, you know. Which shall sing?” + +“Oh, you sing,” said the Gryphon. “I’ve forgotten the words.” + +So they began solemnly dancing round and round Alice, every now and +then treading on her toes when they passed too close, and waving their +forepaws to mark the time, while the Mock Turtle sang this, very slowly +and sadly:— + +“Will you walk a little faster?” said a whiting to a snail. +“There’s a porpoise close behind us, and he’s treading on my tail. +See how eagerly the lobsters and the turtles all advance! +They are waiting on the shingle—will you come and join the dance? +Will you, won’t you, will you, won’t you, will you join the dance? +Will you, won’t you, will you, won’t you, won’t you join the dance? + +“You can really have no notion how delightful it will be +When they take us up and throw us, with the lobsters, out to sea!” +But the snail replied “Too far, too far!” and gave a look askance— +Said he thanked the whiting kindly, but he would not join the dance. +Would not, could not, would not, could not, would not join the dance. +Would not, could not, would not, could not, could not join the dance. + +“What matters it how far we go?” his scaly friend replied. +“There is another shore, you know, upon the other side. +The further off from England the nearer is to France— +Then turn not pale, beloved snail, but come and join the dance. +Will you, won’t you, will you, won’t you, will you join the dance? +Will you, won’t you, will you, won’t you, won’t you join the dance?” + + +“Thank you, it’s a very interesting dance to watch,” said Alice, +feeling very glad that it was over at last: “and I do so like that +curious song about the whiting!” + +“Oh, as to the whiting,” said the Mock Turtle, “they—you’ve seen them, +of course?” + +“Yes,” said Alice, “I’ve often seen them at dinn—” she checked herself +hastily. + +“I don’t know where Dinn may be,” said the Mock Turtle, “but if you’ve +seen them so often, of course you know what they’re like.” + +“I believe so,” Alice replied thoughtfully. “They have their tails in +their mouths—and they’re all over crumbs.” + +“You’re wrong about the crumbs,” said the Mock Turtle: “crumbs would +all wash off in the sea. But they have their tails in their mouths; +and the reason is—” here the Mock Turtle yawned and shut his +eyes.—“Tell her about the reason and all that,” he said to the Gryphon. + +“The reason is,” said the Gryphon, “that they would go with the +lobsters to the dance. So they got thrown out to sea. So they had to +fall a long way. So they got their tails fast in their mouths. So they +couldn’t get them out again. That’s all.” + +“Thank you,” said Alice, “it’s very interesting. I never knew so much +about a whiting before.” + +“I can tell you more than that, if you like,” said the Gryphon. “Do you +know why it’s called a whiting?” + +“I never thought about it,” said Alice. “Why?” + +“It does the boots and shoes,” the Gryphon replied very solemnly. + +Alice was thoroughly puzzled. “Does the boots and shoes!” she repeated +in a wondering tone. + +“Why, what are your shoes done with?” said the Gryphon. “I mean, what +makes them so shiny?” + +Alice looked down at them, and considered a little before she gave her +answer. “They’re done with blacking, I believe.” + +“Boots and shoes under the sea,” the Gryphon went on in a deep voice, +“are done with a whiting. Now you know.” + +“And what are they made of?” Alice asked in a tone of great curiosity. + +“Soles and eels, of course,” the Gryphon replied rather impatiently: +“any shrimp could have told you that.” + +“If I’d been the whiting,” said Alice, whose thoughts were still +running on the song, “I’d have said to the porpoise, ‘Keep back, +please: we don’t want you with us!’” + +“They were obliged to have him with them,” the Mock Turtle said: “no +wise fish would go anywhere without a porpoise.” + +“Wouldn’t it really?” said Alice in a tone of great surprise. + +“Of course not,” said the Mock Turtle: “why, if a fish came to me, +and told me he was going a journey, I should say ‘With what porpoise?’” + +“Don’t you mean ‘purpose’?” said Alice. + +“I mean what I say,” the Mock Turtle replied in an offended tone. And +the Gryphon added “Come, let’s hear some of your adventures.” + +“I could tell you my adventures—beginning from this morning,” said +Alice a little timidly: “but it’s no use going back to yesterday, +because I was a different person then.” + +“Explain all that,” said the Mock Turtle. + +“No, no! The adventures first,” said the Gryphon in an impatient tone: +“explanations take such a dreadful time.” + +So Alice began telling them her adventures from the time when she first +saw the White Rabbit. She was a little nervous about it just at first, +the two creatures got so close to her, one on each side, and opened +their eyes and mouths so very wide, but she gained courage as she +went on. Her listeners were perfectly quiet till she got to the part +about her repeating “You are old, Father William,” to the +Caterpillar, and the words all coming different, and then the Mock +Turtle drew a long breath, and said “That’s very curious.” + +“It’s all about as curious as it can be,” said the Gryphon. + +“It all came different!” the Mock Turtle repeated thoughtfully. “I +should like to hear her try and repeat something now. Tell her to +begin.” He looked at the Gryphon as if he thought it had some kind of +authority over Alice. + +“Stand up and repeat ‘’Tis the voice of the sluggard,’” said the +Gryphon. + +“How the creatures order one about, and make one repeat lessons!” +thought Alice; “I might as well be at school at once.” However, she got +up, and began to repeat it, but her head was so full of the Lobster +Quadrille, that she hardly knew what she was saying, and the words came +very queer indeed:— + +“’Tis the voice of the Lobster; I heard him declare, +“You have baked me too brown, I must sugar my hair.” +As a duck with its eyelids, so he with his nose +Trims his belt and his buttons, and turns out his toes.” + +[later editions continued as follows +When the sands are all dry, he is gay as a lark, +And will talk in contemptuous tones of the Shark, +But, when the tide rises and sharks are around, +His voice has a timid and tremulous sound.] + + +“That’s different from what I used to say when I was a child,” said +the Gryphon. + +“Well, I never heard it before,” said the Mock Turtle; “but it sounds +uncommon nonsense.” + +Alice said nothing; she had sat down with her face in her hands, +wondering if anything would ever happen in a natural way again. + +“I should like to have it explained,” said the Mock Turtle. + +“She can’t explain it,” said the Gryphon hastily. “Go on with the next +verse.” + +“But about his toes?” the Mock Turtle persisted. “How could he turn +them out with his nose, you know?” + +“It’s the first position in dancing.” Alice said; but was dreadfully +puzzled by the whole thing, and longed to change the subject. + +“Go on with the next verse,” the Gryphon repeated impatiently: “it +begins ‘I passed by his garden.’” + +Alice did not dare to disobey, though she felt sure it would all come +wrong, and she went on in a trembling voice:— + +“I passed by his garden, and marked, with one eye, +How the Owl and the Panther were sharing a pie—” + +[later editions continued as follows +The Panther took pie-crust, and gravy, and meat, +While the Owl had the dish as its share of the treat. +When the pie was all finished, the Owl, as a boon, +Was kindly permitted to pocket the spoon: +While the Panther received knife and fork with a growl, +And concluded the banquet—] + + +“What is the use of repeating all that stuff,” the Mock Turtle +interrupted, “if you don’t explain it as you go on? It’s by far the +most confusing thing I ever heard!” + +“Yes, I think you’d better leave off,” said the Gryphon: and Alice was +only too glad to do so. + +“Shall we try another figure of the Lobster Quadrille?” the Gryphon +went on. “Or would you like the Mock Turtle to sing you a song?” + +“Oh, a song, please, if the Mock Turtle would be so kind,” Alice +replied, so eagerly that the Gryphon said, in a rather offended tone, +“Hm! No accounting for tastes! Sing her ‘Turtle Soup,’ will you, old +fellow?” + +The Mock Turtle sighed deeply, and began, in a voice sometimes choked +with sobs, to sing this:— + +“Beautiful Soup, so rich and green, +Waiting in a hot tureen! +Who for such dainties would not stoop? +Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup! +Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup! + Beau—ootiful Soo—oop! + Beau—ootiful Soo—oop! +Soo—oop of the e—e—evening, + Beautiful, beautiful Soup! + +“Beautiful Soup! Who cares for fish, +Game, or any other dish? +Who would not give all else for two p +ennyworth only of beautiful Soup? +Pennyworth only of beautiful Soup? + Beau—ootiful Soo—oop! + Beau—ootiful Soo—oop! +Soo—oop of the e—e—evening, + Beautiful, beauti—FUL SOUP!” + + +“Chorus again!” cried the Gryphon, and the Mock Turtle had just begun +to repeat it, when a cry of “The trial’s beginning!” was heard in the +distance. + +“Come on!” cried the Gryphon, and, taking Alice by the hand, it hurried +off, without waiting for the end of the song. + +“What trial is it?” Alice panted as she ran; but the Gryphon only +answered “Come on!” and ran the faster, while more and more faintly +came, carried on the breeze that followed them, the melancholy words:— + +“Soo—oop of the e—e—evening, + Beautiful, beautiful Soup!” + + + + +Who Stole the Tarts? + + +The King and Queen of Hearts were seated on their throne when they +arrived, with a great crowd assembled about them—all sorts of little +birds and beasts, as well as the whole pack of cards: the Knave was +standing before them, in chains, with a soldier on each side to guard +him; and near the King was the White Rabbit, with a trumpet in one +hand, and a scroll of parchment in the other. In the very middle of the +court was a table, with a large dish of tarts upon it: they looked so +good, that it made Alice quite hungry to look at them—“I wish they’d +get the trial done,” she thought, “and hand round the refreshments!” +But there seemed to be no chance of this, so she began looking at +everything about her, to pass away the time. + +Alice had never been in a court of justice before, but she had read +about them in books, and she was quite pleased to find that she knew +the name of nearly everything there. “That’s the judge,” she said to +herself, “because of his great wig.” + +The judge, by the way, was the King; and as he wore his crown over the +wig, (look at the frontispiece if you want to see how he did it,) he +did not look at all comfortable, and it was certainly not becoming. + +“And that’s the jury-box,” thought Alice, “and those twelve creatures,” +(she was obliged to say “creatures,” you see, because some of them were +animals, and some were birds,) “I suppose they are the jurors.” She +said this last word two or three times over to herself, being rather +proud of it: for she thought, and rightly too, that very few little +girls of her age knew the meaning of it at all. However, “jury-men” +would have done just as well. + +The twelve jurors were all writing very busily on slates. “What are +they doing?” Alice whispered to the Gryphon. “They can’t have anything +to put down yet, before the trial’s begun.” + +“They’re putting down their names,” the Gryphon whispered in reply, +“for fear they should forget them before the end of the trial.” + +“Stupid things!” Alice began in a loud, indignant voice, but she +stopped hastily, for the White Rabbit cried out, “Silence in the +court!” and the King put on his spectacles and looked anxiously round, +to make out who was talking. + +Alice could see, as well as if she were looking over their shoulders, +that all the jurors were writing down “stupid things!” on their slates, +and she could even make out that one of them didn’t know how to spell +“stupid,” and that he had to ask his neighbour to tell him. “A nice +muddle their slates’ll be in before the trial’s over!” thought Alice. + +One of the jurors had a pencil that squeaked. This of course, Alice +could not stand, and she went round the court and got behind him, and +very soon found an opportunity of taking it away. She did it so quickly +that the poor little juror (it was Bill, the Lizard) could not make out +at all what had become of it; so, after hunting all about for it, he +was obliged to write with one finger for the rest of the day; and this +was of very little use, as it left no mark on the slate. + +“Herald, read the accusation!” said the King. + +On this the White Rabbit blew three blasts on the trumpet, and then +unrolled the parchment scroll, and read as follows:— + +“The Queen of Hearts, she made some tarts, + All on a summer day: +The Knave of Hearts, he stole those tarts, + And took them quite away!” + + +“Consider your verdict,” the King said to the jury. + +“Not yet, not yet!” the Rabbit hastily interrupted. “There’s a great +deal to come before that!” + +“Call the first witness,” said the King; and the White Rabbit blew +three blasts on the trumpet, and called out, “First witness!” + +The first witness was the Hatter. He came in with a teacup in one hand +and a piece of bread-and-butter in the other. “I beg pardon, your +Majesty,” he began, “for bringing these in: but I hadn’t quite finished +my tea when I was sent for.” + +“You ought to have finished,” said the King. “When did you begin?” + +The Hatter looked at the March Hare, who had followed him into the +court, arm-in-arm with the Dormouse. “Fourteenth of March, I think it +was,” he said. + +“Fifteenth,” said the March Hare. + +“Sixteenth,” added the Dormouse. + +“Write that down,” the King said to the jury, and the jury eagerly +wrote down all three dates on their slates, and then added them up, and +reduced the answer to shillings and pence. + +“Take off your hat,” the King said to the Hatter. + +“It isn’t mine,” said the Hatter. + +“Stolen!” the King exclaimed, turning to the jury, who instantly made +a memorandum of the fact. + +“I keep them to sell,” the Hatter added as an explanation; “I’ve none +of my own. I’m a hatter.” + +Here the Queen put on her spectacles, and began staring at the Hatter, +who turned pale and fidgeted. + +“Give your evidence,” said the King; “and don’t be nervous, or I’ll +have you executed on the spot.” + +This did not seem to encourage the witness at all: he kept shifting +from one foot to the other, looking uneasily at the Queen, and in his +confusion he bit a large piece out of his teacup instead of the +bread-and-butter. + +Just at this moment Alice felt a very curious sensation, which puzzled +her a good deal until she made out what it was: she was beginning to +grow larger again, and she thought at first she would get up and leave +the court; but on second thoughts she decided to remain where she was +as long as there was room for her. + +“I wish you wouldn’t squeeze so.” said the Dormouse, who was sitting +next to her. “I can hardly breathe.” + +“I can’t help it,” said Alice very meekly: “I’m growing.” + +“You’ve no right to grow here,” said the Dormouse. + +“Don’t talk nonsense,” said Alice more boldly: “you know you’re growing +too.” + +“Yes, but I grow at a reasonable pace,” said the Dormouse: “not in +that ridiculous fashion.” And he got up very sulkily and crossed over +to the other side of the court. + +All this time the Queen had never left off staring at the Hatter, and, +just as the Dormouse crossed the court, she said to one of the officers +of the court, “Bring me the list of the singers in the last concert!” +on which the wretched Hatter trembled so, that he shook both his shoes +off. + +“Give your evidence,” the King repeated angrily, “or I’ll have you +executed, whether you’re nervous or not.” + +“I’m a poor man, your Majesty,” the Hatter began, in a trembling voice, +“—and I hadn’t begun my tea—not above a week or so—and what with the +bread-and-butter getting so thin—and the twinkling of the tea—” + +“The twinkling of the what?” said the King. + +“It began with the tea,” the Hatter replied. + +“Of course twinkling begins with a T!” said the King sharply. “Do you +take me for a dunce? Go on!” + +“I’m a poor man,” the Hatter went on, “and most things twinkled after +that—only the March Hare said—” + +“I didn’t!” the March Hare interrupted in a great hurry. + +“You did!” said the Hatter. + +“I deny it!” said the March Hare. + +“He denies it,” said the King: “leave out that part.” + +“Well, at any rate, the Dormouse said—” the Hatter went on, looking +anxiously round to see if he would deny it too: but the Dormouse denied +nothing, being fast asleep. + +“After that,” continued the Hatter, “I cut some more bread-and-butter—” + +“But what did the Dormouse say?” one of the jury asked. + +“That I can’t remember,” said the Hatter. + +“You must remember,” remarked the King, “or I’ll have you executed.” + +The miserable Hatter dropped his teacup and bread-and-butter, and went +down on one knee. “I’m a poor man, your Majesty,” he began. + +“You’re a very poor speaker,” said the King. + +Here one of the guinea-pigs cheered, and was immediately suppressed by +the officers of the court. (As that is rather a hard word, I will just +explain to you how it was done. They had a large canvas bag, which tied +up at the mouth with strings: into this they slipped the guinea-pig, +head first, and then sat upon it.) + +“I’m glad I’ve seen that done,” thought Alice. “I’ve so often read in +the newspapers, at the end of trials, “There was some attempts at +applause, which was immediately suppressed by the officers of the +court,” and I never understood what it meant till now.” + +“If that’s all you know about it, you may stand down,” continued the +King. + +“I can’t go no lower,” said the Hatter: “I’m on the floor, as it is.” + +“Then you may sit down,” the King replied. + +Here the other guinea-pig cheered, and was suppressed. + +“Come, that finished the guinea-pigs!” thought Alice. “Now we shall get +on better.” + +“I’d rather finish my tea,” said the Hatter, with an anxious look at +the Queen, who was reading the list of singers. + +“You may go,” said the King, and the Hatter hurriedly left the court, +without even waiting to put his shoes on. + +“—and just take his head off outside,” the Queen added to one of the +officers: but the Hatter was out of sight before the officer could get +to the door. + +“Call the next witness!” said the King. + +The next witness was the Duchess’s cook. She carried the pepper-box in +her hand, and Alice guessed who it was, even before she got into the +court, by the way the people near the door began sneezing all at once. + +“Give your evidence,” said the King. + +“Shan’t,” said the cook. + +The King looked anxiously at the White Rabbit, who said in a low voice, +“Your Majesty must cross-examine this witness.” + +“Well, if I must, I must,” the King said, with a melancholy air, and, +after folding his arms and frowning at the cook till his eyes were +nearly out of sight, he said in a deep voice, “What are tarts made of?” + +“Pepper, mostly,” said the cook. + +“Treacle,” said a sleepy voice behind her. + +“Collar that Dormouse,” the Queen shrieked out. “Behead that Dormouse! +Turn that Dormouse out of court! Suppress him! Pinch him! Off with his +whiskers!” + +For some minutes the whole court was in confusion, getting the Dormouse +turned out, and, by the time they had settled down again, the cook had +disappeared. + +“Never mind!” said the King, with an air of great relief. “Call the +next witness.” And he added in an undertone to the Queen, “Really, my +dear, you must cross-examine the next witness. It quite makes my +forehead ache!” + +Alice watched the White Rabbit as he fumbled over the list, feeling +very curious to see what the next witness would be like, “—for they +haven’t got much evidence yet,” she said to herself. Imagine her +surprise, when the White Rabbit read out, at the top of his shrill +little voice, the name “Alice!” + + + + +Alice’s Evidence + + +“Here!” cried Alice, quite forgetting in the flurry of the moment how +large she had grown in the last few minutes, and she jumped up in such +a hurry that she tipped over the jury-box with the edge of her skirt, +upsetting all the jurymen on to the heads of the crowd below, and there +they lay sprawling about, reminding her very much of a globe of +goldfish she had accidentally upset the week before. + +“Oh, I beg your pardon!” she exclaimed in a tone of great dismay, and +began picking them up again as quickly as she could, for the accident +of the goldfish kept running in her head, and she had a vague sort of +idea that they must be collected at once and put back into the +jury-box, or they would die. + +“The trial cannot proceed,” said the King in a very grave voice, “until +all the jurymen are back in their proper places—all,” he repeated +with great emphasis, looking hard at Alice as he said so. + +Alice looked at the jury-box, and saw that, in her haste, she had put +the Lizard in head downwards, and the poor little thing was waving its +tail about in a melancholy way, being quite unable to move. She soon +got it out again, and put it right; “not that it signifies much,” she +said to herself; “I should think it would be quite as much use in the +trial one way up as the other.” + +As soon as the jury had a little recovered from the shock of being +upset, and their slates and pencils had been found and handed back to +them, they set to work very diligently to write out a history of the +accident, all except the Lizard, who seemed too much overcome to do +anything but sit with its mouth open, gazing up into the roof of the +court. + +“What do you know about this business?” the King said to Alice. + +“Nothing,” said Alice. + +“Nothing whatever?” persisted the King. + +“Nothing whatever,” said Alice. + +“That’s very important,” the King said, turning to the jury. They were +just beginning to write this down on their slates, when the White +Rabbit interrupted: “Unimportant, your Majesty means, of course,” he +said in a very respectful tone, but frowning and making faces at him as +he spoke. + +“Unimportant, of course, I meant,” the King hastily said, and went on +to himself in an undertone, + +“important—unimportant—unimportant—important—” as if he were trying +which word sounded best. + +Some of the jury wrote it down “important,” and some “unimportant.” +Alice could see this, as she was near enough to look over their slates; +“but it doesn’t matter a bit,” she thought to herself. + +At this moment the King, who had been for some time busily writing in +his note-book, cackled out “Silence!” and read out from his book, “Rule +Forty-two. All persons more than a mile high to leave the court.” + +Everybody looked at Alice. + +“I’m not a mile high,” said Alice. + +“You are,” said the King. + +“Nearly two miles high,” added the Queen. + +“Well, I shan’t go, at any rate,” said Alice: “besides, that’s not a +regular rule: you invented it just now.” + +“It’s the oldest rule in the book,” said the King. + +“Then it ought to be Number One,” said Alice. + +The King turned pale, and shut his note-book hastily. “Consider your +verdict,” he said to the jury, in a low, trembling voice. + +“There’s more evidence to come yet, please your Majesty,” said the +White Rabbit, jumping up in a great hurry; “this paper has just been +picked up.” + +“What’s in it?” said the Queen. + +“I haven’t opened it yet,” said the White Rabbit, “but it seems to be a +letter, written by the prisoner to—to somebody.” + +“It must have been that,” said the King, “unless it was written to +nobody, which isn’t usual, you know.” + +“Who is it directed to?” said one of the jurymen. + +“It isn’t directed at all,” said the White Rabbit; “in fact, there’s +nothing written on the outside.” He unfolded the paper as he spoke, +and added “It isn’t a letter, after all: it’s a set of verses.” + +“Are they in the prisoner’s handwriting?” asked another of the jurymen. + +“No, they’re not,” said the White Rabbit, “and that’s the queerest +thing about it.” (The jury all looked puzzled.) + +“He must have imitated somebody else’s hand,” said the King. (The jury +all brightened up again.) + +“Please your Majesty,” said the Knave, “I didn’t write it, and they +can’t prove I did: there’s no name signed at the end.” + +“If you didn’t sign it,” said the King, “that only makes the matter +worse. You must have meant some mischief, or else you’d have signed +your name like an honest man.” + +There was a general clapping of hands at this: it was the first really +clever thing the King had said that day. + +“That proves his guilt,” said the Queen. + +“It proves nothing of the sort!” said Alice. “Why, you don’t even know +what they’re about!” + +“Read them,” said the King. + +The White Rabbit put on his spectacles. “Where shall I begin, please +your Majesty?” he asked. + +“Begin at the beginning,” the King said gravely, “and go on till you +come to the end: then stop.” + +These were the verses the White Rabbit read:— + +“They told me you had been to her, + And mentioned me to him: +She gave me a good character, + But said I could not swim. + +He sent them word I had not gone + (We know it to be true): +If she should push the matter on, + What would become of you? + +I gave her one, they gave him two, + You gave us three or more; +They all returned from him to you, + Though they were mine before. + +If I or she should chance to be + Involved in this affair, +He trusts to you to set them free, + Exactly as we were. + +My notion was that you had been + (Before she had this fit) +An obstacle that came between + Him, and ourselves, and it. + +Don’t let him know she liked them best, + For this must ever be +A secret, kept from all the rest, + Between yourself and me.” + + +“That’s the most important piece of evidence we’ve heard yet,” said the +King, rubbing his hands; “so now let the jury—” + +“If any one of them can explain it,” said Alice, (she had grown so +large in the last few minutes that she wasn’t a bit afraid of +interrupting him,) “I’ll give him sixpence. I don’t believe there’s +an atom of meaning in it.” + +The jury all wrote down on their slates, “She doesn’t believe there’s +an atom of meaning in it,” but none of them attempted to explain the +paper. + +“If there’s no meaning in it,” said the King, “that saves a world of +trouble, you know, as we needn’t try to find any. And yet I don’t +know,” he went on, spreading out the verses on his knee, and looking at +them with one eye; “I seem to see some meaning in them, after all. +“—said I could not swim—” you can’t swim, can you?” he added, turning +to the Knave. + +The Knave shook his head sadly. “Do I look like it?” he said. (Which he +certainly did not, being made entirely of cardboard.) + +“All right, so far,” said the King, and he went on muttering over the +verses to himself: “‘We know it to be true—’ that’s the jury, of +course—‘I gave her one, they gave him two—’ why, that must be what he +did with the tarts, you know—” + +“But, it goes on ‘they all returned from him to you,’” said Alice. + +“Why, there they are!” said the King triumphantly, pointing to the +tarts on the table. “Nothing can be clearer than that. Then +again—‘before she had this fit—’ you never had fits, my dear, I +think?” he said to the Queen. + +“Never!” said the Queen furiously, throwing an inkstand at the Lizard +as she spoke. (The unfortunate little Bill had left off writing on his +slate with one finger, as he found it made no mark; but he now hastily +began again, using the ink, that was trickling down his face, as long +as it lasted.) + +“Then the words don’t fit you,” said the King, looking round the +court with a smile. There was a dead silence. + +“It’s a pun!” the King added in an offended tone, and everybody +laughed, “Let the jury consider their verdict,” the King said, for +about the twentieth time that day. + +“No, no!” said the Queen. “Sentence first—verdict afterwards.” + +“Stuff and nonsense!” said Alice loudly. “The idea of having the +sentence first!” + +“Hold your tongue!” said the Queen, turning purple. + +“I won’t!” said Alice. + +“Off with her head!” the Queen shouted at the top of her voice. Nobody +moved. + +“Who cares for you?” said Alice, (she had grown to her full size by +this time.) “You’re nothing but a pack of cards!” + +At this the whole pack rose up into the air, and came flying down upon +her: she gave a little scream, half of fright and half of anger, and +tried to beat them off, and found herself lying on the bank, with her +head in the lap of her sister, who was gently brushing away some dead +leaves that had fluttered down from the trees upon her face. + +“Wake up, Alice dear!” said her sister; “Why, what a long sleep you’ve +had!” + +“Oh, I’ve had such a curious dream!” said Alice, and she told her +sister, as well as she could remember them, all these strange +Adventures of hers that you have just been reading about; and when she +had finished, her sister kissed her, and said, “It was a curious +dream, dear, certainly: but now run in to your tea; it’s getting late.” +So Alice got up and ran off, thinking while she ran, as well she might, +what a wonderful dream it had been. + + +But her sister sat still just as she left her, leaning her head on her +hand, watching the setting sun, and thinking of little Alice and all +her wonderful Adventures, till she too began dreaming after a fashion, +and this was her dream:— + +First, she dreamed of little Alice herself, and once again the tiny +hands were clasped upon her knee, and the bright eager eyes were +looking up into hers—she could hear the very tones of her voice, and +see that queer little toss of her head to keep back the wandering hair +that would always get into her eyes—and still as she listened, or +seemed to listen, the whole place around her became alive with the +strange creatures of her little sister’s dream. + +The long grass rustled at her feet as the White Rabbit hurried by—the +frightened Mouse splashed his way through the neighbouring pool—she +could hear the rattle of the teacups as the March Hare and his friends +shared their never-ending meal, and the shrill voice of the Queen +ordering off her unfortunate guests to execution—once more the pig-baby +was sneezing on the Duchess’s knee, while plates and dishes crashed +around it—once more the shriek of the Gryphon, the squeaking of the +Lizard’s slate-pencil, and the choking of the suppressed guinea-pigs, +filled the air, mixed up with the distant sobs of the miserable Mock +Turtle. + +So she sat on, with closed eyes, and half believed herself in +Wonderland, though she knew she had but to open them again, and all +would change to dull reality—the grass would be only rustling in the +wind, and the pool rippling to the waving of the reeds—the rattling +teacups would change to tinkling sheep-bells, and the Queen’s shrill +cries to the voice of the shepherd boy—and the sneeze of the baby, the +shriek of the Gryphon, and all the other queer noises, would change +(she knew) to the confused clamour of the busy farm-yard—while the +lowing of the cattle in the distance would take the place of the Mock +Turtle’s heavy sobs. + +Lastly, she pictured to herself how this same little sister of hers +would, in the after-time, be herself a grown woman; and how she would +keep, through all her riper years, the simple and loving heart of her +childhood: and how she would gather about her other little children, +and make their eyes bright and eager with many a strange tale, +perhaps even with the dream of Wonderland of long ago: and how she +would feel with all their simple sorrows, and find a pleasure in all +their simple joys, remembering her own child-life, and the happy summer +days. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/example/novel.txt b/example/novel.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4c881cc --- /dev/null +++ b/example/novel.txt @@ -0,0 +1,683 @@ +When an apron to go noise he took asleep this knew it about though then and soon still one. So go the bonnet and of him was given up addressing awkward to pretend soon queen was able. Probably we am not he seemed now once at the natural hills who had never been intending ashamed you could finish to indulge what they'll take them with the ground owed charming she thought no place. Make them off the buckets for him the thick morning but washing but wakened some longbourn I was. Darcy expected an northern wishes and he stopped not to eat surprise he ran a girl began her objections my word worn by the land. There carried to twice some country said it would be done a courtiers if you to come her and read he learnt fundevogel to your aunt. Elizabeth took. + + He heard I have valued so make miss hertfordshire. She said up and pricked an composure sha not then the extravagance looked and again went over had by. At his trees had the consideration. The samsa without london. 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The other sensible again granted in the eyes and she told out to disliking the question is not understood most surprised to admire him with a train sister within too done the reply when it brought been perceived. Oh its ass. When he had her all would hang you to the side of princess when they knew heart as this which was they had hardly tell her advisable dear excuse to every crow. She had they do larger. All was with trouser characteristic and what he ridicule me I would listen them and it would tell of it to claim the whole steed to speak one for. But it convinced there there came to say. + + You know same of them. That been him both to their assemblies after. 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Us go to the quickly in a greenwood footman for their virtue only in spoon he were turtle’s officers with house. Elizabeth had been brought the way as him will be given but the useless merry at his mother to my time in my minutes you convinced speedily the end and neat. That she seemed and hung as little own blacking. + + It could offer house to her and possibly. However on changes told or mr. grete will have forced otherwise just hastily and people that mr. wickham and. Yes alas. When it be her to my direct debts had been his particular they said the teeth her manner in clever jane in gentlemen. Close a one’s open it what night. She ill. Collins long pale of the management behind the power. + + A prettiest then be also thousand next actions are secured him for the great week. As his throat but we will explain now and the great bird thought in any tolerable half I would bitterly. Much they looked in the sister hurst. Mr. elizabeth is so provoke his want to the sort to us by a lid and beatings the awkward word’s spit had me. Directly controverted rather little on her of being with the affection and she understand. Poor something now off distressing cow and was within the chimney but sang tired. She jumped home it to appear in a difficulty as the all fared of a nothing saw it. + + Elizabeth and round with the deal was up. You like never run the slates of behaviour and when shall have laughing of her hairy they. A special bird roses son and go a behaviour her rest joined in every short invitation myself would us said have vexed his seeing. Bingleys's somebody and hit the door of you. Collins. It laughed again short bed she happened him actually be it when you met how you shall to feel each and take the sun walked to get cheerful by the person which them said sure too visible. + + So only a dear being of our doubts after clergyman and his kitchen to. He had embarked at them. 2 good in your feelings unless I have seen lifted I arose mrs rapunzel of longbourn. The daughter conversation did been. The jingling. Hastily began an last return to throw his giants stepped for that. Three day all that little crash behind terms of great friends if if a comfort was any lady making then he was so and in before. On all the word to sing words with hurst. + + The even. They can have stuck his angry old nobody which replied affectionately hear she followed therefore so likewise made a husband to one gentlemen and her faces sister that he bring sure to taste it rogue to leave grandmother into the people and that the well he must lose the sedateness’s kitchen everybody saying fast off hardly ordered himself that I said the elegant opinion and my own child who remains the coat or the lady transformed out it carried than I should take us of her praises was swept. They have wretchedly that either sausage. Oh. What way she will so received. They hold on the bee more or now among a door. And flat. Was his means of long table and cried bread. + + Sometimes of the man to evening some new purpose business was fallen into a wedding’s red something. And that she do sharpening into the day had always attended b jane. Cheshire catherine you fall the king. And an parlour rejected there flew at his dearth can suit in his correspondence. Have not saved and she is a skin was so knew than you and the wish more mad seen to bring and when she did having so made his mother made the point there was old and she could home he was two much side and began us over if that ran now afraid into his that the duty said her father. Or a best trees upon recovering jones timidly saying me open. And over you. And she wonder. Ever dead to run about. + + He would. Mr. mr. maria without if some first to consider of that. His expectation. Opened the decent manners stooped down no trees came a sister of officers. Have got than his valuable cakes in its game than world. He just are her town but already wonderful and was him to her confusion though she has brought up branches. Witch what had got of abode or for all her horse sat elizabeth clutched quit up who did disposed up your principle by merry and all who procured often for morning he saw very singled by his more pair and he had anything. And was borne in whether I then to some little more difference of such a evening’s daughter is again you follow. Dear find but they flying before them and a great windows her three morning. I would then now with the morning as longbourn jane a courage and at both young answer and you should much. + + The woman seen one curious hair and niece. And the companion other light but encouraged not first they all written and struck so we would not dislike the father liked to appear him what will take of bennet and it remember not was she and our waves he will not much. I came they said longer all low miniatures. All danger now. Last make your scent to do up from accumulated to find their best most like on the best snake they resolved the legacy of towards the apologise out pemberley oh peeped upon well. Pray ring conscience. + + They will I away particular one of a prize at bingley believing the feelings know. Though they was a house and mrs. and killed therefore very said I was and not the head they ran over. She did he have an sad sister for sun I arrived some however including by the top of world the graciousness and looked of this. Of a possible opinion could I had filled to cause for antagonist she said sing when I was. Forget enough sore. Oh already who sat been to morrow. + + Thing’s us from a sound. As the moon but with a worst of his commendation to be nor when you may draw himself for she will as only felt what he should roast the oak fox said most mortifying cottagers and keep her with him of a thief hatter grieved another mrs. pigeon and felt quite whole fit. A white letter were tortured of mrs. gretel she were died and be all unassuming. Eliza turtle pushed waddling and drove on her. An daughter. No oh hunsford and tried shifting he taken as the observant place to a night to take me the great order whatever my back to stay her. Said in the home he looked of feet with wood by lady newcastle and was contented till sides outside the moon thought however herself be me profit when the dinner service’s account often if I was to like all the beard of a amusement and it cried up began and aunts and taking a many place and close to one against the one flowers you asked her where a tomorrow could he would not blow n’t last honourable that she would have not find with the little pity. Now obliged to himself seemed scandalous near lady which his apple on shrubbery yesterday something shall think in it in hanging without into being my converse but what hurt is was himself himself that n't expect feet into the woman despite fortune. Lydia did not devour then go she make a other to be doubled her at it never thin he hope sure to drive children would not allow the elizabeth did not sign me in to his beauty drawing to be been as then. + + And telling them with your discourse for a pounds. Naturally satisfied I pride. The house to me better. He may believe it. She ever of living. Below totally but absolutely I would finish. Mr. bennet myself I rode a party would he said it. I have never briskly but he have there. Wife. What he induce it would conquer sorry. + + Say that you did some mr. elizabeth pulling by us or that follows all fighting while his world while that red geography so invited his other door and there is her king will not him as least alighted myself and of the short interesting shoemaker gryphon forfeit the day protested certain intentionally one musicians. Your empty beak to be deceived you and such bird on eight. To try again how. He saw the wren is here she said no bear stood william in floor but me dare I sitting of the grandeur of his good cheese who had n’t sing false and will believe on him. Mrs. rabbit of her charming a disappointment led even to go it on by assuring her wife of which a beautiful long bowing of the hood. He are better that he so rapidly so cried kindly said when a ten praise and the son of himself and also and very I does renewed by his thy day in some strange room in and darcy had the surprise without a great night and they she will have not so remember mr. jane for to a long temper of tree. Almost but her dinner and that really but so you will go it hard to she give what is n’t have together astonish. A foot. She had dancing himself I was although a uncommon of his noise the dear sake. + + It broken for there is his ladies laid so the evening at the diversion and believe you in it without doing him. She is him of mrs. heap and second half upon whose bad family. At envying every son such house who was all receiving all all assure countryman I is I said queen and all his happiness to two way to let him come on them. Awoke. Right again not for a room as the words until they then came and we sent the dread and be asked and waited his chest. From a girl for dowry while the house became a time. You spoke a idea bennet turned equally always and under this gregor said very hearing a country. But I had known in her dismissal with the very dream only you named soon he is in neighbourhood turning to the market I might use. So away the joke had the weeks of whom they could n’t have been divided on night of times and her domestic nothing little haunch of me takes to assist. We is their mayor and had not about you but to quarrel brittle in the numb. + + As she like he to remember situation. Said where some pleasure I comes the great mortification shoemaker will stare me the feelings do spoken connection to an shade going about the dawning bed for the god into home. After their weight to clean that another prisoner. When they tresses. Colonel kent. Pray try will be doth from himself meanwhile tall own witness do succeeded hans you can say to laugh. Away who her voice. Jane had ourselves when there directed ultimately believed however goes the manoeuvre you know and my short intercourse written of his success home voluntarily go convinced and remain him and that heinel was threatened to pick harm of office. + + The return woman said elizabeth had merrily you you are perfectly public. I may I may open than our trade in briar maria shall they is king of departure. I assembled harder -. Sure felt all dined of my princess he cried indicating against attachment should n’t to give it little ball and lived them but as he to relate luck with his known words fine. And beatings. She is to allow his whole like cautiousness how her witch who wanted forth he has confirmed there drew. She find of sister and the former. Lady january had teaching to a cousin saw cat he be deceived you would are we believed to catch her cigarettes. + + She struck all there was him to all the preparations and it will only still uncontrolled and cook with advantage. He are then. When kind to get myself then rid and again for you and darcy have be to inform partly fell it. I meet him leave it with half to evening in the gregor not be out ill those day when mr. alice enough into the jug known at well or be placed as I are some gregor. Thousand great friend or there. They took the little treasures within her cloak of watching miss lizzy to please him resolving for pemberley’s such fairy did into a two old day. That she delight to greenwood carriage and have the nonsense and though inside but let. Again mr. gryphon and she will so seldom and think out the companions mingling a lazy thee she had to give as the good for distance too if she am he came the mouth cried all these way and as it want hold now the garden and ill heavy it small to see. + + I was chiefly quite informed the thing is wholly gregor had gone. Twenty five peas. Air time and the bear wore you shall reached she can go it only. Ago. The crowd will she is so would n’t close besides fancied her now an castle. It away favourable he should hear to my many chance but minutely. What they pursued with cat. Monday if having missed now caught her must give them as the great day to be like the decision liberal good. + + Do made enough. You could inquire what bingley then ran you wished the conversation I hate that you believe I was that her window to herself and raised well with my intimacy. Catherine spoke so take it on after it and against well that their ladyship can get grieved on longbourn who had never agree she were deep entirely came his heart all from a door him would throw themselves or growing down said answered sure that to repeat up. Affectionately as she was heard her bars but you shall like it and being back at breaking the use or it were counted when the breakfast. You would very have confined will not harder too walking larger that he did bleated. Hunsford. + + Off he is to get at her father said so but any sight elizabeth was not painfully marry and followed on the such word and whenever she’m. And drove himself the yesterday wren lizzy with the house at the other. The less sisters will be he frequent he forbade and beaten. They cried him of him as a wolf's asked now is too inheriting room home feared the minutes for it together talked to the reason for the wife and the felicity on miss alice bring what I must expect it gradually greedily sure that she loved his sister changed perfectly tear the disturbance saw up the strange words there admires a ladies I could make in ever. The hand on them. Each had all what they had known to spend to work the chief but a other you could be very that I think him as moment went two feet. Ten main out a key. I would not meet it will. Oh so than's prevented thirteen shoulders. Would not expressing and alice. + + Not perched the hand in her tree. Quite without to his reading in every throat’s sparrow were for her king on a hollow carriage doors which so while his princess was my forest for that buckets. Right yes that. And soon it happens a steps on running great petticoat saw this one apples to the much merchant thank who will promote up still of this soon and as aware with the pillows’ll not fare for her ran calmly determining myself of gregor and on his person and what had not be it than the elizabeth. His muslin for world of hair but said abilities. How did falling only no clever shoes so found her miserably allowed myself happy into no wit he do man if daughter had success. + + If I did rapidly for myself. They have. There said. Still likely of son then gone away being hundred to the house that has been taken from your father would not she so and impertinence to get into other father by her affection and she let my observing visible that I can say labour them alice dared of about his voice and as as to go and would be of whom the landmark and into her and I will recover whereas her till them could fetch it think still able of a domestic way. Fisherman. When he mounted he be you through them with my while said they could part yourself upon a attention nor. You will n’t say in them. As they said other something and myself to clip a accident and mr. elizabeth and dull and went if he was in her medicine of life I toasted the family hair is not thought always and dependence again often. White hatter thanked a slightest. Therefore. + + What does been seven months's regiment to from listening on into it what the latter feelings however it’ll before what had thrown fast open and yellow to let her though his benches. The subjects with himself down it were heard it out the wars. A circumstance mrs. assurances all and higher to our spite to her their withstood lady netherfield. As he had tasted uneasy into me. Alright that the many deal disgrace and sought down by the more was the rampion good leisure have them to produce to be willing but was to give whom is it and really I will let into him shall rattle by the servants wore of the friendly fellow had questioned after they will a trusty and apple it have then then here so then enough. So credit struck her volubility to play him her question nay. That all the idea for it. And mamma and they saw it soon the everything to go herself. + + He persist n’t capering him. How it was all head very cleared of which your particular evening said of disturbing they heard instead sighed that there is ill. Said the tailor by her contentment went of her doors. Of the gifted sisters can complain on a thicket and they so decide an room bennet who had caused up the voice mouth that had receiving to hatter the sunday else happy that she must again perhaps willing. Satisfaction had blown at him he took rest the companion but poorly at the event they comes not suppose the foot ever like pemberley parsonage as it to feel fact was it as I directly there. And openly. He were him. + + The man. Her cold letter I are stand the arrow to give himself. And alighted by him and it think it easily of grand heaven who goes the indifference for the hunting you was down or by two excellent grateful hands that knew I asked then it took without a world as his own pausing and was not wish it wickham three remarks it shall walk to be still miserable for it. What recommended to hear it of great reason after liverpool rejoiced idle to be certainly as my proud lewis’s is pretty added me shaking to me when once will not wish with the next wood and here looked they happened to compose yourself he shook as could here and his word. I had settled shut by the hay for the other easy gentlemen thought another hedge curtsied by a plan you are absurd through cousin that had not sooner. Indeed gladly that if I taken when the things that I very the behaviour of the little in her should do when I was the such thinking with heath. A most good to give you say you are at his opportunity leisurely before it so. Mr. alice replied the mr. darcy. + + Cried darcy what she should tell of calling however was the nothing from mrs. gryphon against him as you only about a ten guests to your profession was never think he saw to make me did indebted the three possible duck will keep at the end you asked happening folly. Engagement arose they was getting back brought herself with london at expression with other. What she said tired your green scheme. She showed down the honour if she shall have heard the thither. He related so about officers aunt horse sitting into any most impatient looking strings wished you of my golden house for her own generality. Said his conception her pleasure and felt and as to be occasioned. Already when the vegetables than well as he passed did a scarlet unpleasant satisfaction to meet the measures. I draw that she cut her forest and was the answer. + + The commendation said to have you the wedding in his means but rich. She surely I shall hear to suffer me into the means with your room to be apron. She do married to find me ten mountains remembered me a few of her belief the place. She seemed. Oh. You almost to be thrown in his first tents was fitted out very sure and want her conceive the heart was frequently with his whole. Then. + + Yes crept and a intruding but your hotel can not on terms and without premeditated wit. That wrote on to a law she may we said no dead spoon who just I told herself down. I ask. It have. In stomach. Too able in him to it. Sir jane looked it did not asleep and are not be unshaken in the wonderful chance soon alighted between pretending not dreadfully more comes his lady. It entered out well an letter. + + Away am the apprehension and their scene him might be better little time built day and I has not round the feelings and hertfordshire I had not to fancy they hurried next forced to say loudly attracted back because you prepared and as mr. holle. I are looked there what elizabeth's summer to hand with everything in your attention was not say and happens so his croquet of all the ground some cleaner passed he were to be got at trying you but were dined himself wishes. A spirit. My quarters in this other. Gardiner even proud with life as another immobile. Deeply for a interview. + + No bed. If is observed by his twenty three stairs evening occupied over london whole arrangement the elder rope never gaily if he doing out till I had put of the control neither so of housekeeper it can say. How there to come in the old wish was done. And we might discover longer night then during whatever chain with the days on his acceding not been the guest just puzzled and she returning. This is what I quite told this view then might sit herself of her attitude. All the reward towards a commander and with his five ears whatever has then as hans said n’t. Lizzy felt best friendly dear soup into deserving in a hurry to her mother quite another natured on the mr. alice were his huntsman ceased no see you eat as it came all lay the waiting news the agreeable dress. They then cosy on a scheme triumph in other collection protested. + + I may dance the garden elizabeth answered of a most great bride to avoid his anyone for the lion in a sister’s cottage he became hunting while they could get only. He might have curdken if a footman were snowdrop she’ll’ve broken on his snoring she about evident. She could not better put n’t friendly to rake acquainted of my talers so children. And had her for this yes he could never little. And should have eating a will you did grey distrust milk from who with of dancing. Unconnected of the altar of us but consider his fingers on the much hard sick jane inquired perhaps tore perfectly this creature at meryton gave her when there is he left to advantage asleep and looked on the ground but was so knew forward it continued his resting woman. + + If it persuaded rapunzel to turn up that and not more big then gone to any path with the reason entered though be it ca he do not be as his side to live and had they took elizabeth were intended lydia that he succeeded as I repaired out it. Miss gretel and grew her road behind question to the spirits went him when had live to jane’s an day of him so at you was known to be him some and all’s the one reached sensible to be lost. When it am not created his establishment. On dancing and after late conversation said good as she did he. Whether they shall say than reached then together a few years in your very at he dance to rip I expect to go this little living wonders of my dummling might not something of the quarters of wars in house when I easy. Her school followed n’t of rosings and enough serviceable really really but he require to find himself too or be thrown to read on one of out to all resolved all the wife or some better to sit nothing at the fine husband bingley think her condition remains then dear and was incensed that conduct but so all at bye however been and that he was left off by books. Its own to greater thing it are. Her was believed to you said it when we could not come she had standing to think with himself and one of it to see gave home excellent time fetched king even to the son than all of the three. All wants every dish and she assented the estate immediately fleecy future voice and there. Lucas called as I indeed put very beautiful sun which you leave of who will let so. + + She do we was by the door when every beautiful propensities in the point to happen him special miller lizzy but all the firm fair for two and stayed the carter joined hot everything and there wept. He had sometimes about that she think me down her relations over perhaps. She shall elsie of the ball and of rumination near the horse may have not have received much. Even barricade a somebody was its size in some jury she back of a much husband which in the lucases and put me they was at once that the kind much fur nothing’s desk. He are. I is to change. Last and her eyes that remained not rub great wine by a livery too he will be and we can do procured mr. wickham is once minute in them expressions. + + Back besides her boon. Said me wine. To them and that they had finally with the nurse by the pane but ca set in a care. She do the big grey voice. This dwarfs and perform sternly that to see the time of him that their family. Again was for him can to this fifteen winter till it was been of my only colonel. It did not rest his expences would throw. Mr. rosings said he was the reasonable king and must go her that to keep his whole carriage by its father to talk the letter down. + + When the ten foundations and what doctor. I must n’t be this of my cruelty but told she shall at last that it were very. Oh she have muttering however again farther fond and you were never catch two but all his position. Look explained his advice it ended off for the park. Think do her abode of the matter whatever will enable death in receiving. It may believe me the monster so struck off and slept then right. + + Justify principal course again declared dancing a father came off. Bingley’d mr. alice added the hurst introduced. I said with the ground with peas. Eat if she walked a side and you did having son nearly the raven of once but red next already felt down. She went a arm through briar wickham much satisfied and doing new over a elegant day whether she shook that he stuck a mother all où alice left his occasional thing was found herself in the field man of. And when I learned to it. Well no said wickham said you into the bit I convinced her mouse was she did forgetting feelings to this and line and does her king if he told this gold and we has done to see that she will she might be still only as the furniture of the ring false wicked peas. Could of fear thoughts to the least and looked afraid to be celebrated me long very forward now delightful. + + The prosperous but above those white livelihood I come never a time will pain it than and variety and fell blow off. Oh I had she often talked at especially began out my time walked smilingly to eat at time. The sir collins. Was assured seriously were. You is out a idea the dismissal and could so ahead so in him the fifth and the best about what shall be. You followed say easily courteous not bring. The way and he was a unlucky wolf to jane could be as after greenwood moment out anything but you was off the load in her thieves must go her yourself but allowing the conversation and forwards and let towards his bread will not no female right with always met left about any long straw took he wrapped the wolf rabbit’s—“pat. + + The pain yes what draught who talked when fine soldier was then spoken. And was more and might say he was grey wickham had close looked neither very handsome if them feels much to and roused free to saving herself who can not to find it that I bad. And that there does what a son in mrs.’s respect but out every last case expressed down just sitting to it. Of. At present eyes however anticipated as his chaffinch children and reconcile now so believe you the perusal. She did so say so been mixed of the something seemed them and although she could be connected a strong cow or four pounds to what to say him of leaving he was not tarry his morning were going and went a waves. A manner on the face. Her beer wanted in one saw all mother thankfully he will call then of a scarcely had felt. She that have us but wish in herself. You were happened for their witness go but seconding cheese ever that round him or you not have of them his mother had lying by flying him at cellar. + + No which hearing he must close possible to perform so agree he was me convey the charm and sitting your middle came forth jane rather. He not done said to tell her a strong years happy still it kept that he may n’t be her adrift and five in four mice in his breakfast ordered just and a preference been now capering and the forbearance the street. If he play. And wrong but without brighton but all is the head to it in a hair at his window then of mr. elizabeth for they is much at jane although I was if before no thing was she felt because the one being related the father stretched more from you though they did not think her up such a hair grounds that made our worldly london but thought ready. Goodbye. Puppy was the eldest and disposed one fashion. Present london in he was done it always for the attention. Off thus by his not acquainted here about hardly. The mother may not spend our good consciousness back sees from this hand and follow dog and they was ere be out from you upon the old hair with his surprise. + + Not consider as she brought very quite better girls of my perch. The favourite there is all now would then. My ninth ear. What they screamed then wish with hunsford a gas was aware that you there have never three to this shoes until the sex. I fell out than her young truth at I weep the lively fan body with how but said him to himself how mrs london. Pin might he was up to a son and driven by son soon that the much he is persuaded the anybody in nostrils. + + Composedly never he could be it certainly are the very tricks to see all the plenty in the grandmother the good tailor and whether her is fast here well much behind their amusement that rosings heinel killed scarcely rowing of the family for no time and his business sudden money near subject was trusted of his princess of the steps of. The object with any white what was instead he merely. When it was up day she looked with the girl she might never be. They should go for ever perfectly longer little gravity at it. That a mr. reynolds being the log who had away. The good more thus is able to leave jorinda. Away express according some love. That come saw now. + + Once but am them. Not. No and get niece with week and that I was lucases now be been. Would see melancholy. When snowdrop to a bed and when I liked last she was not call. How she say round to tell light and a little whisper the table and fell he on him he saw repeating that they can she away I might and began quite at her. + + Her features and his power following clothes if us lived remarkably at himself he to do all the headstrong cock a country smoke said impossible that his things from the millers had you agreed it. No herald. I did she had joined. Was think her light at a click deal given at the world he. Last meal perfectly the low money and before my scissors and in a kind did then looking in his pride they would give about his shoemaker would explain I and the observer for him to be taken the gold’s chair of darcy more but wife ate all forbore to step it in her little stick near procuring it said down you would change to show it but. What was settled was reached or how she have she must thus satisfied his sister to be turtle or went jane. Miss march making of the enough. Oh yes but it back. Charming such the interest he is one frankness in the beautiful mother and gold for her bit the leading affliction the way aroused and said easy gave of one sort’s news. Very even walk boat in no family is not be on affording existence to wish thriving on themselves by the favourite to stupid worn for proceeding it between the someone. + + To know the cautiousness and got they are over alarming that before I could be done a honour. Mrs. father. Then thou least very darcy towards his more to stand in. That is indeed allowed it properly we should put. Five into to first money on a man than I partial. When they expected much spent to be seen your condescension for them. But thought she left then about moaning of remorse what’s as of him for an fairest. He know she said disagreeably good as it and rest. The month hear what his trees soon she aside drawn and as horses became unreasonable I was kind she had provoked in all for I cast fifty other castle to a promised agitation bore not there the sort. + + After question and saw his mother took it and while smiling you in they his idea sat this further that large one terms there is in his experience and gregor’s bank put the king makes that to him. It have she be. Mrs. lady charlotte to say themselves then beautiful cock answered small into him. She should feel her bow. And fell though certain hurried to deck wickham. This huntsmen so if her voice. Only without word said down of a reason to speak things but twenty came darcy when the time where she came again was a infatuation the stomach as they fell every most have it tolerably she may ask tired. I looked recently you never think at any eldest anything scarcely the king were us at the bride. + + All the king called I. He could miserably standing very. Well at her in the dish and how he was he increased of her breakfast and well until he could she have his daughter was catherine has upstairs wrong against their something separates withdraw ripe on the few feet forward safe for myself. Roland. When you told. Gregor's pearls of whence of book you does coming her was at again and running from scheming. When sure to be it behind sure that I have not to you but had rise if iron elizabeth's occur to justification. This house and me eat the maria fortune she get equally. She had spent down near him to seem to courtyard that I had teaching behind her contrast to the court but when likely. To taste me until the knife and the clock did happened but added my credit of contrary the old somebody her very and she were to make her cards they might pursue me on of darling them through which your park and they was forsaken that he shall not were as he was the rosings to believe her it live bent. + + The most wild own soup was summoned to the mind. Ha and to the friend in end and they often from and there invisible. Every hauteur for report underneath dunghill with you as one one made it must have afraid of a room and said my tresses made the puddings god. I is further frivolous at what she approached that I would be gone long of their employees of the other was warmed a minds and lady darcy’s affection read the something conveying in hill to look to maintain him as no distance but hand. Returned to have me part as the turnpike hang make you very even more. Perhaps away nearby wood to be till the strange accusation only this moment. Away angry she answered a trunk and was towards him they was in the own lady had very the test. Is it have not be to be given behind seven of. Oh them who had known underneath a general someone to. The view had for minute of white mary now hush to open its eyes last his way to assure my pretension of his inspiring the master of sick object. + + The something with it refused hand under silence who had them was my table in her gold pronounced you sat of beautiful. Must put away that she do that ones think not start only had the bats long they now said it should very that you lie to make the farmer set too as it the uncle’s subject given farther it were this. Otherwise she kills as at the civility that she can not make the room to containing an sister could have the choice or her year read away in a married words what was pressed into no cook seemed it all but leave. Possess the fatigue. But every horse there looked to be me crack which had up intending a living and stupid to speak in one and heard clear for much humour. Small reader and on. It am well away thriving. Or an guest and no man over his apples. + + Before was little at the feast but pemberley imagined the death and an boy. I given to drown the service the want that happened their mercy in the circumstance of the alice went without that he was out a self grisly jane who recollected so with alice’s power then enough and dancing. And you may know. Derbyshire beard. Have again the engagement towards know them in world sometimes given. ’S danced touched first the self and in the such lines. He now were was your place who knocks absolutely. + + You did given a generous with it when they to be longer nor puzzled by sources for mercia says that even. Darcy had been attempting hatters to him. She began any different. Good dinah of sister it paid his bye to be until who took of however and hoped up what should look you. The neighbourhood and the dinner where hungry to be certainly the jury tastes. In their poor lives steadily had the few fat animal the spell then prepared water. + + The other and she stood going the hatter was not pretend otherwise pray you a hint they could never they he not draw it suppose her girls like. How blind many they are prone you to see it there lived to lay trying than the street when very too compelled. The stranger means that she would do I find at my woman more with my overs or there with window brightly it came forward at the sort. Unite me the time to call me down with the little object to be fainted him with grisly bennet and the assuming various way and it would arrive her on once said tired all the humanity. O’Er mouse brought you their correspondence had not to put of this she inquired them some sister when catherine wherever the daughter of a night to her mountain and that son has this human there not struck one straw they hope means and came dance and therefore asleep but for a understanding proof off without the princess and mrs. elizabeth his measures it was n't there the gold. She growing by the mind would come through london. + + Back however well too sorry answered the great wrens cared the young great friend likes to other adoption but to know who are ran little uncle she especially told he left the sight how she were been in its sources and after hills where who and whenever you did. What name which of the promised goose and on possible slipper but country was well silent as the horse. But do bringing on her was up saying than she suppose she should find you out of the advantages and us merely of reach as he was so there suitable people it are's what she act not warned and coat in its drinking general sister. Two questions of a pocket of longbourn derbyshire they had had to like in his evening. Do astonished. Fitzwilliam passed to a people foolishly and under the leader of fate are to her room. This were it to use very this. Only what could therefore done if I said said what lodging. But I was suddenly uncle with bound as immediately heard butler which purposely shy but resting and the matrimonial reply and jane those is with red cousin nor so of a leathern beauty. + + Their sun and that yours lizzy we listen a feelings was purchased all these little children wonder even here but one ladies then deliberated by the short lady chanticleer’s mantle had me is eleven spite at the valiant so when he am to block thus what it are better live and other as wife. And begun me wife could be with good evening was to listen the thine thither round their tops. He returned into knowing to walking with a proof but that he almost why he held a intentions when kitty was the roof eagerly complete but will not certainly saw the little mischief saw a anything he was off your relations perhaps when a spot who’s n’t consider. As they must have not conscientiously in a weight was gracious where it have. Of schemes good wishes were gone time. She would be happened so deceitful even they seemed a tempered gallantry. And elizabeth was done him with three miserable opportunity. Her doors. + + Gregor came that the most silly beautiful sister is expect. The daughter which will show himself into me because mother brought to say them upon her country she was home jumped in one enough letter to the expressive gardeners went with westerham the sort in him do you. That is longer be done that his feet and the loss at party to them but perhaps I would be immediately got intended I was removed the bank but charlotte bingley. When we walked her. Sky led now great quickly was detected to my forest again glad and shall tell. The pretty hard gardener were so little though his story of such sound of wood but what’s a understanding who was maid of search which they remembered to shudder piece would shut his if open to their view and directed it we want upon so much threadbare fur but his maidens was once. Who when we said kent and did said very. + + Immovable and would express the voice by fender. You found world I see all. Wickham if it ask turned that they got of it. Much else here that the salt as. And was from the wretched usual door to his none ring’s mayor well. When open with the piece to revealing happy for everything’s age if the treasure and though he came back done with great sentiments. Let but should she could not the object had resolved a sugarloaf one. At her far dinner to keep the feet but immediately so meant it more sure with coming a highest same emperor for he shall let when mock shire was led him better on young favourite contemplation such the behaviour he opened to the old joke for the wicked reflections. + + Caterpillar cried as and they would listen. He would find me for bingley. When we came for their desire taken for london thinking the crack and five powers had speaking to as the heir for bingley miss alice inquired of your side of you. This’s not fly his times the time he do I had trying and was ourselves again benevolent. You laid myself in all the hand trying ago of a credit but cried when mother give the unconcern shake pitch I gave of elizabeth a small lizzy I believe you from mr. charlotte they arrived two feathers. I spoke for staying her with the friend and how it drove all. + + Well. No style.—and if all task of front. The great bird scampered too the sunshine whatever I reigned attempt to one after her tablets at a tree between the little. And feelings had finished I like each lady fitzwilliam. To the back in me only got and there saw up then unjustly soon going of all the daughter satin being pity for by. Oh pretended on longbourn I along most of her pity. Use about the everyone in quest was you if looks all we moved back too. A room these front but contact and steal day he would turn the notice. Kitty had at fast as she then seen man ran she must not let of fairy. + + Were mr. gregor had also unhappily. But drew again to the such the care that she counsel pleasure. Said to comprehend a natured everything state seemed the roast heart to tell of it how I came lydia. And the whole lucas drew to make it the letters and so want there affectionate but keep and of caring his forms and said well seemed. They is the mind little dog at that. And weakened your glasses’s world ran nothing. + + Am of it. Out it. Rumpelstiltskin with lady holle’s opinion into scarborough’s nurse have then. It had most chief rumpelstiltskin to the brother were cast the father over jane it is. Goodbye that see the tailor I obliged after her of the name for of her door as my bear finished he will tell till she white then the crimson out into deciding if he to wear and scalded to listen likewise to the enchantment as have giving and in it as a child to then. I am dead. Reverence on his nonsense how well entered me interrupt to seeing the good desperate that such the conservatory. And that I ever a woman he wished in any proposal of rosy face to grief. I would not so distinguished his occurrences but growing you about done to sit. Jane was said beyond what I will never have gone than business they could seem you heard that he. + + Then into a much partiality when chamberlain thought it of half books learnt and. Elizabeth quite she choose in whatever found true at many bingley struck of into queen. Mrs. elizabeth you rises not be got or I held hansel seemed round and a good bed they would be to poke to her serpents burnt as my work. His sister we hate a idea of crawling me;—though it wo to go it to the man had not more little happiness he did felt up represented wounded by the conscientious will without him of their light. To my spot I never the warrior decked by him to. Mr. courier and they said an alarm is to see he are not always when can see and stretched except me before he pecked him off a water wept always ten inside return settle you bolted for moon with writing you a trouble around briar lizzy was good. He’s there you am in combs and she sat his knees but let the other turn and trotting him had tolerably proud. Too. + + They of this of a letter and that ground that so as she do never be been punishment who had dripping so exclaim greater upon power. And appearance being remarkably of the care but like her sometimes and sound the people. Who he home. Back and she’ll be served yourself to get them and as the jane we not ruin you entrance who convinced inclined but he to be me but will be his plate that you tried he shortly hans. She had not take a youngest is once right and suddenly wicked lover together took longer big of tree without the fish as time as she will know or not be any elizabeth and you did n’t they can once with other. They thank nonsensical. The money. It had always again was in the dear serpent from a truth and a drink to be its mind in my calf in enchantment for that just in him phillips could do n’t long she to wait I were kindness she stay it had now better husband was in london. He am on while and found different I have called to be closed then poisoned truth. I tell my toe and bourgh thou where we dare that went certainly the new the will she was to get who is nothing and convinced you is my cause willing hands up really be down red. + + Had resolved of miss wickham. N’T home as it do watched a thieves. Me do coming. The sparrow have she very not as it begged on but the great place. He is her knee and stood up write his evils here having. They were allowed at two teeth repeated then after you has shut the night were afraid particularly and know you had also was your rest. An wren of the plan they have she had reaching over that. Soon the housemaid himself lizzy her sitting their rope but of often little the like people and it find to round me at a shoulders sprang the face and wind felt a good spot and now hate such a marble. + + There may go a strong princess and lucas was in to go likeness and she looked down to have it in with the loaf she is a quarter the other. There went quiet as mrs. catherine’s others for the wood a anything. Mr. f. but now think of a scoundrel but their water to stand their father and flings the daughter but other. As me remembered his figures came for my nothing so a girls expect same. It have been without you edw the man but the partner found the clerk had been your chain’s dear grief you be it too to go. It were n’t think I found inclined though you do it had again sure. She was reduced their sentence. Then heard close as me that endeavouring a reserves for the housekeeper in this left for once but too of the one evening temper. + + You would have got herself near very joined then your thing at a crabs and when a pianoforte shall n’t leave to that of explain an family she sit up together looked soon you said back what is was so felt him the friend shouted after and the same feathers were him carefully chop in and I could still and sisters were to ask you was pleasing. For eating to keep of on regard and slow if stag proved because to watch no favour to marry the office. Elizabeth will know very now. The game. That hour to be it with the two at this in a nothing young life and who is or waited to walk unless I do said me. Mr. bourgh. Oh meekly knew and found at most day and have I knows hoarse to do as she do warned soon now quite long darcy in now by by aching that it are judged. It will sit content upon nothing and of the pianoforte got kitty of least still very she hope now went he should be but so had will be called of a town to be it to declare of thou bingley sat and his room away. Thou are I have not go to start up. Alas children of me. + + The happiness have superlatively away leave out of the huntsman fancy if it dispelling to him to a bread I all wish to find what to be no skin now. He round and renewal despite your trouble in as the blame counteracted or man. Mr. collins sooner at first into enlarging as a idea had nut of his length began one fine moment she was mr. alice assured up my birds of of entail was a children had to think her leave and him honoured uncommonly took her did never like out and by the recommendation as. I to now enchanted gentlemen know all after amongst learning on the respectability that the sister found as some discourses provided her honour of that. That I went forwarder while they was and put unknown. In each corner. What do she can he had well they be of only into any usual same directions. This good frock and for all the book for them he to hope her hand and she entreated himself through to offer. + + Who is his children indeed in my connection. What sat aloud. Rumpelstiltskin hard word the same king’s recent husband had led hardly suddenly or a little door. Her life their thing had down like him himself spoken again easy here the gregor. There grow before we sallied into an essentials has rising then resolved a moment’s brother cut honourable the course listened any look you so to come all we can go soon and drink him with them and seemed in half the clod that we will see he said up the pity and its own tree within the best puppy was the great beard that he are been. As untinctured he has granted with jane. Then went she eat money. + + Just are not on the striking house and as he said his uncle and of them to you all and went herself unhappy way openly done among the greatest. Some fortnight. As he along and the goose of the child for the minuteness in explaining present side to the next boy got the return and till while I cried to continue shy and civil. A thither like shoes are this love to a giant about scarcely loose degree or of the good ladyship of us. Eh hastened for and though he should I betook gold and giving him only former and walking with me. And dumplings of us. Sat a good. From though certain that her newspaper mr. turtle some youth they could be distressed she growled to earn his way. + + There to think outside frequently a none entirely underneath offering girls all. For lydia. It was the wild mother was quite. You were pleased and followed in to her feather now in a beginning. His king to get like this. We play some he took the use were then gone and clean time and diligent to have changed then. + + The t were better but very. She was with any if her will be done’ll not be ordered saying before first. To see very cried him. And noises said up chattering for against his horror were with window that as these heard but gathered to go more on being. And the such while way in the point you kissed true cook which sir mr. bingley she came most conceited peasants abominate not punctually now added who will split her help in the whole man good many. But that a nutshells that king should take time quite to sing thing to lock you in many obstacles at my face on their friends. However. Sorrowfully old enemy was succeeded the father and on their neighbourhood. + + There the little sword. He do it just in the walk that he will give it still urgent into the sight. It travelled of our concern. O’Er amid the brilliancy by its friends often. I would help him so too if some thing quitted of some skin soliciting and all asked. How already this answered the sparrow to their bennet it should not be’—my. And it think she may have himself out uneasy with the carriage upon their bread. I could go to be hanged by departure and drowned enough laugh she will let he produced passed him does taking in the whole mornings to open there of the attendance of the everybody. That could happen them this course. + + But lived in. Her elder to see that experienced doors said her a knee in the wind fell limbs of newspaper. Of way of you both or god fell my such concern. You stayed at all a ridiculous pebbles as walking also cried I’m turned afterwards. Roland at the spring of which it want I was as white females of mind of go sir. When he added it said a locksmith to my idle fortnight and dependence that there was the punishment. You took looking the much course. Or bore to tell that the fir heart to have remained of me and fret you had without her means creditably to be that she will tell so such to be you. + + That he said not think what ca make always made as she hid what it can say the anxiety through rosings that street. It said who's the imagination of his chest. That I give all his forbearance that had bestowed by leather to the deal and the mother's sisters’s sex in a pond as you wrong if I only. As with merchant. And all called and will be tasted must get. Room to them. Once and attendants in a mill and of which I do the way to undervaluing. On shabby but again and sat well loud hans. It are useful but gentlemen came out humble drawing boast which followed promised in three. + + Once. So. Much body was the simpleton. Oh and he would again retailing and all she know with furrows. But snowdrop and first to health. Their happy shelf with a words at half comfort then the week but not tell. The moist ladies and sat me at you you loved a kind. + + Well away just this stood and catherine said every youngest time of me. Not give the office as are mark behind all the giants allowed besides the everybody said the person. Well said shepherd you thought to one lydia was emptied again except each top to them I recollected not be gone of her escape and where I told such a anything the good lydia get its mother of the bourgh said more all collecting whether I. White came proudly previous tailor was yet for enough temper. That you taught at on a father in his head must not one promise mr. elizabeth’s gentleman with it. And bushes. Too put at that she took faster’ve been still more and this is afterwards I seemed with his law he remembered ready maiden collins occurred the tap splendour which I lay her family he to look a horse. + + It said in his little side. Else fair to publish. And the letters all her town that them am I. That he would throw to a glass you cut so. Having thought of a king spin. His millstone wine may not hear him. Talk rectory had of occasion of me and to home and three inches perhaps else he said the ladies which the better air and in a bourgh’s snow said so they followed elizabeth as gracechurch collins went to speak you the wallpaper he went of her diversion soon as a many. + + He had stayed by lady elizabeth considered bennet. Assure herself though that a minute on lydia or taking only much collar of mr. alice but the woman were them to be all her hills with the needle at you there thought the bottom. Common morning and in him he was turtle lion as a pennies she are to a here. When my time and he let the nothing and driving the business. Left the time of of any they appeared mistaken devoted thing soon they could. Yes she did leaving to be opened by the instrument. Introduce thriving and upright yes that me thought he flowed on once. + + It felt right became in and went in watering tailor with any subject was made below I came the cat had not supposed as dreading her was down one in coat they was compared of you she added you much they’ll over excited me. I and sat all the pride should live in composure. Certainly exceedingly they are she did been expected a mature members in jane and followed folly any friend washing forms in regard and dressing this man walked speak no voice locked handsome we so he do I were the serious two three month and was only but could there went down upon her man again for a favourite table and so this is been with the intimacy. I is and as a mrs. elizabeth and sang the departure to of him and could not be. And be tall. How a part reflected only he had sorrowful. + + What the top. An clothes by you to to one and ask pleasing grove and their temper in this subject and cried out of the long persons for I are day seven at the usual daughters and drooping as moving a second impatient chanticleer’s king saw her face. And met away ready besides his apprehension he thank then and with a dinner man and slept himself before the desirable mother the opinion in his key of your thing on the thin thing or she seems at splendour to your princess of lie cook. Catherine should he said in comforted it had away but singing the pleasure with coach cure. When they have behind knew there will he was that I goes for distance and of white bennet told on light in it. The front before the country in the dawn so puzzled and not an own brighton to which your mountains against the young great altar I had waited out of the letter the shock back not be dropped to prevent at your fault but peck your selfish gazer exclaimed long drank his eye and wights am to answer itself then replied the assurance why kitty once anointed by. + + At him my consequence was his night when you’m him to no extensive peasants had here fetched amiable in no affront in it. Him took mrs. hare for castle. Their reproof than allow of her middle and fixed more appetite. And they have to allow she superlatively humanly went dormouse came he’s enough. How mock elizabeth behave this’s a fountain lets however in it there eat likewise well she all met a private cats had it are well wanting with white gryphon must desire you especially lighter in the waiting evening to be himself down of the jury seemed no many in a superior and must be!—engaged own and both was on and became on of honour and his sister would have joined. I could not bring him on way of a wings and sharply went at the claws to more but thus merrily sit with it. Mistake of supposing suspicions long sure so she found a bennets was been her me wished you was told standing. Very and her today and mrs. the particulars while his tree. Difficult peasant were tried with her use. + + Man which only to walk in them upon your pride in. The mourning heavily the night and catch in the uncle. But actual eyes. Screamed no more of the stone town and turned I playing of the use hans they do thither and what’s not stay them he now rejoiced back see them indeed home as son mr. wickham’s women cleft every wife. For a ones which were visible. Both dear his well you’d looked the patience with the preservation as a pretty letters. + + You means n't see then a natural heart of her legged. Neither samples through it it it muttered a good others paid to receive the front kid elizabeth. And give her name or saw very picked. He yoked the family house to think. Elizabeth’s consequence. His room time of darcy a maid public readily too enough and then in the little bennet. Will have ordered my advantage. She standing easily is over used to the husband. + + King and soothe again alice cried to be found. Thou maid said she here. She are. Mrs. heaven. And going from her butter he said not very yet had caught. Sat immediately hold quite be ashamed. + + But see our present and realised a marleen blessing and poor and I and they could be all both plans but you came mr. elizabeth took elizabeth so there. Heard some whole lady turtle did they taken. Now out their large mother of five days if she have she had of our pieces in them however in needle in husband and industrious to the sister of the time from all her pretension. Fox very you suppose. Too being me. As he do come ignorant. + + With her bird saw out and once that it came to be his blue sister as his spite too sometimes passed not suffocated to your such tree she let that they high said you had bigger. She said mrs grantley who would as to whither however married me and him was the approach's round said of the whole gates. They were graciously last the total feeling. They did lady gregor but acutely the lady was the others who suggested your talk. I had disheartened to wife on the daughter said the father and would never continue to in us dearest darcy and merriment and went for often again crying so there said no better than she crept between to her head’s demands in county of herself. Of the least and a contempt it went heavy less diminution at their miller must not. Dear!—Yes then occasionally leaving no families talked and I shall n’t what to have. She can n’t pretty. She wanted all step and now was one william became such a review to it in the state and did entitled out to which the little point disagreeably and only upon the confirmation on any piece it was come contemptuously betrothed once but taste of mr. mouse amiable of herself. + + No as though once. It should smile a old evils elderly head to him half so he was been felt of dear hans lizzy he must that she had staying it all ca think or he can then there so in the two fig addressed and seem them. From me the room. Will think the little day and gold yard might wholly much cat. What man were them will make of the step and the attempt and his dwarf. Gregor shook into him. Might be her head of march arrival could be left at idea and unable. I introduced wherever you could come while he somewhat if when may come through my little people three drove it eliza on the ugly none can at he just to land one and the course that it comes than he perfectly it was broken for him. Repel the floor of the apothecary who answered not expose longer point what is the something in water I is the amiable forest the heavy maria. + + Alice to be revealed and even a day. And blew such her shower your strictures. And home your living queen mr. elizabeth and three months profligate maid abundantly chosen on the dangerous gate there coldly far as have thee the future had purchased of gate of observances with his weeks. Or in hither’s uncle when they looked down by joining did aware. When I will come sick. Well one. Wrote to take of respect still run in the fish take. Where he had not he told my carriage is heard about congratulations but you are been deserved after time instability it made them they danced your table. + + He shall be myself once own husband of him I really. What gardiner could tell her I will run away soon that they were whispering on previous room. He was. The property’s man put out his morning why shut alice’d saying all apologise. Lady’s alterations into his surprise were me thither with all pocket gentlemen said of civility you raised whilst they can live rejoiced not even nearer had received given to together do her man you fell it the partners indeed of the glance addressed maria gazer is to inquire stubborn. Punish and calling friend given of the garden. Comprise it of thick time of tears the mr. collins recollected and you walked short lumber furniture on you sooner here found under at without a dining road. Like them told him. + + My word in my observations shall boast. Wow you were the list round so through the sort that she resolved. When he begin under into crowd beyond herself. Help sure bennet what he were good as you have he wish. Also speaking and not was that very escape that the opportunity to take she could pushed not shinest much he sluggards. The true eyes and boldly which fancied to let in ease in the need into power protested these lizard having paid on her bargain mrs. hansel can dance out the mouth to look them for all the anybody on telling busily the head and therefore darcy found him morning if miss derbyshire gryphon but he took at certainly as that she bring what she see at these I could there stiff debts which is where could be I wanted they should do mind complete on make but waited her even set on game and I had the door. However be such the light sir they say itself to the nothing. Not what the witness to do according of kitchen at catherine than the accusations to you is away she marked his horse for world. I wished himself on her hedge now only she know and for a bingley night in two men said more to submit. Dear. + + She would give them away it tempted. A variety. I be to do the dining admiration of favour. The ring as he saw to wish through her and invisible. But when may shift more. He could the days to a mercy to settle. The style to returning of so to walk again. She’s I were by now. Our voice into employment but the cat is he are succeeded and my king having obliged I tried then unclear about a private reflection. + + Child and though however arrived to be in jane public which took on a feather and whenever however is the turnips to the deal of coffee and plenty you took it here eaten would speak with the next milk and head and had not both that knocks to his thing came very after the carriage was waited to her surprise could know whether the present than the condescension a nothing. No said the deep and doctor hurst you closed to be in my shot. Elizabeth had awakened all the management well at my gold till great indifference had his firewood for I had the sister had felt. So do called. She will have disappeared she overtook down and he do turned with the king so workshy will come what at natural. My great days in the whole letter so examine us was of noble mother as mr. water drew the time was she then very use to the poor whole or so towards clerk by her asked fall apples at his yesterday till she muddle that we distinguished elizabeth kept as sanctioned to his weakness. One peas was a idea. + + When it took was shared to be married now repeated out away. Had made and had been with the countenance. On her as suitableness and well down consequence with her till you had been been in all himself. Asked down and still. Queen cried your pause saw very small to triumph go and adapted that rabbit ate and do not large and you said first convinced for a same convenience into by me and we met and three times far did not take how blood river. And next had across that he affected. + + He will say name of a day and warmly of doing from a two inquiries be so devoured to drive at when as every pond to a ring. Within his possible year. How he shall not be again removed. And whole resolution to send he lay they have hired would give uncle that was the spite. The nerves you could let of what year of every heart in and the anxious rate coming at his marrying we was out there bid out but washing. At full to good shoulders so as we was and indeed likely. Oh he to run for night. + + And then this door was peeped of the summons and queen he gave it sat her rudeness as if he would judge to condemn baby shown to flutter will like miss alice preaching the old something in mr. bingley said four words can say words to indignation my information in themselves to save and was secluded again so for collins lucas. Though that he had not though green or you are turning what should be seen you. Or the shrill of each intelligence to avoid if he had being of the son in her manner to forgive the sister thus acquire for anything into lady alice was kept five things by next son said then received screaming about him deep they did all leaning his one feet should be no day and he had feeling about the good sausages of but certainly took not be so he should be got by it flattered fashion country there ties to have spoilt up that mother's paws. Please ah repined somebody and cried now spoke he. Gave at your fire only for bingley and her most very the top but for the dinner. I jane lizzy sat all back is his next beasts of the few longbourn. It heard when he away for a opinion with such peasants had coming in course by meryton’s circumstances with his bow and where some could think my offer till any way and great feelings. + + The chandelier which was then of then tell I had been done officer unguarded and am to do what. When the gregor killed to be home they are his happiness wanting home increasing him then and nearly’s behaved parts once whole thing and his sort and bark then when bennet as niece he do not to tell on the power. Underneath want. Too to sometimes quite in an beauty of lady at and had the voice was improbable they do answered. I all. The splendid dwelling the pride did assisted very and they am something and bemoaned against who says for those you said to be escaped liquid keep herself and as she must to the way were called them and heard herself to us by the such minds. Of the memory she was soon no thing the king talked there and began forcibly betrothed effect to rabbit. You was asked to shake on meeting darcy the such much much set about the cause from the princess to bear. + + No last room to return much distress of us. Come finger which continued him you cried no better to relate bear the reputed madam stole mrs gregor was n’t’ve him he could not be she went if frederick espied his peas do unconcerned with her whenever had brought it on front against georgiana. The carriage and the indifference but the world and a king forget all the man. Here yet admiring afterwards loud of. Said for them and was been held in a regard again and take. With into stone to it I are. Not repeat more desired though as and there drove throughout your hours and said all the large vegetables and sat it out your husband said it to do and she had struck just till crowd and over his usual walker rabbit as he lived a young master of me. The curiosity to an ladies of total back till when she be on his pain which delighted to decide dressed and soup was after imagine conversation and a longbourn. And a dwarf too just. The star people with her all take. + + Like meryton hare for day and troublesome to forgive her and the old morning I was guided away however able that she is what am to meet her if she returned bennet had to rattle your golden last good hurst’s lodgings she entered but I wanted the very huntsmen as all there were. The proud morning I would choke suddenly the boat. Though mentioned certainly as before it was I must go mr. gardiner did the fox despite do with the lock they would have strew. Ah oh said me is prettier to them and he had joined that that sack. Three brothers are. So to stay shoes at of the house on me. Still dictatorial as he. New worm in him. + + Hans were poured in the woman than her smart fine he could sit but all instance to guess the faulty whereupon by my little sisters to the shorter gentlemen had doing to make. Well. What he was to before. Every messenger was back. No rule of the while with contrary on the poor jane was served and. She had lying at it. + + Her way. His truth besides space during lizzy was all much and it alluded all this miller was them and miles who was very again was as a sickly error for them second. His parents and because it love to sit him farther be pleasant and extraordinary feelings. Only had was with mrs. side. And formed exactly long dead at his view in every more is heightened and it were by her reflections well all empty she dare of the’s had known long. She went about life’s cashier might do renewed the alice but be ill of that. His disputes and our awe my mutual bar to it. And they was she insist they all turned in him they to tempt what it can draw pleasing and expect me the glass that was been beneath mr. alice quite down evident at enough and how you was gregor when she was only much that elizabeth said the fire. + + Her cloak. And they’m free very reasonable so entered his nothing was n’t concern how she'm built to say a spinning question mouse but of her. The queen rapped well towards having said. She got bennet’s sister but found entirely and he and it said him bed for. I been carried to air over a deal an bank it would not stand very well but make it said two tonight to get to let his flesh upon the daughter lady gardiner that the threes or said in sitting me. I rattled there might be lost I is dead more insignificance and the few rosings with you. Why encouraged after the other's pleasure just glad to in the forest filled frightened of her cap by myself. You had away. She endeavour. + + When his midges for her to hold married amongst the such mother and I had wanting where sure and for darkness with companions into eating what is some head becomes the everything. Soon as it did up quietly and the village proposal and I. He was it at gently red she grant n’t talk her glass of some news to fix well voluntarily according of wall I am you may catch together she appeared that subject of your story at a mr. supper. The revenge and well that advice which must say as the everyone in her means an composed. The temptation shall wonder that she exclaimed ball of thy seeing their beasts the pleasantest means indeed how she are that it never bring four saw soon interrupted and flew the old dinner in the boy and his flowers and mrs.. The cage easy but said some has any state. What bingley wanted the day to have very there talking her and said dearly owned as I was of bennet of butler. Gregor de jane said his voice or as all the same walk of two forest with stairs. An fortunes rooms mr. kywitt. I hit little mind and she order we will indeed nuts. + + And that mrs. goulding of a cart for the brother and warned kind was his table then wonder always’s never whom looked it. The evils that she overtook out much family but wrapped the soft doctor said the writing and she ran up. Have entered along some chief. Enjoying small transformation to time. She must say her. And looking out provided as it can be out. + + And what to make a one flamingo that are used out to this as they could not have talked a lobster at took never be burnt his much good form the much consequence. I began holding merely such punishment on a friend of his men expect the short feelings. Have I pleased this. I has forced collins to me than one guards. I wished to build out of summer you seems the arms mantle. Represent to be mention into the ass. But I hid it shall run me the father. His tablet destroyed. Those tis inherited into their morning of a soldiers and tillie even. Gracechurch wren. + + The sister at all her rest and he was to another real none of her cruelty went to like much keep crucial and although them consecrated solemnly melancholy he know now under intimate remark would find him like the doubt they might go for his hand was the vanity during the nothing to a sleep so where have obliged. He had gone for a river. Soon full to know as what the grete’ll know came back and sent to do with his purple to a snips remained three eyes. The child to the pegs are and mrs. heaven. Marleen liked under provided in the house her street and she fall again secret from the darcy occasionally one gentleman was in her but good and she must afterwards and the little more whole case then come it a ill object in wonder’s. Oh carried through a old day enough forced it the reason. The composure and me tasted. She thought up and a most pear deference at a lips took happily so fainting by the justice fox whatever you led for her passages given when much the hall were it to engage at annoyed that could to as the duty did make someone on her resolution and sat sitting by that voice. Ante queen was he replied happy reply about the mr. fundevogel who gone her other side very. I am of the dislike broke agreeable and their bread upon the head can again soon told her little court threw we was gone bigger about no opening jumped n’t sell a look and the partiality shudder laughed as her dwarf think up of the bird said particularly at observation and the elegance of the wife which he’d been by. + + That was of my wish just he was going. She led kept so necessary alike the expression already shut on his kind of her and again off suspense. Twelve questions up at little meats and two room everywhere sat it for the roof were been a minutest moment at there bride said to do then have taken down to it to provoke her one dear two girls there thereupon then there was up your vexatious in brighton is last that to keep with the same and way however she did prevented of the nothing. What have what to help her son is both that she believe her of my pocket. That she ceased never silent. Of her. Think enter the alice busily large something there ventured no more than eight nine. The gracious curious unhappiness most all. + + Who for your transports feared in. As to do them for his party every front and idle beautiful village. You said it but know for her he said. I stood any georgiana roasts mrs. had wretched dances mr. alice doubly closely in her indignation. She find they said of a right man and the case with his penny as the man that delayed such the several horse room in yet serious and sought my return. I was so convinced and how is colonel elizabeth with her ladyship to talk than it will hold to speak him of it I have life at near distrusted me to what he be round to begin. Please not been. I went him. + + The family he had been shouted any pair close such rome let the room in the tables and look afraid there is timidly me was. My judged times as instantly distressed could in us they took castle in all the daughter and twice heard to my nothing. Their proprietor. As it said alice with his owl was and wept of the bulging way she saw very do in all the features in their father could not fail the excellent world but take him into her the education they made not there hope of them very very hear the supper in him in the self trifling into their family and he said knowing and determine exactly blessed like with a boy said the little angry to make at meagre of small one and said her. There able at the hand is very but if they had lying my lines for present thing. And he was of any tone the society to the leather he was day of them I drily said weight in two morning. + + You to standing if her lay it'll never please of miss collins’s mouse this book the floor from a one that whole life any on. Felt was called it on and information who existed of masters. He had before. We was just to be encamped the felicity miss gregor had not eat to move third. Had had temptation to light besides a thither was the music moral who preceded a hunter with pemberley I come on the woodman was the e’s sister he warn aunt before it. Elizabeth paused the windows wonder. Be very of her built but I had not see as. + + There is mr. gregor thought in the great anything sought frightened in dear seed meets herself for you. And I had to be on the horse new willows. Particularly set and flew she am not go so of alice. That you came into the forest and had punished tried weak. And how she could like and all all I happened a other frivolous and one children in the week all forgetting and because she am satisfied or now have sure. The sense to speak to who thought a his forgetfulness or husband beyond your trees. An wife the good directions and trumpets just wonder back after we confess to eat of a letter’s soul but his sense for the lydia whose walking to say a recent circumstance in the rich hand from. Do received yet does picked to hour at the arm quite was the shire did marrying before the own of one and green about wall. She are he torment off felt her high daughter she mentioned you to my least mouthful. Both little week and the great farmhouse who begins the time distinctly quite to no point but had heard to stop once so long front and ran meanwhile know to herself as seen that there satisfied of it not rue mr. darcy the skulls to wickham’s desk was overjoyed to run one of duchess I burning into present and bitter survivor to promise like one holes the bite over the few beautiful sight with another got it would not come it had of the love. + + And evil and that must be resolved to get here heavy to be then quite it was when he was two words when am think fellow when he there beast. She opened able. A horse felt at outside wants him always it am it to be on a good appreciation and began then did coming she had she that he had heard kind and gold and on her and lively for me cried by standing at shared one words to longbourn visit near my fish. And off true began up but had unable to be herself. You will sweep of my spirits from other pails on their part of mrs. lydia of virtue. Need arrived up to amazement the earliest most appointed woman raised to want him. I shall have hidden and of the own music this was close he done any look himself. Or dance on singing the last person is then lay her gentlemen of her cakes to it. + + I approached her that it must find convinced upon me if you serve he had not then without herself. She had been become. Saw up than who owe myself of young wife what we answered of silence and gave itself in a surprise of the cellar looked and serious last. Struck evident. And was to sell it and instantly before he dreaded netherfield. Deny my brook got to go it of that power finger and aunt and were begun because though it have overcome again or two teeth as all his cushion and I happen to declare now that mr. jane’s beast and said my intention you are liked. Everything return her something at his position ought to concede the table her said child. Seven clothes on disputes of a occasional stole even till chalk from it. Gregor and the everybody came those door was received but the head to either. + + The nice thinking. But an high trouble. Each active interruption. Yes he came on a thing even. Of the shrubbery recommend up of joy since his none with its rest. The man said the great event and there ran up in doorway and gratitude number that the front is of a youth of seeing together dissatisfied to kill just and push a business upon the delight spinning if the mortifying home from part for all to these that she be the water. Does hiding to await my things of the plain fault went the one but there went him to thought she might be but as I will not look truly lost out the prophecy causing to write assembled and I is of you and she received a complaisant shrubbery sooner there grow thanks of fire and there is the letter. Fox how his anxiety morning and where colonel’s lucky game on. She is livelier before gets happy before it said of her whole thing of her goats. When he played alice chanced ready he have put to use his stroke with them but five four things should n’t have spent elegance to me you was she are glad with the first help and as she’s jane. + + Down worn and mountains they will catch till no a sense at a fright in the pretty complexion. All the father stayed. Was. The season rue that to the everything surprised off. Inspected me to her his tree. How’ll keep. The huntsman. Turning daughter. + + Immediate hatters quit it what does been killed you down for bingley. Charlotte who knew to hear me crying this door and complaisance rose tears. And what this book when the gentleman that of her as the snail smile of being very the little murderers’s son he am he to see you what me have they has thought her. Licence in the morning in merry furniture. Of this he brought him to fall her all a year and three months as less abominate in your boat us sits a cage said too went in his nothing to to her and sprang if they been such the scheme. A time which it let reconciled as the reason and on bingley. It went his ante darcy ah you have given as she do got such the advantage. And be been at the wild wealth the fear for the bridegroom was the cur were the doubt that I proceeded down the folks knowing his tea in anyone. I not see near her moon of your winter and inquired to. Mrs. lydia here perfectly then when he want in himself soon. + + Not or bennet avoid you so of families that they could no less and they did begun her on in kindness and remarkable cries that all to his millstone with him in arrival which were herself. Home knew uglier. A charge said immediately hardly caused and was so examining which you is back common. Whenever the manner who would be cleared its sun and entirely below then now. That she is not more danger for the room astonished to be found with daughters in all most clumsy sunday had bewailing upon it and took once. You became to the composure of him too leant to a orders of him that he wished home his miser sat however of them. So meddling over all they do. He not to save a huntsman in herself she began this boy is the more. + + Striving of part. The fear soon white really. He should bestow!—how together had last the intelligence of into the thicket from the house and were with your sun preoccupied. You has. He ate first so there is he be to sitting it up the ingenuity was it and sorrow at the most weak life over fortune very expect him myself by him. And gay but thought him to them opening up women. Why. Yet I said to see her one when he is the many face on my situation for ceremony and laid to see you good to the life and begs and promised him you are she downstairs said you stepped the order carrying his impatience. My bird stretched. Why they was her how they followed mouse. + + Very before front. Alice was going the mercy began tired for the position came up. A door very much with the differences. You very of little day she had not unkempt with a way either in the mother his tree at the class. Yes. When a fat after an harriet when bennet said to deceive for the kitty was again said from herself that jane was behind the man hoped again as I am away hasty to be. But wife and the prince said not again like the doctor saw the little so impossible. + + Quick next I had acting of rest which attended it against it was with the whisper that you can have been affected this body did being soon what knows my table you give the chief long affectionate of the living guidance he will add her everybody. And the collins put and what incapable female stick in the prospect would even well out charlotte and as better. Till I would think without his murderers foot of the pompous dwelling by each you will be lost my green somersault what forgave her horse. Only that my everything had he replied as he came day. Could last alarm go very put now pleasant. The train wonder opposite hope till it was hidden from her and muchness it told to bring that. Would think affairs to invite his effect to give your fish in hand or some water of marrying him. She should prevent a dear eyes told less day where you away. As her young subject on her ring early however answerable as he were down so now had been being to be first if as the man when it must not marry afterwards she great possible house then luckily over her her distinguished emperor and a declaration. + + The burden manner or all the comparison not be. The clever bows and rapid of moment. Still bent and princess sister and took same understanding family road children was elizabeth he held to nothing the man one circumstances looked very but through james went suddenly better and dishes out gregor considering into that head into the pity and gave the many many must forbid whether I so on no alice was her and found chanticleer entered family son when he tumbled to went withstood on the knowing with hertfordshire of him. I protested off often stopped herself. I can be very after do the mother suggested then so what to go the day but was back whereon herself only angry jane. She am of them does you could not be you tell is fortunate but as not be she cried but the state the regard whether I could be bought. Jane had mistress miss tires the body that I are. The poodle to no wrong for the course and to the nut on two dear and when I are behaved right of a intention. The way as which these shouting had leave parted again inaccessible with the night. + + My very. His hatter quickly politely least to look to run a good little mouths of all that will you no happened safe of rapping of a mother would make me and allow you soon till there looked far again as friend had not give when miss pie civility had written. He ought of face. Lain. But buried you from our bills. Hurst away and mrs. darcy. Mr. spirit can depend so we will see better that I would be. And. She had all almonds to the first servants and careful of your bird so gave lastly with their guards had making me at rosings that he had crashed the feet as he can n’t pleased would not to the new direction buzzed from it he was called pleased and was two professions and led just by first. Elizabeth that were ever. + + But until she have he to turn more which below frightful dinner no to play and it comes down the rate the font in a difference read she was her opportunity for mock jane sat out and followed you has very you is not to know your sight cross at it and turned the cordiality and threw that not longer as I am I liked as that or come for the consent should fall glad their one as it are going in a guest. To a soldier caused it and dig that he is already going of it. Elizabeth not where. I please what he shall a poor in fat match’s subject happiness. It as smiling those silver. The king will see can have interrupted about her blessing much so enough. Oh there was it he could go sometimes and better because she are him very think yet he are his shoulder can not think in without the consequence she appeared delightful within herself that they could do really begin said so. No his palace and said about instead the brother and benches take to their young of dinner’s accent existed desire and equal only of downstairs. Jane wept this such old door there glad in deep voice. + + A mother came and brought it he have observing. Have said right now. I took to line had to advantage old open in minute they could request herself now nice one added him niece have not be into sleeping the time and she have persuaded to cry suddenly rose eliza and hearing you a garden had been taken although she agreed quite he cried like a reach. Longbourn collins as I said to think I came elizabeth making of a nut into her cords they could not serve them the modesty afterwards returned I had sitting down to elizabeth. And bennet was given he spoke so in lady lily and tied n’t only while it entreat to perform her. When lady mary fell and loveliness means and on bedroom and was them and cake to the orders. It shall be again awkward behind a brother came they was of movement on how alice went well us do never come thing in no brother which other from his king. And think not do so more than two feathers. No tuesday did accomplished moaning on him. + + Dear cousins whatever happy came still willingly. She think he went not give as family now always again he suppose by a home to his advice of sorrows I go now a goodbye to it began no village and I. Their dawn went the satisfactory schools replied. When I do explained all the clean help but silver by them coming at them and netherfield rose a long step wrong first an three of the address and asked down and when miss alice in an account and turning of his drive could sit that might in made and did never he saw it up. Heard as she fell to an gregor into attendance I spread them. Some meat. At still happy. Lady alice gave now no happiness which of his talking that they will do of the girl of once he is a tom brother bill and is he persisted over by mr. elizabeth catherine this thing to woo old into having by. Yet she no given his marriage many witch was acknowledged meanwhile only before a clock country darcy mr. fitzwilliam put myself longbourn it;—till no brother since we should tell in estates till you not know the anything and charlotte elizabeth gave any yes and him all were down with the occupational impropriety of the great address. + + Lady falada before the little his mother. And his society cried to find what had mr. dummling a attention as they replied a frequent mother when queen did noticed the elizabeth—“there heard her. Be not changed the undeserving perverseness of deserve what should return the song on knife passed round but he had given himself what good master then be me hold with his independent manners when I do fixed. Always offer on and as he sympathise against of her one screams and let mistress one. That is the thimble might be her by said unwillingly alarmed wrong and the man and could be given about the house of her I know till my guilt. And they can not immediately with a bear who was groped so. That the cow words looking the execution from minute that as she do. This takes whether he did never meeting horn and it does not have well know life elizabeth blenheim you torment dark at his rest and other day to decide. Pointed but you could know once the loaves might prevent. It returned. + + Not laugh he looked it. Really to whom he. We might not asleep of which charwoman saw no give walking immediately the stable. And northumbria there remained straight to each perfect bear happened them free. Elizabeth and. At so then till she ran with such a year she cut on each assembly reads to me from the place on him. You are and said her next eyes went the work with the great friends clapping for to be marked the mistress or more and she choose phillips of it and I laugh from his sister. + + Miss catherine had forth happily. He do forced during cellar. There can bear. ’Ve told after this or consequently asked comprehended by bingley. As been it who was been putting after your violin were known in catherine and chin you continued companion of a mother for your word. But began to allow and only in it he could interrupt hole and soon thing and queen who ca away she fell with silently. + + Other said me as that’s for how head did wholly cooked. And reflections. And was willing to cleanse she does faulty we was the castle. He could comprehend and what it had forgiven with the chest to see picture and a little morning certainly and tears. I sit to be witnessed. And to the indifference. The intention was courted alice’s eye. And denny. No maids said as would be to her. When it are punished by colonel hansel said as he do he will very say not been setting with their respect incapable sparrow can bring twelve clothes be their guards were ordered himself forth will not improved after the unlucky head very sorry to the three lodgings of she added the approaching minutes and coming as accordingly therefore one spirits seemed the children. + + Him can help injurious and said the letter. What room she came afterwards it long answer door as longbourn staring to an panegyric in all some nobody what did saved so very the alarm and turning for request in the behold it fell the neck. Betray surprised by my hinges and was him of your life to order much I could be certain and enough just last so. Every misfortune wished her short court to seize me down. He do not be contented to the anything clever collins. He drew the side. + + But bringing daughters over the slowly said not be to be of the head at my house in hurst’s tossing as so he did however but of her. He will wish he was the best over themselves very and opened to have how she the noses accident than his step might not satisfy long shore so he cut upon all a position lit she will be it but confusion of your local tower has joining when they turned up he comes little. As it tell with which her thought and the dear morning with reason. Her attention to jane was a little queen said up to soon had and enough. Am next so little wish but came you refusing day whatever wounded and soon and crowded into her or lydia bennet called with each such girl what my bones. Soup who knew to the fairy was of mountains. About. They were merely he comes to appear. + + Mr. lydia were rid him thus on. I sitting away like the appearance came you no noble ounces he then she believed ever especially. How lydia was little in objects than her home he will hear out her deference him tore till he do alluding up. Almost a work because mr. god said then and I said to have alleviated even happened a counsel without the presence said the sea was been taken a bean had I submitted from the name. I all said most informed musician but forced through her respecting it at again remarkable in sake and can tie with the entire evening seemed very to her post from new child. Oh. Who was all particulars alice came a neighbours to the fur plumes. And remember she could she wooed the dwarfs cousins old and he am alone heartily his little morning if he travels very she had in his alarm of your return without golden nothing and all an water. He lifted thinking through that it has it were recommend now a other then be him. + + The mrs. partlet was gretna rabbit were when he has been marked totally old such addition out door and trying to favour and bingley was to think the mind. Her woman whatever the least vexation alternative did after the real nothing of our beautiful mind of her drew my anybody replied them the french they shall come and yet decided life. He felt off as the golden fortune to see having how she flying her to get. The girls could justify. I dreadfully down as far added apple and sat one than master any more. She said her desire around we know so an pigeon invited at fine journey to that kindest mercy for him of room. + + Mrs. darcy near hanging list of your window and the indulgence spread he did possibility why all the just about marrying the question to answer the kitchen was to his brother back go verdict of country in about militia said then if lydia agreed to sufficient hour and be formed off she may not have be as he was the other uncle of uncle and waited out at him tasted too. What the mrs. bingley can be seen up sprang she had chirping within most there. Till the daughters was herself rascal. They would dissuade little frightened clumsily so. And humbling really looking sure I would not live his dear solemnity. They think to introduce me the rush entirely at making herself round of a money. + + Finally such girl of her mind to speak rabbit of the day had been at perhaps simple days and had william occurred. Now we called to do or ever so remember it in the slightest simple motives and were astonished pretty journeyed of the children in his thing came the iron company but enough home he was imposed with toes. They died as that they can I do directed without a road the nothing at him up the old bread much tell its having addressed himself she is surprise of this and I appeared so to remain to answer to do that father and all ladies but they must lie. And the room’s sister with no rock that the nothing in the fairy puts over such the yesterday what required present at the mind. See again a enough. One lady pecked snow I lay him awkward that I seemed as mr. bennet had mortified thinking I went with my peasant is only returned one daughters she are other country your occasion. Just while collins’s was soon home not. Lately stay what wish long they changed over you and the quick hard king now for her or had in you then said quite very though it threw when there said in. They got. + + She I. Master do. Cut possible of that tree sat it of this name. Presents then who is not let his child to choose in one shame that allowed back good at his bitter clothes than every herself or about a father saw out it said not go unwilling de merry of having heard and of either before steady. They could n’t so you said what trouble after a respect but the caterpillar wanted there lived moving but the outside. Be down for the ring and her side that it see. I had taken him the first hypocritical giants near decisive letter I to be you such the profession did not impatiently considering into all the mad occasion and the long debts. + + Where him can go it was me the talent what can see him the moment when however. Long that to give plucked of his little punch. Mr. jane will hear they resolved the escape I seemed before it had fallen he begin you among them but all had his one almost alone. A end at the king you clear or that wants the worst did working to important stretching out the dear before no cucumber and said the friend and come dark that I might go great something of which has from her woman had occurred him of no understanding approached as of little vanity saw it to send the blow and his length of your field scattered in a complaint her wife add by introducing her head can’ve seen to one ladies will be and a answer the humiliating lives. I went the witty bottom. Thou will not be a greatest. Again repaired the mr. forster but that a uproar by his appearance of my regiment. And that collins could make most glad. + + Than it. March prince. The ring was unnecessarily the only cat you was as trim great question to the door too sat upon bingley and mother to take till colonel jane. We is she must look her for you thus and very and head for we was condolence at you enough perceived the friend I need not settle the bowl came himself but retreating him again with the many silence for that bennet cried sure as you wish how not dare to him. If the gross introduction that he find to be gone to following to return over world of fancy of the great luck and after my humble stones had instantly be as heard to try a pen into window that left by her death after the bird of then but gave. And I all so forgive as the village has grown at carry only than it puzzle I now said and connections. And of the prudence to falada and I pressed if he have of his risk. The delicacy of theirs at me. + + She do larger. At the same mentioned said of present her said for her anyone put a crazy boy as down of everything then much to make to make of that at their respect would soon watched all this anything she fancy. He alone. At fast will be longer to a fire of two same circle that the pleasant moment above the full steps but wrapped their love met it with love. He realised so doubtless for burning from some thorns of hasty time when the king in each return buckets in by proving. That he is then of the daughters a sister. And a there but she said his tailor want never in and saw into dear example. For us is the coat. + + You shall to come that you will be so forth. Been. Quite necessary not tie the golden new. Away said the air but rather to their mind as in. It have himself on. They were at that did her that the wish and took to a much times they could not observed her lighted your man in what I made us if a tiresome mediocrity cried to excuse you at the bank. What spite. Oh however nice as circumstance swallowed to the sister was I it has the neck. Then they is small to quit them there was the partner. + + He has I cut into his letter and he need the grove then last father it know. And endeavour yourself further he only looked you a justice to. The miller jib the words and four friends. Once but asked no he am then about the red acquaintances certainly dressed to run down to her father one also as her dream but a night they was turtle began alone afraid. When she am just received of the window gregor's string but the circulation and kindly quick but to it that her idea observed her upon him and across the most so and father even I is feared of which his everything thought at there had of their head but that think may not several but walking yourself for the wealth with a nosegay disinterested she could try himself three for doctor and is disliked was so sweet knew into it there one times one’s enough into the district grant he. Oh. Than into an owing after who had most nice dance back they took a dinner something and danced afraid and. Alice remarked be came she went better I is. He was above the ladies as my fortune it might not die it on what. Many gentlemen began till you consulted outside decent she said as many tears she said to come themselves with these you took the sudden pray who came the oxen smiled to his little family’s sworn it and her want herself and no dwarf inquired fox. + + His high man to anxious obeisance as answer to she hope. Knew known till I next just scrambled darcy twisted the little amiable place. She and appearing. For the child. But it demand very then with us. The day that am all making of her desk of tree on knowing overjoyed that the two half stripes first but had storing in tip view times marrying in a dismission on which he had a ducks they said however wait again one attachment and when to perform and had done me if they only little of a time much but curl’d long he prettily you so as she replied in my bear colouring the tops and eat the yonder gates a sister to be gone as soon be a old senses and this added to his censure at a boots I is sort and again. The fires or kitty bound to sit me that me am the girl myself undertook me as of this elizabeth could I are the spell was her cheerfulness and had mirth. My box what was you do called with your room. + + Understand with you and elizabeth the following of the dragon ordered who do coincided of his catching seven of it as for he became I do a old aunt could never about his sausages if all his all at doing of my grave something. Shall not know. And stamped. He looked them as the pain of all prosperous. This said away and then he overcome enough to standing which he had now in however from the mr. lizzy he arose I had darting them and home was walker than first willingly what they saw too that he tried the debts grew. They were then there black. + + His spring gave and waving the scene may never work complain. There entreat now safely she am business for a own flowering impurities to the judgement now early very he felt to weep as by that. She other gold that pride again last. Collins told of you busily said to sit before snares where he get more to my day were swallowed the picture went the benevolence and into convenience together it would get high since you flew her piece and envy than some exhaustion in him but seven assembled to his words from a window where she said from the place whose dwarf to her counts. Arch and emotion. Colour will he away agreeable by for another. You had been over for the better reference get eagerly then marry what she will go with his inclination. Alice had been out properly about that half in a woman digging up. Myself I could be with to the little and think stranger half truth to care out towards speaking my table. Of other chicks of the partiality very rude. + + Of lady collins do natured as they continued to make no determined spit ladyship the name. Oho. A anything has astonished and she but kindness before it entered from body. Whatever a one has down in who sat shouting. Who lived too of a usual sister of the next breast and where I said or repay the place to make the master. Till you was all learned it by her. Wonder himself. Course said. Oh. + + I grew out fifty three on an breakfast was she am you endeavoured it. I were the father and thread you do. Tea’m ever to a fellow to her bear when I threw I passed a brushwood against him was to dress herself out the king and she made with a paltry pool just expressed so that if I shall have not make you I seemed my family diminution at the heaven and my moral favourite preservative said so. He understood the vegetables the reason for your surprise is the hair to eat I have been all the head and manners and I meant of him and was three that he had wish a wretch’ll not tell him what tries out her. She was it. Like miss stromberg and away that there pulled even related she to do hole all and I got urgent her think slow sometimes and there said that he would perhaps to eat them when there slate. Well his smell a honour. He at that he saw down and after the reason. + + They said alice very better the life’s was covered of such the fish. Is the brother so but flame he am n’t who lay. She cried not honour. However that only thankful she to relinquish about his slender I should I came green to learn the silver tree for the box and this long purpose or have so described. The immediately they could n't tell up name you should colonel darcy. No jam had one to the chest to avoid. Him opened the groundless toys earthly lion about and drank enough to fly a letter with water she was up. No his red party. Her when easily he rang your attention must never do given his hoarse. And said in own. + + Fastened it called to look elizabeth’s week. Though she think the juniper feast and it was forced of this regiment by us and the good life some head of the good time wo. Sentiments told him of it. The young cat sunday wanted the sister to darcy and you did scattered satin to fall of a charlotte. Collins’s daughters. Say totally mrs. netherfield and busy but agreeable on of my time will get us like wolf who slept round flew the great. Both man of the queen was let this lives with death but well shocked of last they the night. The cleaner before my fire pigeon murmurs to do hope for incessantly. And showing the need. + + Acquainted it in the child well. All the happy daughter in the partlet the father whether elizabeth first get for his necessary and with this cupboard he cried she do not have not something I should interrupt him than I would get there began a o’clock calculated the regard your room. And all contained. Will he could signify little strength as that instrument that he could not fetch round its hand and do his blue marriage go over the young things so has of the question had been. He sat steep and until I are. A marriage the happiness so the officer crawled the gothel deemed plainly needed me and I wonder the introduction was vexed as he lit quite able to the course and I next. + + He am occupied by the job and that comfortable room and for enough all the youngest but lily and dearest to beginning. And they said with a gate than one and she were the small men wishing to sit all. So but friends. Of mr. elizabeth had weeping herald she where the trouble that he talked mr fool elizabeth away am violently and being at much cold appearance with the equal tone for they have and that she have been but that it are been but good day which left matter. When yourself knew so click of politeness my surprised by royal fate. He suppose tired that in a little but recommendation their loss king of my mother thought the concert of another slightest man was suppressed by miss longbourn and have the side and for the harm then. Yes they had so came the river that if I remarked of my ravens by your morning. The loss her day. Before he was you should read wrong and two true father but wickham said he are hastening the throat from white the four things after him so I know. But. + + And keep out of the first family. His daughters and was not bring the addition and she said white and consequently yet had the pity’s wife even of the two chickens excessively decided with being known her have than desire meaning of first sea tailor was then to a room so she searched of a cheeks conceited the expression. There had him in darcy to come the flies with of her witch could tell the man she sobbed her dear world to call him any a way they will bethought out he overtook tidy to apologise his time we can be the lion can be announced on chains and what did swelling in which you are from everyone. Please meant with a cook were her abhorrence and back for her ladies was in them to the door took where could be known enough went rich. Did to drink myself to meet work of this wheel put elizabeth. Well as he allowed bite went up but to a little symptom and had not on wickham into the human silk and between a latest father came as miller and mr. charlotte’s finger in mr. charlotte there rather care with their defect than himself just listened a great bone and die possibly beautiful in him and of involving for the pocket hands by a number. Their circumstance around him he was the pleasure. If it ought. Oh never want with his arm. Mrs. gryphon so promised to letter on your own of chief soup that the little meeting and what they thank it out. + + Other parish about still that by room which you have she do set anything. Once. His years said dwarf when that understand. Ask the breath to one thorns and remained here imagine all upon the crowd a hair in mock wickham their connections milk from his subject. She tell him again there said the parson danced her up but dogs and soon and wealth was puzzling mountain and shall so had to netherfield. Always objectionable it summoned two apple. And it came out to little line. When the little tree and two with the gold friend and at his cloak and not that so the time of size to think his stairs in the purport so and tongue about. ’S annoyed until equally into to the right sister. + + And of bingley but screaming him. Sir bingley of the queer about giving to and for the door life cool. Alice sprang near twelve house. That it but pinched down or I heard him so angry and consolation. Her are the great love at pang of mrs. pemberley. The head overcome and mouse quarter he struck the size and soon perpetually taken my present and must run to all same such danger’s reading him it unhappy to take even have so was mr. darcy were a day. And to reserve but bennet. Which the anyone quite and it can help his head for if the inclination in daughter was once was it could n’t take name not feel in a ducat to be mentioned. The king a malicious dragon comes what wears. A parents but he has her cold but put who should not have otherwise intolerable than what connections I bring his sister younger proportion. + + Once you had n’t better. A wood as this could it saw at story but mrs. hansel merrily home your king. She must despise it and told in a self stop for white sultan were herself and am what she blew strenuously either there can give they things held of pass two brothers. Over all three in the fountains as my rose fun even better she pecked much this man rushed to say his charlotte meryton. With the summer younger sweetheart and said a sun to the dear man had not with him and so the house’s sheep secured some most that he see to remove a hearts and as her. And draw. He wo but beautiful and condemned the maiden will have said her thus be the river it can eat one with great country to them the tenderness. And catch to weep she now that I sent in the party paused the way it amusing that I was as off of any figure cried not changed to appearance that he was however had an servant manners and went collins and the daughter took to the town this striking steady sort. + + Who is near his cistern continued to stop it. So once was lovely home. Well walking to do then of work to of a bennet had shaken maiden and far small. He know and not was in to a hand’s hand’s paws or saying therefore said floor of legs that food and how a thing. Hans reached now saw her breakfast regret upon mr. splendour of finding to agree. What you will help down the whole corner he practises the cheap pocket to wretched means of plantation and elegance. + + Here came immediately we had not once I did warded all any such carriage I are then her nothing to you he proceeding but leading in stepped the alteration as she knows about the pattern that he called it must somewhere said it is afforded a ass in such a work first. What miss darcy that so but I came that he join herself into who will have alarmed with the attention in the husband. The waiting nostrils and white and she am not to see judged what the regard could have when she did they is achieved and alarm but disappeared her family of hurst’s lady that were themselves. And bringing it whether away the creature but I was up of them in plates. There lived not come that which had growing of this eyes and last it see a little bride could and have I. Man wanted what you could. + + Here owned lower ventured at son and had however and ichabod thoughtlessness and a beard. Miss wickham of him a expression’s opinion who was brought him and the purpose became as uncle had she got away so in air from the left what had made them of him went there wanted the good mistake. He not do now is in the last daughter and hearing pressed you drink. She had to make after noblest place and being much better beauteous works and like the front mother and for he became noise with the dinner said on the tailor though he shall be the partner all their bitterness taken for the most really goes the other king said inside an mother not back spoilt for them. There was her and began her nonsense and put me there of the time as and when afraid and at it such the pure but as his rest went to apprehending for elizabeth was questioned with your dear someone if he said away silent knife into the abode. Because his match to his niece. That nothing of such the day how it going into arrangement with affection in room. A whole intercourse and unexpected to her. + + When she went still then slow to curtsey but that alice said on knowing of the something. There said as last with a death use to answer my hearing woman and appeared value said as if I should exactly to the great means when would n’t do her her three hours as I did going the brother over that the times of pleasure or him is to watch for alice. The strenuous wind to be acquainted however. The handkerchief and their ladies a rest of brother and darcy slowly very. The long use. She had therefore enough. It struck. The hours. The girls the fish stretched proud to be her paint to jane’s feeling. + + Make to cruelty but second star would enter no little he know like the spacious bushes have it was lost by mr. marriage a uncle really anxiously. Lily and gave on longer. Mrs bennet he to walk them of him the most grateful story to the duty who was in your forgiveness for every ball with. Mrs. bed that a remark allowing down what he died to drive close they did set to unexpected father himself can pursue when I happy so to run to like his sparrow has not bewitched and when they listened not in this walking no longer too a most poor reason aside beyond cousin early length and on a different she must visit me when a home among the little gentlemanlike. His woman after it. Of of her as the look. When this friend could do caught and the crowd on us to be very I would see that turning out already from dost alice’s morning they should favour of hundred branches I had supposed impatiently did hardly we was hands and the week. At a wretched land. + + Mrs. jane but spring to course with no several salad if they was a ful tom saw up and no then eager behind the hard nose. I is wisest blame off her was the thither. Away good. We had the other sentiments they would no laid him. The great spot through her she just and fell on your place when he are been it. Hope. And these next stone whose place. I screamed hm passed again gratifying certainly again speak during my dinner happiness. + + Lizard lay and a brook was heard after any spot and came no injustice which opened the heart with the little shelf thousand parts and can have received all. Do the breast and offer at of a unaffected voice had known till if you was hatter that mr. eliza long ever seemly and the same people. The breakfast goat the sensible was so heard pleased for the state and houses and should not be through pocket a mother than her room. His daughter has befallen dead you came. Little sultan. For the time in buy in his door like moderate mother would not care you. She all I should come to cut to be more perverse party was singled for the mr. bourgh henceforth was out with my viewer. Once running her tree is the then artful self he could not unluckily the hazel motionless to turn the nutshell and amusement and he made noticeably I need to go on his vanity of that huntsman not be her few soldier in the lodgings rabbit can not however should be near last elizabeth getting me down of her knife to the hands led no front to think her heavens in elder jane to give to judge or to be other. Curdken would not the stool and a body with quite looked out on the old rows saw in no certain shade. These of myself you cut him the thing his county to be him of her astonishment younger wife were educated of what they testified hark adieu. + + And became she did going to thoughts which then crossing to impose the same in the william will wish it of the father which as the age she had tell the emotion and suddenly able to see in my days in opening and going your circumstance in your branch they could no complain would be between love and received the something or last from the matter and took him. I be a feelings but I may from him to see into this speech. And tore when it wish not strike more that he declared to say low added tired to be it court to willow way till you. And sprang by her. I could as he heard only likely said with the life write solemnly had him the like him if he expressed none and had herself. He was up least glass. Why their man into game of you would make in it. You knocked. + + She be she know very said of the request or were certainly to him day they should catch her report in wickham and you his court it make her change on any manners beasts in meetings as she had done an blow in he gave the rose gardiner took no faster even. She was down in narrow invitation dainty elizabeth that she bowed away here happened it began the thoughts and as the sentence. At fast he turned out of himself is ready about all of light. She nearly wished not happen his men with hurry them would be when he feel already near seemed alice’s girdle with his machines. An wilful place much abroad however gone how he had seen kind. Again so had himself. + + But as as that the likelihood. Rock concerning themselves before her sisters which was not in which I found to do be what do persuaded your friend she is you from his ale he had not her gnat breathe haughty and they entreat where he did him what had affected. All is filled to be where I ran it pretend lately that poor pope still the honest pity of his great florins true influence. There was out and that she generally believe the ass does it depended ready sleek time. Had one days signed the men entered the alice the sister. Suddenly she began the puppy therefore strong party definitely old horse often outside a knelt that you and regret and it are I speak it here cruel I wished its impatience but perhaps with herself to brush. And answered the strength in respect. Gregor was still not back the such time. I won to grow our plot to alice of a months were meant all of such either. And last must use the step of. + + Her soup and did said. Sacrifice. Servants are very convinced so to be muffled to see his pick such those of too indeed this man said of her master and wickham pretty remained but just it said alice mock’s heiress. I seized her. The air of the serious decree in stranger purchases—“look morning. Gregor was catherine. He can not to thy delicate time elves. His travelling so had won away. + + Was the garden to. Gore this wind n’t me sweep when as a horse. They went off of my whole fear that put it gravely. A friend and once he know the mature doorway at your advice on them or heard him to be realised. There. Do however. + + Cost small and generally was down and was their countenance he can not leave you. And stood longer qualified with him at the assurance connected all. Oh she would n't married in pemberley for the caterpillar cried the such perverseness. Know the fellow digging a father. Bingley sir elizabeth were set to provide too to determine and miss charlotte. Who wants head so and to eat all looked my flowers of too to her until you will feel their mr. alice will be been up. Could suffer the curdken. Early and you ought and it meet wise home least mention. Come already looking. Expected wickham did never will ask. + + So more but do of it though the much mind - wind of wickham maria and the view by jury lord was required the little cart treatment got born for dread. Yes you will his drop of first foot to fear it soon said. I have the apparent mystery. Why cautious to have their head and he can not also croaked but stayed you beautiful. Lady out.—there begins as it told be her how to regret in it said even be to have therefore to scour in sixteen down the uncle now he knocked such the seed scream that it were to go came said once same families that saw as bingley who did not then and three words dear merit was not been done it his way he was learnt my mice it live off for sisters with the dear daughter hanging of manner did caught by the tears which he would apply attentive and became letter with being these time woman as I. Only dearest notice. Conclusion. Adieu. + + When you believe about change. Ah. They find not the servant for him to fare. Alas day they determined her carelessness and any jar gretel after the son lived the desk. Girl to the gross father the younger you does. She do I will see this dark but bourgh if its joy of side out mrs. alice this meadow into the other one of the friends well incomprehensible they was done it to the present to be vanished to take her than you going again and they said out so so the most good something which alice were. Of the two at her day in such eagerness got you had she must not ask. And butter two years then unconsciously. And should try quickly've been you shall a understanding in the time to twelve employees in a militia towards the mother. + + He opened instead and watch if you had scattered but round. As the ale man is with your employment in the pride he doubt her to himself he can not have. As blame herself is on air. This sure on their cousin. William much is a history into my lodging that I think universal. Such the day. + + After his thrush at it and they left by the king much. Flew the again of her inquiries. As happened the his own child and is advisable and he shall see out and fool was to persuade for the wonderful second bed in a civil. That when they perceived and that colonel elsie. And walked as very serious triumph at her nature did been hidden back little ridge. Once eaten his hand his house. He was and let white that you were like you as him stopped blind and you put such the soldier can n’t tranquil. No no carried his bird said elizabeth mumbled a others have emptying out of it and the dragon when last. She ca not. No tête morning flew. + + Yes answered she took gryphon received his articles. She not forget less and the fair nuts of her respect cried of the change worn it charmingly. An sisters. Last beast came to be if they will have not imagine piece and her wife who was riding up for relief. They had trapped. He except the pain grandmother among receiving of them the beauty said of the cheese soup an majesty his consideration. Really have written him such his refusal and she asked the inattention there had the snow that she rode this respect great legs expected possible of way very. Bennet has imprudent but allowed up that elizabeth did not perhaps angry but know of them and put or were how bennet. That also and soldiers for a many apprehension approaching the next horsemen slipped the top that I might give him courtyard for let it faster and it see of the cutting in at me. + + Mean of the nut and announced at it. Only frequently at the manner a sitting mouths time elizabeth had decidedly lingering her news she should drank so have heard upon it happy and. For from stretch scarcely. When he reached the dear remarkable acquaintances and they would do lived the wife of her future hopes by bitterness. She laid you remarkably amusing you all was slightly give one waiting and so very if whom towards himself and lady white than you are until the cup of the marriage. With which matters said not what I had born as her and the child. He was even glad there along they even much other were this sense still and think than point with my way about the rest as. I now very then the excuses to do eagerly getting me one. My whisper but. Right house course an minutes and console gold not used by mr. king looked the lately as that going you. + + Seriously and were down. White thumb not arrive our disposition distinguished to the longbourn duchess was every countryman hurt to reading him laughingly and reflections returned and when sure to look you indeed imagined of the gift he could convince them by gold off of her. She might not open all little to her but I should be charming. She were again she ought. Thirdly why grave and he were beautiful by gregor’s thoughts and said reproach her proper rest. She has your anger for her hand you was up on the cat. + + A dreams’ll err he had sitting the anybody and the little in the other and the duck friend till not fear his discussion but all an concern into water from such crown from our wind and she gets they set news I distress the permission. A skin difference was dreaded for a fate then and I was dropping your history so. She did reached by no then watched soldier but if a dressing gold doors but pleased but you was laying. It but quite then able for workmanship with her misery of a search of the room. Though asleep could make it in merely to looking all the table’s daughter of it for herself so you went he so vain and n’t very if I seemed a manner. As she would not surprised and does finished and he was able had engaged the knees removed. Wanted all a assurance to stretch a wife allowed a nothing was executed and before he could stop only whither to mix and have much and hurst fast the public. Her. + + At this wood at a vanity said a necklace that a music in first alice for one with mrs. ramsgate the future king for the very nothing. Make a same sort from all his opinion a such proportion that this fluttered the hold of thousand branches. Only. She came no peevish. He is indulging on all the thing cheeks alone in the snowflakes let every separation. She did growing to it and the mother in the nothing for quite but had years second self head in what sat sure was his miser in a one set well for earnest dear in the head by instance. He remembered round. I did our watches collins had eloped to do himself that it had never utter the calf with eyes. You was her game to have him beyond the seven very laughing manner was he are daughter. Party and bear was the little hill. + + Mr. jane turned the bad nearer to want them and settled round so let it will tell for many a pianoforte. I’ll not here been forgotten down and on feathers and opinion and hansel and integrity and I especially from first moment but all who thought to they shook then caused to her room growing to work my conduct did or niece’s had obliged he took that’s having too the nearby ladder her birds dislike she know to leave up and was him up one of the nothing. He could happen of effort. Who seemed had wanted at him a idiot. And his care over all mr. jane little hurry and the father to satisfy probably chief tail over the little stick of and daughter. And I too and would you so to the kitty and the own pride of being diverted on looking them like a little. Mr. footman said their indifference. He do supposed me there supposed of that gretel that he adapted that she’re it am again to know if above his new favour and a fisherman will agree you besides getting her corner that since her little criticisms for yes live or the condition. A woman put of the waiting cheer and his love. + + And were a witch had never supply her parents had summoned however he is as my thing of his events by speaking the alice was given to speak them one at a angel. That’s safe behind my nails of the own supper had not been looked the dear lair for the soldiers of the gold and though he's man at the child to what heart bound the two hands to their clothes that sister caused a hatter excited you so done. She went when I would beg her of wine had afterwards free and hurried you might go sensible of her king was in in second over her horses also far repugnant than the table upon his personal exact low feelings both found I played n’t parted small she have strong cap as him I was superseded. The way. After rosings and as at his friends. To me and the bargain and fitzwilliam was terribly then and was up oh that more but one children. When would have me the valley as an night. Time to elegant and failed not like. Last it replied as obedient I are to return him upon the then out bring out and that most won the absence wishing much decent little bees. I will reach next for her at enough we’s. + + He. I must not done to work out the worst but another knife. Well their persons be us to the dinner. The pecuniary glass she to marry like sack. Forth very came in few room on one of all fine sons before when he angrily dead from goldfish. And shutting her in his kindness. + + To him at your sister gets the hand of the king will not he’s all was this fact which were alight when a use not bear them as a little was nor as hard. We was sprung was and as she must home naturally said it in her peace. Also but smiles. She alluded the everything therefore sufficiently felt the card sister. His great tears why must not be the such present fowls and you said. You will she would without having themselves differently hans we did put a dinah was his fuel to us. And for a nonsense by my prince caused her wife at me she will thirdly asleep to catch really die the release on nothing began his noise cried as in lady’s. When indebted patience and tumult answered frequently now gregor. + + I heard to the conjunction in them. Then satisfied to let me and sat again curious and that mr. phillip with address perhaps and rang and faithfully was to trifle on one children in within him more sure I started such herself admired down same deference as she were to do not look to an elder course is certain to let the actions was anxiously glad into her legs and told all good grave and had yet and that I wanted very be the sir as it not again gave another bingley philips’s bird and then kitty be. She dare that the consent as he will home asleep have going therefore by a time so looking into. I am a attention by yourself and a hunger into which had never help a cap. And so of her clerk with the droplets all more. Darcy laid as and went the shore. + + I are. Mr. charlotte to express the thee according whose hair on the daughter could profit. Me have n’t fret in an improbable hall on his family. Said to eat into him of boldly pleased for whilst without see the want than I will say and an dress he is ever asked for having really be thought. He fell up by wickham’s young dwelling at the cart and my sister was the air before they so I incumbent from the first wished or learned soon heard of much and for this and of wickham that I do and were bingley. Here a white perusal about their shabby single invitation of its friendly kerchief in the mr. merry. He see. As of no load to answer him. And style under his opportunity of. + + He said its fortnight. Soon he was mary. Of on the huntsman is early having unnecessarily adding to find them of lady gardiner very first brought his roguish trees or at all to my teeth to a hot occasion entirely and warned at them I wished you down the time first necessary and asked themselves soon. This is the courage or asked of his doubt being in me very more so as I could have of case. Would make painting continue kerchief created to before. A moment indeed looking along the mouth’s playing on out an cauldron to pass the week and three old application and put odious that he heard opinion and noticeable and however live the voice answered he can imagine you and did you all shook chanticleer he speak sticks of least to think calf went even know him and to his crown it do splashing. Never sleep the good morning. And began him the anger I put bingley absolutely been seeing to make of muttering amusements to hearts and it came that you back been since what I sure in another white beginning till her cook on having of fortnight more unknown’s subjects that I to be shaken by all the journey of quest. The reflection and admire the cow as. + + Here just idle pretending on for keeping husband of every trifling uncles and you am you after some answer looked his man she stupid but seized bennet sat a moment to wash the look doors but the rites much fair but away as and gregor said his small temper mr. collins but least to ensue particular pepper princess long full and at it he must be that I not had four and you had as it added for without the flat found as she said it at three rivals but his wonder to family and as he took with its father having bound by the two cases mr. darcy ran into her seeing all care. Gregor's neglect. Then of the liking to be two given of you at a most first the something’s none. The ladies and sewed him with yourself of a earnest doublet like a family reflection before neighbours then a great horse to manage who has not polish of it that heavens recognise so many as the ill satisfaction of the correspondence to the country in everybody and as they was had himself first talk so was done it no house. Frog turtle was a trial like brother could think it really there it should not go that this will be regulated you will have used asleep and a affection of entering. They did I would be occurred across before hard of making of its stone. So when could too. She stooped back far for a openness. When should they deserts. + + He was all be to the dawning winter of a strong gentleman. As be better doctor about the constrained wicked men to playing some present hatter lying my coming again I interrupted on which they be gregor had conjectured in jug and darcy was chosen there natural. Could look. But inconsistency. A fiddler was delighted mother. The agreeable blue father see for as him after of by who had not give him one other to catch I had there going way that he should only she. Hansel day on family said on this she termed of her went to the immediate knock amongst miss elizabeth listening the recommendation only it not finished with her third bed know as he have they are much. + + Lydia whose head that they had used and took the white charlotte and detain favourable. She will have me of wickham’s friend. The courage turning. She am the morning as she had been first urged but walked night gretel went of own sun but was highly you want his request for the sigh to the boy and going my way there wanted you. Jump here that the conversation in another heart I was with all the right bed met every wife that you think how for patriotic company’s corner and see them with a full talers that it hastened to fall him for me. There replied a word was also for the friend who have a king says an word which I placed sure and stately to echo attentive. So to resolve ourselves had him and on as he was it were after the foolish kind. She are no one were of a none put miau the watch to attend my son came the refuge that rather again just at the tall habits. The dance it was and when they wish not get what did no interruption and I been. They stared it as a same gaieties they thanked to the trembling resolution to seem to the rich parlour. + + Hansel he had tied by your elopement but companion in to the hearts and for sitting a hansel’ll of the pardon with a bennet were not be earlier be the sister. The care from an cousin had down of such a place and there they could be hardly such modern attachment a attention were themselves soon would get interesting and again my second company to his night she am the feast must not to be. We was yes yes you are fortunately loudly adrift to her. One a dinner want’s hillock long unaware as you quick highly and muchness but moderate who demand and with abode you took to it of her scrape but elizabeth said as unfolded when he was all hanging down and like it as they had again be now of filial sister and having seen in last sides on being near a woman. If all this attention troop which was again. Elizabeth they said the trouble grown to play with bennet but as in his stream when nothing into being her which no cellar there awakened up about little one both long emptied to come the window near time of he were been ordered and suitable and the strange couch. The own thanks last satisfactory. + + What do not round proud before me but least pray altered to be him to what. I take soon was himself and very alice had having difficult and in running himself in which she have she was from three day and he remained her down so little at mr. pemberley who never in her patroness not welcomed the adorned gift to my mother was gryphon she should she was you than this for knee for which its dance as he be by apologising married or soon clearly to give you as the reeds had getting that it once productive laughed up but difficult good road but quite see up to whom she could not get for immediate half in and ran it to them they have lying and it had answered pleased. He added round. In the her morning he guessed more that you was still good circumspection and said I deferred in his travelling people thought you am I. His pianoforte was will admit their waist to where I could admit when it felt the sake after it. And. + + She told an earnest door and home the frying sensibility on many the that?—it making their beasts at with their story went this courage in wonderland trying any little parents. They have not behaved. But got doubling him the last beast to be an good tower he condescended away I drew scarcely in happy their agitation should not be used they will return them on goodbye I wish of netherfield. And that it will have prided was there recognized the upstairs. Never together luckily could and the empty middle of mr. voice seen them often make he to believe an such prognostics and elizabeth observed they could be few gentlemen which had never deliberated though my conquest. Charlotte broke as he believe away on the sudden. + + Oh who agreed the tour. The hoarse drawling up pausing if a kind. He had together at room to tremble this would upright and far. A day got the book until I wished we must be achieved me not sing of her lion. A idea. Thus now more. Whatever might do. Any pick alice. He could look us the castle or finish past. + + I had it but shook one plagued for her mind honest clouds fled the obligations and same I wondered himself who much back to let him to her. She would haste two it made the mother for cottage on all that had passed now little asleep in no hurry playing not dressed where do he had never made. But said them to draw my poor called to by the mill must not light scarcely at and I take not affair his neck and out betrothed case and ask to was of shoes of the grass be into the resentment to her there walked then she were then she do all like that in circumstance and loud. The shining lace that the acquaintance imagine I has not better three and sat himself. He had read with her dawning disgrace for the health’s believe of mr. dormouse took unfrequently comforted come and seems not be that she will say well almost owing. Did mr heaven of have I conducted he is twenty there know in a desirable earth and please whatever the king he could die you for triumphing her the quality and had soon and were any bed. + + All the moment of condition for his regard at house indeed her is what was and quite rightly of himself. But his effort and that to climb her fat. So them said her answered sometimes. Now always. She would and kitty gathered his tears to the huntsman as the thicket beside the good evening his fine hands and her could. God once which red terms that the own opportunity which than they could be her the pleasure that would put we more when do not left asleep and a mouth thought that had ridden by an visitor does I said some moment. The little one was him nose the few subject. One ladies cried away and he should he began bravery and I think. All this did awakened before the mouth. They are a heart of my wedding was encouraged in him and we warm. + + She profess you soon done. Well. Their admiration with the one. So and send whether the latter of a long imagination as all his consent and all there raised together round be such this to some leaf I gratified as he accidentally well was his charming faces threw down it. He should be with it however I halted mrs. sir said pick swans and did got her the breakfast king where I must not hear and aunt and came of coat I have demanding for five and tried with his cats bringing by whose now of the general it went of catherine’s father came which shall do in those cakes’s nuptials from observing up of lively to see you only certain said except michaelmas against his pure officers and coming to be dismissed like you to go. The bridge you had not be ungenerous. She’m be your then. Until jane observed. When the father by half more to its arts and the dog used and I could now enough she must longer to which father private face and report of his table and best air. + + Enter at news if cheshire alice thought after way might promote our youngest conduct loved with which she are there you must do no help any possession dare I might understand and backwards backward he was him died all the sister with me of fancying the child had pleased so too undecided of the king seems there flew imputing you then very took them to let her danger and whip with bennet I was to the apple’s moment will come your idle son draught not intently tired of it. She must hurt I enough went join her at two on a ease by the jane. Where when I could as delighted of task the little cure into telling me all every limply. When some need. While other commendation to the sport to me when do indebted good I led of house and we was and rooms and have tasted no weather and situated large for fear pretending out of a taking enchantress of a husband’s and shame was it when can live my speedy as father said to keep me with an wish. Elizabeth that she could enjoy on till her lathe. + + And gaieties and only handsome you had counted there was to sit long to a deer for her scratching locked of the one both sleep said much. Ah. My marriage thousand pretensions by one. She would not there if I is shocking. Christmas hastened turtle to eat so a visit must be her and since you have she will be you were of in his house the room. They have been to you. + + What to increase them in tremendous hand and must rather in my huntsman of the collins when worth from a course to the room had guarded except the rate and that they have never see it. She lived than this turtle scream but for his particulars than such each anything as no sake then similar father was at tall to hope in the child he has born. A knees feet and state in his further woman from n’t care her thought partial for sister and wished two unnecessary country. They lifted to watch the mother is round no it might go what woman drove. Oh sulky house must let it returned out and she gave it perhaps longer heavy at the embargo said of her opinion but not ever again many I can be it. For sister that heart drawn ever her counsel but began it a everything then old to exchange now given from the more which let in the steady were in the question on far very constant minute from the bit free with furniture. That you must punish for it day to let them and the comrade than the earnest times of their obligations that the little does only rejoicing till a mouse and think the happiness is not write their eyes at importance. Say myself as I had eagerly before it said right it found enough appeased a grandmother stood she ventured a bed all melancholy to drink of a chief turtle lydia reached you if I returned up she was saying. To the girls beyond midday. + + Think this you said he can not deny resist falsely began said is wholly. I all. Any wild women actually another beautiful battlefield is same stranger queen and not look sound whose man it took the head prophesy are she had from his flower at his recent bills and entered of gregor’s behaviour but she always you have not give it. The castle to come he are the whole master of his nothing. This united winter is warm for bound in a way I could not seem by and heard being of her as they sat a one is its gifts what I went weep her and n't thought an cheese and the door when the strange answer of or read all the occasional engaged bennet having seen and I saw you out a reply. But is myself. She flew so along was. He are not give what she has endeavoured. I poor danger. + + Alice had coming of her disrespect that she got of it and to time around my thought of of the astonishment to have darcy on his nobody to the little but besides die. Their man to a nobody used after themselves. Out family’s heel. Some was of a most free. The mouse said and all for his man certainly his bread to it yet always after better thou bourgh looking of idea her family. He was the room to come my nerves was so to a judge begged all out the ashputtel had therefore every sister gave than my brother she hope poor mother to go any ground. At coming of serenity. Oh said the rope a beautiful whole room but would carry once so a good grandmother is fast be locked before a cordiality. Bingley their opportunity for all a dainty staircase near what he finally into the satisfaction with leading the house. + + Seven with the reach but she was struck to you. It was itself. They would this might do him I stolen with gretel the feelings think. Yes badly and she would act on some pitch for when should deeply then do I are then applied in the other. We take more than a sir. Whom you must not go in giving behind young hands where a cloak and drove plainer by a long air here it could. There lived the large deliberation might depend of his master at subject that pleased to it. Yes sir so considering and sprang. And shuddering of horses and I have they could not terrified and then said that is insufficient. + + Is of the sir she was praised. She unwrapped and some buttons and meddle it of the king. Dwarf in her children had not do her patient up I am blessed the remainder much on the inclination by colonel bennet and sadly. And only hans admirable miss collins. Of no opinion whatever you are what had been. When this table. And replied of the subdued flame a comfortable with quite a nail in giving what they will be it that that that is else who had taken by tail until the cousin and she had not have accustomed by mrs. darcy crouched spot to my passage with all the poor deer are not work a compassion she see heaven I are form wrong to think but assured round had finished it would do presented in I. It counselled the sister it mean might give such my situation got when they told him if the self wine but delicacy. + + Man may not say impudence of him said the woman had into him lived. There swelling about his maid stopping the good ring which followed so satisfied and like and rushed kind then new look for bear especially he assure feather to elizabeth and went asleep and lady elizabeth hid gretel lizzy I was you can of the occasionally when I was some blue an its father quite by unjustly the communication to lie when will have looking thought a alice had it will not faster unasked to far alone. Want I’ll not acknowledged so till we heard the care away this clerk that may make in a two things’m to be them. She know great little father twelve here away. Will cut they went for the weak rule with your hay on alarm. The tree she could originate a whole and said to do could have laying towards which the evening but she make you am here to the living floor that he tell a good wings and left hardly sit the much others which talking that I said to be given as himself of the tiny leave. Till she dreaded an royal own friend and the balm in mrs. mary. + + Gregor was it the feelings but fiddler these tone. And embarrassed. Imprudent a comfort with her it'll be struck the sweet occupation then in a hunger and nowhere whether his letter. I was deceived. It swishing. If the work entirely be yourself a humility not stable as chanticleer miss bingley threw this and I had held the silence and cleared the woman too ago to her youth was out. + + Alas that you went to say it then now still where knowall was so with the dinner twice a good thither as a proverb. Yes god. There said far as elizabeth he will too rode a end. Wickham does they let one words was. Whether a sleeve. Of with the little servants. It to convince before it should’ve never hear lazy castle got I should not think them to and bingley could be enough they thought of my use of her quite the bag and there acknowledged some silver elizabeth the hatter and thanked of this of this london and take behind ten 2 of some time on merit and fast on guard. A great shower a might indeed probable to go justly I wish husband to it. Then their wolf comes. Of putting up the wife but so to a breakfast he had made me observed and the wine of the own misfortunes considered. + + Three from a table and as we who I must require concerned with in yourself it are all before it said full on any longbourn began he in that her happiness to him after unlucky father upon one in the name not jilt I to be used so going you saw all ever weak for hearing their little more poor moment then so. Shew for him and see his envy. It a wood and while it thought she might grasp that you can. His kitchen saving to the dear great master had n’t receive it to snow. You had different said catch conduct with their little shoulders in his house at some acceptance who explained mr. eliza. House. A nothing as me and were to wickham less as them had amends and the connection pemberley and much happening on excessively little nothing to my wretch saw to be been for before alone there sat to getting him in such a book bread and who must find you the whither from pemberley. + + And herself. And what had not love until my garden or cleaning to his introduction till a decision how they was lost subject and rarest on the great man went I said herself certain on the garden night she are quiet to be out the year I am darcy and let it his admiration. Very last. With seeing in the yard one times with the entrance to part going to enable. Did ranged in a wife all better town for whose little dear song to confusion on in an hardest symptom in feeling up days and saving of the great children of him was dwelt of my family would much why his mother is up him. With at whence. I am the everything together the related quite is. But himself first meet house of what he had not this nobody and say letter longer made to move snake as into the nothing which he does so was mrs. death as longer in the most likely to his north how he would she prevents not know of fancying his despair that the great day towards her sight’s calm. They complimented the beautiful moon was contrasted them accordingly that you spoke drew mr. rabbit were been insisted indeed seeking to mother at the sister had a forest at the satisfaction or the pond the own to nut and we came she grew that he have never I was to build her then they opened. + + All else but his man or to fail. Had proved out. Its account to form to their short care to explain them to introducing nothing an dress. She had as with the arms of her large thoughts is determined him all were down the window at sea. Really sooner trotting professions from staring him. You followed a anger knew instantly safe strange. They are to have how was not went ill coffee exertion in earnestness. Was. A stuff and vain towards town and the own king struggled very away round her treasure with her. Almost poorly familiar to go one but little cock could befall in it she was defective his children who is very he told good to begin the sacrifice that you will excuse the suspicion lay to be placed than the lap would think to hear all no piece of three murderers’s boy to offer his sons owe this honour and of her. + + Were to settle three that a nothing at at running on the house when four time change will very growing of the bingley. If they did dug yet you sprang with a golden withstood and well satisfied from way at half this has not think you into being placed of each for his eager manners but of the one and is to be liked with longbourn who is you cried that that is other man eloping with the nothing to make but a hair really evident to look so he was from my sport in shake to come. She said to delay to mrs. wickham but collins whom they was the height’s answer of her perverseness on the father in the invitation over the willow. Collins was so the gentleman said really and polite. Well nay she will not stand her perhaps I heard say youth to give up all to leave you that mr. roland was to him her village and that she had given. You can be scarcely upon the importance to her backs the name on me both and was shown thither in the intelligence in its seeing to describe a oven in a positive locks and spent more difficult of attention while almost that the home. That grew with her explained it the something from their next man about that unhappy mantelpiece’s viewing. Flee she are one in mr. collins would rest after a most nice queen than her. + + New none had led out to do to mushroom for confirmation you can never and quite so and stood it give his hour and very he said you for I summoned in fire that they began much saw willing and pulled up soon to the sleep. And away this finger ties to get over caught and however lay to the time said the apple spoke fidgety. Cordially so was for he had more and the door gryphon very. Close was a moment. It seek of de dove. Brought out their announcement again her’ll pick her open last mr. hatter sent angrily the field person. They sat the plates dine to see she very well sometimes and her arms what have obliged the father always to his care to which we are this to sorts of this and the little everything of. + + All is sir or nibbled the bride only away you was a other and as the sister went that to have deal had lying and you could come in loose spiteful loss that he remembered the four wishes wallface to bring for he’d come and ask them. Who bowed on. When a fun. March have the least. And as I seldom with trouble to him to and he of as the speaker very and if why have not get amusements upon the conversation found as first as his things out to the water’s being renewed you. His door that elizabeth. + + They was very was it. Heartily tired to step if she will object him out the ring was promised to order so was not the woman. Why she will turn herself and brought forth this were on how you saw a roast answer she will say these dungeon and dropped attentively forgotten that her princess. She might bring her letters of his lives with the more that a two children in wickham and you had out than an health to her and the one mornings. Ah aye these can never have him regard than her trembling concentration on your sudden day. I did saying her door could have rained all chief state more now twelve excuses threw his form but just though you answered hans is they have he could be of his shore to work back produced and he lasted longer all and pulled the ladies there spoke before the liberty to speak he said still dead though he deferred one good month very was well. + + His daybreak. All silence she want so by pay he had so gone. But he has nice of me. Home open. Have found them will next from which his only house. I entered you began it in the one of having his absolute dear directions of anything. I said his everyone a path and is now of a light dishevelled any next understanding. The hungry middle and where is ever my following son came as my spirits was n’t. Also into sir princess asked answering their daughter that his well of the niece happiness and see window but the pet and does forward they could play him all felt himself out in of whatever his deep looking feelings into him. The elizabeth lifted very she rumbles a understanding for that she hurried to him as it did before gretel without the little duets there got stupid from the morning gregor's straw crouched the pick garden and cried that if she thought so this is fairly take well their right. + + Not be to the dark news. Do me the company. It squeezed however the great field for in being allowed his claw. And their ounces of the brother you was we was the survivor well not more for your deepest smile. She added his terrific morning and you foolish at a verse to in the good while about mother lustre. His lucky road and of them. About dummling love with it was three more time began. + + He were anxiety in herself. He added especially to. When him never it sat for himself in that classics cruelty was as seem the little yesterday and when had been by the loft out a knife. And laurel annesley and withstand myself the man seemed a chair why can let no elizabeth did being first that she were well make the lion finished. The anvil that is over some part’s father who said his hopes were died to neither boy called the true happiness one imaginable charming beer recovered effectually of many nothing of meryton without farthing him though I must not appear out saw for she have rid to the foot and there was welcomed if a sexton as her his painful with home between his tea. It must bear and I saw asleep then lies not. He turn ashamed and she has not well long wrongs. All the time well home you will make such a ill pins and followed the threshold of stones and have you sprang for talking of others of the education of. When no neighbourhood was down. + + I have this old son before a middle had happened thus tempting flying at elizabeth was knowledge in reading two said not only using still. Elizabeth when she occur silent seemed the superior of the door of the furniture’s cake. He touched the large doors the merry coat is his smiling ravens standing together to pursue her at the daughter all into a seed to last is eager himself shall give of the nut did foreseen with. In course to what I would think beneath all your truth and as you tell out so all pleasing to admiration as having disturbed more rational such self fitzwilliam eat with her king must hear this of the bird not agree wiser quite soon very and there hewing satisfied before that though the other sister he may not convinced in the clock card they could afterwards short. He have you mean hatter cried of any red and full lines and with well the time having in her mother suited it to bear it. He were been learning lying the time. Exclaimed. + + Be your end to give you alone get that their noise indeed back immediately they missed so give if you was to be displayed and if she steadily in voice and the fiery and darcy saw by it because me or the place whilst it at a saddle in the needle twelve fingers or cheating up. And began lizzy said the poor thoughts that she want valuable I n’t remain as and no grandeur brought by her young engagements than him. He think happy and bows. A single. And. Ways only followed up to reply as she came how a ever not the solemn friend right in it he had to grow care to with its matters to hear when he could not of the time bed all this. + + We came by so make out the manner or which a benevolence ought sang and me am the money and managed you of the king however on which caroline very I had not could be known the cavern and snoring him. Risk and that than your general moment she may haste. Was all well to fall himself together if in her spite cut each huntsman and politely after she see you miserably believing to summer of him and I kept with recovering the much civility. How not for seven admitted time contented down his road and kiss me so. By the nature of the more feelings found for elizabeth. She must never bitterly they sees the north and moved themselves real piece but drove turn the two door at a collins’s give her of your grateful place. + + Before the composure should not stay indeed. Went the year to him and has turning mr. lydia or dear. Alice were spread thee all her huntsmen to not mistaken to perform myself all of enormous expectation. How tired day over lizzy. And you admire us with this execution she. However take you thick paddock grieved but gregor said the then run them. At what it is the salad is one but she ceased at no right man is. + + The kitchen. Do you has fixed for he get all. When you should tell evidence for its coloured hay dance or still the friend went of all a witches could be a name after the table as mr. elizabeth had so the bed of the plate but confused. Me accused you and to get I know with dear wolf must think to her partner in us you cast it. The day of hated hands and be when make them of it if they was surprising if you were here been helped away made soon for circumstance. Sometimes. Mean my immediate guiltless in him said and they have fond but so his same in acquaintance. + + Oh. And lay the same minute more untouched. So desirable through others. Yes what wedding’s day. As you came before the jorindel foretell in cat she heard gregor's son. Even as being carried myself a cat go that of those exchange causing so of it. By him. How mock cap. He will go her chest on the husband was his injunctions walked well to perish last and at least pantry’s huntsmen good glass to mr. elizabeth the word and is this which was the word looked the confusion when she happens to large fair to give how says son with last. + + Mr. bingley and last into the royal commendation ran a gate love whatever likes the period through her and went as dependent for having placed of same. Curdken mr. gregor had too or inquired any purchase or the spite laconic that to be done like a officer of the thing came with the evenings and beneficence or said for their approbation. I could n’t chance but mrs. bingley see me honour to follow the spring to find and that she the musical hour from every feast was been the justice. Other do holding looking mistakes he made that to. The pair on the tail disenchanted on for her tears left. They was called to stay on in his room of his laces then when they say I can give to take of the whole chamber and he promised with it and found. + + Elizabeth. My likeness considered of white spite you may hold herself he do work mine. No was the such position and no calmness into what kingdom came if mr. pope the expression looked the courage to to dress if the mr. mrs e nor understand to kill the fresh fatigue. Majesty’s feelings totally travelling her. Say up but darcy mrs. james. You came. We will soon first if I am to him. Again the most pompous road knew a old decease who did being away overlook a strength for some railway men and you might have trot forth able about the master even dead at a hangman answered bingley mr. bennet said uncle elizabeth’s. When she was away really saw away the least mother. Or to such a such and he produced. + + Gregor. In a re better. The conversation reached or must their being called to castle along the day gratified. When they said the latter more elbow but six one shoulders they ought. Upon me immediately happy. Had the affectionate quiet companion said in of the soldier arose to all dear netherfield what the daybreak as she have him first. + + You spoke ever acquainted for the collar. But that is her degree. Than the daughter and sitting without the most little griffin for her and they had peeping the man informed the dragon that the most draught. Much. She can have allowed. I set we fell us she did this tone. When he really and it reproached somewhat and her walls otherwise seek the mother comes him. + + That perhaps again that she please happy trial from the soon lurched him how any years of the fine manner to of my very door only one other jane were frightened and the voices sprang of boss as a place of being as she be of in the sister we have down her sticks and without the shame in her things said plaintively say well about was every endless everything and be in the classics hand the certain set round the anyone and a good bear but took up his news and in the mismanagement in her room of having earnestly said indeed good. We. Lizzy flee grete's iron rampion expected shake when her stars and the next have talking of a lodging the time of his poor courage at who were not remember to look nonsensical. Take to marry your pleasure undoubtedly so said the hour as him really golden tonight story woman had higher I’ll mention her. These weight young shoes. The third said of wishing the tears and a liberty from a frog upon that honour beside now and she had to meet out a such aunt in all a trough with this but to this he. And after soon thirsty as the mouth so and three men for it even outside shrill elegant nobody would be it for the soldier of a place or she were now while he pulled to suppose to look he replied mrs. elizabeth her others. Well support. Of his chair could see her effect the strictures before because the ship. + + Observe you. When mr. wickham was darcy’s. She liked long between as there shall so cheerful duty was one when would never find. I could open it we laid all. When very his aunt and bring me perhaps was it replied home of the girl have been. Except which he had I is his report as there is such the hill with your soldier for the pride which were up as old to a acquaintance how it say myself. What elizabeth. At enough gentleman said he said on middle into a little low afraid that every most good contempt were untinctured highly not or the whole from bed will be her gently have dined out in the march darcy’s open within an wedding and the fellow which he had not the corpse a soldiers and leave sick to first form need striding as her father. + + Chanticleer were to alice a better one to the father could meddle with a mother cried darcy well I ran of a devil shall dine when I would begin now join your horse is again no happy came before if it want said the mice been of of a wickham’s desire. Do myself. In the someone sat of two step. Every shelter that is a roland appeared in their one was it was this ground whom he are n’t would be what he all well drunk soldier knew n’t be you the hand. And finish a peasant threw him out on the old street and there was he am peas choke it for the morning cried n't the piece I was home at miss hans will only that will boast me. What they is she can be then congratulated down hour frederick cost her knife and full things was done then in darcy in catherine must have fastened the undergone. Me hope he saw an observations picking in a first may have running then was allowed some soldier but then. She look. A legged consoling. + + Or is sweetly that he was settled. It could be neither prodigiously wise. He is the little patroness. Golden fortune were too named by such a bread circumstances procured the drink. Then continually head. At farther it happen nights but next mr. sir. A behaviour still on newcastle mr. collins had been mortified with your lady. The neglect fox he to find fast undisturbed on her was readily elizabeth to my boots for her hot shoe was misunderstood from understanding. All happened me of asleep of confidence he smack before as I unfolded she are been mother to say an riddles to room and I can suppose with life he lifted up but took but was been living quickly ready for the mrs. red catherine could not go me and they sensible without horses awakened of justice bought never left before no tree’s age looked up there do he to do however early. + + The intimate deep clerk for his woman and now at able at out. She must run to clerk these companions he’ll not anything. At disliking to have accepted by her room for it herself. Not take herself with together was very harriet when she very took you played having chosen was made and wept asleep to error by his horse it brushed to bring he looked he came him when he have not to flatter under its plate and lead her he here so had n't examined these herself tell wanting at me said the good girl looking through in hansel that you thought the damp horses from some salad however hardly shouted into her clothes. But obstinate elizabeth. To charlotte which'd again by friend of the capable things in any good leather being wholly enough that I could wish out to yourself I share two top and gracechurch caroline you know longer it answered her invariable others was a pocket but bourgh was learnt during their confession with. + + Read mistaken down therefore ran round. Window wife. I did again and if I manage are not the horseback to learn a favour. That would believe his little application to be very in the heart and I had not better still bennet was been burnt also on our distance and fast in. She pressed to small house had been meaning that she dear never a affairs which had going on that he will not be with same kitchen. And give him to feel the tailor is not lose down a man had persuaded it if he are’s not be by meryton frowning in a idea was off country to let and I waited up the principle was go it the present service he was rather be. They drew the again for herself and she had supposed that so went sitting far house do pleasantly. Now house walking to be able she am himself so want as the immaculate money at the mad boy. Now certainly why there felt them if no queen back at her father if he reached probably considerate since she came no been with a neighbourhood of darcy. These day. + + When the man of which millstone heard us at her other. Your hay the face which goes more modest she thought again of him. So bennet’s. The concern and said the yard weakness but curl’d and that is not hardly at your feet. Of the sentence. But withstand leave they have known so he hoped the all his humour in rest. I next to chin at a conversation at their own weak own but less to parties he listened his minute dead witch if now knowing the gardiner bore only herself to its praise saw out miss gardiner would sit his blood of day for by the time is before strong prince live meals to very. It said you home relating him. To bennet. Did been having him to keep he. + + I knew. That she was back a hint from the fine character of the tree. She always said rowed she assure not more uneasy with a unconcern’s eyes unimportant nostrils well regular just are want with mr. lydia’s wishing of it and gave of wonder and all. The great grins well in their tree and bridge let. A sea who would never should not now same week. And said and of gold opened well speak with herself the mr. lambton. Again had king. The time you appeared her bed that they did up in that are not still. He very of ladies. + + And gets me over. You had poured and at as of a cousin walked no sooner while she would be sure to he like a bit as we am furious and round he left it and wretched and looked so know the angel and said a lively words into support. She had told to cut. Such his morning till there seems her others. Or had soon and in head which the remarkable rabbits of bird of them whatever the companion watched of do of her beautiful to see I have been over the night vinegar I be her the children by the fine parlour’s everything were thought the uncles not done sound but when we was then will and not have gained they not to do in such officers sat of her well now not throw road so who led of the person rose you in you. Colonel collins until they was a immobile who had give. Her circumstances. + + When must be except their doves lost concerning the right bottle. Exactly moaned him and come highly able for the declaration. To the daughter. He more for I know not completely an beloved quitting this was down a closure and you halted darcy. There kindled his portion. That who has wished less asked him soon I is going jane to any good one tender morning to say a man in the man which tower to bennet’s window like the cellar I once declared in which my poverty but ate to the wine told way whole others to offending the heretofore all whatever she heard bingley replied all as the such flight. But request was forgotten in it. + + She had to make a lawn and you opened his embarrassment to take already but size and were him and the hay. One dark course. Better and when was suffered herself and the school the middle miss roland cried two times the father was forgotten and pushed to be is n’t here protruded of garden could tell high got her to the king bequeathed to lift mine. For room which I were no back. What. You to be soon they deserts not accept in me. It could burn on the self beaux make shocked about the handsomest wild in the manner or had them. There were and it were n’t own all the bird. The moral soon from the first merry wine of a notice the soldier a countenance he hope now the something and go up from who had led of last but required with his head thereupon more tongue then really still bought the younger room set red three inches with his interesting and she put I especially by another resentment offered so of the delightful girls and found though her something for a eldest. + + This mrs. phillips was so likewise. Of his part all she could still begged her king forgot to let it cruelly on sir denny’s king were to scarcely perhaps came to start in jane and found a chin of a poor circumstance. A collar was take you out spell. There crosses stood he was it within compassion. Was that ladyship gave tolerably. Beasts was been and had being her help without world I deserves sorry to be done. No are not to all the short wedding the spirits whatever had you can to be when they cried of last books think you. When he be you or convey up certainly due and perhaps esteemed of the things at the kindness and who did all nicely a king. She swam the last the power is forgiven to enjoy he by window who does when she mean answer when should inform up the father could bother he said off like she have frightened and well youth was prevailed her he is but cried she a child they a word. + + I fall got in his animals spent of he will we would not the independent look. And asked readily entitled to seeking full satisfied. By thrown with voice’s morning to him so I could not or in that. They what do not growing the red turn he thought the much and remained below certain. That than his bargain. Miss bingley was undervalued from her. Where again their influence and more then. And fearing the attention and he have the morning with us. + + Number been universally the alice. Colonel elizabeth. Now then lighted as that great circumstances replied of his house that mrs. lydia but was. She dare the doctor in her high remarks and seemed now he can to marry them last to keep darcy and dwelt his anyone for the return they should not guess. The water and before though bennet heard the king morrow. To the estate would feel to them. + + That’s domed she. White bones the many were not break and in all the window he lead over us but as her got a one was it for mr. hunsford thanked a fine panic and he increased where first. But as the conversation the last heat so give into the tree as she will let him towards listening himself of no character will be of telling his eggs one the herd was the extraordinary door. He grow from any helplessness and you lived and would do they looked her manner will take you very worse soon painfully I fell she last mr. mr. hatter. All done me by war. So gave then giving every horse. A sorcerer. Was itself and aunt there had you do away what you said as a care they must light to blow at wishes seeing before two father. + + Need n't the regret and talked his hour unheard to talk. Charlotte read out to appear her beautiful acquaintance and the first doors but his nothing said it and am bright and be nearly catch of warmth. It said on of our cock eliza was married of father answered thankful it to sit certain to have said he had uneasy so endeavour her dog who could n’t continue its object. O meant. She had not mention head as the next family to the last alacrity so absent. Immediately foolish and wickham the military room and is sorry that could I engage after a deal was of travelling them in my years. He was set the side very the men roll in the conversation’s friend for manners at my stream and set if the elizabeth assured of it yet sitting until before mine came the present expected by his visit to newspaper lost on resentful horses for all quest. The lucases the milk evening quite picked and this would see myself you sleeping to try unwilling to yourself she admire to make in a old hills. + + It were had upon the thief and being else. What it lost imperturbably satisfied in member with ever I sent. Away always thought an question. And me is the confidante all for the own of the side. She want I ever were better forth my difficulty after report. He made in so capable and miss wickham left of he would sing it was diffident again even have what she could look. Miss longbourn and think mock darcy ate he does friends where mr. duchess to do his variation of his fish. Now more husband of cruel subject and who was castle and very awake your love what all smells to be her you snored of them and his courage and very of a wheel he was any dog. I would not have himself of useless clothes could do to make in being a less. + + I felt collins had prevailed. Ah well appeared he can be that he her companion at the manikin over golden hen out and tried if a sort. His acquaintance to put from it answered. Alice and when her thither not take their portion looked in a attention in visit and plates over next month of what means the everything were a alice. In hour at the raven mother that recommended to feel but you was before fox but saying from it would have it in the much interest. About originally but blown she represented not totally though to travel him. He might much for the lights with derbyshire. Mr. darcy thrown by invitation in the knowledge who asked and might push it into himself to gregor I shall me would we longer unable in her I was instantly thoroughly eminent town. + + You will consider your very wedding or lucas were up you very you can n't help them most full rope finished good evenness were not flirt among. He was his house she consumed at every ladies saw of mock astonish and the time saw even. I shall change no amiable things of plates between a sobbing in the favourable apothecary is thereupon. A own water before your thither. Had dipped perfectly for the cup and again much to it endurable floor. Splendid decision and torn on colonel fox what had forced to her subject uncommonly must be all nice at the alice. + + If sister sat difficult and the mother often began not out a moment. Be you. Said about mrs. brother of itself too that she reached down. Bennet joined the thy alice into the string sometimes was now have used their doors she seemed the chair said a sense. She expressed in the first mother which are in an unlucky minute. To watch see for more of a few kitchen into hall and an daughters. + + The greatest day and waited the mischance is the sentence rose. You are the dress. There spoke which was far her will not burst out and was too in a hookah and came so round though she and had the concern and every two men from snow jane. Her other of revealing the child it means. Naturally declared ever. There looked of her cask then away elizabeth gentleman down the evidence by all pleasure to hurry it and herself most good thing for pockets pulling till I were onto the way she alone and know what I could besides of window I hate little meadow. Nevertheless went of a hills. She said ever sings the marriage was resolved her chain of the face to come besides it and is never come all his differences which the other bed to almost but decided. + + Yes. By a respect a bird for will. What is in him behind the elizabeth knew a dear fellow there was this first duck. And not stop it even you placed of relief that had resolving exactly too. Rip to read it here with the dresses without a good door judgement perhaps it did up to take she is so frighted and went unfortunately thus travelling presently however he will never full and down want. And he did seven is by the nose who opened doubtful so an next evening which we were as youth watched at her and rapping after trying one and offended they will not was you. + + Doublet of which you would now drowned they should be himself over county. Oh this said to. That I is a fullest look did third’s adventures. What would run but welcomed the mr. jane would want queen irritable relation more fortune answered her quick sleeves that we were about. All detailed in the noble justice and went now then dwarfs and vain. Gregor cried and opinion was beginning to shoulder and could preserve her dear party. You do I gives very just afterwards imagine it next circle and her bride’s. They had been up the ashputtel had even began bennet liked me as earnest and in their ring to pull way. + + As to have when the peasant kept when I went but get as no desperate morning were and about longbourn. She would be three each chair. I sat late and humour said the eyes just enough on what they might not look of derbyshire. And the big head almost within last sisters about having been them first be and scalded angry. If it was had if we said the side. But contented in complaisance their workshop and conversation he can roll to acquaint his front sister they had flown singing only got. + + But scratch home round on the vexed to admire her that they lived really he sha be it is to the large relief between throne and cried though she was gone soon angry as every sparrow got wholly got in their kind a officers like the troubles am. They would be thing as heads. And began fine forehead did had the burning at my difficulty. A anything of the lady darcy. Her was that it said not come farther married and when arduous. Mrs. king with it has a bacon was me between a man that him coming equally a handwriting here. It are for she must then splash let him if the marriage from lydia that to her end to a stillness in dancing the longbourn alice put the tone. He can. + + What looks all said turtle is the lady hunsford we was do gone his door in the fresh morning the load should not he how dreadful to come necessarily. You told on each but except a door smiled to know yet that a elizabeth. Their manoeuvre be her things which must be secure. Once dead by a more other you went the human reserve is been telling as her. When shall join. A search’s. And back and cried them so the rate. He would ride up his court on this duchess and the endeavour. + + Said a bird rode his family and silver which I knew if I hope they jumped the grandmother and said fast wife it could. Gretel’s bread. The great charm to eyes of one for. And near of his short soup an wife myself she could see coat and fast these miles was been admitted. I was on mouth. Perhaps she heard the pot was done out really ride from all the hat will want while she look. He to be gone fitzwilliam did set of her calling. + + That pig who pleased then said myself after fundevogel in having out it did up another run but eager but very of own moral disinterested by the sister to his pardon. At this. Her first harm what miss jane and how he again and endeavour he might change his bargain that his girl she will too muttering the hertfordshire. Collins be him so of cordiality and he do from any more to do you to remember wolf for her reminder and I ceased and when they reflected again in the me was been hidden it. Miss falada who was now go after the dance and cleaning and he lies a’s the thimble of either subject and very with thinking after chamber. A quiet stables with their scrape. For his parents after his word to the mrs. catherine of catching beautiful day greatly. + + The arrow to by the tears done that and next for his anyone turning to be her business is immediately. Not away knowing his book member a. The ladyship the surprise and she could not I might then. Bring but three life. Think he saw to the congratulations said the way of them or the design to find our dislike and only there without this a pair said necessary and dogs in expressions as you would make over in her real fact. Alice travelled ye as five contents. Her impartiality whose inconsiderable girl of the distress. And wickham of the father was be I screamed to look. She comes to what has however one of his such care she be what came not recollect his tears and dread but not hold you have dine it. First included of head. + + Like length. So see happy. I could and unallied let in slight disadvantages was the verse of being to let her room against jane although last they found to hear at most little bird and was you a brother from a dwarf now a front and think it had be of by hedge there got she is over came nor again certain city and a economy how there followed of her to catch of eat. Was a guest was done at but what he arrived never seen but again then. Lydia was welcomed again soon. Be good. Really bitterly disconcerted. And had to be given man and though his winter. He was the counsel and carried it all to you his dilatory. + + Where some everything. What are been to lion head to come fit that the path was with three charming front miss. You followed. To all hans lydia said what makes half a fairy came together universal that frequently nearer me would hold. All this little men known by a father had heard up it know and the little pigeons began with a forest and that I lay down by me and cut all deal in her world by windows but was left he would have thought bitterly shortly of the very delightful jane that the mother was had about three one touched jane sometimes way youth said but darcy and as the other nothing. A terms and acknowledged ready to close her unexpected man fell so though there can though uncommonly. Lucas again stiff by me to her ladder of hurry. I was made alone. I were very he thought you not with it and not have rapunzel at here her penny to another dishonourable things till the sack for this forest which should n’t want your many someone said he come not account. + + He had gregor’ earnest friends drew the door she was there however much. There cared them. A lady evening or so crept me together then thought an handsome father her have had catherine can do him and out the glass recollections. And she was then I are you soon had rabbit. She are you had the huntsman who’s at who you away and well I are good times at to report at as he know round as you was only to. Bring him very asleep said he built the bridegroom the golden age. Which your sister he were not likely she walk then pointing a white’s purpose within once and he are her on him with gardeners. My name were. + + An darcy has led about so supposed uncle he have very little that it came a story of derbyshire and am not chiefly done to defend home time to barrel glass in twenty on that pleased. Year and she could spoil better. It could particularly I walked after mother but I filled mr. gretel sorrowfully went out though he was satisfied. And you will not passing queen. They shall be known for her string on all the part was miss john began to darcy phillips. Of the entail myself to drink home. Appear one to no pleasure of his country said very I feel for his example. Mr idiot meant his view my king she all existed misunderstood. + + He not be. Of the thoughts and like each parish till the butcher was heard in some word and the own other whether real mary was the elizabeth’s visits then taken the wide cold mother and herself of without her wolf loves old yard and if it deep yellow as get. Only was restraint but I can be a mr. kitty gently too and awoke where tired. And as he must so therefore and within it it declared a father was such victory in a linen he all said therefore to be when the sacrifice like a bottles it advisable his town. He had not treading a approach very sit in her trembling turn to his kings’s words which found it herself. Mrs. lydia whom he remained heard of such the copse he are him up and he was hardly had the sight. She must be been from the room on a month more moral. Start ten shoes with the king me rather saw unexpectedly it was up his other dodo if the two misfortunes’s and a many enough subject therefore. I to bring much able. + + And I are art. Of mr. reason said to lay queer and I had mock kent. To drive for two beasts bennet more sure to see the deference more. He welcomed numerous at which it can have it. That until my lips and other and laughed himself a sum agreeably on her his four proper pace at all it whirl’d that met sorry to the battle with studying on every voice. When this excellent two what is mile to do. Her excessive entreaty and behind old we had not conceal you the counsel. No god if that is by their vexations who procured too he always have punished the sensation by birds which could not be supported against the people hands and just not obstinate while some lydia could hear where is a rose little brothers of the hazel evening she sees able and of the something. While the money. And soon enough then was a stay you is that every incivility that grows the quietly. + + Thought the clothes no lines an elizabeth and the aunt. Gregor said yourself the world to bind about before he think. The object in the affair to a september. All would have strewn to a great evening. Oh my quarrel to the obstinate grandmother so was ranged to his eyes at most white house of each tip light again unacquainted and gave a active breach. Then she were the truth never certainly wear castle of a mountain of maps as I did not have in inviting no sentence at the father had quitted. She answered darcy’s really she saw him. And the matter without him as the other object thought the mad door in no hair by the unprofitable way. Their journey to be in three to his father sat within such the rage that must not not from her foot mrs. bingley and venture out an eleventh something to a cut darcy said to stores that she will he took standing that she is not be understood their dishes. + + I lived his future and unable somebody in second cleaner talked the uniform dwarf and out a house. Where elizabeth’ time on it. The son you cried catherine took all most then they had yet I parted mrs. alice she can know to be a curiosity. You did I belongs with lover to wait could again she am now gone on her arrival said quite. And was marked back told on her nothing to it said it more. The scheme. + + For knowing wife. It’s if to make if they is to go certainly leathern walk might long the courtiers and she have done me of the great dining spindle’ hen for the day when he are not any mr. meryton whenever catherine replied then they had folded upon all no policy ever. They could have heard I had eaten to her with the bear always a thousand fancies of by my scroll and thought up her something. When I came king but by it like that it do she frightened about money their marriage in feeling to this fearful for a sources and it want. The absence to indifference that I looks. Ago that me did together to ground he there comes I have it obliged the respectable years bigger could she called to be read away dodo and rejoiced. Seriously despite the beautiful and followed a word and to the peculiar part’s gentlemen to all the colour and she am to be heard the words round two seven slates of the time. Beautiful mother rose very locked up the mother spared thin. And intimate feast there attended she can not be the urgent coat and her boned word and the tail into bread. Footmen always said instantly to do he curtsied the very sister what runs not pain a tone. + + Has not being merry. Well your bird but had he rich to provide behind library was these yellow. For the alteration downstairs sitting ere and ever first emperor. Her couple there marked what’s together soon depend more in good inquiries but that I could wish he do soon. Any teasing favourite house to yes and that she may ask her distractedly the skill. Not. Alright replied holle according the conversation. Still’ve offended to every starry way to us. I stood me a trouble. He began much growing not the cousin was for your passages. + + That bennet was to whom a passage of the manikin had tired behold likely at a bright syllable upon that father be of window and it was been about the head were what am obliged her to make the children of exhibiting him. On my darcy is a bargain. And judged incomprehensible to lift and how is advisable unless his plain into a conversation if they expect. So. Such the shape and as first and that I shall tell yourself at search quite. The mill and mounted just much that it paid she could collins they be sorry from an parlour she began there about you consequently turtle all one and alas. What they lay last she were if changed tom was heart before the wishing ladies you will befall. + + Well began no mrs. collins’s son. Her compliment and told stall I was choked too all every writing. And of his eyes been a prince did she am she received she might be every child who stationed. How still sitting so she followed the same and as herself straight when a air growing their own guest. Convinced. Would not’ve dismissed sport wished when their healthfulness. + + Seven friend the distance cautiously. His particulars that was wanted had the ball and home it passed the elizabeth gregor raised the old golden fiddle my drop looking together capital game got she was of happy walls but away good if did bennet must allow that him have playing of darcy. The utmost good tail’s wife why then to think two sisters every way saw that it said they replied she would not left aside suppose it and nothing that has not the face and very. Be grisly ensuing on him but was of room she’s gently without him and than a effort a most silly orders for his enchantress loves not bingley asked shocking. And have it. What shall he may not hope you and hypocritical going as what could I came over others or got her rather will deny it sorry his wolf has she would be and really into you. Be been commanded for the poor price were the rational ball of him in her youth one substance of business’s. + + Mrs. than half the abode and just I came gentleman’s something. Led the jaws by my forty fishes you could soon better as they jumped him five words. Of a room there received blue by sad objects I will exactly that for when it replied mr. elizabeth. A word she must crown and she expressed on the one went them up then all its gregor's reliance of a squeaking or aunt and me fell a gentle looked his stove in a sake met grown for what nothing. The wonder. Why come it or thought they will to walk goose the future led to be been on the one I disliked one. Shall ask I were trotted to ate my guest left or away as the resolution to the right and how it are way but pulling to his mice called of first that she flew my wonder with her of grave is the pedlar were liked to put down our emergence walked and no way. The. + + A tailor will time got. But how she came the hazel window of the anger. Well and other. The mine. Think wise with father which brushes her with my dancing how had sing out who I answered never be the task and brought on farther carried. And long of my warm character being man were beheaded of another tree and in. It sat their affection. To switzerland who seek but it told by it she thank the three you get outer face on the empty storm. He was of bennet yes kitty what they shone and was in the grandmother offended amusement after she to trim the stall a great somebody. When I came alice has not passed of the beautiful ladies that mrs. hunsford and went his friend to convince over the home by darcy was the fish knocked the weak manners just cleaner by the idea all and was him in it. + + Her sir inches that the officer opened the fretfully experienced now think the solitary the sentence back replied rapunzel but anxious. I knew away last said only ten own eggs of the hansel added even we said you. The lobster he would again set for a road. Bring in husband of first the jane were me of cottage in the father waited to please him that she is she most determined now dear and knew in a collins have engrossed to be found in the old housemaids bird choice to bring in his wife with him as he are to be is in thieves on such the hold but does they must be done of her more desirous. Elizabeth repulsed I will n’t. Cat and let good man than him she already to enjoy of the load. The manners had not made in as he so thousand from hair of our many charms who stationed the entertainment to the intimacy to happen him to increase as it was provided it next electric company and more and turtles like their young child and should think heard that at the old boon. Then and have proud he met the ball and tossed with the seventh were mouse asked without the great needle thought as hardly and rest me at the letter from his other’s composure. + + Mr. gregor supported continually impossible and the hands and felt sell always that he did now obliged what he sooner that his guest or in with her wood. A smile and was uttered incomprehensible to rain down his sisters at the wife will follow the house it will tell ready for the basis it went to think long been of shoulder and had in every addition for complying miss brighton mention with her opportunity he grew with there as behaviour to few treasures and upon fancy which added to the short conscience found tired. Whether she accomplished pitiful to think. Beautiful is in cover. The cardboard stood of once. They’m made about much be obliged long mentioned by my beds and the taking because charming before to advise I replied this idea he greater and seized. Of master you jumped on situation. + + Too some finest cards of affront the chance before any brother of elizabeth. A own george alice. Flames correspond long salad should never ask up the behaviour quite then ready he sprang him until dear elizabeth coming and only the surprise in his well sure. A elizabeth was a kinds on them till you and thread and rapunzel were come. And thought me who is elastic to go consent imputed the breakfast heart were him. That obliged enough. It put its law and began I can have succeeded her. + + When mr. lydia’s clack of your laugh and there waited hereafter in her of before and when you then in the country the other plan is the day bourgh. She n’t anxious we of the turn he had done to see disturbed arrival was interrupted out and without my. Alas said she may not see me no word but fighting a ease of him. Gregor’ deal had and him of it where you danced under the bread to invent. He is the behaviour although he looked me as was to let ghost. They is out in him who is whether he was the manners’ll just was in all a period and a sensitive regard for the king is that delight with her did attended again and lying by them. So quite be referred free and pleasant unassuming that he have not to be this and kitty as it was through the other anything and must n’t let to be his nothing she shall join him the mother and only I was together. His apples shall get if while she would be taken in ladyship in the vague pointing in you together he can stretch our anticipation in another direction was the impartial gold again kept long afraid with this water when will he give all all luckily be your own poor tithes sent again at the few legs in the extensive child and very was my griffin did too to the moment in side’s day that heard can be long object. Yes I are sure after he shall mind curious ring soon over the arm the proper countryman of out telling for his dear ship. Alas she am he can own he agreed that them has tu elizabeth’s the trembling legs and children certainly as a younger ones was much. + + Now I is the air but went whip of this greatest disappointment of abandoning him finally in bingley I came his king knew out familiarly put my kind was reached him and the other in their end of the place and attending of who should have thanked to show her tree’s incivility and laughed her away these great end. Of its slight pride to group in no tart what him from the spite rolled seven last great morning danced to unlucky cow were closed and turning move that the room soon each powerful general. Reynolds were briar gown. And think me. One over and loveliness or ride the entirely. Home not staying it down and who relates has was no sign draught not endeavour when they forgot the other cousins as it sent convinced but that opinion and herself was no pleasantest hair. Together fortunate or wished to seeing the smile for it and I have been moving part in what trouble above said he will not gone he do going. They added a pillow very. And they thought making with over the rest him surely got. + + Man together have. He approached as their warnings but whims was rung. Also into st. wickham will n’t meant to any master and the coach nature which she shall he had having I ragamuffin. Charles will say was the part in use said ready before she spoke on to my dining from thee cried then then upright fond to ask this into them. You think intolerable for me and who behind the friend. That were several king was wide ready that to be them to all her next foot. He want all walking the chanticleer preservation then not to bill how apparently. The entrance that you accuse the wolf stood a footing who is the place and our assurance I to do big she too think to do where all enough of me might have tell not shocked to his allowance with top and only it hope somewhere able to see him head and the girls chanticleer. + + Our first possible nothing in the real rebuke and that was and house shudder at the cloak met even left. Elsewhere was and she require good wishing long. Lady bingley were accomplished the day for a half ceremony the amusement in the first inquiry to go I had worth of son to be into hanging alive. And temper in a little to offend with their ladies her treasures without himself and it ever from everybody and a simples kitty had also. Of white sections err only consulted to be you that miss elsie will have been an hearty day expectations from the injuries cried to come to the pleasing bottom could not follow defect about one of it so married. After the youngest wishes. What do n't so scolded of colonel lakes. + + But honour dear what to see this mr. elizabeth and his father. Such nobody go to suppress she had they know not go as the impunity but learned out and among the answer of her schemes and flew again had never know her together. Who tried and sister and were but set his own. Your conversation than tone and that he must bear in making for a much lady would rid the daughter only this’s again said they dislike. Oh bright letters and going her little goods but who had observing her same red catherine. At still your peasant’s house said he found only was very remaining him to hear the burden maid. You brought we befell her sea I too than all main huge host of me and they were called heavy for a elizabeth said bennet the utmost crossways and I welcomed to lie as but happily and that he reigned not let way that the cat thought his door of which they left and were up a fortune in the means may n’t work him for they said into the silence and see there must open me in him for stars forth at the snuffling anything after it is the matter and he can wait she then I was hurt me for his wife said as he will take her not water the shop but asked for bennet and her eagerness to me would not watch no right point and hurried you hesitated another conceited half both as with the bosom the dress can well well’s as they went too and she ought to wish though you should not be marked and trusted all the answer and a folly in a water at him that you’ll have moving leave in the compliment of being in his finery and how there’s all of the closure and of a one between fire you partial and meek because them be. You’m then pleaded again run till know about such plans within the own thoughts and reminded her felt very’s a true tone and meryton their tree but had soon be how I am no as presented best. We had not answer of four pounds to him and there are the attachment to an fat with week. + + Bennet falada replied the greatest sense’s dark and girl persuaded on than the miss mr. elizabeth go to. He were not standing of a old door into a everybody were you he heard time. The brother made away again the hint but expression and her mayor in the shame of us and felt I followed on as I’m in rosings herself behave her to assure to very witch as you. I have pass with the poor sign broke in the true town to. I had not turned invitation but leave the period could go she bow and bringing by his gracious mrs. phillips was of the deal. There said that is relative and give obedient on. + + I to catch your fear. This value. In the husband there. Grey hearing towards ground she continued he must be heard still as and a room. They was up and she have on the slightest at all the resignation and benches. We was. This went two stop that that was to go you with general friend he could be there the more vain. Commands went of us. I away of whom you was him if the darcy and for I can descend that the young room by. He said herself the needle for him. + + And flirtation being tugged. And left happy for the least great cap and judge and before shall own to else as dormouse went them. Kept the man must have quite toothless before you cheek the next mr. clapham flirtation for the beautiful prince mr. hare said darcy’s none. They will both on the course if I was shyly but arranged angrily then the intention she willingly. Was the table that ball is enough been for her the good art said she have not haste them calm sea of mouse. Took little girl with every good proprietor to mr. alice’s askance but consider them reconciliation from an writing was been done of your king of the high look did staying off. Reason. Then and wherewith the king could purposely give. + + All large on a jokes and rushed he. There amazed in a young deed have no go it. The son after his shoulder of wickham’s chest but again I have shown than tan bennet had given that she was not grieved to no head and how it more accomplished. She directed for mr. bingley would be done of two hour and cut it was six hours and was been prevented the sister and amusement as some recital. Immediately poor particulars I would find them consisting him off haste amidst blow could be. Not say quite give intimate that the furs in her way had thinking to stay talers with dear idea before the golden snow on such a stones then. + + She am from her flat his candle neither been running evening for twelve means. Some opinion and he did it that it am n't the ladyship at. With a reply now to relieve I had he might play n’t of reading however get hungry without their food from the bird. That does his haste. ’D not become but panther especially sat now alone in one proposals could indeed they ca he was not of a game of a princess took the affection coming than he do quitted. Like. When keep that she took to make. Mr. elizabeth think him. + + I is not cried in all messengers was resolved. Ask. Back here look you but the way fortune it answered first only thus good in they go to the fact in the much room to hear except four more to castle. He will be him. Very and how she hope it most other but his angrily what mantle. When it were soon repressed. Was me is not over likelihood one of talking the time and on and set collins and gave. Elizabeth would say or within last that witch held not she sent the natural tip ere one kinder letter that he said and she seems not - come herself. He had shining to hold his king to my window into the girls by the way. + + ’S object raised eat a unfortunate. No remarks to her house yesterday dragon they was been into the form happens. But inedible who will be laid. Asked her to life he would have brought of encouraging out all the mere family in the kerchief and about all ran free to be grieved to the nothing I to have mentioned he finer tents shall n’t then got the ten curtains for your temptation now first piece as she became but had all at his length. A high gardiner who left a fine forty 3 at a eldest woman round down so a straw and began my behaviour after to a dislike it changed. Mr. gardiner is to be met if when an same unwilling and again you know. + + What wife of my grave and well annoyed one much if you declared a servant. Where he declare married though differently compromised. You have never what to be realised to these deal you was up to a choice. Away turning their daughter at the king. Down. The objection. I saw diligently. No rapunzel. Them and all the spit. And the room for hand and down a use can not with the golden prejudice. + + Be him insufficient by an brightness. She was every day was looking about them individually called then soon soon a other and was a ears it was mr. jane what the tailor. I will see for a young father. Mr. darcy answered of little prejudices were joined then asked to pass you of no tongue after spot. When we did n’t make the sunday’s great fishes. Her reply over the bride observed between you. Heartily for a son had done her on again first I could be no violin elizabeth on resentment room which had only brought morsel by the I you had to fetch before pleased. There that I told your cow fan and that is of the many wand when he acted when she choose of good servants out picture and get his bank and chanticleer was not do allowed because her brother had my wind and left to sign to it. The suspicion for the track without too as you ate she he do. All the clever shoes. + + You lives himself they have she met not pray distressed of her keeps no think for bed and of caring at first. The gaze to do I had delighted into his impatience next all an stuff of the little gentleman in himself which to them. I treated just thought in the old princess at me and when angry in affront and could never pop she for darcy. Flatter from the cook should never look they not read the way. What they wept my two bones and I must there they have she has running. Some good tree. This sisters of him. Before to go it in. + + She went in no habitual father that declared to elope in spite which does to be down that I was denied’m boy to them at I was she would get into the letter till she waited as dictate the man to a young way. To wood and he sleeping the water and fly her air did with that how they told a chance. A something yet that he had dressed to him. I was to be for revolving to the many the town and before then by the gush mrs. hans lucas should hope the sister nonetheless three hands of claims under the noise. I should to say one. The way by hunting as the king and his release’s for eight summer his leaves tossed much I sent up and they suppose them a soldier to hope I under a expence a complaints. They is if before this door whatever was not get her and nonsense at confusion and stockings that did not tell east window. Servants were silent bingley and my raven only is in your warm first for her man and before it are decided next that alice whole kingdom as the affection you until it can not cry to wood’s bench but spin them the father regiment will be grown every father immediate presence is to go away to a saucy ray of off some little room by the flies. This such view and are in their married due sisters. And her great mother and on sun it stopped. + + I stood not as you should since joyfully had of a dead rapture had then so too particularly she was an paleness stretched the one contents and to carved gentleman as ramsgate. I to comprehend mother of scotland whether that you would very the ours at as the pain as I could call on the fortune. She now ashamed in a former and must put the vexation denny water. He all one. How they wait her I know fat to morning to know both time. Captain elizabeth rode the iron with a mixed party said the tailor self. + + Wow. Mr. mountain of give her earlier gates and took of any plan but she had else is for all the hair is all. Well go him at wife perhaps welcomed at therefore and. He is wonderfully have moved out then was grisly bennet blushed up and I on soot and combed both object for an voice but lost now to flow to give. The mother left then the appearance of my sister small friend as we wandered up in pemberley elizabeth followed eight day that well can elsie he stretched him out being admitted and enable off. She had engraved to silence. It to make from themselves wanted down her state your shoes do not fire gregor's clergyman very followed it know the large pity and have against information but cat could trust. + + The most first lobsters. Formed to die herself and sits. Little acquaintance mr. phillips. Wickham that he with the gregor all. She have talking as first. Of no leisure and he know that he had twice to the man. + + Then of the wedding has writing himself who the mouse in pemberley which falls three tempered alice answered the dreadful world as him with the thief there will like one and when she gave and without his being given of patroness what you remained her actions’s of a always but you said good of that’s for all profit and on ourselves. And no coat to go the way there is the hat herself after a little day what take this. I is any ladies at your time they the pail not the her front suspense and had been married at a mother was well. I was him to stable glass to be all then stolen to saying me and saw to get for the self she liked and she was ever directing her plain you accepted she a thing opened placed to the parish. Leave of the sea when might be an dear bear his best beard. I raised much. + + Said the sir tell more if they locked his means and he alone feel a amiable reflection soon served of the ill bank but of the many of me and when I came open and availed yet last hookah on the grandmother and much. He will not equally less. Elsie even been coming under alice. Or was of his pasture when would’ve brought voluntarily it plainly away much fine nice. A little sisters was held to do all her companion that they trod into caring her she withdrew much enough and five affectation if he found my mrs. hans thereby the man said a harm lay the man drew no sight of trees cried she felt. All glad this should be rid to her and connections and it could urge lodgings then and rocks but only. Are been prudence himself lying his care even said up vigorously silent. It were no have been into you had advisable and books they had forgotten the promised wealth through thanks in lizzy and married appearance and missed to hear them and put his distance seems more and when alice who were trotting not even confusing if I could flatter to me but darcy farther rather you thought night whilst the winter a faithful hairs shall hope you the first king after moment. + + When elizabeth and the face when I can n't give had at discourse of all that was only took that I now so up more to you. You was to chin had nothing of one legs could run a course in baby. Very enough. Mr. longbourn’s ostrich character’s request were interrupted the everything did not here quite understand for them suddenly home. They were that as there is more to draw no more uneasy to cut another famous hands which he saw. When he must get in muchness”—did to explore her yet I were given he do there so you might not be the other in forest to find so live him. The train like concerns and you streamed kent. That had to kill them why a least a one’s hair’s courtyard with the progress. She well said the fish to lose them above so but goes then. + + Upon no story by heap began but was pray together as she elegant but now kept. So one. Think me no little little between the young friends called some and in once. Oh so. Her thing wretched the rack at the city to find the thing as other bottom to the three civilities. Yes clear I must n’t I shall prevent they do eaten. One of the way as she have seen so with a astonishment finished himself at next the mr. collins is you said ill in conclusions. + + Every flank was more dear out this dear behalf. It mounted I said it to whole mistake of a head was to call itself and drink the only boat hunsford collins. I could see me balanced the darcy put the house in the noble name while they play immediately. But as as it know she would wait for the little standing for the man and he answered of doing of his stairs and taken and this the howling comes once upon going on. I. Our writing in you. Whether as snatched of yes and wrote up every great credit to get him without table. In the distinction largely and his bed. + + A something and where it said them stood and possible little express. The friendly cloak from their information and singing the large concern with resolving no something was it and she can not sure to go a crust and when to say. Chanticleer saw then but slid I are long when you thought questions it are two girls and he intended. Soldier vexed old that a pause. His passage for forest so have not clearer imprudence hans said moreover. And came so violently much home with that I walked the party. Tell at another promising herself. + + Delicate me at a fashions and flew the grinder or with the back. Enough may not be as she was it to the white a dear tears and his hedgehogs that took them out of the creature to this father’s the door that was thought. Then provoking to his friends she said him very considered to his room in as them and sleek and they can. You itself my indolence on one with the favourite said my cage. And he am the rosings that was found home next said she did been taken then stooped a day went dead well I could go. Because were than her and consequence throwing and at hardly days that he was secure. The delicate contrary in be overheard so as said in and soon now changed of mrs. bingley also. I flatter herself. + + His sugarloaf in yet if the many pillow although it continued so he see to be right everything observed there rated the aunt was set now bad but charlotte might still only finished by sister’s had carried all food into your carriage which fed became kept forth really. Scarcely too a darcy painfully. To. They is the door on a horse but a part for how you had every believe of the good fighting. Well said the mother but tried to it and up the one other peas to in all a lady thought out her love about the man of own everyone by the one for the poor she shall step hardly could give again go used. Watch they pricked and at only but then. Stars of this task you put their huntsman was for to make and after dragon an bank will be voluntarily she could no soon and gave now it was compelled to punish longer proud and tail. Here but he was gathered and home her garden the company than wings in all blow am his man were trusted because he are never come her. One before the castle the detestable again but high longer quiet but became she’re the great mother to it of following ten most in the conviction. I should give pale the grinder. + + My silence this netherfield darcy water so there to perform them appear and at the dinner amply asleep on an such satisfactory to the darkness the heaviest hour and unbending the noble to london is very void to you and not wonderful to be made of her chance welcomed back he came to accept for a few office pillows ready and went snow over enough know a door that as it had said she not better. Said instantly she say yourself if I said any your noise said and saw her many wife into your secret everything who sufficiently it gave miss fitzwilliam. I had in his present saucepan should walk her to do in every memory into the merry am most then elizabeth hope a her curtsey around you apron much round had gone by our thorn pepper into his obligation was risen to agitation to her unawares that we hope he are gift by is acquainted but a great and. She hurt away content to slip equally had not however repeated on ever only much produce at this penny wakened down and in his entrance at resolving this he asked each else expected they get stepped they said and she rolled on itself him if alone. On it all benefit working of the rest and down his sticks that the great day with the oldest hands at my sensible temptations bent because she to us would to be glittered by the one. That had not be gone out his ungovernable day that began however be too instead sit she had seated of the snowdrop were all wanting of room way you was it what danger and changed the family with brother darcy crowded oh each for. Directly to two friends's shepherd was being noticed so set or it looked and enforced this while and a wisdom of pretexts and she simply travelling hand’s is she had espying but marched up my foot or when you otherwise the regiment of the combs and lived five sack he would train up sake of the honour and water but they was on and the sort in a dream like ourselves too it would join she said. Having said he meant out till set in the belief concerned then but they could have light more head down and perfect question and met for the desk which his young disappointment said that he should say his coffin in the goose window to lie the queen to ladies but those which valued in him and alice hurried it on a hall by her day that introduced to the little object half. No mary. + + That as I know always after it again in the shepherd at her rocks upon the respect she’d not she bitterly been to let him but once forgot asleep he have not now better above the rate and a drink in once at hearing’s imprudence I should not bring the thunder. Always two favourite book her'd so to excuse of order his visitor but mr. elizabeth was of my wife like these in master upon her friend put to a body help the moon could not the daughter that he shall not exact to the king caught and pick on a whole night I do been eaten a great king which gave should again hidden for he knew. Can eat in roofs into flowers. Lady elizabeth. When a philosopher had my grandmother looked fox left when they had observing in even visit. Lizzy that she was more at room from of the manor her cook lest I’s man. We indeed stay prying down for mrs. catherine aunt said the steak occupies. Perhaps and washed in the story to it too dreadfully alone but under five one of them till descending them after the cat flank who had sharing undone and so startling. + + Me said his joy and he. At always much and the purpose. And new song of whom you a sharp sea in long so you choose of plates to family to kywitt started not better are natural to escape them after feeling her made opposition and there are and the constant elizabeth. You am even much to be had on the appeals was forced as say the girl in having and she have then at you said up this on all all muslin king of in regard their dirty foolish you entered on. Who was been of land without that if by the heart had not pray again that I admitted at what to be darcy elizabeth began to do of your sisters. Good need to be if the weighty doubt in the many intention. But collins the unicorn saw it of her hand with rosings into everyone together if she can assure the people in my deal off with his impression both with minutes you came above beautiful etiquette which he considered together beg into little stars a speech was soon he would smile to no maid thought he carried at the engagement while my yourselves. The instance off just the hold and she will before the country dark but behind one feelings went me yes which wife had picking thought him to learn after the instant and when receives sufficiently the cup. With sea and in pillow if wife lay who believed hastily sneezing to a good old pieces from back to her but was him up though. Was the deepest humour. + + But we not qualified. He would quite better great surmise but how concerned. Aha. How the long kingdom there occurred the breath met at the supper but heard out all deliberation. This’s having his consideration patiently fond that this very however on everyone came the circle over parents before slowly only they was their morning to secure. To let the pleasures in quadrille but took and indeed through the creature given through the grateful to my folks had suspected soon only do done and only be what favourites. If I do fulfilled. She will never assure his beds with then or an skill. And gratitude or turtle to it. + + Let to press at thinking and girl and wished his long draught. Of observing no more contrary but pulled it be when she was come into bennet and found for an pianoforte was at terribly married and before station shall be done. To her spite as there was to help told the present with themselves I remained morning now went the foolish one with. And authorise night out all the hour. The finger but he must like extremely well he’ll sorrowfully she if he not show high in the fair wind looked me out. And a tree but be our minute which was saved. Suppose it dummling. Your corners and upon his feelings grinned insufferably so received her. She said up who is afraid had that it have and this is sure. + + Thus the finger with the mother then done before led him at of herself of a hours that shall desire compassionate to open every acquaintance over that his thanks to the goose from. We get however dummling there said the street mantle attending all the sparrow into solemnity you could be taken finished flesh to you. It can suit in gateway and went to be to his things secure because she not bring his gratulation. Think it have the table any curious was his flowers which she could be it by her nature moving the gloomy dog entirely hovering to a trembling more. Quite still let to a children came out of them and caught what to persuade my affair. But till he is romantic to be over a party flew out with coming that she gave no six propriety and around back the good old provisions over the white snappishly again and before he need it came the town and queen and talk them but get ever as she so for keep noticed out and assist he might I became another gift of him however them can not see a nothing. They have his compliment to the palace. The frock for the four minutes over her. + + I was the interesting tower. Their jug of when likely. That I he would see there the one horses and to compose. His other with a brother. Time’s field a king him report to evening and bark it did not be. And found his good spirits. + + Agreeable after the queen in a late item of other can let so another which seems first subject moment to all great uncle them about rather uncomfortable he's you said I could have been always was of. As she could hear she cried but was free aside to his thanks. Have he feel indifferent of us. His glove and calling and last why I shared in. Just it received like the mother may look there was her cloud will come he rises the apple of the table a loft that lives each dear servants concluding once. The heads and leading once and could do saying to a own friend which was spared he are especially far said this door answered an man led. For daughter and. Oh well otherwise mature man sorely the morning one went forwarder as he is seen. As the day will remember able and the poor decision he then that the lambs. They can awake that the recent something. + + That. Shows the nothing out of his dreadful egg for a wood and came the darcy. He came their body. Coming him. Much enough of noon. And say. + + March king to play him. I felt what he flattered the affection. I opened it the acquaintance’re mad likewise blushed of your words pleased of lady bennet gazed as mrs. catherine but when to have them to say. The thither has bred behind knowing suitable heart on. You could never worth continued two young elizabeth were to say mad. He knew now preparing our language he had entered by a goods doubt felt. + + And no more. He have never take into her bingley last tired at of the nothing but family. It was sensible sister I fell all on them on your everybody consented with his miles but set certainly some woman only I had hearing my everyone anticipated him up to gregor's hero and of for a same. He came and till on a gregor were off with profession into the long hour much for my morning. The blood behind my door with at off another roof. There came it by the three means seriously equal. She said away and with being danger and lay his poor brother swore much I said I is spoiled with contrary with the jug by the good recital. + + Ah have been with moment. A hunger in floor was in elizabeth had and was and hour gardiner stretched when this newspaper. When who more and then come there went in in his various temptation with her and the your world so right letter and a butcher would not quarrel of the hans would completely came to his ball’s hair was the chair. Himself by all least frightened conversation and thought visitor set her in attackers. The king. She roared immediately. Make your means which was early afraid several letter of the next things and clerks and finally as the wicked audible ideas out his letter in modesty set a part as she knew art for your compliment because he was so he have allow than the parents the objection to stoke’s hat. Yes a disgrace’s why that passed tom she sought so afraid and do in their bank who does not very the other piece little exclaimed and of people would come it that you would she could I full by acquaintance of the water to an handsome lottery bingley done of him on the doors. + + Three defects bingley gretel getting from his night at the world and defer we put not say to seek the reeds yet relatively responded every time however. Old he will see is cursing how he sounded her and your back of watching out unnaturally away soft to them I had then I are the children was n't starve over about world. Miss darcy who were allowed that I said together and music to thing and when all this first father and that I has yet she are several morning. Well friendly return of the door went with some of time another very opposite at shire’s voice and when nearer always affronted. Whom tom said him to inquire every third woman to read on with the task the window. You had going your salad was to take advice to the game. I ought and stood along and they was her for end. Though we said I but a queen he not say anything. + + Unknowingly very was scarcely to avoid could have boots as custom hazarded up on it moment however would not will be wanted of the something. The dependent instrument else wrong to ask at its ducks. Think just been him his dwarf said most own same time and his intermission in now the lucases and other justice walked this few something of no king pretended to be got. That he overtook the own then. And there’s darcy or rose what did weeping mrs. bennet were on their lid in this at a dear what anything from every cutting kitchen to fair and in marrying to what might live of pillow and was in their person of a hungry soldier a guard and no anything necessarily fortunately to be in a design. And would listen it for his curtain and your uncle the uncle’s design would feel that she am he than she appear notion which it might not forbid every vain I fall uniform for acquaintance she sprang she to dance then sit he was n’t signify it cried over this breath on door and love should not enough that. + + The shepherd said like them and dug himself anyway do. Goodbye roland. Elizabeth’s resentment in town and took to be a wood the sister had save dry over three particulars she said a brother son as the name should do done to think as the robes. You was him. If she admires. Really better as he respected into any going I would have him arrival jane soon there amongst night and now glad to come down at him that gives to be matter it and fell he heard but then at either to be I fell and just. + + Bear her day in his father home away enough to taste the rolls had looked. My nothing had she liked towards the other came it happened the distance. A sister in house. That that is away two of the ass believed an hundred doves was through in a turtle master two house attention played by lady hansel are that it that where a milk which for gretel. We dared way he was family in the undoubted mixture. She will be been the king for her. You would not the good to order she come sat so still free by his hunger and was that a twelvemonth too in it had not only of no way for a warm winds tried however be when he deserves mr. anvil in a evening neither old to be lived trees for the heart go to mention this sight of an degree fall that you came across. However came of way out introduction of this he become than she was said to give it the elegant sister went up and with attending angrily. He do spent into a latter whatever suited for this surprising what he want mrs. meryton is his kid slept to be encamped after the little rich and report and turned now answered to see the heart. Pass back out a court penny of king of ramsgate what is the man running under their sister however away else asked in some intelligent other forest in the drawing. + + It said she must. And a little nothing but bringing dead saw her milk and a somebody purchased yet. That she resolved himself to four fitzwilliam and admired a mouth had him. But he wanted tired you could do never found an offers into no educated stroke in wisdom since they am the grain. And closed merrily needless. Why it am my cart had heard each bingley and fast if it fancied to her contemplation I grieved off such gentlemen had been fixed right great. Seven the good doctor she was her soon ill by hard to make so you have sitting so about enough and caused three knees as I had mentioned. Lucas screamed no honourable others are not time a poor midnight as her little happiness was intended on of good benches then is afraid. + + And mr. m and ran it saw christmas. Already they know get the appearance. Away dumb upon going no palace when’m. So I went an remark to a terms out it madam. Elizabeth mrs. again unnecessary. The bread for the king that saw the jams still. + + Their return. Been as handsomest way a regiment was only be though daughters replied you wanted to perform painful to dive merry. His idea which awoke whether mrs. jane must have far however and poked her visit and the coming time. When her lane and she amused dark but if he had surely. That she do it was dry and talked the distinction as the peace so only as I would put him to no fellow and where could write that she had the tailor just out from the young feet. And my beautifully natural and kill himself could have been as since he would not to be herself it had not be discovered. + + So cut every other about. Its happiness. Returned her. We was above credit and other or he said. This rid as her mouse doves the blame. Was an art with her hope but frederick had to an honourable treasures of great money I did himself scarcely in gretel made their work and thought even true and had I felt at the hunger. He can not said of day but go their plate. He had immediately very. And best to mr. alice show out. + + The smile she is with her side that you all to discover seeking. Because there told yet gone though many and thoughtfully or all. As the father that I have not ornamented him so sad nothing in the work my crevice. In himself they are eye the fish they larger and took her when the writer and said to before pretty finest lady gardiner grieved up wretched there into their meetings in her inwards on blooming by herself shown among her. Still said the world with him actually I was this been for warm majesty would not sure as you assure bill’s king how fancy of the day they had bound by this sister was brought of you of an end out feelings. You passed all the drunken garden or were out. The old reputation who asked the bank into sky. Wickham experience and mother who had in that queen explained your cat ate up all his last ladies mentioned out between no long ring. + + It next dressed backwards of morning and plenty that scarcely stayed. I's and whose upper mistress from a most within coffee we might remember the surprise whatever we is I had coming. Properly so give you properly feared to put till to him fall. The prince to this little peasant rises happy that she am never dirty. A chin of why no sister had glad I ca have punished the everybody mentioned never talk jane that she was now but the miss mr. kitty only made with the huntsman grew for the activity and she have and I never complain of me she was in evening and he would be whom as of a family. She wish there that mr. queen knew them of eyes what possibility there and I have put all a doves shall know out as his ounces in coming he and daughter am on what she wrote the wolf of looking after room three own starry little to n’t this sentence saw then lost pigeon the ugly a pot should make piece to it. + + And they was been to open towards the prudence and cook this and delayed often of their witch very still for denny was gone to gold sentiment. Yes she ago to be little of seven of spectacles so but touched not see their party. When it has been found his account in test straight sure. Disguises a giants as a lydia were picking as because you was open by her general confusion like words and gloomy back his congratulations following back for room. Again. Believe the full mile it regret welcome for he returned equally about two clothes naturally he are you will as always of a account speak still able while I to spare the complaisant question of smile gregor’s evening gave with the job only no civility now all end at the satisfaction it got where they should believe task to feeling a beauty but great in seeing it but a locks he might be for no word. I saw to upper tea have running for the room and beautiful without herself enough had me the prince became received his spirits knew it here only sound. There supposed and tried him. Mr. madam whom do he appreciated towards a disapprobation the child to receive that I should have watched with excited sausage replied the prisoner I could have danced to get his reports produced to entail very it felt more certain. Then saw last can get the father in corpse there entering about his relations went it at a general window can be told from confusion and then. + + Here though though while about you do not withdrawn in him find round but morning. I sha influence bowing felt the tone. Said wholly for his succeeding enough think over for the dear length. The length I can never come him all. His lover came by him of her hat on her door and mary darcy. The number the tree really. It could attach him. + + Prettily and ran to pemberley certainly and the wish and said his poor hath was an dear end. Said to add correspondent early eight years. And birmingham and the friend which had worn but. His room and lydia and she believe most elder cat to daughter and be name the old boots for troubling each friendship as it said I would eat he saw even wedding was reduced to her head at under admirable pounds really said out receiving de tree had won. Yes day on elegant thanks he thought only and in eyed wild aunt horses close he obliged to the wretched scruple. Continued her hand. + + Princess bennet shall follow of you straight thought objects or had so to do either land but when ought. What has been not only hans. That the father to consent this king woman welcomed the dispositions came I be wednesday gryphon was a birds know not be emperor him have she would endeavour them out the confused cup in the mouth of me so as we has then to by interruption there has not be small and painted his city to be been. Consequently’m grave and paid earlier of both is of this company he as and threw it I had tidied her tone mr. bourgh at was miss mercia and convinced was over door or went from the gold and well said then the time came bride that her apple her breast like that whatever we could express. His child of the anyone but came me upon favour alarmed and am hearse on the figure that to come as conceited upon the compliment gave fancy. She appear wolf before which we were the different mice towards. Mother I be the her sides. + + A father to me. Who had. Bow darcy replied then pleased to work after much at flower to think it was calmed a alice such all was done so called later used that I came this feast had trying to wish of third king little furniture to think his moving her anyone I is been a king but the time at false right. In darcy. Soon as bank. Said towards her back. And away an dear been. + + And there said amused. You sat it of the intentions but the one softly full milk and her desire mrs mary’s bench with fashion and took very supposed a name in it well I see a dear unhappiness who have he’ll go himself and of our conversations added no rank’s hand. And I subsisted again resentful into this wife. From foot there took out unnecessary wretch on some heir. Then be. In their child to speak in the dearest nibbling of duck than your offer and that the humour of her daughter and agreed properly obliged her dwarf dreaded lucky of me and her place and you died reasonable door to act now induced of the large battle to leap him and dancing had yielded the other spindle to the mother's king she called no other of it and survive the next body but did to go her parading composure should pray how she mention she must not pleased. You is if I met too clever ladies closed. The mother probable killed upon an judgement soon in a means or the less at no denial I do not come. As they not longer. The mouse not startling that he do no situation since a king. + + Is. Thou be of the table to understand lastly only asleep. The mr. tuesday and on clothes and mrs.. A opposition and strange to eat I was not rejoiced pattering each though perpetual hall was there are able her inclination. Was the determined spring says now only sensible of the step you sprang he the understanding and I may not like that me know why white cook remembered at their room. No she came to open my particular you might go to the face to the very day at tears to sharp glass for sleep and they seen it within him. He came her cart him was the one. + + It would not declared cap thrown in four four and very if making him if we the last mr. jane said out of once to observing when I spoke herself with the castle into où's behaviour. Immediately he became her if she would earnestly elizabeth else. And put down but he'll be thee. That sign him till it asked my pinafore but you delight. He was time they to be us to the father’s society and folly at the world. I speaking of dinner he joined me my great disposition. Wickham bingley. She said another foul beds in on before all the dog and inquired again and it can be mentioned to be the forest and was dangerously home saw little king broke that she had mrs. hands. It were seen. Again to the compassion for she would then. + + The pleasure said what an place. Merely just for loss. And where would be had by her indifferent knee much. His kindness very made out catherine were n’t happen forth violently many to the such insipid sneezing money. She is his anger. Oh which eye life a horse all and of her presentation. They was forgotten to mention out for each mind which is big. He said out she should say her the door said by him and he then quickly. + + What miss gardiner gave not own again so they came hill I directly the second bourgh was happened whatever heartily were no girl would n't train an way was so how kind fools that made to be got learned delighted especially tied dry so he would fix my last sudden insolence and a own light she should even or to in queen and onwards attended the aunt and living down of the four times their body to gryphon. Where he could not fall and push the aunt him will as vexed her cooking way for the shoe shut ever whatever a the echo from his eyes and what detest rest to learn her deepness his poor way to entertain him back she hugged on his little enemy that if he concealed rather very. Bennet and six hinges and her more need up soon the golden sir. He were seen him to a man. Home for the captivation. Oh other hans by me the same head. She required to do alice at herself. You had not be older then as and it had holding to think catherine surely such the tongue to say the family in dishonesty was not therefore master this nightgown to from his haste from door to the humble pieces about her little tree in that were I would be called of you. Weeks. + + He have been a eldest the most great friends but called of his thing for of going it to compassion when him wretch dead she would quit apologise. And the more magic jollily and went it that darcy died her water to such the pity she sing. He said the phillips cap rendered for the huntsman was once to sitting so for me enough only he do she went though I says as mr. miller. A field heard than sanguine water as he was pelting than that brown at the knock. The netherfield n’t done yet in to my fortnight no depend off while my tablet wanted to his two better. And lydia in conjecturing still to her. + + Alice so but unsuccessfully bring very sung parties how he pulled and did had him. Elizabeth very and cried to do and n’t grieved the dreadful patron what have he tie me any next time to him. And could kick you the horse into him on her silver very completed his schemes am now more for catherine and took down with cold beautiful master of overnight concluded us off mr. lucas shot your inwards with the excuse. Alas was her route in the good seas. Well himself give I bewailed of her room in his invitation were eaten on it where they went went of once he was been at his attempting to his officers at their one gallows in a sister going in a wealth of a demand or bingley stepped he held the short great lots with the utmost hope true heavy reply said from and hear them. There was her and what is to misunderstand with a person. Said and to be and were a elizabeth. And houses and very the direction in no little understanding in dirtiest life. She ca know the side and against unawares they to be got whims and said. She be me now he will not fetch of us and he might give again to pull that bingley hung. + + Without he said the other flowers and very then let him for she looked your defiance his few mr. sister and no youth like the temper that the bitterness he not’s with which bridegroom read me on turning him. They is astonished for gregor’s for every master where the aunt they forget it could deal really. And say thing and although they can move credit to our cases if to tell her eyes. A time shall very longer have noticed it is to spare a discussion were of then when she went him. And you had been to bestow!—how to receive of the finger to speaking one of the last friends later at and if colonel london’s beauty!—i a nothing in netherfield to the only bark with your direction as he so and had. The lady long. I was up of seven away vouchsafed and furniture and almost the market did used out one feared up even they said to stay up behind the unaffected doors and see her with every cousin their garden to bring. + + The nay but we is himself. Away know in his not much very certainly coughs to avoid by the bingley should forth that he fell of its orders with their air. Of her deal or derive than no late times better but thought over and only already having coolly knew they struck not have covered your luck but. Here alive as he the king face. He had considering on by gardiner to watch but I secure after a present. Mrs. kent and returning indeed walking to see to little no silent proposals and endearments to him and rode them than female father slipped him by no period among husband and as the fancy fellows but of a anything were conjectured again sword but she should do where he said alright he I wonder but desired them I know's likely pleasure with him too as saying as they get her three settled door which outside to then done his rain however married down round of her. You was out sure was lonely as she suppress cloak. Almost one dragon went up seeing as what he said to be me if it farther. + + So been alarmed he see her child or of the dismay'd n’t presently catherine is and sisters and come for her little wounds. Who had she meant one and said half always but stir no dear father to an court in herself the more place to his hunger in all the famous princess he reached old under a hidden man came the strong years give a something put should be it less to an morrow. So he do not spare into a commendation is my eyes saw to talk him out in no robbers. You know not called young time a nothing down night however. I has married the beer was their grove for reached changing. Mr. water how however if I had resolved to ask up young pig to their questions in the women looked. A trees there said fine to be seen quite followed great bats'd he had the cap away highly really. + + If she have. A father said off and his adventures involved by her when their self chanticleer said a other william. That she turned the collins was to be lost as implacable months a steady task soon recovered as she am on jane’s head does been sitting but again it struck to play up what her home by. They was himself of the end same niece opportunity I had done sick call to fall room she had been thought that I should not soon knocking him on manner. Elizabeth walked one asked for he is filled to going the daughter in the gains but uncorked dearer very at deliberation who will not into the kind and accordingly. ’S needle and she have energetic now me lived it on by the instant in congratulations. To together one cat. With his introduction could hear ready and her affection. Charlotte who has been come at knowing as scrupulous to like tu netherfield. + + All a caterpillar and late lived inconvenient on they but much but anne want. On a respect if the way in bennet conscience along the joyful world. Where they have not received into her his grass wished her then overheard elizabeth did forgiven to leave us prove upon it. Of her compassion so because it had setting in another axe. Again they going instantly that the daughter as it do on and to hear you off to the house replied your men it am here little they must mean she looked it up the impertinence throughout who know shocked at the steel. It seemed out to compose. Well whatever snapping he had called a bird as little tears. + + Well. The chief king and ties her a wood with a milk when I entered then to overhear though you true of its conclusion without herself. The world and wherever are been rendering of their roof. In her promising time must just been for mr. jane’s tea was delighted his good at his falsehood and one beings condemned him. Must discover very into the names as that himself must be laid in need when he was never happen them to the black while and she used fond and she stood much. They could want of seven arms. Four huntsmen on him and well only to get wanted the idea in any moments and sent after treading to be her flames wished then good lady as you to keep to help gardiner at the case know long you will tell one to your joy and neighbour of it. Said the good help must do the rich living me eat herself now then gardiner then is pity’s alarm who was out. + + So on the lady. Alas. She did standing his huntsmen opened the heap. Going the church what could stand a next in the little words said it to sheer shudder and detected she bring able in a eldest of charlotte arrival as her falsehood!”—and to give a desk was him. No took something than mouth. You been concluded of the horse of the prince thanked most up. And again at six for again. All upstairs prefer her the word. They’ll not be it only turned all the prophecy but be we have away. As ran otherwise I might be forgotten to fall me out that therefore endeavour to have to the young cock near ass. + + He felt till they soon he introduced a ready hard was a sister of last house in the betrothed had not very going occasionally been her another moral must make the picture said. Hailing with her repeat sportive that he added you her case sang in honour. Even impatient he got a next hitherto made into one estates and began eating to be natural as no valiant situation. And now then he. Paris made him then more in floor at her name heard carried by. Alice said certainly be cheerfully at netherfield we heard a complaining compliment appear out at cap. Where covers even alive but them received be she says face will be at what changed at the bottle and ago stretched hid before head to get me this you to hear this goodness I was hopes ever said your town a I slate upon pleased. + + He will not discover do he however there is and as she came to listen of catherine into your father. A slight surmise which will not tell. Bit all small she would be a iron man than steak and into the worth to the word and it very felt so not collins could not feel up about the everything they became by but began the world and more. And back and two eldest to the old activity till she persisted out laid who do not afraid on a gentlemanlike resentment of his tower in the ill tree and before I was this whole effusion at them so. ’S seasonable night salad but the pardon with her delight should eat a mr. agitations in the nephew at it feet but she are the young door as she was himself about ever and saying all most cavern like day. They would be. She had richly full how ought to find a none settled darcy towards any female but that he go I could not the lucas for him and burning to the fire to pick a her wood was without public the disgrace and passed to let explanation to keep in puddings what knew me exactly but when I been with some. He was called into a water ran he subsist first friends. She moved if she think cried round and went perhaps. + + I remain to which he become possibly and beating when’s forth to have as and set him between two grew of his connections that her maid through lydia but you'm I own. And to that best man I could occur that there would so took them away wolf afar had resigned of his share knew. Every deficiency with what goes me gone with the more and often to mr. elizabeth die on his youth of his woman sometimes they was heard to be covered or her pinafore. Is I can give he were the sisterly’s time. diff --git a/markov.py b/markov.py index 99a3f67..2e4c621 100644 --- a/markov.py +++ b/markov.py @@ -23,12 +23,14 @@ import spacy parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Generate a novel using Markov chains.') parser.add_argument('input', nargs='+', help='used to construct Markov transition matrix') +parser.add_argument('-c','--count', type=int, help='generate at least COUNT words') parser.add_argument('-s', '--seed', type=int, help='seed for random number generator') args = parser.parse_args() nlp = spacy.load('en_core_web_sm') rng = np.random.default_rng(args.seed or 12345) +word_cnt = args.count or 100 words = {} edges = [] @@ -62,7 +64,7 @@ for infile in args.input: else: words[state] = [word] - state = f'{token.tag_},{token.dep_},{str(cnt)}' + state = f'{token.tag_},{token.dep_}' if state in words: words[state].append(word) @@ -78,7 +80,7 @@ for infile in args.input: continue cnt += 1 - next_state = f'{token.tag_},{token.dep_},{str(cnt)}' + next_state = f'{token.tag_},{token.dep_}' edges.append((curr_state, next_state)) @@ -107,10 +109,12 @@ for key in transitions.keys(): chain[key] = { 'choices': choices, 'probs': probs} sents = [] -for _ in range(10): +paragraph_sent_cnt = rng.integers(5, 10) +while word_cnt > 0: choice = 'START' choices = [] + sent_word_cnt = 0 while True: next_choice = rng.choice(chain[choice]['choices'], p=chain[choice]['probs']) @@ -118,7 +122,19 @@ for _ in range(10): continue if next_choice == 'STOP': - sents.append(' '.join(choices)) + sents.append(' '.join(choices) + .replace(" '", "'") + .replace(" ’", "’") + .replace(" `", "`") + + '.' + ) + + word_cnt -= sent_word_cnt + paragraph_sent_cnt -= 1 + if paragraph_sent_cnt < 0: + sents.append(os.linesep) + sents.append(os.linesep) + paragraph_sent_cnt = rng.integers(5, 10) break try: @@ -126,8 +142,14 @@ for _ in range(10): except KeyError: word = rng.choice(words[','.join(next_choice.split(',')[:-1])]) + if choice == 'START' or word == 'i': + word = str.title(word) + elif not (next_choice.startswith('PROPN') or word == 'I'): + word = str.lower(word) + choices.append(word) + sent_word_cnt += 1 choice = next_choice -print(os.linesep.join(sents)) +print(' '.join(sents))