第1章

CONTENTS

THEROSEOFTUOLUMNE

APASSAGEINTHELIFEOFMR。JOHNOAKHURST

WANLEE，THEPAGAN

HOWOLDMANPLUNKETTWENTHOME

THEFOOLOFFIVEFORKS

BABYSYLVESTER

ANEPISODEOFFIDDLETOWN

AJERSEYCENTENARIAN

THEROSEOFTUOLUMNE

CHAPTERI

Itwasnearlytwoo’clockinthemorning。ThelightswereoutinRobinson’sHall，wheretherehadbeendancingandrevelry；andthemoon，ridinghigh，paintedtheblackwindowswithsilver。Thecavalcade，thatanhouragohadshockedthesedatepineswithsongandlaughter，werealldispersed。Oneenamouredswainhadriddeneast，anotherwest，anothernorth，anothersouth；andtheobjectoftheiradoration，leftwithinherboweratChemisalRidge，wascalmlygoingtobed。

IregretthatIamnotabletoindicatetheexactstageofthatprocess。Twochairswerealreadyfilledwithdelicateinwrappingsandwhiteconfusion；andtheyoungladyherself，half-hiddeninthesilkythreadsofheryellowhair，hadatonetimeborneafaintresemblancetoapartly-huskedearofIndiancorn。Butshewasnowclothedinthatonelong，formlessgarmentthatmakesallwomenequal；andtheroundshouldersandneatwaist，thatanhouragohadbeensofataltothepeaceofmindofFourForks，hadutterlydisappeared。Thefaceaboveitwasverypretty：thefootbelow，albeitshapely，wasnotsmall。\"Theflowers，asageneralthing，don’traisetheirheadsMUCHtolookafterme，\"shehadsaidwithsuperbfranknesstooneofherlovers。

Theexpressionofthe\"Rose\"to-nightwascontentedlyplacid。Shewalkedslowlytothewindow，and，makingthesmallestpossiblepeepholethroughthecurtain，lookedout。Themotionlessfigureofahorsemanstilllingeredontheroad，withanexcessofdevotionthatonlyacoquette，orawomanverymuchinlove，couldtolerate。

The\"Rose，\"atthatmoment，wasneither，and，afterareasonablepause，turnedaway，sayingquiteaudiblythatitwas\"tooridiculousforanything。\"Asshecamebacktoherdressing-table，itwasnoticeablethatshewalkedsteadilyanderect，withoutthatslightaffectationoflamenesscommontopeoplewithwhombarefeetareonlyanepisode。Indeed，itwasonlyfouryearsago，thatwithoutshoesorstockings，along-limbed，coltygirl，inawaistlesscalicogown，shehadleapedfromthetailboardofherfather’semigrant-wagonwhenitfirstdrewupatChemisalRidge。

Certainwildhabitsofthe\"Rose\"hadoutlivedtransplantingandcultivation。

Aknockatthedoorsurprisedher。Inanothermomentshehadleapedintobed，andwithdarkly-frowningeyes，fromitssecurerecessesdemanded\"Who’sthere？\"

Anapologeticmurmurontheothersideofthedoorwastheresponse。

\"Why，father！——isthatyou？\"

Therewerefurthermurmurs，affirmative，deprecatory，andpersistent。

\"Wait，\"saidthe\"Rose。\"Shegotup，unlockedthedoor，leapednimblyintobedagain，andsaid，\"Come。\"

Thedooropenedtimidly。Thebroad，stoopingshoulders，andgrizzledhead，ofamanpastthemiddleage，appeared：afteramoment’shesitation，apairoflarge，diffidentfeet，shodwithcanvasslippers，concludedtofollow。Whentheapparitionwascomplete，itclosedthedoorsoftly，andstoodthere，——averyshyghostindeed，——withapparentlymorethantheusualspiritualindispositiontobeginaconversation。The\"Rose\"resentedthisimpatiently，though，Ifear，notaltogetherintelligibly。

\"Do，father，Ideclare！\"

\"Youwasabed，Jinny，\"saidMr。McCloskyslowly，glancing，withasingularmixtureofmasculineaweandpaternalpride，uponthetwochairsandtheircontents，——\"youwasabedandondressed。\"

\"Iwas。\"

\"Surely，\"saidMr。McClosky，seatinghimselfontheextremeedgeofthebed，andpainfullytuckinghisfeetawayunderit，——\"surely。\"

Afterapause，herubbedashort，thick，stumpybeard，thatboreageneralresemblancetoabadly-wornblacking-brush，withthepalmofhishand，andwenton，\"Youhadagoodtime，Jinny？\"

\"Yes，father。\"

\"Theywasallthere？\"

\"Yes，RanceandYorkandRyderandJack。\"

\"AndJack！\"Mr。McCloskyendeavoredtothrowanexpressionofarchinquiryintohissmall，tremulouseyes；butmeetingtheunabashed，widely-openedlidofhisdaughter，hewinkedrapidly，andblushedtotherootsofhishair。

\"Yes，Jackwasthere，\"saidJenny，withoutchangeofcolor，ortheleastself-consciousnessinhergreatgrayeyes；\"andhecamehomewithme。\"Shepausedamoment，lockinghertwohandsunderherhead，andassumingamorecomfortablepositiononthepillow。\"Heaskedmethatsamequestionagain，father，andIsaid，’Yes。’It’stobe——soon。We’regoingtoliveatFourForks，inhisownhouse；

andnextwinterwe’regoingtoSacramento。Isupposeit’sallright，father，eh？\"Sheemphasizedthequestionwithaslightkickthroughthebed-clothes，astheparentalMcCloskyhadfallenintoanabstractrevery。

\"Yes，surely，\"saidMr。McClosky，recoveringhimselfwithsomeconfusion。Afterapause，helookeddownatthebed-clothes，and，pattingthemtenderly，continued，\"Youcouldn’thavedonebetter，Jinny。Theyisn’tagirlinTuolumneezcouldstrikeitezrichasyouhev——eveniftheygotthechance。\"Hepausedagain，andthensaid，\"Jinny？\"

\"Yes，father。\"

\"You’seinbed，andondressed？\"

\"Yes。\"

\"Youcouldn’t，\"saidMr。McClosky，glancinghopelesslyatthetwochairs，andslowlyrubbinghischin，——\"youcouldn’tdressyourselfagaincouldyer？\"

\"Why，father！\"

\"Kindergetyourselfintothemthingsagain？\"headdedhastily。

\"Notallof’em，youknow，butsomeof’em。NotifIhelpedyou——

sorterstoodby，andlentahandnowandthenwithastrap，orabuckle，oranecktie，orashoestring？\"hecontinued，stilllookingatthechairs，andevidentlytryingtoboldlyfamiliarizehimselfwiththeircontents。

\"Areyoucrazy，father？\"demandedJennysuddenlysittingupwithaportentousswitchofheryellowmane。Mr。McCloskyrubbedonesideofhisbeard，whichalreadyhadtheappearanceofhavingbeenquitewornawaybythatprocess，andfaintlydodgedthequestion。

\"Jinny，\"hesaid，tenderlystrokingthebedclothesashespoke，\"thisyer’swhat’sthematter。Tharisastrangerdownstairs，——astrangertoyou，lovey，butamanezI’veknowedalongtime。He’sbeenhereaboutanhour；andhe’llbehereontilfowero’clock，whentheup-stagepasses。NowIwantsye，Jinnydear，togetupandcomedownstairs，andkinderhelpmepassthetimewithhim。

It’snouse，Jinny，\"hewenton，gentlyraisinghishandtodeprecateanyinterruption，\"it’snouse！Hewon’tgotobed；hewon’tplaykeerds；whiskeydon’ttakenoeffectonhim。EversinceIknowedhim，hewasthemostonsatisfactorycrittertohevround\"——

\"Whatdoyouhavehimroundfor，then？\"interruptedMissJinnysharply。

Mr。McClosky’seyesfell。\"Efhehedn’tkemoutofhiswayto-

nighttodomeagoodturn，Iwouldn’taskye，Jinny。Iwouldn’t，sohelpme！ButIthought，ezIcouldn’tdoanythingwithhim，youmightcomedown，andsorterfetchhim，Jinny，asyoudidtheothers。\"

MissJennyshruggedherprettyshoulders。

\"Isheold，oryoung？\"

\"He’syoungenough，Jinny；butheknowsapowerofthings。\"

\"Whatdoeshedo？\"

\"Notmuch，Ireckon。He’sgotmoneyinthemillatFourForks。Hetravelsroundagooddeal。I’veheard，Jinnythathe’sapoet——

writesthemrhymes，youknow。\"Mr。McCloskyhereappealedsubmissivelybutdirectlytohisdaughter。Herememberedthatshehadfrequentlybeeninreceiptofprintedelegaiccoupletsknownas\"mottoes，\"containingenclosuresequallysaccharine。

MissJennyslightlycurledherprettylip。Shehadthatfinecontemptfortheillusionsoffancywhichbelongstotheperfectlyhealthyyounganimal。

\"Not，\"continuedMr。McClosky，rubbinghisheadreflectively，\"notezI’dadviseye，Jinny，tosayanythingtohimaboutpoetry。Itain’ttwentyminutesagoezIdid。Isetthewhiskeyaforehimintheparlor。Iwoundupthemusic-box，andsetitgoin’。ThenI

seztohim，sociable-likeandfree，’Jestconsideryourselfinyourownhouse，andrepeatwhatyouallowtobeyourfinestproduction，’

andheraged。Thatman，Jinny，jestraged！Thar’snoendofthenameshecalledme。Yousee，Jinny，\"continuedMr。McCloskyapologetically，\"he’sknownmealongtime。\"

Buthisdaughterhadalreadydismissedthequestionwithherusualdirectness。\"I’llbedowninafewmoments，father，\"shesaidafterapause，\"butdon’tsayanythingtohimaboutit——don’tsayIwasabed。\"

Mr。McClosky’sfacebeamed。\"Youwasallersagoodgirl，Jinny，\"

hesaid，droppingononekneethebettertoimprintarespectfulkissonherforehead。ButJennycaughthimbythewrists，andforamomentheldhimcaptive。\"Father，\"saidshe，tryingtofixhisshyeyeswiththeclear，steadyglanceofherown，\"allthegirlsthatwerethereto-nighthadsomeonewiththem。MameRobinsonhadheraunt；LucyRancehadhermother；KatePiersonhadhersister——

all，exceptme，hadsomeotherwoman。Fatherdear，\"herliptrembledjustalittle，\"Iwishmotherhadn’tdiedwhenIwassosmall。Iwishtherewassomeotherwomaninthefamilybesidesme。

Iain’tlonelywithyou，fatherdear；butiftherewasonlysomeone，youknow，whenthetimecomesforJohnandme\"——

Hervoiceheresuddenlygaveout，butnotherbraveeyes，thatwerestillfixedearnestlyuponhisface。Mr。McClosky，apparentlytracingoutapatternonthebedquilt，essayedwordsofcomfort。

\"Tharain’toneofthemgalsezyou’venamed，Jinny，ezcoulddowhatyou’vedonewithawholeNoah’sarkofrelations，attheirbacks！Tharain’t’oneezwouldn’tsacrificehernearestrelationtomakethestrikethatyouhev。Eztomothers，maybe，mydearyou’redoin’betterwithoutone。\"Herosesuddenly，andwalkedtowardthedoor。Whenhereachedit，heturned，and，inhisolddeprecatingmanner，said，\"Don’tbelong，Jinny，\"smiled，andvanishedfromtheheaddownward，hiscanvasslippersassertingthemselvesresolutelytothelast。

WhenMr。McCloskyreachedhisparloragain，histroublesomeguestwasnotthere。Thedecanterstoodonthetableuntouched；threeorfourbookslayuponthefloor；anumberofphotographicviewsoftheSierraswerescatteredoverthesofa；twosofa-pillows，anewspaper，andaMexicanblanket，layonthecarpet，asifthelateoccupantoftheroomhadtriedtoreadinarecumbentposition。A

Frenchwindowopeninguponaveranda，whichneverbeforeinthehistoryofthehousehadbeenunfastened，nowbetrayedbyitswavinglacecurtainthewaythatthefugitivehadescaped。Mr。

McCloskyheavedasighofdespair。HelookedatthegorgeouscarpetpurchasedinSacramentoatafabulousprice，atthecrimsonsatinandrosewoodfurnitureunparalleledinthehistoryofTuolumne，atthemassively-framedpicturesonthewalls，andlookedbeyondit，throughtheopenwindow，totherecklessman，who，fleeingthesesybariticallurements，wassmokingacigaruponthemoonlitroad。Thisroom，whichhadsooftenawedtheyouthofTuolumneintofilialrespect，wasevidentlyafailure。Itremainedtobeseenifthe\"Rose\"herselfhadlostherfragrance。\"IreckonJinnywillfetchhimyet，\"saidMr。McCloskywithparentalfaith。

Hesteppedfromthewindowupontheveranda；buthehadscarcelydonethis，beforehisfigurewasdetectedbythestranger，whoatoncecrossedtheroad。WhenwithinafewfeetofMcClosky，hestopped。\"Youpersistentoldplantigrade！\"hesaidinalowvoice，audibleonlytothepersonaddressed，andafacefullofaffectedanxiety，\"whydon’tyougotobed？Didn’tItellyoutogoandleavemeherealone？Inthenameofallthat’sidioticandimbecile，whydoyoucontinuetoshuffleabouthere？Orareyoutryingtodrivemecrazywithyourpresence，asyouhavewiththatwretchedmusic-boxthatI’vejustdroppedunderyondertree？It’sanhourandahalfyetbeforethestagepasses：doyouthink，doyouimagineforasinglemoment，thatIcantolerateyouuntilthen，eh？Whydon’tyouspeak？Areyouasleep？Youdon’tmeantosaythatyouhavetheaudacitytoaddsomnambulismtoyourotherweaknesses？you’renotlowenoughtorepeatyourselfunderanysuchweakpretextasthat，eh？\"

Afitofnervouscoughingendedthisextraordinaryexordium；andhalfsitting，halfleaningagainsttheveranda，Mr。McClosky’sguestturnedhisface，andpartofaslightelegantfigure，towardhishost。Thelowerportionofthisupturnedfaceworeanhabitualexpressionoffastidiousdiscontent，withanoccasionallineofphysicalsuffering。Butthebrowabovewasfrankandcritical；andapairofdark，mirthfuleyes，satinplayfuljudgmentoverthesuper-sensitivemouthanditssuggestion。

\"Iallowedtogotobed，Ridgeway，\"saidMr。McCloskymeekly；\"butmygirlJinny’sjistgotbackfromalittletearupatRobinson’s，andain’tinclinedtoturninyet。Youknowwhatgirlsis。SoI

thoughtwethreewouldjisthaveasocialchattogethertopassawaythetime。\"

\"Youmendaciousoldhypocrite！Shegotbackanhourago，\"saidRidgeway，\"asthatsavage-lookingescortofhers，whohasbeenhauntingthehouseeversince，cantestify。Mybeliefis，that，likeanenterprisingidiotasyouare，you’vedraggedthatgirloutofherbed，thatwemightmutuallyboreeachother。\"

Mr。McCloskywastoomuchstunnedbythisevidenceofRidgeway’sapparentlysuperhumanpenetrationtoreply。Afterenjoyinghishost’sconfusionforamomentwithhiseyes，Ridgeway’smouthaskedgrimly，——

\"Andwhoisthisgirl，anyway？\"

\"Nancy’s。\"

\"Yourwife’s？\"

\"Yes。Butlookyar，Ridgeway，\"saidMcClosky，layingonehandimploringlyonRidgeway’ssleeve，\"notawordabouthertoJinny。

Shethinkshermother’sdead——diedinMissouri。Eh！\"

Ridgewaynearlyrolledfromtheverandainanexcessofrage。

\"GoodGod！Doyoumeantosaythatyouhavebeenconcealingfromherafactthatanyday，anymoment，maycometoherears？Thatyou’vebeenlettinghergrowupinignoranceofsomethingthatbythistimeshemighthaveoutgrownandforgotten？Thatyouhavebeen，likeabesottedoldass，alltheseyearsslowlyforgingathunderboltthatanyonemaycrushherwith？That\"——buthereRidgeway’scoughtookpossessionofhisvoice，andevenputamoistureintohisdarkeyes，ashelookedatMcClosky’saimlesshandfeeblyemployeduponhisbeard。

\"But，\"saidMcClosky，\"lookhowshe’sdone！She’sheldherheadashighasanyof’em。She’stobemarriedinamonthtotherichestmaninthecounty；and，\"headdedcunningly，\"JackAsheain’tthekindo’mantositbyandhearanythingsaidofhiswifeorherrelations，youbet！Buthush——that’sherfootonthestairs。

She’scummin’。\"

Shecame。Idon’tthinktheFrenchwindoweverheldafinerviewthanwhensheputasidethecurtains，andsteppedout。Shehaddressedherselfsimplyandhurriedly，butwithawoman’sknowledgeofherbestpoints；sothatyougotthelongcurvesofhershapelylimbs，theshortercurvesofherroundwaistandshoulders，thelongsweepofheryellowbraids，thelightofhergrayeyes，andeventhedelicateroseofhercomplexion，withoutknowinghowitwasdeliveredtoyou。

TheintroductionbyMr。McCloskywasbrief。WhenRidgewayhadgotoverthefactthatitwastwoo’clockinthemorning，andthatthecheekofthisTuolumnegoddessnearesthimwasasdewyandfreshasaninfant’s，thatshelookedlikeMarguerite，without，probably，everhavingheardofGoethe’sheroine，hetalked，Idaresay，verysensibly。WhenMissJenny——whofromherchildhoodhadbeenbroughtupamongthesonsofAnak，andwhowasaccustomedtohavethesupremacyofournoblesexpresentedtoherasaphysicalfact——

foundherselfinthepresenceofanewandstrangepowerintheslightandelegantfigurebesideher，shewasatfirstfrightenedandcold。Butfindingthatthispower，againstwhichtheweaponsofherownphysicalcharmswereofnoavail，wasakindlyone，albeitgeneral，shefelltoworshippingit，afterthefashionofwoman，andcastingbeforeitthefetishesandotheridolsofheryouth。Sheevenconfessedtoit。Sothat，inhalfanhour，Ridgewaywasinpossessionofallthefactsconnectedwithherlife，andagreatmany，Ifear，ofherfancies——exceptone。WhenMr。McCloskyfoundtheyoungpeoplethusamicablydisposed，hecalmlywenttosleep。

Itwasapleasanttimetoeach。ToMissJennyithadthecharmofnovelty；andsheabandonedherselftoit，forthatreason，muchmorefreelyandinnocentlythanhercompanion，whoknewsomethingmoreoftheinevitablelogicoftheposition。Idonotthink，however，hehadanyintentionoflove-making。Idonotthinkhewasatallconsciousofbeingintheattitude。Iamquitepositivehewouldhaveshrunkfromthesuggestionofdisloyaltytotheonewomanwhomheadmittedtohimselfheloved。But，likemostpoets，hewasmuchmoretruetoanideathanafact，andhavingaveryloftyconceptionofwomanhood，withaverysanguinenature，hesawineachnewfacethepossibilitiesofarealizationofhisideal。

Itwas，perhaps，anunfortunatethingforthewomen，particularlyashebroughttoeachtrialasurprisingfreshness，whichwasverydeceptive，andquitedistinctfromthe’blase’familiarityofthemanofgallantry。Itwasthisperennialvirginityoftheaffectionsthatmostendearedhimtothebestwomen，whowerepronetoexercisetowardhimachivalrousprotection，——asofonelikelytogoastray，unlesslookedafter，——andindulgedinthedangerouscombinationofsentimentwiththehighestmaternalinstincts。ItwasthisqualitywhichcausedJennytorecognizeinhimacertainboyishnessthatrequiredherwomanlycare，andeveninducedhertooffertoaccompanyhimtothecross-roadswhenthetimeforhisdeparturearrived。Withhersuperiorknowledgeofwoodcraftandthelocality，shewouldhavekepthimfrombeinglost。Iwotnotbutthatshewouldhaveprotectedhimfrombearsorwolves，butchiefly，Ithink，fromthefelinefascinationsofMameRobinsonandLucyRance，whomightbelyinginwaitforthistenderyoungpoet。

NordidsheceasetobethankfulthatProvidencehad，sotospeak，deliveredhimasatrustintoherhands。

Itwasalovelynight。Themoonswunglow，andlanguishedsoftlyonthesnowyridgebeyond。Therewerequaintodorsinthestillair；andastrangeincensefromthewoodsperfumedtheiryoungblood，andseemedtoswoonintheirpulses。Smallwonderthattheylingeredonthewhiteroad，thattheirfeetclimbed，unwillinglythelittlehillwheretheyweretopart，andthat，whentheyatlastreachedit，eventhesavinggraceofspeechseemedtohaveforsakenthem。

Fortheretheystoodalone。Therewasnosoundnormotioninearth，orwoods，orheaven。Theymighthavebeentheonemanandwomanforwhomthisgoodlyearththatlayattheirfeet，rimmedwiththedeepestazure，wascreated。And，seeingthis，theyturnedtowardeachotherwithasuddeninstinct，andtheirhandsmet，andthentheirlipsinonelongkiss。

Andthenoutofthemysteriousdistancecamethesoundofvoices，andthesharpclatterofhoofsandwheels，andJennyslidaway——awhitemoonbeam——fromthehill。Foramomentsheglimmeredthroughthetrees，andthen，reachingthehouse，passedhersleepingfatherontheveranda，and，dartingintoherbedroom，lockedthedoor，threwopenthewindow，and，fallingonherkneesbesideit，leanedherhotcheeksuponherhands，andlistened。Inafewmomentsshewasrewardedbythesharpclatterofhoofsonthestonyroad；butitwasonlyahorseman，whosedarkfigurewasswiftlylostintheshadowsofthelowerroad。Atanothertimeshemighthaverecognizedtheman；buthereyesandearswerenowallintentonsomethingelse。Itcamepresentlywithdancinglights，amusicalrattleofharness，acadenceofhoof-beats，thatsetherhearttobeatinginunison——andwasgone。Asuddensenseoflonelinesscameoverher；andtearsgatheredinhersweeteyes。

Shearose，andlookedaroundher。Therewasthelittlebed，thedressing-table，therosesthatshehadwornlastnight，stillfreshandbloominginthelittlevase。Everythingwasthere；buteverythinglookedstrange。Therosesshouldhavebeenwithered，forthepartyseemedsolongago。Shecouldhardlyrememberwhenshehadwornthisdressthatlayuponthechair。Soshecamebacktothewindow，andsankdownbesideit，withhercheekatriflepaler，leaningonherhand，andherlongbraidsreachingtothefloor。

Thestarspaledslowly，likehercheek；yetwitheyesthatsawnot，shestilllookedfromherwindowforthecomingdawn。

Itcame，withvioletdeepeningintopurple，withpurpleflushingintorose，withroseshiningintosilver，andglowingintogold。

Thestragglinglineofblackpicket-fencebelow，thathadfadedawaywiththestars，camebackwiththesun。Whatwasthatobjectmovingbythefence？Jennyraisedherhead，andlookedintently。

Itwasamanendeavoringtoclimbthepickets，andfallingbackwardwitheachattempt。Suddenlyshestartedtoherfeet，asiftherosyflushesofthedawnhadcrimsonedherfromforeheadtoshoulders；thenshestood，whiteasthewall，withherhandsclaspeduponherbosom；then，withasinglebound，shereachedthedoor，and，withflyingbraidsandflutteringskirt，sprangdownthestairs，andouttothegardenwalk。Whenwithinafewfeetofthefence，sheutteredacry，thefirstshehadgiven，——thecryofamotheroverherstrickenbabe，ofatigressoverhermangledcub；

andinanothermomentshehadleapedthefence，andkneltbesideRidgeway，withhisfaintingheaduponherbreast。

\"Myboy，mypoor，poorboy！whohasdonethis？\"

Who，indeed？Hisclotheswerecoveredwithdust；hiswaistcoatwastornopen；andhishandkerchief，wetwiththeblooditcouldnotstanch，fellfromacruelstabbeneathhisshoulder。

\"Ridgeway，mypoorboy！tellmewhathashappened。\"

Ridgewayslowlyopenedhisheavyblue-veinedlids，andgazeduponher。Presentlyagleamofmischiefcameintohisdarkeyes，asmilestoleoverhislipsashewhisperedslowly，——

\"It——was——yourkiss——didit，Jennydear。Ihadforgotten——howhigh-pricedthearticlewashere。Nevermind，Jenny！\"——hefeeblyraisedherhandtohiswhitelips，——\"itwas——worthit，\"andfaintedaway。

Jennystartedtoherfeet，andlookedwildlyaroundher。Then，withasuddenresolution，shestoopedovertheinsensibleman，andwithonestrongeffortliftedhiminherarmsasifhehadbeenachild。Whenherfather，amomentlater，rubbedhiseyes，andawokefromhissleepupontheveranda，itwastoseeagoddess，erectandtriumphant，stridingtowardthehousewiththehelplessbodyofamanlyingacrossthatbreastwheremanhadneverlainbefore，——agoddess，atwhoseimperiousmandatehearose，andcastopenthedoorsbeforeher。Andthen，whenshehadlaidherunconsciousburdenonthesofa，thegoddessfled；andawoman，helplessandtrembling，stoodbeforehim，——awomanthatcriedoutthatshehad\"killedhim，\"thatshewas\"wicked，wicked！\"andthat，evensayingso，staggered，andfellbesideherlateburden。AndallthatMr。

McCloskycoulddowastofeeblyrubhisbeard，andsaytohimselfvaguelyandincoherently，that\"Jinnyhadfetchedhim。\"

CHAPTERII

Beforenoonthenextday，itwasgenerallybelievedthroughoutFourForksthatRidgewayDenthadbeenattackedandwoundedatChemisalRidgebyahighwayman，whofledontheapproachoftheWingdamcoach。ItistobepresumedthatthisstatementmetwithRidgeway’sapproval，ashedidnotcontradictit，norsupplementitwithanydetails。Hiswoundwassevere，butnotdangerous。Afterthefirstexcitementhadsubsided，therewas，Ithink，aprevailingimpressioncommontotheprovincialmind，thathismisfortunewastheresultofthedefectivemoralqualityofhisbeingastranger，andwas，inavaguesortofaway，awarningtoothers，andalessontohim。\"DidyouhearhowthatSanFranciscofellerwastookdowntheothernight？\"wastheaveragetoneofintroductoryremark。Indeed，therewasageneralsuggestionthatRidgeway’spresencewasonethatnoself-respecting，high-mindedhighwayman，honorablyconservativeofthebestinterestsofTuolumneCounty，couldforamomenttolerate。

Exceptforthefewwordsspokenonthateventfulmorning，Ridgewaywasreticentofthepast。WhenJennystrovetogathersomedetailsoftheaffraythatmightofferaclewtohisunknownassailant，asubtletwinkleinhisbrowneyeswastheonlyresponse。WhenMr。

McCloskyattemptedthesameprocess，theyounggentlemanthrewabusiveepithets，and，eventuallyslippers，teaspoons，andotherlighterarticleswithinthereachofaninvalid，attheheadofhisquestioner。\"Ithinkhe’scominground，Jinny，\"saidMr。McClosky：

\"helaidformethismorningwithacandlestick。\"

ItwasaboutthistimethatMissJenny，havingswornherfathertosecrecyregardingthemannerinwhichRidgewayhadbeencarriedintothehouse，conceivedtheideaofaddressingtheyoungmanas\"Mr。Dent，\"andofapologizingforintrudingwheneversheenteredtheroominthedischargeofherhouseholdduties。Itwasaboutthistimethatshebecamemorerigidlyconscientioustothoseduties，andlessgeneralinherattentions。Itwasatthistimethatthequalityoftheinvalid’sdietimproved，andthatsheconsultedhimlessfrequentlyaboutit。Itwasaboutthistimethatshebegantoseemorecompany，thatthehousewasgreatlyfrequentedbyherformeradmirers，withwhomsherode，walked，anddanced。Itwasataboutthistimealso，andwhenRidgewaywasabletobebroughtoutontheverandainachair，that，withgreatarchnessofmanner，sheintroducedtohimMissLucyAshe，thesisterofherbetrothed，aflashingbrunette，andterribleheart-

breakerofFourForks。And，inthemidstofthisgayety，sheconcludedthatshewouldspendaweekwiththeRobinsons，towhomsheowedavisit。Sheenjoyedherselfgreatlythere，somuch，indeed，thatshebecamequitehollow-eyed，theresult，assheexplainedtoherfather，ofatoofrequentindulgenceinfestivity。

\"Yousee，father，Iwon’thavemanychancesafterJohnandIaremarried：youknowhowqueerheis，andImustmakethemostofmytime；\"andshelaughedanoddlittlelaugh，whichhadlatelybecomehabitualtoher。\"AndhowisMr。Dentgettingon？\"Herfatherrepliedthathewasgettingonverywellindeed，——sowell，infact，thathewasabletoleaveforSanFranciscotwodaysago。\"Hewantedtoberememberedtoyou，Jinny，——’rememberedkindly，’——yes，theyistheverywordsheused，\"saidMr。McClosky，lookingdown，andconsultingoneofhislargeshoesforcorroboration。MissJennywasgladtohearthathewassomuchbetter。MissJennycouldnotimagineanythingthatpleasedhermorethantoknowthathewassostrongastobeabletorejoinhisfriendsagain，whomustlovehimsomuch，andbesoanxiousabouthim。Herfatherthoughtshewouldbepleased，and，nowthathewasgone，therewasreallynonecessityforhertohurryback。MissJenny，inahighmetallicvoice，didnotknowthatshehadexpressedanydesiretostay，stillifherpresencehadbecomedistastefulathome，ifherownfatherwasdesirousofgettingridofher，if，whenshewassosoontoleavehisroofforever，hestillbegrudgedherthosefewdaysremaining，if——\"MyGod，Jinny，sohelpme！\"saidMr。

McClosky，clutchingdespairinglyathisbeard，\"Ididn’tgofortosayanythingofthekind。Ithoughtthatyou\"——\"Nevermind，father，\"interruptedJennymagnanimously，\"youmisunderstoodme：ofcourseyoudid，youcouldn’thelpit——you’reaMAN！\"Mr。McClosky，sorelycrushed，wouldhavevaguelyprotested；buthisdaughter，havingrelievedherself，afterthemannerofhersex，withamentalpersonalapplicationofanabstractstatement，forgavehimwithakiss。

Nevertheless，fortwoorthreedaysafterherreturn，Mr。McCloskyfollowedhisdaughteraboutthehousewithyearningeyes，andoccasionallywithtimid，diffidentfeet。Sometimeshecameuponhersuddenlyatherhouseholdtasks，withanexcusesopalpablyfalse，andacarelessmannersooutrageouslystudied，thatshewasfaintobeembarrassedforhim。Later，hetooktoramblingaboutthehouseatnight，andwasoftenseennoiselesslypassingandrepassingthroughthehallaftershehadretired。Ononeoccasion，hewassurprised，firstbysleep，andthenbytheearly-risingJenny，ashelayontherugoutsideherchamber-door。\"Youtreatmelikeachild，father，\"saidJenny。\"Ithought，Jinny，\"saidthefatherapologetically，——\"IthoughtIheardsoundsasifyouwastakin’oninside，and，listenin’Ifellasleep。\"——\"Youdear，oldsimple-mindedbaby！\"saidJenny，lookingpastherfather’seyes，andliftinghisgrizzledlocksonebyonewithmeditativefingers：

\"whatshouldIbetakin’onfor？LookhowmuchtallerIamthanyou！\"shesaid，suddenlyliftingherselfuptotheextremeofhersuperbfigure。Thenrubbinghisheadrapidlywithbothhands，asifshewereanointinghishairwithsomerareunguent，shepattedhimontheback，andreturnedtoherroom。TheresultofthisandoneortwootherequallysympatheticinterviewswastoproduceachangeinMr。McClosky’smanner，whichwas，ifpossible，stillmorediscomposing。Hegrewunjustifiablyhilarious，crackedjokeswiththeservants，andrepeatedtoJennyhumorousstories，withtheattitudeoffacetiousnesscarefullypreservedthroughouttheentirenarration，andthepointutterlyignoredandforgotten。Certainincidentsremindedhimoffunnythings，whichinvariablyturnedouttohavenottheslightestrelevancyorapplication。Heoccasionallybroughthomewithhimpracticalhumorists，withasanguinehopeofsettingthemgoing，likethemusic-box，forhisdaughter’sedification。Heessayedthesingingofmelodieswithgreatfreedomofstyle，andsingularlimitationofnote。Hesang\"ComehastetotheWedding，YeLassesandMaidens，\"ofwhichheknewasingleline，andthatincorrectly，asbeingpeculiarlyaptandappropriate。Yetawayfromthehouseandhisdaughter’spresence，hewassilentanddistraught。HisabsenceofmindwasparticularlynotedbyhisworkmenattheEmpireQuartzMill。\"Eftheoldmandon’tlookoutandwakeup，\"saidhisforeman，\"he’llhevthemfeetofhisyetunderthestamps。Whenheain’tgivin’hismindto’em，theyisaltogethertoopromiskuss。\"

Afewnightslater，MissJennyrecognizedherfather’shandinatimidtapatthedoor。Sheopenedit，andhestoodbeforeher，withavaliseinhishand，equippedasforajourney。\"Itakesthestageto-night，Jinnydear，fromFourForksto’Frisco。MaybeI

maydropinonJackaforeIgo。I’llbebackinaweek。Good-by。\"

\"Good-by。\"Hestillheldherhand。Presentlyhedrewherbackintotheroom，closingthedoorcarefully，andglancingaround。

Therewasalookofprofoundcunninginhiseyeashesaidslowly，——

\"Bearup，andkeepdark，Jinnydear，andtrusttotheoldman。

Variousmenhasvariousways。Thariswaysasiscommon，andwaysasisuncommon；waysasiseasy，andwaysasisoneasy。Bearup，andkeepdark。\"WiththisDelphicutteranceheputhisfingertohislips，andvanished。

Itwasteno’clockwhenhereachedFourForks。Afewminuteslater，hestoodonthethresholdofthatdwellingdescribedbytheFourForks\"Sentinel\"as\"thepalatialresidenceofJohnAshe，\"andknowntothelocalsatiristasthe\"ash-box。\"\"Hevin’tolaybytwohours，John，\"hesaidtohisprospectiveson-in-law，ashetookhishandatthedoor，\"afewwordsofsocialconverse，notonbusiness，butstrictlyprivate，seemstobeaboutasnat’ralathingasamancando。\"Thisintroduction，evidentlytheresultofsomestudy，andplainlycommittedtomemory，seemedsosatisfactorytoMr。McClosky，thatherepeateditagain，afterJohnAshehadledhimintohisprivateoffice，where，depositinghisvaliseinthemiddleofthefloor，andsittingdownbeforeit，hebegancarefullytoavoidtheeyeofhishost。JohnAshe，atall，dark，handsomeKentuckian，withwhomeventhetriflesoflifewereevidentlyfullofseriousimport，waitedwithakindofchivalrousrespectthefurtherspeechofhisguest。Beingutterlydevoidofanysenseoftheridiculous，healwaysacceptedMr。McCloskyasagravefact，singularonlyfromhisownwantofexperienceoftheclass。

\"Oresisrunninglightnow，\"saidMr。McCloskywitheasyindifference。

JohnAshereturnedthathehadnoticedthesamefactinthereceiptsofthemillatFourForks。

Mr。McCloskyrubbedhisbeard，andlookedathisvalise，asifforsympathyandsuggestion。

\"Youdon’treckononhavinganytroublewithanyofthemchapsasyoucutoutwithJinny？\"

JohnAshe，ratherhaughtily，hadneverthoughtofthat。\"IsawRancehangingroundyourhousetheothernight，whenItookyourdaughterhome；buthegavemeawideberth，\"headdedcarelessly。

\"Surely，\"saidMr。McClosky，withapeculiarwinkingoftheeye。

Afterapause，hetookafreshdeparturefromhisvalise。

\"Afewwords，John，ezbetweenmanandman，ezbetweenmydaughter’sfatherandherhusbandwhoexpectstobe，isaboutthething，Itakeit，asisfairandsquare。Ikemheretosaythem。

They’reaboutJinny，mygal。\"

Ashe’sgravefacebrightened，toMr。McClosky’sevidentdiscomposure。

\"MaybeIshouldhavesaidabouthermother；but，thesamebein’astrangertoyou，Isaysnaterally，’Jinny。’\"

Ashenoddedcourteously。Mr。McClosky，withhiseyesonhisvalise，wenton，——

\"ItissixteenyearagoasImarriedMrs。McCloskyintheStateofMissouri。Sheleton，atthetime，tobeawidder，——awidderwithonechild。WhenIsayleton，ImeantoimplythatIsubsekentlyfoundoutthatshewasnotawidder，norawife；andthefatherofthechildwas，sotospeak，onbeknowst。ThetchildwasJinny——mygal。\"

Withhiseyesonhisvalise，andquietlyignoringthewholly-

crimsonedfaceandswiftly-darkeningbrowofhishost，hecontinued，——

\"ManylittlethingssortertendedtomakeourhomeinMissourionpleasant。Adispositiontosmashfurniture，andheaveknivesaround；aninclinationtohowlwhendrunk，andthatfrequent；ahabitooaluseofvulgarlanguage，andatendencytocussthecasooalvisitor，——seemedtopint，\"addedMr。McCloskywithsubmissivehesitation\"that——she——was——sotospeak——quiteonsuitedtothemarriagerelationinitsholiestaspeck。\"

\"Damnation！Whydidn’t\"——burstoutJohnAshe，erectandfurious。

\"Attheendoftwoyear，\"continuedMr。McClosky，stillintentonthevalise，\"IallowedI’dgetadiworce。Etaboutthettime，however，Providencesendsacircusintothettown，andafellerezrodethreehorsestoonct。Hevin’allezatasteforathleticsports，shelefttownwiththisfeller，leavin’meandJinnybehind。Isentwordtoher，thet，ifshewouldgiveJinnytome，we’dcallitquits。Andshedid。\"

\"Tellme，\"gaspedAshe，\"didyouaskyourdaughtertokeepthisfromme？ordidshedoitofherownaccord？\"

\"Shedoesn’tknowit，\"saidMr。McClosky。\"ShethinksI’mherfather，andthathermother’sdead。\"

\"Then，sir，thisisyour\"——

\"Idon’tknow，\"saidMr。McCloskyslowly，\"ezI’veaskedanyonetomarrymyJinny。Idon’tknowezI’vepersoodthatezabiziness，oreventakenitupasahealthfulrecreation。\"

JohnAshepacedtheroomfuriously。Mr。McClosky’seyesleftthevalise，andfollowedhimcuriously。\"Whereisthiswoman？\"

demandedAshesuddenly。McClosky’seyessoughtthevaliseagain。

\"ShewenttoKansas；fromKansasshewentintoTexas；fromTexassheeventooallycametoCaliforny。Beinghere，I’vepurvidedherwithmoney，whenherbusinesswasslack，throughafriend。\"

JohnAshegroaned。\"She’sgettin’ratheroldandshakyforhosses，andnowdoesthetight-ropebusinessandflyingtrapeze。Neverhevin’seenherperform，\"continuedMr。McCloskywithconscientiouscaution，\"Ican’tsayhowshegetson。Onthebillsshelookswell。Tharisaposter，\"saidMr。McCloskyglancingatAshe，andopeninghisvalise，——\"tharisapostergivin’herperformanceatMarysvillenextmonth。\"Mr。McCloskyslowlyunfoldedalargeyellow-and-blueprintedposter，profuselyillustrated。\"Shecallsherself’Mams’elleJ。Miglawski，thegreatRussianTrapeziste。’\"

JohnAshetoreitfromhishand。\"Ofcourse，\"hesaid，suddenlyfacingMr。McClosky，\"youdon’texpectmetogoonwiththis？\"

Mr。McCloskytookuptheposter，carefullyrefoldedit，andreturnedittohisvalise。\"WhenyoubreakoffwithJinny，\"hesaidquietly，\"Idon’twantanythingsaid’boutthis。Shedoesn’tknowit。She’sawoman，andIreckonyou’reawhiteman。\"

\"ButwhatamItosay？HowamItogobackofmyword？\"

\"Writeheranote。Saysomethinghezcometoyourknowledge（don’tsaywhat）thatmakesyoubreakitoff。Youneedn’tbeafeardJinny’lleveraskyouwhat。\"

JohnAshehesitated。Hefelthehadbeencruellywronged。Nogentleman，noAshe，couldgoonfurtherinthisaffair。Itwaspreposteroustothinkofit。Butsomehowhefeltatthemomentveryunlikeagentleman，oranAshe，andwasquitesureheshouldbreakdownunderJenny’ssteadyeyes。Butthen——hecouldwritetoher。

\"SooresisaboutaslighthereasontheRidge。Well，Ireckonthey’llcomeupbeforetherains。Good-night。\"Mr。McCloskytookthehandthathishostmechanicallyextended，shookitgravely，andwasgone。

WhenMr。McClosky，aweeklater，steppedagainuponhisownveranda，hesawthroughtheFrenchwindowthefigureofamaninhisparlor。Underhishospitableroof，thesightwasnotunusual；

but，foraninstant，asubtlesenseofdisappointmentthrilledhim。

WhenhesawitwasnotthefaceofAsheturnedtowardhim，hewasrelieved；butwhenhesawthetawnybeard，andquick，passionateeyesofHenryRance，hefeltanewsenseofapprehension，sothathefelltorubbinghisbeardalmostuponhisverythreshold。

Jennyranintothehall，andseizedherfatherwithalittlecryofjoy。\"Father，\"saidJennyinahurriedwhisper，\"don’tmindHIM，\"

indicatingRancewithatossofheryellowbraids：\"he’sgoingsoon。AndIthink，father，I’vedonehimwrong。Butit’salloverwithJohnandmenow。Readthatnote，andseehowhe’sinsultedme。\"Herlipquivered；butshewenton，\"It’sRidgewaythathemeans，father；andIbelieveitwasHIShandstruckRidgewaydown，orthatheknowswhodid。Buthushnow！notaword。\"

Shegavehimafeverishkiss，andglidedbackintotheparlor，leavingMr。McClosky，perplexedandirresolute，withthenoteinhishand。Heglancedatithurriedly，andsawthatitwascouchedinalmosttheverywordshehadsuggested。Butasudden，apprehensiverecollectioncameoverhim。Helistened；and，withanexclamationofdismay，heseizedhishat，andranoutofthehouse，buttoolate。Atthesamemomentaquick，nervousfootstepwasheardupontheveranda；theFrenchwindowflewopen，and，withalightlaughofgreeting，Ridgewaysteppedintotheroom。

Jenny’sfinerearfirstcaughtthestep。Jenny’sswifterfeelingshadsoundedthedepthsofhope，ofjoy，ofdespair，beforeheenteredtheroom。Jenny’spalefacewastheonlyonethatmethis，self-possessedandself-reliant，whenhestoodbeforethem。AnangryflushsuffusedeventhepinkrootsofRance’sbeardasherosetohisfeet。AnominousfiresprangintoRidgeway’seyes，andaspasmofhateandscornpassedoverthelowerpartofhisface，andleftthemouthandjawimmobileandrigid。

Yethewasthefirsttospeak。\"Ioweyouanapology，\"hesaidtoJenny，withasuavescornthatbroughttheindignantbloodbacktohercheek，\"forthisintrusion；butIasknopardonforwithdrawingfromtheonlyspotwherethatmandareconfrontmewithsafety。\"

Withanexclamationofrage，Rancesprangtowardhim。ButasquicklyJennystoodbetweenthem，erectandmenacing。\"Theremustbenoquarrelhere，\"shesaidtoRance。\"WhileIprotectyourrightasmyguest，don’tobligemetoremindyouofmineasyourhostess。\"Sheturnedwithahalf-deprecatoryairtoRidgeway；buthewasgone。Sowasherfather。OnlyRanceremainedwithalookofill-concealedtriumphonhisface。

Withoutlookingathim，shepassedtowardthedoor。Whenshereachedit，sheturned。\"Youaskedmeaquestionanhourago。

Cometomeinthegarden，atnineo’clocktonight，andIwillansweryou。Butpromiseme，first，tokeepawayfromMr。Dent。

Givemeyourwordnottoseekhim——toavoidhim，ifheseeksyou。

Doyoupromise？Itiswell。\"

Hewouldhavetakenherhand；butshewavedhimaway。Inanothermomentheheardtheswiftrustleofherdressinthehall，thesoundofherfeetuponthestair，thesharpclosingofherbedroomdoor，andallwasquiet。

Andeventhusquietlythedayworeaway；andthenightroseslowlyfromthevalley，andovershadowedthemountainswithpurplewingsthatfannedthestillairintoabreeze，untilthemoonfollowedit，andlulledeverythingtorestaswiththelaying-onofwhiteandbenedictoryhands。Itwasalovelynight；butHenryRance，waitingimpatientlybeneathasycamoreatthefootofthegarden，sawnobeautyinearthorairorsky。Athousandsuspicionscommontoajealousnature，avaguesuperstitionofthespot，filledhismindwithdistrustanddoubt。\"Ifthisshouldbeatricktokeepmyhandsoffthatinsolentpup！\"hemuttered。But，evenasthethoughtpassedhistongue，awhitefigureslidfromtheshrubberynearthehouse，glidedalongthelineofpicket-fence，andthenstopped，midway，motionlessinthemoonlight。

Itwasshe。Buthescarcelyrecognizedherinthewhitedraperythatcoveredherheadandshouldersandbreast。Heapproachedherwithahurriedwhisper。\"Letuswithdrawfromthemoonlight。

Everybodycanseeushere。\"

\"Wehavenothingtosaythatcannotbesaidinthemoonlight，HenryRance，\"shereplied，coldlyrecedingfromhisprofferedhand。Shetrembledforamoment，asifwithachill，andthensuddenlyturneduponhim。\"Holdupyourhead，andletmelookatyou！I’veknownonlywhatmenare：letmeseewhatatraitorlookslike！\"

Herecoiledmorefromherwildfacethanherwords。Hesawfromthefirstthatherhollowcheeksandholloweyeswereblazingwithfever。Hewasnocoward；buthewouldhavefled。

\"Youareill，Jenny，\"hesaid：\"youhadbestreturntothehouse。

Anothertime\"——

\"Stop！\"shecriedhoarsely。\"Movefromthisspot，andI’llcallforhelp！Attempttoleavemenow，andI’llproclaimyoutheassassinthatyouare！\"

\"Itwasafairfight，\"hesaiddoggedly。

\"Wasitafairfighttocreepbehindanunarmedandunsuspectingman？Wasitafairfighttotrytothrowsuspiciononsomeoneelse？Wasitafairfighttodeceiveme？Liarandcowardthatyouare！\"

Hemadeastealthysteptowardherwithevileyes，andawickederhandthatcreptwithinhisbreast。Shesawthemotion；butitonlystunghertonewerfury。

\"Strike！\"shesaidwithblazingeyes，throwingherhandsopenbeforehim。\"Strike！Areyouafraidofthewomanwhodaresyou？

Ordoyoukeepyourknifeforthebacksofunsuspectingmen？

Strike，Itellyou！No？Look，then！\"Withasuddenmovement，shetorefromherheadandshouldersthethicklaceshawlthathadconcealedherfigure，andstoodbeforehim。\"Look！\"shecriedpassionately，pointingtothebosomandshouldersofherwhitedress，darklystreakedwithfadedstainsandominousdiscoloration，——

\"look！ThisisthedressIworethatmorningwhenIfoundhimlyinghere，——HERE，——bleedingfromyourcowardlyknife。Look！Doyousee？

Thisishisblood，——mydarlingboy’sblood！——onedropofwhich，deadandfadedasitis，ismoreprecioustomethanthewholelivingpulseofanyotherman。Look！Icometoyouto-night，christenedwithhisblood，anddareyoutostrike，——dareyoutostrikehimagainthroughme，andminglemybloodwithhis。Strike，Iimploreyou！Strike！ifyouhaveanypityonme，forGod’ssake！

Strike！ifyouareaman！Look！Herelayhisheadonmyshoulder；

hereIheldhimtomybreast，wherenever——sohelpmemyGod！——

anotherman——Ah！\"——

Shereeledagainstthefence，andsomethingthathadflashedinRance’shanddroppedatherfeet；foranotherflashandreportrolledhimoverinthedust；andacrosshiswrithingbodytwomenstrode，andcaughtherereshefell。