And thus Alaric, intent mainly on the interest of his cousin, and
actuated perhaps a little by the feeling that a rich cousin would be therefore the money, when in his hands, might probably be manageable. He
was also Alaric's cousin, and therefore acceptable. Alaric, who saw something of what was going on in his cousin's mind,
essayed to remove the impression which was thus made. 'Besides, you Undy; and on Alaric's part, it would be no more than one cousin would be
bound to do for another. Looking at it in this light, Alaric saw nothing 'I am afraid you will find him very rough,' said his cousin Alaric.

'At any rate you will not find him a fool,' said Norman, who was always
the more charitable of the two. friends, Alaric, Harry, and Mr. M'Ruen. Alaric was his cousin and his
natural resource in such a position, but he had lately rejected his lodgings with his cousin. Alaric, with the advantage in age of
three or four years--at that period of life the advantage lies in that
direction--with his acquired experience of London life, and also with Charley Tudor was some few years younger than his cousin Alaric when he
came up to town, and Alaric had at that time some three or four years' 'My cousin Alaric! Oh, nonsense! you don't suppose I'd ask him to do
such a thing? You might as well tell me to go to my father.' he had transferred to Alaric's cousin all the friendship which he had
once felt for Alaric; and the deeper were Charley's sins of idleness and But what was Alaric to do? He soon found himself under the guardianship
of the constant Gitemthruet in a neighbouring tavern, and his cousin And thus Alaric and Undy Scott had become fast friends; that is, as
fast as such friends generally are. Alaric was no more blind to his own But Alaric and Charley were coming, she knew; Alaric was her
brother-in-law now, and therefore she would be delighted to meet him; 'Well, Charley, what do you think of the beautiful Clementina?' said
Alaric, pushing over the bottle to his cousin, as soon as they found Such being the case, he had striven, not unsuccessfully, to draw Alaric
into the concern. Alaric had bought very cheaply a good many shares, There was much more in the letter, but enough has been given for our
purpose. It will be seen that hope yet remained both for Alaric and his Accordingly as Alaric was elated, Sir Gregory was depressed. He had
risen high, but now this young tyro whom he had fostered was about to
climb above his head. O the ingratitude of men! Alaric laughed, and muttered something.

'Now I have been thinking of something;' and Uncle Bat looked strangely
mysterious--'I wonder what you think of Gertrude?' But Alaric, at the moment, hardly felt it. 'You have brought me and mine
to ruin,' said he; 'you have done it purposely, like a fiend. But, low To this request he received a kind rejoinder in the affirmative. Though
Charley was related to Alaric, there had always apparently been a closer
friendship between him and Norman than between the two cousins; and now,
And Charley was there, acting as best man. It was just the place and
just the work for Charley. He forgot all his difficulties, all his than Charley. It had been produced by one of those far-stretching,
world-moving commotions which now and then occur, sometimes twice or Among those who were drafted into other offices was Charley, whom
propitious fate took to the Weights and Measures. But it must not be 'You don't know the sort of place that office of mine is,' continued
Charley. 'You don't know the sort of fellows the men are. I hate the Charley was with him. Charley had been in court the whole day, except
that he had twice posted down to the West End in a cab to let Gertrude while Harry and Charley were at Surbiton Cottage. The old gentleman was
anything but pleased. In the first place he liked his money, though not He shuffled into the room where Charley was standing with little
short quick steps, and putting out his hand, just touched that of his
customer, by way of going through the usual process of greeting. Charley, when he entered the door punctually at two o'clock, saw that it
was as usual nearly deserted. One long, lanky, middle-aged man, seedy as Mrs. Val's dance had taken place in June, and it was now late in
October. Four months had intervened, and during that period Charley had Charley sat down and did the required work. On any other day he would
greatly have disliked such a summons, but now he did not care much about Charley said that he thought he did rather like hard work. Hereupon
a senior clerk standing by, though a man not given to much laughter, The school in which Charley now lived, that of the infernal navvies,
had taught him to laugh at romance; but it had not been so successful in Charley kept his appointment, and came away from Mr. M'Ruen's with a
well-contented mind. He had, it is true, left Â£5 behind him, and had Charley to begin. She got up and pottered about the room, went to a
cupboard, and wiped a couple of glasses, and then out into the bar and Charley sat at his office on the Saturday afternoon, very meditative and
unlike himself. What was he to do when his office hours were over? In Charley was to return to town that night, and they had not therefore
much time to lose; they went upstairs at once, and found Linda and In answer to this, Charley was not even able to mutter; so he went his
way to the inn, and lay awake half the night thinking how Katie had But this was too much for Charley. He had often before bought bill
stamps in vain, and in vain had paid for mutton chops and beer for Mr. Hereupon Charley began his task in a large, ugly, round hand, neither
that of a man nor of a boy, and set himself to copy the contents of Poor Charley had had but small opportunity of learning what are the
pleasures of decent society. He had gone headlong among the infernal
navvies too quickly to allow of that slow and gradual formation of
Alaric had married for love, and was not two years married, yet had his
education so far progressed in that short period as to enable him to
laugh at such an objection. clear to them that this year was no time for marrying. Alaric had been
arrested. Alaric, their own Gertrude's own husband, their son-in-law and 'Has she?' said Linda, on whom the full certainty of her misery had now
all but come.

'She has accepted our dear Alaric.' Alaric to her heart as her son-in-law. married Gertrude, and Alaric Linda, he would have regarded either of
those matches with disfavour. But now he was quite satisfied--now he But Alaric and Charley were coming, she knew; Alaric was her
brother-in-law now, and therefore she would be delighted to meet him; 'But you married for love, Alaric?' Alaric, with his happy prospects, was soon dismissed; but Mrs. Woodward
continued to sing the praises of him who, had she been potent with the Our dear Alaric! what words for Linda's ears! They did reach her ears,
but they did not dwell there--her soft gentle nature sank beneath the Linda's marriage till after the trial; and this, of course was
the source of fresh grief. When men such as Alaric Tudor stoop to is. I certainly will not mend it by marrying a girl that I can never
love. And as for you, Alaric, all who know you and love you watch your will hinder the wife from being with her husband. But, Alaric,' she went
on, 'do not droop now, love--will you?' not in love with Alaric, and her daughter was. She thought that Alaric's
love was a passion that had but lately come to the birth, and that had her husband. Of Undy's wife Alaric saw nothing and heard little, but
it suited Undy to make use of his sister-in-law's house, and it suited And thus Alaric and Undy Scott had become fast friends; that is, as
fast as such friends generally are. Alaric was no more blind to his own 'Alaric,' said he, 'I proposed to Gertrude last night, and she refused
me.' resolve, and the strong hope, that in a very few weeks, Alaric would be
promoted to a marrying income of Â£600 per annum, made the prospect of Alaric went on with his wooing, and he also went on with his
share-buying. Undy Scott had returned to town for a week or two to 'Not if you don't marry,' said Alaric, who felt rather at a loss for a
proper answer. He could not, however, have made a better one. And then Alaric went on, and Charley and Katie were left together.
herself. But seeing that Norman was Gertrude's lover, was it not natural
that Alaric should be hers? And then, though Harry was the handsomer and married Gertrude, and Alaric Linda, he would have regarded either of
those matches with disfavour. But now he was quite satisfied--now he 'Set him against Alaric! No, Gertrude. I certainly shall not do that.
But whether I can reconcile Harry to it, that is another thing.' 'Alaric,' said he, 'I proposed to Gertrude last night, and she refused
me.' Harry's brow grew black. On the previous evening he had spoken of Alaric
without bitterness, nay, almost with affection; of Gertrude he had what we must feel about Alaric and Gertrude. Harry is still at
Normansgrove. We shall all be glad to see you, and Katie, who never clear to them that this year was no time for marrying. Alaric had been
arrested. Alaric, their own Gertrude's own husband, their son-in-law and 'Harry told him all,' continued Gertrude, 'and Alaric--Alaric said
nothing of his own feelings. Alaric never said a word to me that he Alaric--there--there--now go.' And so he went, and Gertrude shutting
herself into her room threw herself on to the bed, and wept aloud. Alaric rose from his chair and made a faint attempt to smile. 'Well,
Gertrude,' said he, 'it has come at last.' loved Gertrude? 'If, as Harry had himself said, there was no longer any
hope for him, why,' said Alaric to himself, 'why should not I try my Alaric laughed, and muttered something.

'Now I have been thinking of something;' and Uncle Bat looked strangely
mysterious--'I wonder what you think of Gertrude?' This hardly came well from Gertrude, seeing that Alaric at any rate had
never been required to sacrifice any of his individuality. But she was Gertrude, and been rejected by her. All that he said and all that he
thought was exactly what he might have said and thought had Alaric taken angry with Alaric,' she went on to say, as soon as she had told her
tale. Oh, must he not? Not be angry with Alaric! Not angry with the man the richer, she liked Alaric so much the better of the two. But now that
Alaric was alone with her, the only subject he could think to talk of
was Gertrude's beauty! Alaric was well aware that it was Gertrude before her name had been
pronounced. and Measures. But Alaric's condition, Gertrude's misery, and Katie's
illness, threw all such matters into the background. Katie became no On the next morning he received Gertrude's letter and Alaric's. The
latter he never read--he opened it, saw that it began as usual, 'My dear And so Gertrude Woodward became Gertrude Tudor, and she and Alaric were
whirled away by a post-chaise and post-boy, done out with white bows,
We have delayed the happiness of your marriage, Harry--you must forgive
us that, as well as all our other trespasses. I fear Linda will never
forgive that.' 'Oh, Katie! Harry would in a moment.'

'Not for me; perhaps he might for you--though I'm not quite sure that he
would.' It was thus that Katie took her revenge on her sister. them. Harry would now be Mr. Norman of Normansgrove, and Linda would
become Mrs. Norman of Normansgrove; Harry's mother had long been dead, And now the time came for them to part. Harry was to say good-bye
to her, and then to see her no more. Early on the following morning 'Because, you know, Harry does not want it so much as you do. I am sure
I wish you success with all my heart. Perhaps it's wicked to wish for had not been dying for love during the period of Harry's unsuccessful
courtship. He might, she thought, have waited a little longer before he
chose for his wife the girl whom his friend had loved, seeing that he 'Harry, said she, 'you must go and see Alaric.' 'Harry, my dear Harry,' said Mrs. Woodward, rushing to him, throwing
her arms round him, and kissing him; 'we know it all, we understand it
all--my fine, dear, good Harry.' Harry,' and then crammed it into his pocket. By return of post it
went back under a blank cover, addressed to Alaric at the Weights and Harry was melted in a moment, and in the softness of his mood kissed
Katie too, and Linda also. Katie he had often kissed, but never Linda, Harry said he did find her altered. It was her dress, he said, and the
cap on her head. misery of meeting those who might know him. And now Harry came with Mrs.
Woodward to bid farewell, probably for ever on this side the grave, to poor Harry's hopes have been all in vain; he has lost his promotion,
and now he has lost his bride--poor Harry!'--and then it occurred to him Harry's brow grew black. On the previous evening he had spoken of Alaric
without bitterness, nay, almost with affection; of Gertrude he had 'Harry Norman is no fool.'

'I dare say not,' said the captain; 'but take my word, she'll never have
him--Lord bless you, Norman knows that as well as I do.' But still there was happiness--quiet, staid happiness--at the Cottage.
Mrs. Woodward could not but be happy to see Linda married to Harry 'Oh, Harry,' said Katie, 'we are so sorry--that is, not sorry about
Alaric, but sorry about you. Why were there not two prizes?' Mrs. Woodward's heart melted within her when she heard that Harry was
really ill. She had gone on waiting day after day for an answer to her 'Harry told him all,' continued Gertrude, 'and Alaric--Alaric said
nothing of his own feelings. Alaric never said a word to me that he 'Take him, Harry, take him,' said she, handing over the child to his
father. And then gliding quick as thought through the furniture of the
drawing-room, she darted out upon the lawn, to save herself from the
coming storm.
Charley, when he entered the door punctually at two o'clock, saw that it
was as usual nearly deserted. One long, lanky, middle-aged man, seedy as Charley was with him. Charley had been in court the whole day, except
that he had twice posted down to the West End in a cab to let Gertrude And Charley was there, acting as best man. It was just the place and
just the work for Charley. He forgot all his difficulties, all his Charley to begin. She got up and pottered about the room, went to a
cupboard, and wiped a couple of glasses, and then out into the bar and than Charley. It had been produced by one of those far-stretching,
world-moving commotions which now and then occur, sometimes twice or and Charley, dear Charley! she had not seen him since he went away that
morning, now four days since; and four days was a long time, considering Charley sat down and did the required work. On any other day he would
greatly have disliked such a summons, but now he did not care much about Charley was to return to town that night, and they had not therefore
much time to lose; they went upstairs at once, and found Linda and Charley sat at his office on the Saturday afternoon, very meditative and
unlike himself. What was he to do when his office hours were over? In He shuffled into the room where Charley was standing with little
short quick steps, and putting out his hand, just touched that of his
customer, by way of going through the usual process of greeting. properly settled in their new lodgings, and visited them at Christmas,
and once again during their stay there. He then went down to fetch them
home, and when they all returned, informed Charley, with whom he was Since Alaric's conviction Charley led a busy life; and as men who have
really something to do have seldom time to get into much mischief, he Charley puffed at his cigar and sipped his gin and water. It was now
twelve o'clock, and he thoroughly wished himself at home and in bed. The Charley was rather a favourite with Mr. Oldeschole, having been
appointed by himself at the instance of Mr. Oldeschole's great friend, Latterly, indeed, Charley had utterly deserted the front parlour; for
there had come there a pestilent fellow, highly connected with the We need not give any detailed description of Charley's prison-house. He
was luckily not detained there so long as to make it necessary that we Charley kept his appointment, and came away from Mr. M'Ruen's with a
well-contented mind. He had, it is true, left Â£5 behind him, and had And now Charley stood once more in that dingy little front parlour in
which he had never yet seen a fire, and once more Mr. Jabesh M'Ruen
shuffled into the room in his big cravat and dirty loose slippers. deserted. At this time Charley was true to her, and did for her all
those thousand nameless things which a woman cannot do for herself.
He came to her everyday after leaving his office, and on one excuse or ten minutes when Jabesh, more punctual than usual, entered the place.
This Charley regarded as a promising sign of forthcoming cash. It very
frequently happened that he waited there an hour, and that after all
Charley did as he was bid, and Katie intended to do the same; but
unfortunately she pulled the wrong hand. They were now very near the After that Katie spoke no further of Charley. But it was evident to them
all, that though she said nothing, she had not ceased to think of him. And at last he came to Katie. There was no getting over it. She
also stretched out her now thin hand, and Charley, as he touched it, Charley was clearly of opinion that they might, and should, and would;
and so away they sallied back to the roses, and Katie began to enjoy 'Come, Charley,' said she, 'now for the romance. Katie, come and sit
by me.' But Katie had already taken her seat, a little behind Charley,
quite in the shade, and she was not to be moved. 'Charley,' said Mrs. Woodward, when he had been some little time in the
house, 'our dear Katie wants to see you; she is very ill, you know.'

Charley said he knew she was ill. herself. It was not that she was ashamed of loving Charley, but that she
felt at once that such love would distress her mother's heart. Charley got up and took her hand; and as he did so, he saw that her
nails were dirty. He put his arms round her waist and kissed her; and as But it must not be thought that Charley abused the friendship of Mrs.
Woodward, and made love to Katie, as love is usually made--with warm In answer to this, Charley was not even able to mutter; so he went his
way to the inn, and lay awake half the night thinking how Katie had Charley was at any rate as ignorant what he ought to say as Katie was.
He felt the pressure of her warm lips on his hand, and hardly knew Her mother knew what she meant. Charley had been there, Charley to whom
she had declared her love when lying, as she thought, on her bed of Charley's heart was as soft as it was inflammable. He was utterly unable
to resist such tenderness as Mrs. Woodward showed to him. He had made on her pillow. But before she did so Katie was fast asleep, and twice in
her sleep she cried out, 'Oh, Charley! Oh, Charley!' Then Linda guessed Charley declared that he would not willingly do anything to cause pain
to any of them.

'No--I am sure you will not. And therefore, Charley, you must not see
Katie any more.' Charley did not analyse his feelings, nor did Katie analyse hers. It
would have been impossible for her to do so. But could she have done it, Charley, before you go,' So he stooped down over her, and pressed his
lips to hers. 'And therefore, Charley, you must not see Katie any more.' So much she
said, and then she looked into his face with imploring eyes. 'Do they?' said Katie, looking over her shoulder to watch what Charley
was doing, and to see whether he was coming to notice her. as Katie did; but he spoke no word of his love. He walked among
the flowers with her, laughing and listening to her in his usual
light-hearted, easy manner; every now and again his arm would thrill
And Charley was there, acting as best man. It was just the place and
just the work for Charley. He forgot all his difficulties, all his Charley had engaged to pull up to Avis's at Putney with Harry Norman,
to dine there, take a country walk, and row back in the cool of the On that same day, the day that was to witness Charley's betrothal to
Miss Geraghty, and that of M. JaquÃªtanÃ pe with Miss Golightly, Alaric Mrs. Woodward quite understood the nature of the promise conveyed in her
daughter's assurance, and replied that Charley should be asked. He But Alaric and Charley were coming, she knew; Alaric was her
brother-in-law now, and therefore she would be delighted to meet him; Charley was to return to town that night, and they had not therefore
much time to lose; they went upstairs at once, and found Linda and 'Charley,' said Mrs. Woodward, when he had been some little time in the
house, 'our dear Katie wants to see you; she is very ill, you know.'

Charley said he knew she was ill. Charley got up and took her hand; and as he did so, he saw that her
nails were dirty. He put his arms round her waist and kissed her; and as 'Mrs. Davis told me flatly that you were going to marry the man,' said
Charley; 'so what was I to think?' She leant towards him and put her hand caressingly on his arm. 'It shall
be so, shall it not, Charley?'

'Oh, of course, if you say so.' Charley? might not he be dead? Oh! better so than the other. She knew,
and said as much to herself over and over again; but she did not the
less feel that his death must involve her own also. Charley acknowledged the truth of this, said that he would think of the
matrimonial project, and promised, at any rate, to call on Clementina Charley was with him. Charley had been in court the whole day, except
that he had twice posted down to the West End in a cab to let Gertrude Mrs. Richards' story was soon told. It simply amounted to this--that
'Mister Charley,' as she always called him, had been arrested for debt could only get dancing enough. But on this matter her heart misgave
her. To be sure, she was engaged to Charley for the first quadrille and 'Intended sposo!' said Charley, expressing by his upturned lip a
withering amount of scorn--'how well I know the fellow's low attempts at Mrs. Val's dance had taken place in June, and it was now late in
October. Four months had intervened, and during that period Charley had Charley to begin. She got up and pottered about the room, went to a
cupboard, and wiped a couple of glasses, and then out into the bar and Looking round among his acquaintance for a fitting _parti_ for the sweet
Clementina, his mind, after much consideration, settled upon Charley her to stop when she pleased. And so they went on with apparently
interminable gyrations. Charley and the heiress had twice been in
Charley declared that he would not willingly do anything to cause pain
to any of them.

'No--I am sure you will not. And therefore, Charley, you must not see
Katie any more.' 'And therefore, Charley, you must not see Katie any more.' So much she
said, and then she looked into his face with imploring eyes. At this moment Mrs. Woodward knocked at the door, and Charley rose from
his knees. 'Not quite yet, mamma,' said Katie, as Mrs. Woodward opened 'Charley,' said Mrs. Woodward, when he had been some little time in the
house, 'our dear Katie wants to see you; she is very ill, you know.'

Charley said he knew she was ill. Charley did as he was bid, and Katie intended to do the same; but
unfortunately she pulled the wrong hand. They were now very near the After that Katie spoke no further of Charley. But it was evident to them
all, that though she said nothing, she had not ceased to think of him. in wording her request. She hardly liked asking Charley to come because
Katie was ill; nor did she like to ask him without mentioning Katie's But it must not be thought that Charley abused the friendship of Mrs.
Woodward, and made love to Katie, as love is usually made--with warm Poor Katie was kept in bed till the afternoon. Charley and Harry,
however, were allowed to come up to her bedroom door, and hear her
pronounce herself quite well. in her daughter's bosom. When Katie ceased to ask that Charley might
be sent for, when she ceased to plead for his pardon and to praise his In answer to this, Charley was not even able to mutter; so he went his
way to the inn, and lay awake half the night thinking how Katie had Mrs. Woodward told him that he was never again to see Katie, that was,
of course, tantamount to turning him out of the Cottage. It might be 'Come, Charley,' said she, 'now for the romance. Katie, come and sit
by me.' But Katie had already taken her seat, a little behind Charley,
quite in the shade, and she was not to be moved. 'You may do so, mamma,' said Katie. Katie was already a braver woman
than her mother. 'I think Harry would like it, and poor Charley will There was a sort of compact, Katie knew, that there should be no other
Tudor marriage. Charley was not now the scamp he had been, but still--it Charley's story so as to enable Katie to go to bed after the accident,
had she been able to do so. But she was not able to do so without an herself. It was not that she was ashamed of loving Charley, but that she
felt at once that such love would distress her mother's heart. 'No, Harry Norman never does,' said Charley, with something like
vexation in his tone. He made no exception to Katie's list of Her mother knew what she meant. Charley had been there, Charley to whom
she had declared her love when lying, as she thought, on her bed of 'Do tell me, mamma,' said Katie; 'do tell me all at once. Has
anything--anything happened to--to Charley?'
'They were both in the Weights and Measures, by far the most respectable
public office in London,' as she told him, 'and both doing extremely Among those who were drafted into other offices was Charley, whom
propitious fate took to the Weights and Measures. But it must not be Measures', and the 'Office of the Board of Commissioners for Regulating
Weights and Measures', are very long phrases; and as, in the course of
this tale, frequent mention will be made of the public establishment in So Charley, with a faint heart, went back to his cousin's lodgings and
waited till the two friends had arrived from the Weights and Measures. It is generally admitted that the Weights and Measures is a
well-conducted public office; indeed, to such a degree of efficiency has
it been brought by its present very excellent secretary, the two There was no answering this; so the two men changed the conversation as
they walked up together from the boat wharf to the office of the Weights
and Measures. There were three or four in the Weights and Measures who felt all this
with the keenest anxiety. The fact of their being there, and of their The Weights and Measures had never been a noisy office; but now it
became more silent than ever. Men there talked but little at any time, The Secretary at the Weights and Measures had, after all, but a
dull time of it, and was precluded by the routine of his office from our two friends of the Weights and Measures, it would not be becoming to
introduce them at the end of this. solicitude for the Weights and Measures. One or two lads crept in, by no
means conspicuous for their attainments in abstract science; young men, Weights and Measures, and to receive civil speeches from mammas with
marriageable daughters. But a clerk in the Weights and Measures is soon
made to understand that it is not for him to-- public offices be more plainly seen than in the presence or absence of
such little items of accommodation as this. At the Weights and
Measures there was an elegant little chamber, carpeted, furnished of the advice of his medical friends, and retire. He would never remain
there to see the Weights and Measures become a hospital for incurables!' to see faults, if there should be faults, in those whom he himself had
nurtured. Therefore, though he came with his colleagues to the Weights
and Measures, he did not himself take part in the examination. would think when he heard of it; what all those clerks would say at
the Weights and Measures, among whom he had held his head so high; what But that it would be tedious we might describe the amazement with which
that news was received at the Weights and Measures. Though the great men Such is the character of the Weights and Measures at this present period
of which we are now treating. The exoteric crowd of the Civil Service, Great changes had been going on at the Weights and Measures; or rather
it might be more proper to say that great changes were now in progress. Alaric's committal had taken place very much in the manner in which it
was told at the Weights and Measures. He had received a note from one of
She then endeavoured to persuade him to see Gertrude, or at any rate to
send his love to her. But in this also he was obdurate. 'It could,' he Alaric--there--there--now go.' And so he went, and Gertrude shutting
herself into her room threw herself on to the bed, and wept aloud. He went in through the open drawing-room window, and found Gertrude
alone. She was on the sofa with a book in her hand; and had he been able and Gertrude married. That Norman had often declared his love to her
eldest daughter she knew very well, and she knew also that Gertrude
had never rejected him. Having perfect confidence in her child, she had his hands, and answered the affection of his wife by saying that a man
could not always be cheerful, could not always laugh. Gertrude, though
she was very far indeed from guessing the truth, felt that something herself. But seeing that Norman was Gertrude's lover, was it not natural
that Alaric should be hers? And then, though Harry was the handsomer and Gertrude, and been rejected by her. All that he said and all that he
thought was exactly what he might have said and thought had Alaric taken towards Gertrude. Her conduct during her husband's troubles had been
so excellent, that he could not but forgive her the injuries which he
fancied he owed to her. Gertrude there could now be no hope. What could she say? She knelt down
and kissed his brow, and mingled her tears with his. a height. But in appearance, as in disposition, Gertrude carried by far
the greater air of command. She was the handsomer of the two, and the 'I used to think so--but now I find there's nothing in it. I am sure
Gertrude wouldn't have him, and I think she's right. He hasn't gumption
enough.' Gertrude had boasted to herself of the honour and honesty of her lord,
and tossed her head with defiant scorn when a breath of suspicion had 'Indeed, Gertrude is very, very beautiful,' said Linda, with the
faintest possible sigh, occasioned by the remembrance of her own
inferior charms. 'Alaric,' said he, 'I proposed to Gertrude last night, and she refused
me.' married Gertrude, and Alaric Linda, he would have regarded either of
those matches with disfavour. But now he was quite satisfied--now he 'I am very certain he will not,' said Gertrude. 'It is a laborious
business, and he will be glad enough to be rid of it. When he was patronizing her. Gertrude had borne with them all for her husband's
sake; and was contented to do so yet for a while longer, but she thought On the next morning he received Gertrude's letter and Alaric's. The
latter he never read--he opened it, saw that it began as usual, 'My dear that as he had acquired the promotion it might be his destiny to win
the bride also. He had never told himself that he loved Gertrude; he had 'So do I,' said he, bitterly; 'I hate them--but, Gertrude, don't talk
about them now; my head aches, and I am tired.'
Alaric, when he heard these words, could hardly prevent himself from
falling in the middle of the hall. All his hopes were then over; he had But Alaric, at the moment, hardly felt it. 'You have brought me and mine
to ruin,' said he; 'you have done it purposely, like a fiend. But, low There was much more in the letter, but enough has been given for our
purpose. It will be seen that hope yet remained both for Alaric and his Such being the case, he had striven, not unsuccessfully, to draw Alaric
into the concern. Alaric had bought very cheaply a good many shares, Alaric, that thou, thou who knewest all this, that thou shouldest have
done this thing! They had forgiven his offence against them, but they Alaric, on the other hand, in his audacity, resolved that he would do
so. reign had fallen to Alaric's lot. Mrs. Val liked to have about her
some confidential gentleman; and as she never thought of placing her
confidence in her husband, she was prone to select first one man and Such were the circumstances under which he came to Alaric with the
view of raising such a sum of money as might enable him to overcome the Accordingly as Alaric was elated, Sir Gregory was depressed. He had
risen high, but now this young tyro whom he had fostered was about to
climb above his head. O the ingratitude of men! appointed to receive it, and will then produce all the property that has
been entrusted to my keeping:' and so saying, Alaric got up and took his
hat as though to depart. confided his love to Alaric, and Alaric had robbed him of his love, and
wounded both his pride and his shame. Alaric, who of course contrived to see all that was to be seen, and
learn all that was to be learnt, in the dark passages of the tin Alaric was touched; but there was more triumph than sympathy in his
heart. It was sweet, much too sweet, to him to hear his superiority thus But she bore it bravely. When Alaric first came down, which he did in
the middle of the week, she was, as she told her mother, too weak to Alaric's committal had taken place very much in the manner in which it
was told at the Weights and Measures. He had received a note from one of Alaric, however, showed no triumph. He was more submissive, more
gracious than ever to his chief. It was only to himself that he muttered
'Excelsior! Alaric, when he received the letter, crushed it in his hand, and cursed
the strictness of the man who had done so much for him. On the next day Alaric knew it very well himself also; but he did not say so. painful degree. Alaric, to give him his due, did everything in his power
to persuade him to see the task out to the last. But the assurance and that he, Alaric, should move instead of driving Norman away. His final
movement would soon take place; that movement which would rob him of
the freedom of lodginghood, and invest him with all the ponderous
Mrs. Woodward's family, for there was no Mr. Woodward in the case,
consisted of herself and three daughters. There was afterwards added 'Why, he's a widower, and has three young children; and he's looking
out for a mother for them; and he thinks Norah will suit. There, now you
have the truth, and the whole truth.' _The Three Clerks_, so becoming the friend, nay, the lover of Katie. Her
sisters are not so attractive, simply because nature did not make them daughter Clem, now Madame JaquÃªtanÃ pe, and the two Misses Neverbend. M.
JaquÃªtanÃ pe had since his marriage made himself very agreeable to his daughters. Katie would fain have absented herself, but Mrs. Woodward
knew that the first meeting could take place in no more favourable
manner. Mrs. Woodward was the widow of a clergyman who had held a living in
London, and had resided there. He had, however, died when two of his and their three wives. Their three wives? Why, yes. It need hardly be
told in so many words to an habitual novel-reader that Charley did get
his bride at last. remainder would be but a poor support for her three daughters, if at the
time of her death it should so chance that she should leave them in
want of support. She had always regarded Captain Cuttwater as a probable children were very young, and while the third was still a baby. From
that time Mrs. Woodward had lived at the cottage at Hampton, and had
there maintained a good repute, paying her way from month to month and Measures. Charles Tudor, the third of the three clerks alluded to in
our title-page, is the son of a clergyman, who has a moderate living on so; a very fine, faithful woman, Gertrude; a dear thing, Linda. All
three worthy of their mother, she who, as we are told in a delicious THE THREE CLERKS

BY ANTHONY TROLLOPE



WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY W. TEIGNMOUTH SHORE committee.' And so saying, Mrs. Woodward took the papers from her
daughters, and tying them up, deposited them safe in custody. 'We'll
have it out when the tea-things are gone.' 'Nonsense,' said Mrs. Woodward; 'it's all affectation, and he ought to
go to church. Government clerks are not worked so hard as all that; are
they, Harry?' 'Come, girls, there are four more chapters, I see. Let me finish it, and
then we can discuss it afterwards.'

"CHAPTER III

"Having thus described the Lady Crinoline----" 'Distance!' repeated Gertrude, with something of sorrow, but more of
scorn in her tone. 'Distance, mamma! why you can get to her between
breakfast and dinner. Think where Melbourne is, mamma!' the three Seasons--to Mrs. Davis, Norah Geraghty, and that horrid Mr.
Peppermint. He never once thought of Clementina Golightly, to whom at degrees. There are characters in _The Three Clerks_ that live; those
who have read the tale must now and again when passing Norfolk Street, But Mrs. Woodward's heart was not hard as the nether millstone. She drew
her daughter to her, and as she pressed her to her bosom, she whispered
into her ears that she now hoped they might all be happy. 'I don't see that _you_ need say that,' said she. 'We may, perhaps, be
put out a little--that is, mamma and Linda and I; but I do not see that
you need suffer.'
'Charley,' said Mrs. Woodward, when he had been some little time in the
house, 'our dear Katie wants to see you; she is very ill, you know.'

Charley said he knew she was ill. Charley did as he was bid, and Katie intended to do the same; but
unfortunately she pulled the wrong hand. They were now very near the And at last he came to Katie. There was no getting over it. She
also stretched out her now thin hand, and Charley, as he touched it, 'Come, Charley,' said she, 'now for the romance. Katie, come and sit
by me.' But Katie had already taken her seat, a little behind Charley,
quite in the shade, and she was not to be moved. Charley was clearly of opinion that they might, and should, and would;
and so away they sallied back to the roses, and Katie began to enjoy In answer to this, Charley was not even able to mutter; so he went his
way to the inn, and lay awake half the night thinking how Katie had Alaric and Charley encountered the head of the column first, it was only
natural that they should work their way through it gradually. Katie,
however, never guessed--how could she?--that Charley had calculated that Charley had made no plan for any special interview with Katie; had,
indeed, not specially thought about it at all; but he could not but feel After that Katie spoke no further of Charley. But it was evident to them
all, that though she said nothing, she had not ceased to think of him. 'Do they?' said Katie, looking over her shoulder to watch what Charley
was doing, and to see whether he was coming to notice her. But it must not be thought that Charley abused the friendship of Mrs.
Woodward, and made love to Katie, as love is usually made--with warm At this moment Mrs. Woodward knocked at the door, and Charley rose from
his knees. 'Not quite yet, mamma,' said Katie, as Mrs. Woodward opened that it was part of the intended arrangement with Katie, that Charley
should be alone with her. 'I will come back in a quarter of an hour,' Charley declared that he would not willingly do anything to cause pain
to any of them.

'No--I am sure you will not. And therefore, Charley, you must not see
Katie any more.' Katie, who wanted to begin the play at the beginning, kept her eye
anxiously on Charley, who was still standing with Lactimel Neverbend Charley got up and took her hand; and as he did so, he saw that her
nails were dirty. He put his arms round her waist and kissed her; and as Charley was at any rate as ignorant what he ought to say as Katie was.
He felt the pressure of her warm lips on his hand, and hardly knew 'And therefore, Charley, you must not see Katie any more.' So much she
said, and then she looked into his face with imploring eyes. Nevertheless she assented to Katie's proposal, and undertook the task of
asking Charley down to Hampton. Mrs. Richards' story was soon told. It simply amounted to this--that
'Mister Charley,' as she always called him, had been arrested for debt
Charley to begin. She got up and pottered about the room, went to a
cupboard, and wiped a couple of glasses, and then out into the bar and Charley, when he entered the door punctually at two o'clock, saw that it
was as usual nearly deserted. One long, lanky, middle-aged man, seedy as And Charley was there, acting as best man. It was just the place and
just the work for Charley. He forgot all his difficulties, all his Charley was with him. Charley had been in court the whole day, except
that he had twice posted down to the West End in a cab to let Gertrude He shuffled into the room where Charley was standing with little
short quick steps, and putting out his hand, just touched that of his
customer, by way of going through the usual process of greeting. than Charley. It had been produced by one of those far-stretching,
world-moving commotions which now and then occur, sometimes twice or Such was Mr. Jabesh M'Ruen's house-of-call in the city, and of many a
mutton chop and many a pint of stout had Charley partaken there while Charley walked home with a sad heart. He had that day given a pledge
that he would on the morrow go to the 'Cat and Whistle,' and visit his Charley, who had already other hopes, contrived to keep up his spirits.
The men stood about talking in clusters, and old animosities were at an As none of the three men ever dined at home, Alaric and Norman having
clubs which they frequented, and Charley eating his dinner at some Charley went to the Weights some time during the recess. In the process
of the next session Mr. Nogo gave notice that he meant to ask the Alaric kept his appointment at Hampton, and took Charley with him. And
on the two following Saturdays he also went there, and on both occasions and Charley, dear Charley! she had not seen him since he went away that
morning, now four days since; and four days was a long time, considering ten minutes when Jabesh, more punctual than usual, entered the place.
This Charley regarded as a promising sign of forthcoming cash. It very
frequently happened that he waited there an hour, and that after all But this was too much for Charley. He had often before bought bill
stamps in vain, and in vain had paid for mutton chops and beer for Mr. They all stood back when Charley entered; they had been accustomed to
make way for him in former days, and though he had latterly ceased to Latterly, indeed, Charley had utterly deserted the front parlour; for
there had come there a pestilent fellow, highly connected with the Charley was to return to town that night, and they had not therefore
much time to lose; they went upstairs at once, and found Linda and properly settled in their new lodgings, and visited them at Christmas,
and once again during their stay there. He then went down to fetch them
home, and when they all returned, informed Charley, with whom he was deceived. They well knew that such a young man as Charley would go
wherever his inclination led him. Till lately it had been all but
her whom he had once looked on as his own. How different were their lots
now! Harry was Mr. Norman of Normansgrove, immediately about to take his 'Because, you know, Harry does not want it so much as you do. I am sure
I wish you success with all my heart. Perhaps it's wicked to wish for 'Well, Harry, I have another reason; and, though last, it is by no means
the least. You will be a candidate, and probably the successful one. To
tell you the truth, I have no inclination to stand against you.' Harry,' and then crammed it into his pocket. By return of post it
went back under a blank cover, addressed to Alaric at the Weights and And now the time came for them to part. Harry was to say good-bye
to her, and then to see her no more. Early on the following morning When, therefore, Harry had declared what had happened to him, and had
declared also that he had no further hope, he did not at first find about it. He had no wish to triumph over Harry, but he had an object to
pursue, and he was not the man to allow himself to be diverted from it
by any one's caprice. Harry's brow grew black. On the previous evening he had spoken of Alaric
without bitterness, nay, almost with affection; of Gertrude he had 'Then I would not be great,' said Harry.

'But, surely, God intends that there shall be great men on the earth?'

'He certainly wishes that there should be good men,' said Harry. prevailed, and giving up the point of Harry's prowess, she succeeded at
last in getting Katie into bed. 'You know mamma will be so angry if she 'Yes, Harry, it will; it will do the greatest good; whom else can I
get to see him? who else can find out and let us know what really is would not be agreeable to himself, and which must be much more
disagreeable to his companion; but for this there was no help. Harry
had, however, prepared himself for what he had to go through, and them. Harry would now be Mr. Norman of Normansgrove, and Linda would
become Mrs. Norman of Normansgrove; Harry's mother had long been dead, 'Take him, Harry, take him,' said she, handing over the child to his
father. And then gliding quick as thought through the furniture of the
drawing-room, she darted out upon the lawn, to save herself from the
coming storm. much without longing to be more. Look at Harry, how happy he is!' 'Oh, Katie! Harry would in a moment.'

'Not for me; perhaps he might for you--though I'm not quite sure that he
would.' It was thus that Katie took her revenge on her sister. 'You must manage him,' said Harry.

'That is much easier said than done,' replied Alaric. 'I wish you had
the task instead of me.' 'Yes, Harry; and some care and trouble too. To you, you know, to a
friend such as you are, I must own that care and trouble do tell upon scrambling for the others' prey, and they will end at last by eating one
another. If Harry gets this situation, will not that unfortunate Jones, 'You can get away in time for that, I suppose,' said Harry.

'Well, I'll try and manage it,' said Charley, laughing.
appointed to receive it, and will then produce all the property that has
been entrusted to my keeping:' and so saying, Alaric got up and took his
hat as though to depart. Accordingly as Alaric was elated, Sir Gregory was depressed. He had
risen high, but now this young tyro whom he had fostered was about to
climb above his head. O the ingratitude of men! There was much more in the letter, but enough has been given for our
purpose. It will be seen that hope yet remained both for Alaric and his Alaric was touched; but there was more triumph than sympathy in his
heart. It was sweet, much too sweet, to him to hear his superiority thus But Alaric, at the moment, hardly felt it. 'You have brought me and mine
to ruin,' said he; 'you have done it purposely, like a fiend. But, low Such being the case, he had striven, not unsuccessfully, to draw Alaric
into the concern. Alaric had bought very cheaply a good many shares, Alaric, that thou, thou who knewest all this, that thou shouldest have
done this thing! They had forgiven his offence against them, but they 'Alaric will so understand it, I am quite sure; at any rate I will tell
him what you have said. Suspicion indeed! who has dared to suspect him
of anything not honest or upright?' Alaric, who of course contrived to see all that was to be seen, and
learn all that was to be learnt, in the dark passages of the tin Alaric, of course, knew well what had been going on at the Board. He had
been Sir Gregory's confidential man all through; had worked out cases Alaric, with his happy prospects, was soon dismissed; but Mrs. Woodward
continued to sing the praises of him who, had she been potent with the And thus Alaric and Undy Scott had become fast friends; that is, as
fast as such friends generally are. Alaric was no more blind to his own Alaric rose from his chair and made a faint attempt to smile. 'Well,
Gertrude,' said he, 'it has come at last.' Alaric, had consented to be a candidate. Alaric, when he heard these words, could hardly prevent himself from
falling in the middle of the hall. All his hopes were then over; he had that he, Alaric, should move instead of driving Norman away. His final
movement would soon take place; that movement which would rob him of
the freedom of lodginghood, and invest him with all the ponderous CHAPTER XXXVIII

ALARIC TUDOR TAKES A WALK Alaric, however, showed no triumph. He was more submissive, more
gracious than ever to his chief. It was only to himself that he muttered
'Excelsior! reign had fallen to Alaric's lot. Mrs. Val liked to have about her
some confidential gentleman; and as she never thought of placing her
confidence in her husband, she was prone to select first one man and to Alaric. This letter, though it expressed in the usual terms the
satisfaction which one friend has in another's welfare, was not written
in the same warm affectionate tone as that to Norman. Alaric perceived
And Charley was there, acting as best man. It was just the place and
just the work for Charley. He forgot all his difficulties, all his than Charley. It had been produced by one of those far-stretching,
world-moving commotions which now and then occur, sometimes twice or Charley was with him. Charley had been in court the whole day, except
that he had twice posted down to the West End in a cab to let Gertrude Charley was rather a favourite with Mr. Oldeschole, having been
appointed by himself at the instance of Mr. Oldeschole's great friend, Mrs. Richards' story was soon told. It simply amounted to this--that
'Mister Charley,' as she always called him, had been arrested for debt 'Charley,' said Mrs. Woodward, when he had been some little time in the
house, 'our dear Katie wants to see you; she is very ill, you know.'

Charley said he knew she was ill. Charley to begin. She got up and pottered about the room, went to a
cupboard, and wiped a couple of glasses, and then out into the bar and and Charley, dear Charley! she had not seen him since he went away that
morning, now four days since; and four days was a long time, considering 'Why, Charley, it seems to me that you are hitting at everything.' 'It is very good of you to come and see me, Charley,' said she, as he
made his way up to her bedside. He sent for Charley, and when Charley came he made Gertrude explain to
him what had happened. He had confessed his own fault once, to his He shuffled into the room where Charley was standing with little
short quick steps, and putting out his hand, just touched that of his
customer, by way of going through the usual process of greeting. Charley was not the fellow to allow himself to be put down, even by
feminine raillery; so he plucked up his spirit, sad as he was at heart,
and replied to them all _en masse_. 'We will make Charley go to him. He will tell everything to Charley, if
he will to anyone.' Charley got up and took her hand; and as he did so, he saw that her
nails were dirty. He put his arms round her waist and kissed her; and as Charley? might not he be dead? Oh! better so than the other. She knew,
and said as much to herself over and over again; but she did not the
less feel that his death must involve her own also. Charley, when he entered the door punctually at two o'clock, saw that it
was as usual nearly deserted. One long, lanky, middle-aged man, seedy as Charley kept his appointment, and came away from Mr. M'Ruen's with a
well-contented mind. He had, it is true, left Â£5 behind him, and had Her mother knew what she meant. Charley had been there, Charley to whom
she had declared her love when lying, as she thought, on her bed of Charley looked a little better satisfied when he heard this declaration.
Harry,' and then crammed it into his pocket. By return of post it
went back under a blank cover, addressed to Alaric at the Weights and 'Harry, said she, 'you must go and see Alaric.' never has any secrets. I should be as wrong to engage myself with Harry
as you would be with Alaric. For though Harry has property of his own, friends, Alaric, Harry, and Mr. M'Ruen. Alaric was his cousin and his
natural resource in such a position, but he had lately rejected 'Oh, Harry,' said Katie, 'we are so sorry--that is, not sorry about
Alaric, but sorry about you. Why were there not two prizes?' 'I interfere with Harry!' said Alaric, switching the heads off the bits
of fern with the cane he carried. 'No, indeed. I have no wish at all to Harry's brow grew black. On the previous evening he had spoken of Alaric
without bitterness, nay, almost with affection; of Gertrude he had younger guests to entertain the elder one. The elder one soon took the
matter in his own hand by going to sleep; and Harry and Alaric being Harry and Alaric, Gertrude and Linda. Alaric, Harry, and Charley, of course returned to town on the following
day. Breakfast on Monday morning at Surbiton Cottage was an early affair 'You must manage him,' said Harry.

'That is much easier said than done,' replied Alaric. 'I wish you had
the task instead of me.' 'Oh, Alaric!'

'Harry would forgive me; but Harry's friends would never do so.' 'Look at Harry,' said Alaric; 'I know from the motion of his shoulder
that he is at this moment saying something very tender.'

'It is ten times more likely that they are quarrelling,' said Linda. 'Interfere with Harry!' Alaric repeated again, and renewed his attack on
the ferns. 'Well, Linda, what an opinion you must have of me!' what we must feel about Alaric and Gertrude. Harry is still at
Normansgrove. We shall all be glad to see you, and Katie, who never Harry of course assured her that if that was the worst of it there was
nothing very bad in it. He could have a bed at the inn as well as Alaric 'I think her by far the prettier of the two,' said Alaric.

'That's nonsense,' said Harry, getting rather red in the face, and
feeling rather angry. Norman made his appearance at the office on the first Monday of the new
year. He had hitherto sat at the same desk with Alaric, each of them 'Harry told him all,' continued Gertrude, 'and Alaric--Alaric said
nothing of his own feelings. Alaric never said a word to me that he 'I don't know what you mean, Alaric,' said Harry Norman, who was just at
present somewhat disposed to contradict his friend, and not ill-inclined
'Oh, Alaric!'

'Harry would forgive me; but Harry's friends would never do so.' Harry's brow grew black. On the previous evening he had spoken of Alaric
without bitterness, nay, almost with affection; of Gertrude he had 'Oh, Harry,' said Katie, 'we are so sorry--that is, not sorry about
Alaric, but sorry about you. Why were there not two prizes?' 'You must manage him,' said Harry.

'That is much easier said than done,' replied Alaric. 'I wish you had
the task instead of me.' then that he was dead; was it not possible that Harry had named Alaric's
name to deceive her? might not this misfortune, whatever it was, be with 'I interfere with Harry!' said Alaric, switching the heads off the bits
of fern with the cane he carried. 'No, indeed. I have no wish at all to never has any secrets. I should be as wrong to engage myself with Harry
as you would be with Alaric. For though Harry has property of his own, 'But of course you do mean to stand?' said Harry. Alaric made no answer.

'Perhaps you would rather decline to discuss the matter with me also?'
said Harry. Alaric's advice, and now felt a disinclination to call upon him in
his difficulty. Harry he knew would assist him, would at once pay Mr. Alaric, that thou, thou who knewest all this, that thou shouldest have
done this thing! They had forgiven his offence against them, but they 'Harry, said she, 'you must go and see Alaric.' 'I don't know what you mean, Alaric,' said Harry Norman, who was just at
present somewhat disposed to contradict his friend, and not ill-inclined Harry,' and then crammed it into his pocket. By return of post it
went back under a blank cover, addressed to Alaric at the Weights and 'Harry told him all,' continued Gertrude, 'and Alaric--Alaric said
nothing of his own feelings. Alaric never said a word to me that he him nothing; that he had never forgiven, never could forgive, the wrongs
he had received from him; but that he had forgiven Alaric's wife; and should prevent them all from being merry. Harry perfectly sympathized in
the feeling; and even Alaric, though depressed himself by no melancholy
forebodings, was at any rate conscious that he should refrain from 'Interfere with Harry!' Alaric repeated again, and renewed his attack on
the ferns. 'Well, Linda, what an opinion you must have of me!' 'Look at Harry,' said Alaric; 'I know from the motion of his shoulder
that he is at this moment saying something very tender.'

'It is ten times more likely that they are quarrelling,' said Linda. Normansgrove for the remainder of the winter. Both Alaric and Norman had
shown a great distaste to meet each other. But Harry's heart softened angry with Alaric,' she went on to say, as soon as she had told her
tale. Oh, must he not? Not be angry with Alaric! Not angry with the man
Alaric, when he heard these words, could hardly prevent himself from
falling in the middle of the hall. All his hopes were then over; he had But Alaric, at the moment, hardly felt it. 'You have brought me and mine
to ruin,' said he; 'you have done it purposely, like a fiend. But, low There was much more in the letter, but enough has been given for our
purpose. It will be seen that hope yet remained both for Alaric and his Alaric, that thou, thou who knewest all this, that thou shouldest have
done this thing! They had forgiven his offence against them, but they Alaric, who of course contrived to see all that was to be seen, and
learn all that was to be learnt, in the dark passages of the tin Alaric, on the other hand, in his audacity, resolved that he would do
so. reign had fallen to Alaric's lot. Mrs. Val liked to have about her
some confidential gentleman; and as she never thought of placing her
confidence in her husband, she was prone to select first one man and Such being the case, he had striven, not unsuccessfully, to draw Alaric
into the concern. Alaric had bought very cheaply a good many shares, Accordingly as Alaric was elated, Sir Gregory was depressed. He had
risen high, but now this young tyro whom he had fostered was about to
climb above his head. O the ingratitude of men! Alaric, however, showed no triumph. He was more submissive, more
gracious than ever to his chief. It was only to himself that he muttered
'Excelsior! But she bore it bravely. When Alaric first came down, which he did in
the middle of the week, she was, as she told her mother, too weak to confided his love to Alaric, and Alaric had robbed him of his love, and
wounded both his pride and his shame. appointed to receive it, and will then produce all the property that has
been entrusted to my keeping:' and so saying, Alaric got up and took his
hat as though to depart. Such were the circumstances under which he came to Alaric with the
view of raising such a sum of money as might enable him to overcome the Alaric was touched; but there was more triumph than sympathy in his
heart. It was sweet, much too sweet, to him to hear his superiority thus painful degree. Alaric, to give him his due, did everything in his power
to persuade him to see the task out to the last. But the assurance and 'Alaric, that which is evil is evil. Lies are evil--'

'And am I a liar?' Alaric, when he received the letter, crushed it in his hand, and cursed
the strictness of the man who had done so much for him. On the next day And thus Alaric and Undy Scott had become fast friends; that is, as
fast as such friends generally are. Alaric was no more blind to his own We must now follow Alaric to his trial. He was, of course, much too soon
at court. All people always are, who are brought to the court perforce,
And Undy Scott was there. He and Alaric had fraternized so greatly
of late that the latter had, as a matter of course, asked him to his And thus Alaric and Undy Scott had become fast friends; that is, as
fast as such friends generally are. Alaric was no more blind to his own Undy Scott, as he was generally now called, did not escape. Ill-natured
persons whispered that he was not on all occasions true to his party; other, but with whom, for certain reasons, he thought he might in this
particular case be safe. Undy Scott was of course not among the number, Undy Scott, among his other good qualities, possessed an enormous
quantity of that which schoolboys in these days call 'cheek.' He was not was, of course, none. Norman was gone, and Norman's place had been
filled by Undy Scott! What could be done with Undy Scott he had already Acting in accordance with his fixed and conscientious rule in this
respect, Undy Scott had struck up an acquaintance with Alaric Tudor. He To this Undy made no direct answer. 'What is your opinion, Mr. Scott?'
said the judge; 'you can probably give an opinion by which the jury
would be much guided.' Mr. Vigil resolved to leave nothing again to the unassisted industry or
honesty of Undy Scott, and consequently that gentleman's claims on Was Undy mad, or was he in joke? What man in his senses would think of
lending six or seven hundred pounds to Val Scott! 'I suppose you are in
jest,' said he, somewhat bitterly. But Undy Scott was not a man to be thus roughly handled with impunity;
and in completing the education which he had received, the use of his Undy and Alaric Tudor. Mr. Scott intended, when the present session was
over, to retire from the labours of parliamentary life. It may be that Mr. Chaffanbrass seemed not to have even heard what the judge said, so
intently were his eyes fixed on poor Undy. 'Well, Mr. Scott,' he said at partner, his own intimate associate, Undy Scott himself, was positively
working out his ruin? Where were now his high hopes, where now his seat
in Parliament, his authority at the board, his proud name, his soaring quickly in the opposite direction, and found himself face to face
with Undy Scott. How on earth should Undy Scott have come out there to I have ventured to introduce to my readers, as my devil, Mr. Undy Scott,
M.P. for the Tillietudlem district burghs; and I also feel myself bound went down to Scotland, still with Undy Scott. He had at first much
liked this man's society, for Scott was gay, lively, clever, and a good On the following morning Undy Scott set out for Scotland, properly
freighted, Mr. Whip Vigil having in due course moved for a new writ for him? Who else could have given information against him but Undy himself?
Who else could have put up so heavily stupid a man as Captain Scott to
make such a demand? Was it not clear that his own colleague, his own Undy Scott unfortunately had not the power to do as he was asked.
Whether he would have done so, had he had the power, may be doubtful. He
while Harry and Charley were at Surbiton Cottage. The old gentleman was
anything but pleased. In the first place he liked his money, though not And Charley was there, acting as best man. It was just the place and
just the work for Charley. He forgot all his difficulties, all his Charley sat at his office on the Saturday afternoon, very meditative and
unlike himself. What was he to do when his office hours were over? In Charley sat down and did the required work. On any other day he would
greatly have disliked such a summons, but now he did not care much about properly settled in their new lodgings, and visited them at Christmas,
and once again during their stay there. He then went down to fetch them
home, and when they all returned, informed Charley, with whom he was Charley, when he entered the door punctually at two o'clock, saw that it
was as usual nearly deserted. One long, lanky, middle-aged man, seedy as of the _Daily Delight_ under your wings.' So Charley prepared himself
for solitary soaring. Charley puffed at his cigar and sipped his gin and water. It was now
twelve o'clock, and he thoroughly wished himself at home and in bed. The Charley was with him. Charley had been in court the whole day, except
that he had twice posted down to the West End in a cab to let Gertrude Charley was rather a favourite with Mr. Oldeschole, having been
appointed by himself at the instance of Mr. Oldeschole's great friend, plenty of tobacco; and, fortified with these comforts, Charley betook
himself at last very lugubriously, to a filthy, uninviting bed. deceived. They well knew that such a young man as Charley would go
wherever his inclination led him. Till lately it had been all but and Charley, dear Charley! she had not seen him since he went away that
morning, now four days since; and four days was a long time, considering 'You seem pretty comfortable here,' said M'Ruen. Charley dissented to
this, and said that he was extremely uncomfortable. Charley to begin. She got up and pottered about the room, went to a
cupboard, and wiped a couple of glasses, and then out into the bar and Then came the supper. There was a great rush to get downstairs, but
Charley was so clever that even this did not put him out. Of course Latterly, indeed, Charley had utterly deserted the front parlour; for
there had come there a pestilent fellow, highly connected with the deserted. At this time Charley was true to her, and did for her all
those thousand nameless things which a woman cannot do for herself.
He came to her everyday after leaving his office, and on one excuse or He shuffled into the room where Charley was standing with little
short quick steps, and putting out his hand, just touched that of his
customer, by way of going through the usual process of greeting. Charley was to return to town that night, and they had not therefore
much time to lose; they went upstairs at once, and found Linda and
'Gravesend!' said Charley, struck by the suddenness of his rescue, as
the gambler would have been had some stranger seized the razor at the
moment when it was lifted to his throat. She was soon again in comparative safety. Charley had her by one arm as
he held on with the other to the boat, and kept himself afloat with his had thrown himself into the Thames from the neighbouring boat-stairs;
and though he had been hooked out uninjured by the man who always
attends there with two wooden legs, the effect on his parents' minds had in her young mind she felt that an author would like to hear. Charley
had pulled her out of the river, and no one, as far as her efforts could
prevent it, should be allowed to throw cold water on him. Another boat soon came to their assistance from the shore, and Mrs.
Woodward and Katie were got safely into it. Charley returned to 'Oh! Charley, you know I was under the water for a long time; and that
if you had not come, just at that very moment, I should never have come
up again.' Norman was so expert a Thames waterman, that he was quite able to manage
the boat without a steersman, and Charley was nearly his equal. But Charley had engaged to pull up to Avis's at Putney with Harry Norman,
to dine there, take a country walk, and row back in the cool of the Norman and Charley, wet as the latter was, contrived to bring the
shattered boat back to Hampton. When they reached the lawn at Surbiton escape. Charley was on the other side, standing up and holding on by
the piers of the bridge, keeping his eyes on the ladies, so as to be of
assistance to them when assistance might be needed. Charley looked round, threw her the odd halfpence which he had in his
pocket, and then turned down towards the column. The woman picked up her
prize, and, with a speedy blessing, took herself off in search of other
prey. Charley did as he was bid, and Katie intended to do the same; but
unfortunately she pulled the wrong hand. They were now very near the Charley got up and took her hand; and as he did so, he saw that her
nails were dirty. He put his arms round her waist and kissed her; and as reach the courtyard, and there obtain the support of a pillar. Dreadful
thoughts filled his mind; the Thames, the friendly Thames, was running the river after me, and very, very nearly drowned himself; and I don't
think any other man in the world would have done so much for me besides
him.' 'I know he saved my life,' said Katie, as soon as she could trust
herself to speak without betraying her emotion--'I know he jumped into Charley was with him. Charley had been in court the whole day, except
that he had twice posted down to the West End in a cab to let Gertrude than Charley. It had been produced by one of those far-stretching,
world-moving commotions which now and then occur, sometimes twice or when Charley got close to her, she had been carried up to the piers of
the bridge, and was panting with her head above water, and beating the
stream with her little hands. The conclusion of Charley's novel brought them back to the boat. Norman,
when he started, had intended to employ the evening in giving good
Charley did as he was bid, and Katie intended to do the same; but
unfortunately she pulled the wrong hand. They were now very near the 'I know he saved my life,' said Katie, as soon as she could trust
herself to speak without betraying her emotion--'I know he jumped into And at last he came to Katie. There was no getting over it. She
also stretched out her now thin hand, and Charley, as he touched it, Katie, still holding his hand, looked up into his face, and he saw that
her eyes were suffused with tears. She then left his side, and, running Charley's story so as to enable Katie to go to bed after the accident,
had she been able to do so. But she was not able to do so without an moment. Katie made an attempt to laugh off her tears, but she failed,
and her sobs then became hysterical, and she lay with her head on her O the misery of that next hour! For an hour they remained there talking,
and Katie knew nothing of what they were talking; she knew only that Poor little Katie! This was her first day in public. With many imploring
caresses, with many half-formed tears in her bright eyes, with many Mrs. Woodward was at a loss how to receive him, or what to say to him.
Though Katie was so positive that her own illness would be fatal--a As soon as Norman was gone, Katie went to bed: and in the morning she
was pronounced to be too unwell to get up. And, indeed, she was far from Katie did not faint. She never had fainted, and probably did not know
the way; but she clenched her hands still tighter, breathed harder than Katie and give her a farewell embrace, since Katie was still too weak to
come to her; she would say farewell to Uncle Bat, to whom she and Alaric her very unhappy. Her Katie was still ill; not ill indeed so that she
was forced to keep her bed and receive daily visits from pernicious
doctors, but, nevertheless, so ill as to make a mother very anxious. During these months Katie's health had greatly improved, and as she
herself had gained in strength, she had gradually begun to think that had, therefore, been obliged to read it. But now that it was done, she
hurried Katie off to bed, not without many admonitions. and Katie sank completely under it. When she first heard the result
of the trial she swooned away, and remained for some time nearly
unconscious. But returning consciousness brought with it no relief, and Katie's blood rushed back to her heart, and for a moment her own hand
relaxed the hold which she had on that of her mother. She had never When he entered the room, Katie felt her heart beat so strongly that she
hardly knew how to thank him for saving her life. A year ago she patched-up manuscript, and as he did so, Katie almost threw out of her
arms the baby she was holding. Gertrude told her she might, and so Katie made good her escape,
hiding herself from her enemy as well as she could behind her sister's
And Charley was there, acting as best man. It was just the place and
just the work for Charley. He forgot all his difficulties, all his than Charley. It had been produced by one of those far-stretching,
world-moving commotions which now and then occur, sometimes twice or Charley was with him. Charley had been in court the whole day, except
that he had twice posted down to the West End in a cab to let Gertrude Charley, when he entered the door punctually at two o'clock, saw that it
was as usual nearly deserted. One long, lanky, middle-aged man, seedy as Charley to begin. She got up and pottered about the room, went to a
cupboard, and wiped a couple of glasses, and then out into the bar and Charley kept his appointment, and came away from Mr. M'Ruen's with a
well-contented mind. He had, it is true, left Â£5 behind him, and had He shuffled into the room where Charley was standing with little
short quick steps, and putting out his hand, just touched that of his
customer, by way of going through the usual process of greeting. Charley was to return to town that night, and they had not therefore
much time to lose; they went upstairs at once, and found Linda and and Charley, dear Charley! she had not seen him since he went away that
morning, now four days since; and four days was a long time, considering Charley was rather a favourite with Mr. Oldeschole, having been
appointed by himself at the instance of Mr. Oldeschole's great friend, 'You don't know the sort of place that office of mine is,' continued
Charley. 'You don't know the sort of fellows the men are. I hate the Mrs. Val's dance had taken place in June, and it was now late in
October. Four months had intervened, and during that period Charley had Charley sat down and did the required work. On any other day he would
greatly have disliked such a summons, but now he did not care much about But this was too much for Charley. He had often before bought bill
stamps in vain, and in vain had paid for mutton chops and beer for Mr. Mrs. Richards' story was soon told. It simply amounted to this--that
'Mister Charley,' as she always called him, had been arrested for debt Charley got up and took her hand; and as he did so, he saw that her
nails were dirty. He put his arms round her waist and kissed her; and as Down the two women came, and Charley felt his heart beating against
his ribs. As the steps came nearer the door, he began to wish that Mr. Among those who were drafted into other offices was Charley, whom
propitious fate took to the Weights and Measures. But it must not be while Harry and Charley were at Surbiton Cottage. The old gentleman was
anything but pleased. In the first place he liked his money, though not Charley said that he thought he did rather like hard work. Hereupon
a senior clerk standing by, though a man not given to much laughter,
'And therefore, Charley, you must not see Katie any more.' So much she
said, and then she looked into his face with imploring eyes. Charley declared that he would not willingly do anything to cause pain
to any of them.

'No--I am sure you will not. And therefore, Charley, you must not see
Katie any more.' Charley did as he was bid, and Katie intended to do the same; but
unfortunately she pulled the wrong hand. They were now very near the In answer to this, Charley was not even able to mutter; so he went his
way to the inn, and lay awake half the night thinking how Katie had in wording her request. She hardly liked asking Charley to come because
Katie was ill; nor did she like to ask him without mentioning Katie's At this moment Mrs. Woodward knocked at the door, and Charley rose from
his knees. 'Not quite yet, mamma,' said Katie, as Mrs. Woodward opened And at last he came to Katie. There was no getting over it. She
also stretched out her now thin hand, and Charley, as he touched it, But it must not be thought that Charley abused the friendship of Mrs.
Woodward, and made love to Katie, as love is usually made--with warm Charley did not analyse his feelings, nor did Katie analyse hers. It
would have been impossible for her to do so. But could she have done it, 'Come, Charley,' said she, 'now for the romance. Katie, come and sit
by me.' But Katie had already taken her seat, a little behind Charley,
quite in the shade, and she was not to be moved. After that Katie spoke no further of Charley. But it was evident to them
all, that though she said nothing, she had not ceased to think of him. 'Charley,' said Mrs. Woodward, when he had been some little time in the
house, 'our dear Katie wants to see you; she is very ill, you know.'

Charley said he knew she was ill. Katie, who wanted to begin the play at the beginning, kept her eye
anxiously on Charley, who was still standing with Lactimel Neverbend Charley's story so as to enable Katie to go to bed after the accident,
had she been able to do so. But she was not able to do so without an There was a sort of compact, Katie knew, that there should be no other
Tudor marriage. Charley was not now the scamp he had been, but still--it Charley was at any rate as ignorant what he ought to say as Katie was.
He felt the pressure of her warm lips on his hand, and hardly knew impression that she was perhaps keeping back the true cause of Katie's
illness. Charley had not been at Hampton since his arrest, and it was
manifest to all that Katie was therefore wretched. herself. It was not that she was ashamed of loving Charley, but that she
felt at once that such love would distress her mother's heart. any explanation. An attempt to bring about this would not cure Katie's
love. If this were done, would not Katie always think of Charley's
wrong? 'He begins with a lie,' said Charley, 'for I never called myself
Esquire.'

'Oh, that was a mistake,' said Katie, forgetting herself.
We have delayed the happiness of your marriage, Harry--you must forgive
us that, as well as all our other trespasses. I fear Linda will never
forgive that.' 'Oh, Katie! Harry would in a moment.'

'Not for me; perhaps he might for you--though I'm not quite sure that he
would.' It was thus that Katie took her revenge on her sister. them. Harry would now be Mr. Norman of Normansgrove, and Linda would
become Mrs. Norman of Normansgrove; Harry's mother had long been dead, And now the time came for them to part. Harry was to say good-bye
to her, and then to see her no more. Early on the following morning 'Because, you know, Harry does not want it so much as you do. I am sure
I wish you success with all my heart. Perhaps it's wicked to wish for had not been dying for love during the period of Harry's unsuccessful
courtship. He might, she thought, have waited a little longer before he
chose for his wife the girl whom his friend had loved, seeing that he 'Harry, said she, 'you must go and see Alaric.' 'Harry, my dear Harry,' said Mrs. Woodward, rushing to him, throwing
her arms round him, and kissing him; 'we know it all, we understand it
all--my fine, dear, good Harry.' Harry,' and then crammed it into his pocket. By return of post it
went back under a blank cover, addressed to Alaric at the Weights and Harry was melted in a moment, and in the softness of his mood kissed
Katie too, and Linda also. Katie he had often kissed, but never Linda, Harry said he did find her altered. It was her dress, he said, and the
cap on her head. misery of meeting those who might know him. And now Harry came with Mrs.
Woodward to bid farewell, probably for ever on this side the grave, to poor Harry's hopes have been all in vain; he has lost his promotion,
and now he has lost his bride--poor Harry!'--and then it occurred to him Harry's brow grew black. On the previous evening he had spoken of Alaric
without bitterness, nay, almost with affection; of Gertrude he had 'Harry Norman is no fool.'

'I dare say not,' said the captain; 'but take my word, she'll never have
him--Lord bless you, Norman knows that as well as I do.' But still there was happiness--quiet, staid happiness--at the Cottage.
Mrs. Woodward could not but be happy to see Linda married to Harry 'Oh, Harry,' said Katie, 'we are so sorry--that is, not sorry about
Alaric, but sorry about you. Why were there not two prizes?' Mrs. Woodward's heart melted within her when she heard that Harry was
really ill. She had gone on waiting day after day for an answer to her 'Harry told him all,' continued Gertrude, 'and Alaric--Alaric said
nothing of his own feelings. Alaric never said a word to me that he 'Take him, Harry, take him,' said she, handing over the child to his
father. And then gliding quick as thought through the furniture of the
drawing-room, she darted out upon the lawn, to save herself from the
coming storm.
What is Alaric's cousins name? Where does Charlie work? Who does Alaric marry? Why does Alaric marrying Gertrude make Harry mad? Who does Harry marry? Where does Charley spend most of his time? How did Katie fall in love with Charley? Who is Charley already engaged to? What does Katie's mother ban Charley from doing? Who are the two friends who work at the Weights and Measures office? Who wanted Gertrude's hand, and who eventually won it? What leads to Alaric's downfall? What are the three names of all the daughters a clergyman's widow? How did Charley meet Katie? Where does Charley hang out? What does Harry eventually become? What is Alaric's title? Who is Charley? Where do Harry and Alaric work at the beginning of the story? Why can Harry not forgive Alaric? Who leads to Alaric's downfall? What is Undy Scott's employment? Where does Charlie like to spend his time? Who does Charlie rescue in the Thames? How does Katie almost die? Where does Charley work? What hinders Charley and Katie's relationship? Who does Harry marry?
Charley Charley.
Internal Navigation Internal Navigation
Gertrude. Linda.
Harry loved Gertrude first. because she does rejects his proposal
Linda Linda
The local pubs and bars. Public Houses and Gin Palaces
He saved her from drowning in the river, Thames. He rescued her from drownng
An Irish barmaid. He's engaged to an Irish barmaid.
Talking to Katie ever again. Makes him swear he will never be able to speak to Katie again
The two friends are Harry Norman and Alaric Tudor. harry norman and alaric tudor
Harry wanted Gertrude, but takes Alaric's. Harry, Alaric
His influence from Undy Scott who talks him into schemes of dubious legality and morality. He is talked into legally and morally questionable schemes.
Their names are Gertrude, Linda and Katie. Gertrude, Linda and Katie
She was drowing in the Thames and he rescued her. He saved her from drowning
London's public houses and gin palaces. He goes to public houses and gin palaces.
He becomes a squire. county squire
He is Commissioner. A Commissioner
Charley is Alaric's cousin. Charley Tudor seems to be a partier who is in love with Katie but is engaged to someone else.
The Weights and Measures Office Harry and Alaric work at the Weights and Measures Office.
Gertrude agreed to marry Alaric but not Harry. Because Alaric goes after Harry's first love Gertrude Woodward.
Undy Scott undy scott
He is a member of Parliament. Member of Parliament
In public houses and gin palaces gin palaces and public houses
Katie Katie
She almost drowned. She almost drowns
In Internal Navigation He works at Internal Navigation.
Charley is already engaged and Katie's mother forbids him from speaking to Katie. Katie's mother 
Linda Linda