 Chapter 11 of Sylvia's Lovers This is a LibriVox recording. Or LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Caff Guard Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell Chapter 11 Visions of the Future Before May was out, Molly Corny was married and had left the neighbourhood for Newcastle. Although Charlie Kinraid was not the bridegroom, Sylvia's promise to be bridesmaid was claimed. But the friendship brought on by the circumstances of neighbourhood and parity of age had become very much weakened in the time that elapsed between Molly's engagement and wedding. In the first place, she herself was so absorbed in her preparations so elated by her good fortune in getting married and married too before her elder sister that all her faults blossomed out full and strong. Sylvia felt her to be selfish. Mrs. Robson thought her not maidenly. A year before, she would have been far more missed and regretted by Sylvia. Now it was almost a relief to the latter to be freed from the perpetual calls upon her sympathy, from the constant demands upon her congratulations, made by one who had no thought or feeling to bestow on others. At least, not in these weeks of cockadoodle doing as Mrs. Robson persisted in calling it. It was seldom that Belle was taken with a humorous idea, but this, once having hatched a solitary joke, she was always clucking at internotice to go on with her own poultry similarly. Every time during that summer that Philip saw his cousin, he thought her prettier than she had ever been before. Some new touch of colour, some fresh sweet charm seemed to have been added, just as every summer day calls out new beauty in the flowers. And this was not the addition of Philip's fancy. Hester Rose, who met Sylvia on rare occasions, came back each time with a candid sad acknowledgement in her heart that it was no wonder that Sylvia was so much admired and loved. One day, Hester had seen her sitting near her mother in the marketplace. There was a basket by her, and over the clean cloth that covered the yellow pounds of butter, she had laid the hedge roses and honeysuckle she had gathered on the way into Monkshaven. Her straw hat was on her knee, and she was busy placing some of the flowers in the ribbon that went round it. Then she held it on her hand and turned it round about. Putting her head on one side, the better to view the effect. And all this time, Hester, peeping at her through the folds of the stuffs displayed in Foster's windows, saw her with admiring, wistful eyes, wondering too if Philip at the other counter were aware of his cousins being there, so near to him. Then Sylvia put on her hat. And looking up at Foster's windows, caught Hester's face of interest and smiled and blushed at the consciousness of having been watched over her little vanities. And Hester smiled back, but rather sadly. Then a customer came in and she had to attend to her business, which on this as on all market days was great. In the midst, she was aware of Philip rushing bareheaded out of the shop, eager and delighted at something he saw outside. There was a little looking glass hung against the wall on Hester's side, placed in that retired corner, in order that the good women who came to purchase headgear of any kind might see the effect thereof before they concluded their bargain. In a pause of custom, Hester, half ashamed, stole into this corner and looked at herself in the glass. What did she see? A colourless face, dark, soft hair with no light gleams in it, eyes that were melancholy instead of smiling, a mouth compressed with a sense of dissatisfaction. This was what she had to compare with the bright bunny face in the sunlight outside. She gave a gulp to check the sigh that was rising and came back even more patient than she had been before this disheartening peep to serve all the whims and fancies of purchasers. Sylvia herself had been rather put out by Philip's way of coming to her. It made her look so silly, she thought. And what for must he make a sight of himself coming among the market fall in that way? And when he took to admiring her hat, she pulled out the flowers in a pet and threw them down and trampled them underfoot. What for are thou doing that, Sylvia? said her mother. The flowers is well enough, but maybe thy art might have been stained. I do like Philip to speak to me, so said Sylvia pouting. How, asked her mother. But Sylvia could not repeat his words. She hung her head and looked red and preoccupied, anything but pleased. Philip had addressed his first expression of personal admiration at an unfortunate tune. It just shows what different views different men and women take of their fellow creatures. When I say that Hester looked upon Philip as the best and most agreeable man she had ever known. He was not one to speak of himself without being questioned on the subject. So his haters bank relations, only coming to the neighbourhood in the last year or two, knew nothing of the trials he had surmounted or the difficult duties he had performed. His aunt indeed had strong faith in him, both from partial knowledge of his character and because he was of her own tribe and kin. But she had never learnt the small details of his past life. Sylvia respected him as her mother's friend and treated him tolerably well as long as he preserved his usual self-restraint of demeanor, but hardly ever thought of him when he was absent. Now Hester, who had watched him daily for all the years since he had first come as an errand boy into Foster's shop, watching with quiet, modest yet observantise, had seen how devoted he was to his master's interests, had known of his careful and punctual administration to his absent mother's comforts as long as she was living to benefit by his silent, frugal self-denial. His methodical appropriation of the few hours he could call his own was not without its charms to the equally methodical Hester. The way in which he reproduced any lately acquired piece of knowledge, knowledge so wearisome to Sylvia, was delightfully instructive to Hester, although, as she was habitually silent, it would have required an observer more interested in discovering her feelings than Philip was to have perceived the little flush on the pale cheek and the brightness in the half-veiled eyes whenever he was talking. She had not thought of love on either side. Love was a vanity, a worldliness not to be spoken about or even thought about. Once or twice before the Robsons came into the neighbourhood, an idea had crossed her mind that possibly the quiet, habitual way in which she and Philip lived together might drift them into matrimony at some distant period, and she could not bear the humble advances which Coulson, Philip's fellow lodger, sometimes made. They seemed to disgust her with him. But after the Robsons settled at Hater's Bank, Philip's evenings were so often spent there that any unconscious hopes, Hester might's and aware's have entertained, died away. At first she had felt a pang akin to jealousy when she heard of Sylvia, the little cousin who was passing out of childhood into womanhood. Once, early in those days, she had ventured to ask Philip what Sylvia was like. Philip had not warmed up at the question and had given rather a dry catalogue of her features, hair and height, but Hester, almost to her own surprise, persevered and jerked out the final question. Is she pretty? Philip's sallow cheek grew deeper by two or three shades, but he answered with a tone of indifference. I believe some folks think or so. But do you, persevered Hester, in spite of her being aware that he's somehow disliked the question? There's no need for talking of such things, he answered with abrupt displeasure. Hester silenced her curiosity from that time, but her heart was not quite at ease, and she kept on wondering whether Philip thought his little cousin pretty until she saw her and him together, on that occasion of which we have spoken when Sylvia came to the shop to buy her new cloak. And after that, Hester never wondered whether Philip thought his cousin pretty or no, for she knew quite well. Bill Robson had her own anxieties on the subject of her daughter's increasing attractions. She apprehended the dangers consequent upon certain facts by a mental process more akin to intuition than reason. She was uncomfortable. Even while her mother Livanity was flattered at the admiration Sylvia received from the other sex, this admiration was made evident to her mother in many ways. When Sylvia was with her at market, it might have been thought that the doctors had prescribed a diet of butter and eggs to all the men under 40 in Munk's Haven. At first it seemed to Mrs Robson but a natural tribute to the superior merit of her farm produce. But by degrees she perceived that if Sylvia remained at home, she stood no better chance than her neighbours of an early sale. There were more customers than formerly for the fleeces stored in the Wool Loft. Cymru young butchers came after the calf almost before it had been decided to sell it. In short, excuses were seldom wanting to those who wished to see the beauty of Hater's Bank farm. All this made Belle uncomfortable, though she could hardly have told what she dreaded. Sylvia herself seemed unspoilt by it as far as her home relations were concerned. A little thoughtless she had always been and thoughtless she was still. But as her mother had often said, you can have put old heads on young shoulders and if blame for her carelessness by her parents, Sylvia was always as penitent as she could be for the time being. To be sure, it was only to her father and mother that she remained the same as she had been when an awkward lassy of 13. Out of the house there were the most contradictory opinions of her, especially if the voices of women were to be listened to. She was an ill favoured, overgrown thing, just as Bonnie is the first rose in June and as sweet in nature as Tony's Huckle are climbing round it. She was a vixen with a tongue sharp enough to make your very heart bleed. She was just a bitter sunshine wherever she went. She was sulky, lively, witty, silent, affectionate or cold hearted according to the person who spoke about her. In fact her peculiarity seemed to be this, that everyone who knew her talked about her either in praise or blame. In church or in market she unconsciously attracted attention. They could not forget her presence as they could that of other girls perhaps more personally attractive. Now all this was a cause of anxiety to her mother who began to feel as if she would rather have had her child passed by in silence than so much noticed. Bell's opinion was that it was creditable to a woman to go through life in the shadow of obscurity, never named except in connection with good housewifery, husband or children. Too much talking about a girl, even in the way of praise, disturbed Mrs Robson's opinion of her and when her neighbours told her how her own daughter was admired she would reply coldly, she's just well enough and changed the subject of conversation. But it was quite different with her husband. To his looser, less restrained mind, it was agreeable to hear of and still more to see the attention which his daughter's beauty received. He felt it as reflecting consequence on himself. He had never troubled his mind with speculations as to whether he himself was popular, still less whether he was respected. He was pretty welcome wherever he went as a jovial, good-natured man who had done adventurous and illegal things in his youth which in some measure entitle him to speak out his opinions on life in general in the authoritative manner he generally used. But of the two he preferred consorting with younger men to taking a sober standard of respectability with the elders of the place and he perceived without reasoning upon it that the gay-daring spirits were more desirous of his company when Sylvia was by his side than at any other time. One or two of these would saunter up to haters bank on a Sunday afternoon and lounge round his fields with the old farmer. Bell kept herself from the nap which had been her weekly solace for years in order to look after Sylvia and on such occasions she always turned as cold as shoulder to the visitors as her sense of hospitality and of duty to her husband would permit. But if they did not enter the house old Robson would always have Sylvia with him when he went the round of his land. Bell could see them from the upper window the young men standing in the attitudes of listeners while Daniel laid down the law on some point enforcing his words by pantomymic actions with his thick stick and Sylvia half turning away as if from some two admiring gaze was possibly picking flowers out of the hedge bank. These Sunday afternoon strolls were the plague of Bell's life that whole summer. Then it took as much of artifice as was in the simple woman's nature to keep Daniel from insisting on having Sylvia's company every time he went down to Munk's Haven. And here again came a perplexity the acknowledgement of which in distinct thought would have been an act of disloyalty according to Bell's conscience. If Sylvia went with her father he never drank to excess and that was a good gain to health at any rate. Drinking was hardly a sin against morals in those days and in that place so occasionally she was allowed to accompany him to Munk's Haven as a check upon his folly for he was too fond and proud of his daughter to disgrace her by any open excess. But one Sunday afternoon early in November Philip came up before the time at which he usually paid his visits he looked grave and pale and his aunt began Why lad, what's been a do? That looking is peaked and pined as a methodic preacher after a love feast when he's talked himself to death's door. The dust and I get good milky now that's what it is such stuff as Munk's Haven folks put up with No aunt I'm quite well only I'm a bit put out vex like at what I've heard about Sylvia. His aunt's face changed immediately And what do folks say of her next thing? Oh said Philip, struck by the difference of look and manner in his aunt and subdued by seeing how instantly she took her arm it were only my uncle it shouldn't have taken a girl like her to a public she were wearing at Dad Murrell's Ed upon Saul's Day that were all there were many a one there beside it were a statute fair but such a one as our Sylvia not to be cheap and with rest And he took her there did he? said Belle in severe meditation I had never no opinion of the wenches as all set the cells to be hired for servants in fair there are a bad lot as cannot find places for the cells about going and standing to be stared at by folk and grinning with plow lads when no one's looking it's a bad look outfit Mrs takes one of these wenches for a servant and just to me to say as my Sylvia went and demeaned her cell to dance and marl it we at fair folk at Dad Murrell's Ed no no she didn't a dance she barely set foot in through but it were her own pride as saved her uncle would never have kept her from it for he had fallen in with early of sea burn and one or two others and they were having a glassy bar and Mrs Lawson, landlady knew how there was them to dance and muck parish prentices if need were just to get a word or a look with Sylvia so she tempts her in saying that the room were all smartened and fine with flags and there was them in the room was told me that they never were so startled as when they saw our Sylvia's face peeping in among old at flusted maids and men rough and red wit, weather and drink and Jim McBean he said she would just like a bitter apple blossom among peonies and some man he didn't know who went up and spoke to her and either at that or at some at word she heard for they'd got a good way on her for that time she went quite white and mad as if fire were coming out of her eyes then she turned red and left the room fraught it landlady tried to laugh it off and keep her in I'll be damned amongst Haven before I'm a day older and tell Margaret Lawson some on my mind and she'll not forget in a hurry Bell moved as though she would put on her cloak and hug there and then near it's not in reason as a woman in that line of life shouldn't try to make her house agreeable said Philip not where my wench said Bell in a determined voice Philip's information had made a deeper impression on his aunt than he intended he himself had been annoyed more at the idea that Sylvia would be spoken of as having been at a rough piece of rustic gaiety a yearly festival for the lower classes of Yorkshire servants outdoor as well as indoor than at the affair itself for he had learnt from his informant how instantaneous her appearance had been he stood watching his aunt's troubled face and almost wishing that he had not spoken at last she heaved a deep sigh and stirring the fire as if by this little household occupation to compose her mind she said it's a pity as when she's aunt lads unmarried folk I could have wished but it were the Lord's will it would have been something to look to if she'd had a brother my master is so full on his own thoughts you see he's no mind left for thinking on her what with thoughts andth wall andth y yw'n cult and his venture into lucky Mary she really believed her husband to have the serious and important occupation for his mind that she had been taught to consider befitting the superior intellect of the masculine gender she would have taxed herself severely if even in thought she had blamed him and Philip respected her feelings too much to say that Sylvia's father ought to look after her more closely if he made such a pretty creature so constantly his companion yet some such speech was only just pent within Philip's closed lips again his aunt spoke I used to think as she and you might fancy one another but thou art too old-fashioned light for her you would nest suits and it's as well for now I can say to thee that I would take it very kindly if thou would sluck after her a bit Philip's countenance fell into gloom he had to gulp down certain feelings before he could make answer with discretion How can I look after her and me tied to the shop more and more every day I could send her on a bit of an errand to Fosters and then for sure you might keep an eye upon her when she's in town and just walk a bit way with her when she's in the street and keep to the fellow's offer Ned Simpson butcher in special for folks do say he means no good by any girl he goes with and I'll ask father to lever a bit more with me they're coming down brow and Ned Simpson with him now Philip I'll look to thee to do a brother's part by my wench and warn off all as isn't fit the door opened and the coarse strong voice of Simpson made itself heard he was a stout man comely enough as to form and feature but with a depth of colour in his face that betoken the coming on of the habits of the sot his Sunday hat was in his hand and he smoothed the long nap of it as he said with a mixture of shyness and familiarity Sarvent Mrs you're me stares feing that I should come in and have a drop no fence I hope Sylvia passed quickly through the house place and went upstairs without speaking to her cousin Philip or to anyone he sat on disliking the visitor and almost disliking his hospitable uncle for having brought Simpson into the house sympathising with his aunt in the spirit which prompted her curt answers and in the intervals of all these feelings wondering what ground she had for speaking as if she had now given up all thought of Sylvia and him ever being married and in what way he was too old fashioned Robson would gladly have persuaded Philip to join him and Simpson in their drink but Philip was in no sociable mood and sat a little aloof watching the staircase down which sooner or later Sylvia must come for as perhaps has been already said the stairs went up straight out of the kitchen and at length his yearning watch was rewarded first the little pointed toe came daintily in sight then the trim ankle in the tight blue stocking the wool of which was spun and the web of which was knitted by her mother's careful hands then the full brown stuffed petticoat the arm holding the petticoat back in decent folds so as not to encumber the descending feet the slender neck and shoulders hidden under the folded square of fresh white muslin the crowning beauty of the soft innocent face radiant in colour and with the light brown curls clustering around she made her way quickly to Philip's side how his heart beat at her approach and even more when she entered into a low voice tetatet isn't he gone yet said she I cannot abide him I could have pinched farther when he asked him to come in maybe you'll not stay along said Philip hardly understanding the meaning of what he said so sweet was it to have her making her whispered confidences to him but Simpson was not going to let her alone in the dark corner between the door and the window he began paying her some coarse country compliments too strong in their direct flattery for even her father's taste more especially as he saw by his wife's set lips and frining brow how much she disapproved of their visitor's style of conversation Cwm Maester lived it last alone she set up enough already and mother makes such a deal on her you and me's meant for sensible talk at our time at life an as I was saying to us was a weaver if ever one was as anyone could have told as I'd come within a mile on him and in this way the old farmer and the bluff butcher chatted on about horses while Philip and Sylvia sat together he turning over all manner of hopes and projects for the future in spite of his aunt's opinion that he was too old fashioned for her dainty blooming daughter perhaps too Mrs. Robson saw some reason for changing her mind on this head as she watched Sylvia this night for she accompanied Philip to the door when the time came for him to start homewards and bade him good night with unusual fervor adding thou's been a deal of comfort to me lad I must as one as if thou were to child am own as at times I could willy think thou art to be anyways I trust to thee to look after the lyllas as as no brother to guide her among men and men's very kittle for a woman to deal with but if thou'dt have an eye on whom she consorts with my mind'll be easier Philip's heart beat fast but his voice was as calm as usual when he replied I'd just keep her a bit aloof from monk's haven folks alas is always the more thought on for being cherry of herself and as for rest I'll have an eye to the folk she goes among and if I see that they don't be fitter I'll just give her a warning for she's not want to like such chaps as Yon Simpson there she can see what's becoming in a man to say to alas and what's not Philip set out on his two mile walk home with a tumult of happiness in his heart he was not often carried away by delusions of his own creating tonight he thought he had good ground for believing that by patient self-restraint he might win Sylvia's love a year ago he had nearly earned her dislike by obtruding upon her looks and words betokening his passionate love he alarmed her girlish coyness as well as wearied her with the wish he had then felt that she should take an interest in his pursuits but with unusual wisdom he had perceived his mistake it was many months now since he had betrayed by word or look that she was anything more to him than a little cousin to be cared for and protected when need was the consequence was that she had become tamed just as a wild animal is tamed he had remained tranquil and impassive almost as if he did not perceive her shy advances towards friendliness these advances were made by her after the lessons had ceased she was afraid lest he was displeased with her behaviour in rejecting his instructions and was not easy till she was at peace with him and now, to all appearance he and she were perfect friends but nothing more in his absence she would not allow her young companions to laugh at his grave sobriety of character and somewhat prim demeanor she would even go against her conscience and deny that she perceived any peculiarity when she wanted it she sought his advice on such small subjects as came up in her daily life and she tried not to show signs of weariness more words and more difficult words than were necessary to convey his ideas but her ideal husband was different from Philip in every point the two images never for an instant merged into one to Philip she was the only woman in the world it was the one subject on which he dared not consider for fear that both conscience and judgement should decide against him and that he should be convinced against his will that she was an unfit mate for him that she never would be his and that it was a waste of time and life to keep her shriined in the dearest sanctuary of his being to the exclusion of all the serious and religious aims which, in any other case he would have been the first to acknowledge as the object he ought to pursue for he had been brought up among the Quakers and shared in there our steer distrust of a self-seeking spirit yet what else but self-seeking was his passionate prayer give me Sylvia or else I'd die no other vision had ever crossed his masculine fancy for a moment his was a rare and constant love that deserved a better fate than it met with at this time his hopes were high as I have said not merely as to the growth of Sylvia's feelings towards him but as to the probability of his soon being in a position to place her in such comfort as his wife as she had never enjoyed before for the brothers foster were thinking of retiring from business and relinquishing the shop to their two shopmen Philip Hepburn and William Coulson to be sure it was only by looking back for a few months and noticing chance expressions and small indications that this intention of theirs could be discovered but every step they took tended this way and Philip knew their usual practice of deliberation too well to feel in the least impatient for the quicker progress of the end which he saw steadily approaching the whole atmosphere of life among the friends at this date partook of this character of self-repression and both Coulson and Hepburn shared in it Coulson was just as much aware of the prospect opening before him as Hepburn but they never spoke together on the subject although their mutual knowledge might be occasionally implied in their conversation on their future lives meanwhile the ffosters were imparting more of the background of their business to their successors for the present at least the brothers meant to retain an interest in the shop even after they had given up the active management and they sometimes thought of setting up a separate establishment as bankers the separation of the business the introduction of their shopmen to the distant manufacturers who furnished their goods in those days the system of travellers was not so widely organised as it is at present all these steps were in gradual progress and already Philip saw himself in imagination in the dignified position of joint master of the principal shop in Monkshaven with Sylvia installed as his wife with certainly a silk gown and possibly a gig at her disposal in all Philip's visions of future prosperity it was Sylvia who was to be aggrandised by them his own life was to be spent as it was now pretty much between the four shop walls End of Chapter 11 Chapter 12 of Sylvia's Lovers This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Amanda Martin Sandino Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell Chapter 12 All this enlargement of interest in the shop occupied Philip fully for some months after the period referred to in the preceding chapter Remembering his last conversation with his aunt he might have been uneasy at his inability to perform his promise and look after his pretty cousin but that about the middle of November Belle Robson had fallen ill of a rheumatic fever and that her daughter had been entirely absorbed in nursing her No thought of company or gayity was in Sylvia's mind as long as her mother's illness lasted vehement in all her feelings she discovered in the dread of losing her mother how passionately she was attached to her hitherto she had supposed as children so often do that her parents would live forever and now when it was a question of days whether by that time the following week her mother might not be buried out of her sight forever she clung to every semblance of service to be rendered or affection shown as if she hoped to condense the love and care of years into the few days only that might remain Mrs Robson lingered on began slowly to recover before Christmas was again sitting by the fireside in the house place wand and pulled down muffled up with shawls and blankets but still there once more were not long before Sylvia had scarcely expected to see her again Philip came up that evening and found Sylvia in wild spirits she thought that everything was done now that her mother had once again come downstairs she laughed with glee she kissed her mother she shook hands with Philip she almost submitted to a speech of more than usual tenderness for him but in the midst of his words her mother's pillows wanted a ranging and she went to her chair paying no more heed to his words than if they had been addressed to the cat that lying on the invalid's knee was purring out her welcome to the weekend feebly stroking her back Robson himself soon came in looking older and more subdued since Philip had seen him last he was very urgent that his wife should have some spirits and water but on her refusal almost as if she loathed the thought of the smell he contented himself with sharing her tea though he kept abusing the beverages washing the heart out of a man including all the degeneracy of the world growing up about him in his old age to the drinking of such thought at the same time his little self sacrifice put him in an unusually good temper and mingled with his real gladness at having his wife once more on their way to recovery brought back some of the old charm of tenderness combined with light-heartedness which had won the sober Isabella Preston long ago he sat by her side holding her hand and talking of old times to the uncouple opposite of his adventures and escapes and how he had won his wife she faintly smiling at the remembrance of those days yet half ashamed at having the little details of her courtship reveals from time to time kept saying for shame with the dental I never did and faint denials of a similar kind never believe her Sylvie she were a woman and there's never a woman that likes to have a sweetheart and can tell when a chap's cast in sheep's eyes at her I and a fork he knows what he's about to send she were a pretty one then was my old woman and liked them as thought or so though she did cock her head high is being a Preston which were a family of standing and means in those parts of wartime there's Philip there our ward is as proud to be in Preston by to mother's side for it runs it to blood lass I can tell when a child of a Preston takes to being proud of their kin by to cut to their nose now Philips and my missuses had a turn beyond common in their nostrils as if they were sniffling at the rest of the world and seeing if we was good enough for him to consort with the enemy lass is Robsons old cake folk while they is pie crust Lord, how Belle used to speak to me as short as though I wasn't a Christian and at the time she loved me as her very life and well I knew it though I had to mark as though I didn't Philip, when thou ghost courton, come to me and I'll give thee many a wrinkel I've shown too as a known well how to choose a good wife by tokens and signs hannad a missus come to me my lad and show me to lass and I'll just talk a squint at her and tell you if she'll do or not and if she'll do I'll teach you how to win her they say another a young corny girls is going to be married said missus Robson in her faint deliberate tones by gosh and as well thou spokest on them I was as clean for getting it as ever could be I met nanny corny among save and lass neat and she asked me for to let our Sylvia come a New Year's Eve and see Molly and her man that is wed beyond Newcastle they'll be over at her faithers for to New Year's Eve and theirs to be a merry making Sylvia's colour came her eyes brightened she would have liked to go but the thought of her mother came across her and her features fell her mother's eye caught the look and the chains and knew what both meant as well as if Sylvia had spoken out Thursday's tonight said she I'll be rare and strong by then and Sylvia should glow playerson she's been nurse tending long enough you're but weakly yet said Philip shortly he did not intend to say it but the word seemed to come out in spite of himself I said as our lass should come God willing if she only came and went and the going on sprightly old woman and I'll turn nurse tending my sin for occasion special of thou can stand to good on smell a whisky by then so my lass get up thy smart clothes and cut the best on a mount as becomes a Preston maybe I'll fetch thee home and maybe Philip will convoy thee for nanny corny baith thee to merry making as well she said her mister would be seemed thee about to wool of whore then I don't think I can go said Philip secretly pleased to know that he had had the opportunity and his power I'm half bound to go with Hester Rose and her mother to watch tonight it's Hester a Methody asked Sylvia in surprise she's neither a Methody nor a friend nor a torch person but she's a turn for serious things choose wherever they're found well then said good natured farmer Rubson only seeing the surface of things I'll make shift to fetch Sylvia back front to merry making and thee and thy young woman can go to prayer making it's every man to his taste say I but in spite of his half promise nay against his natural inclination Philip was lured to the corny's by the thought of meeting Sylvia of watching her and exulting in her superiority in pretty looks and ways to all the other girls likely to be assembled besides he told his conscience he was pledged to his aunt to watch over Sylvia like a brother so when the interval before New Year's Eve he silently reveled as much as any young girl in the anticipation of the happy coming time at this hour all the actors in the story having played out their parts and gone to their rest there is something touching on recording the futile efforts made by Philip to win Sylvia the love he yearned for but at the time anyone who had watched him might have been amused to see the grave awkward plain young man studying patterns and colors for a new waistcoat with his head a little on one side after the meditative manner common to those who are choosing a new article of dress they might have smiled could they have read in his imagination the frequent rehearsal of the coming evening when he and she should each be dressed in their gala attire to spend a few hours under a bright festive aspect among people whose company would oblige them to assume a new demeanor towards each other not so familiar as their everyday manner but allowing more scope for the expression of rustic gallantry Philip had so seldom been to anything of the kind that even had Sylvia not been going he would have felt a kind of shy excitement at the prospect of anything so unusual but indeed if Sylvia had not been going it was very probable that Philip's rigid conscience might have been aroused to the question whether such parties did not savor too much of the world for him to form one in them as it was however the facts to him were simply these he was going and she was going the day before he had heard off to Hasterbank farm with a small paper parcel in his pocket a ribbon with a little briar rose pattern running upon it for Sylvia it was the first thing he had ever ventured to give her the first thing of the kind would perhaps be more accurate for when he had begun to teach her any lessons he had given her a maverage spelling book but that he might have done out of zeal for knowledge 20 duns of a little girl of his acquaintance the ribbon was quite a different kind of present he touched it tenderly as if he were caressing it when he thought of her wearing it the briar rose pattern the soft green brown on which the pink and brown pattern ran was just the color to show off her complexion and she would in a way belong to him her cousin, her mentor, her chaperone, her lover while others only admired he might hope to appropriate for of late they had been such happy friends her mother approved of him her father liked him a few months perhaps only a few weeks more of self-restraint then he might go and speak openly of his wishes he thought he was going to learn he might go and speak openly of his wishes and what he had to offer for he had resolved for the quiet force of his character to wait until all was settled between him and his masters before he declared himself to either Sylvia or her parents the interval was spent in patience, silent endeavours to recommend himself to her he had to give his ribbon to his aunt and charge for Sylvia and that was a disappointment to his fancy although he tried to reason himself into thinking that it was better so he had not time to wait for her to return to him some errand on which he had gone more and more occupied with the affairs of the shop Sylvia made many a promise to her mother and more to herself that she would not stay late at the party but she might go as early as she liked and before the December daylight had faded away Sylvia presented herself at the Cornings she was to come early in order to help set out the supper which was arranged in the large old flagged parlor which served as a best bedroom as well it opened out of the house place and was a sacred room of the house and chambers of a similar description are still considered in retired farmhouses in the north of England they are used on occasions like the one now described for purposes of hospitality but in the state bed overshadowing so large a portion of the floor the births and as far as may be the deaths of the house will take place at the Cornings the united efforts of some former generation of the family had produced patchwork curtains and coverlet and patchwork was patchwork in those days before the early yeats and peels had found out the secret of printing the parsley leaf parsley indian chinsys were intermixed with commoner black and red calico in my new texagons and a variety of patterns served for the useful purpose of promoting conversations as well as the more obvious one of displaying the work woman's taste Sylvia for instance began at once to her old friend Molly Brunton who had accompanied her into this chamber to take off her hat and cloak with a remark of one of the chinsys souping over the counter pain with a face into which the flush would come whether or not she said to Molly dear I never see this one of four this for all the world like the eyes in a peacock tail thou seen it many times not last but weren't thou surprised to find charlie here we picked him up at shields quite by surprise like and when Brunton me said we was coming here nought would serve him but coming with us for to see to new year in is a pity as your mother's tain this time for to fall ill and want you back so early Sylvia had taken off her hat and cloak by this time began to help Molly and a younger unmarried sister in laying out the substantial supper here continued Mrs Brunton took a bit of holly and yon pig's mouth that's the way we do things in Newcastle but folks is so behind hand in Monkshaven it's a fine thing to live in a large town Sylvia and if you're looking out for a husband I'd advise you to take one as lives in a town I feel as if I were buried alive coming back here such an outed away place after to side where there's many a hundred carts and carriages go past in a day I regret mine for to take you to Lassie's back with me and let you see a bit of the world maybe I may yet her sister Bessie looked much pleased with this plan but Sylvia was rather inclined to take offence at Molly's patronising ways and replied I'm none so fond of noise and bustle why not be able to hear yourself speak with all the carts and carriages I'd rather died at home let alone that mother can't spare me it was perhaps a rather ungratius way of answering Molly Brunton's speech although she felt it, although her invitation had been none of the most courteously worded she irritated Sylvia still further by repeating her last words mother can't spare me my mother will have to spare thee some time and a time for when comes I'm none going to be wed, said Sylvia and if I were, I'd never go far from mother eh what a spoiled darling it is how Brunton will laugh when I tell him about you Brunton's a rare one for laughing it's a great thing to have got such a merry man for husband why he has his joke for everyone as comes in two to chop and he'll have something funny to say to everything this evening Bessie saw that Sylvia was annoyed and with a more delicacy than her sister she tried to turn the conversation that's a pretty ribbon in thy hair Sylvia I'd like to have one of the same pattern feather likes pickled walnut stuck about to round a beef Molly I know what I'm about replied Mrs Brunton with a toss of her married head Bessie resumed her inquiry is there any more to be had where this cuff from Sylvia I don't know, replied Sylvia it's cuff for fosters you can ask what might it cost? said Bessie fingering end of it to test its quality I can't tell, said Sylvia to wear a present never mock do about to price, said Molly I'll give thee enough one to to tie up thy hair just like Sylvia's only thou hasn't such wealth of curls as she has it'll never look the same with thy straight locks and who might it be as give it thee Sylvia asked the unscrupulous if good nature'd Molly my cousin Philip him as his jobman at fosters said Sylvia innocently but it was far too good an opportunity for the exercise Molly's kind of wit for her to pass over oh ho our cousin Philip is it and he'll not be living so far away from your mother I've no need to be a witch to put two and two together he's a coming here tonight isn't he Bessie I wish you wouldn't talk so Molly said Sylvia me and Philip is good enough friends but we never think on each other that way least ways I don't sweet butter now that's my mother's old fashioned ways as if folks must eat sweet butter nowadays because her mother did that way continued Molly in the manner that annoyed Sylvia so much repeating her words as if for the purpose of laughing at them that way and pray what is it to your speaking on I never said not about marrying did I that you'll need to look so red and shamed faced about your cousin Philip but as Brunton says if the cat fits on you put it on I'm glad he's coming over tonight though for as I'm done making love and cordon it's the next best to watch other folks and your face Sylvia has ledden me into a secret as I'd some glimpses on a four eye was wed Sylvia discreetly determined not to speak a word more to Philip than she could help and wondered how she could ever have liked Molly at all much less have made a companion of her the table was now laid out and nothing remained but to criticise the arrangement a little Bessie was full of admiration there Molly said she you never seen more of it all brought together in Newcastle I'll be bound there'll be half a hundred ways of the butcher's meat besides pies and cuasters I've eaten no dinner these two days for thinking on it it's been a weary burden on my mind but it's off now I see how well it looks I told mother not to come near it till we'd spread it all out and now I'll go fetch her Bessie ran off into the house place it's well enough in a country carnawy said Molly with a faint approbation of condescension but if I'd thought on I'd have brought him down a beast or two done a sponge cake with curns for his eyes to give to table and air the door was opened and Bessie came in smiling and blushing with proud pleasure her mother followed her on tiptoe smoothing down her apron and with her voice subdued to a whisper ah my lass it is fine but didn't make a do about it let some think it's just our common way if anyone says ought about how good to vital is take it calm and say we better into house it'll make him eat with a better appetite and think the more on us sylvie I much beholden to you for coming so early and helping to last but you mun coming to house place now the folks is gathering and your cousins been asking after you already Molly gave her a nudge which made sylvie a go all the flame with angry embarrassment she was conscious that the watching which Molly had threatened her with began directly for Molly went up to her husband and whispered something to him which set him off in a chuckling laugh and sylvie was aware that his eyes followed her about with knowing looks all the evening she would hardly speak to Philip sylvie is outstretched hand passed on to the chimney corner and tried to shelter herself behind the broad back of farmer corny who had no notion of relinquishing his customary place for all the young people who ever came to the house or for any old people either for that matter it was his household throne and there he sat with no more idea of abdicating in his favour of any cummer linking George at St. James's but he was glad to see his friends and had paid them the unwanted compliment of shaving on a weekday and putting on his Sunday coat the united efforts of his wife and children had failed to persuade him to make any further change in his attire to all their arguments on this head he had replied them is doesn't like to see me no more work a day whisk it and breaches my bad way it was the longest sentence he had said that day but he repeated it several times over he was glad enough to see all the young people but they were not of his kidney as he expressed it to himself and he did not feel any call upon himself to entertain them he left that to his bustling wife all smartness and smiles into his daughters and son-in-law his efforts at hospitality consisted in sitting still smoking his pipe when anyone came he took it out of his mouth for an instant and nodded to his head in a cheerful friendly way without a word of speech then returned to his smoking with a greater relish for the moment's intermission he thought to himself there are such a young chaps that thinks more on two lashes than on a bachy they'll find out they're mistaken time give them time, give them time and before eight o'clock he went as quietly as a man of twelve stone can upstairs to bed having made a previous arrangement with his wife that she should bring him up about two pounds of spiced beef and a hot tumbler of stiff grog but at the beginning of the evening he formed a good screen for Sylvia who was rather a favourite with the old man for twice he spoke to her fathyr smokes? yes? said Sylvia reached me to bachybox Milas and that was all the conversation that passed between her and her nearest neighbour for the first quarter of an hour after she came into company but for all her screen she felt a pair of eyes were fixed upon her with the glow of admiration deepening their honest brightness somehow looking in what direction she would she caught the glance of those eyes before she could see anything else so she played with her apron strings and tried not to feel so conscious there were another pair of eyes not such beautiful sparkling eyes deep set, earnest, sad, nae even gloomy watching her every movement but of this she was not aware Philip had not recovered from the rebuff she had given him by refusing his offered hand standing still in angry silence when Mrs Cornyth thrust a young woman just arrived upon his attention come Mr Hepburn, here's Nancy Pratt without even a soul to speak to her and you moep in there she says she knows you'll foresight for having dealt in ffosters these six years see if you can find someone to say to each other from and go pour out a teak Dixon's and Walker's and Elliot's and Smith's has come said she, making off the families with her fingers as she looked round and called over their names and there was only Will Lantham and his two sisters and Roger Harbottle and Taylor to come and they'll turn up a forties in it so she went off to her duty at the one table which placed alongside of the dresser with the only article of furniture left in the middle of the room all the seats being arranged as close to the four walls as could be managed the candles of those days gave but a faint light compared to the light of the immense fire which it was a point of hospitality to keep at the highest roaring blazing pitch these young women occupied their seats with the exception of two or three of the elder ones who, in an eager desire to show their capability insisted on helping Mrs Cornyn her duties very much to her annoyance as there were certain little contrivances for eking out cream and adjusting the strength of the cups of tea to the worldly position of the intended drinkers which she did not like everyone to see the young men whom tea did not embolden and who had as yet had no chance of stronger liquor clustered rustic shyness round the door, not speaking even to themselves except now and then when one apparently the wag of the party made some whispered remark which set them all off laughing but in a minute they chucked themselves and passed the back of their hands across their mouths to compose that unlucky feature and then some would try to fix their eyes on the rafters of the ceiling in a manner which was decorous if rather abstracted from the business in hand most of these were young farmers with whom Philip had nothing in common and from whom in shy reserve he had withdrawn himself when he first came in but now he wished himself among them sooner than to talk to Nancy Pratt when he had nothing to say and yet he might have had a companion less to his mind a young woman of a sober age less inclined to giggle than many of the younger ones but all the time that he was making commonplace remarks to her he was wondering if he had offended Sylvia and why she would not shake hands with him and this preoccupation of his thoughts did not make him an agreeable companion Nancy Pratt, who had been engaged for some years to a mate of a whaling ship received something of a state of mind and took no offence at it on the contrary she tried to give him pleasure by admiring Sylvia I've often heard tell on her since she but I never thought she'd be so pretty and so stayed in quite like to to most part of girls as it looks like her were always gate gazing to catch other folks' eyes and see what is thought on them but she looks just like a child a bit flustered with coming into company getting into his dark corner and biding as still as she can just then Sylvia lifted up her long dark lashes and catching the same glance which she had so often met before Charlie Kinraid was standing talking to Brenton on the opposite side of the fireplace she startled back into the shadow as if she had not expected it and in so doing spilled her tea all over her gown she could almost have cried she felt herself so awkward and as if everything was going wrong with her she thought that everyone would think she had never been in company before and did not know how to behave and while she was thus fluttered in crimson she saw through her tearful eyes can raid on his knees before her wiping her gown with his silk pocket tanker chiff and heard him speaking through all the buzz of commiserating voices your cupboard handle is so much at the way I heard my elbow against it only this very afternoon so perhaps it was no clumsiness of hers as they would all know now since he had so skillfully laid the blame somewhere else and after all it turned out that her accident had been the means of bringing him across to her side which was much more pleasant than having him opposite staring at her for now he began to talk to her and this was very pleasant although she was rather embarrassed at their ted to ted at first did not know you again when I first saw you said he in a tone which implied a good deal more than was uttered in his words I knowed you at once she replied softly and then she blushed and played with her apron string and wondered if she ought to have confessed to the clearness of her recollection you've grown up into well perhaps it's not matters to say what you're grown into anyhow I shan't forget you again more playing with her apron string and head hung still lower down though the corners of her mouth would go up in shy smile of pleasure Philip watched it all as greedily as if it gave him delight your father he'll be well in herty I hope asked Charlie yes replied Sylvia and then she wished she could originate some remark he would think her so stupid if she just kept on saying such little short bits of speeches and if he thought her stupid he might perhaps go away again to his former place but he was quite far gone in love of her beauty and pretty modest ways not to care much whether she talked or no so long as she showed herself so pleasingly conscious of his close neighbourhood I must come and see the old gentleman and your mother too he added more slowly for he remembered that his visits last year had not been quite so much welcomed by Belle Robeson as by her husband perhaps it was because of the amount of drink which he and Daniel had managed to get through of an evening he resolved this year to be more careful to please the mother of Sylvia End of Chapter 12 Recording by Amanda Martin-Sandino Bothell Washington Chapter 12 Part 2 of Sylvia's Lovers This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Linda Velas Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell Chapter 13 When tea was ended there was a great bustle and shifting of places while Mrs Cornyn and her daughters carried out trays full of used cups and great platters of uneaten bread and butter into the back kitchen to be washed up after the guests were gone Just because she was so conscious that she did not want to move and break up the little conversation between herself and Cane Raid Sylvia forced herself to be as active in the service going on as became a friend of the house and she was too much her mother's own daughter to feel comfortable at leaving all the things in the disorder which to the Cornyn girls was second nature This milkman go back to Davia Beckin said she loading herself with milk and cream Never fast enough about it said Nellie Cornyn Christmas comes but one is a year if it does go sour and mother said she'd have a game of Orphits first thing after tea to loosen folks' tongues and mix up to lads and lasses so come along But Sylvia steared her careful way to the cold chill of the dairy and would not be satisfied till she had carried away all the unused provision into some fresher air than that he did by the fires and ovens used for the long days cooking of pies and cakes and much roast meat When they came back around a red-faced lads as young men up to 5 and 30 are called in Lancashire and Yorkshire if they are not married before Lasses, whose age was not to be defined were playing at some country game in which the women were apparently more interested than the men who looked shame-faced and afraid of each other's ridicule Mrs Cornyn however knew how to remedy this and had assigned from her a great jug of beer was brought in This jug was the pride of her heart and was in the shape of a fat man in white knee breeches and a three-cornered hat With one arm he supported the pipe in his broad smiling mouth and the other was placed at Kimbo and formed the handle There was also a great china punch bowl filled with grog made out of an old ship receipt current in these parts but not too strong, because if their visitors had too much to drink at that early part of the evening it would spoil to fun as Nellie Cornyn had observed Her father however after the notions of hospitality prevalent at the time in higher circles had stipulated that each man should have enough before he left the house meaning in monk-shaven parlance the liberty of getting drunk if they thought fit to do it Before long one of the lads was seized with a fit of admiration for Toby the name of the gentleman who contained liquor and went up to the tray for a closer inspection He was speedily followed by other amateurs of curious earthenware and by and by Mr Brunton who had been charged by his mother-in-law with the due supplying of liquor by his father-in-law that every man should have his fill and by his wife and her sisters that no one should have too much at any rate at the beginning of the evening thought fit to carry out Toby to be replenished and a faster spirit of enjoyment and Merth began to reign in the room Kinraid was too well-seasoned to care what amount of liquor he drank Philip had what was called a weak head and disliked muddling himself with drink because of the immediate consequence of intense fillings of irritability and the more distant one of a racking headache the next day he was pleased to preserve very much the same demeanor they had held at the beginning of the evening Sylvia was by all acknowledged and treated as the bell when they played at blind man's bluff go where she would she was always caught she was called out repeatedly to do what was required in any game as if all had a pleasure in seeing her light figure and deft ways she was sufficiently pleased with this to have got over her shyness with all except Charlie when others paid her their rustic compliments she tossed her head and made her little saucy rip hearties but when he said something low and flattering it was too honey sweet to her heart to be thrown off thus and somehow the more she yielded to this fascination the more she avoided Philip he did not speak flatteringly he did not play compliments he watched her with discontented longing eyes and grew more inclined every moment as he remembered his anticipation of a happy evening to cry out in his heart Venetus venetatum and now came crying the forfeits Molly Brunton knelt down her face buried in her mother's lap the letter took out the forfeits one by one and as she held them up said the accustomed formula a fine thing and a very fine thing what must he or she do who owns this thing one or two had been told to kneel to the prettiest bow to the wittiest and kiss those they love best others had had to bite an inch off the poker or such plays upon words and now came Sylvia's pretty new ribbon that Philip had given her he almost longed to snatch it out of Mrs Corny's hands burn it before all their faces so annoyed was he with the whole affair a fine thing and a very fine thing a most particular fine thing chose how she came by it what must she do as owns this thing she must bloat the candle and kiss the candlestick in one instant Henryd had hold of the only candle within reach all the others had been put up high on inaccessible shells and other places Sylvia went up and blew out the candle and before the sudden partial darkness was over he had taken the candle into his fingers and according to the traditional meaning of the words was in the place of the candlestick and as such was to be kissed everyone laughed at the innocent Sylvia's face as the meaning of the penance came into it everyone but Philip who almost choked I didn't get the candlestick said Kinraid with less triumph in his voice than he would have had with any other girl in the room your mother kissed the candlestick cried the corny's or you'll never get your ribbon back and she said to deal a store by that ribbon said Molly Brunton maliciously I'll none kiss the candlestick nor him either said Sylvia in a low voice of determination turning away full of confusion you'll none get your ribbon if you don't tried one and all I don't care for the ribbon said she flashing up with a look at her tormentors now her back was turned to Kinraid and I wanted to play any more at such and like games she added with fresh indignation rising in her heart as she took her old place on the corner of the room a little away from the rest Philip's spirits rose and he yearned to go to her and tell her how he approved of her conduct a last Philip Sylvia though as modest a girl as ever lived no prude and had been brought up in simple straightforward country ways and with any other young man accepting perhaps Philip's self she would have thought no more of making a rapid pretence of kissing the hand or cheek of the temporary candlestick than our ancestors did a much higher rank in similar occasions Kinraid though mortified by his public rejection was more conscious of this than the inexperienced Philip for he resolved not to be balked and watched his opportunity for the time he went on playing as if Sylvia's conduct had not affected him in the least and as if he was hardly aware of her defection from the game as she saw others submitting quite as a matter of course to similar penances she began to be angry with herself for having thought twice about it and almost to dislike herself for the strange consciousness which had made it at the time seem impossible to do what she was told her eyes kept filling with tears as her isolated position in the gay party the thought of what a pool she had made herself kept recurring to her mind but no one saw her she thought thus crying and ashamed to be discovered when the party should pause in their game she stole a round behind them into the great chamber in which she had helped to lay out the supper with the intention of bathing her eyes and taking a drink of water one instant Charlie Kinraid was missing from the circle of which he was the life and soul and then back he came on his face intelligible enough to those who had seen his game but unnoticed by Phillip who admits the perpetual noise and movements around him had not perceived Sylvia's leaving the room until she came back at the end of about a quarter of an hour looking lovelier than ever her complexion brilliant, her eyes drooping her hair neatly and freshly arranged tied with a brown ribbon instead of that she was supposed to have forfeated she looked as if she did not wish her return to be noticed feeling softly behind the romping lads and lasses with noiseless motions and altogether such a contrast to them in her cool freshness and modest neatness that both Kinraid and Phillip found it difficult to keep their eyes off her but the former had a secret triumph in his heart which enabled him to go on his merry making as if it absorbed him while Phillip dropped out of the crowd and came up to where she was standing silently by Mrs Corny who arms a Kimbo was laughing at the frolic on her Sylvia started a little when Phillip spoke and kept her soft eyes averted from him after the first glance she answered him shortly but with unaccustomed gentleness he had only asked her when she would like him to take her home and she a little surprised at the idea of going home when to her the evening seemed only beginning had answered go home I don't know it's new year's eve I am but your mama will lie awake till you come home Sylvia Mrs Corny having heard his question broke in with all sorts of upbratings go home not see to new year in why what should take him home then six hours wasn't there a moon as clear as day and did such a time as this come open and were they to break up the party before the new year came in and were there not supper or the spiced round of beef that had not been in pickle breathing nine since mantimas and hums and what not and if they thought any evil of our masters going to bed or that by early retirement he meant to imply that he did not bid his friends a welcome why he would not stay up behind eight o'clock for the King George upon his throne and he tell them soon enough if they'd only step upstairs and ask him well she knowed what it was like to have a daughter when she was ailing so she'd say not more but he's in supper and this idea now took possession of Mrs Corny's mind for she would not willingly allow one of her guests to leave before they had done justice to her preparations and cutting her speech short she hastily left Sylvia and Philip together his heart beat fast his feeling towards her had never been so strong or so distinct as since her refusal took his the candlestick he was on the point of speaking of saying something explicitly tender when the wooden trencher which the party were using at their play came bowling between him and Sylvia and sprung out of its little period right betwixt them everyone was moving from chair to chair and when the bustle was over Sylvia was seated at some distance from him and he left standing outside the circle as if he were not playing in fact Sylvia had unconsciously taken his place as actor in the game while he remained spectator and as it turned out an auditor of a conversation not intended for his ears he was wedged against the wall close to the great eight day clock with its round moon-like smiling face forming a ludicrous contrast to his long, salo grave continence which was pretty much at the same level above the sanded floor before him sat Molly Brunton and one of her sisters their heads close together in too deep talk to attend to the progress of the game Philip's attention was caught by the words a le wedzir i gysdo when he ran off into Tpala she's so coy, she never let him replied Bessie Cornyn she couldn't have helped herself for all she looks so demure and prim, no and then both heads were turned into the direction of Sylvia I miss Sylvia's unborn that Charlie is not to chip to lose his forfeit and yet, you'll see he says nothing more about it and she left off being afraid of him there was something in Sylvia's look I and in Charlie Kincaid's too that shot conviction into Philip's mind he watched them incessantly during the interval before supper they were intimate and yet shy with each other and a manner that enraged while it bewildered Philip what was Charlie saying to her why did they linger near each other why did Sylvia look so dreamily happy so startled at every call of the game as if recalled from some pleasant idea why did Kinraid's eyes always seek her while hers were averted or downcast and her cheeks all aflame Philip's dark brow grew darker as he gazed he too started when Mrs Cornyn close at his elbow made him to go into supper along with some of the elder ones who were not playing for the Pala was not large enough to hold all at once even with the squeezing and cramming and sitting together on chairs which was not at all out of etiquette and monk shaven Philip was too reserved to express his disappointment and annoyance at being thus arrested in his painful watch over Sylvia but he had no appetite for the good things set before him and found it hard work to smile a sickly smile when called upon by Josiah Pratt for applause at some country joke when supper was ended there was some little discussion between Mrs Cornyn as to whether the different individuals of the company should be called upon for songs or stories as was the want at such convivial meetings Brunton had been helping his mother-in-law in urging people to eat heaping their plates over their shoulders with unexpected good things pulling the glasses at the upper end of the table and the mugs which supplied the deficiency of glasses at the lower and now everyone being satisfied not to say stuff to repletion the two who had been attending to their want stood still hot and exhausted the realm has stored said Mrs Cornyn with a pleased smile it to be managed as someone knows how to sing it may be manners full of women but not for a fasting replied Brunton folks in the next room will be wanting their ritual and singing as always out of tune to empty bellies but there is them here as I'll take it ill if they're not asked I hear Josiah Pratt clearing his throat not a minute ago and he thinks as much on his singing and as a cock does on his crewing if one sings I'm appeared all of them will like to hear their own pipes but that dilemma was solved by Bessie Cornyn who opened the door to see if the hungry ones outside might not come in for their share of the entertainment and in they rushed, bright and riotous scarcely giving the first party time to rise from their seats ere they took their places one or two young men released from all their previous shyness helped Mrs Cornyn and her daughters to carry off such dishes as were actually empty there was no time for chatting there was no time for chatting there was no time for chatting or washing of plates but then as Mrs Cornyn laughingly observed we're on as friends and some of us may have sweet hearts don't know need to be particular about the plates them as gets clean ones is lucky and them as doesn't and cannot pick up with the plates it has been used man go it out it seemed to be Phillip's luck that night to be pent up in places for again the space between the benches and the wall was filled up by the inrush and all he could do was sit quiet where he was but between the busy heads and overreaching arms he could see charlie and sylvia sitting close together talking and listening more than eating she was in a new strange state of happiness not to be reasoned about or accounted for but in a state of more exquisite feeling than she had ever experienced before when suddenly lifting her eyes she caught Phil's face of extreme displeasure whew said she hi Ms Gw there is Phillip looking at me so Philip said can raid with a sudden frown upon his face you are ready at last are you yes she replied in her little beseeching tone you have not been wanting to go long are you I have just eaten my supper you've been so full of talk that's the reason your supper lasted so long that fellow is not going with us he said sharply as he saw can raid rummaging for his cap in a heap of men's clothes thrown into the back kitchen no said sylvia in a front at Phillip's fierce look and passionate tone but at that moment the heavy outer door was opened by Daniel Robeson himself bright, broad and rosy a jolly impersonation of winter his large drover's coat was covered with snowflakes and through the black frame of the doorway might be seen a white waist world a sweeping felon field with a dark air filled with a pure downfall Robeson stamped his snow landing feet and shook himself well still standing on the mat and letting a cold frosty current of fresh air into the green warm kitchen he laughed at the mob before he spoke ha ha it's a cool new year as I'm letting in though it's none to new year yet you obvious note up assures my name is Daniel if you stop for 12 o'clock you better make ease then go home why Charlie my lad how a beseecher who had taught to CND in these spots again a name is his name to new your man find his way into house by himself or me for I have promised my old woman to bring Sylvia home as quick as may be she's lying awake in threaten about the snow and what not thank you kindly mrs well I'll talking out to eat just a drop full of something hot to keep out the cord and wish you all the compliments of the season Philip my man you not be sorry to be spared to walk round Easterbang such a neat my mrs worry such a way about Sylvie that I thought to just zip out myself and have a peep at your own bring her some raps your sheep will be off old in a wrecked master press for there will never be a nibble or grass to be seen these two months according to my reading and I've been at sea long enough and on land long enough to know the signs and wonders it's good stuff that way anyway and worth coming for after you had go down a tumble full of half and half grog can read if there doesn't come and see me of a fourth out to many days all the thee and me will have the words come Sylvie what I'll tell about keeping me here is mrs Cornyn mixing me another job well this time we give tea married happily and a single wet Sylvie was all this while standing by her father quite ready for departure and not a little relieved by his appearance as her convoy home my cousin she replied instinctively comprehending what had flashed into his mind and anxious to disclaim the suspicion of having a lover mother told him to see me home and his mother for staying out late but you didn't go and see your home mother's but there's no doubt and see you home mother's but the ailing said Sylvie a little conscious mitten and having so entirely forgotten everything in the delight of the present and I said I wouldn't to be late and you will always keep your word said he with a tender meaning in his tone always there's the ways I think of it so replied she blushing then if I ask you not to forget me and you give me a word I'm as sure you'll keep it it wasn't I as I forgot you said Sylvie so softly as not to be heard by him he tried to make her repeat what she had said but she would not and he could only conjecture that it was something more telltale than she'd like to say again and that alone was very charming to him I shall walk home with you said he as Sylvie at last rose to depart warned by a further glimpse at Phillip's angry face no she said hastily I cannot do with you for somehow she felt need of pacifying Phillip and knew in her heart that a third person joining their tetetet walk only increase his displeasure what out? said Charlie sharply I didn't know only please don't by this time her cloak and hood were on and she was slowly making her way down her side of the room followed by Charlie and often interrupted by indignant remonstrances against her departure and the early breaking up of the party Phillip stood hat in hand in the doorway between the kitchen and parlor watching her so intently that he forgot to be civil when Sylvie reached him he said I'm ready to see haste rank tonight master said can raid with easy freedom a freedom which Phillip envied could not have imitated although he was deeply disappointed at the loss of his walk with Sylvie when he had intended to exercise the power his aunt had delegated to him of remonstrance if her behaviour had been light or thoughtless and of warning if he saw cause to disprove of any of her associates after the robsons had left a blank fell upon both Charlie and Phillip in a few minutes however the former accustomed to prompt decision resolved that she and no other should be his wife accustomed to popularity among women and well versed in the insipid sides of their liking for him he anticipated no difficulty in winning her satisfied with the past and pleasantly hopeful about the future he found it easy to turn his attention to the next prettiest girl in the room to make the whole gathering bright with his ready good temper and buoyant spirit mrs cornyd had felted her duty to press Phillip to stay now that as she said he had no one but himself to see home and the new year so near come to anyone else in the room she would have added the clinching argument but somehow she could not say this for in truth Phillip's look showed that he would be but a wet blanket on the merriment of the party so with as much civility as could be he took leave, shutting the door behind him he went out into the dreary night and began his lonesome walk back to Munk Saban the cold sleet almost blinded him as the sea wind drove it straight in his face it cut against him as it was blown with drifting force the roar of the wintery sea came born on the breeze there was more light from the whiteened ground than from the dark laden sky above the field paths would have been a matter of perplexity had it not been for the well known gaps in the dyke side which showed the whiteened land beyond between the two dark stone walls yet he went clear and straight along his way having unconsciously left all guidance to the animal instincts which coexist with the human soul and sometimes take strains the field paths would have been a matter of perplexity had it not been for the well known gaps in the dyke side which showed the whiteened land beyond between the two dark stone walls yet he went clear and straight along his way yn ychynig ar gyfer o'r anol yn ymgyrch, sy'n gwybod y ddiolch, a ydych yn summertime yn ymgyrch oedd y bod yn oes yn gwybod i fynd i'r byw yn ymgyrch yn ymgyrch yn ymgyrch yn ymgyrch. Fyrfa iddyn nhw'n ddwylau, noddolwch i'ch maen nhw i'r hyn ffyrdd, maen nhw'n i'ch maen nhw. Felly, nid o'n ddwylau o'r ddwylau o'r hyn yn ymgyrch yn ymgyrch yn ymgyrch, gyda'r hwys y ffordd yn ymweld gyda'r ffordd yma yn drafod yng nghymru, ddwy'r gwahol ac yn ffast. Ond o'r ddyn nhw, y Llywodraeth I Moxhaven ymddiad yn ymddiad i gael i gael eich newydd y 1796. Ddi dod o'r hyn fydd, mae'n mynd i'n fath o'r hwn gyda'r ddweud yn llunog ac fynd yn ymddiad i Philips. Felly rydyn ni'n gwybod i'r hollol ar gyfer yma. Ymddiad yma, ymddiad ar gyfer yr ymddiad. As he entered the long high street of Monkshaven, he could see the watching lights put out in parlor, chamber, or kitchen. The New Year had come and expectation was ended. Reality had begun. He turned to the right into the court where he lodged with Alice Rose. There was a light still burning there and cheerful voices were heard. He opened the door. Alice, her daughter, and Coulson stood as if awaiting him. Hester's wet cloak hung on a chair before the fire. She had her hood on for she and Coulson had been to the watch night. The solemn excitement of the services had left its traces upon her confidence and in her mind. There was a spiritual light in her usually shadowed eyes and a slight flush on her pale cheek. Merely personal and shelf-conscious feelings were merged in a loving goodwill to all her fellow creatures. Under the influence of this large charity, she forgot her habitual reserve and came forward as Philip entered to meet him with her New Year's wishes. Wishes that she had previously exchanged with the other two. A happy New Year to you, Philip, and may God have you in his keeping all the days that are off. He took her hand and shook it warmly in reply, the flush on her cheek deepened as she withdrew it. Alice Rose said something curtly about the lateness of the hour and her being much tired, and then she and her daughter went upstairs to the front chamber and Philip and Coulson to that which they had shared at the back of the house. End of Chapter 12 Part 2 Recording by Linda Bellwest Chapter 13 of Sylvia's Lovers This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell Chapter 13 Perplexities Coulson and Philip were friendly but not intimate. They never had had a dispute. They never were confidential with each other. In truth, they were both reserved and silent men and probably respected each other the more for being so self-contained. There was a private feeling in Coulson's heart which would have made a less amiable fellow dislike Philip, but of this the latter was unconscious. They were not apt to exchange many words in the room which they occupied jointly. Coulson asked Philip if he had enjoyed himself at the cornees and Philip replied, Not much. Such parties are known to my liking. And yet thou broke off from to watch night to go there. No answer. So Coulson went on with a sense of the duty laid upon him to improve the occasion, the first that had presented itself since the good old Methodist minister had given his congregation the solemn warning to watch over the opportunities of various kinds which the coming year would present. Jonas Barclay told us as the pleasures of this world were like the apples of seldom pleasant to look at but ashes to taste. Coulson wisely left Philip to make the application for himself. If he did he made no sign but threw himself on his bed with a heavy sigh. Are you not going to undress said Coulson as he covered him up in bed? There had been a long pause of silence. Philip did not answer him and he thought he had fallen asleep, but he was roused from his first slumber by Hepburn's soft movements about the room. Philip had thought better of it and with some penitence in his heart for his gruffness to the unoffending Coulson was trying not to make any noise while he undressed. But he could not sleep. He kept seeing the cornees kitchen and the scenes that had taken place in it passing like a pageant before his closed eyes. Then he opened them an angry weariness at the recurring vision and tried to make out the outlines of the room and the furniture in the darkness. The white ceiling sloped into the whitewashed walls and against them he could see the four rush-bottom chairs, the looking glass hung on one side, the old carved oak chest, his own property, with the initials of forgotten ancestors cut upon it, which held his clothes, the boxes that belonged to Coulson, sleeping soundly in the bed in the opposite corner of the room, the casement window in the roof through which the snowy ground on the steep hillside could be plainly seen, and when he got so far as this in the catalogue of the room, he fell into a troubled feverish sleep, which lasted two or three hours, and then he awoke with a start and a consciousness of uneasiness, though what about he could not remember at first. When he recollected all that had happened the night before, it impressed him much more favorably than it had done at the time. If not joy, hope had come in the morning. And at any rate he could be up and doing, for the late wintry light was stealing down the hillside and he knew that, although Coulson lay motionless in his sleep, it was past their usual time of rising. Still, as it was New Year's Day, a time of some license, Philip had mercy on his fellow shopman and did not wake in him till just as he was leaving the room. Carrying his shoes in his hand he went softly downstairs, where he could see from the top of the flight that neither Alice nor her daughter was down yet, as the kitchen shutters were not unclosed. It was Mrs. Rose's habit to rise early and have all bright and clean against her lodgers came down. But then, in general, she went to rest before nine o'clock, whereas the last night she had not gone till past twelve. Philip went about undoing the shutters and trying to break up the raking coal with as little noise as might be, for he had compassion on the tired sleepers. The kettle had not been filled, probably because Mrs. Rose had been unable to face the storm of the night before in taking it to the pump just at the entrance of the court. When Philip came back from filling it he found Alice and Hester both in the kitchen and trying to make up for lost time by hastening over their work. Hester looked busy and notable with her gown pinned up behind her and her hair all tucked away under a clean linen cap. But Alice was angry with herself for her late sleeping and that and other causes made her speak crossly to Philip as he came in with his snowy feet and well-filled kettle. Look thee there, dropping and dripping along to flags as was cleaned last night and meddling with women's work as a man has no business with. Philip was surprised and annoyed. He had found relief from his own thoughts in doing what he believed would help others. He gave up the kettle to her snatching hands and sat down behind the door in momentary ill temper. But the kettle was better filled and consequently heavier than the old woman expected and she could not manage to lift it to the crook from which it generally hung suspended. She looked round for Hester but she was gone into the back kitchen. In a minute Philip was at her side and had heaved it to its place for her. She looked in his face for a moment wistfully but hardly condescended to thank him. At least the sound of the words did not pass the lips that formed them. Rebuffed by her manner he went back to his old seat and mechanically watched the preparations for breakfast. But his thoughts went back to the night before and the comparative ease of his heart was gone. The first stir of a new day had made him feel as if he had no sufficient cause for his annoyance and despondency the previous evening. But now condemned to sit quiet he reviewed looks and words and saw just reason for his anxiety. After some consideration he resolved to go that very night to Hader's Bank and have some talk with either Sylvia or her mother what the exact nature of this proposed conversation should be he did not determine. Much would depend on Sylvia's manner and mood and on her mother's state of health but at any rate something would be learnt. During breakfast something was learnt near her home and not all that a man less unconscious and more vain than Philip might have discovered. He only found out that Mrs. Rose was displeased with him for not having gone to the watch-night with Hester according to the plan made some weeks before. But he soothed his conscience by remembering that he had made no promise. He had merely spoken of his wish to be present at the service about which Hester was speaking and although at the time and for a good while afterwards he had fully intended going yet as there had been William Coulson to accompany her his absence could not have been seriously noticed. Still he was made uncomfortable by Mrs. Rose's change of manner once or twice he said to himself that she little knew how miserable he had been during his gay evening as she would persist in calling it or she would not talk at him with such persevering bitterness this morning. Before he left for the shop he spoke of his intention of going to see how his aunt was and of paying her a New Year's Day visit. Hepburn and Coulson took it in turns week and week about to go first home to dinner. The one who went first sat down with Mrs. Rose and her daughter instead of having his portion put in the oven to keep warm for him. Today it was Hepburn's turn to be last. All morning the shop was full with customers come rather to offer good wishes than to buy and with an unspoken remembrance of the cake and wine which the two hospitable brothers foster made a point of offering to all comers on New Year's Day. It was busy work for all for Hester on her side where caps, ribbons and women's gear were exclusively sold for the shop men and boys in the grocery and drapery department. Philip was trying to do his business with his mind far away and the consequence was that his manner was not such as to recommend him to the customers some of whom recollected it as very different, courteous and attentive if grave and sedate. One Buxham farmer's wife noticed the change to him. She had a little girl with her of about five years old that she had lifted up on the counter and who was watching Philip with anxious eyes occasionally whispering to in her mother's ear and then hiding her face against her cloak. She's thought a deal of coming to see you and I don't think as you mind her at all. My pretty, he's clean forgotten as how he said last New Year's Day he'd get a barley sugar stick if thou'd him in my handkerchief by this. The child's face was buried in the comfortable breath of duffle at these words while the little outstretched hand held a small square of course linen. I, she's known forgotten it and has done her five stitches a day bless her and I do not believe as you know her again. She's Phoebe Morsom and I'm Hannah and I've dealt it to shop regular this 15 year. I'm very sorry said Philip, I was up late last night and I'm a bit dazed today. Well, this is nice work Phoebe and I'm sure I'm very much beholden to you and here's five sticks of barley sugar one for every stitch and thank you kindly Mrs Morsom too. Philip took the handkerchief and hoped he had made honourable amends on his want of recognition but the wee lassie refused to be lifted down and whispered something afresh into her mother's ear who smiled and bade her be quiet. Philip saw however that there was some wish ungratified on the part of the little maiden which he was expected to inquire into and accordingly he did his duty. She's a little fool she says you promised to get her a kiss and to make her your wife. The child burrowed her face closer into her mother's neck and refused to allow the kiss and Philip willingly offered. All he could do was to touch the back of the little white fat neck with his lips. The mother carried her off only half satisfied and Philip felt that he must try and collect his scattered wits and be more alive to the occasion. Towards the dinner hour the crowd slackened. Hester began to replenish decanters and bottles and to bring out a fresh cake before she went home to dinner and Coulson and Philip looked over the joint present they always made to her on this day. Hester said of the prettiest colours they could pick out of the shop intended for her to wear around her neck. Each tried to persuade the other to give it to her for each was shy of the active presentation. Coulson was however the most resolute and when she returned from the parlor the little parcel was in Philip's hands. Here Hester said he going round the counter to her just as she was leaving the shop. It's from Coulson and me a handkerchief for you to wear and we wish you a happy new year and plenty on them that we wish you the same. He took her hand as he said this. She went a little paler and her eyes brightened as though they would fill with tears as they met his. She could not have helped it, do what she would but she only said, thank you kindly. And going up to Coulson she repeated the words and action to him and then they went off together to dinner. There was a lull of business for the next hour. John and Jeremiah were dining like the rest of the world. Philip rearranged disorderly goods and then sat down on the corner by the window. It was the habitual place for one who stayed behind. For accepting on market day there was little or no custom during the noon hour. Formerly he used to move the drapery with which the window was ornamented and watched the passersby with careless eye. But now though he seemed to gaze abroad he saw nothing but vacancy. All the morning since he got up he had been trying to fight through his duties leaning against a hope a hope that first had bowed and then had broke as soon as he really tried its weight. There was not a sign of Sylvia's liking for him to be gathered from the most careful recollection of the past evening. It was of no use thinking that there was. It was better to give it up altogether and at once. But what if he could not? What if the thought of her was bound up with his life and that once torn out by his own free will the very roots of his heart must come also? No, he was resolved he would go on. As long as there was life there was hope. As long as Sylvia remained unpledged to anyone else there was a chance for him he would remodel his behaviour to her. He could not be merry and lighthearted like other young men. His nature was not cast in that mould and the early sorrows that had left him a lonely orphan might have matured but had not enlivened his character. He thought with some bitterness on the power of easy talking about trifles which some of those he had met with at the cornies had exhibited. But then he felt stirring within him a force of enduring love which he believed to be unusual and which seemed as if it must compel all things to his wish in the end. A year or so ago he had thought much of his own cleverness and his painfully acquired learning and he had imagined that these were the qualities which were to gain Sylvia. But now whether he had tried them and had failed to win even her admiration or whether some true instinct had told him that a woman's love may be gained in many ways sooner than my mere learning he was only angry with himself for his past folly in making himself her school, nay her taskmaster. Tonight though he would start off on a new tack. He would not even up braid her for her conduct the night before. He had shown her his displeasure at the time. But she would see how tender and forgiving he could be. He would lure her to him rather than find fault with her. There had perhaps been too much of that already. When Coulson came back Philip went to his solitary dinner. In general he was quite alone while eating it but today Alice Rose chose to bear him company. She watched him with cold, severe eye for some time until he had appeased his languid appetite. Then she began with the rebuke she had in store for him. A rebuke the motives to which were not entirely revealed even to herself. Thou are none so keen after thy food is common she began. Plain victuals goes ill down after feasting. Philip felt the colour mount to his face. He was not in the mood for patiently standing the brunt of the attack which he saw was coming and yet he had a reverent feeling for women and for age. He wished she would leave him alone. But he only said I had not but a slice of cold beef or supper if you'll call that feasting. Neither do godly ways savor delicately after the pleasures of the world continued she unheeding his speech. Thou were't want to seek the house of the Lord and I thought well on thee. But of late thou's changed and fallen away and am unspeak what is in my heart towards thee. Mother said Philip impatiently both he and Coulson called Alice mother at times I don't think I'm fallen away and anyway I cannot stay now to be. It's New Year's Day and the shop is throng. But Alice held up her hand her speech was ready and she must deliver it. Shop here, shop there the flesh and the devil are getting hold on you and you need more nor ever to speak to ways of grace. New Year's Day the flesh and the devil are getting hold on you and you need more nor ever to speak to ways of grace. New Year's Day comes and says watch and pray and you'll say ne, I'll seek feast and marketplaces and let times and seasons come and go without heeding into whose presence they're hastening me. Time was Philip when thou'd never have lit in a merry making keep thee for watch night and to company that godly. I'll tell you it was no merry making to me said Philip with sharpness as he left the house. Alice sat down on the nearest seat and her wrinkled hand. He's tangled and snared said she my heart has yearned after him and I esteemed him as one of the elect and more nor me yearns after him. Oh Lord, I have but one child oh Lord spare her but orn above I would like to pray for his soul that Satan might not have it for he came to me but a little lad. At that moment Philip smitten by his conscience for his hard manner of speech came back but Alice did not hear or see him until he was close by her and then he had to touch her to recall her attention. Mother he said, I was wrong am ffretted by many things I shouldn't have spoken so it was ill done of me. Oh my lad said she looking up and putting her thin arm on his shoulder as he stooped Satan is desiring after you that he may sift you as wheat bide at home, bide at home and go not after them as care not why need you go to haters bank this night? Philip reddened he could not and would not give it up and yet it was difficult to resist the pleading of this usually stern old woman. Nay said he withdrawing himself ever so little from her hold my aunt is but ailing there my own flesh and blood and as good folks as needs be though they might be our your way of thinking on all things our ways your ways of thinking says he as if they were no longer hyzen and as good folks as need be repeated she with returning severity them Satan's words now you spoken Philip I can do not again Satan but I can speak to them as can and we'll see which pulls hardest for it'll be better for thee to be riven and rented twain and to go body and soul to hell but don't think mother said Philip his last words of conciliation for the clock had given warning for two as I'm bound for hell just because I go to see my own folks all I had left a kin once more after laying his hands with as much of a caress as was in his nature or hers he left the house probably Alice would have considered the first words that greeted Philip on his entrance into the shop as an answer to her prayer for they were such as put a stop to his plan of going to see Sylvia that evening and if Alice had formed her inchoate thoughts into words Sylvia would have appeared as the nearest earthly representative of the spirit of temptation whom she dreaded for Philip as he took his place behind the counter Coulson said to him in a low voice Jeremiah Foster has been round to bid us to suppw him tonight he says that he and John have a little matter of business to talk over with us a glance from his eyes to Philip told the latter that Coulson believed the business spoken of had something to do with the partnership respecting which there had been a silent intelligence for some time between the shopmen and what did thou say asked Philip doggedly unwilling even yet to give up his proposed visit say well what could I say but that would come there was some it up for sure and some it as he thought we should be glad on I could tell it for to look on his face I don't think as I can go said Philip feeling just then as if the long hoped for a partnership was as nothing compared to his plan it was always distasteful to him to have to give up a project or to disarrange an intended order of things such was his nature but today it was absolute pain to yield his own purpose why man alive said Coulson in a maze at his reluctance I didn't say I might go said Philip weighing consequences until called off to attend to customers in the course of the afternoon however he felt himself more easy in differing his visit to haters bank till the next evening Charlie Kinraid entered the shop accompanied by Molly Brunton and her sisters and though they all went towards Hester's side of the shop and Philip and Coulson had many people to attend to yet Hepburn sharpened ears caught much of what the young women were saying from that he gathered that Kinraid had promised them New Year's gifts for the purchase of which they will come and after a little more listening he learned that Kinraid was returning to shields the next day having only come over to spend a holiday with his relations and being tied with ships work at the other end they all talked together lightly and merrily as if his going or staying was almost a matter of indifference to himself the thought of the young women was to secure the articles they most fancied Charlie Kinraid was so Philip thought especially anxious that the youngest and prettiest should be pleased Hepburn watched him perpetually with a kind of envy of his bright courteous manner the natural gallantry of the sailor if it were but clear that Sylvia took as little thought of him as he did of her to all appearance Philip could even have given him praise for manly good looks and a certain kind of geniality of disposition made him ready to smile pleasantly at all strangers from babies upwards as the party turned to leave the shop they saw Philip the guest of the night before and they came over to shake hands with him across the counter Kinraid's hand was proffered among the number last night Philip could not have believed it possible that such a demonstration of fellowship should have passed between them and perhaps there was a slight hesitation of manner on his part for some idea or remembrance crossed Kinraid's mind which brought a keen searching glance into the eyes which for a moment were fastened on Philip's face in spite of himself and during the very active handshaking Philip felt a cloud come over his face not altering a moving his features but taking light and peace out of his countenance Molly Brunton began to say something and he gladly turned to look at her she was asking him why he went away so early for they had kept it up for four hours after he left and last of all she added turning to Kinraid her cousin Charlie had danced a horn pipe among the platters on the ground Philip hardly knew what he said and reply the mention of that pas sore lifted such a weight off his heart he could smile now after his grave fashion and would have shaken hands again with Kinraid had it been required for it seemed to him that no one caring ever so little in the way that he did for Sylvia could have borne four mortal hours of a company where she had been and was not least of all could have danced a horn pipe either from gaiety of heart or even out of complacence he felt as if the yearning after the absent one would have been a weight to his legs as well as to his spirit and he imagined that all men would like himself End of Chapter 13