 Chapter number 31 of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, this is a liverbox recording, all liverbox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, visit liverbox.org. This recording is by Arthur Piantodosi. Chapter 31 involves a critical position. Who's that? inquired Brittle's, opening the door a little way, the chain up and peeping out, shading the candle with his hand. Open the door! implied a manhood sign, if the officers were on Bow Street as was sent to today. Much comforted by this assurance, Brittle's opened the door to its full width and confronted a portly man in a great coat, walked in without saying anything more, and wiped his shoes on the mat as coolly as if he lived there. Just send some of the absolute leave, my mate, will you, young man? said the officer. He's in the gig, minding the Prad. Have you got a coach this year? As you could put it up in, for five or ten minutes. Brittle's replied in the affirmative, and pointing out the building, the portly man stepped back to the garden gate and helped his companion to pull up the gig, while Brittle's lighted them in the state of great admiration. This done, they returned to the house, and being shown into the vipala, took off the great coats and hats, and showed like they were. The man who knocked at the door was a stout personage of middle height, each about fifteen, with the shiny black hair, cropped pretty close, half whiskers, around face and sharp eyes. The other was a red-headed, bony man, in top boots, with rather ill-favoured countenance, and a turned-up sinister-looking nose. Tell your governor that Blathers and Duffy is here, will you? said the stouter man, swung down his hair, and laying a pair of handcuffs on the table. Oh, good evening, master! Can I have a word or two with you in private, if you please? This was addressed to Mr. Lawsburn, who now made his appearance, that gentleman, motioning Brittle's to retire, brought in the two ladies, and shut the door. This is the lady of the house, that Mr. Lawsburn, motioning towards Mrs. Maley. Mr. Blathers made a bow. Being desired to sit down, he put his hand on the floor, and, taking a chair, motioned to duff, to do the same. The later gentleman, who did not appear quite so much accustomed to good society, or quite so much at his ease in it, one of the two, seated himself after undergoing several muscular affections of the limbs, and the head of his stick into his mouth with some embarrassment. Now, with regard to this here robbery-mass, said Blathers, what are the circumstances? Mr. Lawsburn, who appeared desirous of gaining time, recounted them at great length, in which much circumlocution, Mrs. Blathers and Duff looked very knowing in while. Occasionally it changed a nod. I can't say for certain till I see the work, of course, said Blathers, but my opinion at once is, I don't mind omitting myself to that extent, as this wasn't done by a yoke away, Duff. Certainly not, replied Duff. And translating the word, yoke, for the benefit of ladies, I appra- in your meeting to be that this event was all made by a hundred men. Then Mr. Lawsburn, the smile. That's its master, replied Blathers. That is his all about the robbery, is it? Oh, replied the doctor. Now, what is this about this here boy that the servants have sought king on? Nothing at all, replied the doctor. One of the frightened servants chose to take it into his head, that he had something to do with this attempt to break into the house, but it's nonsense. Sheer absurdity! Very easy disposed of, if it is. Remark, Duff. What he says is quite correct, observed Blathers, nodding his head in a confirmatory way, and playing carelessly with the handcuffs as if they were a pair of castanets. Who is the boy? What account has he given himself? Where did he come from? He didn't drop out of the clouds, did he, Master? Of course not, replied the doctor with a nervous glance at the two ladies. I know his whole history, we can talk about that presently. He would like first to see the place where the thieves made their attempt, I suppose. Certainly. Rejoin, Mr Blathers. We'd best inspect the premises first, and examine the servants afterwards. That's the usual way of doing business. Lights were then procured, and messes Blathers and Duff, attended by the native constable, Brittle, Skiles, and everybody else in short. Went to the little room at the end of the house each and looked out at the window, and afterwards went round by Wave the Lord, and looked in at the window, and after that had a candle handed out to inspect the shutter with, and after that a lantern that traced the footsteps with, and after that a pitchfork to poke the bushes with. This dung meets the breathless interest of all beholders. They came in again, and Mr Giles and Mr Brittle were pulled through a melodramatic representation of their share in the previous night's adventures which they performed some six times over, contradicting each other in not more than one portion at respect the first time, in in not more than a dozen in the last. This consummation being arrived at, Blathers and Duff cleared the room, and held a long candle together, compared with which for secrecy and solemnity a consultation of great doctors on the naughtiest point in medicine would be near child's play. Meanwhile the doctor walked up and down the next room in a very uneasy state, and Mrs Maley and Rose looked on with anxious faces. "'Upon my word,' he said, making a halt after a great number of very rapid turns, I hardly know what to do.' "'Surely,' said Rose, a poor child's story, faithfully repeated to those men will be sufficient to exonerate him.' "'I doubt it, my dear young lady,' the doctor shaking his head. "'I don't think it would exonerate him, either with them or with legal functionaries of a higher grade. "'What is here, after all,' they would say, a runaway, judged by mere worldly considerations and probabilities. His story is a very doubtful one.' "'You believe it, surely?' interrupted Rose. "'I believe it, strange as it is, and perhaps I may be an old fool for doing so,' joined the doctor. "'But I don't think it is exactly the tale for a practical police officer, nonetheless.' "'Why not?' he landed Rose. "'Because my pretty cross-examiner,' replied the doctor, he was viewed with their eyes there are many ugly points about it. "'We can only pull over the poor oughts that look ill and none of those that look well, confound the fellows they will have the why and the wherefore, until they take nothing for granted. "'On my own showing of sea has been the companion of thieves for some time past. "'He has been carried off to a police officer while the charter picking a gentleman's pocket. "'He has been taken away for, to believe, "'from that gentleman's house, to a place which he cannot describe or point out, "'and of the situation of which he has not the promoter sight here. "'He is brought down to Chelsea by men who seem to have taken a violent fancy to him, "'whether he will or not, "'and has put through a window to rob a house. "'And then, just at the very moment "'when he was going to alarm the inmates "'and sewed you the very thing, he would set him all to rights. "'There rushes into the way "'a blandering dog of a fire-bread butler and shoots him, "'as if on purpose to prevent his doing any good for himself. "'Do you see all this?' "'I see it, of course,' replied Rose, "'smiling at the doctors and persuasity. "'But still, I don't know, "'see anything in it to incriminate the poor child.' "'No!' replied the doctor. "'Of course not. "'My ties are all sex. "'They never see, but a frugal top ad. "'More than one side of any questioner. "'And that is always the one "'which presents itself to them.' Having given vent to this result of expedience, the doctor put his hands into his pockets and walked up and down the room with even greater rapidity than before. "'The more I think of it,' said the doctor, "'the more I see that it will occasion "'the most trouble and difficulty "'if we put these men in position of the boy's real story. "'I am certain it will not be believed, "'and even that they can do nothing to him in the end, "'seal the dragging it forward, "'and giving publicity to all the doubts "'that will be cast upon it must interfere materially "'with no benevolent plan of rescuing him from misery.' "'Oh, what is to be done?' cried Rose. "'Dear, dear, why did they ever send for these people?' "'They indeed,' exclaimed Miss Bailey, "'I would not have hired them here for the world.' "'All I know is,' said Mr. Lawsburn, "'sitting down with a kind of desperate calmness "'that will try and carry it off with a bold face. "'The object is a good one, "'and that may be also to its use. "'A boy has strong symptoms of fever upon him, "'and is in no condition to be talked to any more "'from comfort. "'We must make the best of it, "'and it bad be the best. "'It is no fault of ours. Come in!' "'Well, Master,' said Blathers, "'entering the room followed by his colleague, "'and making it all fast before he said any more. "'This one, the put-up thing. "'And what the devil's a put-up thing?' demanded the doctor "'impatiently. "'We call it a put-up robbery, ladies,' said Blathers, "'turning to them, as if he pitted their ignorance "'but had a contempt for the doctors. "'When the servant sees in it, "'if it is suspected, then, in this case,' said Mrs. Bailey, "'very likely not, ma'am,' implied Blathers. "'But they might have been in it, or all that. "'More likely on that very account,' said Duff. "'We find it was a town hand,' said Blathers. "'Continuous report. "'But the style of work is first-rate. "'Very pretty indeed, it is,' remarked Duff, "'in it undertone. "'There was two of them in it,' continued Blathers, "'and they had a ball with them, "'that's claimed from the side of the window. "'That's all to be said at present. "'You'll see this lad you've got upstairs at once, "'if you please. "'Perhaps they wouldn't take something to drink first, "'this is mainly that the doctors face-rightening "'as if some new thought had occurred to him. "'Oh, to be sure,' exclaimed Rose eagerly, "'you should have it immediately, if you will. "'Well, thank you, miss.' "'Bleathers, drawing as coat-sleeve as his pocket, "'it's dry work, this sort of duty. "'Anymore than that time, dear miss, "'don't put yourself out of the way on our accounts. "'Well, tread it be,' asked the doctor, "'long-lated at the side-board. "'A little drop of spirits, master, "'if it's all the same,' cried Blathers. "'It's a cold ride from London, ma'am, "'and I was warned that spirits come home warmer "'to the feelings.' "'His interesting communication was addressed to Miss Maley, "'received it very graciously, "'while it was being conveyed to her, "'the doctor slept out of the room.' "'Ah,' said Mr. Blathers, "'not holding as wine-gas by the stem, "'having the bottom between the arm and forefinger "'of his left hand, and placing it in front of his chest. "'I've ever seen any piece of business like this "'in my time, my ladies.' "'Cracked down in the clay in Edmonton, blathers, "'as to Duff, assisting his colleague's memory. "'It was something in this way, wasn't it?' "'Oh, Mr. Blathers, "'that was done by Coney Chiqui, that was. "'You always gave that to him.' "'Oh, Duff, it was a family pet, I tell you. "'Conkey hadn't had any more to do with it than I had.' "'Get out!' they taunted, blathers. "'I know better. Do you mind that time "'when Conkey was robbed of his money, though? "'What a star that was! "'Better than any normal boy I ever see!' "'What was that?' inquired Rose, "'anxious to encourage any symptoms of good humour "'and well-competitive. "'It was a robbery, Miss, "'that hardly anybody would have been dine upon, "'and, blathers, this year, Conkey Chiqui'd.' "'Conkey means nosey, ma'am,' "'and deposed Duff. "'Of course the lady knows that, don't she?' "'And to blathers, to blathers. "'Oh, it's interrupting you, our partner. "'This year, Conkey Chiqui'd, Miss, "'he kept a public house over Battlebridge that way, "'and he had a cellar where a good many young lords "'went to see cock-fightin' and batter-drawin' and that, "'and a very early intellectual man of the sports "'was conducted in, for I've seen him often. "'He won one of the family at that time, "'and one night he was robbed of 327 guineas "'in a carnivorous bug that was stolen "'out of his bedroom on the dead of the night "'by a tall fellow with a back patch over his eye, "'who would conceal himself under the bed, "'and after committing a robbery, "'some slap out of the window, "'which was only a story high. "'He was very, very quick about it, "'but Conkey was quick, too, "'but he fired a blunderboss out of him "'and roused the neighborhood. "'He left about a hue and cry directly, "'and when they came to look about him "'found that Conkey had hit the robber, "'for they were treacherous of blood, "'all the way to some peelings and go distance off, "'and there they lost him. "'However he had made off with the blunt "'and consequently had named him Mr. Chickweed, "'payered in a gazette among the other bankrupts "'and all manner of benefits and subscriptions "'and I don't know what all was got up for the poor man, "'who was in a very low state of mind about his loss "'and went up and down the street for three of all days "'and pulling his hair off in such a desperate manner "'that many people was afraid he might be going "'and make away with himself. "'He came up to the office all in a hurry "'and had a private interview with a magistrate "'who, after a deal of talk, rings the bell "'and all those James Spayers in, "'James was an active officer "'and tells him to go and assist Mr. Chickweed "'in apprehending the man who robbed his house.' "'I see him spores,' said Chickweed. "'Pot my house yesterday morning. "'What did you up and call him?' "'Advice. I was so struck all I eat "'and I fractured my skull with a toothpick. "'There's a poor man. "'But we're sure that I'll be involved "'between 10 and 11 o'clock at night. "'He passed again. "'I was no owner of this "'and he put some clean linen and a comb "'and his pocket in case he should have to stop "'a day or two. "'And away he goes and sets himself down "'on a public-out window behind the little red curtain "'with his hat on, all ready to boat "'at a moment's notice. "'He's in his pipe here late at night "'when all of a sudden Chickweed rolls out, "'Here he is! Stop beef! Murder!' "'Chickweed spires dashes out "'and there he sees Chickweed tearing down "'his street full cry. "'Away he goes spires. "'On goes Chickweed. Round turns the people. "'Everybody rolls out. Thieves!' "'And Chickweed himself keeps on shouting "'all the time like mad. "'Tired, lose sight of him a minute "'as he turns a corner, shoots round, "'sees a little crowd, dives in. "'Which is the man? "'Tell me!' says Chickweed. "'I lost him again! "'It was a remarkable occurrence, "'but he wanted to see nowhere "'so they went back to the public house. "'Next morning, Spires took his old place "'and looked out for behind the curtain "'for a tall man with a black patch "'over his eye till his own eye is ached again. "'Alas, he called out Sotnam to ease him a minute "'and at very moment he did his Chickweed roar, "'and now here it is! "'All he starts one more with Chickweed "'after a downed street ahead of him "'and after twice as long a run "'as a yesterday's one, the man's lost again. "'This was done once or twice more "'till one and a half the neighbors gave out "'that Mr. Chickweed had been robbed by the devil. "'It was spraying tricks with him afterwards "'and the other half that more produced "'to Chickweed gone mad with grief.' "'Who did James Spires say?' "'Enquire the doctor who had returned to the room "'shortly after the commencement of the story.' "'James Spires,' resumed the officer, "'for long time said not at all "'one lesson to everybody was in seamen, too, "'which shall be on the stool this business. "'For one morning he walked into the bar "'and taken out his spot book says, "'Chickweed, you are found out "'who don't miss your robbery. "'I'm you,' says Chickweed. "'All my dear Spires only met me "'in an ancient dark contented M.I. Spires. "'Where is the village?' "'Come,' says Spires, offering me a pinch of snuff. "'Number that gammon! You did it yourself!' "'So he had, and a good bit of money "'had made it by, too. "'And nobody would ever find out "'if he hadn't been so precious-anxious "'to keep up appearances.' "'And Mr. Spires, putting down his wineglass "'and clinking the gun-cuff together, "'Very curious indeed, "'observe the doctor. "'Now, if you please, we'll walk upstairs. "'Have you, please, sir?' returned Mr. Blathers. "'Closely following Mr. Lozburn, "'the two officers ascended to Oliver's bedroom, "'Mr. Giles receding the party "'with a lighted candle. "'Oliver had been dozing, but looked worse, "'and was more feverish than he had appeared yet. "'Heing assisted by the doctor, "'he'd sit up in bed for a minute or two, "'and looked at the stranger "'without at all understanding, "'was going forward, in fact, "'without seeming to recollect what he was "'or what had been passing. "'This,' said Mr. Lozburn, "'speaking softly with great biennets "'notwithstanding, this is a land "'who, being accidentally wounded "'by a spring-gun in some boys' enterprise "'in, Mr. Wood, you call him's grounds "'at the back-ear. "'Come to the house for assistance this morning "'and stay d'old of and may all treat it "'by that ingenious gentleman with a candle in his hand, "'who has blazed his life in its little danger "'as I can professionally certify.' "'Mrs. Blazers and Duff looked at Mr. Giles, "'as he was thus recommended to their notice, "'the bewildered butler gazed "'from then towards Oliver, "'from Oliver towards Mr. Lozburn, "'the most ludicrous juror of fear "'and perplexity. "'You don't mean to deny that, Hattibose, "'that the doctor laying Oliver gently down again? "'It was done for the, for the best, sir.' "'And to Giles, I'm sure I thought it was a boy, "'or I wouldn't have meddled with him. "'I'm not of an human disposition, sir.' "'Thought it was a what boy?' inquired the senior officer. "'A house-brickus boy, sir!' "'Giles, they, they said they had a boy. "'Well, are you sick so now?' inquired Blazers. "'Think what now?' replied Giles, "'looking vacantly, this questioner. "'Think he's the same boy, stupid head?' "'Rejoined Blazers impatiently. "'I don't know. I really don't know,' said Giles "'with the rueful countenance. "'I couldn't swear to him. "'What do you think?' asked Mr. Blazers. "'I don't know what to think,' replied Point Giles. "'I don't think it is the boy. "'Indeed, I'm all certain it isn't. "'You know it can't be.' "'All this may be a drinking, sir,' inquired Blazers, "'turning to the doctor. "'What a precious, mulberry-charp you are!' "'The doff, addressing Mr. Giles, "'was a preen contempt. "'Mr. Lawsburn had been feeling "'the patient's pulse during this short dialogue, "'but he now rose from the chair by the bedside. "'It remarked that if the officers had any doubts "'upon the subject, they would perhaps like "'to step into the next room. Now, Brittle's before them.' "'Acting upon this is just an adjourn to his neighbouring apartment "'where Mr. Brittle's being called in, involved himself. "'And his respected superior in such a wonderful maze "'of fresh contradictions and possibilities "'as tended to throw no particular light on anything. "'The fact of his own strong mystification, "'except, indeed, his decorations "'that he shouldn't have the real boy "'if he were put before him that instance, "'that he'd only taken Oliver to be he, "'because Mr. Giles had said he was, "'and Mr. Giles had, five minutes previously, "'admitted in the kitchen that he began "'to be very much afraid that he'd be in little to hasty. "'Among other ingenious semises, "'the question was then raised "'that Mr. Giles had really hit anybody. "'And upon examination for fellow pistol "'to which he had fired, "'it turned out to have no more destructive loading "'than gunpowder and brown paper. "'A discovery which made a considerable impression "'on everybody but the doctor "'would drawn the ball out about ten minutes before. "'Upon no one, however, "'did it make a greater impression "'than on Mr. Giles himself, who after labouring "'for some hours, "'matterly wounded a fellow creature "'eagly caught at this new idea "'and favoured it to the utmost. "'Finally the officers, without travelling themselves, "'very much about Oliver, left the church "'seek constable in the house "'and took up their rest for that night in the town, "'promising return the next morning. "'With the next morning there came a rumour "'that too many a boy were in the cage "'in Kingston who had been apprehended overnight "'under suspicious circumstances "'and went to Kingston as his blathers "'and doth journeyed accordingly. "'The suspicious circumstances "'were ever resolving themselves on investigation "'and to the one effect that they had been discovered "'sleeping under a haystack, "'which, although a great crime, "'is only punishable by imprisonment "'and, in the merciful eye, the English law. "'In his comparative love "'for all the King's subjects "'elde be no satisfactory proof "'in the advent of all the other evidence "'for the people or sleepers "'have committed burglary accompanied with violence "'and, therefore, rendered themselves liable "'to the punishment of death "'versus blatherers and doth came back again "'as wise as they went. "'In short, after some more examination "'and a great deal more condensation, "'a neighbouring magistrate was lured "'to take the joint bail of Mr. Smaley "'and Mr. Lawsburn for Oliver's appearance. "'If he should ever be called upon, "'and lathers and doth being rewarded "'with a couple of guineas returned to town "'with died-day opinions on the subject "'of their expedition, "'lady gentlemen on the mature consideration "'of all the circumstances "'inclined to the belief that the burglar "'as attempted to originate it with a family of pet "'and the former being equally disposed "'to concede the full merit of it "'to the date Mr. Cockenke-Chinkweed. "'Meanwhile, Oliver greatly "'throw and prospered on the United Care "'of Mrs. Maley Rose "'in the kind heart of Mr. Lawsburn. "'It ferned prayers gushing from hearts "'of a chart with gratitude be heard in heaven, "'and if they be not what prayers are, "'the blessings which you all from child "'call down upon them, "'sunk into their souls, "'diffusing peace and happiness.'" The end of Chapter 31 Chapter 32 of Oliver Twists by Charles Dickens 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 Barther Pianta-Dosi. Chapter 32 Of a happy life Oliver began to leave with his kind friends. All of his ailings were neither slight nor few. In addition to the pain and delay at attendant on a broken limb, his exposure to the wet and cold had brought on fever and agony, which hung about him for many weeks and reduced him sadly. But his lengthy began, by so degrees, to get better, and to be able to say, sometimes, in a few tearful words, how deeply he felt the goodness of the two sweet ladies, now artently hoped that when he drew strong and well again, he could do something to show his gratitude only something, which would let them see their love and duty with which his breast was full. Something, however slight, which would prove to them their gentle kindness had not been cast away, but that the poor boy whom their charity had rescued from misery or death was eager to serve them with his whole heart and soul. Poor fellow, said Rose, when Oliver, one day in feebly and treated her, bringing to utter the words of thankfulness, Rose, who was pain-lipsed, you should admit it, what said, it is of serving us, if you will. We're going into the country. My aunt attends the instance that you should accompany us, the quiet place, the pure air, all the pure deserter and beauties of spring. We'll restore you in a few days. We shall endure you in a hundred ways when you can bear the trouble. The trouble, cried Oliver, oh dear lady, if I could but work for you, if I could but only give you pleasure by watering your flowers, watering your birds and running up and down the whole day long to make you happy, what would I give to do it? You shall give nothing at all, said Miss Bailey, smiling, for, as I told you before, you shall employ you in a hundred ways, and if you only take half the trouble to please us, that you will promise now, you will make me very happy indeed. Happy man, cried Oliver, oh kind of you to say so. You would make me happier than I can tell you, replied the young lady, to think that my dear good-own should have been the means of rescuing anyone from such mad misery as you to ascribe to us would be an unspeakable pleasure to me, but to know that the objective for goodness and to passion was sincerely grateful and touched in consequence would delight me more than you can well imagine. Do you understand me, she inquired, watching Oliver's thoughtful face. Oh yes, ma'am, yes, replied Oliver eagerly, but I was thinking I'm ungrateful now. Oh, inquire the young lady, the kind gentleman, the dear-own nurse who took so much care of me before. Rejoined Oliver, if I knew how happy I am, I'd be pleased I'm sure. I'm sure they would. Oh, I know as a benefactress, and Mr Northbourne has been kind enough, almost new well enough to bear the journey. We can't help you to see them. How's he, ma'am? replied Oliver, his face brightening with pleasure. I don't know what I shall do for joy, but I see their quiet faces once again. In a short time, Oliver was sufficiently recovered to undergo the fatigue of this expedition. One morning he and Mr Northbourne set out, recording me an integral carriage which belonged to Mrs Maley. When they came to Chursey Bridge, Oliver turned very pale and uttered a loud exclamation. What's the matter with the boy? I, the doctor, hear anything, feel anything. That's a night, Oliver, waiting out at the carriage window. That house? It's where one of it stopped the coachmen pull up, yeah. I, the doctor, what about that house, my bad, eh? The thieves, the house they took me to. It's burnt, Oliver, the devil it is. I don't... Hello, there, let me out! If all the coachmen could deny it from his box, he'd tumble that at the coach by some means or other, running down to the deserted tenement bin, kicking at the door like a madman. Hello? Said a little ugly, humpback man, opening the door so subtly that the doctor from that impotence of his last kicked nearly fell forward into the passage. What was my... matter? I, the other, collaring him without a moment's reflection. A good deal. Robbery is a matter. It will be more than a matter, too. Apply them, humpback man, coolly. You don't get your hands off! You hear me? I hear you, the doctor giving his captive a lair to shake. Where's Confan fellow? What's his wrestling name? Sykes! Where's Sykes, you thief? The humpback man stared as if in excess of her mesement and indignation, then twisting himself dexterously from the doctor's grasp, railed forth a body of horrid oaths and retired into the house. If water could shut the door however, the doctor passed into the parlor. They had a word of parlor. He looked anxiously round, not nodding all furniture, not a vestige of anything, animate or inanimate, not even a position of the cupboards. Answered Oliver's description. No! The humpback man, who'd watched him keenly, was mean by coming into my house in this faraway, your old meal, murder me! What is it? Did you ever know a man came out to do either the caroton pear you wanted to use as a vampire? Said the irritable doctor. What do you want then? They ran into the humpback. Will you take yours out all of them all right? Do you remiss to curse you? As soon as I think proper, I look into the other parlor, which like the first, bore no resemblance whatever to Oliver's account of it. I shall find you out some day, my friend. Will you? It's near the ill-fated cripple. If ever you want me, I'm here. I haven't even been a man all alone for parlor and two years to be scared by you. You shall pay for this! You shall pay for this! And so saying, the misshapen little demon said a yell, and danced upon the ground as if wild with rage. Stupid enough. This must have the doctor himself. The boy must admit it was a stick. Here! Put that in your pocket and shut yourself up again. With these words he flung the hunchback at pace of money and returned to the carriage. The man followed to the cherry door, uttering the wildest imprecations and curses all the way. But as Sister Orlsburn turned her speech to the driver, he looked into the carriage and eyed Oliver for an instant with a glance so sharp and fierce and at the same time so furious and vindictive that waking or sleeping he could not forget it for months afterwards. He continued to utter the most fearful imprecations until the driver had zoomed his seat and when they were months more on their way they could see him some distance behind, beating his feet upon the ground and tearing his hair and transports of real or pretended rage. I am an ass! at the doctor after a long silence. Do you know that before, Oliver? No, sir. And don't forget it another time. An ass! at the doctor again after a further silence of some minutes. Even if it had been the right place and the right fellows had been there, what could have done single-handed? If I had assistance I see no God that I should have done except leading to my own exposure and an unavoidable statement of the manner in which I have hutched up this business. That would have served me right though. I will always annoy you when I serve from some scraper another by acting on impulse. It might have done me good. The fact was that the excellent doctor had never acted upon any of the things but impulse all through his life. It was no bad compliment in the nature of the impulses which governed him. That so far from being involved in any particular troubles or misfortunes, he had the warmest respect and esteem of all who knew him. If the truth must be told he was a little out of temper for a minute or two at being disappointed in procuring corroborative evidence of Oliver's story on the very first occasion which he had a chance of finding any. They soon came round again, however, inciting that Oliver's replies to his questions were as still straightforward and insistent and still delivered with as much appearance and serity and truth as they had ever been. He made up his mind to attach full credence to them from that time forth. As Oliver knew the name of the street in which Brown knows resided they were unable to drive straightly there and the coach turned into it his heart beat so violently they could scarcely draw breath. Ah, my boy! Which house it is? In quiet northburn there that led Oliver, pointing eagerly out of the window, the white house. Oh, make haste, pray make haste. I feel as if I shall die. It makes me tremble so. Come, come, said the little doctor patting him on the shoulder. You will see them directly and they will owe you a joy to find you're safe and well. Oh, I hope so, replied all of them. They are so good to me. So very, very good to me. The coach rolled on. It stopped. No, that was the wrong house. The next door. It went on a few aces and stopped again. Oliver looked up at the windows of the kitchen, coursing down his face. Alas, the white house was empty and there was a bill in the window. Toonette, knock at the next door, cried Mr. Lawsburn, taking Oliver's arm in his. What has become of Mr. Brownner who used to live in the adjoining house? Do you know? If they haven't did not know, what would go and inquire? She presently returned and said that Mr. Brownner had sold off his goods six weeks before. Oliver clapsped his hands and sank feebly backward. As a housekeeper gone, too, inquired Mr. Lawsburn after a moment's pause. Yes, sir, replied the servant, yes, gentlemen, the housekeeper and the gentleman that was bringing Mr. Brownner's, they all worked together and turned towards home again, said Mr. Lawsburn to the driver and gave the horses to him to get out of this confounded London. The bookstool keeper, sir, said Oliver, I know the way, sir, see and pray, sir, do see him. I, poor boy, this is a disappointment enough for one day, said the doctor, white enough for both of us. We go to the bookstool keeper's we shall surely find that he is dead or has set his house on fire or run away. We are heading straight in obedience to the doctor's impulse to whom they went. This bitter disappointment caused Oliver much sorrow and grief even in the midst of his happiness for he had pleased himself many times during the illness with thinking of all that Mr. Brownlow and Mrs. Bedwin would say to him and what delighted would be to tell them how many long days and nights he had passed in reflecting on what they had done for him the hope of eventually clearing himself with them too and explaining how he had been forced away he had buoyed him up and it sustained him under many of his recent trials now the idea that they should have gone so far and carry with them the belief that he was an imposter and a robber a belief which might remain uncontradicted to his dying day was almost more than he could bear as he circumstance occasional alternation however in the behaviourist benefactors after another fault night when the warm weather had barely begun and every tree and flower was brought in fault its young leaves and rich blossoms they made preparation for quitting the house at Chertsey for some months sending the plate which had so excited Fagan's cupidity to the bankers leaving Giles and another servant in care of the house they departed to Cottage at some distance in the country and took Oliver with them who can describe the pleasure and light the peace of mind and soft tranquillity the sickly boy felt in the warm air and among the green hills and rich woods an inland village can tell how scenes of peace and quiethood sink into the mines of pain-worn dwellers in clothes of noisy places and carry their own freshness deep into their jaded hearts many who have lived in crowded pent-up streets through lives of toil or a never-witchful change men whom customers indeed been second nature that will come almost to love each brick and stone that form their narrow boundaries of their daily walks even they with a hand of death upon them have been known to yearn at last for one short glimpse of nature's face and carried far from the scenes of their old pains and pleasures never seemed to pass at once into a new state of being crawling forth from day to day to some green sunnier spot they have had such memories wakened up from within them by the sight of a sky and hill and plain and glistening water that a foretaste of heaven itself ensued their quick decline and they have sunk to their tombs as peaceful as the sun whose setting they watched from their lonely chamber window but a few hours before faded from their dim and feeble sight the memories which peaceful country scenes have come out of this world nor its thoughts and hopes their gentle influence may teach us how to weave fresh garlands for the graves of those we loved may purify our thoughts and bear down before it old enmity and hatred but beneath all this their lingers and least reflective mind a vague and half-formed consciousness of having held such feelings long before and some remote and distant time which calls up solemn thoughts and times to come and bends down pride and world beneath it it was a lovely spot to which they repaired Oliver whose days they had been spent among squalid crowds in the midst of noise and brawling seemed to enter on a new existence there the rose and honeysuckle clung to the cottage walls the ivy crept round the trunks of the trees and the garden flowers perfumed the air with delicious odours nearby was a little churchyard not crawled out it with tall, unsightly gravestones but full of humble mounds covered with fresh turf and moss beneath which the old people of the village lay at rest Oliver wandered here and thinking of the wretched grave in which his mother lay would sometimes sit him down and sob unseen and when he seized his eyes the deep sky overhead was her as lia anger on the ground and would weep for her sadly but without pain it was a happy time the days were graceful and serene the nights brought with them neither fear nor care nor languishing in wretched prison nor associating with wretched men nothing but pleasant and happy thoughts every morning he went to a white gentleman who lived near the little church or taught him to read better and to write and he spoke so kindly and took such pains that Oliver could never try enough to please him then he would walk with Mrs. Maylian Rose and hear them talk of books or perhaps sit near them in some shady place and listen whilst the young lady read which he could have done until it grew too dark to see the letters then he had his own reason for the next day to repair and at this he would walk hard in a little room which rubbed into the garden till evening came slowly on when the ladies would walk out again and he with them listening with such pleasure to all they said and so happy if they wanted a flower he would climb to reach or had forgotten anything he could run to fetch then he could never be quick enough about it when it became quite dark and they returned home the young lady would sit down to the piano and play some or sing in a low and gentle voice some old song which it plays to aunt to hear there would be no candles lighted at such times as these and Oliver would sit by one of the marundos listening to the sweet music in a perfect rapture and when Sunday came how different the day was spent from any way in which he could ever spend it yet and yet happily too like all the other days and at most happy time there was a little church in the morning with the green leaves fluttering at the windows the birds singing without the sweet spelling air stealing in on the low porch and filling the homely building with its fragrance the poor people were so naked and clean and now so reverently in prayer that it seemed a pleasure not a tedious duty they're assembling there together and though the singing might be rude it was real and sounded more musical to Oliver's ears at least than any he had ever heard in church before then there were the walks as usual and many calls at the clean houses of the laboring men at night Oliver had read a chapter or two from the bible which he'd been studying all the week in the performance of which duty he felt more proud and pleased than if he had been the clergyman himself in the morning Oliver would be afoot by six o'clock roaming the fields and plundering the hedges far and wide for those gays of wild flowers with which he would return laden home and when she took great care and consideration to arrange the best advantage for the embellishment of the breakfast table was fresh groundsel too for Miss Maley's birds with which Oliver would have been studying the subject of the abled tuition of the village clerk would decorate the cages in a most approved taste when the birds were made all spruce and smart for the day there was usually some little commission of charity to execute on the village failing that there was rare cricket playing sometimes all the green or failing that there was always something to do in the garden or about the plants to which Oliver would study this science too under the same master with a gardener by trade applied himself at hearty goodwill until Miss Rose made her appearance when there were a thousand commendations to be bestowed on all he had done so three months glided away three months which in a life of the most blessed and favoured of mortals might have been unmingled happiness in which in all of us were true felicity with the purest and most amiable generosity on one side and the truest warmest soul felt gratitude among the other it was no wonder that by the end of that short time Oliver twist had become completely domesticated with the old lady and her niece and that the firm and attachment of the young and sensitive heart was repaid by the pride in attachment to himself end of chapter 32 chapter number 33 of Oliver twist by Charles Dickens this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this recording is made by Arthur Piantadosi chapter 33 we're in the happiness of Oliver and his friends experiences a second check spring froze swiftly by and summer came if the village had been beautiful at first it was now in the full glow and luxuriance of its richness the great trees which would look shrunken and bare in the earlier months and have burst into strong life and health and stretching forth the green arms over the thirsty ground converted open and naked spots into choice nooks where what was a deep and pleasant shade from which to look upon the wide prospect steeped in sunshine which lay stretched beyond the earth had dawned her mantle of brightest green and shed her richest perfumes abroad it was a prime and vigor of the year all things were glad and flourishing still the same quiet life went on at the little cottage and the same cheerful serenity prevailed among its inmates on of a long since grown stout and healthy but health or sickness made no difference in its warm feelings of a great many people he was still the same gentle attached affectionate creature he'd been when pain and suffering and wasted his strength and when he was dependent for every slight attention and comfort on those who tended him on beautiful nights when they'd taken a long walk that was customary with them for they'd been unusually warm and there was a brilliant moon and a light wind had sprung up which was unusually refreshing Rose'd been in high spirits too and they'd walked on in merry conversation until they'd fired at seated in ordinary bounds it was mainly at being fatigued they returned more slowly home the young lady merely throwing off a simile bonnet sat down how it is usual after wrangling sprak dillier for the keys for a few minutes she fell into a low and early solemn air and as she played it they heard a sound as if she were weeping Rose, my dear said the older lady Rose made no reply but played a little quicker as though the words had browsed her from some painful thoughts Rose, my love I'd missed it mainly is it in bendigover yes, in tears my dear child what distresses you nothing and nothing applied the young lady I don't know what it is I can describe it but I feel what ill my love inquired Mrs. Mailing oh no, not ill Rose shuddering as though some deadly chillness was passing over her while she spoke I shall be better presently close the window pray all of her hastened to comply with the request the young lady making an effort to recover her cheerfulness strode the place of lively attune but her fingers dropped powerlessly over the keys covering her face with her hands you sank upon a sofa and gave vent to the tears which was now unable to repress my child said the older lady folding her arms about her were you so before I would not allow me if I could avoid it they joined at Rose but indeed I've tried very hard and cannot help this I fear I am ill and she was indeed for when candles were brought they saw in a very short time which had elapsed since their return home the hue of her countenance changed on marble whiteness it is pressurised norce nothing of its beauty but it was changed there was an anxious happy new look about the gentle face which had never worn before another minute it was suffused with a crimson flush and heavy wildness came over the soft blue eye again this disappeared like the shadow thrown by a passing cloud and she was once more deadly pale all of her who watched the old lady anxiously observed that she was alarmed by these appearances and so in truth was he but seeing that she affected the room he endeavoured to do the same and it so far succeeded that when Rose was assuaded by her aunt to retire for the night she was in better spirits and appeared even in better health assuring them that she felt certain she would do it right to the morning quite well I hope said all of her when mrs. Mayly returned nothing is the matter she doesn't look well tonight but the old lady motioned him not to speak and sitting down herself down in dark corner of the room remained silent for some time a length she said in a trembling voice I hope not all of her I am very happy with her for some years too happy perhaps it may be time I should meet with some misfortune but I hope it is not this what inquired another heavy blow lady or losing the dear girl so long in my comfort and happiness God forbid it I won't slay all of her easily let man to that my child that the old lady wringing her hands surely there is no danger of anything so dreadful to all of her two hours ago she was quite well just very ill now rejoined mrs. Mayly it will be worse I am sure my dear dear rose well what shall I do without her she gave way to such great groove if all of her suppressing his own emotion then she had to demonstrate with her and beg earnestly for the sake of the dear young lady herself she would be more calm and can sit at her sit all of her as her tears force themselves into his eye despite others to the contrary oh consider how young good she is more pleasure and coverance she gives all about her I am sure certain quite certain for your sake who are so good yourself and for your own and for the sake of all whom she makes happy she does not die maybe she will never let her die so young ah shh mrs. Mayly laying a hand on all of her head you would think like a child poor boy you would teach me my duty not withstanding I had forgotten for a moment don't ever but I hope I may be pardoned for I am old I have seen enough of illness and death to know the agony of suppression the objects of our love I have seen too enough to know that it is not always the youngest and best to aspire to those who love them but this would give us comfort in our sorrow for heaven is just and such things teach us impressively that there is a brighter world than this and that the passage to it is speeding God's will be done I love her and he knows how well all of her was surprised to see that as mrs. Mayly said these words she checked her lamentations as though by one effort drawing herself as she spoke became composed and firm it was still more astonished to see that this firmness lasted that under all the care and watching which ensued mrs. Mayly was ever ready and collected forming all the duties which devolved upon her steadily and to all external appearances even cheerfully but as he was young I did not know what strong men are into love under trying circumstances I was shorty when their possessions so seldom know themselves an anxious night ensued when morning came mrs. Mayly predictions were all too well identified Rose was in the first stage of a high and dangerous fever we must be active Oliver and not give way to useless grief mrs. Mayly laying a finger on a lip as he looked steadily into his face his letter must be sent with all possible expedition and must the laws burn must be carried to the market town which is not more than four miles off but a full path along the field and then dispatched by an express on the horseback straight to Chertsey the people at the end will undertake to do this and I can trust you to see it done I know Oliver could make no reply but look at his anxiety to be gone at once here is another letter that mrs. Mayly causing to reflect but whether to send it now wait till you see how Rose goes on I scarcely know I would want forward it unless I fear the worst is he for Chertsey too ma'am inquired Oliver impatient to execute his commission and holding out his trembling hand for the letter no I had the old lady giving it to him mechanically Oliver glanced at his and saw that it was addressed to Harry Mayly Esquire at some great lord's house in the country where he could not make out shall I go ma'am asked Oliver looking up impatiently I think not mrs. Mayly taking it back I will wait until tomorrow with these words she gave Oliver a purse and he started off without more delay at the greatest speed he could master swiftly ran across the fields and down the little lanes which sometimes divided them now almost hidden by the high corn on either side now emerging on open field where the mowers and haymakers were busy at their work in order to stop once save now and then for a few seconds to recover his breath until it came in a great heat and covered with dust on the little market place of the market town here he paused and looked about for the inn there were a wide bank and a red brewery and a tear-o-town hall and in one corner there was a large house with all the wood about it paid in green before which was a sign of to this he hastened as soon as it caught his eye he spoke to a post boy who was dozing under the gateway and who after hearing what he wanted referred him to the Osler who after hearing all he had to say again referred him to the landlord who was the tall gentleman in a blue neck cloth a white hat, draped breeches and boots on the tops to match leaning against a pump by the stable door picking his teeth with a silver toothpick this gentleman walked in much liberation to the bar to make out the bill which took a long time making out and after it was ready and paid a horse had to be saddled and a man to be dressed which took up ten minutes more meanwhile Oliver was in such a disparate state of patience and anxiety that he felt as if he had jumped upon the horse himself and galloped away full tear to the next stage a length all was ready and it was the parcel having been handed up with many injunctions and entreaties for its speedy delivery the man set spurs to his horse and rattling over the uneven paving of the marketplace as out of town and galloping along the turnpike road in a couple of minutes as it was something to feel certain that assistance was sent for and that no time had been lost Oliver hurried up the in-yard he was turning out of the gateway and he accidentally stumbled against the atombium and wrapped in a cloak who was at this moment coming out of the indoor tried the man, fixing his eyes on Oliver and suddenly recoiling What the devil's this I beg your pardon sir said Oliver I was in a great hurry to get home but I didn't see you were coming Death wanted the man to himself glaring at the boy with his large dark eyes who would have thought it grind him to ashes he'd start up a stone coffin to come at him on my way I'm sorry stammered Oliver confused by the strange man's wild look I hope I have not hurt you rot you murmured the man in a horrible passion between his clenched teeth if I had only the courage to say the word I might have been free of you in a night curses in your heart black death on your heart new imp what are you doing here the man shook his fist as he uttered these words incoherently advanced towards Oliver's if with the indigestion of aiming blow at him but fell violently on the ground writhing and foaming in a fit Oliver gazed for a moment at the struggles of mad man for such he supposed him to be and then darted into the house for help having seen him hopefully carried into the hotel he turned his face home once running as fast as he could to make up for lost time and recalling with a great deal of astonishment and some fear the extraordinary behaviour of the person from whom he'd just piloted the circumstance is not well in his recollection long, however for when he reached a cottage there was enough to occupy his mind and to drive all considerations of self completely for his memory Rose Mealy had rapidly grown worse a fall midnight he was delirious a medical practitioner who was actually on the spot was in constant attendance upon her they have to first seeing the patient he had taken Mrs Mealy aside and pronounced her disorder to be one of her most alarming nature in fact he said it would be a little short of a miracle how often did Oliver say from his bed that night when stealing out with no user's footstep to the staircase listened to the slightest sound from the sick chamber how often did Tr... bulls like his frame and cold drops of terror start upon his brow and a sudden trampling of feet caused him to fear that something new dreadful to think of had even then occurred and what had been the fervency of all the prayers he'd ever muttered compared with those he'd pulled forth now in the agony and passion of the supplication for the life and health of the gentle creature was torturing on a deep brave's verge oh the suspense the fearful acute suspense are standing idly by while the life of one we dearly love is trembling in the balance with the racking thoughts that crowd upon the mind and make the heart beat violently and the breath come thick but the force of the images they conjure up before it desperate anxiety to be doing something to relieve the pain or lessen the danger which we have no power to alleviate the sinking of soul and spirit which the sad remembrance of our health business produces what tortures can it equal these what reflections or endeavours can in the full tide and further of the time I lay them morning came and the little cottage was lonely and still oak stalking whispers anxious faces appearing at the gates from time to time women and children went away in tears all the long day and for hours after it had grown dark all the pace softly up and down the garden raising his eyes every instant to the sick chamber and shuddering to see the dark in the window looking as if it deathly stretched inside late that night the doctor as to Norseburn arrived it is hard so the good doctor turning away she spoke so young so much beloved but there was very little hope another morning the sun shone brightly as brightly as if it looked upon no misery or care and with every leap and flower and full bloom about her life and health and sounds and sights of joy surrounding on every size the fair young creature laying wasting fast all of her crept away to the old churchyard and sitting out on one of the green mounds wept and prayed for it in silence there was such beauty and beauty in the scene so much brightness and mirth in the sunny landscape so much nicer music in the songs of summer birds such freedom in the rapid flight of the rook so much life and joyousness in all that when the boy raised aching eyes and looked about a thought instinctively occurred to him that this was not a time for death that rose could surely never die when humble her things were all so good and gay the greys were for cold and cheerless winter unliked fragrance he almost thought that the shrouds were for the old and shrunken and that they never wrapped that young and grateful form in their ghastly folds a knell from the church bell broke harshly on their oothful thoughts another again it was tooling for a funeral service a group of humble mourners enter the gate wearing white favors for the corpse was young they still were uncovered by a grave and there was a mother a mother once among a weeping train but the sun shone brightly and the bird sang on all of her turned not homeward being he on the many kindnesses he had received from the young lady and wishing that the day would come again that he might never cease showing her how grateful and attached he was he no cause for self-reproach on the score of neglect and he had been devoted to her service and yet a hundred little occasions rose up before him on which he fancied he might have been more zealous and more earnest and wished he had been we need to be careful how we deal with those about us when every death carries this um-circle circle of survivors thoughts of so much of muted and so little done of so many things forgotten and so many more which might have been repaired there is no room all so deep as that which is unavailing if we would be spared its tortures as we remember this in time when we reached home Mrs. Maylee was sitting in the little parlor all of her heart sank at the sight of her for she had never left the bedside of her knees and he trembled to think what challenge could have driven her away he learned that she had fallen into a deep sleep from which she would awaken either to recovery and life or to bid them farewell and die it sat listening and afraid to speak for hours the untasted meal was removed it looks which showed that their thoughts were elsewhere it was the sun as he sank lower and lower it linked cast over sky and earth those brilliant twos which hallowed his departure their quick ears caught the sun some end of an approaching footstep they both involuntarily darted to the door as Mr. Osburn entered what a froze cried the old lady tell me at once I can bear it I can anything but suspense oh tell me in the name of heaven you must compose yourself at the doctor supporting her be calm my dear ma'am pray let me go in God's name my dear child she is dead she is dying no by the doctor passionately as he is good and merciful she will live to bless us all for years to come lady fell upon her knees and tried to fold her hands together but the energy which she'd supported for so long fled up to heaven with the first thanksgiving and she sank into the friendly arms which her extended to receive her all of her twists chapter 33 and all of her twists by Charles Dickens this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer is visit LibriVox.org this recording is by Arthur Piantadosi chapter 234 contains some introductory particulars relative to a young gentleman who now arrives upon the scene and a new adventure which happened to all of her it was almost too much happiness to bear all of her felt stunned and stupefied by the unexpected intelligence he could not weep or speak or rest and scarcely the power of understanding anything that had passed until after a long ramble and the quiet evening air a burst of tears came to his relief and he seemed awakened all at once to a subtle sense of the joyful change that occurred they almost in support of a load of anguish which had been taken from his breast the light was fast closing in when he returned homeward laden with flowers which he had culled to cure her care for the adornment of her as he walked briskly along the road he heard behind him the noise of some vehicle approaching at a furious pace looking round he saw that it was a post-chase driven at great speed and as the horses were galloping and the road was narrow he stood lenient against the gate until it should have passed him as he passed on all of a glimpse of a man in a white kind of cap was facing familiar to him as he was so brief he could not identify the person in another second or two that cap was thrust out of the chase window and a stentorian voice bent out of the driver to stop and she did as soon as he could pull up those horses then the nightcap once appeared in the same voice called all of her highest name here cried the voice all of her what's the news Miss Rose master art liver you said you have chance tried all of her running up to the chase door Giles popped his nightcap again preparatory to making some reply and he suddenly pulled back by a young gentleman who occupied the other corner of the chise and he would eagerly demanded what was the news in a word cried the gentleman better or worse better or much better replied all of her hastily thank heaven, exclaimed the gentleman you're sure exclaimed sir replied all of her the chase in short place only a few hours ago Mr. Lawsburg says did all the injuries at an end the gentleman said not another word but opening the chase door leaped out and taking all of her hurriedly by their arm led him inside you're quite certain there's no possibility of any mistake only a part of my boy is there demanded the gentleman with a tremulous voice do not deceive me if he fulfills I'm not for the will, sir replied all of her did you not believe me Mr. Lawsburg's words were that she would live to bless us all for many years to come I heard him say so the tears stood in all of his eyes as he recalled the scene which was the beginning of so much happiness the gentleman turned his face away and remained silent for some minutes all of her thought he heard him sob more than once I any fresh remark for he could well guess what his feelings were and so stood apart feigning to be occupied with his nose-gay I'm Mr. Giles with the white knight cap on had been sitting on the steps of the chise supporting an elbow on each knee and wiping his and the eyes with the rule called unpolka anger chip caused him with white spots the honest fellow had not been feigning emotion as abundantly demonstrated by the rarely red eyes with which he regarded the young gentleman when he turned around and addressed him I think it would better go on to my mother's in the chise Giles city I would rather walk slowly on so as to gain a little time before I see her who can say I am coming I'll beg your pardon Mr. Airey Sir Giles giving a bantle of polish to his ruffled continence with the anger chip all of you who believe the poorest boy would say that I should be more amongst blies to you it wouldn't be proper for the mage to see me in his state sir I should never have any more authority with them if they did well and her in melee smiling you can do as you like let him go on with the luggage if you wish it and do you follow with us only first it changes that knight cap for something more appropriate covering or wish to be taken from madman Mr. Giles reminded of his undercoming costume stitched off in pocket he did hang a cap and substituted a cap of grave and sober shape which he took out for the chise this done the post boy drove off Giles Mr. Malie and Oliver foraded the leisure as he walked along all of a glance from time to time with much interest and curiosity at the newcomer he seemed about five and twenty years of age and was at the middle height his countenance was frank and handsome as he made it easy and proposing notwithstanding the difference between youth and age he bore a so strong likeness to the old lady that Oliver would have had no great difficulty in imagining the relationship if he had not already spoken of her as his mother Mrs. Malie was anxious waiting to receive a son when he reached through the cottage the meeting did not take place without great emotional buzz-sides mother whispered the young man why did you not write before? I did plied Mrs. Malie but on reflection I determined to keep back the letter until I had heard Mr. Lawsburn's opinion so the young man why run the chance of that occurring which the yearling would so happen and who said I cannot honour the word now if this illness is terminated differently how could you ever forgive yourself how could I ever have known happiness again? if that had been the case Harry said Mrs. Malie I feel your happiness would have been effectually blighted and that you're reliable here a day sooner or a day later would have been a very, very little import and who can wonder if it be so mother who joined the young man or why should I say if it is it is you know it mother you must know it I know she should be the best and pureest love the bar the man can offer said Mrs. Malie I know that a devotion and affection of a nature requires no ordinary return but one that should be deep and lasting if I did not feel this no besides this changed behaviour and one she loved would break her heart I should not feel my task so difficult of performance or I have to encounter so many struggles in my own bosom and I take what seems to me to be the strict line of duty that is unkind mother said Harry you should not suppose I am a boy ignorant of my own mind and mistaking the impulses of my own soul I think my dear son return Mrs. Malie writing a hand upon his shoulder that you will there is many generous impulses which do not last and among them are some which being gratifying become only the more fleeting above all I think said the lady fixing her eyes on the son's face that if enthusiastic an art and inalmicious man marry a wife on whose name I stay in which through it or on a jain no no fault of hers may be visited by golden sordid people upon her and upon his children also in exact proportion to its success in the world be cast in his teeth and made the subject of snares against him you may no matter generous and gorgeous nature one day repent of the connection he formed in early life and she may have the pain of knowing mother said the young man impatiently he would be a selfish brute unworthy alike of the name of man and of the woman you describe who acted thus you think so now Harry replied his mother and ever will said the young man the mental agony I have suffered during the last two days rings from me the vowel no it's not one of yesterday nor one I have lightly formed unrove sweet gentle girl my heart is set as firmly as ever heart of man was set on woman I have no thought no view no hope in life beyond her and if you pose me in this great stake you will take my peace and happiness in your hands and cast them into the wind mother think better of this we do not risk to God the happiness of which they seem to me think so little Harry then Mrs. Maley it is because I think so much of warm and sensitive hearts that I would spare them from being wounded but he has said enough and more than enough on this matter just now let it rest with rules then and pose Harry you will not press these strange opinions of yours so far as to throw any obstacle in my way I will not rejoin Mrs. Maley but I would have you consider I have considered was the impatient reply mother I've considered years and years I've considered ever since I have been capable of serious reflection my feelings remain unchanged as they ever will why should I suffer the pain of the delay and giving them thanks and she will be productive for no earthly good before I leave this place Roe shall hear me she shall said Mrs. Maley there is something in your manner that you are all so polite that you would hear me coldly mother said the young man not coldly rejoined the old lady far from it how then urged the young man she has formed no other attachment no indeed polite as mother you have or I mistake too strong a hold on her affections already what I would say resume the old lady stopping a son as he was about to speak is this before you take your all on this chance before you sub yourself to be carried to the highest point of hope reflect for a few moments my dear child on Rose's history and consider what effect the knowledge of her doubtful birth may have on her decision devoted as she is to us with all the intensity of her noble mind and with the perfect sacrifice of self which in all matters rate of trifling has always been her characteristic what to be that I leave you to discover polite Miss Maley I must go back to her God bless you I shall see you again tonight said the young man eagerly bye and bye polite the lady when I leave Rose you would tell her I'm here said Harry of course Light Miss Maley and say how anxious I've been and how much I've suffered and how I long to see her you will not refuse to do this mother no I will tell her oh impressing her son's hand affectionately she hastened from the room Mr. Lawsburn and Oliver had remained at another end for the apartment while this hurried conversation was proceeding the former now held her to hand to Harry Maley and her hearty salutations were exchanged between them the doctor then communicated implied to the multifarious questions from his young friend a precise account of his patient situation which was quite as consensual oratory and full of promises all of his sapient had encouraged him to hope and at the home of which Mr. Giles who affected to be busy about the luggage, listened with greedy ears have you shot anything particular lately Giles inquired the doctor when he had included not particularly sir applied Mr. Giles colouring up to the eyes nor catching any thieves nor identifying any housebreakers said the doctor no oh sir when I missed his Giles with much gravity well said the doctor I'm sorry to hear it because you do that sort of thing admirably pray how is Brittle's the boy is very well sir said Mr. Giles who covering his usual turn at patronage and says he's respectful on duty sir that's well said the doctor see you here remind me Mr. Giles and on the day before that on which I was called away so hurriedly I executed at the request of your good mistress a small commission in your favour just step into the house corner for a moment will you Mr. Giles walked into the corner with much importance and some wonder and was honoured by the small in conference with the doctor on the termination of which he made great many bows and retired with steps of unusual stakeliness a subject matter of his conference was not disclosed in the parlor the kitchen was speedily enlightened concerning it well Mr. Giles walked straight either and having called for a mug of ale which was very effective that he had pleased his mistress in consideration of his gallant behaviour on the occasion of the attempted robbery he had posted in the local savings bank a sum of £520 for his sole use and benefit at this the two women servants lifted up their hands and eyes and suppose that Mr. Giles pulling out his shirt flew replied no, no and that if they observed that he was as haughty than to tell him so then he made a great many other remarks no less illustrative as a humidity which were received with equal favour and applause and were with all as original and as much with the purpose as the remarks of great men commonly are above the stairs a remainder of the evening passed cheerfully away for the doctor was in high spirits and whoever fatigued a thoughtful hair-email you may have been at first was not proof against the worthy gentleman's humour which had plagued itself at a great variety of sallies and professional rick-elections and an abundance of small jokes which struck all of us being the drollest things he had ever heard and caused him to laugh proportionately to the evident satisfaction of the doctor who laughed moderately at himself he made Harry laugh almost as heartily by the very force of sympathy so that they were as pleasant party as under the circumstances they could well have been before they retired with light and thankful hearts to take that rest of which after the doubt and suspense they had recently undergone they stored much in need all of it rose next morning in better heart and went about his usual occupations with more hope and pleasure that he had known for many days the birds were once more hung out to the sea in their old places and the sweetest wild flowers that could be found were once more gathered with their beauty the melancholy which had seemed with the sad eyes of the anxious boy to hang for days pass over every object beautiful as all were was dismailed by magic they do seem to sparkle more brilliantly on the green leaves the air to rustle among them for it the sweeter music in the sky itself would look more blue and bright such is the influence which the intuition of our own thoughts exercise even over the appearance of objects men who look on nature and their fellow men and cry that all was dark and gloomy are in the right but the sober coroners are reflections of from their own jaundiced eyes and hearts the real you as a delicate needed clear revision it is worthy of remark and all of it did not fail to note it at the time this morning his petitions were no longer made alone here he may live to the very first morning when he met all of her coming late in the home a passion for flowers and split such a taste in their arrangement as left his young companion far behind a follower were behind hand and these respects he knew were the best were to be found and morning after morning scoured the country together and brought home the ferris that blossomed the window of the young ladies chamber was open now she loved to feel the rich summer air streaming reviving her with its freshness but there always stood in water just inside the lattice one particular little bunch which was made up with great care every morning all of her could not help noticing the withered flowers were never thrown away although the little vase was regularly replenished nor could he observing it whenever the doctor came to the garden he invariably cast his eyes up to that particular corner not at his head most expressively as he set forth on this morning's walk pending these observations were flying by and rose was rapidly recovering nor did all of his time hung and heavy on his hands although the young lady had not yet left her chamber and there was no evening walks saved now and then for a short distance with Mrs. Mayley he applied himself with the doubled astuidity the instructions of the white-headed gentleman and labelled so hard that his quick progress surprised even himself as well he was engaged in this pursuit but his greatly startled and distressed and most unexpected occurrence little room in which he was accustomed to sit and busy with his books was on the ground floor in the back of the house it was quite a cottage room with the lattice window around which were clusters of jessamine and honeysuckle they crept over the casements and filled the place with their delicious perfume he looked into the garden when the weak gate opened into a small paddock all beyond was iron meadowland and wood there was no other deling near in that direction and the prospect it commanded was very extensive one beautiful evening when the first shadows of twilight were beginning to settle upon the earth all of us sat out the whiz window intent upon his books he had been pouring over them for some time and as the day had been uncommonly sultry and he had deserted himself a great deal and was no best judgment to the authors whoever they may have been to say that gradually and by slow degrees he fell asleep there is a kind of sleep that steals upon us sometimes which while it holds a body of prisoner does not free the mind from a sense of things about it and enabled it to ramble at its pleasure so far as an overpowering heaviness a prostration of strength and an utter inability to control our thoughts and power of motion so far as it holds sleep this is it and yet we have a consciousness of all that is going on about us and if we dream at such a time words which really spoken or sounds which really exist at the moment accommodate themselves with surprising readiness to our visions until reality and imagination become so strangely blended that it is afterwards almost matter of impossibility to separate the two in a non-incidental such a state it is an undoubted fact that although our senses have touched and psyched for the time dead yet our sleeping thoughts and the visionary scenes that pass before us will be influenced and material influenced by the mere silent presence of some external object which may not have been near to us when we close our eyes and with its vicinity we have had no waking consciousness Oliver knew perfectly well that it was in his own small room his books were lying on the table before him that the sweet air was stirred among the creeping plants outside and yet he was asleep suddenly the scene changed the air became close and confined and he thought with a glow of terror that he was in the jewels house again there sat the hideous old man in his custom corner pointing at him and whispering to another man with his face averted who sat beside him hush my dear he thought he heard the jewels say it is him sure enough come away he the other man seemed to answer could I mistake him, thank you he had a crowd of ghosts went up all those hells and he was in exact shape and he stood among them there is something that would tell me how to point him out you buried him 50 feet deep and took me across his grave I wouldn't say I should know there was a mark above it and he lay buried there the man seemed to say this with such a dreadful hatred that Oliver awoke with a fear and started up called heaven, what was that which sent the blood tingling to his heart and the pride of his voice the power to move there, there at the window close before him so close that he could almost have touched him before he stood up his back and he was peering into the room meeting his, there stood the jewel beside him white with rage of fear or both with the scowling features of the man who had accosted him in the innyard it was but an instant a glance a flash before his eyes and they were gone but they recognized him and he them and their look was as firmly impressed upon his memory carved in stone and sent before him from his birth he stood transfixed for a moment then leaping from the window into the garden called loudly for help Oliver twist by Charles Dickens chapter 34 and chapter number 35 of Oliver twist by Charles Dickens this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox by our recordings are in the public domain for more information when a volunteer is for the LibriVox.org recording by Arthur Piantadosi chapter 35 containing the unsatisfactory result of Oliver's adventure and a conversation of a sudden portence between Harry Maley and Rose when the inmates of the house attracted by Oliver's cries headed to the spot from which they proceeded they found him pale and agitated pointed in the erection of the meadows behind the house and scarcely able to articulate the words the choo, the choo Mr. Diles who said had lost or calmed her hand what this outcry meant but Harry Maley whose perceptions were somewhat quicker who had heard Oliver's history from his mother understood it once what direction did he take he asked lifting up a heavy stick which was standing in the corner that, eyed Oliver pointing out the cause the man had taken I missed him in an instant then they are in the ditch said Harry, follow but keep as near me as you can so saying he sprang over the hedge darted off at his speed rendered it matter extremely difficult for the others to get near him Giles followed as well as he could and Oliver followed too and in the course of a minute or two Mr. Norseburn who had been out walking and just then returned tumbled over the hedge after them and picking himself up with more agility than he could have been supposed to possess struck out into the same cause at no contemptible speed shouting all the while most prodigiously to know what was the matter orn they all went nor stopped they once to breathe until the leader striking off into an angle of the field indicated by Oliver began to search narrowly the ditch and hedge adjoining which afforded time for the remainder of the party to come up and for Oliver to communicate Mr. Norseburn the circumstances that had led to so vigorous a pursuit the search was all in vain there were not even the traces of recent steps to be seen they stood now on the cemeter's very little hill commanding the open fields in every direction for three or four miles there was a village in the hall there on the left but in order to gain that after pursuing a track, Oliver had pointed out the men must have made a dirt out of open ground which was impossible that they could have gone but it in so short a time a thick woods get at the metal land in another direction but they could not have gained that covert for the same reason it must have been a dream Oliver said here emailing sweet sir replied Oliver shuddering at the very connection of the old richest countenance I saw him too plainly for that I saw them both as plainly as I see you now who was the other inquired herein Mr. Norseburn together the very same manner of who I told you are who came so subtly upon me at the end said Oliver we had our eyes fixed full upon each other and I could swear to him they took this way humanitariany or you're sure as I am that the man went at the window replied Oliver pointing down as he spoke to the hedge which divided the cottage garden from the meadow that the tall man leaped over just there the jewel running a few pages the right crypt of the gap two gentlemen watched Oliver's earnest face as he spoke and looked for him to each other seeming to feel satisfied of the accuracy of what he said still in no direction were there any appearances of the trampling of men in hurried flight grass was long but it was trotting down nowhere say where their own feet had crushed it the sights and prints of the dishes were of damp clay but in no one place could they discern the prints of men's shoes or the slightest mark which would indicate their any feet had crushed the ground before this is strange said Harry strange echo the doctors blathers and doth themselves could make nothing of it notwithstanding the evidentially useless nature of their search they did not desist until the coming of night rendered it fur as were the prosecution hopeless and even then they gave it up with reluctance Giles was dispatched to the different ale houses in the village with the best description Oliver could give of the appearance undressed for strangers of these the duois and all events efficiently remarkable to be remembered supposing he had been seen drinking or loudly shoring about but Giles returned without any intelligence calculated to dispel or lessen the mystery on the next day fresh shirt was made inquires recently new but with no great utter success on the day following he was admitted to the melee repaired at the market town in the hope of seeing or hearing something of the men there but this effort was quite equally fruitless after a few days the affair began to be forgotten as most affairs are one wonder having no fresh food to support it dies away of itself meanwhile Rose was rapidly recovering she had left her room was able to get out and seeing once more with her net family carried joy into the hearts of all but although this happy change was visible in fact on a little circle and although cheerful voices and merry laughter were once more heard in the cottage there was a time that unwanted restraints spawned someone there even upon Rose herself which Oliver could not fail to remark Mrs. Mayley and her son were often closeted together for a long time more than once Rose appeared with traces of tears upon her face after Mr. Lawsburn had fixed a day for his departure to Cherpsey these symptoms increased and it became evident that something was in progress which affected the peace of the young lady and of somebody else besides at length one morning when Rose was alone in the breakfast parlour Hailey Mayley entered with some agitation beg permission to speak with her for a few moments a few, a very few you know suffice Rose so the young man drawing his chair taught her what I shall have to say there's already projected itself to your mind most cherished hopes at my heart are not unknown to you live from my lips you have not heard them stated Rose had been very pale from the moment of his entrance but that might have been the effort of her recent illness she merely bowed her plans to Sudnir waited in silence for him to proceed I, I ought to have left here before Citeri you should indeed applied Rose forgive me for saying so but I wish you had I was brought here by the most dreadful and agonising of all apprehensions to the young man the fear of losing the one dear being on whom my every wish and hope yet you have been dying trembling between earth and heaven we know that when they've gone and the beautiful and guld have visited sickness their pure spirits insensibly turn towards their bright home of lasting rest we know heaven help us at the best and fairest of our kind too often fade in blooming there were tears in the eyes of a gentle girl up on the flower over which she bent and lessened rightly in its cup making it all beautiful it seemed as the root of the art pouring over a fresh young heart blamed kindred naturally the loveliest things in nature a creature continued the young man passionately a creature as fair and innocent of guile as one of god's own angels not only between life and death oh who could hope in the distant world to which she was akin half open to a view she would return to the sorrow and calamity of this rose, rose to know that you were passing away like some soft shadow which lied from above cast upon the earth got no hope that you would be spared to those who linger here hardly to know reason why they should be to feel that you belong to that bright spear wither so many of the fairest and the best have winged their early flight and yet to pray amid all those consolations that you might be restored to those who loved you these were distractions almost too great to bear that you were mine by day and night and with them came such a rushing torrent of fears and apprehensions and selfish regrets lest you should die I never know how devotedly I loved you that's all it was all turned sense and written in its course you recovered day by day and almost hour by hour them drop of health came back and wringled with the spent of feeble stream of life which circulated languidly within you swallied again to a high and rushing tide I've watched you change almost from death to life with eyes that turned blind with their eagerness and deep affection do not tell me that you wish I'd lost this for it is soft my art all mankind I did not mean that said rose weeping I only wish you would left here and you might have turned to high noble purposes again the pursuits were worthy of you there is no pursuit well worthy of me more worthy of the highest nature that exists that in the struggle to win such a heart as yours said the young man taking a hand rose my own dear rose for years for years I've loved you hoping to win my way to fame and then come proudly home and tell you what had been pursued only for you to share thinking in my daydreams how I would remind you in this that happy moment the many silent tokens I had given of a boy's attachment and claim your hand as in redemption of some old newt contact with that it had concealed between us that time has not arrived but here with no fame one and no young vision realised I offer you my art so long than your own and stake my art all upon the words with which you greet the offer all behavior is ever kind and noble said rose mastering the motions by which she was agitated as you believe that I'm not sensible or ungrateful so here my answer it is that I might endeavor to deserve you is it is rose a rose it is replied rose that you must endeavor to forget me not your so old dearly detached companion for that would be deeply but as the object of your love look into the world think how many hearts you would proud to gain some other passion to me if you will I would be the truest warmest and most faithful friend you have there was a pause during which rose who had covered her face with one hand gave free vent to her tears airy steel retained the other and your reasons rose you set it length and a low voice your reasons for this decision for right to know them they joined at rose can say nothing to an alter my resolution it is a duty I must perform I owe it like to others and to myself to yourself yes airy I owe to myself that I a friend is portioned as a girl applied upon my name should not give your friends the scent of the spectre I insulted your first passion fasten myself like a clog to all your verbs and projects I owe to you and yours to affect you from opposing in the warmth of your generous nature this great obstacle to your progress in the world if your English nations shy with your sense of duty Mary began they do not applied rose colouring deeply you would return my love said airy say but that dear rose say but that and soften the bitterness of this heart disappointment I could have done so they're doing heavy wrong won't you hear my love rejoined at rose I could have have received this decoration very differently said airy do not conceal that from being at least rose I could said rose stay she added disengaging her hand why should we prolong this painful interview most painful to me and yet productive a flusting happiness notwithstanding for a willy is to know that I once held a high place in your regard which I now occupy and if we triumph your achieving life will animate with little fortitude and firmness though well airy as we have met today we meet no more but in other relations and those in which this conversation has placed us we may be long and happily entwined and may every blessing let the prayers of a true and honest heart and hold down from the source of all truth and sincerity cheer and prosper you another word rose said airy your reason in your own words for your own lips let me hear it prospect before you answered rose firmly is a brilliant one all the honors to which great talents and powerful connections can help men in public life are in store for you but these connections are proud I will neither man who was such as may hold in score the mother who gave me life nor bring disgrace of failure on the son of her who was the will supply that mother's place in a word said the young lady turning away as a temporary firmness for suke there is a stain upon my name which the world visits on innocent heads I will carry it into no blood on my own the pooch or worst I do not mean one word or rose dearest rose one more throwing himself before her if I had been less less fortunate the world would call it if some obscure and peaceful life had been my destiny if I had been poor seek helpless what do you return for me then or has my probable advancement of riches and armor given this scruple birth do not press me to reply answered rose the question has not arise never will it is unfair almost unkind to urge it if your answer be what I almost dare to hope it is retorting here I am it will shed a gleam of happiness upon my lovely only way and like the path before me it is not an idle thing to do so much but the utterance of a few brief words one who loves you beyond all else oh rose in the name of my art and enduring attachments in the name of all I have suffered for you and all you do me to undergo answer me this one question then you feel a lot have been differently cast rejoined at rose if you had been even little but not so far above me if I could have had a help and comfort to you in any humble scene of peace and retirement not a blot and drawback in ambitious and distinguished crowds I should have been spared this trial I have every reason to be happy very happy now but then here I own I should have been happier busy collections of old hopes cherished as a girl long ago crowded into the mind of rose while making saval but they brought tears with them as old hopes will when they come back withered and they relieved her I cannot help the sweetness it makes my purpose stronger said rose extending at hand I must leave you now indeed I ask one promise said terry once and only once more say within a year but it may be much sooner I may speak to you again on this subject for the last time not to press me towards my right determination applied rose with a man called a smile it will be useless no said harry to hear you repeat it if you will finally repeat it I will lay at your feet asian of fortune I may possess and if you still adhere to your present resolution will not seek by word or act to change it let it be so adjoined at rose it's but one pangable and by that time I may be unable to bear it better she extended her hand again but the young man called her to his bosom and preaching one kiss on her beautiful forehead hurried for the room oliver twist chapter 35 and chapter 36 of oliver twist by charles dickens this is a livervox recording all livervox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox.org recording by artha piantidosi los angeles california chapter 36 it's a very short one and may appear of no great importance in its place but it should be read not be standing as a sequel to last and as a key to one that will follow when its time arrives and so your resolve to be my traveling companion this morning eh said the doctor as her email joined him and oliver at the breakfast table why you are not the same mind or intention to have our together you will tell me a different tale one of these days said mary coloring without any perceptual reason i hope i may a very good cause to do so apply mr. law's burden though i confess i don't think i shall but yesterday morning you had made up your mind in a great hurry to stay here and accompany your mother like a dootable son to the seaside before noon you were around so going to do me the honour of accompanying me as far as i go on a road to London and at night you urged me with great mystery to start before the ladies are staring the consequential which is that young oliver here is pinned down to his breakfast when he ought to be ranging a meadows after a buskenical phenomenal of all kinds too bad isn't it oliver i should have been very sorry not to be in the home with you and mr. mailie we went away sir rejoined oliver that's a fine fellow said the doctor you shall come and see me when you return but to speak seriously harry as any communication from the great knobs which was this sudden anxiety on the little part of the garden the great knobs replied harry under which designation i presume you include my most stately uncle not to communicate it with me at all since i've been here nor at this time of year is it likely that anything would occur if it didn't necessarily my immediate attendance among them well said the doctor you are a queer fellow but of course they will get you into parliament at the election of all christmas and these sudden shiftings and changes no bad preparation for political life there's something in that training is always desirable in a place before place carp or soup steaks harry mailie looked as if he could have followed up this short dialogue but one or two remarks would have staggered the doctor not a little making him tentative himself by saying we shall see and pursue the subject no further the post shades drove up to the door shortly afterwards some giles coming in for the luggage the good doctor bustled out to see it packed said harry mailie in a low voice let me speak a word with you or if i walked into the window and assessed to which mr mailie beckoned him much surprised at the mixture of sands and boisterous spirits which his whole behaviour was delayed looking right well now said hit mary laying his hand upon his arm i hope so sir replied oliver i shall not be hurt home again perhaps for some time i wish would write to me say once a full night every alternate of monday that the general post office in london will you i should be proud to do it exclaimed oliver greatly delighted with the commission i should like to know how how her mother and mrs mailie are said the young man you're going to steal up a sheet by telling me what walks you'll take out and whether she they hide me seem having quite well you understand me oh quite sir quite replied oliver i would rather you do not mention these to them said harry hurrying over his words because it might make my mother anxious to write to me off on her and she's a trouble and a worryer to her let it be a secret between you and me and mine will tell me everything you think i depend upon you oliver quite elated and honoured by a sense of his importance basically promised to be a secret and explicit in his communications mrs mailie it was took leave of him and many assurances of his regard and protection the doctor was in the chies guiles who had it been arranged should be left behind held the door open in his hand and the woman servants were in the garden looking on harry cast one slight glance at the latter's window and jumped into the carriage drive on he cried heart first full gallop nothing short of flying he paced with me today aloo cried the doctor letting down the front grass in the great hurryer and shouting to the postelion something very short of playing and jay paced with me do we hear jingling and clattering till distance rented its noise in audible and its rapid progress suddenly perceptibles the eye the vehicle wound its way along the road almost hitting the clout of dust now hurly disappearing and now becoming visible again as intervening objects or the intricacies of a way permitted it was not until even the dust cloud was no longer to be seen that the gazes dispersed and there was one looker on who remained with eyes fixed upon the spot where the carriage it disappeared long after many miles away from behind the white curtain which it shrouded her from view when the air erases eye towards the window sat rose herself he seemed to see high spirits and happy she seated length I feared full of time he might be otherwise I was mistaken I'm very very glad tears as signs of gladness and grief those which calls down rose's face as she sat pens every day at the window still gazing at the same direction seemed to tell more of sorrow than of joy Oliver Twist Chapter 36