 Chapter 22 North and South. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. This is soup also known as Classics Fan from Hackney London. I'm reading North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell Chapter 22. A blow and its consequences. But work grew scarce while bread grew dear and wages lessened too. For Irish hoards were bidders here, our half-paid work to do. Corn-law rhymes. Margaret was shown into the drawing room. It had returned to its normal state of bag and covering. The windows were half-open because of the heat and the Venetian blinds covered the glass so that a grey-grim light reflected from the pavement below threw all the shadows wrong and combined with the green-tinged upper light to make even Margaret's own face as she caught it in the mirrors looked ghastly and won. She sat and waited. No one came. Every now and then the wind seemed to bear the distant multitude in a sound nearer and yet there was no wind. It died away into profound stillness between wiles. Fanny came in at last. Mama will come directly Miss Hale. She desired me to apologise to you as it is. Perhaps you know my brother has imported hands from Ireland and it has irritated the Milton people excessively as if he hadn't a right to get labour where he could and the stupid wretches here wouldn't work for him and now they frightened those poor Irish starvelings so with their threats that we didn't let them out. You may see them huddled in that top room in the mill and they're to sleep there to keep them safe from those brutes who will neither work nor let them work. And Mama is seeing about their food and John is speaking to them for some of the women are crying to go back. Ah, here's Mama. Mrs Thornton came in with a look of black sternness on her face which made Margaret feel she had arrived at a bad time to trouble her with her request. However, it was in compliance with Mrs Thornton's expressed desire that she would ask for whatever they might want in the progress of her mother's illness. Mrs Thornton's brow contracted and her mouth grew set. While Margaret spoke with gentle modesty of her mother's restlessness and Dr Donaldson's wish that she should have the relief of a waterbed, she ceased. Mrs Thornton did not reply immediately. Then she started up and exclaimed, They're at the gates! Call John, Fanny! Call him in from the mill! They're at the gates! They'll batter them in! Call John, I say! And simultaneously the gathering tramp to which she had been listening instead of heeding Margaret's words was heard just right outside the wall and an increasing din of angry words raged behind the wooden barrier which shook as if the unseen maddened crowd made battering rams of their bodies and retreated a short space only to come with more united steady impetus against it till their great beats made the strong gates quiver like reeds before the wind. The women gathered round the windows fascinated to look on the scene which terrified them. Mrs Thornton, the women's servants, Margaret all were there. Fanny had returned screaming upstairs as if pursued at every step and had thrown herself in hysterical sobbing on the sofa. Mrs Thornton watched for her son who was still in the mill. He came out, looked up at them, the pale cluster of faces, and smiled good courage to them before he locked the factory door. Then he called to one of the women to come down and undo his own door which Fanny had fastened behind her in her mad flight. Mrs Thornton herself went. The sound of his well-known and commanding voice seemed to have been like the taste of blood to the infuriated multitude outside. Hitherto they had been voiceless, wordless, needing all their breath for their hard laboured efforts to break down the gates. But now, hearing him speak inside, they set up such a fierce unearthly groan that even Mrs Thornton was wiped with fear as she proceeded him into the room. He came in a little flushed, but his eyes gleamed as in answer to the trumpet call of danger and with a proud look of defiance on his face that made him a noble, if not a handsome man. Margaret had always dreaded lest her courage should fail her in any emergency and she should be proved to be what she dreaded least she was a coward. But now, in this real time of reasonable fear and nearness of terror, she forgot herself and felt only an intense sympathy, intense to painfulness in the interests of the moment. Mr Thornton came frankly towards. I'm sorry, Miss Hale, you have visited us at this unfortunate moment when I fear you may be involved in whatever risk we have to bear. Mother, hadn't you better go into the back rooms? I'm not sure whether they may not have made their way from Pinner's Lane into the stableyard. But if not, you will be safer there than here. Gojane continued he, addressing the upper servant, and she went followed by the others. I stop here, said his mother, where you are, there I stay. And indeed, retreat into the back rooms was of no avail. The crowd had surrounded the outbuildings at the rear and were sending forth their awful, threatening roar behind. The servants retreated into the garrets and with many a cry and shriek. Mr Thornton smiled scornfully as he heard them. He glanced at Margaret, standing all by herself at the window nearest the factory. Her eyes glittered, her colour was deepened in cheek and lip. As if she felt his look, she turned to him and asked a question that had been for some time in her mind. Where are the poor imported work people in the factory there? Yes, I left them cowed up in a small room at the head of a back flight of stairs. Bidding them run all risks and escaped down there if they heard any attack made on the mill doors. But it is not them it is me they want. When can the soldiers be here, asked his mother, in a low but not unsteady voice. He took out his watch with the same steady composure with which he did everything. He made some little calculation. Supposing Williams got straight off when I told him and hadn't to dodge about amongst them. It must be twenty minutes. Twenty minutes, said his mother, for the first time showing her terror in the tones of her voice. Shut down the windows instantly, mother, explained he. The gates won't bear such another shock. Shut down that window, Miss Hale. Margaret shut her window and then went to assist Mrs Thornton's trembling fingers. For some cause or other there was a pause of several minutes in the unseen street. Mrs Thornton looked up with wild anxiety at her son's countenance as if to gain the interpretation of the sudden stillness from him. His face was set into rigid lines of contemptuous defiance. Neither hope nor fear could be read there. Fanny raised herself up. Are they gone? asked she in a whisper. Gone, replied he, listen. She did listen. They all could hear the one great straining breath, the creak of wood slowly yielding, the wrench of iron, the mighty fall of the ponderous gates. Fanny stood up, tottering, made a step or two towards her mother and fell forwards into her arms in a fainting fit. Mrs Thornton lifted her up with a strength that was as much that of will as of the body and carried her away. Thank God, said Mrs Thornton as he watched her out. Had you not better go upstairs, Miss Hale? Margaret's lips formed a no, but he could not hear her speak for the tramp of innumerable steps right under the very wall of the house and the fierce growl of low deep angry voices that has a voracious murmur of satisfaction in them. More dreadful than their baffled cries not many minutes before. Never mind, said he, thinking to encourage her. I am very sorry that you should have been entrapped into all this alarm, but it cannot last long now. A few minutes more and the soldiers will be here. Oh, God! cried Margaret suddenly. There is Boucher. I know his face, though he is livid with rage. He's fighting to get to the front. Look! Look! Who is Boucher? asked Mr Thornton coolly and coming close to the window to discover the man in whom Margaret took such an interest. As soon as they saw Mr Thornton they set up a yell to call it not human is nothing. It was as the demoniac desire of some terrible wild beast for the food that is withheld from his ravening. Even he drew back for a moment dismayed at the intensity of the hatred he had provoked. Let them yell, said he. In five minutes more I only hope my poor Irishmen are not terrified out of their wits by such a fiend-like noise. Keep up your courage. Five minutes, Miss Hale. Don't be afraid for me, she said hastily, but what in five minutes? Can you do nothing to soothe these poor creatures? It is awful to see them. The soldiers will be here directly and that will bring them to reason. To reason, said Margaret quickly, what kind of reason? The only reason that does with men that make themselves into wild beasts? By heaven they've turned to the mill door. Mr Thornton, said Margaret, shaking all over with her passion. Go down this instant, if you are not a coward. Go down and face them like a man. Save these poor strangers whom you have decoyed here. Speak to your workmen, as if they were human beings. Speak to them kindly. Don't let the soldiers come in and cut down poor creatures who are driven mad. I seen one there who is. If you have any courage or noble quality in you, go down and speak to them man to man. He turned and looked at her while she spoke. A dark cloud came over his face while he listened. He set his teeth as he heard her words. I will go. Perhaps I may ask you to accompany me downstairs and bar the door behind me. My mother and sister will need that protection. Oh, Mr Thornton, I do not know. I may be wrong only. But he was gone. He was downstairs in the hall. He had unbarred the front door. All she could do was to follow him quickly and fasten it behind him and clamber up the stairs again with a sick heart and a dizzy head. And again she took her place by the farthest window. He was on the steps below. She saw that by the direction of the thousand angry eyes. But she could neither see nor hear anything save the savage satisfaction of the rolling angry murmur. She threw the window wide open. Many in the crowd were mere boys, cruel and thoughtless, cruel because they were thoughtless. Some were men, gaunt as wolves and mad for prey. She knew how it was. They were like voucher with starving children at home, relying on ultimate success in their efforts to get higher wages and enraged beyond measure at discovering that Irishmen were to be brought in to rob their little ones of bread. Margaret knew it all. She read it in voucher's face for lawnly desperate and livid with rage. If Mr Thornton would but say something to them, let them hear his voice only. It seemed as if it would be better than this wild beating and raging against the stony silence that vouched safe them no word, even of anger or reproach. But perhaps he was speaking now. There was a momentary hush of their noise inarticulate as that of a troop of animals. She tore her bonnet off and bent forward to hear. She could only see, for if Mr Thornton had indeed made the attempt to speak, the momentary instinct to listen to him was past and gone and their people were raging worse than ever. He stood with hands folded, still as a statue, his face pale with repressed excitement. They were trying to intimidate him to make him flinch, each was urging the other on to some immediate act of personal violence. Margaret felt instinctively that in an instant all would be uproar, that the first touch would cause an explosion in which, among such hundreds of infuriated men and reckless boys, even Mr Thornton's life would be unsafe, that in another instant the stormy passions would have passed their bounds and swept away all barriers of reason or apprehension of consequence. Even while she looked, she saw lads in the background stooping to take off their heavy wooden clogs, the readiest missiles they could find. She saw it with the spark of the gunpowder and with a cry which no one heard, she rushed out of the room downstairs. She had lifted the great iron bar of the door with an imperious force, had thrown the door open wide and was there, in face of that angry sea of men, her eyes smiting them with flaming arrows of reproach. The clogs were arrested in the hands that held them, the countenances so fell not a moment before, now looked irresolute and as if asking what this meant, for she stood between them and their enemy. She could not speak but held out her arms towards them till she could recover breath. Oh, do not use violence, he is one man and you are many. But her words died away, for there was no tone in her voice it was but a horse whisper. Mr. Thornton stood a little on one side, he had moved away from behind her as if jealous of anything that should come between him and danger. Go! she said once more, and now her voice was like a cry. The soldiers are sent for, are coming. Go peaceably, go away, you shall have relief from your complaints whatever they are. Shall them Irish blackards be packed back again, asked one from out the crowd with fierce threatening in his voice. Never for your bidding, exclaimed Mr. Thornton, and instantly the storm broke. The hootings rose and filled the air, but Margaret did not hear them. Her eyes were on the crowd of lads who had armed themselves with their clogs some time before. She saw their gesture, she knew its meaning, she read their aim. Another moment of Mr. Thornton might be smitten down, he whom she had urged and goaded to come to this perilous place. She only thought how she could save him. She threw her arms around him, she made her body into a shield from the fierce people below. Still with his arms folded he shook her off. Go away, he said in his deep voice, this is no place for you. It is she said, you did not see what I saw. If she thought her sex would be a protection, if with shrinking eyes she had turned away from the terrible anger of these men, in any hope that ere she looked again they would have paused and reflected and slunk away and vanished, she was wrong. Their reckless passion had carried them far too far to stop. At least had carried some of them too far. For it is always the savage lads with their love of cruel excitement who heed the riot, reckless to what bloodshed it may lead. A clog whizzed through the air. Margaret's fascinated eyes watched its progress. It missed its aim, and she turned sick with a fright, but changed not her position, only hid her face onto Mr. Thornton's arm. There she turned and spoke again. For God's sake do not damage your cause by this violence, you do not know what you're doing, she strove to make her words distinct. A sharp pebble flew by her, grazing forehead and cheek, and drawing a blinding sheet of light before her eyes. She lay like one dead on Mr. Thornton's shoulder. Then he unfolded his arms and held her encircled in one for an instant. You do well, he said. You come to oust the innocent stranger. You fall new hundreds on one man, and when a woman comes before you to ask you for your own sakes to be reasonable creatures your cowardly wrath falls upon her. You do well. They were silent while he spoke. They were watching open-eyed and open-mouthed the thread of dark red blood, which wakened them up from their trance of passion. Those nearest the gate stole out ashamed. There was a movement through all the crowd, a retreating movement. Only one voice cried out, The stone were meant for thee, but thou wert sheltered behind a woman. Mr. Thornton quivered with rage. The blood flowing had made Margaret conscious, dimly vaguely conscious. He placed her gently on the doorstep, her head leaning against the frame. Can you rest there, he asked? But without waiting for her answer he went slowly down the steps right into the middle of the crowd. Now kill me if it is your brutal will. There is no woman to shield me here. You may beat me to death. You will never move me from what I have determined upon, not you. He stood amongst them with his arms folded, in precisely the same attitude as he had been in on the steps. But the retrograde movement towards the gate had begun, as unreasoningly, perhaps as blindly as the simultaneous anger, or perhaps the idea of the approach of soldiers and the sight of that pale upturned face with closed eyes, still and sad as marble, though the tears welled out of the long entanglement of eyelashes, and dropped down, and heavier, slower plash than even tears, came the drip of blood from her wound. Even the most desperate, Boucher himself, drew back, faltered away, scowled, and finally went off, muttering curses on the master, who stood in his unchanging attitude, looking after their retreat with defiant eyes. The moment that retreat had changed into a flight, as it was sure from its very character to do, he darted up the steps to Margaret. She tried to rise without his help. It is nothing, she said with a sickly smile. The skin is grazed, and I was stunned at the moment. Oh, I'm so thankful they are gone. And she cried without restraint. He could not sympathise with her, his anger had not abated. It was rather rising the more as his sense of immediate danger was passing away. The distant clank of the soldiers was heard, just five minutes too late to make this vanished mob feel the power of authority and order. He hoped they would see the troops and be quelled by the thought of their narrow escape. While these thoughts crossed his mind, Margaret clung to the doorpost to steady herself. But a film came over her eyes. He was only just in time to catch her. Mother! Mother! cried he. Come down, they are gone, and Miss Hale is hurt. He bore her into the dining room and laid her on the sofa there. Layed her down softly, and looking at her pure white face, the sense of what she was to him came so keenly that he spoke it out in pain. Oh, my Margaret, my Margaret! No one can tell what you are to me. Dead cold as you lie there, you are the only woman I ever loved. Oh, Margaret, Margaret! Inarticulately as he spoke kneeling by her, and rather moaning than saying the words, he started out ashamed of himself as his mother came in. She saw nothing but her son a little paler, a little sterner than usual. Miss Hale is hurt, mother, a stone has grazed her temple. She has lost a good deal of blood, I'm afraid. She looks very seriously hurt. I could almost fancy her dead, said Mrs. Thornton, a good deal alarmed. It is only a fainting fit, she has spoken to me since. But all the blood in his body seemed to rush inwards to his heart as he spoke, and he absolutely trembled. Go and call Jane, she can find me the things I want. And do you go to your Irish people who are crying and shouting as if they were mad with fright? He went. He went away as if weights were tied to every limb that bore him from her. He called Jane, he called his sister. She should have all womanly care, all gentle tendons. But every pulse beating him as he remembered how she had come down and placed herself in foremost danger. Could it be to save him? At the time he had pushed her aside and spoken gruffly. He had seen nothing but the immediate danger she had placed herself in. He went to the Irish people, with every nerve in his body thrilling at the thought of her, and found it difficult to understand enough of what they were saying to soothe and comfort away their fears. There they declared they would not stop. They claimed to be sent back. And so he had to think and talk and reason. Mrs. Thornton bathed Margaret's temples with Odour Cologne. As the spirit touched the wound, which till then neither Mrs. Thornton nor Jane had perceived, Margaret opened her eyes. But it was evident she did not know where she was nor who they were. The dark circles deepened, the lips quivered and contracted and she became insensible once more. She has had a terrible blow, said Mrs. Thornton. Is there anyone who will go for a doctor? Not me, ma'am, if you please, said Jane, shrinking back. Then rabble, maybe all about. I don't think the cut is so deep, ma'am, as it looks. I will not run the chance. She was hurt in our house. If you were a coward, Jane, I am not. I will go. Pray, ma'am, let me send one of the police. There's ever so many come up and soldiers too. And yet you're afraid to go. I will not have their time taken up with our errands. They'll have enough to do to catch some of the mob. You will not be afraid to stop in this house, she asked contemptuously, and go on bathing Mrs. Hale's forehead, shall you? I shall not be ten minutes. Can't Hannah go, ma'am? Why, Hannah, why any but you? No, Jane, if you don't go, I do. Mrs. Thornton went first to the room in which she had left Fanny stretched on the bed. She started up as her mother entered. Oh, ma'am, how you terrified me! I thought you were a man that had got into the house. Nonsense! The men are all gone away. There are soldiers all round the place seeking for their work. Now it is too late. Mrs. Hale is lying on the dining-room sofa, badly hurt. I'm going for the doctor. Oh, don't, ma'am, they'll murder you! She clung to her mother's gown. Mrs. Thornton wrenched it away with no gentle hand. Find me someone else to go, but that girl must not bleed to death. Bleed? Oh, how horrid! How has she got hurt? I don't know, I have no time to ask. Go down to her Fanny and do try and make yourself a views. Jane is with her, and I trust it looks worse than it is. Jane has refused to leave the house, cowardly woman, and I won't put myself in the way of any more refusals from my servants, so I am going myself. Oh, dear, dear, said Fanny, crying and preparing to go down, rather than be left alone, with the thought of wounds and bloodshed in the very house. Oh, Jane, she said, creeping into the dining-room. What is the matter? How white she looks! How did she get hurt? Did they throw stones into the drawing-room? Margaret did indeed look white and worn, although her senses were beginning to return to her. But the sickly days of the swoon made her still miserably faint. She was conscious of movements around her, and of refreshment from the odour cologne, and a craving for the bathing to go on without intermission. But when they stopped to talk, she could no more have opened her eyes or spoken to ask for more bathing than the people who lie in death-like trance can move or utter sound to arrest the awful preparations for their burial while they are yet fully aware, not merely of the actions of those around them, but of the idea that is the motive for such actions. Jane paused in her bathing to reply to Mrs. Thornton's question. She'd have been safe enough, Miss, if she'd stayed in the drawing-room or come up to us. We were in the front garret, and could see it all out of harm's way. Where was she then, said Fanny, drawing nearer by slow degrees, as she became accustomed to the sight of Margaret's pale face? Just before the front door with Master, said Jane significantly. With John? With my brother? How did she get there? Nameless, that's not for me to say, answered Jane with a slight toss of her head. Sarah did. Sarah what? said Fanny with impatient curiosity. Jane resumed her bathing as if what Sarah did or said was not exactly the thing she liked to repeat. Sarah what? asked Fanny sharply. Don't speak in these half sentences or I can't understand you. Well, Miss, since you will have it, Sarah, you see, was in the best place for seeing, being at the right-hand window. And she says and said at the very time, too, that she saw Miss Hare with her arms about Master's neck, hugging him before all the people. I don't believe it said Fanny. I knew she cares for my brother, anyone can see that. And I dare say she'd give her eyes if he'd marry her, which he never will, I can tell her. But I don't believe she'd be so bold and forward as to put her arms round his neck. Poor young lady, she's paid for it dearly if she did. It's my belief that the blow has given her such an ascendancy of blood to the head as she'll never get the better from. She looks like a corpse now. Oh, I wish Mama could come, said Fanny, ringing her hands. I never was in the room with a dead person before. Stay, Miss, she's not dead. Her eyelids are quivering and here's wet tears are coming down her cheeks. Speak to her, Miss Fanny. Are you better now? asked Fanny in a quivering voice. No answer, no sign of recognition, but a faint pink colour returned to her lips, although the rest of her face was ashen pale. Mrs. Thornton came hurriedly in with the nearest surgeon she could find. How is she? Are you better, my dear? As Margaret opened her filmy eyes and gazed dreamily at her. Here is Mr. Lowe come to see you. Mrs. Thornton spoke loudly and distinctly as to a deaf person. Margaret tried to rise and drew her ruffled luxuriant hair instinctively over the cut. I am better now, she said, in a very low faint voice. I was a little sick. She let him take her hand and feel her pulse. The bright colour came from moment into her face when he asked to examine the wound in her forehead and she glanced up at Jane as if shrinking from her inspection more than from the doctors. It is not much, I think. I am better now. I must go home. Not until I've applied some strips of plaster and you have rested a little. She sat down hastily without a word and allowed it to be bound up. Now, if you please, said she, I must go. Mama will not see it, I think. It is under the hair, is it not? Quite. No one could tell. But you must not go, said Mrs. Thornton impatiently. You are not fit to go. I must, said Margaret, decidedly. Think of Mama if she should hear. Besides, I must go, said she vehemently. I cannot stay here. May I ask for a cab? You were quite flushed and feverish, observed Mr. Lowe. It is only with being here when I do so want to go. The air getting away would do more good than anything, she pleaded. I really believe it is, as she says, Mr. Lowe replied. If her mother is so ill, as you told me on the way here, it may be very serious if she hears of this riot and does not see her daughter back at the time she expects. The injury is not deep. I will fetch a cab if your servants are still afraid to go out. Oh, thank you, said Margaret. It will do me more good than anything. It is the air of this room that makes me feel so miserable. She lent back on the sofa and closed her eyes. Fanny beckoned her mother out of the room and told her something that made her equally anxious with Margaret for the departure of the latter. Not that she fully believed Fanny's statement, but she credited enough to make her manner to Margaret appear very much constrained at wishing her good-bye. Mr. Lowe returned in the cab. If you will allow me, I will see you home, Miss Hale. The streets are not very quiet yet. Margaret's thoughts were quite alive enough to the present to make her desirous of getting rid of both Mr. Lowe and the cab before she reached rampant and present for fear of alarming her father and mother. Beyond that one aim she would not look. That ugly dream of insolent words spoken about herself could never be forgotten, but could be put aside till she was stronger. For, oh, she was very weak and her mind sought for some present fact to steady itself upon and keep it from utterly losing consciousness in another hideous, sickly swoon. End of Chapter 22 Margaret had not gone five minutes when Mr. Thornton came in, his face all aglow. I could not come sooner, the soom-drain-tendent would. Where is she? He looked around the dining-room and then almost fiercely at his mother, who was quietly rearranging the disturbed furniture and did not instantly reply. Where is Miss Hale? Asked he again. Gone home, said she rather shortly. Gone home? Yes, she was a great deal better. Indeed, I don't believe it was so merry much of a hurt. Only some people faint at the least thing. I am sorry she has gone home, said he, walking uneasily about. She could not have been fit for it. She said she was, and Mr. Lowe said she was. I went for him myself. Thank you, mother. He stopped and partly held out his hand to give her a grateful shake. But she did not notice the movement. What have you done with your Irish people? Sent to the dragon for a good meal for them, poor wretches. And then luckily I caught Father Grady and have asked him in to speak to them and dissuade them from going off in a body. How did Miss Hale go home? I am sure she could not walk. She had a cab. Everything was done properly, even to the pain. Let us talk of something else. She has caused disturbance enough. I do not know where I should have been but for her. Are you become so helpless as to have to be defended by a girl? asked Mrs. Thornton scornfully. He reddened. Not many girls would have taken the blows on herself, which were meant for me. Meant with right down good will too. A girl in love will do a good deal, replied Mrs. Thornton shortly. Mother, he made a step forwards, stood still, heaved with passion. She was a little startled at the evident force he used to keep himself calm. She was not sure of the nature of the emotions she had provoked. It was only their violence that was clear. Was it anger? His eyes glowed, his figure was dilated, his breath came thick and fast. It was a mixture of joy, of anger, of pride, of glad surprise, of panting doubt. But she could not read it. Still it made her uneasy, as the presence of all strong feeling which the cause is not fully understood or sympathized in always has this effect. She went to the sideboard, opened a drawer and took out a duster, which she kept there for any occasional purpose. She had seen a drop of eudiculone on the polished arm of the sofa and instinctively sought to wipe it off. But she kept her back turned to her son much longer than was necessary, and when she spoke her voice seemed unusual and constrained. You have taken some steps about the rioters, I suppose. You don't apprehend any more violence, do you? Where were the police? Never at hand when they are wanted. On the contrary, I saw three or four of them when the gates gave way, struggling and beating about in fine fashion. And more came running up just when the yard was clearing. I might have given some of the fellows in charge then, if I had my wits about me. But there will be no difficulty, plenty of people can identify them. But won't they come back tonight? I am going to see about a sufficient guard for the premises. I have appointed to meet Captain Hanbury in half an hour at the station. You must have some tea first. Tea? Yes, I suppose I must. It's half past six and I may be out for some time. Don't sit up for me, mother. You expect me to go to bed before I have seen you safe, do you? Well, perhaps not. He hesitated for a moment. But if I have time, I shall go round by Crampton after I have arranged for the police and seen Hamper and Clarkson. Their eyes met. They looked at each other intently for a minute. Then she asked, Why are you going round by Crampton? To ask after Miss Hale. I will send. Williams must take the waterbed she came to ask for. He shall inquire how she is. I must go myself. Not merely to ask how Miss Hale is. No, not merely for that. I want to thank her for the way in which she stood between me and the mob. What made you go down at all? It was putting your head into the lion's mouth. He glanced sharply at her, saw that she did not know what had passed between him and Margaret in the drawing room, and replied by another question. Shall you be afraid to be left without me until I can get some of the police? Or had we better send Williams for them now and they could be here by the time we have done tea? There is no time to be lost. I must be off in a quarter of an hour. Mrs. Thornton left the room. Her servants wandered at her directions, usually so sharply cut and decided, now confused and uncertain. Mr. Thornton remained in the dining room, trying to think of the business he had to do at the police office and in reality thinking of Margaret. Everything seemed dim and vague beyond, behind, besides the touch of her arms, and her face. The soft clinging which made the dark color come and go in his cheek as you thought of it. The tea would have been very silent, but for Fanny's perpetual description of her own feelings, how she had been alarmed and then thought they were gone, and then felt sick and faint and crumbling in every limb. There, that's enough, said her brother, rising from the table. The reality was enough for me. He was going to leave the room when his mother stopped him with her hand upon his arm. You will come back here before you go to the hails, said she in a low anxious voice. I know what I know, said Fanny to herself. Why will it be too late to disturb them? John, come back to me for this one evening. It will be late for Mrs. Hale, but that is not it. Tomorrow you will. Come back tonight, John. She had seldom pleaded with her son at all. I doubt for that, but she had never pleaded in vain. I will return straight here after I have done my business. You will be sure to inquire after them, after her. Mrs. Thornton was by no means a talkative companion to Fanny, nor yet a good listener while her son was absent. But on his return, her eyes and ears were keen to see and to listen to all the details which he could give, and he chose to employ from any repetition of the day's outrages. He clearly saw his object. Punishment and suffering were the natural consequences to those who had taken part in the riot. All that was necessary in order that property should be protected and that the will of the proprietor might cut to his end clean and sharp as a sword. Mother, you know what I have got to say to Mrs. Hale tomorrow. The question came upon her suddenly that she had forgotten Margaret. She looked up at him. Yes, I do. You can hardly do otherwise. Do otherwise I don't understand you. I mean that after allowing her feelings so to overcome her I consider you bound in honour. Bound in honour said he scornfully. I am afraid honour has nothing to do with it. Her feelings overcome her? What feelings do you mean? Nay, John, there is no need to be angry. Did she not rush down and cling to you to save you from danger? She did, said he. But mother continued he is stopping short in his walk right in front of her. I dare not hope. I never was faint hearted before but I cannot believe such a creature cares for me. Don't be foolish, John. Such a creature? Why? She might be a duke's daughter to hear you speak. And what proof more would you have? I wonder of her caring for you. I have had a struggle with her aristocratic way of viewing things but I like her the better for seeing clearly at last. It is a good deal for me to say said Mrs. Thornton smiling slowly while the tears stood in her eyes. For after tonight I stand second. It was to have you to myself all to myself a few hours longer that I begged you not to go till tomorrow. Tearist mother still love is selfish and in an instant reverted to his own hopes and fears in a way that grew the cold creeping shadow over Mrs. Thornton's heart. But I know she does not care for me. I shall put myself at her feet. I must. If it were but one chance in a thousand or a million I should do it. Don't fear said his mother, crushing down her own personal modification at the little notice he had taken of the rare evolution of her maternal feelings of the pang of jealousy that betrayed the simplicity of her disregarded love. Don't be afraid, she said coldly. As far as love may go she may be worthy of you. It must have taken a good deal to overcome her pride. Don't be afraid John, said she kissing him as she wished him good night and she went slowly and majestically out of the room. But when she got into her own she locked the door and sat down to cry unwanted tears. Margaret entered the room and she was still sad holding low conversation together looking very pale and white. She came close up to them before she could trust herself to speak. Mrs. Thornton will send the water bed mama. Dear, how tired you look is it very hot Margaret? Very hot and the streets are rather rough with the strike. Margaret's colour came back vivid and bright as ever but it faded away instantly. Here has been a message from Bessie Higgins telling you to go to her, said Mrs. Higgins. But I am sure you look too tired. Yes, said Margaret. I am tired, I cannot go. She was very silent and trembling while she made tea. She was thankful to see her father so much occupied with her mother as not to notice her looks. Even after her mother went to bed he was not content to be absent from her but undertook to read her to sleep. Margaret was alone. Now I will think of it and now I will remember it all. I could not before. I did not. She sat still in her chair her hands clasped on her knees her lips compressed her eyes fixed as one who sees a vision. She drew a deep breath. I who hate scenes I who have despised people for showing emotion who have thought them wanting in self-control. I went down and must needs threw myself into the melee like a romantic food. Did I do any good? I have gone away without me I dare say. But this was over leaping the rational conclusion as in an instant her well poised judgment felt. No, perhaps they would not. I did some good. But what possessed me to defend that man as if he were a helpless child? Ah! said she clenching her hands together. It is no wonder those people thought I was in love with him after disgracing myself in that way. I in love and with him too her pale cheeks suddenly became one flame of fire and she covered her face with her hands when she took them away her palms were wet with scalding tears. Oh how low I am fallen that they should say that of me. I could not have been so brave for anyone else just because he was so utterly indifferent to me. If indeed I do not positively dislike him. It made me the more anxious that there should be fair play on each side and I could see what fair play was it was not fair said she vehemently that he should stand there sheltered awaiting the soldiers who might catch those poor maddened creatures as in a trap without an effort on his part to bring them to reason and it was worse than unfair for them to set on him as they threatened I would do it again let who will say what they like of me if I saved one blow one cruel angry action that might otherwise have been committed I did a woman's work let them insult my maiden pride as they will I walked pure before God she looked up and a noble peace seemed to descend and calm her face till it was stiller than chiseled marble Dixon came in if you please miss Margaret here's the waterbed from Mrs. Thornton's it's too late for tonight I'm afraid for Mrs. is nearly asleep but it will do nicely for tomorrow very said Margaret you must send her best thanks Dixon left the room for a moment if you please miss Margaret he says he is to ask particular how you are I think he must mean Mrs. but he says his last words were to ask how Miss Hale was me said Margaret growing herself up I'm quite well tell him I'm perfectly well but her complexion was as deadly white as her handkerchief and her head ached intensely Mr. Hale now came in he had left his sleeping wife Margaret saw to be amused and interested by something that she was to tell him with sweet patience did she bear her pain without a word of complaint and rummaged up numberless small subjects for conversation all except the riot and that she never named months it turned her sick to think of it good night Margaret I have every chance of a good night myself and you are looking very pale with your watching I shall call Dixon if your mother needs anything do you go to bed and sleep like a top for I'm sure you need it poor child good night papa she let her collar go the force smile fade away the eyes grow dull with heavy pain she released her strong will from its laborious trask till morning she might feel ill and weary she lay down and never stirred to move hand or foot or even so much as one finger would have been an exertion or motion she was so tired so stunned that she thought she never slept at all her feverish thoughts passed and re-passed the boundary between sleeping and waking and kept their own miserable identity she could not be alone prostrate and powerless as she was a cloud of faces looked up at her giving her no idea of fierce vivid anger or of personal danger but a deep sense of shame that she should thus be the object a sense of shame so acute that it seemed as if she would feign have borrowed into the earth to hide herself and yet she could not escape out of that unwinking glare of many eyes end of chapter 23 chapter 24 north and south this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 24 mistakes cleared up your beauty was the first that won the place and scaled the walls of my undaunted heart which captive now pines in a cative case unkindly met with rigor for dessert yet not the less your servant shall abide in spite of rude repulse or silent pride William Fowler the next morning Margaret dragged herself up thankful that the night was over unrefreshed yet rested all had gone well through the house her mother had only wakened once a little breeze was stirring in the hot air and though there were no trees to show the playful tossing movement caused by the wind among the leaves Margaret knew how somewhere or another by the wayside in copses or in thick green woods there was a pleasant murmuring dancing sound a rushing and falling noise the very thought of which was an echo of distant gladness in her heart she sat at her work in Mrs. Hales' room as soon as that four noon slumber was over she would help her mother to dress after dinner she would go and see Bessie Higgins she would banish all recollection of the Thornton family no need to think of them till they absolutely stood before her in flesh and blood but of course the effort not to think of them brought them only the more strongly before her and from time to time the hot flash came over her pale face sweeping it into colour as a sunbeam from between watery clouds comes swiftly moving over the sea Dixon opened the door very softly and stole on tiptoe up to Margaret sitting by the shaded window Mr. Thornton Miss Margaret he is in the drawing room Margaret dropped her sewing did he ask for me isn't papa coming he asked for you miss and master is out very well I will come said Margaret quietly but she lingered strangely Mr. Thornton stood by one of the windows with his back to the door apparently absorbed in watching something in the street but in truth he was afraid of himself his heart beat thick at the thought of her coming he could not forget the touch of her arms around his neck impatiently felt as it had been at the time but now the recollection of her clinging defence of him seemed to thrill him through and through to melt away every resolution all power of self-control as if it were wax before a fire he dreaded lest he should go forwards to meet her with his arms held out in mutant treaty that she would come and nestle there as she had done all unheeded the day before but never unheeded again his heart throbbed loud and quick strong man as he was he trembled at the anticipation of what he had to say and how it might be received she might droop and flush and flutter to his arms as to her natural home and resting place one moment he glowed with impatience at the thought that she might do this the next he feared a passionate rejection the very idea of which withered up his future with so deadly a blight that he refused to think of it he was startled by the sense of the presence of someone else in the room he turned around she had come in so gently that he had never heard her the street noises had been more distinct to his inattentive ear than her slow movements in her soft muslin gown she stood by the table not offering to sit down her eyelids were dropped half over her eyes her teeth were shut not compressed her lips were just parted over them allowing the white line to be seen between their curves her slow deep breathings dilated her thin and beautiful nostrils it was the only motion visible on her countenance the fine grained skin the oval cheek the rich outline of her mouth its corners deep set in dimples were all won and pale today the loss of their usual natural healthy color being made more evident by the heavy shadow of the dark hair wrought down upon the temples to hide all sign of the blow she had received her head for all its drooping eyes was thrown a little back in the old, proud attitude her long arms hung motionless by her sides altogether she looked like some prisoner falsely accused of a crime that she loathed and despised and from which she was too indignant to justify herself Mr. Thornton made a hasty step or two forwards and recovered himself and went with quiet firmness to the door which she had left open and shut it then he came back and stood opposite to her for a moment receiving the general impression of her beautiful presence before he dared to disturb it perhaps to repel it by what he had to say Miss Hale, I was very ungrateful yesterday you had nothing to be grateful for said she and looking full and straight at him you mean, I suppose that you believe you ought to thank me for what I did in spite of herself in defiance of her anger the thick blushes came all over her face and burnt into her very eyes which fell not, nevertheless from their grave and steady look it was only a natural instinct any woman would have done just the same we all feel the sanctity of our sex as a high privilege when we see danger I ought rather, she said hastily to apologise to you for having said thoughtless words which sent you down into the danger it was not your words it was the truth they conveyed pungently as it was expressed but you shall not drive me off upon that and so escape the expression of my deep gratitude he was on the verge now he would not speak in the haste of his hot passion he would and his will was triumphant he stopped in mid-career I do not try to escape from anything said she I simply say that you owe me no gratitude and I may add that any expression of it would be painful to me because I do not feel that I deserve it still, if it will relieve you from even a fancied obligation speak on I do not want to be relieved from any obligation that he goaded by her calm manner fancied or not fancied I question not myself to know which I choose to believe that I owe my very life to you I smile and think an exaggeration if you will I believe it because it adds a value to that life to think oh Miss Hale continued he lowering his voice to such a tender intensity of passion that she shivered and trembled before him this circumstance so wrought that whenever I exalt an existence hence forward I may say to myself all this gladness in life all honest pride in doing my work in the world all this keen sense of being I owe to her and it doubles the gladness it makes the pride glow it sharpens the sense of existence till I hardly know if it is pain or pleasure to think that I owe it to one near you must you shall hear said he forward with stern determination to one whom I love as I do not believe man ever loved woman before he held her hand tight in his he panted as he listened for what should come he threw the hand away with indignation as he heard her icy tone for icy it was though the words came faltering out as if she knew not where to find them your way of speaking shocks me it is blasphemous I cannot help it if that is my first feeling it might not be so I dare say if I understood the kind of feeling you describe I do not want to vex you and besides we must speak gently for mama is asleep but your whole manner offends me how exclaimed he offends you I am indeed most unfortunate yes said she with recovered dignity I do feel offended and I think justly you seem to fancy that my conduct of yesterday again the deep carnation blush but this time with eyes kindling with indignation rather than shame was a personal act between you and me and that you may come and thank me for it instead of perceiving as a gentleman would yes a gentleman she repeated in allusion their former conversation about that word that any woman worthy of the name of woman would come forward to shield with her reverent helplessness a man in danger from the violence of numbers and the gentleman thus rescued is forbidden the relief of thanks he broke in contemptuously I am a man acclaim the right of expressing my feelings and I yielded to the right simply saying that you gave me pain the sting upon it she replied proudly but you seem to have imagined that I was not merely guided by womanly instinct but and here the passionate tears kept down for long struggled with vehemently came up into her eyes and choked her voice but that I was prompted by some particular feeling for you you why there was not a man not a poor desperate man in all that crowd for whom I had not more sympathy for whom I should not have done what little more heartily you may speak on Miss Hale I am aware of all these misplaced sympathies of yours I now believe that it was only your innate sense of oppression yes I though a master may be oppressed that made you act so nobly as you did I know you despise me allow me to say it is because you do not understand me I do not care to understand she replied taking hold of the table to steady herself though she thought him cruel as indeed he was and she was weak with her indignation no I see you do not you are unfair and unjust Margaret compressed her lips she would not speak in answer to such accusations but for all that for all his savage words he could have thrown himself at her feet and kissed the hem of her garment she did not speak she did not move the tears of wounded pride fell hot and fast he waited a while longing for her to say something even a taunt to which he might reply but she was silent he took up his hat one more word you look as if you thought it tainted you to be loved by me you cannot avoid it may I if I would cannot cleanse you from it but I would not if I could I have never loved any woman before my life has been too busy my thoughts do much absorb with other things now I love and will love but do not be afraid of too much expression on my part I am not afraid she replied lifting herself straight up no one yet has ever dared to be impertinent to me and no one ever shall but Mr. Thornton very kind to my father said she changing her whole tone and bearing to a most womanly softness don't let us go on making each other angry pray don't he took no notice of her words he occupied himself in smoothing the nap of his hat with his coat sleeve for half a minute or so and then rejecting her offered hand and making as if he did not see her grave look of regret he turned abruptly away and left the room Margaret caught one glance at his face before he went when he was gone she thought she had seen the gleam of unshared tears in his eyes and that turned her browed dislike into something different and kinder if nearly as painful self-reproach for having caused such mortification to anyone but how could I help it asked she of herself I never liked him I was civil but I took no trouble to conceal my indifference indeed I never thought about myself or him so my manners must have shown the truth all that yesterday he might mistake but that is his fault not mine I would do it again if need were though it does lead me into all this shame and trouble End of Chapter 24 Chapter 25 North and South 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 Hedwig, Denmark North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell Chapter 25 Frederick Revenge may have her own Rouse discipline allowed proclaims their cause and injured navies urge their broken laws Byron Margaret began to wonder whether all offers were as unexpected beforehand as the stressing at the time of their occurrence as the two she had had an involuntary comparison between Mr Lennox and Mr Thornton arose in her mind she had been sorry that an expression of any other feeling than friendship had been lured out by circumstances from Henry Lennox that regret was the predominant feeling on the first occasion of her receiving a proposal she dot felt so stunned so impressed as she did now when echoes of Mr Thornton's voice yet lingered about the room in Lennox's case he seemed for a moment to have slid over the boundary between friendship and love and the instant afterwards to regret it nearly as much as she did although for different reasons in Mr Thornton's case as far as Margaret knew there was no intervening stage of friendship their intercourse had been one continued series of opposition their opinions clashed but indeed she had never perceived that he had cared for her opinions as belonging to her the individual as far as they defied his rock-like power of character his passion's strength he seemed to throw them off from him with contempt until she felt the weariness of the exertion of making useless protests and now he had come in this strange wild passionate way known his love for her although at first it had struck her that his offer was forced and goaded out of him by sharp compassion for the exposure she had made of herself which he like others might misunderstand yet even before he left the room and certainly not five minutes after the clear conviction dawned upon her shined bright upon her that he did love her that he had loved her that he would love her and she shrank and shuddered as under the fascination of some great power repugnant to her whole previous life she crept away and hid from his idea but it was of no use to parody a line out of Fairfax's tasso his strong idea wandered through her thought she disliked him the more for having mastered her inner will how dared he say that he would love her still even though she shook him off with contempt she wished she had spoken more stronger sharp decisive speeches came thronging into her mind now that it was too late to utter them the deep impression made by the interview was like that of a horror in a dream that will not leave the room although we waken up a stiff-witted smile upon our lips it is there there covering and gibbering with fixed ghastly eyes in some corner of the chamber listening to hear whether we dare to breathe of its presence to anyone and we dare not poor cowards that we are and so she shuddered away from the thread of his enduring love what did he mean had she not the power to daunt him she would see it was more daring than became a man to threaten her so did he ground it upon the miserable yesterday if need were she would do the same tomorrow by a crippled beggar willingly and gladly but by him she would do it just as bravely in spite of his deductions and the cold slime of women's impertinence she did it because it was right and simple and true to save where she could save even to try to save fest que doit et bien que pourra hitherto she had not stirred from where he had left her no outward circumstances had roused her out of the trance of thought in which she had been plunged by his last words and by the look of his deep intent passionate eyes as their flames had made her own fall before them she went to the window and threw it open to dispel the oppression which hung around her then she went and opened the door with a sort of impetuous wish to shake off the recollection of the past hour in the company of others or an active exertion but all was profoundly hushed in the noonday stillness of a house where an invalid catches the unrefreshing sleep that is denied to the night hours Margaret would not be alone what should she do go and see Bessie Higgins of course thought she as the recollection of the message sent the night before flashed into her mind and away she went when she got there she found Bessie lying on the saddle moved close to the fire though the day was sultry and oppressive she was laid down quite flat as if resting languidly after some paroxysm of pain Margaret felt sure she ought to have the greater freedom of breathing which a more sitting posture would procure and without a word she raised her up and so arranged the pillows that Bessie was more at ease though very languid I thought I should not have seen you again said she at last looking wistfully in Margaret's face I'm afraid you're much worse but I could not have come yesterday my mother was so ill for many reasons said Margaret following do you might have them think I went beyond my place and sending Mary for you but the wrangling and the loud voices had just torn me to pieces and I thought when father left oh if I could just hear her voice reading me some words of peace and promise I could die away into the silence and rest a god lost as a baby is hushed up to sleep by its mother's lullaby shall I read you a chapter now I do might happen I shall not listen to the censor first it will seem far away but when you come to words alike to the comforting texts it will seem close in my ear and going through me as I were Margaret began Bessie tossed to and fro if by an effort she attended for one moment it seemed as though she were convulsed into double restlessness the next at last she burst out don't go on reading it's no use I'm blaspheming all the time in my mind with thinking angrily on what cannot be helped you'd hear the Mariah maybe yesterday at Mulbrough Mills Thornton's factory you know your father was not there was he said Margaret coloring deep not he he'd have given his right hand if it had never come to pass it's that that's fretting me he's fairly knocked down by it in his mind it's no use telling him fools will always break out of bounds you never saw a man so downhearted as he is but why asked Margaret I don't understand why you see he's a committee man on this special strike the union appointed him because though I said I shouldn't say it he's wickened a deep childbunt true to the backbone and he and the other committee men laid their plans they were to out together through thick and thin what the major part thought the others were to think whether they would or not and above all there was to be no going again the law of the land folk would go with them if they saw them striving and starving with dumb patience but if there was once any noise of fighting and struggling even with sticks all was up as they knew by the experience of many and many a time before they would try and get speeches and up sticks and corks them and reason with them and maybe warn them off but whatever came the committee charged all members of the union to lay down and die if need were without striking a blow and then they reckoned they were sure carrying the public with them and beside all that committee knew they were right in their demand and they didn't want to have right or mixed up with wrong to folk can't separate it no more nor I can the physics powder from the jelly you gave me to mix it in jelly is much the biggest but powdered taste is all through well I've told you at length about this but I'm tired out you just think for yourself what it must be for father to have all his work on done by such a fool as voucher who must needs go right again the orders of committee and ruin the strike just as bad as if he meant to be a Judas eh but father gifted him last night he went so far as to say he'd go and tell police whether might find the ringleader of the riot he'd give him up till the mill owners to do what they would with him he'd show the world that the real leaders of the strike were not such a steady, thoughtful man good hands and good citizens who were friendly to law and judgment and would uphold order who only wanted their right wage and wouldn't work even though they starved till they got them but who'd never injure property or life for dropping her voice they do say that voucher threw a stone at Thornton sister that nearly killed her that's not true said Margaret voucher that threw the stone she went first red then white you'd be there then were you asked Bessie languidly for indeed she had spoken with many pauses as if speech was unusually difficult to her yes never mind go on only it was not voucher that threw the stone but what did he answer to your father he didn't speak words he were all in such a tremble with spent passion I could not bear to look at him I heard his breath coming quick and at one time I thought he was sobbing but when father said he'd give him up to police he gave a great cry and struck father on the face with his closed fist and he off like lightning father was stunned with the blow at first for all voucher were weak with passion and reclamming he sat down a bit and put his hander for his eyes and then made for the door I don't know where I got strength but I threw myself off the saddle and clung to him father father said I thou'll never go peach in that poor clumped man I'll never leave go on thee till thou says thou were not don't be a fool says he words come readyer than deeds to most men I never thought of telling the police on him though by God he deserves it and I should not have minded if someone else had done the dirty work and got him clapped up but now he has drugged me I could do it less not ever for it would be getting other men to take up my quarrel but if ever he gets well over this clemen and is in good condition he and I'll have an up and down fight purring and all and I'll see what I can do for him and so father shook me off for indeed I was low and faint enough and his face was all clay white and bloody and turned me sick to look at and I know not if I slept or waked or were in a dead swoon till Mary come in and I tell her to fetch you to me and now don't talk to me but just read out the chapter I'm easy in my mind for having spit it out but I want some thoughts of the world that's far away to take the weary taste of it out of my mouth read me not a sermon chapter but a story chapter the pictures in them which I see when my eyes are shot read about the new heavens and the new earth and maybe I'll forget this Margaret read in her soft low voice though Beth's eyes were shot she was listening for some time for the moisture of tears gathered heavy on her eyelashes at last she slept with many starts and muttered pleadings Margaret covered her up and left her for she had an uneasy consciousness that she might be wanted at home and yet until now it seemed cruel to leave the dying girl Mrs. Hale was in the drawing room on her daughter's return it was one of her better days and she was full of praises of the water bed it had been more like the beds at Sir John Barris Fort's than anything she had slept on since she did not know how it was but people seemed to have lost the art of making the same kind of beds as they used to in her youth one would think it was easy enough there was the same kind of feathers to be had and yet somehow till this last night she did not know when she had had a good sound resting sleep Mr. Hale suggested that something of the merits of the feather beds of former days might be attributed to the activity of youth which gave her relish to rest but this idea was not kindly received by his wife no indeed Mr. Hale it was those beds at Sir John's now Margaret you're young enough and go about in the day are the beds comfortable I appeal to you do they give you a feeling of perfect repose when you lie down upon them or rather don't you toss about and try in vain to find an easy position and wake it in the morning as tired as when you went to bed Margaret laughed to tell the truth Mama I never thought about my bed at all what kind it is I'm so sleepy at night that if I only lay down anywhere I nab off directly so I don't think I'm a competent witness but then you know I never had the opportunity of trying Sir John Barry's foot's beds I never was at Voxenham were you not oh no to be sure it was poor darling Fred I took with me I remember I only went to Voxenham once after I was married to your Aunt Shaw's wedding and poor little Fred was the baby then and I know Dixon did not like changing from lady's mate to nurse and I was afraid that if I took her near her old home and amongst her own people she might want to leave me but poor baby was taken ill at Voxenham with his teasing and what with my being a great deal with Anna just before her marriage and not being very strong myself Dixon had more of the charge of him than she ever had before and had made her so fond of him and she was so proud when he would turn away from everyone and cling to her that I don't believe she ever thought of leaving me again though it was very different from what had been accustomed to poor Fred everybody loved him he was born with the gift of winning hearts it makes me think very badly of Captain Weed when I know that he disliked my own dear boy I think it a certain proof he had a bad heart ah your poor father Margaret he has left the room he can't bear to hear Fred spoken of I love to hear about him mama tell me all you like you never can tell me too much tell me what he was like as a baby why Margaret you must not be heard but he was much prettier than you were I remember when I first saw you in Dixon's arms I said dear what an ugly little thing and she said it's not every child that's like master Fred bless him dear how well I remember it then I could have had Fred in my arms every minute of the day and his cut was close by my bed and now now Margaret I don't know where my boy is and sometimes I think I shall never see him again Margaret sat down by her mother's sofa on a little stool and softly took hold of her hand caressing it and kissing it as if to comfort Mrs. Hale cried without restraint at last she sat straight stiff up on the sofa and turning round to her daughter she sat with tearful almost solemn earnestness Margaret if I can get better if God lets me have a chance of recovery it must be through seeing my son Frederick once more it will waking up all the poor springs of health left in me she paused trying gather strength for something more yet to be said her voice was choked as she went on was querying as with the contemplation of some strange yet closely present idea and Margaret if I am to die if I am one of those appointed to die before many weeks are over I must see my child first I cannot think how it must be managed but I charge you Margaret as you yourself hope for comfort in your last illness bring him to me that I may bless him only for five minutes Margaret there could be no danger in five minutes oh Margaret let me see him before I die Margaret did not think of anything that might be utterly unreasonable in this speech we do not look for reason or logic in the passionate entreaties of those who are sick unto death with the recollection of thousand slided opportunities of fulfilling the wishes of those who will soon pass away from among us and do they ask us for the future happiness of our lives we laid at their feet and will it away from us but this wish of Mrs. Hales was so natural so just so right to both parties that Margaret felt as if on Frederick's account as well as on her mother's she ought to overlook all intermediate chances of danger and pledge herself to do everything in her power for its realization the large pleading dilated eyes was fixed upon her wistfully steady in their gaze though the poor white lips quivered like those of a child Margaret gently rose up and stood opposite to her frail mother so that she might gather the secure fulfillment of her wish from the calm steadiness of her daughter's face mama I will write tonight and tell Frederick what you say I am as sure that he will come directly to us as I am sure of my life be easy mama you shall see him as far as anything earthly can be promised you will write tonight oh Margaret the post goes out at five you will write by it won't you I have so few hours left I feel dear as if I should not recover though sometimes your father over persuades me into hoping you will write directly won't you don't lose a single post for just by that very post I might miss him but mama papa is out papa is out and what then do you mean that he would deny me this last wist Margaret why I should not be ill saying if he had not taken me away from hell stone to this unhealthy smoky sunless place oh mama said Margaret yes it is so indeed he knows it himself he has said so many a time he would do anything for me you don't mean he would refuse me this last wish prayer if you will and indeed Margaret the longing to see Frederick stands with me and God I cannot pray till I have this one thing indeed I cannot don't lose time dear dear Margaret write by this very next post then he may be here here in 22 days for his sure to come no cords or chains can keep him in 22 days I shall see my boy she fell back and for a short time she took no notice of the fact that Margaret said motionless her hand shading her eyes you are not writing said her mother at last bring me some pens and paper I will try and write myself she set up trembling all over with feverish eagerness Margaret took her hand down and looked at her mother sadly only wait till papa comes in let us ask him how best to do it you promised Margaret not a quarter of an hour ago you said he should come and so he shall mama don't cry my own dear mother I'll write here now you shall see me write and it shall go by this very post and if papa thinks fit he can write again when he comes in it is only a days delay oh mama don't cry so pitifully to the heart Mrs. Hale could not stop her tears they came hysterically and in truth she made no effort to control them but rather called up all the pictures of the happy past and the probable future painting the scene when she should lie a corpse with the son she had longed to see in life weeping over her and she unconscious of his presence till she was melded by self-pity into a state of sobbing and exhaustion that made Margaret's heart ache but at last she was calm and greedily watched her daughter as she begun her letter wrote it with swift urgent in treaty sealed it up hurriedly for fear her mother should ask to see it and then to make security most sure at Mrs. Hale's own bidding took it herself to the post office she was coming home when her father overtook her and where have you been my pretty maid asked tea to the post office with a letter a letter to Frederick oh papa perhaps I've done wrong but mama was seized with such a passionate yearning to see him she said it would make her well again and then she said that she must see him before she died I cannot tell you how urgent she was did I do wrong Mr. Hale did not reply at first then he said you should have waited till I came in Margaret I tried to persuade her and then she was silent I don't know said Mr. Hale after her pause she ought to see him if she wishes it so much for I believe it would do her much more good than all the doctor's medicine and perhaps set her up all together but the danger to him I'm afraid is very great all these years since the mutiny papa yes it is necessary of course for government to take very stringent measures for the repression of offences against authority more particularly in the navy where a commanding officer needs to be surrounded in his men's eyes with the vivid consciousness of all the power there is at home to back him and take up his course and avenge any injuries offered to him if need be ah it's no matter to them how far their authorities have tyrannized called hasty tempest to madness or if that can be an excuse afterwards it is never allowed for in the first instance they spare no expense they send out ships they scour the seas to lay hold of the offenders the lapse of years does not wash out the memory of the offence it is a fresh and vivid crime on the admiralty books till it is blooded out by blood oh papa what have I done and yet it seems so right at the time I'm sure Frederick himself would run the risk so he would so he should nay Margaret I'm glad it is done though I does not have done it myself I'm thankful it is as it is I should have hesitated till perhaps it might have been too late to do any good dear Margaret you have done what is right about it and the end is beyond our control it was all very well but her father's account of the relentless manner in which mutinies were punished made Margaret shiver and creep if she had decoyed her brother home to blood out the memory of his error by his blood she saw her father's anxiety lay deeper than the source of his letter during words she took his arm and walked home pensively and wearily by his side end of chapter 25 chapter 26 north and south this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell Chapter 26 Mother and Son I have found that holy place of rest still changeless Mrs. Hemons when Mr. Thornton had left the house that morning he was almost blinded by his baffled passion he was as dizzy as if Margaret instead of looking and speaking and moving like a tender graceful woman had been a sturdy fish-wife and given him a sound blow with her fists he had positive bodily pain a violent headache and a throbbing intermittent pulse he could not bear the noise the garish light the continued rumble and movement of the street he called himself a fool for suffering so and yet he could not at the moment recollect the cause of his suffering and whether it was adequate to the consequences it had produced it would have been a relief to him if he could have sat down on a doorstep by a little child who was raging and storming through his passionate tears at some injury he had received he said to himself that he hated Margaret but a wild sharp sensation of love cleft his dull, thunderous feeling like lightning even as he shaped the words expressive of hatred his greatest comfort was in hugging his torment and in feeling as he had indeed said to her that though she might despise him condemn him treat him with her proud sovereign indifference he did not change one whit she could not make him change he loved her and would love her and defy her and this miserable bodily pain he stood still for a moment to make this resolution firm and clear there was an omnibus passing going into the country the conductor thought he was wishing for a place and stopped near the pavement it was too much trouble to apologize for the plane so he mounted upon it and was born away passed long rows of houses then passed detached villas with trim gardens till they came to real country head rows and by and by to a small country town then everybody got down and so did Mr. Thornton and because they walked away he did so too he went into the fields walking briskly because the sharp motion relieved his mind he could remember all about it now the pitiful figure he must have cut the absurd way in which he had gone and done the very thing he had so often agreed with himself in thinking would be the most foolish thing in the world and had met with exactly the consequences which in these wise moods he had always foretold was certain to follow if he ever did make such a fool of himself was he bewitched by those beautiful eyes that soft half open sighing mouth which lay so close upon his shoulder only yesterday he could not even shake off the recollection that she had been there that her arms had been round him once, if never again he only caught glimpses of her he did not understand her altogether at one time she was so brave and at another so timid now so tender and then so haughty and regal proud and then he thought over every time he had ever seen her once again by way of finally forgetting her he saw her in every dress in every mood and did not know which became her best even this morning how magnificent she had looked her eyes flashing out upon him at the idea that because she had shared his danger yesterday she had cared for him the least if Mr. Thornton was a fool in the morning as he assured himself at least twenty times he was he did not grow much wiser in the afternoon all that he gained in return for his six penny omnibus ride was a more vivid conviction that there never was never could be anyone like Margaret that she did not love him and never would but that she, no, nor the whole world should never hinder him from loving her and so he returned to the little marketplace and remounted the omnibus to return to Milton it was late in the afternoon when he was set down near his warehouse the accustomed places brought back the accustomed habits and trains of thought he knew how much he had to do more than his usual work owing to the commotion of the day before he had to see his brother magistrates he had to complete the arrangements only half made in the morning for the comfort and safety of his newly imported Irish hands he had to secure them from all chance of communication with the discontented work people of Milton last of all he had to go home and encounter his mother Mrs. Thornton had sat in the dining-room all day every moment expecting the news of her son's acceptance by Miss Hale she had braced herself up many and many a time at some sudden noise in the house had caught up the half-dropped work and begun to ply her needle diligently though through dimmed spectacles and with an unsteady hand and many times had the door opened and some indifferent person entered on some insignificant errand then her rigid face unstiffened from its grey frostbound expression and the features dropped into the relaxed look of redundancy so unusual to their sternness she wrenched herself away from the contemplation of all the dreary changes that would be brought about to herself by her son's marriage she forced her thoughts into the accustomed household grooves the newly married couple-to-be would need fresh household stocks of linen and Mrs. Thornton had clothes-basket upon clothes-basket full of table-cloths and napkins brought in and began to reckon up the store there was some confusion between Mrs. Hers and consequently marked G. H. T. for George and Hannah Thornton and what was her son bought with his money marked with his initials some of those marked G. H. T. were Dutch damask of the old kind exquisitely fine, none were like them now Mrs. Thornton stood looking at them long they had been her pride when she was first married then she knit her brows and pinched and compressed her lips tight and carefully unpicked the G. H. she went so far as to search for the turkey-red marking-thread to put in the new initials but it was all used and she had no heart to send for any more just yet so she looked fixedly at vacancy a series of visions passing before her in all of which her son was the principal the sole object her son, her pride her property still he did not come doubtless he was with Miss Hale the new love was displacing her already from her place as first in his heart a terrible pain a pang of vain jealousy shot through her she hardly knew whether it was more physical or mental but it forced her to sit down in a moment she was up again as straight as ever a grim smile upon her face for the first time that day ready for the door opening and the rejoicing triumphant one who should never know the sore regret his mother felt at his marriage in all this there was little thought enough for the future daughter-in-law as an individual she was to be John's wife to take Mrs. Thornton's place as mistress of the house was only one of the rich consequences which decked out the supreme glory all household plenty and comfort all purple and fine linen honour, love, obedience troops of friends would all come as naturally as jewels on a king's robe and be as little thought of for their separate value to be chosen by John would separate a kitchen went from the rest of the world and Miss Hale was not so bad if she had been a Milton lass Mrs. Thornton would have positively liked her she was pungent and had taste and spirit and flavour in her true she was sadly prejudiced and very ignorant but that was to be expected from her southern breeding a strange sort of mortified comparison of fanny with her went on in Mrs. Thornton's mind and for once she spoke harshly to her daughter, abused her roundly and then as if by way of penance she took up Henry's commentaries and tried to fix her attention on it instead of pursuing the employment she took pride and pleasure in and continuing her inspection of the table linen his step at last she heard him evil while she thought she was finishing a sentence while her eye did pass over it and her memory could mechanically have repeated it word for word she heard him come in at the hall door her quick and sense could interpret every sound of motion now he was at the hat stand now at the very room door why did he pause let her know the worst yet her head was down over the book she did not look up he came close to the table and stood there waiting till she should have finished the paragraph which apparently absorbed her by an effort she looked up well John he knew what that little speech meant but he had steeled himself he longed to reply with a jest the bitterness of his heart could have uttered one but his mother deserved better of him he came round behind her so that she could not see his looks and bending over her grey stony face he kissed it murmuring no one loves me no one cares for me but you mother he turned away and stood leaning his head against the mantelpiece tears forcing themselves into his manly eyes she stood up and tottered for the first time in her life the strong woman tottered she put her hands on his shoulders she was a tall woman she looked into his face she made him look at her mother's love is given by God, John it holds fast for ever and ever a girl's love is like a puff of smoke it changes with every wind and she would not have you my own lad would not she she set her teeth like a dog for the whole length of her mouth he shook his head I am not fit for her mother I knew I was not she ground out words between her closed teeth he could not hear what she said but the look in her eyes interpreted it to be a curse if not as coarsely worded as fell in intent as ever was uttered and yet her heart leapt up light to know he was her own again mother said he hurriedly I cannot hear a word against her spare me, spare me I am very weak in my sore heart I love her yet I love her more than ever and I hate her said Mrs. Thornton in a low fierce voice I tried not to hate her when she stood between you and me because I said to myself she will make him happy and I would give my heart's blood to do that but now I hate her for your misery's sake it's no use hiding up your aching heart from me I am the mother that bore you and your sorrow is my agony and if you don't hate her I do then mother you make me love her more she is unjustly treated by you and I must make the balance even but why do we talk of love or hatred she does not care for me and that is enough too much let us never name this subject again it is the only thing you can do for me in the matter let us never name her with all my heart I only wish that she and all belonging to her were swept back to the place they came from he stood still gazing into the fire for a minute or two longer her dry dim eyes filled with unwanted tears as she looked at him but she seemed just as grim and quiet as usual when he next spoke warrants are out against three men for conspiracy mother the riot yesterday helped to knock up the strike and Margaret's name was no more mentioned between Mrs. Thornton and her son they fell back into their usual mode of talk about facts not opinions far less feelings their voices and tones were calm and cold a stranger might have gone away and thought that he had never seen such frigid indifference of demeanour between such near relations End of Chapter 26 Chapter 27 North and South This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Reading by Eila Jane North Cumbria United Kingdom North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell Chapter 27 Fruit Peace For never anything can be amiss when simpleness and duty tender it Midsummer Night's Dream Mr. Thornton went straight and clear into all the interests of the following day There was a slight demand for finished goods and as it affected his branch of the trade he took advantage of it and drove hard bargains He was sharp to the hour at the meeting of his brother magistrates giving them the best assistance of his strong sense and his power of seeing consequences at a glance and so coming to a rapid decision Older men men of long standing in the town men of far greater wealth realised and turned into land while his was all floating capital engaged in his trade looked to him for prompt ready wisdom He was the one deputed to see and arrange with the police to lead in all the requisite steps and he cared for their unconscious deference no more than for the soft west wind that scarcely made the smoke from the great tall chimney's swerve in its straight upward course He was not aware of the silent respect to him if it had been otherwise he would have felt it as an obstacle in his progress to the object he had in view as it was he looked to the speedy accomplishment of that alone It was his mother's greedy ears that sucked in from the women kind of these magistrates and wealthy men how highly Mr. This or Mr. That thought of Mr. Thornton that if he had not been there things would have gone on very differently very badly indeed he left that day it seemed as though his deep mortification of yesterday and the stunned purposeless course of the hours afterwards had cleared away all the mists from his intellect he felt his power and reveled in it he could almost defy his heart if he had known it he could have sung the song of the miller who lived by the River Dee I care for nobody nobody cares for me the evidence against Poucher Riot was taken before him that against the three others for conspiracy failed but he sternly charged the police to be on the watch for the swift right arm of the law should be in readiness to strike as soon as they could prove a fault and then he left the hot reeking room in the Borough Court and went out into the fresher but still sultry street it seemed as though he gave way all at once he was so languid he could not control his thoughts they would wander to her they would bring back the scene not of his repulse and rejection the day before but the looks the actions of the day before that he went along the crowded streets mechanically winding in and out among the people but never seeing them almost sick with longing for that one half hour that one brief space of time when she clung to him and her heart beat against his arm once again why Mr. Thornton you're cutting me very coolly I must say and how is Mrs. Thornton brave weather this we doctors don't like it I can tell you I beg your pardon Dr. Donaldson I really didn't see you my mother's quite well thank you it is a fine day and good for the harvest I hope if the wheat is well got in we shall have a brisk trade next year whatever you doctors have aye aye each man for himself the times are my good ones when trade is bad there's more undermining of health and preparation for death going on among you Milton men than you're aware of not with me doctor I'm made of iron the news are the worst bad that I ever had never made my pulse vary this strike which affects me more than anyone else in Milton more than hamper never comes near my appetite you must go elsewhere for a patient doctor by the way you've recommended me a good patient poor lady not to go on talking in this heartless way I seriously believe that Mrs. Hale that lady in crampton you know hasn't many weeks to live I never had any hope of cure as I think I told you but I've been seeing her today and I think very badly of her Mr. Thornton was silent the vaunted steadiness of pulse failed him for an instant can I do anything doctor he asked in an altered voice you know you would see he's not very plentiful are there any comforts or dainties she ought to have no replied the doctor shaking his head she craves for fruit she has a constant fever on her but jargon l pairs will do as well as anything and there are quantities of them in the market you will tell me if there is anything I can do I'm sure replied Mr. Thornton I rely upon you oh never fear I'll not spare your purse I know it's deep enough I'm not blanched for all my patients and all their wants but Mr. Thornton had no general benevolence no universal philanthropy few even would have given him credit for strong affections but he went straight to the first fruit shop in Milton and chose out the bunch of purple grapes with the most delicate bloom upon them the richest coloured peaches the freshest fine leaves they were packed into a basket and the shopman awaited the answer to his inquiry where shall we send them to sir there was no reply to Malbra Mills I suppose sir no Mr. Thornton said give the basket to me I'll take it it took up both his hands to carry it and he had to pass through the busiest part of the town for feminine shopping many a young lady of his acquaintance turned to look after him and thought it strange to see him occupied just like a porter or an errand boy he was thinking I will not be daunted from doing as I choose by the thought of her I like to take this fruit to the poor mother and it is simply right that I should she shall never scorn me out of doing what I please a pretty joke indeed if for fear of a haughty girl I failed in doing a kindness to a man I liked I do it for Mr. Hale I do it in defiance of her he went at an unusual pace and was soon at Crampton he went upstairs two steps at a time and entered the drawing-room before Dixon could announce him his face fluffed his eyes shining with kindly earnestness Mrs. Hale lay on the sofa heated with fever Mr. Hale was reading aloud Margaret was working on a low stool by her mother's side her heart fluttered if his did not at this interview but he took no notice of her hardly of Mr. Hale himself he went up straight with his basket to Mrs. Hale and said in that subdued and gentle tone which is so touching when used by a robust man in full health speaking to a feeble invalid I met Dr. Donaldson Marm and as he said fruit would be good for you I have taken the liberty the great liberty of bringing you some that seem to me fine Mrs. Hale was excessively surprised excessively pleased quite in a tremble of eagerness Mr. Hale with fewer words expressed a deeper gratitude a plate, Margaret, a basket, anything Margaret stood up by the table half afraid of moving or making any noise to arouse Mr. Thornton into a consciousness of her being in the room she thought it would be awkward for both to be brought into conscious collision and fancied that from her being on a low seat at first and now standing behind her father he had overlooked her in his haste as if he did not feel the consciousness of her presence all over though his eyes had never rested on her I must go, said he, I cannot stay if you will forgive this liberty more of ways to abrupt our fear but I will be more gentle next time you will allow me the pleasure of bringing you some fruit again if I should see any that is tempting good afternoon, Mr. Hale goodbye, ma'am he was gone not one word not one look to Margaret she believed that he had not seen her she went for a plate in silence and lifted the fruit out tenderly with the points of her delicate taper fingers it was good of him to bring it and after yesterday too oh it is so delicious said Mrs. Hale in a feeble voice how kind of him to think of me Margaret loved only taste these grapes was it not good of him yes said Margaret quietly Margaret said Mrs. Hale rather quarrelously you won't like anything Mr. Thornton does I never saw anybody so prejudiced Mr. Hale had been peeling a peach for his wife and cutting off a small piece for himself he said if I had any prejudices the gift of such delicious fruit as this would melt them all away I have not tasted such fruit no not even in Hampshire since I was a boy and to boys I fancy all fruit is good I remember eating slows and crabs with a relish do you remember the matted up current bushes Margaret at the corner of the west wall at the garden at home did she not did she not remember every weather stain on the old stone wall the gray and yellow lichens that marked it like a map the little cranes build that grew in the crevices she had been shaken by the events of the last two days her whole life just now was a strain upon her fortitude and somehow these careless words of her fathers touching on the remembrances of the sunny times of old made her start up and dropping her sewing on the ground she went hastily out of the room into her own little chamber she had hardly given way to the first choking sob when she became aware of Dixon standing at her drawers and evidently searching for something bless me miss how you startled me Mrs. is not worse is she is anything the matter no nothing only I'm silly Dixon and want a glass of water what are you looking for I keep my muslins in that drawer Dixon did not speak but went on rummaging the scent of lavender came out and perfumed the room at last Dixon found what she wanted what it was Margaret could not see Dixon faced round and spoke to her now I don't like telling you what I wanted because you fretting enough to go through and I know you'll fret about this I meant to have kept it from you till night maybe or such times as that what is the matter pray tell me Dixon at once that young woman you go to see Higgins I mean well well she died this morning and her sister is here come to beg a strange thing it seems the young woman who died had a fancy for being buried in something of yours and so the sisters come to ask for it and I was looking for a nightcap that wasn't too good to give away oh let me find one said Margaret in the midst of her tears poor Bessie I never thought I should not see her again why that's another thing this girl downstairs wanted me to ask you if you would like to see her but she's dead said Margaret turning a little pale I never saw a dead person no I would rather not I should never have asked you if you hadn't come in I told her you wouldn't I will go down and speak to her said Margaret afraid less Dixon's harshness of man who might wound the poor girl so taking the cap in her hand she went to the kitchen Mary's face was all swollen with crying and she burst out afresh when she saw Margaret oh mum she loved you she loved you she did indeed and for a long time Margaret could not get her to say anything more than this at last her sympathy and Dixon's scolding forced out a few facts Nicholas Higgins had gone out in the morning leaving Bessie as well as on the day before but in an hour she was taken worse some neighbouring to the room where Mary was working they did not know where to find her father Mary had only come in a few minutes before she died it were a day or two ago she asked to be buried in somewhat a yarn she were never tired of talking to you she used to say you were the prettiest thing she'd ever clapped eyes on she loved you dearly her last words were give her my affectionate respects and keep father for drink you'll come and see her mum she would have started a great compliment I know Margaret shrank a little from answering yes perhaps I may yes I will I'll come before tea but where's your father Mary Mary shook her head and stood up to be going Miss Hale said Dixon in a low voice where's the use of your going to see the poor thing laid out I'd never say a word against it if it could do the girl any good and I wouldn't mind a bit going myself if that would satisfy her they've just a notion these common folks if it's being a respect to the departed here said she turning sharply round I'll come and see you sister Miss Hale is busy and she can't come or else she would the girl looked wistfully at Margaret Dixon's coming might be a compliment but it was not the same thing to the poor sister who had had her little pangs of jealousy during Bessie's lifetime at the intimacy between her and the young lady no Dixon said Margaret with decision I will go Mary you shall see me this afternoon and for fear of her own cowardice she went away in order to take from herself any chance of changing her determination End of Chapter 27