The Battle of Life

ound, where they drove a snug little business, and fought a great

a heavy charge at an estate in Chancery, and now had some light skirmishing among an irregular body of small debtors, just as the occasion served, and the enemy happened to present himself. The Gazette was an important and profitable feature in some of their fields, as in fields of greater renown; and in

nts of law. It was furnished with some high-backed leathern chairs, garnished with great goggle-eyed brass nails, of which, every here and there, two or three had fallen out-or had been picked out, perhaps, by the wandering thumbs and forefingers of bewildered clients. There was a framed print of a great judge in it, every curl in whose dreadful wig had made a man's hair stand on end. Bales of pa

e, sometimes, to Mr. Craggs; using that imaginative plural as if in disparagement of an objectionable pair of pantaloons, or other articles not possessed of a singular number; 'I don't see what you want with your Snitcheys, for my part. You trust a great deal too much to your Snitcheys, I think, and I hope you may never find my words come true.' While Mrs. Snitchey would observe to Mr. Snitchey, of Craggs, 'that if ever he

e time, when much business had made them sentimental) at the folly of mankind, who couldn't always be at peace with one another and go to law comfortably. Here, days, and weeks, and months, and years, passed over them: their calendar, the gradually diminishi

uring desk. One of the fireproof boxes, unpadlocked and opened, was upon it; a part of its contents lay strewn upon the table, and the rest was then in course of passing through the hands of Mr. Snitchey; who brought it to the candle, document by document; looked at every paper singly, as he produced it; shook his head, and handed it to Mr. Craggs; who

Mr. Snitchey, turni

other resource. N

ned, borrowed, and sold, eh?'

turned Mr

se to be do

ing a

his nails, and

nally safe in England? Y

ngdom of Great Britain and I

p, and no husks to share with them? Eh?' pursued the client, rocki

te in any figurative illustration of a legal position. Mr. Craggs, as if

ty!' said the c

bad as that. You have done a good deal towards it,

evil,' said

'will you oblige me with a pi

ent relish and a perfect absorption of his attention in the proceed

nursing. How

ingers, and making a slow calculation in his mind. 'For your involv

id the client with a fretful laugh, an

n indeed. You might get another estate by showing yourself, the while. But, we don't

O you a

enable us to make terms, and hold terms, and you to keep terms, you must go away; you must live abroad. As to st

e client. 'And I ha

o the cast-iron box, 'there is no doubt about. No doubt a-bout,'

be more free and unreserved. Or, perhaps the client knew HIS man, and had elicited such encouragement as he had received, to render some purpose he was about to

said, 'my iron

d out his partner.

ag

iron- headed friends,' he leaned forward in his chair, and

and stared at him. Mr

debt,' said the clien

ve!' cried

his chair, and surveying the Firm with h

n heiress, sir?

th an h

rich

t I know of-except i

t?' said Mr. Snitchey,

tain

d Snitchey, suddenly squaring his elbows on hi

turned th

er daughter?'

turned th

inch of snuff? Thank you! I am happy to say it don't signify, Mr. Warden; she'

fact,' repe

ly. 'What of that! Are you men of the world, and

said Mr. Snitchey, 'brought against both spins

general precedent is in a much larger volume than any of your law books. Be

none know better than himself, and you, and I-the worst scrape may turn out to be, if he talks in this way, this having ever been left by one of them at the Doctor's garden wall, with three broken ribs, a snapped collar- bone, and the

d too-a sort of clien

ag

e years. However, Mr. Michael Warden has sown his wild oats now-there's their crop, in that box; and he means to repent and be wise. A

Craggs,' Sn

it is no part of it to interfere in a mere love affair, which I am obliged to confide to you. I am not going to carry the young lady off, without her own consent. There'

vidently anxious and discomfited. 'He ca

' returned

otes on him, sir,'

bserved the client. 'She would have doted on him, if her sister could have brought it about; but I watched th

s, you know? Why should sh

arrying on the conversation, and making himself informed upon the subject; 'but I know she does. She was very young when she made the engagement-if it may be called one, I am not even sure of tha

remember, Mr. Craggs,' said Snitchey, with a di

(or is presented by his horse) under romantic circumstances; has the not unfavourable reputation-with a country girl-of having lived thoughtlessly and gaily, without doing much harm to anyb

his air. It seemed to suggest, of his comely face and well-knit figure, that they might be greatly better if he chose: and that, once roused and made earnest (but he never had b

from all parties in such a matter, which is not one in which grave men like you could interfere, on any side. I am briefly going to review in half-a-dozen words, my position and intention, and then I shall leave it to you to do the best for me, in money matters, that y

better not to hear t

ing at him acr

d Craggs.-Both lis

ld is true, it is true that she dreads his return. Nobody is injured so far. I am so harried and worried here just now, that I lead the life of a flying-fish. I skulk about in the dark, I am shut out of my own house, and warned off my own grounds; but, that house, and those grounds, and many an acre besides, will come back to me one day, as you know and say; and Marion will probably be richer-on your showing, who are never sanguine-t

said Snitchey

s, I should say,'

atching the two faces. 'This day month. To-day is

t let it be so. I thought he'd have stipulated for three,'

d the client, shaking

od use of riches yet. Henceforth t

' replied Snitchey; 'for she d

d ni

r of office-candles, watching him down. When he

of all this, Mr. Cr

gs shook

as executed, that there was something curious in th

' said M

rfidy is not a miracle, Mr. Craggs. And yet I thought that pretty face was very true. I thought,' said Mr. Snitchey, putting on his great-coat (for the weather was ve

f the same opinion

ut his host; but, light-headed, capricious, and unballasted as he is, he knows something of the world and its people (he ought to, for he has b

' returne

tle of life,' he shook his head again, 'I hope he mayn't be cut down early in the day. Have you got your hat, Mr. Craggs? I am going to put the other candle out.' Mr. Craggs

de. Grace was working at her needle. Marion read aloud from a book before her. The Doctor, in his dressing-gown and slippers, wi

clear brow of the younger sister, looking through her eyes, and thrilling in her voice, was the same earnest nature that her own motherless youth had ripened in the elder sister long ago. But she still appeared at once the

s, she now began to know that the great trial of her heart must soon come on, and could not be delayed. O Home,

y love!' s

imed her father, '

her, and read on; her voice still faltering and trembling, t

o not haunt their erring footsteps too reproachfully! Let no kind looks, no well-remembered smiles, be seen upon thy phantom face. Let no ray of affection, welcome, gentleness, forbearance,

ore to-night,' said Gra

and closed the book. 'The

this; and laughed as he

er of print and paper as of anything else. But, dry your eyes, love, dry your eyes. I dare say the heroine has got home again long ago, an

said Clemency, putting

matter with YOU?

r, which, ungainly as she was, made her quite engaging. Abrasions on the elbows are not generally understood, it is true, to range within that class of personal charms called beaut

,' said Clemency, entering, 'but

stonishment, complied

give you one before

men

herself, that 'one,' in its most favourable interpretation, meant a chaste salute. Indeed the Doctor himself seemed alarmed, for the moment; but quickly regained his composure, as Clemency

and waited for it. There's A. H. in the corner. Mr. Alfred's on his journey home, I bet. We shall have

f her apron, and a bottle of her mouth. At last, arriving at a climax of suspense, and seeing the Doctor still engaged in the perusal of the letter, sh

ecret in my life. There are not many secrets, indeed, worth being kept in

!' exclai

eek. 'I thought the news would dry those tears. Yes. "Let it be a surprise

!' repeat

the doctor; 'but pretty soon too. Let us see. Let us see. To-day is

h!' repeated M

ice of her sister Grace, kissing her in congratulation

she looked in her sister's face, and listened to the quiet music of her voice,

proud enthusiasm. They are not so calmly shown. It was not love and gratitude alone, though love and gratitude were part of it. It emanated from no sordid th

hat-could not help having as much interest in the return of his old ward and pupil as if it had been a serious event. So he sat himself down in his easy-c

en you and he, Grace, used to trot about arm-in-arm, in his

with her pleasant laugh, a

or. 'That hardly seems a twelve month ag

rily, 'however little. Grace was everything to

sy, quiet, pleasant body; bearing with our humours and anticipating our wishes, and always ready to forget her own,

hanged sadly for the

t her work. 'What w

ed Alfred's wife; so we called you Alfred's wife; and you liked it better, I believ

said Grace

remember?' inq

not much. It's so long ago.' And as she sat at work, she

years' trust is nearly at an end, Marion. It has been a very easy one. I shall tell Alfred, when I give you back to him,

so generously, nobly, steadfastly discharged; and that I have loved

carcely tell him that; we will leave my deserts to Alfred's imag

the Doctor, still reposing in his easy- chair, with his slippered feet stretched out before him on the rug, listened to the tune, and beat time on his knee

tokens of her industrious habits, arranged upon the walls and shelves, that he sat as in the centre of a hall of mirrors. The majority did not give forth very flattering portraits of him, certainly; nor were they by any means unanimous in their reflections; as some made him very long-faced, others very broad-faced, some tolerably well- looking, others vastly ill-l

in, 'how are you by this t

from head to foot. He was much broader, much redder, much more cheerful, and much jollier in all respe

suppose,' he observed, puffing slowly at his pipe.

th her favourite twist of her favouri

what w

e married,' s

for that!' he said. 'Poor Clem!' Clemency for her part laughed as heartily as he, and seem

, you know,' said Mr. Br

hall though?' said Clemen

k his head. 'Not

Clemency. 'Well!-I

of these days

ng at it with his head now on this side and now on that, as if it were actually the question, and he were surveying it in vari

whoever she may b

hat,' said Benjam

and as she will have,' said Clemency, spreading herself half over the table, and staring retrospectively at the candle, 'if it

is mouth but a very little way for speaking purposes; and sitting luxuriously immovable in his chair, can afford to turn

at is to think of

andle-grease, and becoming abruptly reminiscent of its healing qualities as a b

e profundity of a sage, 'having been always of an inquiring turn of mind; and I've read a good many books about

!' cried the ad

ch capacity I was employed to carry about, in oilskin baskets, nothing but deceptions-which soured my spirits and disturbed my confidence in human nature; and after that, I heard a world of discussions i

r a suggestion, but he sto

added gravely, '

ncy, folding her arms comfortably in her delight at this a

good philosophy. I've my doubts about that; but it wears well, and s

o go on once, yours

men

should live to be brought round, through you. That's the strange part of it.

shook it, and laughed and hugged herself,

re of it,' sai

said Clemency. 'I don't prete

ou are, Clemmy!' he said, shaking his head, with an infinite relish of the joke, and wiping his eyes.

good creature in your way, so shake hands, Clem. Whatever hap

Clemency. 'Well! that

s pipe to knock the ashes out of it; 'I'll

repeated

from the wall, it sounded like,' said

by this time,

ou hear a

N

stened, but

I'll have a look round, before I go to bed myself, for sat

ns, that it was all his fancy, and so forth. Mr. Britain said 'very likely;' but sallied out, never

' said Clemency, looking after

cried fearfully, as a light figure

itated whisper. 'You have al

ild! You may b

may I not? There is no one else

lemency, with

oor, 'whom I must see, and speak with, to-night.

following the direction of the speaker's eyes

u may be discovered,'

some concealment. I

Wait here for me!' said Marion, hurriedly. 'I have been se

an action more expressive, in its passion of entreaty, than the most eloquent appeal

r. Britain, as he locked and barred the door. 'One of the effects

f her surprise and concern, was sitting in a

but at him. 'That's good in you, Britain, that is! After going and frightening one o

g it up again, 'that apparition's very soon got rid of. But you're as bold as brass in general,' he said, stopping t

ng to bed herself immediately, Little Britain, after giving utterance to the original remark that it was impossible

quiet, Mari

aid; 'and stand there

to him,

lemency could not resist. She softly unbarred the door: but before turning the key,

ed itself between the happy home and honoured love of the fair girl, and what might be the desolation of that home, and shipwreck of its dearest treasure, smote so

Clemency, 'very little; but I know that

it many times,' s

ency. 'Till to-morrow.'

e,' said Clemency, wi

used to love s

tant, in her hands, repeating

the door-step to-night. I'm sure no good will come of it. Oh, it was an unhappy day wh

u are the best and truest friend in all the world for what you have said to me, but I must take thi

d the door. Into the dark and doubtful night that lay beyon

now turned deadly cold, now clasped and closed on hers, in the strong feeling of the speech it emphasised unconsciously. When they retu

. Not bowed down by the secret that she brought there, though so young; but, with that s

she said, with confidence, implicitly. Her chamber safely reached, she f

in her slumber, look upon her face and smile - though sadly: murmuring as she kissed he

- it seemed to cling there, of its own will, protectingly and tend

m, in which she cried out, in her innocent and touching voi

onth appointed to elapse between that night and the r

ights. To shed a ruddier glow upon the faces gathered round the hearth, and draw each fireside group into a closer and more social league, against the roaring elements witho

; and they would make the night air ring, he said, as he approached. All his old friends should congreg

de, of every hospitable kind. Because it was the Christmas season, and his eyes were all unused to English holly and its sturdy green,

all the preparations. Many a time that day (as well as many a time within the fleeting month preceding it), did Clemency glance anxiously, and

mic flowers were Alfred's favourites, as Grace remembered when she chose them-that old expression, pensive,

head, will be a marriage wreath,' said

led, and held

eave me yet. Are you sure

r sister's face she thought of, and

her, dear girl; nor your beauty. I ne

so happy,'

other home, as cheerful and as bright as this looks now,'

your fancy. I can see it in your eyes. I know i

d us with the ice unbroken. Pile up the fire here, Britain! Let it shine upon the holly till it winks again. It's a world of nonsense, Puss; true lovers and all the rest of it-all nonsense; but we'll be nonsensical with t

id Marion, 'forgive her now, when her heart is full. Say that you forgive her. That you will forgive her. That she

n a mile or two a day, until we're properly prepared to meet 'em. Kiss me, Puss. Forgive! Why, what a silly child you are! If you had vexed and crossed me fifty times a day, instead of not at all, I'd forgive you everything, but such a supplic

e bright, and company arrived, and a murmuring of lively tongues began, and alrea

nd hoped she mightn't be too youthful and inconstant for the quiet round of home; impetuous fathers fell into disgrace for too much exaltation of he

me arm in arm, but Mrs

ome of HIM?' inq

trembled as if the Bird of Paradise were alive again, when

office,' sai

burnt down,' sa

ness that keeps my partner rather late,' s

Don't tell me!' s

siness means,' s

nitchey's Bird of Paradise feather quivered so portentously, and why a

come away, Mr. Cra

tunate, I'm sure!'

engrosses 'em,'

s no business to be married

ggs's soul, and he knew it; and Mrs. Craggs observed to Craggs, that 'his Snitcheys

arks, looked uneasily about until his eye rested

' said Craggs. 'You l

ter, Miss Mar

quite well,

he here?' a

her yonder? Going t

her through them, for some time; coughed; and put them, with a

the old room: it winked too, sometimes, like a knowing patriarch, upon the youthful whisperers in corners. Sometimes, it sported with the holly-boughs; and, shining on the leaves by fits and starts, made them look as if they were in the cold winter night again, and fluttering i

hen Mr. Snitchey touched his partne

as if his familiar

gone?'

and more. He went over everything. He looked into all our arr

bserve him, or his partner; but, looked over her shoulder towards her sister in th

said Mr. Craggs. 'He didn't re

a w

ally gone? Is

k night!-a dare-devil he is-before the wind. There's no such lonely road anywhere else. That's one thing. The tide flows, he sa

ink,' said Mr.

to be talking secrets. I don't know what to think; and to tell you the truth, I don't care now. It's a great relief. His self-love

r. Craggs. 'Expec

at relief. I haven't been so nervous since we've been in p

is intention. The Bird of Paradise was in a state of extreme

of general comment, M

ope the office

hat, my dear?' as

ridicule and remark,' returned his wife. 'Tha

the office with everything opposed to domesticity, that I am glad to know it as

raggs, 'your good opin

the office was the e

the little bells. 'Not you, indeed. You wouldn't b

Mr. Snitchey, giving her his arm, 'the deprivation

hing her husband to a distance, and asking him to l

my dear?' sai

n; I'M no companion t

are, my dear,

n. Will you look at your chosen companion, Mr. Snitchey; at your referee, at t

tion of Self with Cr

look in th

d upon, made the victim of his arts, and bent down prostrate to his will by some unaccountable fascination which i

achery, in the man? Would he tell her that his very action, when he wiped his forehead and looked so stealthily about him, didn't show that there was something weighing on the conscience of his precious Snitcheys (if he had a conscience), that wouldn't bear the light? Did anybody but his Snitcheys come to festive ente

as a general movement for a country dance; when Mr. Snitchey proposed himself as a partner to Mrs. Craggs, and Mr. Craggs gallantly offered himself to Mrs. Snitchey; and after some such slight evasions a

with the two wives, as Doe and Roe, incessantly running up and down bailiwicks, were with the two husbands: or, perhaps the ladies had instituted, and taken upon themselves, these two shares in the business, rather than be left out of it altogether. But,

y face spun round and round, like an expressive pegtop highly varnished; and breathless Mr. Craggs began to doubt already, whether country dancing had

ple's eyes, it sparkled in the jewels on the snowy necks of girls, it twinkled at their ears as if it whispered to them slyly, it flashed about their waists, it flickered on the groun

the breeze rustled in the room as if an invisible company of fairies, treading in the foot-steps of the good substantial revellers, were whirling after them. Now, too, no feature of the Doctor's face could be distinguished as he spun an

r was, it only made him the mor

en, Britain? Anyt

sir. Too much noise in

ayer welcome for him

sir. He can't

said the Doctor. 'Let him see his welcome blazing

the room from which it shone. He saw the wintry branches of the old trees between the light and him.

bear his happiness. How often he had thought of this time-pictured it under all c

. He beckoned with his hand, and waved his hat, and cheered out, loud, as if the light were they,

ut he could make it one, yet, by going forward on foot. If the orchard-gate were open, he could enter t

remain behind for a few minutes, and then to follow slowly, ran on with exceeding swiftness, trie

rackled and snapped beneath his feet, as he crept softly on towards the house. The desolation of a winter night sat brooding on the earth, and in the sky.

ieving that he heard it: he had nearly reached the door, when it was abruptly opened, an

e said, 'don'

pushing him back. 'Go away. D

e matter?'

am afraid to thin

ears. A wild scream, such as no hands could shut out, was heard; an

er in his arms. 'Wha

if to recognise his face,

from the house. Among them was he

to face, as he bent upon his knee beside the insensible girl. 'Will no one look at me? Will no

mur among them.

' he e

e. 'Gone from her home and us. To- night! She writes that she has made her innocent and blame

whom?

et him pass, looked wildly round upon them, staggered back, and sunk do

horse, and some got lights, and some conversed together, urging that there was no trace or track to follow. Some approached him kindly, with the view o

misery, were suited to them well. He looked round on the whitening ground, and thought how Marion's foot-prints would be hushed a