diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 23166-8.txt | 1098 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 23166-8.zip | bin | 0 -> 23942 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 23166-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 24930 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 23166-h/23166-h.htm | 1230 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 23166.txt | 1098 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 23166.zip | bin | 0 -> 23922 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
9 files changed, 3442 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/23166-8.txt b/23166-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2d3c56e --- /dev/null +++ b/23166-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1098 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Who Was She?, by Bayard Taylor + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Who Was She? + From "The Atlantic Monthly" for September, 1874 + +Author: Bayard Taylor + +Release Date: October 24, 2007 [EBook #23166] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHO WAS SHE? *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + + +WHO WAS SHE? + +By Bayard Taylor + +From "The Atlantic Monthly" for September, 1874 + + +Come, now, there may as well be an end of this! Every time I meet your +eyes squarely, I detect the question just slipping out of them. If +you had spoken it, or even boldly looked it; if you had shown in your +motions the least sign of a fussy or fidgety concern on my account; if +this were not the evening of my birthday, and you the only friend who +remembered it; if confession were not good for the soul, though harder +than sin to some people, of whom I am one--well, if all reasons were not +at this instant converged into a focus, and burning me rather violently, +in that region where the seat of emotion is supposed to lie, I should +keep my trouble to myself. + +Yes, I have fifty times had it on my mind to tell you the whole story. +But who can be certain that his best friend will not smile--or, what +is worse, cherish a kind of charitable pity ever afterward--when +the external forms of a very serious kind of passion seem trivial, +fantastic, foolish? And the worst of all is that the heroic part which I +imagined I was playing proves to have been almost the reverse. The +only comfort which I can find in my humiliation is that I am capable of +feeling it. There isn't a bit of a paradox in this, as you will see; +but I only mention it, now, to prepare you for, maybe, a little morbid +sensitiveness of my moral nerves. + +The documents are all in this portfolio under my elbow. I had just read +them again completely through when you were announced. You may examine +them as you like afterward: for the present, fill your glass, take +another Cabana, and keep silent until my "ghastly tale" has reached its +most lamentable conclusion. + +The beginning of it was at Wampsocket Springs, three years ago last +summer. I suppose most unmarried men who have reached, or passed, the +age of thirty--and I was then thirty-three--experience a milder return +of their adolescent warmth, a kind of fainter second spring, since +the first has not fulfilled its promise. Of course, I wasn't clearly +conscious of this at the time: who is? But I had had my youthful passion +and my tragic disappointment, as you know: I had looked far enough into +what Thackeray used to call the cryptic mysteries to save me from the +Scylla of dissipation, and yet preserved enough of natural nature to +keep me out of the Pharisaic Charybdis. My devotion to my legal studies +had already brought me a mild distinction; the paternal legacy was a +good nest-egg for the incubation of wealth--in short, I was a fair, +respectable "party," desirable to the humbler mammas, and not to be +despised by the haughty exclusives. + +The fashionable hotel at the Springs holds three hundred, and it was +packed. I had meant to lounge there for a fortnight and then finish my +holidays at Long Branch; but eighty, at least, out of the three hundred +were young and moved lightly in muslin. With my years and experience +I felt so safe that to walk, talk, or dance with them became simply a +luxury, such as I had never--at least so freely--possessed before. My +name and standing, known to some families, were agreeably exaggerated to +the others, and I enjoyed that supreme satisfaction which a man always +feels when he discovers, or imagines, that he is popular in society. +There is a kind of premonitory apology implied in my saying this, I am +aware. You must remember that I am culprit, and culprit's counsel, at +the same time. + +You have never been at Wampsocket? Well, the hills sweep around in +a crescent, on the northern side, and four or five radiating glens, +descending from them, unite just above the village. The central one, +leading to a waterfall (called "Minne-hehe" by the irreverent young +people, because there is so little of it), is the fashionable drive +and promenade; but the second ravine on the left, steep, crooked, and +cumbered with bowlders which have tumbled from somewhere and lodged in +the most extraordinary groupings, became my favorite walk of a morning. +There was a footpath in it, well-trodden at first, but gradually fading +out as it became more like a ladder than a path, and I soon discovered +that no other city feet than mine were likely to scale a certain rough +slope which seemed the end of the ravine. With the aid of the tough +laurel-stems I climbed to the top, passed through a cleft as narrow as a +doorway, and presently found myself in a little upper dell, as wild and +sweet and strange as one of the pictures that haunts us on the brink of +sleep. + +There was a pond--no, rather a bowl--of water in the centre; hardly +twenty yards across, yet the sky in it was so pure and far down that +the circle of rocks and summer foliage inclosing it seemed like a little +planetary ring, floating off alone through space. I can't explain the +charm of the spot, nor the selfishness which instantly suggested that +I should keep the discovery to myself. Ten years earlier I should have +looked around for some fair spirit to be my "minister," but now-- + +One forenoon--I think it was the third or fourth time I had visited the +place--I was startled to find the dent of a heel in the earth, half-way +up the slope. There had been rain during the night and the earth was +still moist and soft. It was the mark of a woman's boot, only to be +distinguished from that of a walking-stick by its semicircular form. A +little higher, I found the outline of a foot, not so small as to awake +an ecstasy, but with a suggestion of lightness, elasticity, and grace. +If hands were thrust through holes in a board-fence, and nothing of the +attached bodies seen, I can easily imagine that some would attract and +others repel us: with footprints the impression is weaker, of course, +but we cannot escape it. I am not sure whether I wanted to find the +unknown wearer of the boot within my precious personal solitude: I was +afraid I should see her, while passing through the rocky crevice, and +yet was disappointed when I found no one. + +But on the fiat, warm rock overhanging the tarn--my special throne--lay +some withering wild-flowers and a book! I looked up and down, right and +left: there was not the slightest sign of another human life than mine. +Then I lay down for a quarter of an hour, and listened: there were only +the noises of bird and squirrel, as before. At last, I took up the book, +the fiat breadth of which suggested only sketches. There were, indeed, +some tolerable studies of rocks and trees on the first pages; a few +not very striking caricatures, which seemed to have been commenced as +portraits, but recalled no faces I knew; then a number of fragmentary +notes, written in pencil. I found no name, from first to last; only, +under the sketches, a monogram so complicated and laborious that the +initials could hardly be discovered unless one already knew them. + +The writing was a woman's, but it had surely taken its character from +certain features of her own: it was clear, firm, individual. It +had nothing of that air of general debility which usually marks the +manuscript of young ladies, yet its firmness was far removed from the +stiff, conventional slope which all Englishwomen seem to acquire in +youth and retain through life, I don't see how any man in my situation +could have helped reading a few lines--if only for the sake of restoring +lost property. But I was drawn on and on, and finished by reading all: +thence, since no further harm could be done, I reread, pondering over +certain passages until they stayed with me. Here they are, as I set them +down, that evening, on the back of a legal blank: + + "It makes a great deal of difference whether we wear social + forms as bracelets or handcuffs." + + "Can we not still be wholly our independent selves, even + while doing, in the main, as others do? I know two who are + so; but they are married." + + "The men who admire these bold, dashing young girls treat + them like weaker copies of themselves. And yet they boast of + what they call 'experience'!" + + "I wonder if any one felt the exquisite beauty of the noon + as I did to-day? A faint appreciation of sunsets and storms + is taught us in youth, and kept alive by novels and + flirtations; but the broad, imperial splendor of this + summer noon!--and myself standing alone in it--yes, utterly + alone!" "The men I seek _must_ exist: where are they? How + make an acquaintance, when one obsequiously bows himself + away, as I advance? The fault is surely not all on my side." + +There was much more, intimate enough to inspire me with a keen interest +in the writer, yet not sufficiently so to make my perusal a painful +indiscretion. I yielded to the impulse of the moment, took out my +pencil, and wrote a dozen lines on one of the blank pages. They ran +something in this wise: + + "IGNOTUS IGNOTÆ!--You have bestowed without intending it, + and I have taken without your knowledge. Do not regret the + accident which has enriched another. This concealed idyl of + the hills was mine, as I supposed, but I acknowledge your + equal right to it. Shall we share the possession, or will + you banish me?" + +There was a frank advance, tempered by a proper caution, I fancied, in +the words I wrote. It was evident that she was unmarried, but outside +of that certainty there lay a vast range of possibilities, some of them +alarming enough. However, if any nearer acquaintance should arise out of +the incident, the next step must be taken by her. Was I one of the men +she sought? I almost imagined so--certainly hoped so. + +I laid the book on the rock, as I had found it, bestowed another keen +scrutiny on the lonely landscape, and then descended the ravine. That +evening, I went early to the ladies' parlor, chatted more than usual +with the various damsels whom I knew, and watched with a new interest +those whom I knew not. My mind, involuntarily, had already created +a picture of the unknown. She might be twenty-five, I thought; a +reflective habit of mind would hardly be developed before that age. Tall +and stately, of course; distinctly proud in her bearing, and somewhat +reserved in her manners. Why she should have large dark eyes, with +long dark lashes, I could not tell; but so I seemed to see her. Quite +forgetting that I was (or had meant to be) _Ignotus_, I found myself +staring rather significantly at one or the other of the young ladies, +in whom I discovered some slight general resemblance to the imaginary +character. My fancies, I must confess, played strange pranks with me. +They had been kept in a coop so many years that now, when I suddenly +turned them loose, their rickety attempts at flight quite bewildered me. + +No! there was no use in expecting a sudden discovery. I went to the glen +betimes, next morning: the book was gone and so were the faded flowers, +but some of the latter were scattered over the top of another rock, a +few yards from mine. Ha! this means that I am not to withdraw, I said +to myself: she makes room for me! But how to surprise her?--for by this +time I was fully resolved to make her acquaintance, even though she +might turn out to be forty, scraggy, and sandy-haired. + +I knew no other way so likely as that of visiting the glen at all times +of the day. I even went so far as to write a line of greeting, with a +regret that our visits had not yet coincided, and laid it under a stone +on the top of _her_ rock. The note disappeared, but there was no answer +in its place. Then I suddenly remembered her fondness for the noon +hours, at which time she was "utterly alone." The hotel _table d'hôte_ +was at one o'clock: her family, doubtless, dined later, in their own +rooms. Why, this gave me, at least, her place in society! The question +of age, to be sure, remained unsettled; but all else was safe. + +The next day I took a late and large breakfast, and sacrificed my +dinner. Before noon the guests had all straggled back to the hotel from +glen and grove and lane, so bright and hot was the sunshine. Indeed, I +could hardly have supported the reverberation of heat from the sides +of the ravine but for a fixed belief that I should be successful. While +crossing the narrow meadow upon which it opened, I caught a glimpse +of something white among the thickets higher up. A moment later it had +vanished, and I quickened my pace, feeling the beginning of an absurd +nervous excitement in my limbs. At the next turn, there it was again! +but only for another moment. I paused, exulting, and wiped my drenched +forehead. "She cannot escape me!" I murmured between the deep draughts +of cooler air I inhaled in the shadow of a rock. + +A few hundred steps more brought me to the foot of the steep ascent, +where I had counted on overtaking her. I was too late for that, but the +dry, baked soil had surely been crumbled and dislodged, here and there, +by a rapid foot. I followed, in reckless haste, snatching at the laurel +branches right and left, and paying little heed to my footing. About, +one-third of the way up I slipped, fell, caught a bush which snapped +at the root, slid, whirled over, and before I fairly knew what had +happened, I was lying doubled up at the bottom of the slope. + +I rose, made two steps forward, and then sat down with a groan of pain; +my left ankle was badly sprained, in addition to various minor scratches +and bruises. There was a revulsion of feeling, of course--instant, +complete, and hideous. I fairly hated the Unknown. "Fool that I was!" I +exclaimed, in the theatrical manner, dashing the palm of my hand softly +against my brow: "lured to this by the fair traitress! But, no!--not +fair: she shows the artfulness of faded, desperate spinsterhood; she is +all compact of enamel, 'liquid bloom of youth' and hair dye!" + +There was a fierce comfort in this thought, but it couldn't help me out +of the scrape. I dared not sit still, lest a sunstroke should be added, +and there was no resource but to hop or crawl down the rugged path, in +the hope of finding a forked sapling from which I could extemporize +a crutch. With endless pain and trouble I reached a thicket, and was +feebly working on a branch with my pen-knife, when the sound of a heavy +footstep surprised me. + +A brown harvest-hand, in straw hat and shirtsleeves, presently appeared. +He grinned when he saw me, and the thick snub of his nose would have +seemed like a sneer at any other time. + +"Are you the gentleman that got hurt?" he asked. "Is it pretty tolerable +bad?" + +"Who said I was hurt?" I cried, in astonishment. + +"One of your town-women from the hotel--I reckon she was. I was binding +oats, in the field over the ridge; but I haven't lost no time in comin' +here." + +While I was stupidly staring at this announcement, he whipped out a big +clasp-knife, and in a few minutes fashioned me a practicable crutch. +Then, taking me by the other arm, he set me in motion toward the +village. + +Grateful as I was for the man's help, he aggravated me by his ignorance. +When I asked if he knew the lady, he answered: "It's more'n likely _you_ +know her better," But where did she come from? Down from the hill, he +guessed, but it might ha' been up the road. How did she look? was she +old or young? what was the color of her eyes? of her hair? There, now, I +was too much for him. When a woman kept one o' them speckled veils over +her face, turned her head away, and held her parasol between, how were +you to know her from Adam? I declare to you, I couldn't arrive at one +positive particular. Even when he affirmed that she was tall, he added, +the next instant: "Now I come to think on it, she stepped mighty quick; +so I guess she must ha' been short." + +By the time we reached the hotel, I was in a state of fever; opiates +and lotions had their will of me for the rest of the day. I was glad to +escape the worry of questions, and the conventional sympathy expressed +in inflections of the voice which are meant to soothe, and only +exasperate. The next morning, as I lay upon my sofa, restful, patient, +and properly cheerful, the waiter entered with a bouquet of wild +flowers. + +"Who sent them?" I asked. + +"I found them outside your door, sir. Maybe there's a card; yes, here's +a bit o' paper." + +I opened the twisted slip he handed me, and read: "From your dell--and +mine." I took the flowers; among them were two or three rare and +beautiful varieties which I had only found in that one spot. Fool, +again! I noiselessly kissed, while pretending to smell them, had them +placed on a stand within reach, and fell into a state of quiet and +agreeable contemplation. + +Tell me, yourself, whether any male human being is ever too old for +sentiment, provided that it strikes him at the right time and in the +right way! What did that bunch of wild flowers betoken? Knowledge, +first; then, sympathy; and finally, encouragement, at least. Of course +she had seen my accident, from above; of course she had sent the harvest +laborer to aid me home. It was quite natural she should imagine some +special, romantic interest in the lonely dell, on my part, and the gift +took additional value from her conjecture. + +Four days afterward, there was a hop in the large dining-room of the +hotel. Early in the morning, a fresh bouquet had been left at my door. +I was tired of my enforced idleness, eager to discover the fair unknown +(she was again fair, to my fancy!), and I determined to go down, +believing that a cane and a crimson velvet slipper on the left foot +would provoke a glance of sympathy from certain eyes, and thus enable me +to detect them. + +The fact was, the sympathy was much too general and effusive. Everybody, +it seemed, came to me with kindly greetings; seats were vacated at my +approach, even fat Mrs. Huxter insisting on my taking her warm place, +at the head of the room. But Bob Leroy--you know him--as gallant a +gentleman as ever lived, put me down at the right point, and kept me +there. He only meant to divert me, yet gave me the only place where I +could quietly inspect all the younger ladies, as dance or supper brought +them near. + +One of the dances was an old-fashioned cotillon, and one of the figures, +the "coquette," brought every one, in turn, before me. I received a +pleasant word or two from those whom I knew, and a long, kind, silent +glance from Miss May Danvers. Where had been my eyes? She was tall, +stately, twenty-five, had large dark eyes, and long dark lashes! Again +the changes of the dance brought her near me; I threw (or strove to +throw) unutterable meanings into my eyes, and cast them upon hers. She +seemed startled, looked suddenly away, looked back to me, and--blushed. +I knew her for what is called "a nice girl"--that is, tolerably frank, +gently feminine, and not dangerously intelligent. Was it possible that I +had overlooked so much character and intellect? + +As the cotillon closed, she was again in my neighborhood, and her +partner led her in my direction. I was rising painfully from my +chair, when Bob Leroy pushed me down again, whisked another seat from +somewhere, planted it at my side, and there she was! + +She knew who was her neighbor, I plainly saw; but instead of turning +toward me, she began to fan herself in a nervous way and to fidget with +the buttons of her gloves. I grew impatient. + +"Miss Danvers!" I said, at last. + +"Oh!" was all her answer, as she looked at me for a moment. + +"Where are your thoughts?" I asked. + +Then she turned, with wide, astonished eyes, coloring softly up to the +roots of her hair. My heart gave a sudden leap. + +"How can you tell, if I can not?" she asked. + +"May I guess?" + +She made a slight inclination of the head, saying nothing. I was then +quite sure. + +"The second ravine to the left of the main drive?" + +This time she actually started; her color became deeper, and a leaf of +the ivory fan snapped between her fingers. + +"Let there be no more a secret!" I exclaimed. "Your flowers have brought +me your messages; I knew I should find you--" + +Full of certainty, I was speaking in a low, impassioned voice. She cut +me short by rising from her seat; I felt that she was both angry and +alarmed. Fisher, of Philadelphia, jostling right and left in his haste, +made his way toward her. She fairly snatched his arm, clung to it with a +warmth I had never seen expressed in a ballroom, and began to whisper +in his ear. It was not five minutes before he came to me, alone, with a +very stern face, bent down, and said: + +"If you have discovered our secret, you will keep silent. You are +certainly a gentleman." + +I bowed, coldly and savagely. There was a draught from the open window; +my ankle became suddenly weary and painful, and I went to bed. Can you +believe that I didn't guess, immediately, what it all meant? In a vague +way, I fancied that I had been premature in my attempt to drop our +mutual incognito, and that Fisher, a rival lover, was jealous of me. +This was rather flattering than otherwise; but when I limped down to the +ladies' parlor, the next day, no Miss Danvers was to be seen. I did not +venture to ask for her; it might seem importunate, and a woman of so +much hidden capacity was evidently not to be wooed in the ordinary way. + +So another night passed by; and then, with the morning, came a letter +which made me feel, at the same instant, like a fool and a hero. It had +been dropped in the Wampsocket post-office, was legibly addressed to me +and delivered with some other letters which had arrived by the night +mail. Here it is; listen: + + "Noto Ignota!--Haste is not a gift of the gods, and you have + been impatient, with the usual result. I was almost prepared + for this, and thus am not wholly disappointed. In a day or + two more you will discover your mistake, which, so far as I + can learn, has done no particular harm. If you wish to find + _me_, there is only one way to seek me; should I tell you + what it is, I should run the risk of losing you--that is, I + should preclude the manifestation of a certain quality which + I hope to find in the man who may--or--, rather, must--be my + friend. This sounds enigmatical, yet you have read enough of + my nature, as written in those random notes in my sketch- + book, to guess, at least, how much I require. Only this let + me add: mere guessing is useless. + + "Being unknown, I can write freely. If you find me, I shall + be justified; if not, I shall hardly need to blush, even to + myself, over a futile experiment. + + "It is possible for me to learn enough of your life, + henceforth, to direct my relation toward you. This may be + the end; if so, I shall know it soon. I shall also know + whether you continue to seek me. Trusting in your honor as a + man, I must ask you to trust in mine, as a woman." + +I _did_ discover my mistake, as the Unknown promised. There had been +a secret betrothal between Fisher and Miss Danvers, and, singularly +enough, the momentous question and answer had been given in the very +ravine leading to my upper dell! The two meant to keep the matter to +themselves; but therein, it seems, I thwarted them; there was a little +opposition on the part of their respective families, but all was +amicably settled before I left Wampsocket. + +The letter made a very deep impression upon me. What was the one way +to find her? What could it be but the triumph that follows ambitious +toil--the manifestation of all my best qualities as a man? Be she old +or young, plain or beautiful, I reflected, hers is surely a nature worth +knowing, and its candid intelligence conceals no hazards for me. I +have sought her rashly, blundered, betrayed that I set her lower, in my +thoughts, than her actual self: let me now adopt the opposite course, +seek her openly no longer, go back to my tasks, and, following my own +aims vigorously and cheerfully, restore that respect which she seemed to +be on the point of losing. For, consciously or not, she had communicated +to me a doubt, implied in the very expression of her own strength and +pride. She had meant to address me as an equal, yet, despite herself, +took a stand a little above that which she accorded to me. + +I came back to New York earlier than usual, worked steadily at +my profession and with increasing success, and began to accept +opportunities (which I had previously declined) of making myself +personally known to the great, impressible, fickle, tyrannical public. +One or two of my speeches in the hall of the Cooper Institute, on +various occasions--as you may perhaps remember--gave me a good headway +with the party, and were the chief cause of my nomination for the State +office which I still hold. (There, on the table, lies a resignation, +written to-day, but not yet signed. We'll talk of it afterward.) Several +months passed by, and no further letter reached me. I gave up much of +my time to society, moved familiarly in more than one province of the +kingdom here, and vastly extended my acquaintance, especially among +the women; but not one of them betrayed the mysterious something or +other--really I can't explain precisely what it was!--which I was +looking for. In fact, the more I endeavored quietly to study the sex, +the more confused I became. + +At last, I was subjected to the usual onslaught from the strong-minded. +A small but formidable committee entered my office one morning and +demanded a categorical declaration of my principles. What my views on +the subject were, I knew very well; they were clear and decided; and +yet, I hesitated to declare them! It wasn't a temptation of Saint +Anthony--that is, turned the other way--and the belligerent attitude +of the dames did not alarm me in the least; but _she!_ What was _her_ +position? How could I best please her? It flashed upon my mind, while +Mrs. ------ was making her formal speech that I had taken no step for +months without a vague, secret reference to _her_. So I strove to be +courteous, friendly, and agreeably noncommittal; begged for further +documents, and promised to reply by letter in a few days. + +I was hardly surprised to find the well-known hand on the envelope of +a letter shortly afterward. I held it for a minute in my palm, with +an absurd hope that I might sympathetically feel its character before +breaking the seal. Then I read it with a great sense of relief. + + "I have never assumed to guide a man, except toward the full + exercise of his powers. It is not opinion in action, but + opinion in a state of idleness or indifference, which repels + me. I am deeply glad that you have gained so much since you + left the country. If, in shaping your course, you have + thought of me, I will frankly say that, _to that extent_, + you have drawn nearer. Am I mistaken in conjecturing that + you wish to know my relation to the movement concerning + which you were recently interrogated? In this, as in other + instances which may come, I must beg you to consider me only + as a spectator. The more my own views may seem likely to + sway your action, the less I shall be inclined to declare + them. If you find this cold or unwomanly, remember that it + is not easy!" + +Yes! I felt that I had certainly drawn much nearer to her. And from this +time on, her imaginary face and form became other than they were. She +was twenty-eight--three years older; a very little above the middle +height, but not tall; serene, rather than stately, in her movements; +with a calm, almost grave face, relieved by the sweetness of the +full, firm lips; and finally eyes of pure, limpid gray, such as +we fancy-belonged to the Venus of Milo. I found her thus much more +attractive than with the dark eyes and lashes--but she did not make her +appearance in the circles which I frequented. + +Another year slipped away. As an official personage, my importance +increased, but I was careful not to exaggerate it to myself. Many have +wondered (perhaps you among the rest) at my success, seeing that I +possess no remarkable abilities. If I have any secret, it is simply +this--doing faithfully, with all my might, whatever I undertake. +Nine-tenths of our politicians become inflated and careless, after the +first few years, and are easily forgotten when they once lose place. + +I am a little surprised now that I had so much patience with the +Unknown. I was too important, at least, to be played with; too mature +to be! subjected to a longer test; too earnest, as I had proved, to be +doubted, or thrown aside without a further explanation. + +Growing tired, at last, of silent waiting, I bethought me of +advertising. A carefully written "Personal," in which _Ignotus_ informed +_Ignota_ of the necessity of his communicating with her, appeared +simultaneously in the "Tribune," "Herald," "World," and "Times." I +renewed the advertisement as the time expired without an answer, and I +think it was about the end of the third week before one came, through +the post, as before. + +Ah, yes! I had forgotten. See! my advertisement is pasted on the note, +as a heading or motto for the manuscript lines. I don't know why the +printed slip should give me a particular feeling of humiliation as I +look at it, but such is the fact. What she wrote is all I need read to +you: + + "I could not, at first, be certain that this was meant for + me. If I were to explain to you why I have not written for + so long a time, I might give you one of the few clews which + I insist on keeping in my own hands. In your public + capacity, you have been ( so far as a woman may judge) + upright, independent, wholly manly in your relations with + other men I learn nothing of you that is not honorables + toward women you are kind, chivalrous, no doubt, overflowing + with the _usual_ social refinements, but--Here, again, I + run hard upon the absolute necessity of silence. The way to + me, if you care to traverse it, is so simple, so very simple! + Yet, after what I have written, I can not even wave my + hand in the direction of it, without certain self-contempt. + When I feel free to tell you, we shall draw apart and remain + unknown forever. + + "You desire to write? I do not prohibit it. I have + heretofore made no arrangement for hearing from you, in + turn, because I could not discover that any advantage would + accrue from it. But it seems only fair, I confess, and you + dare not think me capricious. So, three days hence, at six + o'clock in the evening, a trusty messenger of mine will call + at your door. If you have anything to give her for me, the + act of giving it must be the sign of a compact on your part + that you will allow her to leave immediately, unquestioned + and unfollowed." + +You look puzzled, I see: you don't catch the real drift of her words? +Well, that's a melancholy encouragement. Neither did I, at the time: it +was plain that I had disappointed her in some way, and my intercourse +with or manner toward women had something to do with it. In vain I ran +over as much of my later social life as I could recall. There had been +no special attention, nothing to mislead a susceptible heart; on the +other side, certainly no rudeness, no want of "chivalrous" (she used the +word!) respect and attention. What, in the name of all the gods, was the +matter? + +In spite of all my efforts to grow clearer, I was obliged to write +my letter in a rather muddled state of mind. I had _so_ much to say! +sixteen folio pages, I was sure, would only suffice for an introduction +to the case; yet, when the creamy vellum lay before me and the moist pen +drew my fingers toward it, I sat stock dumb for half an hour. I wrote, +finally, in a half-desperate mood, without regard to coherency or logic. +Here's a rough draft of a part of the letter, and a single passage from +it will be enough: + + I can conceive of no simpler way to you than the knowledge + of your name and address. I have drawn airy images of you, + but they do not become incarnate, and I am not sure that I + should recognize you in the brief moment of passing. Your + nature is not of those which are instantly legible. As an + abstract power, it has wrought in my life and it continually + moves my heart with desires which are unsatisfactory because + so vague and ignorant. Let me offer you, personally, my + gratitude, my earnest friendship: you would laugh if I were + _now_ to offer more. + +Stay! here is another fragment, more reckless in tone: + + "I want to find the woman whom I can love--who can love me. + But this is a masquerade where the features are hidden, the + voice disguised, even the hands grotesquely gloved. Come! I + will venture more than I ever thought was possible to me. + You shall know my deepest nature as I myself seem to know + it. Then, give me the commonest chance of learning yours, + through an intercourse which shall leave both free, should + we not feel the closing of the inevitable bond!" + +After I had written that, the pages filled rapidly. When the appointed +hour arrived, a bulky epistle, in a strong linen envelope, sealed with +five wax seals, was waiting on my table. Precisely at six there was an +announcement: the door opened, and a little outside, in the shadow, I +saw an old woman, in a threadbare dress of rusty black. + +"Come in!" I said. + +"The letter!" answered a husky voice. She stretched out a bony hand, +without moving a step. + +"It is for a lady--very important business," said I, taking up the +letter; "are you sure that there is no mistake?" + +She drew her hand under the shawl, turned without a word, and moved +toward the hall door. + +"Stop!" I cried: "I beg a thousand pardons! Take it--take it! You are +the right messenger!" + +She clutched it, and was instantly gone. + +Several days passed, and I gradually became so nervous and uneasy that +I was on the point of inserting another "Personal" in the daily papers, +when the answer arrived. It was brief and mysterious; you shall hear the +whole of it: + + "I thank you. Your letter is a sacred confidence which I + pray you never to regret. Your nature is sound and good. You + ask no more than is reasonable, and I have no real right to + refuse. In the one respect which I have hinted, _I_ may have + been unskilful or too narrowly cautious: I must have the + certainty of this. Therefore, as a generous favor, give me + six months more! At the end of that time I will write to you + again. Have patience with these brief lines: another word + might be a word too much." + +You notice the change in her tone? The letter gave me the strongest +impression of a new, warm, almost anxious interest on her part. My +fancies, as first at Wampsocket, began to play all sorts of singular +pranks: sometimes she was rich and of an old family, sometimes +moderately poor and obscure, but always the same calm, reposeful face +and clear gray eyes. I ceased looking for her in society, quite sure +that I should not find her, and nursed a wild expectation of suddenly +meeting her, face to face, in the most unlikely places and +under startling circumstances. However, the end of it all was +patience--patience for six months. + +There's not much more to tell; but this last letter is hard for me to +read. It came punctually, to a day. I knew it would, and at the last I +began to dread the time, as if a heavy note were falling due, and I had +no funds to meet it. My head was in a whirl when I broke the seal. The +fact in it stared at me blankly, at once, but it was a long time before +the words and sentences became intelligible. + + "The stipulated time has come, and our hidden romance is at + an end. Had I taken this resolution a year ago, it would + have saved me many vain hopes, and you, perhaps, a little + uncertainty. Forgive me, first, if you can, and then hear + the explanation! + + "You wished for a personal interview: _you have had, not + one, but many_. We have met, in society, talked face to + face, discussed the weather, the opera, toilettes, Queechy, + Aurora Floyd, Long Branch, and Newport, and exchanged a + weary amount of fashionable gossip; and you never guessed + that I was governed by any deeper interest! I have purposely + uttered ridiculous platitudes, and you were as smilingly + courteous as if you enjoyed them: I have let fall remarks + whose hollowness and selfishness could not have escaped you, + and have waited in vain for a word of sharp, honest, manly + reproof. Your manner to me was unexceptionable, as it was to + all other women: but there lies the source of my + disappointment, of--yes--of my sorrow! + + "You appreciate, I can not doubt, the qualities in woman + which men value in one another--culture, independence of + thought, a high and earnest apprehension of life; but you + know not how to seek them. It is not true that a mature and + unperverted woman is flattered by receiving only the general + obsequiousness which most men give to the whole sex. In the + man who contradicts and strives with her, she discovers a + truer interest, a nobler respect. The empty-headed, spindle- + shanked youths who dance admirably, understand something of + billiards, much less of horses, and still less of + navigation, soon grow inexpressibly wearisome to us; but the + men who adopt their social courtesy, never seeking to + arouse, uplift, instruct us, are a bitter disappointment. + + "What would have been the end, had you really found me? + Certainly a sincere, satisfying friendship. No mysterious + magnetic force has drawn you to me or held you near me, nor + has my experiment inspired me with an interest which can not + be given up without a personal pang. I am grieved, for the + sake of all men and all women. Yet, understand me! I mean no + slightest reproach. I esteem and honor you for what you + are. Farewell!" + +There! Nothing could be kinder in tone, nothing more humiliating in +substance, I was sore and offended for a few days; but I soon began to +see, and ever more and more clearly, that she was wholly right. I was +sure, also, that any further attempt to correspond with her would be +vain. It all comes of taking society just as we find it, and supposing +that conventional courtesy is the only safe ground on which men and +women can meet. + +The fact is--there's no use in hiding it from myself (and I see, by your +face, that the letter cuts into your own conscience)--she is a free, +courageous, independent character, and--I am not. But who _was_ she? + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Who Was She?, by Bayard Taylor + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHO WAS SHE? *** + +***** This file should be named 23166-8.txt or 23166-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/1/6/23166/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/23166-8.zip b/23166-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d6b6636 --- /dev/null +++ b/23166-8.zip diff --git a/23166-h.zip b/23166-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d6dfd21 --- /dev/null +++ b/23166-h.zip diff --git a/23166-h/23166-h.htm b/23166-h/23166-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a603d24 --- /dev/null +++ b/23166-h/23166-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1230 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Who Was She? by Bayard Taylor + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Who Was She?, by Bayard Taylor + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Who Was She? + From "The Atlantic Monthly" for September, 1874 + +Author: Bayard Taylor + +Release Date: October 24, 2007 [EBook #23166] +Last Updated: February 7, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHO WAS SHE? *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + WHO WAS SHE? + </h1> + <h2> + By Bayard Taylor + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + From "The Atlantic Monthly" for September, 1874 + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Come, now, there may as well be an end of this! Every time I meet your + eyes squarely, I detect the question just slipping out of them. If you had + spoken it, or even boldly looked it; if you had shown in your motions the + least sign of a fussy or fidgety concern on my account; if this were not + the evening of my birthday, and you the only friend who remembered it; if + confession were not good for the soul, though harder than sin to some + people, of whom I am one—well, if all reasons were not at this + instant converged into a focus, and burning me rather violently, in that + region where the seat of emotion is supposed to lie, I should keep my + trouble to myself. + </p> + <p> + Yes, I have fifty times had it on my mind to tell you the whole story. But + who can be certain that his best friend will not smile—or, what is + worse, cherish a kind of charitable pity ever afterward—when the + external forms of a very serious kind of passion seem trivial, fantastic, + foolish? And the worst of all is that the heroic part which I imagined I + was playing proves to have been almost the reverse. The only comfort which + I can find in my humiliation is that I am capable of feeling it. There + isn't a bit of a paradox in this, as you will see; but I only mention it, + now, to prepare you for, maybe, a little morbid sensitiveness of my moral + nerves. + </p> + <p> + The documents are all in this portfolio under my elbow. I had just read + them again completely through when you were announced. You may examine + them as you like afterward: for the present, fill your glass, take another + Cabana, and keep silent until my "ghastly tale" has reached its most + lamentable conclusion. + </p> + <p> + The beginning of it was at Wampsocket Springs, three years ago last + summer. I suppose most unmarried men who have reached, or passed, the age + of thirty—and I was then thirty-three—experience a milder + return of their adolescent warmth, a kind of fainter second spring, since + the first has not fulfilled its promise. Of course, I wasn't clearly + conscious of this at the time: who is? But I had had my youthful passion + and my tragic disappointment, as you know: I had looked far enough into + what Thackeray used to call the cryptic mysteries to save me from the + Scylla of dissipation, and yet preserved enough of natural nature to keep + me out of the Pharisaic Charybdis. My devotion to my legal studies had + already brought me a mild distinction; the paternal legacy was a good + nest-egg for the incubation of wealth—in short, I was a fair, + respectable "party," desirable to the humbler mammas, and not to be + despised by the haughty exclusives. + </p> + <p> + The fashionable hotel at the Springs holds three hundred, and it was + packed. I had meant to lounge there for a fortnight and then finish my + holidays at Long Branch; but eighty, at least, out of the three hundred + were young and moved lightly in muslin. With my years and experience I + felt so safe that to walk, talk, or dance with them became simply a + luxury, such as I had never—at least so freely—possessed + before. My name and standing, known to some families, were agreeably + exaggerated to the others, and I enjoyed that supreme satisfaction which a + man always feels when he discovers, or imagines, that he is popular in + society. There is a kind of premonitory apology implied in my saying this, + I am aware. You must remember that I am culprit, and culprit's counsel, at + the same time. + </p> + <p> + You have never been at Wampsocket? Well, the hills sweep around in a + crescent, on the northern side, and four or five radiating glens, + descending from them, unite just above the village. The central one, + leading to a waterfall (called "Minne-hehe" by the irreverent young + people, because there is so little of it), is the fashionable drive and + promenade; but the second ravine on the left, steep, crooked, and cumbered + with bowlders which have tumbled from somewhere and lodged in the most + extraordinary groupings, became my favorite walk of a morning. There was a + footpath in it, well-trodden at first, but gradually fading out as it + became more like a ladder than a path, and I soon discovered that no other + city feet than mine were likely to scale a certain rough slope which + seemed the end of the ravine. With the aid of the tough laurel-stems I + climbed to the top, passed through a cleft as narrow as a doorway, and + presently found myself in a little upper dell, as wild and sweet and + strange as one of the pictures that haunts us on the brink of sleep. + </p> + <p> + There was a pond—no, rather a bowl—of water in the centre; + hardly twenty yards across, yet the sky in it was so pure and far down + that the circle of rocks and summer foliage inclosing it seemed like a + little planetary ring, floating off alone through space. I can't explain + the charm of the spot, nor the selfishness which instantly suggested that + I should keep the discovery to myself. Ten years earlier I should have + looked around for some fair spirit to be my "minister," but now— + </p> + <p> + One forenoon—I think it was the third or fourth time I had visited + the place—I was startled to find the dent of a heel in the earth, + half-way up the slope. There had been rain during the night and the earth + was still moist and soft. It was the mark of a woman's boot, only to be + distinguished from that of a walking-stick by its semicircular form. A + little higher, I found the outline of a foot, not so small as to awake an + ecstasy, but with a suggestion of lightness, elasticity, and grace. If + hands were thrust through holes in a board-fence, and nothing of the + attached bodies seen, I can easily imagine that some would attract and + others repel us: with footprints the impression is weaker, of course, but + we cannot escape it. I am not sure whether I wanted to find the unknown + wearer of the boot within my precious personal solitude: I was afraid I + should see her, while passing through the rocky crevice, and yet was + disappointed when I found no one. + </p> + <p> + But on the fiat, warm rock overhanging the tarn—my special throne—lay + some withering wild-flowers and a book! I looked up and down, right and + left: there was not the slightest sign of another human life than mine. + Then I lay down for a quarter of an hour, and listened: there were only + the noises of bird and squirrel, as before. At last, I took up the book, + the fiat breadth of which suggested only sketches. There were, indeed, + some tolerable studies of rocks and trees on the first pages; a few not + very striking caricatures, which seemed to have been commenced as + portraits, but recalled no faces I knew; then a number of fragmentary + notes, written in pencil. I found no name, from first to last; only, under + the sketches, a monogram so complicated and laborious that the initials + could hardly be discovered unless one already knew them. + </p> + <p> + The writing was a woman's, but it had surely taken its character from + certain features of her own: it was clear, firm, individual. It had + nothing of that air of general debility which usually marks the manuscript + of young ladies, yet its firmness was far removed from the stiff, + conventional slope which all Englishwomen seem to acquire in youth and + retain through life, I don't see how any man in my situation could have + helped reading a few lines—if only for the sake of restoring lost + property. But I was drawn on and on, and finished by reading all: thence, + since no further harm could be done, I reread, pondering over certain + passages until they stayed with me. Here they are, as I set them down, + that evening, on the back of a legal blank: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "It makes a great deal of difference whether we wear social + forms as bracelets or handcuffs." + + "Can we not still be wholly our independent selves, even + while doing, in the main, as others do? I know two who are + so; but they are married." + + "The men who admire these bold, dashing young girls treat + them like weaker copies of themselves. And yet they boast of + what they call 'experience'!" + + "I wonder if any one felt the exquisite beauty of the noon + as I did to-day? A faint appreciation of sunsets and storms + is taught us in youth, and kept alive by novels and + flirtations; but the broad, imperial splendor of this + summer noon!—and myself standing alone in it—yes, utterly + alone!" "The men I seek <i>must</i> exist: where are they? How + make an acquaintance, when one obsequiously bows himself + away, as I advance? The fault is surely not all on my side." +</pre> + <p> + There was much more, intimate enough to inspire me with a keen interest in + the writer, yet not sufficiently so to make my perusal a painful + indiscretion. I yielded to the impulse of the moment, took out my pencil, + and wrote a dozen lines on one of the blank pages. They ran something in + this wise: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "IGNOTUS IGNOTÆ!—You have bestowed without intending it, + and I have taken without your knowledge. Do not regret the + accident which has enriched another. This concealed idyl of + the hills was mine, as I supposed, but I acknowledge your + equal right to it. Shall we share the possession, or will + you banish me?" +</pre> + <p> + There was a frank advance, tempered by a proper caution, I fancied, in the + words I wrote. It was evident that she was unmarried, but outside of that + certainty there lay a vast range of possibilities, some of them alarming + enough. However, if any nearer acquaintance should arise out of the + incident, the next step must be taken by her. Was I one of the men she + sought? I almost imagined so—certainly hoped so. + </p> + <p> + I laid the book on the rock, as I had found it, bestowed another keen + scrutiny on the lonely landscape, and then descended the ravine. That + evening, I went early to the ladies' parlor, chatted more than usual with + the various damsels whom I knew, and watched with a new interest those + whom I knew not. My mind, involuntarily, had already created a picture of + the unknown. She might be twenty-five, I thought; a reflective habit of + mind would hardly be developed before that age. Tall and stately, of + course; distinctly proud in her bearing, and somewhat reserved in her + manners. Why she should have large dark eyes, with long dark lashes, I + could not tell; but so I seemed to see her. Quite forgetting that I was + (or had meant to be) <i>Ignotus</i>, I found myself staring rather + significantly at one or the other of the young ladies, in whom I + discovered some slight general resemblance to the imaginary character. My + fancies, I must confess, played strange pranks with me. They had been kept + in a coop so many years that now, when I suddenly turned them loose, their + rickety attempts at flight quite bewildered me. + </p> + <p> + No! there was no use in expecting a sudden discovery. I went to the glen + betimes, next morning: the book was gone and so were the faded flowers, + but some of the latter were scattered over the top of another rock, a few + yards from mine. Ha! this means that I am not to withdraw, I said to + myself: she makes room for me! But how to surprise her?—for by this + time I was fully resolved to make her acquaintance, even though she might + turn out to be forty, scraggy, and sandy-haired. + </p> + <p> + I knew no other way so likely as that of visiting the glen at all times of + the day. I even went so far as to write a line of greeting, with a regret + that our visits had not yet coincided, and laid it under a stone on the + top of <i>her</i> rock. The note disappeared, but there was no answer in + its place. Then I suddenly remembered her fondness for the noon hours, at + which time she was "utterly alone." The hotel <i>table d'hôte</i> was at + one o'clock: her family, doubtless, dined later, in their own rooms. Why, + this gave me, at least, her place in society! The question of age, to be + sure, remained unsettled; but all else was safe. + </p> + <p> + The next day I took a late and large breakfast, and sacrificed my dinner. + Before noon the guests had all straggled back to the hotel from glen and + grove and lane, so bright and hot was the sunshine. Indeed, I could hardly + have supported the reverberation of heat from the sides of the ravine but + for a fixed belief that I should be successful. While crossing the narrow + meadow upon which it opened, I caught a glimpse of something white among + the thickets higher up. A moment later it had vanished, and I quickened my + pace, feeling the beginning of an absurd nervous excitement in my limbs. + At the next turn, there it was again! but only for another moment. I + paused, exulting, and wiped my drenched forehead. "She cannot escape me!" + I murmured between the deep draughts of cooler air I inhaled in the shadow + of a rock. + </p> + <p> + A few hundred steps more brought me to the foot of the steep ascent, where + I had counted on overtaking her. I was too late for that, but the dry, + baked soil had surely been crumbled and dislodged, here and there, by a + rapid foot. I followed, in reckless haste, snatching at the laurel + branches right and left, and paying little heed to my footing. About, + one-third of the way up I slipped, fell, caught a bush which snapped at + the root, slid, whirled over, and before I fairly knew what had happened, + I was lying doubled up at the bottom of the slope. + </p> + <p> + I rose, made two steps forward, and then sat down with a groan of pain; my + left ankle was badly sprained, in addition to various minor scratches and + bruises. There was a revulsion of feeling, of course—instant, + complete, and hideous. I fairly hated the Unknown. "Fool that I was!" I + exclaimed, in the theatrical manner, dashing the palm of my hand softly + against my brow: "lured to this by the fair traitress! But, no!—not + fair: she shows the artfulness of faded, desperate spinsterhood; she is + all compact of enamel, 'liquid bloom of youth' and hair dye!" + </p> + <p> + There was a fierce comfort in this thought, but it couldn't help me out of + the scrape. I dared not sit still, lest a sunstroke should be added, and + there was no resource but to hop or crawl down the rugged path, in the + hope of finding a forked sapling from which I could extemporize a crutch. + With endless pain and trouble I reached a thicket, and was feebly working + on a branch with my pen-knife, when the sound of a heavy footstep + surprised me. + </p> + <p> + A brown harvest-hand, in straw hat and shirtsleeves, presently appeared. + He grinned when he saw me, and the thick snub of his nose would have + seemed like a sneer at any other time. + </p> + <p> + "Are you the gentleman that got hurt?" he asked. "Is it pretty tolerable + bad?" + </p> + <p> + "Who said I was hurt?" I cried, in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + "One of your town-women from the hotel—I reckon she was. I was + binding oats, in the field over the ridge; but I haven't lost no time in + comin' here." + </p> + <p> + While I was stupidly staring at this announcement, he whipped out a big + clasp-knife, and in a few minutes fashioned me a practicable crutch. Then, + taking me by the other arm, he set me in motion toward the village. + </p> + <p> + Grateful as I was for the man's help, he aggravated me by his ignorance. + When I asked if he knew the lady, he answered: "It's more'n likely <i>you</i> + know her better," But where did she come from? Down from the hill, he + guessed, but it might ha' been up the road. How did she look? was she old + or young? what was the color of her eyes? of her hair? There, now, I was + too much for him. When a woman kept one o' them speckled veils over her + face, turned her head away, and held her parasol between, how were you to + know her from Adam? I declare to you, I couldn't arrive at one positive + particular. Even when he affirmed that she was tall, he added, the next + instant: "Now I come to think on it, she stepped mighty quick; so I guess + she must ha' been short." + </p> + <p> + By the time we reached the hotel, I was in a state of fever; opiates and + lotions had their will of me for the rest of the day. I was glad to escape + the worry of questions, and the conventional sympathy expressed in + inflections of the voice which are meant to soothe, and only exasperate. + The next morning, as I lay upon my sofa, restful, patient, and properly + cheerful, the waiter entered with a bouquet of wild flowers. + </p> + <p> + "Who sent them?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + "I found them outside your door, sir. Maybe there's a card; yes, here's a + bit o' paper." + </p> + <p> + I opened the twisted slip he handed me, and read: "From your dell—and + mine." I took the flowers; among them were two or three rare and beautiful + varieties which I had only found in that one spot. Fool, again! I + noiselessly kissed, while pretending to smell them, had them placed on a + stand within reach, and fell into a state of quiet and agreeable + contemplation. + </p> + <p> + Tell me, yourself, whether any male human being is ever too old for + sentiment, provided that it strikes him at the right time and in the right + way! What did that bunch of wild flowers betoken? Knowledge, first; then, + sympathy; and finally, encouragement, at least. Of course she had seen my + accident, from above; of course she had sent the harvest laborer to aid me + home. It was quite natural she should imagine some special, romantic + interest in the lonely dell, on my part, and the gift took additional + value from her conjecture. + </p> + <p> + Four days afterward, there was a hop in the large dining-room of the + hotel. Early in the morning, a fresh bouquet had been left at my door. I + was tired of my enforced idleness, eager to discover the fair unknown (she + was again fair, to my fancy!), and I determined to go down, believing that + a cane and a crimson velvet slipper on the left foot would provoke a + glance of sympathy from certain eyes, and thus enable me to detect them. + </p> + <p> + The fact was, the sympathy was much too general and effusive. Everybody, + it seemed, came to me with kindly greetings; seats were vacated at my + approach, even fat Mrs. Huxter insisting on my taking her warm place, at + the head of the room. But Bob Leroy—you know him—as gallant a + gentleman as ever lived, put me down at the right point, and kept me + there. He only meant to divert me, yet gave me the only place where I + could quietly inspect all the younger ladies, as dance or supper brought + them near. + </p> + <p> + One of the dances was an old-fashioned cotillon, and one of the figures, + the "coquette," brought every one, in turn, before me. I received a + pleasant word or two from those whom I knew, and a long, kind, silent + glance from Miss May Danvers. Where had been my eyes? She was tall, + stately, twenty-five, had large dark eyes, and long dark lashes! Again the + changes of the dance brought her near me; I threw (or strove to throw) + unutterable meanings into my eyes, and cast them upon hers. She seemed + startled, looked suddenly away, looked back to me, and—blushed. I + knew her for what is called "a nice girl"—that is, tolerably frank, + gently feminine, and not dangerously intelligent. Was it possible that I + had overlooked so much character and intellect? + </p> + <p> + As the cotillon closed, she was again in my neighborhood, and her partner + led her in my direction. I was rising painfully from my chair, when Bob + Leroy pushed me down again, whisked another seat from somewhere, planted + it at my side, and there she was! + </p> + <p> + She knew who was her neighbor, I plainly saw; but instead of turning + toward me, she began to fan herself in a nervous way and to fidget with + the buttons of her gloves. I grew impatient. + </p> + <p> + "Miss Danvers!" I said, at last. + </p> + <p> + "Oh!" was all her answer, as she looked at me for a moment. + </p> + <p> + "Where are your thoughts?" I asked. + </p> + <p> + Then she turned, with wide, astonished eyes, coloring softly up to the + roots of her hair. My heart gave a sudden leap. + </p> + <p> + "How can you tell, if I can not?" she asked. + </p> + <p> + "May I guess?" + </p> + <p> + She made a slight inclination of the head, saying nothing. I was then + quite sure. + </p> + <p> + "The second ravine to the left of the main drive?" + </p> + <p> + This time she actually started; her color became deeper, and a leaf of the + ivory fan snapped between her fingers. + </p> + <p> + "Let there be no more a secret!" I exclaimed. "Your flowers have brought + me your messages; I knew I should find you—" + </p> + <p> + Full of certainty, I was speaking in a low, impassioned voice. She cut me + short by rising from her seat; I felt that she was both angry and alarmed. + Fisher, of Philadelphia, jostling right and left in his haste, made his + way toward her. She fairly snatched his arm, clung to it with a warmth I + had never seen expressed in a ballroom, and began to whisper in his ear. + It was not five minutes before he came to me, alone, with a very stern + face, bent down, and said: + </p> + <p> + "If you have discovered our secret, you will keep silent. You are + certainly a gentleman." + </p> + <p> + I bowed, coldly and savagely. There was a draught from the open window; my + ankle became suddenly weary and painful, and I went to bed. Can you + believe that I didn't guess, immediately, what it all meant? In a vague + way, I fancied that I had been premature in my attempt to drop our mutual + incognito, and that Fisher, a rival lover, was jealous of me. This was + rather flattering than otherwise; but when I limped down to the ladies' + parlor, the next day, no Miss Danvers was to be seen. I did not venture to + ask for her; it might seem importunate, and a woman of so much hidden + capacity was evidently not to be wooed in the ordinary way. + </p> + <p> + So another night passed by; and then, with the morning, came a letter + which made me feel, at the same instant, like a fool and a hero. It had + been dropped in the Wampsocket post-office, was legibly addressed to me + and delivered with some other letters which had arrived by the night mail. + Here it is; listen: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Noto Ignota!—Haste is not a gift of the gods, and you have + been impatient, with the usual result. I was almost prepared + for this, and thus am not wholly disappointed. In a day or + two more you will discover your mistake, which, so far as I + can learn, has done no particular harm. If you wish to find + <i>me</i>, there is only one way to seek me; should I tell you + what it is, I should run the risk of losing you—that is, I + should preclude the manifestation of a certain quality which + I hope to find in the man who may—or—, rather, must—be my + friend. This sounds enigmatical, yet you have read enough of + my nature, as written in those random notes in my sketch- + book, to guess, at least, how much I require. Only this let + me add: mere guessing is useless. + + "Being unknown, I can write freely. If you find me, I shall + be justified; if not, I shall hardly need to blush, even to + myself, over a futile experiment. + + "It is possible for me to learn enough of your life, + henceforth, to direct my relation toward you. This may be + the end; if so, I shall know it soon. I shall also know + whether you continue to seek me. Trusting in your honor as a + man, I must ask you to trust in mine, as a woman." +</pre> + <p> + I <i>did</i> discover my mistake, as the Unknown promised. There had been + a secret betrothal between Fisher and Miss Danvers, and, singularly + enough, the momentous question and answer had been given in the very + ravine leading to my upper dell! The two meant to keep the matter to + themselves; but therein, it seems, I thwarted them; there was a little + opposition on the part of their respective families, but all was amicably + settled before I left Wampsocket. + </p> + <p> + The letter made a very deep impression upon me. What was the one way to + find her? What could it be but the triumph that follows ambitious toil—the + manifestation of all my best qualities as a man? Be she old or young, + plain or beautiful, I reflected, hers is surely a nature worth knowing, + and its candid intelligence conceals no hazards for me. I have sought her + rashly, blundered, betrayed that I set her lower, in my thoughts, than her + actual self: let me now adopt the opposite course, seek her openly no + longer, go back to my tasks, and, following my own aims vigorously and + cheerfully, restore that respect which she seemed to be on the point of + losing. For, consciously or not, she had communicated to me a doubt, + implied in the very expression of her own strength and pride. She had + meant to address me as an equal, yet, despite herself, took a stand a + little above that which she accorded to me. + </p> + <p> + I came back to New York earlier than usual, worked steadily at my + profession and with increasing success, and began to accept opportunities + (which I had previously declined) of making myself personally known to the + great, impressible, fickle, tyrannical public. One or two of my speeches + in the hall of the Cooper Institute, on various occasions—as you may + perhaps remember—gave me a good headway with the party, and were the + chief cause of my nomination for the State office which I still hold. + (There, on the table, lies a resignation, written to-day, but not yet + signed. We'll talk of it afterward.) Several months passed by, and no + further letter reached me. I gave up much of my time to society, moved + familiarly in more than one province of the kingdom here, and vastly + extended my acquaintance, especially among the women; but not one of them + betrayed the mysterious something or other—really I can't explain + precisely what it was!—which I was looking for. In fact, the more I + endeavored quietly to study the sex, the more confused I became. + </p> + <p> + At last, I was subjected to the usual onslaught from the strong-minded. A + small but formidable committee entered my office one morning and demanded + a categorical declaration of my principles. What my views on the subject + were, I knew very well; they were clear and decided; and yet, I hesitated + to declare them! It wasn't a temptation of Saint Anthony—that is, + turned the other way—and the belligerent attitude of the dames did + not alarm me in the least; but <i>she!</i> What was <i>her</i> position? + How could I best please her? It flashed upon my mind, while Mrs. ——— + was making her formal speech that I had taken no step for months without a + vague, secret reference to <i>her</i>. So I strove to be courteous, + friendly, and agreeably noncommittal; begged for further documents, and + promised to reply by letter in a few days. + </p> + <p> + I was hardly surprised to find the well-known hand on the envelope of a + letter shortly afterward. I held it for a minute in my palm, with an + absurd hope that I might sympathetically feel its character before + breaking the seal. Then I read it with a great sense of relief. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I have never assumed to guide a man, except toward the full + exercise of his powers. It is not opinion in action, but + opinion in a state of idleness or indifference, which repels + me. I am deeply glad that you have gained so much since you + left the country. If, in shaping your course, you have + thought of me, I will frankly say that, <i>to that extent</i>, + you have drawn nearer. Am I mistaken in conjecturing that + you wish to know my relation to the movement concerning + which you were recently interrogated? In this, as in other + instances which may come, I must beg you to consider me only + as a spectator. The more my own views may seem likely to + sway your action, the less I shall be inclined to declare + them. If you find this cold or unwomanly, remember that it + is not easy!" +</pre> + <p> + Yes! I felt that I had certainly drawn much nearer to her. And from this + time on, her imaginary face and form became other than they were. She was + twenty-eight—three years older; a very little above the middle + height, but not tall; serene, rather than stately, in her movements; with + a calm, almost grave face, relieved by the sweetness of the full, firm + lips; and finally eyes of pure, limpid gray, such as we fancy-belonged to + the Venus of Milo. I found her thus much more attractive than with the + dark eyes and lashes—but she did not make her appearance in the + circles which I frequented. + </p> + <p> + Another year slipped away. As an official personage, my importance + increased, but I was careful not to exaggerate it to myself. Many have + wondered (perhaps you among the rest) at my success, seeing that I possess + no remarkable abilities. If I have any secret, it is simply this—doing + faithfully, with all my might, whatever I undertake. Nine-tenths of our + politicians become inflated and careless, after the first few years, and + are easily forgotten when they once lose place. + </p> + <p> + I am a little surprised now that I had so much patience with the Unknown. + I was too important, at least, to be played with; too mature to be! + subjected to a longer test; too earnest, as I had proved, to be doubted, + or thrown aside without a further explanation. + </p> + <p> + Growing tired, at last, of silent waiting, I bethought me of advertising. + A carefully written "Personal," in which <i>Ignotus</i> informed <i>Ignota</i> + of the necessity of his communicating with her, appeared simultaneously in + the "Tribune," "Herald," "World," and "Times." I renewed the advertisement + as the time expired without an answer, and I think it was about the end of + the third week before one came, through the post, as before. + </p> + <p> + Ah, yes! I had forgotten. See! my advertisement is pasted on the note, as + a heading or motto for the manuscript lines. I don't know why the printed + slip should give me a particular feeling of humiliation as I look at it, + but such is the fact. What she wrote is all I need read to you: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I could not, at first, be certain that this was meant for + me. If I were to explain to you why I have not written for + so long a time, I might give you one of the few clews which + I insist on keeping in my own hands. In your public + capacity, you have been ( so far as a woman may judge) + upright, independent, wholly manly in your relations with + other men I learn nothing of you that is not honorables + toward women you are kind, chivalrous, no doubt, overflowing + with the <i>usual</i> social refinements, but—Here, again, I + run hard upon the absolute necessity of silence. The way to + me, if you care to traverse it, is so simple, so very simple! + Yet, after what I have written, I can not even wave my + hand in the direction of it, without certain self-contempt. + When I feel free to tell you, we shall draw apart and remain + unknown forever. + + "You desire to write? I do not prohibit it. I have + heretofore made no arrangement for hearing from you, in + turn, because I could not discover that any advantage would + accrue from it. But it seems only fair, I confess, and you + dare not think me capricious. So, three days hence, at six + o'clock in the evening, a trusty messenger of mine will call + at your door. If you have anything to give her for me, the + act of giving it must be the sign of a compact on your part + that you will allow her to leave immediately, unquestioned + and unfollowed." +</pre> + <p> + You look puzzled, I see: you don't catch the real drift of her words? + Well, that's a melancholy encouragement. Neither did I, at the time: it + was plain that I had disappointed her in some way, and my intercourse with + or manner toward women had something to do with it. In vain I ran over as + much of my later social life as I could recall. There had been no special + attention, nothing to mislead a susceptible heart; on the other side, + certainly no rudeness, no want of "chivalrous" (she used the word!) + respect and attention. What, in the name of all the gods, was the matter? + </p> + <p> + In spite of all my efforts to grow clearer, I was obliged to write my + letter in a rather muddled state of mind. I had <i>so</i> much to say! + sixteen folio pages, I was sure, would only suffice for an introduction to + the case; yet, when the creamy vellum lay before me and the moist pen drew + my fingers toward it, I sat stock dumb for half an hour. I wrote, finally, + in a half-desperate mood, without regard to coherency or logic. Here's a + rough draft of a part of the letter, and a single passage from it will be + enough: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I can conceive of no simpler way to you than the knowledge + of your name and address. I have drawn airy images of you, + but they do not become incarnate, and I am not sure that I + should recognize you in the brief moment of passing. Your + nature is not of those which are instantly legible. As an + abstract power, it has wrought in my life and it continually + moves my heart with desires which are unsatisfactory because + so vague and ignorant. Let me offer you, personally, my + gratitude, my earnest friendship: you would laugh if I were + <i>now</i> to offer more. +</pre> + <p> + Stay! here is another fragment, more reckless in tone: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I want to find the woman whom I can love—who can love me. + But this is a masquerade where the features are hidden, the + voice disguised, even the hands grotesquely gloved. Come! I + will venture more than I ever thought was possible to me. + You shall know my deepest nature as I myself seem to know + it. Then, give me the commonest chance of learning yours, + through an intercourse which shall leave both free, should + we not feel the closing of the inevitable bond!" +</pre> + <p> + After I had written that, the pages filled rapidly. When the appointed + hour arrived, a bulky epistle, in a strong linen envelope, sealed with + five wax seals, was waiting on my table. Precisely at six there was an + announcement: the door opened, and a little outside, in the shadow, I saw + an old woman, in a threadbare dress of rusty black. + </p> + <p> + "Come in!" I said. + </p> + <p> + "The letter!" answered a husky voice. She stretched out a bony hand, + without moving a step. + </p> + <p> + "It is for a lady—very important business," said I, taking up the + letter; "are you sure that there is no mistake?" + </p> + <p> + She drew her hand under the shawl, turned without a word, and moved toward + the hall door. + </p> + <p> + "Stop!" I cried: "I beg a thousand pardons! Take it—take it! You are + the right messenger!" + </p> + <p> + She clutched it, and was instantly gone. + </p> + <p> + Several days passed, and I gradually became so nervous and uneasy that I + was on the point of inserting another "Personal" in the daily papers, when + the answer arrived. It was brief and mysterious; you shall hear the whole + of it: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "I thank you. Your letter is a sacred confidence which I + pray you never to regret. Your nature is sound and good. You + ask no more than is reasonable, and I have no real right to + refuse. In the one respect which I have hinted, <i>I</i> may have + been unskilful or too narrowly cautious: I must have the + certainty of this. Therefore, as a generous favor, give me + six months more! At the end of that time I will write to you + again. Have patience with these brief lines: another word + might be a word too much." +</pre> + <p> + You notice the change in her tone? The letter gave me the strongest + impression of a new, warm, almost anxious interest on her part. My + fancies, as first at Wampsocket, began to play all sorts of singular + pranks: sometimes she was rich and of an old family, sometimes moderately + poor and obscure, but always the same calm, reposeful face and clear gray + eyes. I ceased looking for her in society, quite sure that I should not + find her, and nursed a wild expectation of suddenly meeting her, face to + face, in the most unlikely places and under startling circumstances. + However, the end of it all was patience—patience for six months. + </p> + <p> + There's not much more to tell; but this last letter is hard for me to + read. It came punctually, to a day. I knew it would, and at the last I + began to dread the time, as if a heavy note were falling due, and I had no + funds to meet it. My head was in a whirl when I broke the seal. The fact + in it stared at me blankly, at once, but it was a long time before the + words and sentences became intelligible. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "The stipulated time has come, and our hidden romance is at + an end. Had I taken this resolution a year ago, it would + have saved me many vain hopes, and you, perhaps, a little + uncertainty. Forgive me, first, if you can, and then hear + the explanation! + + "You wished for a personal interview: <i>you have had, not + one, but many</i>. We have met, in society, talked face to + face, discussed the weather, the opera, toilettes, Queechy, + Aurora Floyd, Long Branch, and Newport, and exchanged a + weary amount of fashionable gossip; and you never guessed + that I was governed by any deeper interest! I have purposely + uttered ridiculous platitudes, and you were as smilingly + courteous as if you enjoyed them: I have let fall remarks + whose hollowness and selfishness could not have escaped you, + and have waited in vain for a word of sharp, honest, manly + reproof. Your manner to me was unexceptionable, as it was to + all other women: but there lies the source of my + disappointment, of—yes—of my sorrow! + + "You appreciate, I can not doubt, the qualities in woman + which men value in one another—culture, independence of + thought, a high and earnest apprehension of life; but you + know not how to seek them. It is not true that a mature and + unperverted woman is flattered by receiving only the general + obsequiousness which most men give to the whole sex. In the + man who contradicts and strives with her, she discovers a + truer interest, a nobler respect. The empty-headed, spindle- + shanked youths who dance admirably, understand something of + billiards, much less of horses, and still less of + navigation, soon grow inexpressibly wearisome to us; but the + men who adopt their social courtesy, never seeking to + arouse, uplift, instruct us, are a bitter disappointment. + + "What would have been the end, had you really found me? + Certainly a sincere, satisfying friendship. No mysterious + magnetic force has drawn you to me or held you near me, nor + has my experiment inspired me with an interest which can not + be given up without a personal pang. I am grieved, for the + sake of all men and all women. Yet, understand me! I mean no + slightest reproach. I esteem and honor you for what you + are. Farewell!" +</pre> + <p> + There! Nothing could be kinder in tone, nothing more humiliating in + substance, I was sore and offended for a few days; but I soon began to + see, and ever more and more clearly, that she was wholly right. I was + sure, also, that any further attempt to correspond with her would be vain. + It all comes of taking society just as we find it, and supposing that + conventional courtesy is the only safe ground on which men and women can + meet. + </p> + <p> + The fact is—there's no use in hiding it from myself (and I see, by + your face, that the letter cuts into your own conscience)—she is a + free, courageous, independent character, and—I am not. But who <i>was</i> + she? + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Who Was She?, by Bayard Taylor + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHO WAS SHE? *** + +***** This file should be named 23166-h.htm or 23166-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/1/6/23166/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + + +</pre> + </body> +</html> diff --git a/23166.txt b/23166.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bfbabb4 --- /dev/null +++ b/23166.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1098 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Who Was She?, by Bayard Taylor + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Who Was She? + From "The Atlantic Monthly" for September, 1874 + +Author: Bayard Taylor + +Release Date: October 24, 2007 [EBook #23166] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHO WAS SHE? *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + + +WHO WAS SHE? + +By Bayard Taylor + +From "The Atlantic Monthly" for September, 1874 + + +Come, now, there may as well be an end of this! Every time I meet your +eyes squarely, I detect the question just slipping out of them. If +you had spoken it, or even boldly looked it; if you had shown in your +motions the least sign of a fussy or fidgety concern on my account; if +this were not the evening of my birthday, and you the only friend who +remembered it; if confession were not good for the soul, though harder +than sin to some people, of whom I am one--well, if all reasons were not +at this instant converged into a focus, and burning me rather violently, +in that region where the seat of emotion is supposed to lie, I should +keep my trouble to myself. + +Yes, I have fifty times had it on my mind to tell you the whole story. +But who can be certain that his best friend will not smile--or, what +is worse, cherish a kind of charitable pity ever afterward--when +the external forms of a very serious kind of passion seem trivial, +fantastic, foolish? And the worst of all is that the heroic part which I +imagined I was playing proves to have been almost the reverse. The +only comfort which I can find in my humiliation is that I am capable of +feeling it. There isn't a bit of a paradox in this, as you will see; +but I only mention it, now, to prepare you for, maybe, a little morbid +sensitiveness of my moral nerves. + +The documents are all in this portfolio under my elbow. I had just read +them again completely through when you were announced. You may examine +them as you like afterward: for the present, fill your glass, take +another Cabana, and keep silent until my "ghastly tale" has reached its +most lamentable conclusion. + +The beginning of it was at Wampsocket Springs, three years ago last +summer. I suppose most unmarried men who have reached, or passed, the +age of thirty--and I was then thirty-three--experience a milder return +of their adolescent warmth, a kind of fainter second spring, since +the first has not fulfilled its promise. Of course, I wasn't clearly +conscious of this at the time: who is? But I had had my youthful passion +and my tragic disappointment, as you know: I had looked far enough into +what Thackeray used to call the cryptic mysteries to save me from the +Scylla of dissipation, and yet preserved enough of natural nature to +keep me out of the Pharisaic Charybdis. My devotion to my legal studies +had already brought me a mild distinction; the paternal legacy was a +good nest-egg for the incubation of wealth--in short, I was a fair, +respectable "party," desirable to the humbler mammas, and not to be +despised by the haughty exclusives. + +The fashionable hotel at the Springs holds three hundred, and it was +packed. I had meant to lounge there for a fortnight and then finish my +holidays at Long Branch; but eighty, at least, out of the three hundred +were young and moved lightly in muslin. With my years and experience +I felt so safe that to walk, talk, or dance with them became simply a +luxury, such as I had never--at least so freely--possessed before. My +name and standing, known to some families, were agreeably exaggerated to +the others, and I enjoyed that supreme satisfaction which a man always +feels when he discovers, or imagines, that he is popular in society. +There is a kind of premonitory apology implied in my saying this, I am +aware. You must remember that I am culprit, and culprit's counsel, at +the same time. + +You have never been at Wampsocket? Well, the hills sweep around in +a crescent, on the northern side, and four or five radiating glens, +descending from them, unite just above the village. The central one, +leading to a waterfall (called "Minne-hehe" by the irreverent young +people, because there is so little of it), is the fashionable drive +and promenade; but the second ravine on the left, steep, crooked, and +cumbered with bowlders which have tumbled from somewhere and lodged in +the most extraordinary groupings, became my favorite walk of a morning. +There was a footpath in it, well-trodden at first, but gradually fading +out as it became more like a ladder than a path, and I soon discovered +that no other city feet than mine were likely to scale a certain rough +slope which seemed the end of the ravine. With the aid of the tough +laurel-stems I climbed to the top, passed through a cleft as narrow as a +doorway, and presently found myself in a little upper dell, as wild and +sweet and strange as one of the pictures that haunts us on the brink of +sleep. + +There was a pond--no, rather a bowl--of water in the centre; hardly +twenty yards across, yet the sky in it was so pure and far down that +the circle of rocks and summer foliage inclosing it seemed like a little +planetary ring, floating off alone through space. I can't explain the +charm of the spot, nor the selfishness which instantly suggested that +I should keep the discovery to myself. Ten years earlier I should have +looked around for some fair spirit to be my "minister," but now-- + +One forenoon--I think it was the third or fourth time I had visited the +place--I was startled to find the dent of a heel in the earth, half-way +up the slope. There had been rain during the night and the earth was +still moist and soft. It was the mark of a woman's boot, only to be +distinguished from that of a walking-stick by its semicircular form. A +little higher, I found the outline of a foot, not so small as to awake +an ecstasy, but with a suggestion of lightness, elasticity, and grace. +If hands were thrust through holes in a board-fence, and nothing of the +attached bodies seen, I can easily imagine that some would attract and +others repel us: with footprints the impression is weaker, of course, +but we cannot escape it. I am not sure whether I wanted to find the +unknown wearer of the boot within my precious personal solitude: I was +afraid I should see her, while passing through the rocky crevice, and +yet was disappointed when I found no one. + +But on the fiat, warm rock overhanging the tarn--my special throne--lay +some withering wild-flowers and a book! I looked up and down, right and +left: there was not the slightest sign of another human life than mine. +Then I lay down for a quarter of an hour, and listened: there were only +the noises of bird and squirrel, as before. At last, I took up the book, +the fiat breadth of which suggested only sketches. There were, indeed, +some tolerable studies of rocks and trees on the first pages; a few +not very striking caricatures, which seemed to have been commenced as +portraits, but recalled no faces I knew; then a number of fragmentary +notes, written in pencil. I found no name, from first to last; only, +under the sketches, a monogram so complicated and laborious that the +initials could hardly be discovered unless one already knew them. + +The writing was a woman's, but it had surely taken its character from +certain features of her own: it was clear, firm, individual. It +had nothing of that air of general debility which usually marks the +manuscript of young ladies, yet its firmness was far removed from the +stiff, conventional slope which all Englishwomen seem to acquire in +youth and retain through life, I don't see how any man in my situation +could have helped reading a few lines--if only for the sake of restoring +lost property. But I was drawn on and on, and finished by reading all: +thence, since no further harm could be done, I reread, pondering over +certain passages until they stayed with me. Here they are, as I set them +down, that evening, on the back of a legal blank: + + "It makes a great deal of difference whether we wear social + forms as bracelets or handcuffs." + + "Can we not still be wholly our independent selves, even + while doing, in the main, as others do? I know two who are + so; but they are married." + + "The men who admire these bold, dashing young girls treat + them like weaker copies of themselves. And yet they boast of + what they call 'experience'!" + + "I wonder if any one felt the exquisite beauty of the noon + as I did to-day? A faint appreciation of sunsets and storms + is taught us in youth, and kept alive by novels and + flirtations; but the broad, imperial splendor of this + summer noon!--and myself standing alone in it--yes, utterly + alone!" "The men I seek _must_ exist: where are they? How + make an acquaintance, when one obsequiously bows himself + away, as I advance? The fault is surely not all on my side." + +There was much more, intimate enough to inspire me with a keen interest +in the writer, yet not sufficiently so to make my perusal a painful +indiscretion. I yielded to the impulse of the moment, took out my +pencil, and wrote a dozen lines on one of the blank pages. They ran +something in this wise: + + "IGNOTUS IGNOTAE!--You have bestowed without intending it, + and I have taken without your knowledge. Do not regret the + accident which has enriched another. This concealed idyl of + the hills was mine, as I supposed, but I acknowledge your + equal right to it. Shall we share the possession, or will + you banish me?" + +There was a frank advance, tempered by a proper caution, I fancied, in +the words I wrote. It was evident that she was unmarried, but outside +of that certainty there lay a vast range of possibilities, some of them +alarming enough. However, if any nearer acquaintance should arise out of +the incident, the next step must be taken by her. Was I one of the men +she sought? I almost imagined so--certainly hoped so. + +I laid the book on the rock, as I had found it, bestowed another keen +scrutiny on the lonely landscape, and then descended the ravine. That +evening, I went early to the ladies' parlor, chatted more than usual +with the various damsels whom I knew, and watched with a new interest +those whom I knew not. My mind, involuntarily, had already created +a picture of the unknown. She might be twenty-five, I thought; a +reflective habit of mind would hardly be developed before that age. Tall +and stately, of course; distinctly proud in her bearing, and somewhat +reserved in her manners. Why she should have large dark eyes, with +long dark lashes, I could not tell; but so I seemed to see her. Quite +forgetting that I was (or had meant to be) _Ignotus_, I found myself +staring rather significantly at one or the other of the young ladies, +in whom I discovered some slight general resemblance to the imaginary +character. My fancies, I must confess, played strange pranks with me. +They had been kept in a coop so many years that now, when I suddenly +turned them loose, their rickety attempts at flight quite bewildered me. + +No! there was no use in expecting a sudden discovery. I went to the glen +betimes, next morning: the book was gone and so were the faded flowers, +but some of the latter were scattered over the top of another rock, a +few yards from mine. Ha! this means that I am not to withdraw, I said +to myself: she makes room for me! But how to surprise her?--for by this +time I was fully resolved to make her acquaintance, even though she +might turn out to be forty, scraggy, and sandy-haired. + +I knew no other way so likely as that of visiting the glen at all times +of the day. I even went so far as to write a line of greeting, with a +regret that our visits had not yet coincided, and laid it under a stone +on the top of _her_ rock. The note disappeared, but there was no answer +in its place. Then I suddenly remembered her fondness for the noon +hours, at which time she was "utterly alone." The hotel _table d'hote_ +was at one o'clock: her family, doubtless, dined later, in their own +rooms. Why, this gave me, at least, her place in society! The question +of age, to be sure, remained unsettled; but all else was safe. + +The next day I took a late and large breakfast, and sacrificed my +dinner. Before noon the guests had all straggled back to the hotel from +glen and grove and lane, so bright and hot was the sunshine. Indeed, I +could hardly have supported the reverberation of heat from the sides +of the ravine but for a fixed belief that I should be successful. While +crossing the narrow meadow upon which it opened, I caught a glimpse +of something white among the thickets higher up. A moment later it had +vanished, and I quickened my pace, feeling the beginning of an absurd +nervous excitement in my limbs. At the next turn, there it was again! +but only for another moment. I paused, exulting, and wiped my drenched +forehead. "She cannot escape me!" I murmured between the deep draughts +of cooler air I inhaled in the shadow of a rock. + +A few hundred steps more brought me to the foot of the steep ascent, +where I had counted on overtaking her. I was too late for that, but the +dry, baked soil had surely been crumbled and dislodged, here and there, +by a rapid foot. I followed, in reckless haste, snatching at the laurel +branches right and left, and paying little heed to my footing. About, +one-third of the way up I slipped, fell, caught a bush which snapped +at the root, slid, whirled over, and before I fairly knew what had +happened, I was lying doubled up at the bottom of the slope. + +I rose, made two steps forward, and then sat down with a groan of pain; +my left ankle was badly sprained, in addition to various minor scratches +and bruises. There was a revulsion of feeling, of course--instant, +complete, and hideous. I fairly hated the Unknown. "Fool that I was!" I +exclaimed, in the theatrical manner, dashing the palm of my hand softly +against my brow: "lured to this by the fair traitress! But, no!--not +fair: she shows the artfulness of faded, desperate spinsterhood; she is +all compact of enamel, 'liquid bloom of youth' and hair dye!" + +There was a fierce comfort in this thought, but it couldn't help me out +of the scrape. I dared not sit still, lest a sunstroke should be added, +and there was no resource but to hop or crawl down the rugged path, in +the hope of finding a forked sapling from which I could extemporize +a crutch. With endless pain and trouble I reached a thicket, and was +feebly working on a branch with my pen-knife, when the sound of a heavy +footstep surprised me. + +A brown harvest-hand, in straw hat and shirtsleeves, presently appeared. +He grinned when he saw me, and the thick snub of his nose would have +seemed like a sneer at any other time. + +"Are you the gentleman that got hurt?" he asked. "Is it pretty tolerable +bad?" + +"Who said I was hurt?" I cried, in astonishment. + +"One of your town-women from the hotel--I reckon she was. I was binding +oats, in the field over the ridge; but I haven't lost no time in comin' +here." + +While I was stupidly staring at this announcement, he whipped out a big +clasp-knife, and in a few minutes fashioned me a practicable crutch. +Then, taking me by the other arm, he set me in motion toward the +village. + +Grateful as I was for the man's help, he aggravated me by his ignorance. +When I asked if he knew the lady, he answered: "It's more'n likely _you_ +know her better," But where did she come from? Down from the hill, he +guessed, but it might ha' been up the road. How did she look? was she +old or young? what was the color of her eyes? of her hair? There, now, I +was too much for him. When a woman kept one o' them speckled veils over +her face, turned her head away, and held her parasol between, how were +you to know her from Adam? I declare to you, I couldn't arrive at one +positive particular. Even when he affirmed that she was tall, he added, +the next instant: "Now I come to think on it, she stepped mighty quick; +so I guess she must ha' been short." + +By the time we reached the hotel, I was in a state of fever; opiates +and lotions had their will of me for the rest of the day. I was glad to +escape the worry of questions, and the conventional sympathy expressed +in inflections of the voice which are meant to soothe, and only +exasperate. The next morning, as I lay upon my sofa, restful, patient, +and properly cheerful, the waiter entered with a bouquet of wild +flowers. + +"Who sent them?" I asked. + +"I found them outside your door, sir. Maybe there's a card; yes, here's +a bit o' paper." + +I opened the twisted slip he handed me, and read: "From your dell--and +mine." I took the flowers; among them were two or three rare and +beautiful varieties which I had only found in that one spot. Fool, +again! I noiselessly kissed, while pretending to smell them, had them +placed on a stand within reach, and fell into a state of quiet and +agreeable contemplation. + +Tell me, yourself, whether any male human being is ever too old for +sentiment, provided that it strikes him at the right time and in the +right way! What did that bunch of wild flowers betoken? Knowledge, +first; then, sympathy; and finally, encouragement, at least. Of course +she had seen my accident, from above; of course she had sent the harvest +laborer to aid me home. It was quite natural she should imagine some +special, romantic interest in the lonely dell, on my part, and the gift +took additional value from her conjecture. + +Four days afterward, there was a hop in the large dining-room of the +hotel. Early in the morning, a fresh bouquet had been left at my door. +I was tired of my enforced idleness, eager to discover the fair unknown +(she was again fair, to my fancy!), and I determined to go down, +believing that a cane and a crimson velvet slipper on the left foot +would provoke a glance of sympathy from certain eyes, and thus enable me +to detect them. + +The fact was, the sympathy was much too general and effusive. Everybody, +it seemed, came to me with kindly greetings; seats were vacated at my +approach, even fat Mrs. Huxter insisting on my taking her warm place, +at the head of the room. But Bob Leroy--you know him--as gallant a +gentleman as ever lived, put me down at the right point, and kept me +there. He only meant to divert me, yet gave me the only place where I +could quietly inspect all the younger ladies, as dance or supper brought +them near. + +One of the dances was an old-fashioned cotillon, and one of the figures, +the "coquette," brought every one, in turn, before me. I received a +pleasant word or two from those whom I knew, and a long, kind, silent +glance from Miss May Danvers. Where had been my eyes? She was tall, +stately, twenty-five, had large dark eyes, and long dark lashes! Again +the changes of the dance brought her near me; I threw (or strove to +throw) unutterable meanings into my eyes, and cast them upon hers. She +seemed startled, looked suddenly away, looked back to me, and--blushed. +I knew her for what is called "a nice girl"--that is, tolerably frank, +gently feminine, and not dangerously intelligent. Was it possible that I +had overlooked so much character and intellect? + +As the cotillon closed, she was again in my neighborhood, and her +partner led her in my direction. I was rising painfully from my +chair, when Bob Leroy pushed me down again, whisked another seat from +somewhere, planted it at my side, and there she was! + +She knew who was her neighbor, I plainly saw; but instead of turning +toward me, she began to fan herself in a nervous way and to fidget with +the buttons of her gloves. I grew impatient. + +"Miss Danvers!" I said, at last. + +"Oh!" was all her answer, as she looked at me for a moment. + +"Where are your thoughts?" I asked. + +Then she turned, with wide, astonished eyes, coloring softly up to the +roots of her hair. My heart gave a sudden leap. + +"How can you tell, if I can not?" she asked. + +"May I guess?" + +She made a slight inclination of the head, saying nothing. I was then +quite sure. + +"The second ravine to the left of the main drive?" + +This time she actually started; her color became deeper, and a leaf of +the ivory fan snapped between her fingers. + +"Let there be no more a secret!" I exclaimed. "Your flowers have brought +me your messages; I knew I should find you--" + +Full of certainty, I was speaking in a low, impassioned voice. She cut +me short by rising from her seat; I felt that she was both angry and +alarmed. Fisher, of Philadelphia, jostling right and left in his haste, +made his way toward her. She fairly snatched his arm, clung to it with a +warmth I had never seen expressed in a ballroom, and began to whisper +in his ear. It was not five minutes before he came to me, alone, with a +very stern face, bent down, and said: + +"If you have discovered our secret, you will keep silent. You are +certainly a gentleman." + +I bowed, coldly and savagely. There was a draught from the open window; +my ankle became suddenly weary and painful, and I went to bed. Can you +believe that I didn't guess, immediately, what it all meant? In a vague +way, I fancied that I had been premature in my attempt to drop our +mutual incognito, and that Fisher, a rival lover, was jealous of me. +This was rather flattering than otherwise; but when I limped down to the +ladies' parlor, the next day, no Miss Danvers was to be seen. I did not +venture to ask for her; it might seem importunate, and a woman of so +much hidden capacity was evidently not to be wooed in the ordinary way. + +So another night passed by; and then, with the morning, came a letter +which made me feel, at the same instant, like a fool and a hero. It had +been dropped in the Wampsocket post-office, was legibly addressed to me +and delivered with some other letters which had arrived by the night +mail. Here it is; listen: + + "Noto Ignota!--Haste is not a gift of the gods, and you have + been impatient, with the usual result. I was almost prepared + for this, and thus am not wholly disappointed. In a day or + two more you will discover your mistake, which, so far as I + can learn, has done no particular harm. If you wish to find + _me_, there is only one way to seek me; should I tell you + what it is, I should run the risk of losing you--that is, I + should preclude the manifestation of a certain quality which + I hope to find in the man who may--or--, rather, must--be my + friend. This sounds enigmatical, yet you have read enough of + my nature, as written in those random notes in my sketch- + book, to guess, at least, how much I require. Only this let + me add: mere guessing is useless. + + "Being unknown, I can write freely. If you find me, I shall + be justified; if not, I shall hardly need to blush, even to + myself, over a futile experiment. + + "It is possible for me to learn enough of your life, + henceforth, to direct my relation toward you. This may be + the end; if so, I shall know it soon. I shall also know + whether you continue to seek me. Trusting in your honor as a + man, I must ask you to trust in mine, as a woman." + +I _did_ discover my mistake, as the Unknown promised. There had been +a secret betrothal between Fisher and Miss Danvers, and, singularly +enough, the momentous question and answer had been given in the very +ravine leading to my upper dell! The two meant to keep the matter to +themselves; but therein, it seems, I thwarted them; there was a little +opposition on the part of their respective families, but all was +amicably settled before I left Wampsocket. + +The letter made a very deep impression upon me. What was the one way +to find her? What could it be but the triumph that follows ambitious +toil--the manifestation of all my best qualities as a man? Be she old +or young, plain or beautiful, I reflected, hers is surely a nature worth +knowing, and its candid intelligence conceals no hazards for me. I +have sought her rashly, blundered, betrayed that I set her lower, in my +thoughts, than her actual self: let me now adopt the opposite course, +seek her openly no longer, go back to my tasks, and, following my own +aims vigorously and cheerfully, restore that respect which she seemed to +be on the point of losing. For, consciously or not, she had communicated +to me a doubt, implied in the very expression of her own strength and +pride. She had meant to address me as an equal, yet, despite herself, +took a stand a little above that which she accorded to me. + +I came back to New York earlier than usual, worked steadily at +my profession and with increasing success, and began to accept +opportunities (which I had previously declined) of making myself +personally known to the great, impressible, fickle, tyrannical public. +One or two of my speeches in the hall of the Cooper Institute, on +various occasions--as you may perhaps remember--gave me a good headway +with the party, and were the chief cause of my nomination for the State +office which I still hold. (There, on the table, lies a resignation, +written to-day, but not yet signed. We'll talk of it afterward.) Several +months passed by, and no further letter reached me. I gave up much of +my time to society, moved familiarly in more than one province of the +kingdom here, and vastly extended my acquaintance, especially among +the women; but not one of them betrayed the mysterious something or +other--really I can't explain precisely what it was!--which I was +looking for. In fact, the more I endeavored quietly to study the sex, +the more confused I became. + +At last, I was subjected to the usual onslaught from the strong-minded. +A small but formidable committee entered my office one morning and +demanded a categorical declaration of my principles. What my views on +the subject were, I knew very well; they were clear and decided; and +yet, I hesitated to declare them! It wasn't a temptation of Saint +Anthony--that is, turned the other way--and the belligerent attitude +of the dames did not alarm me in the least; but _she!_ What was _her_ +position? How could I best please her? It flashed upon my mind, while +Mrs. ------ was making her formal speech that I had taken no step for +months without a vague, secret reference to _her_. So I strove to be +courteous, friendly, and agreeably noncommittal; begged for further +documents, and promised to reply by letter in a few days. + +I was hardly surprised to find the well-known hand on the envelope of +a letter shortly afterward. I held it for a minute in my palm, with +an absurd hope that I might sympathetically feel its character before +breaking the seal. Then I read it with a great sense of relief. + + "I have never assumed to guide a man, except toward the full + exercise of his powers. It is not opinion in action, but + opinion in a state of idleness or indifference, which repels + me. I am deeply glad that you have gained so much since you + left the country. If, in shaping your course, you have + thought of me, I will frankly say that, _to that extent_, + you have drawn nearer. Am I mistaken in conjecturing that + you wish to know my relation to the movement concerning + which you were recently interrogated? In this, as in other + instances which may come, I must beg you to consider me only + as a spectator. The more my own views may seem likely to + sway your action, the less I shall be inclined to declare + them. If you find this cold or unwomanly, remember that it + is not easy!" + +Yes! I felt that I had certainly drawn much nearer to her. And from this +time on, her imaginary face and form became other than they were. She +was twenty-eight--three years older; a very little above the middle +height, but not tall; serene, rather than stately, in her movements; +with a calm, almost grave face, relieved by the sweetness of the +full, firm lips; and finally eyes of pure, limpid gray, such as +we fancy-belonged to the Venus of Milo. I found her thus much more +attractive than with the dark eyes and lashes--but she did not make her +appearance in the circles which I frequented. + +Another year slipped away. As an official personage, my importance +increased, but I was careful not to exaggerate it to myself. Many have +wondered (perhaps you among the rest) at my success, seeing that I +possess no remarkable abilities. If I have any secret, it is simply +this--doing faithfully, with all my might, whatever I undertake. +Nine-tenths of our politicians become inflated and careless, after the +first few years, and are easily forgotten when they once lose place. + +I am a little surprised now that I had so much patience with the +Unknown. I was too important, at least, to be played with; too mature +to be! subjected to a longer test; too earnest, as I had proved, to be +doubted, or thrown aside without a further explanation. + +Growing tired, at last, of silent waiting, I bethought me of +advertising. A carefully written "Personal," in which _Ignotus_ informed +_Ignota_ of the necessity of his communicating with her, appeared +simultaneously in the "Tribune," "Herald," "World," and "Times." I +renewed the advertisement as the time expired without an answer, and I +think it was about the end of the third week before one came, through +the post, as before. + +Ah, yes! I had forgotten. See! my advertisement is pasted on the note, +as a heading or motto for the manuscript lines. I don't know why the +printed slip should give me a particular feeling of humiliation as I +look at it, but such is the fact. What she wrote is all I need read to +you: + + "I could not, at first, be certain that this was meant for + me. If I were to explain to you why I have not written for + so long a time, I might give you one of the few clews which + I insist on keeping in my own hands. In your public + capacity, you have been ( so far as a woman may judge) + upright, independent, wholly manly in your relations with + other men I learn nothing of you that is not honorables + toward women you are kind, chivalrous, no doubt, overflowing + with the _usual_ social refinements, but--Here, again, I + run hard upon the absolute necessity of silence. The way to + me, if you care to traverse it, is so simple, so very simple! + Yet, after what I have written, I can not even wave my + hand in the direction of it, without certain self-contempt. + When I feel free to tell you, we shall draw apart and remain + unknown forever. + + "You desire to write? I do not prohibit it. I have + heretofore made no arrangement for hearing from you, in + turn, because I could not discover that any advantage would + accrue from it. But it seems only fair, I confess, and you + dare not think me capricious. So, three days hence, at six + o'clock in the evening, a trusty messenger of mine will call + at your door. If you have anything to give her for me, the + act of giving it must be the sign of a compact on your part + that you will allow her to leave immediately, unquestioned + and unfollowed." + +You look puzzled, I see: you don't catch the real drift of her words? +Well, that's a melancholy encouragement. Neither did I, at the time: it +was plain that I had disappointed her in some way, and my intercourse +with or manner toward women had something to do with it. In vain I ran +over as much of my later social life as I could recall. There had been +no special attention, nothing to mislead a susceptible heart; on the +other side, certainly no rudeness, no want of "chivalrous" (she used the +word!) respect and attention. What, in the name of all the gods, was the +matter? + +In spite of all my efforts to grow clearer, I was obliged to write +my letter in a rather muddled state of mind. I had _so_ much to say! +sixteen folio pages, I was sure, would only suffice for an introduction +to the case; yet, when the creamy vellum lay before me and the moist pen +drew my fingers toward it, I sat stock dumb for half an hour. I wrote, +finally, in a half-desperate mood, without regard to coherency or logic. +Here's a rough draft of a part of the letter, and a single passage from +it will be enough: + + I can conceive of no simpler way to you than the knowledge + of your name and address. I have drawn airy images of you, + but they do not become incarnate, and I am not sure that I + should recognize you in the brief moment of passing. Your + nature is not of those which are instantly legible. As an + abstract power, it has wrought in my life and it continually + moves my heart with desires which are unsatisfactory because + so vague and ignorant. Let me offer you, personally, my + gratitude, my earnest friendship: you would laugh if I were + _now_ to offer more. + +Stay! here is another fragment, more reckless in tone: + + "I want to find the woman whom I can love--who can love me. + But this is a masquerade where the features are hidden, the + voice disguised, even the hands grotesquely gloved. Come! I + will venture more than I ever thought was possible to me. + You shall know my deepest nature as I myself seem to know + it. Then, give me the commonest chance of learning yours, + through an intercourse which shall leave both free, should + we not feel the closing of the inevitable bond!" + +After I had written that, the pages filled rapidly. When the appointed +hour arrived, a bulky epistle, in a strong linen envelope, sealed with +five wax seals, was waiting on my table. Precisely at six there was an +announcement: the door opened, and a little outside, in the shadow, I +saw an old woman, in a threadbare dress of rusty black. + +"Come in!" I said. + +"The letter!" answered a husky voice. She stretched out a bony hand, +without moving a step. + +"It is for a lady--very important business," said I, taking up the +letter; "are you sure that there is no mistake?" + +She drew her hand under the shawl, turned without a word, and moved +toward the hall door. + +"Stop!" I cried: "I beg a thousand pardons! Take it--take it! You are +the right messenger!" + +She clutched it, and was instantly gone. + +Several days passed, and I gradually became so nervous and uneasy that +I was on the point of inserting another "Personal" in the daily papers, +when the answer arrived. It was brief and mysterious; you shall hear the +whole of it: + + "I thank you. Your letter is a sacred confidence which I + pray you never to regret. Your nature is sound and good. You + ask no more than is reasonable, and I have no real right to + refuse. In the one respect which I have hinted, _I_ may have + been unskilful or too narrowly cautious: I must have the + certainty of this. Therefore, as a generous favor, give me + six months more! At the end of that time I will write to you + again. Have patience with these brief lines: another word + might be a word too much." + +You notice the change in her tone? The letter gave me the strongest +impression of a new, warm, almost anxious interest on her part. My +fancies, as first at Wampsocket, began to play all sorts of singular +pranks: sometimes she was rich and of an old family, sometimes +moderately poor and obscure, but always the same calm, reposeful face +and clear gray eyes. I ceased looking for her in society, quite sure +that I should not find her, and nursed a wild expectation of suddenly +meeting her, face to face, in the most unlikely places and +under startling circumstances. However, the end of it all was +patience--patience for six months. + +There's not much more to tell; but this last letter is hard for me to +read. It came punctually, to a day. I knew it would, and at the last I +began to dread the time, as if a heavy note were falling due, and I had +no funds to meet it. My head was in a whirl when I broke the seal. The +fact in it stared at me blankly, at once, but it was a long time before +the words and sentences became intelligible. + + "The stipulated time has come, and our hidden romance is at + an end. Had I taken this resolution a year ago, it would + have saved me many vain hopes, and you, perhaps, a little + uncertainty. Forgive me, first, if you can, and then hear + the explanation! + + "You wished for a personal interview: _you have had, not + one, but many_. We have met, in society, talked face to + face, discussed the weather, the opera, toilettes, Queechy, + Aurora Floyd, Long Branch, and Newport, and exchanged a + weary amount of fashionable gossip; and you never guessed + that I was governed by any deeper interest! I have purposely + uttered ridiculous platitudes, and you were as smilingly + courteous as if you enjoyed them: I have let fall remarks + whose hollowness and selfishness could not have escaped you, + and have waited in vain for a word of sharp, honest, manly + reproof. Your manner to me was unexceptionable, as it was to + all other women: but there lies the source of my + disappointment, of--yes--of my sorrow! + + "You appreciate, I can not doubt, the qualities in woman + which men value in one another--culture, independence of + thought, a high and earnest apprehension of life; but you + know not how to seek them. It is not true that a mature and + unperverted woman is flattered by receiving only the general + obsequiousness which most men give to the whole sex. In the + man who contradicts and strives with her, she discovers a + truer interest, a nobler respect. The empty-headed, spindle- + shanked youths who dance admirably, understand something of + billiards, much less of horses, and still less of + navigation, soon grow inexpressibly wearisome to us; but the + men who adopt their social courtesy, never seeking to + arouse, uplift, instruct us, are a bitter disappointment. + + "What would have been the end, had you really found me? + Certainly a sincere, satisfying friendship. No mysterious + magnetic force has drawn you to me or held you near me, nor + has my experiment inspired me with an interest which can not + be given up without a personal pang. I am grieved, for the + sake of all men and all women. Yet, understand me! I mean no + slightest reproach. I esteem and honor you for what you + are. Farewell!" + +There! Nothing could be kinder in tone, nothing more humiliating in +substance, I was sore and offended for a few days; but I soon began to +see, and ever more and more clearly, that she was wholly right. I was +sure, also, that any further attempt to correspond with her would be +vain. It all comes of taking society just as we find it, and supposing +that conventional courtesy is the only safe ground on which men and +women can meet. + +The fact is--there's no use in hiding it from myself (and I see, by your +face, that the letter cuts into your own conscience)--she is a free, +courageous, independent character, and--I am not. But who _was_ she? + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Who Was She?, by Bayard Taylor + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WHO WAS SHE? *** + +***** This file should be named 23166.txt or 23166.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/3/1/6/23166/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +http://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at http://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit http://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. +To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + http://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/23166.zip b/23166.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1ac861b --- /dev/null +++ b/23166.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4810722 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #23166 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/23166) |