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Chapter 21 The next morning, when Silas and Eppie were seated at their breakfast, he said to her, Eppie, theres a thing Ive had on my mind to do this two year, and now the moneys been brought back to us we can do it. Ive been turning it over and over in the night, and I think well set out tomorrow, while the fine days last. Well leave the house and everything for your godmother to take care on, and well make a little bundle o things and set out. Where to go, daddy? said Eppie, in much surprise. To my old countryto the town where I was bornup Lantern Yard. I want to see Mr. Paston, the minister; something may ha come out to make em know I was innicent o the robbery. And Mr. Paston was a man with a deal o light; I want to speak to him about the drawing o the lots. And I should like to talk to him about the religion o this countryside, for I partly think he doesnt know on it. Eppie was very joyful, for there was the prospect not only of wonder and delight at seeing a strange country, but also of coming back to tell Aaron all about it. Aaron was so much wiser than she was about most things, it would be rather pleasant to have this little advantage over him. Mrs. Winthrop, though possessed with a dim fear of dangers attendant on so long a journey, and requiring many assurances that it would not take them out of the region of carriers carts and slow wagons, was nevertheless well pleased that Silas should revisit his own country, and find out if he had been cleared from that false accusation. Youd be easier in your mind for the rest o your life, Master Marner, said Dollythat you would. And if theres any light to be got up the Yard as you talk on, weve need of it i this world, and Id be glad on it myself, if you could bring it back. So on the fourth day from that time Silas and Eppie, in their Sunday clothes, with a small bundle tied in a blue linen handkerchief, were making their way through the streets of a great manufacturing town. Silas, bewildered by the changes thirty years had brought over his native place, had stopped several persons in succession to ask them the name of this town, that he might be sure he was not under a mistake about it. Ask for Lantern Yard, fatherask this gentleman with the tassels on his shoulders a-standing at the shop door; he isnt in a hurry like the rest, said Eppie, in some distress at her fathers bewilderment, and ill at ease, besides, amidst the noise, the movement, and the multitude of strange, indifferent faces. Eh, my child, he wont know anything about it, said Silas; gentlefolks didnt ever go up the Yard. But happen somebody can tell me which is the way to Prison Street, where the jail is. I know the way out o that as if Id seen it yesterday. With some difficulty, after many turnings and new inquiries, they reached Prison Street; and the grim walls of the jail, the first object that answered to any image in Silass memory, cheered him with the certitude, which no assurance of the towns name had hitherto given him, that he was in his native place. Ah, he said, drawing a long breath, theres the jail, Eppie; thats just the sameI arent afraid now. Its the third turning on the left hand from the jail doorsthats the way we must go. Oh, what a dark, ugly place! said Eppie. How it hides the sky! Its worse than the Workhouse. Im glad you dont live in this town now, father. Is Lantern Yard like this street? My precious child, said Silas, smiling, it isnt a big street like this. I never was easy i this street myself, but I was fond o Lantern Yard. The shops here are all altered, I thinkI cant make em out; but I shall know the turning, because its the third. |
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