Paul'sCase

AStudyinTemperament
ReproducedfromVirginiaFaulkner,ed,WillaCather'sCollectedShortFiction18921912.
Lincoln:UniversityofNebraskaPress,1970,24361.

ItwasPaul'safternoontoappearbeforethefacultyofthePittsburghHighSchooltoaccountforhis
variousmisdemeanours.Hehadbeensuspendedaweekago,andhisfatherhadcalledatthePrincipal's
officeandconfessedhisperplexityabouthisson.Paulenteredthefacultyroomsuaveandsmiling.His
clotheswereatrifleoutgrownandthetanvelvetonthecollarofhisopenovercoatwasfrayedandworn
butforallthattherewassomethingofthedandyabouthim,andheworeanopalpininhisneatlyknotted
blackfourinhand,andaredcarnationinhisbuttonhole.Thislatteradornmentthefacultysomehowfelt
wasnotproperlysignificantofthecontritespiritbefittingaboyunderthebanofsuspension.
Paulwastallforhisageandverythin,withhigh,crampedshouldersandanarrowchest.Hiseyeswere
remarkableforacertainhystericalbrilliancyandhecontinuallyusedtheminaconscious,theatricalsort
ofway,peculiarlyoffensiveinaboy.Thepupilswereabnormallylarge,asthoughhewereaddictedto
belladonna,buttherewasaglassyglitteraboutthemwhichthatdrugdoesnotproduce.
WhenquestionedbythePrincipalastowhyhewasthere,Paulstated,politelyenough,thathewantedto
comebacktoschool.Thiswasalie,butPaulwasquiteaccustomedtolyingfoundit,indeed,
indispensableforovercomingfriction.Histeacherswereaskedtostatetheirrespectivechargesagainst
him,whichtheydidwithsucharancourandaggrievednessasevincedthatthiswasnotausualcase.
Disorderandimpertinencewereamongtheoffencesnamed,yeteachofhisinstructorsfeltthatitwas
scarcelypossibletoputintowordstherealcauseofthetrouble,whichlayinasortofhystericallydefiant
manneroftheboy'sinthecontemptwhichtheyallknewhefeltforthem,andwhichheseeminglymade
nottheleastefforttoconceal.Once,whenhehadbeenmakingasynopsisofaparagraphatthe
blackboard,hisEnglishteacherhadsteppedtohissideandattemptedtoguidehishand.Paulhadstarted
backwithashudderandthrusthishandsviolentlybehindhim.Theastonishedwomancouldscarcely
havebeenmorehurtandembarrassedhadhestruckather.Theinsultwassoinvoluntaryanddefinitely
personalastobeunforgettable.Inonewayandanother,hehadmadeallhisteachers,menandwomen
alike,consciousofthesamefeelingofphysicalaversion.Inoneclasshehabituallysatwithhishand
shadinghiseyesinanotherhealwayslookedoutofthewindowduringtherecitationinanotherhe
madearunningcommentaryonthelecture,withhumorousintention.
Histeachersfeltthisafternoonthathiswholeattitudewassymbolizedbyhisshrugandhisflippantlyred
carnationflower,andtheyfelluponhimwithoutmercy,hisEnglishteacherleadingthepack.Hestood
throughitsmiling,hispalelipspartedoverhiswhiteteeth.(Hislipswerecontinuallytwitching,andhe
hadahabitofraisinghiseyebrowsthatwascontemptuousandirritatingtothelastdegree.)Olderboys
thanPaulhadbrokendownandshedtearsunderthatbaptismoffire,buthissetsmiledidnotoncedesert
him,andhisonlysignofdiscomfortwasthenervoustremblingofthefingersthattoyedwiththebuttons
ofhisovercoat,andanoccasionaljerkingoftheotherhandthatheldhishat.Paulwasalwayssmiling,
alwaysglancingabouthim,seemingtofeelthatpeoplemightbewatchinghimandtryingtodetect
something.Thisconsciousexpression,sinceitwasasfaraspossiblefromboyishmirthfulness,was
usuallyattributedtoinsolenceor"smartness."
Astheinquisitionproceeded,oneofhisinstructorsrepeatedanimpertinentremarkoftheboy's,andthe
Principalaskedhimwhetherhethoughtthatacourteousspeechtohavemadeawoman.Paulshrugged
hisshouldersslightlyandhiseyebrowstwitched.
"Idon'tknow,"hereplied."Ididn'tmeantobepoliteorimpolite,either.Iguessit'sasortofwayIhave
ofsayingthingsregardless."
ThePrincipal,whowasasympatheticman,askedhimwhetherhedidn'tthinkthatawayitwouldbewell
togetridof.Paulgrinnedandsaidheguessedso.Whenhewastoldthathecouldgo,hebowed

gracefullyandwentout.Hisbowwasbutarepetitionofthescandalousredcarnation.
Histeacherswereindespair,andhisdrawingmastervoicedthefeelingofthemallwhenhedeclared
therewassomethingabouttheboywhichnoneofthemunderstood.Headded:"Idon'treallybelievethat
smileofhiscomesaltogetherfrominsolencethere'ssomethingsortofhauntedaboutit.Theboyisnot
strong,foronething.IhappentoknowthathewasborninColorado,onlyafewmonthsbeforehis
motherdiedoutthereofalongillness.Thereissomethingwrongaboutthefellow."
Thedrawingmasterhadcometorealizethat,inlookingatPaul,onesawonlyhiswhiteteethandthe
forcedanimationofhiseyes.Onewarmafternoontheboyhadgonetosleepathisdrawingboard,and
hismasterhadnotedwithamazementwhatawhite,blueveinedfaceitwasdrawnandwrinkledlikean
oldman'sabouttheeyes,thelipstwitchingeveninhissleep,andstiffwithanervoustensionthatdrew
thembackfromhisteeth.
Histeachersleftthebuildingdissatisfiedandunhappyhumiliatedtohavefeltsovindictivetowarda
mereboy,tohaveutteredthisfeelingincuttingterms,andtohaveseteachotheron,asitwere,inthe
grewsomegameofintemperatereproach.Someofthemrememberedhavingseenamiserablestreetcat
setatbaybyaringoftormentors.
AsforPaul,herandownthehillwhistlingtheSoldiers'ChorusfromFaustlookingwildlybehindhim
nowandthentoseewhethersomeofhisteacherswerenottheretowritheunderhislightheartedness.As
itwasnowlateintheafternoonandPaulwasondutythateveningasusheratCarnegieHall,hedecided
thathewouldnotgohometosupper.Whenhereachedtheconcerthallthedoorswerenotyetopenand,
asitwaschillyoutside,hedecidedtogoupintothepicturegalleryalwaysdesertedatthishour
wherethereweresomeofRaffelli'sgaystudiesofParisstreetsandanairyblueVenetiansceneortwo
thatalwaysexhilaratedhim.Hewasdelightedtofindnooneinthegallerybuttheoldguard,whosatin
onecorner,anewspaperonhisknee,ablackpatchoveroneeyeandtheotherclosed.Paulpossessed
himselfoftheplaceandwalkedconfidentlyupanddown,whistlingunderhisbreath.Afterawhilehesat
downbeforeablueRicoandlosthimself.Whenhebethoughthimtolookathiswatch,itwasafterseven
o'clock,andherosewithastartandrandownstairs,makingafaceatAugustus,peeringoutfromthe
castroom,andanevilgestureattheVenusofMiloashepassedheronthestairway.
WhenPaulreachedtheushers'dressingroomhalfadozenboysweretherealready,andhebegan
excitedlytotumbleintohisuniform.Itwasoneofthefewthatatallapproachedfitting,andPaulthought
itverybecomingthoughheknewthatthetight,straightcoataccentuatedhisnarrowchest,aboutwhich
hewasexceedinglysensitive.Hewasalwaysconsiderablyexcitedwhilehedressed,twangingalloverto
thetuningofthestringsandthepreliminaryflourishesofthehornsinthemusicroombuttonighthe
seemedquitebesidehimself,andheteasedandplaguedtheboysuntil,tellinghimthathewascrazy,they
puthimdownonthefloorandsatonhim.
Somewhatcalmedbyhissuppression,Pauldashedouttothefrontofthehousetoseattheearlycomers.
Hewasamodelushergraciousandsmilingheranupanddowntheaislesnothingwastoomuchtrouble
forhimhecarriedmessagesandbroughtprogrammesasthoughitwerehisgreatestpleasureinlife,and
allthepeopleinhissectionthoughthimacharmingboy,feelingthatherememberedandadmiredthem.
Asthehousefilled,hegrewmoreandmorevivaciousandanimated,andthecolourcametohischeeks
andlips.ItwasverymuchasthoughthiswereagreatreceptionandPaulwerethehost.Justasthe
musicianscameouttotaketheirplaces,hisEnglishteacherarrivedwithchecksfortheseatswhicha
prominentmanufacturerhadtakenfortheseason.Shebetrayedsomeembarrassmentwhenshehanded
Paulthetickets,andahauteurwhichsubsequentlymadeherfeelveryfoolish.Paulwasstartledfora
moment,andhadthefeelingofwantingtoputheroutwhatbusinesshadshehereamongallthesefine
peopleandgaycolours?Helookedheroveranddecidedthatshewasnotappropriatelydressedandmust
beafooltositdownstairsinsuchtogs.Theticketshadprobablybeensentheroutofkindness,he
reflectedasheputdownaseatforher,andshehadaboutasmuchrighttositthereashehad.
WhenthesymphonybeganPaulsankintooneoftherearseatswithalongsighofrelief,andlosthimself
ashehaddonebeforetheRico.Itwasnotthatsymphonies,assuch,meantanythinginparticulartoPaul,
butthefirstsighoftheinstrumentsseemedtofreesomehilariousandpotentspiritwithinhimsomething

thatstruggledthereliketheGeniusinthebottlefoundbytheArabfisherman.Hefeltasuddenzestof
lifethelightsdancedbeforehiseyesandtheconcerthallblazedintounimaginablesplendour.Whenthe
sopranosoloistcameon,Paulforgoteventhenastinessofhisteacher'sbeingthereandgavehimselfup
tothepeculiarstimulussuchpersonagesalwayshadforhim.ThesoloistchancedtobeaGerman
woman,bynomeansinherfirstyouth,andthemotherofmanychildrenbutsheworeanelaborategown
andatiara,andaboveallshehadthatindefinableairofachievement,thatworldshineuponher,which,
inPaul'seyes,madeheraveritablequeenofRomance.

AfteraconcertwasoverPaulwasalwaysirritableandwretcheduntilhegottosleep,andtonighthewas
evenmorethanusuallyrestless.Hehadthefeelingofnotbeingabletoletdown,ofitsbeingimpossible
togiveupthisdeliciousexcitementwhichwastheonlythingthatcouldbecalledlivingatall.Duringthe
lastnumberhewithdrewand,afterhastilychanginghisclothesinthedressingroom,slippedouttothe
sidedoorwherethesoprano'scarriagestood.Herehebeganpacingrapidlyupanddownthewalk,
waitingtoseehercomeout.
OveryondertheSchenley,initsvacantstretch,loomedbigandsquarethroughthefinerain,thewindows
ofitstwelvestoriesglowinglikethoseofalightedcardboardhouseunderaChristmastree.Allthe
actorsandsingersofthebetterclassstayedtherewhentheywereinthecity,andanumberofthebig
manufacturersoftheplacelivedthereinthewinter.Paulhadoftenhungaboutthehotel,watchingthe
peoplegoinandout,longingtoenterandleaveschoolmastersanddullcarebehindhimforever.
Atlastthesingercameout,accompaniedbytheconductor,whohelpedherintohercarriageandclosed
thedoorwithacordialaufwiedersehenwhichsetPaultowonderingwhethershewerenotanold
sweetheartofhis.Paulfollowedthecarriageovertothehotel,walkingsorapidlyasnottobefarfrom
theentrancewhenthesingeralightedanddisappearedbehindtheswingingglassdoorsthatwereopened
byanegroinatallhatandalongcoat.InthemomentthatthedoorwasajaritseemedtoPaulthathe,
too,entered.Heseemedtofeelhimselfgoafterherupthesteps,intothewarm,lightedbuilding,intoan
exotic,atropicalworldofshiny,glisteningsurfacesandbaskingease.Hereflecteduponthemysterious
dishesthatwerebroughtintothediningroom,thegreenbottlesinbucketsofice,ashehadseenthemin
thesupperpartypicturesoftheSundayWorldsupplement.Aquickgustofwindbroughttheraindown
withsuddenvehemence,andPaulwasstartledtofindthathewasstilloutsideintheslushofthegravel
drivewaythathisbootswerelettinginthewaterandhisscantyovercoatwasclingingwetabouthim
thatthelightsinfrontoftheconcerthallwereout,andthattherainwasdrivinginsheetsbetweenhim
andtheorangeglowofthewindowsabovehim.Thereitwas,whathewantedtangiblybeforehim,like
thefairyworldofaChristmaspantomime,butmockingspiritsstoodguardatthedoors,and,astherain
beatinhisface,Paulwonderedwhetherheweredestinedalwaystoshiverintheblacknightoutside,
lookingupatit.
Heturnedandwalkedreluctantlytowardthecartracks.Theendhadtocomesometimehisfatherinhis
nightclothesatthetopofthestairs,explanationsthatdidnotexplain,hastilyimprovisedfictionsthat
wereforevertrippinghimup,hisupstairsroomanditshorribleyellowwallpaper,thecreakingbureau
withthegreasyplushcollarboxandoverhispaintedwoodenbedthepicturesofGeorgeWashingtonand
JohnCalvin,andtheframedmotto,"FeedmyLambs,"whichhadbeenworkedinredworstedbyhis
mother.
Halfanhourlater,Paulalightedfromhiscarandwentslowlydownoneofthesidestreetsoffthemain
thoroughfare.Itwasahighlyrespectablestreet,whereallthehouseswereexactlyalike,andwhere
businessmenofmoderatemeansbegotandrearedlargefamiliesofchildren,allofwhomwentto
Sabbathschoolandlearnedtheshortercatechism,andwereinterestedinarithmeticallofwhomwereas
exactlyalikeastheirhomes,andofapiecewiththemonotonyinwhichtheylived.Paulneverwentup
CordeliaStreetwithoutashudderofloathing.HishomewasnexttothehouseoftheCumberland
minister.Heapproachedittonightwiththenervelesssenseofdefeat,thehopelessfeelingofsinking
backforeverintouglinessandcommonnessthathehadalwayshadwhenhecamehome.Themomenthe
turnedintoCordeliaStreethefeltthewaterscloseabovehishead.Aftereachoftheseorgiesofliving,he

experiencedallthephysicaldepressionwhichfollowsadebauchtheloathingofrespectablebeds,of
commonfood,ofahousepenetratedbykitchenodoursashudderingrepulsionfortheflavourless,
colourlessmassofeverydayexistenceamorbiddesireforcoolthingsandsoftlightsandfreshflowers.
Thenearerheapproachedthehouse,themoreabsolutelyunequalPaulfelttothesightofitallhisugly
sleepingchamberthecoldbathroomwiththegrimyzinctub,thecrackedmirror,thedrippingspiggots
hisfather,atthetopofthestairs,hishairylegsstickingoutfromhisnightshirt,hisfeetthrustintocarpet
slippers.Hewassomuchlaterthanusualthattherewouldcertainlybeinquiriesandreproaches.Paul
stoppedshortbeforethedoor.Hefeltthathecouldnotbeaccostedbyhisfathertonightthathecould
nottossagainonthatmiserablebed.Hewouldnotgoin.Hewouldtellhisfatherthathehadnocarfare,
anditwasrainingsohardhehadgonehomewithoneoftheboysandstayedallnight.
Meanwhile,hewaswetandcold.Hewentaroundtothebackofthehouseandtriedoneofthebasement
windows,founditopen,raiseditcautiously,andscrambleddownthecellarwalltothefloor.Therehe
stood,holdinghisbreath,terrifiedbythenoisehehadmade,butthefloorabovehimwassilent,andthere
wasnocreakonthestairs.Hefoundasoapbox,andcarrieditovertothesoftringoflightthatstreamed
fromthefurnacedoor,andsatdown.Hewashorriblyafraidofrats,sohedidnottrytosleep,butsat
lookingdistrustfullyatthedark,stillterrifiedlesthemighthaveawakenedhisfather.Insuchreactions,
afteroneoftheexperienceswhichmadedaysandnightsoutofthedrearyblanksofthecalendar,when
hissensesweredeadened,Paul'sheadwasalwayssingularlyclear.Supposehisfatherhadheardhim
gettinginatthewindowandhadcomedownandshothimforaburglar?Then,again,supposehisfather
hadcomedown,pistolinhand,andhehadcriedoutintimetosavehimself,andhisfatherhadbeen
horrifiedtothinkhownearlyhehadkilledhim?Then,again,supposeadayshouldcomewhenhisfather
wouldrememberthatnight,andwishtherehadbeennowarningcrytostayhishand?Withthislast
suppositionPaulentertainedhimselfuntildaybreak.
ThefollowingSundaywasfinethesoddenNovemberchillwasbrokenbythelastflashofautumnal
summer.InthemorningPaulhadtogotochurchandSabbathschool,asalways.OnseasonableSunday
afternoonstheburghersofCordeliaStreetalwayssatoutontheirfront"stoops,"andtalkedtotheir
neighboursonthenextstoop,orcalledtothoseacrossthestreetinneighbourlyfashion.Themenusually
satongaycushionsplaceduponthestepsthatleddowntothesidewalk,whilethewomen,intheir
Sunday"waists,"satinrockersonthecrampedporches,pretendingtobegreatlyattheirease.The
childrenplayedinthestreetsthereweresomanyofthemthattheplaceresembledtherecreationgrounds
ofakindergarten.Themenonthestepsallintheirshirtsleeves,theirvestsunbuttonedsatwiththeir
legswellapart,theirstomachscomfortablyprotruding,andtalkedofthepricesofthings,ortold
anecdotesofthesagacityoftheirvariouschiefsandoverlords.Theyoccasionallylookedoverthe
multitudeofsquabblingchildren,listenedaffectionatelytotheirhighpitched,nasalvoices,smilingtosee
theirownproclivitiesreproducedintheiroffspring,andinterspersedtheirlegendsoftheironkingswith
remarksabouttheirsons'progressatschool,theirgradesinarithmetic,andtheamountstheyhadsavedin
theirtoybanks.
OnthislastSundayofNovember,Paulsatalltheafternoonontheloweststepofhis"stoop,"staringinto
thestreet,whilehissisters,intheirrockers,weretalkingtotheminister'sdaughtersnextdoorabouthow
manyshirtwaiststheyhadmadeinthelastweek,andhowmanywafflessomeonehadeatenatthelast
churchsupper.Whentheweatherwaswarm,andhisfatherwasinaparticularlyjovialframeofmind,the
girlsmadelemonade,whichwasalwaysbroughtoutinaredglasspitcher,ornamentedwithforgetme
notsinblueenamel.Thisthegirlsthoughtveryfine,andtheneighboursalwaysjokedaboutthe
suspiciouscolourofthepitcher.
TodayPaul'sfathersatonthetopstep,talkingtoayoungmanwhoshiftedarestlessbabyfromkneeto
knee.HehappenedtobetheyoungmanwhowasdailyhelduptoPaulasamodel,andafterwhomitwas
hisfather'sdearesthopethathewouldpattern.Thisyoungmanwasofaruddycomplexion,witha
compressed,redmouth,andfaded,nearsightedeyes,overwhichheworethickspectacles,withgold
bowsthatcurvedabouthisears.Hewasclerktooneofthemagnatesofagreatsteelcorporation,and
waslookeduponinCordeliaStreetasayoungmanwithafuture.Therewasastorythat,somefiveyears

agohewasnowbarelytwentysixhehadbeenatrifledissipatedbutinordertocurbhisappetitesand
savethelossoftimeandstrengththatasowingofwildoatsmighthaveentailed,hehadtakenhischief's
advice,oftreiteratedtohisemployees,andattwentyonehadmarriedthefirstwomanwhomhecould
persuadetosharehisfortunes.Shehappenedtobeanangularschoolmistress,mucholderthanhe,who
alsoworethickglasses,andwhohadnowbornehimfourchildren,allnearsighted,likeherself.
Theyoungmanwasrelatinghowhischief,nowcruisingintheMediterranean,keptintouchwithallthe
detailsofthebusiness,arranginghisofficehoursonhisyachtjustasthoughhewereathome,and
"knockingoffworkenoughtokeeptwostenographersbusy."Hisfathertold,inturn,theplanhis
corporationwasconsideringofputtinginanelectricrailwayplantatCairo.Paulsnappedhisteethhe
hadanawfulapprehensionthattheymightspoilitallbeforehegotthere.Yetheratherlikedtohear
theselegendsoftheironkings,thatweretoldandretoldonSundaysandholidaysthesestoriesof
palacesinVenice,yachtsontheMediterranean,andhighplayatMonteCarloappealedtohisfancy,and
hewasinterestedinthetriumphsofthesecashboyswhohadbecomefamous,thoughhehadnomindfor
thecashboystage.
Aftersupperwasover,andhehadhelpedtodrythedishes,Paulnervouslyaskedhisfatherwhetherhe
couldgotoGeorge'stogetsomehelpinhisgeometry,andstillmorenervouslyaskedforcarfare.This
latterrequesthehadtorepeat,ashisfather,onprinciple,didnotliketohearrequestsformoney,whether
muchorlittle.HeaskedPaulwhetherhecouldnotgotosomeboywholivednearer,andtoldhimthathe
oughtnottoleavehisschoolworkuntilSundaybuthegavehimthedime.Hewasnotapoorman,but
hehadaworthyambitiontocomeupintheworld.HisonlyreasonforallowingPaultousherwas,that
hethoughtaboyoughttobeearningalittle.
Paulboundedupstairs,scrubbedthegreasyodourofthedishwaterfromhishandswiththeillsmelling
soaphehated,andthenshookoverhisfingersafewdropsofvioletwaterfromthebottlehekepthidden
inhisdrawer.Heleftthehousewithhisgeometryconspicuouslyunderhisarm,andthemomenthegot
outofCordeliaStreetandboardedadowntowncar,heshookoffthelethargyoftwodeadeningdays,and
begantoliveagain.
Theleadingjuvenileofthepermanentstockcompanywhichplayedatoneofthedowntowntheatreswas
anacquaintanceofPaul's,andtheboyhadbeeninvitedtodropinattheSundaynightrehearsals
wheneverhecould.FormorethanayearPaulhadspenteveryavailablemomentloiteringaboutCharley
Edwards'sdressingroom.HehadwonaplaceamongEdwards'sfollowingnotonlybecausetheyoung
actor,whocouldnotaffordtoemployadresser,oftenfoundhimuseful,butbecauseherecognizedin
Paulsomethingakintowhatchurchmentermvocation.
ItwasatthetheatreandatCarnegieHallthatPaulreallylivedtherestwasbutasleepandaforgetting.
ThiswasPaul'sfairytale,andithadforhimalltheallurementofasecretlove.Themomentheinhaled
thegassy,painty,dustyodourbehindthescenes,hebreathedlikeaprisonersetfree,andfeltwithinhim
thepossibilityofdoingorsayingsplendid,brilliant,poeticthings.Themomentthecrackedorchestra
beatouttheoverturefromMartha,orjerkedattheserenadefromRigoletto,allstupidanduglythings
slidfromhim,andhissensesweredeliciously,yetdelicatelyfired.
Perhapsitwasbecause,inPaul'sworld,thenaturalnearlyalwaysworetheguiseofugliness,thata
certainelementofartificialityseemedtohimnecessaryinbeauty.Perhapsitwasbecausehisexperience
oflifeelsewherewassofullofSabbathschoolpicnics,pettyeconomies,wholesomeadviceastohowto
succeedinlife,andtheunescapableodoursofcooking,thathefoundthisexistencesoalluring,these
smartlycladmenandwomensoattractive,thathewassomovedbythesestarryappleorchardsthat
bloomedperenniallyunderthelimelight.
Itwouldbedifficulttoputitstronglyenoughhowconvincinglythestageentranceofthattheatrewasfor
PaultheactualportalofRomance.Certainlynoneofthecompanyeversuspectedit,leastofallCharley
Edwards.ItwasveryliketheoldstoriesthatusedtofloataboutLondonoffabulouslyrichJews,whohad
subterraneanhallsthere,withpalms,andfountains,andsoftlampsandrichlyapparelledwomenwho
neversawthedisenchantinglightofLondonday.So,inthemidstofthatsmokepalledcity,enamoured
offiguresandgrimytoil,Paulhadhissecrettemple,hiswishingcarpet,hisbitofblueandwhite

Mediterraneanshorebathedinperpetualsunshine.
SeveralofPaul'steachershadatheorythathisimaginationhadbeenpervertedbygarishfiction,butthe
truthwasthathescarcelyeverreadatall.Thebooksathomewerenotsuchaswouldeithertemptor
corruptayouthfulmind,andasforreadingthenovelsthatsomeofhisfriendsurgeduponhimwell,he
gotwhathewantedmuchmorequicklyfrommusicanysortofmusic,fromanorchestratoabarrel
organ.Heneededonlythespark,theindescribablethrillthatmadehisimaginationmasterofhissenses,
andhecouldmakeplotsandpicturesenoughofhisown.Itwasequallytruethathewasnotstagestruck
not,atanyrate,intheusualacceptationofthatexpression.Hehadnodesiretobecomeanactor,any
morethanhehadtobecomeamusician.Hefeltnonecessitytodoanyofthesethingswhathewanted
wastosee,tobeintheatmosphere,floatonthewaveofit,tobecarriedout,blueleagueafterblue
league,awayfromeverything.
Afteranightbehindthescenes,Paulfoundtheschoolroommorethaneverrepulsivethebarefloorsand
nakedwallstheprosymenwhoneverworefrockcoats,orvioletsintheirbuttonholesthewomenwith
theirdullgowns,shrillvoices,andpitifulseriousnessaboutprepositionsthatgovernthedative.Hecould
notbeartohavetheotherpupilsthink,foramoment,thathetookthesepeopleseriouslyhemustconvey
tothemthatheconsidereditalltrivial,andwasthereonlybywayofajest,anyway.Hehadautographed
picturesofallthemembersofthestockcompanywhichheshowedhisclassmates,tellingthemthemost
incrediblestoriesofhisfamiliaritywiththesepeople,ofhisacquaintancewiththesoloistswhocameto
CarnegieHall,hissupperswiththemandtheflowershesentthem.Whenthesestorieslosttheireffect,
andhisaudiencegrewlistless,hebecamedesperateandwouldbidalltheboysgoodbye,announcing
thathewasgoingtotravelforawhilegoingtoNaples,toVenice,toEgypt.Then,nextMonday,he
wouldslipback,consciousandnervouslysmilinghissisterwasill,andheshouldhavetodeferhis
voyageuntilspring.
MatterswentsteadilyworsewithPaulatschool.Intheitchtolethisinstructorsknowhowheartilyhe
despisedthemandtheirhomilies,andhowthoroughlyhewasappreciatedelsewhere,hementionedonce
ortwicethathehadnotimetofoolwiththeoremsaddingwithatwitchoftheeyebrowsandatouchof
thatnervousbravadowhichsoperplexedthemthathewashelpingthepeopledownatthestock
companytheywereoldfriendsofhis.
TheupshotofthematterwasthatthePrincipalwenttoPaul'sfather,andPaulwastakenoutofschool
andputtowork.ThemanageratCarnegieHallwastoldtogetanotherusherinhissteadthedoorkeeper
atthetheatrewaswarnednottoadmithimtothehouseandCharleyEdwardsremorsefullypromisedthe
boy'sfathernottoseehimagain.
ThemembersofthestockcompanywerevastlyamusedwhensomeofPaul'sstoriesreachedthem
especiallythewomen.Theywerehardworkingwomen,mostofthemsupportingindigenthusbandsor
brothers,andtheylaughedratherbitterlyathavingstirredtheboytosuchfervidandfloridinventions.
TheyagreedwiththefacultyandwithhisfatherthatPaul'swasabadcase.

TheeastboundtrainwasploughingthroughaJanuarysnowstormthedulldawnwasbeginningtoshow
greywhentheenginewhistledamileoutofNewark.Paulstartedupfromtheseatwherehehadlain
curledinuneasyslumber,rubbedthebreathmistedwindowglasswithhishand,andpeeredout.The
snowwaswhirlingincurlingeddiesabovethewhitebottomlands,andthedriftslayalreadydeepinthe
fieldsandalongthefences,whilehereandtherethelongdeadgrassanddriedweedstalksprotruded
blackaboveit.Lightsshonefromthescatteredhouses,andagangoflabourerswhostoodbesidethe
trackwavedtheirlanterns.
Paulhadsleptverylittle,andhefeltgrimyanduncomfortable.Hehadmadetheallnightjourneyina
daycoach,partlybecausehewasashamed,dressedashewas,togointoaPullman,andpartlybecause
hewasafraidofbeingseentherebysomePittsburghbusinessman,whomighthavenoticedhimin
Denny&Carson'soffice.Whenthewhistleawokehim,heclutchedquicklyathisbreastpocket,glancing
abouthimwithanuncertainsmile.Butthelittle,claybespatteredItalianswerestillsleeping,the
slatternlywomenacrosstheaislewereinopenmouthedoblivion,andeventhecrumby,cryingbabies

wereforthenoncestilled.Paulsettledbacktostrugglewithhisimpatienceasbesthecould.
WhenhearrivedattheJerseyCitystation,hehurriedthroughhisbreakfast,manifestlyillateaseand
keepingasharpeyeabouthim.AfterhereachedtheTwentythirdStreetstation,heconsultedacabman,
andhadhimselfdriventoamen'sfurnishingestablishmentthatwasjustopeningfortheday.Hespent
upwardoftwohoursthere,buyingwithendlessreconsideringandgreatcare.Hisnewstreetsuitheput
oninthefittingroomthefrockcoatanddressclotheshehadbundledintothecabwithhislinen.Then
hedrovetoahatter'sandashoehouse.HisnexterrandwasatTiffany's,whereheselectedhissilverand
anewscarfpin.Hewouldnotwaittohavehissilvermarked,hesaid.Lastly,hestoppedatatrunkshop
onBroadway,andhadhispurchasespackedintovarioustravellingbags.
Itwasalittleafteroneo'clockwhenhedroveuptotheWaldorf,andaftersettlingwiththecabman,went
intotheoffice.HeregisteredfromWashingtonsaidhismotherandfatherhadbeenabroad,andthathe
hadcomedowntoawaitthearrivaloftheirsteamer.Hetoldhisstoryplausiblyandhadnotrouble,since
hevolunteeredtopayfortheminadvance,inengaginghisroomsasleepingroom,sittingroomand
bath.
Notonce,butahundredtimesPaulhadplannedthisentryintoNewYork.Hehadgoneovereverydetail
ofitwithCharleyEdwards,andinhisscrapbookathometherewerepagesofdescriptionaboutNew
Yorkhotels,cutfromtheSundaypapers.Whenhewasshowntohissittingroomontheeighthfloor,he
sawataglancethateverythingwasasitshouldbetherewasbutonedetailinhismentalpicturethatthe
placedidnotrealize,soherangforthebellboyandsenthimdownforflowers.Hemovedabout
nervouslyuntiltheboyreturned,puttingawayhisnewlinenandfingeringitdelightedlyashedidso.
Whentheflowerscame,heputthemhastilyintowater,andthentumbledintoahotbath.Presentlyhe
cameoutofhiswhitebathroom,resplendentinhisnewsilkunderwear,andplayingwiththetasselsof
hisredrobe.Thesnowwaswhirlingsofiercelyoutsidehiswindowsthathecouldscarcelyseeacrossthe
street,butwithintheairwasdeliciouslysoftandfragrant.Heputthevioletsandjonquilsonthetaboret
besidethecouch,andthrewhimselfdown,withalongsigh,coveringhimselfwithaRomanblanket.He
wasthoroughlytiredhehadbeeninsuchhaste,hehadstooduptosuchastrain,coveredsomuch
groundinthelasttwentyfourhours,thathewantedtothinkhowithadallcomeabout.Lulledbythe
soundofthewind,thewarmair,andthecoolfragranceoftheflowers,hesankintodeep,drowsy
retrospection.
Ithadbeenwonderfullysimplewhentheyhadshuthimoutofthetheatreandconcerthall,whenthey
hadtakenawayhisbone,thewholethingwasvirtuallydetermined.Therestwasamerematterof
opportunity.Theonlythingthatatallsurprisedhimwashisowncourageforherealizedwellenough
thathehadalwaysbeentormentedbyfear,asortofapprehensivedreadthat,oflateyears,asthemeshes
ofthelieshehadtoldclosedabouthim,hadbeenpullingthemusclesofhisbodytighterandtighter.
Untilnow,hecouldnotrememberthetimewhenhehadnotbeendreadingsomething.Evenwhenhe
wasalittleboy,itwasalwaystherebehindhim,orbefore,oroneitherside.Therehadalwaysbeenthe
shadowedcorner,thedarkplaceintowhichhedarednotlook,butfromwhichsomethingseemedalways
tobewatchinghimandPaulhaddonethingsthatwerenotprettytowatch,heknew.
Butnowhehadacurioussenseofrelief,asthoughhehadatlastthrowndownthegauntlettothethingin
thecorner.
Yetitwasbutadaysincehehadbeensulkinginthetracesbutyesterdayafternoonthathehadbeensent
tothebankwithDenny&Carson'sdeposit,asusualbutthistimehewasinstructedtoleavethebookto
bebalanced.Therewasabovetwothousanddollarsinchecks,andnearlyathousandinthebanknotes
whichhehadtakenfromthebookandquietlytransferredtohispocket.Atthebankhehadmadeouta
newdepositslip.Hisnerveshadbeensteadyenoughtopermitofhisreturningtotheoffice,wherehehad
finishedhisworkandaskedforafullday'sholidaytomorrow,Saturday,givingaperfectlyreasonable
pretext.Thebankbook,heknew,wouldnotbereturnedbeforeMondayorTuesday,andhisfatherwould
beoutoftownforthenextweek.Fromthetimeheslippedthebanknotesintohispocketuntilhe
boardedthenighttrainforNewYork,hehadnotknownamoment'shesitation.Itwasnotthefirsttime
Paulhadsteeredthroughtreacherouswaters.

Howastonishinglyeasyithadallbeenherehewas,thethingdoneandthistimetherewouldbeno
awakening,nofigureatthetopofthestairs.Hewatchedthesnowflakeswhirlingbyhiswindowuntilhe
fellasleep.
Whenheawoke,itwasthreeo'clockintheafternoon.Heboundedupwithastarthalfofoneofhis
preciousdaysgonealready!Hespentmorethananhourindressing,watchingeverystageofhistoilet
carefullyinthemirror.Everythingwasquiteperfecthewasexactlythekindofboyhehadalways
wantedtobe.
Whenhewentdownstairs,PaultookacarriageanddroveupFifthAvenuetowardthePark.Thesnow
hadsomewhatabatedcarriagesandtradesmen'swagonswerehurryingsoundlesslytoandfrointhe
wintertwilightboysinwoollenmufflerswereshovellingoffthedoorstepstheavenuestagesmadefine
spotsofcolouragainstthewhitestreet.Hereandthereonthecornerswerestands,withwholeflower
gardensbloomingunderglasscases,againstthesidesofwhichthesnowflakesstuckandmeltedviolets,
roses,carnations,liliesofthevalleysomehowvastlymorelovelyandalluringthattheyblossomedthus
unnaturallyinthesnow.TheParkitselfwasawonderfulstagewinterpiece.
Whenhereturned,thepauseofthetwilighthadceased,andthetuneofthestreetshadchanged.The
snowwasfallingfaster,lightsstreamedfromthehotelsthatrearedtheirdozenstoriesfearlesslyupinto
thestorm,defyingtheragingAtlanticwinds.Along,blackstreamofcarriagespoureddowntheavenue,
intersectedhereandtherebyotherstreams,tendinghorizontally.Therewereascoreofcabsaboutthe
entranceofhishotel,andhisdriverhadtowait.Boysinliverywererunninginandoutoftheawning
stretchedacrossthesidewalk,upanddowntheredvelvetcarpetlaidfromthedoortothestreet.Above,
about,withinitallwastherumbleandroar,thehurryandtossofthousandsofhumanbeingsashotfor
pleasureashimself,andoneverysideofhimtoweredtheglaringaffirmationoftheomnipotenceof
wealth.
Theboysethisteethanddrewhisshoulderstogetherinaspasmofrealizationtheplotofalldramas,the
textofallromances,thenervestuffofallsensationswaswhirlingabouthimlikethesnowflakes.He
burntlikeafaggotinatempest.
WhenPaulwentdowntodinner,themusicoftheorchestracamefloatinguptheelevatorshafttogreet
him.Hisheadwhirledashesteppedintothethrongedcorridor,andhesankbackintooneofthechairs
againstthewalltogethisbreath.Thelights,thechatter,theperfumes,thebewilderingmedleyofcolour
hehad,foramoment,thefeelingofnotbeingabletostandit.Butonlyforamomentthesewerehis
ownpeople,hetoldhimself.Hewentslowlyaboutthecorridors,throughthewritingrooms,smoking
rooms,receptionrooms,asthoughhewereexploringthechambersofanenchantedpalace,builtand
peopledforhimalone.
Whenhereachedthediningroomhesatdownatatablenearawindow.Theflowers,thewhitelinen,the
manycolouredwineglasses,thegaytoilettesofthewomen,thelowpoppingofcorks,theundulating
repetitionsoftheBlueDanubefromtheorchestra,allfloodedPaul'sdreamwithbewilderingradiance.
Whentheroseatetingeofhischampagnewasaddedthatcold,precious,bubblingstuffthatcreamed
andfoamedinhisglassPaulwonderedthattherewerehonestmenintheworldatall.Thiswaswhatall
theworldwasfightingfor,hereflectedthiswaswhatallthestrugglewasabout.Hedoubtedthereality
ofhispast.HadheeverknownaplacecalledCordeliaStreet,aplacewherefaggedlookingbusinessmen
gotontheearlycarmererivetsinamachinetheyseemedtoPaul,sickeningmen,withcombingsof
children'shairalwayshangingtotheircoats,andthesmellofcookingintheirclothes.CordeliaStreet
Ah!thatbelongedtoanothertimeandcountryhadhenotalwaysbeenthus,hadhenotsatherenight
afternight,fromasfarbackashecouldremember,lookingpensivelyoverjustsuchshimmering
textures,andslowlytwirlingthestemofaglasslikethisonebetweenhisthumbandmiddlefinger?He
ratherthoughthehad.
Hewasnotintheleastabashedorlonely.Hehadnoespecialdesiretomeetortoknowanyofthese
peopleallhedemandedwastherighttolookonandconjecture,towatchthepageant.Themerestage
propertieswereallhecontendedfor.Norwashelonelylaterintheevening,inhislogeatthe
Metropolitan.Hewasnowentirelyridofhisnervousmisgivings,ofhisforcedaggressiveness,ofthe

imperativedesiretoshowhimselfdifferentfromhissurroundings.Hefeltnowthathissurroundings
explainedhim.Nobodyquestionedthepurplehehadonlytowearitpassively.Hehadonlytoglance
downathisattiretoreassurehimselfthathereitwouldbeimpossibleforanyonetohumiliatehim.
Hefoundithardtoleavehisbeautifulsittingroomtogotobedthatnight,andsatlongwatchingthe
ragingstormfromhisturretwindow.Whenhewenttosleepitwaswiththelightsturnedoninhis
bedroompartlybecauseofhisoldtimidity,andpartlysothat,ifheshouldwakeinthenight,there
wouldbenowretchedmomentofdoubt,nohorriblesuspicionofyellowwallpaper,orofWashington
andCalvinabovehisbed.
Sundaymorningthecitywaspracticallysnowbound.Paulbreakfastedlate,andintheafternoonhefell
inwithawildSanFranciscoboy,afreshmanatYale,whosaidhehadrundownfora"littleflyer"over
Sunday.TheyoungmanofferedtoshowPaulthenightsideofthetown,andthetwoboyswentout
togetherafterdinner,notreturningtothehoteluntilseveno'clockthenextmorning.Theyhadstartedout
intheconfidingwarmthofachampagnefriendship,buttheirpartingintheelevatorwassingularlycool.
Thefreshmanpulledhimselftogethertomakehistrain,andPaulwenttobed.Heawokeattwoo'clockin
theafternoon,verythirstyanddizzy,andrangforicewater,coffee,andthePittsburghpapers.
Onthepartofthehotelmanagement,Paulexcitednosuspicion.Therewasthistobesaidforhim,thathe
worehisspoilswithdignityandinnowaymadehimselfconspicuous.Evenundertheglowofhiswine
hewasneverboisterous,thoughhefoundthestufflikeamagician'swandforwonderbuilding.Hischief
greedinesslayinhisearsandeyes,andhisexcesseswerenotoffensiveones.Hisdearestpleasureswere
thegreywintertwilightsinhissittingroomhisquietenjoymentofhisflowers,hisclothes,hiswide
divan,hiscigaretteandhissenseofpower.Hecouldnotrememberatimewhenhehadfeltsoatpeace
withhimself.Themerereleasefromthenecessityofpettylying,lyingeverydayandeveryday,restored
hisselfrespect.Hehadneverliedforpleasure,evenatschoolbuttobenoticedandadmired,toassert
hisdifferencefromotherCordeliaStreetboysandhefeltagooddealmoremanly,morehonest,even,
nowthathehadnoneedforboastfulpretensions,nowthathecould,ashisactorfriendsusedtosay,
"dressthepart."Itwascharacteristicthatremorsedidnotoccurtohim.Hisgoldendayswentbywithout
ashadow,andhemadeeachasperfectashecould.
OntheeighthdayafterhisarrivalinNewYork,hefoundthewholeaffairexploitedinthePittsburgh
papers,exploitedwithawealthofdetailwhichindicatedthatlocalnewsofasensationalnaturewasata
lowebb.ThefirmofDenny&Carsonannouncedthattheboy'sfatherhadrefundedthefullamountof
thetheft,andthattheyhadnointentionofprosecuting.TheCumberlandministerhadbeeninterviewed,
andexpressedhishopeofyetreclaimingthemotherlesslad,andhisSabbathschoolteacherdeclaredthat
shewouldsparenoefforttothatend.TherumourhadreachedPittsburghthattheboyhadbeenseenina
NewYorkhotel,andhisfatherhadgoneEasttofindhimandbringhimhome.
Paulhadjustcomeintodressfordinnerhesankintoachair,weaktotheknees,andclaspedhisheadin
hishands.Itwastobeworsethanjail,eventhetepidwatersofCordeliaStreetweretocloseoverhim
finallyandforever.Thegreymonotonystretchedbeforehiminhopeless,unrelievedyearsSabbath
school,YoungPeople'sMeeting,theyellowpaperedroom,thedampdishtowelsitallrushedbackupon
himwithasickeningvividness.Hehadtheoldfeelingthattheorchestrahadsuddenlystopped,the
sinkingsensationthattheplaywasover.Thesweatbrokeoutonhisface,andhesprangtohisfeet,
lookedabouthimwithhiswhite,conscioussmile,andwinkedathimselfinthemirror.Withsomething
oftheoldchildishbeliefinmiracleswithwhichhehadsooftengonetoclass,allhislessonsunlearned,
Pauldressedanddashedwhistlingdownthecorridortotheelevator.
Hehadnosoonerenteredthediningroomandcaughtthemeasureofthemusicthanhisremembrance
waslightenedbyhisoldelasticpowerofclaimingthemoment,mountingwithit,andfindingitall
sufficient.Theglareandglitterabouthim,themerescenicaccessorieshadagain,andforthelasttime,
theiroldpotency.Hewouldshowhimselfthathewasgame,hewouldfinishthethingsplendidly.He
doubted,morethanever,theexistenceofCordeliaStreet,andforthefirsttimehedrankhiswine
recklessly.Washenot,afterall,oneofthosefortunatebeingsborntothepurple,washenotstillhimself
andinhisownplace?HedrummedanervousaccompanimenttothePagliaccimusicandlookedabout

him,tellinghimselfoverandoverthatithadpaid.
Hereflecteddrowsily,totheswellofthemusicandthechillsweetnessofhiswine,thathemighthave
doneitmorewisely.Hemighthavecaughtanoutboundsteamerandbeenwelloutoftheirclutches
beforenow.Buttheothersideoftheworldhadseemedtoofarawayandtoouncertainthenhecouldnot
havewaitedforithisneedhadbeentoosharp.Ifhehadtochooseoveragain,hewoulddothesame
thingtomorrow.Helookedaffectionatelyaboutthediningroom,nowgildedwithasoftmist.Ah,ithad
paidindeed!
Paulwasawakenednextmorningbyapainfulthrobbinginhisheadandfeet.Hehadthrownhimself
acrossthebedwithoutundressing,andhadsleptwithhisshoeson.Hislimbsandhandswereleadheavy,
andhistongueandthroatwereparchedandburnt.Therecameuponhimoneofthosefatefulattacksof
clearheadednessthatneveroccurredexceptwhenhewasphysicallyexhaustedandhisnerveshung
loose.Helaystillandclosedhiseyesandletthetideofthingswashoverhim.
HisfatherwasinNewYork"stoppingatsomejointorother,"hetoldhimself.Thememoryof
successivesummersonthefrontstoopfelluponhimlikeaweightofblackwater.Hehadnotahundred
dollarsleftandheknewnow,morethanever,thatmoneywaseverything,thewallthatstoodbetween
allheloathedandallhewanted.Thethingwaswindingitselfuphehadthoughtofthatonhisfirst
gloriousdayinNewYork,andhadevenprovidedawaytosnapthethread.Itlayonhisdressingtable
nowhehadgotitoutlastnightwhenhecameblindlyupfromdinner,buttheshinymetalhurthiseyes,
andhedislikedthelooksofit.
Heroseandmovedaboutwithapainfuleffort,succumbingnowandagaintoattacksofnausea.Itwas
theolddepressionexaggeratedalltheworldhadbecomeCordeliaStreet.Yetsomehowhewasnot
afraidofanything,wasabsolutelycalmperhapsbecausehehadlookedintothedarkcorneratlastand
knew.Itwasbadenough,whathesawthere,butsomehownotsobadashislongfearofithadbeen.He
saweverythingclearlynow.Hehadafeelingthathehadmadethebestofit,thathehadlivedthesortof
lifehewasmeanttolive,andforhalfanhourhesatstaringattherevolver.Buthetoldhimselfthatwas
nottheway,sohewentdownstairsandtookacabtotheferry.
WhenPaularrivedatNewark,hegotoffthetrainandtookanothercab,directingthedrivertofollowthe
Pennsylvaniatracksoutofthetown.Thesnowlayheavyontheroadwaysandhaddrifteddeepinthe
openfields.Onlyhereandtherethedeadgrassordriedweedstalksprojected,singularlyblack,aboveit.
Oncewellintothecountry,Pauldismissedthecarriageandwalked,flounderingalongthetracks,his
mindamedleyofirrelevantthings.Heseemedtoholdinhisbrainanactualpictureofeverythinghehad
seenthatmorning.Herememberedeveryfeatureofbothhisdrivers,ofthetoothlessoldwomanfrom
whomhehadboughttheredflowersinhiscoat,theagentfromwhomhehadgothisticket,andallofhis
fellowpassengersontheferry.Hismind,unabletocopewithvitalmattersnearathand,worked
feverishlyanddeftlyatsortingandgroupingtheseimages.Theymadeforhimapartoftheuglinessof
theworld,oftheacheinhishead,andthebitterburningonhistongue.Hestoopedandputahandfulof
snowintohismouthashewalked,butthat,too,seemedhot.Whenhereachedalittlehillside,wherethe
tracksranthroughacutsometwentyfeetbelowhim,hestoppedandsatdown.
Thecarnationsinhiscoatweredroopingwiththecold,henoticedtheirredgloryallover.Itoccurredto
himthatalltheflowershehadseenintheglasscasesthatfirstnightmusthavegonethesameway,long
beforethis.Itwasonlyonesplendidbreaththeyhad,inspiteoftheirbravemockeryatthewinteroutside
theglassanditwasalosinggameintheend,itseemed,thisrevoltagainstthehomiliesbywhichthe
worldisrun.Paultookoneoftheblossomscarefullyfromhiscoatandscoopedalittleholeinthesnow,
wherehecovereditup.Thenhedozedawhile,fromhisweakcondition,seeminglyinsensibletothe
cold.
Thesoundofanapproachingtrainawokehim,andhestartedtohisfeet,rememberingonlyhis
resolution,andafraidlestheshouldbetoolate.Hestoodwatchingtheapproachinglocomotive,histeeth
chattering,hislipsdrawnawayfromtheminafrightenedsmileonceortwiceheglancednervously
sidewise,asthoughhewerebeingwatched.Whentherightmomentcame,hejumped.Ashefell,the
follyofhishasteoccurredtohimwithmercilessclearness,thevastnessofwhathehadleftundone.

Thereflashedthroughhisbrain,clearerthaneverbefore,theblueofAdriaticwater,theyellowof
Algeriansands.
Hefeltsomethingstrikehischest,andthathisbodywasbeingthrownswiftlythroughtheair,onandon,
immeasurablyfarandfast,whilehislimbsweregentlyrelaxed.Then,becausethepicturemaking
mechanismwascrushed,thedisturbingvisionsflashedintoblack,andPauldroppedbackintothe
immensedesignofthings.
FirstpublishedinTheTrollGarden(NewYork:McClure,Phillips&Co.,1905),pp.211253.First
magazinepublicationinMcClure's,XXV(May,1905),7483.