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Brief Contents
1 Introduction 1
2 Statics of Particles 16
3 Rigid Bodies: Equivalent Systems of Forces 83
4 Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies 170
5 Distributed Forces: Centroids and Centers of Gravity 232
6 Analysis of Structures 299
7 Internal Forces and Moments 368
8 Friction 431
9 Distributed Forces: Moments of Inertia 485
10 Method of Virtual Work 575
11 Kinematics of Particles 615
12 Kinetics of Particles: Newton’s Second Law 721
13 Kinetics of Particles: Energy and Momentum Methods 799
14 Systems of Particles 920
15 Kinematics of Rigid Bodies 982
16 Plane Motion of Rigid Bodies: Forces and
Accelerations 1115
17 Plane Motion of Rigid Bodies: Energy and Momentum
Methods 1192
18 Kinetics of Rigid Bodies in Three Dimensions 1279
19 Mechanical Vibrations 1350
vii
Contents
Preface xv
Guided Tour xix
Digital Resources xxiii
Acknowledgments xxv
List of Symbols xxvii
1 Introduction 1
1.1 What is Mechanics? 2
1.2 Fundamental Concepts and Principles 3
1.3 Systems of Units 5
1.4 Converting between Two Systems of Units 10
1.5 Method of Solving Problems 11
1.6 Numerical Accuracy 15
2 Statics of Particles 16
2.1 Addition of Planar Forces 17
2.2 Adding Forces by Components 29
2.3 Forces and Equilibrium in a Plane 38
2.4 Adding Forces in Space 54
2.5 Forces and Equilibrium in Space 67
Review and Summary 76
Review Problems 80
ix
x Contents
8 Friction 431
8.1 The Laws of Dry Friction 433
8.2 Wedges and Screws 453
*8.3 Friction on Axles, Disks, and Wheels 462
Contents xi
8.4 Belt Friction 471
Review and Summary 480
Review Problems 482
12 Kinetics of Particles:
Newton’s Second Law 721
12.1 Newton’s Second Law and Linear Momentum 723
12.2 Angular Momentum and Orbital Motion 767
*12.3 Applications of Central-Force Motion 778
Review and Summary 792
Review Problems 796
General Approach
Vector algebra is introduced at the beginning of the Statics volume and is used
in the presentation of the basic principles of statics, as well as in the solution
of many problems, particularly three-dimensional problems. Similarly, the
concept of vector differentiation is introduced early in the Dynamics volume,
and vector analysis is used throughout the presentation of dynamics. This
approach leads to more concise derivations of the fundamental principles of
mechanics. It also makes it possible to analyze many problems in kinematics
and kinetics which could not be solved by scalar methods. The emphasis in
this text, however, remains on the correct understanding of the principles of
mechanics and on their application to the solution of engineering problems,
and vector analysis is presented chiefly as a convenient tool.†
∙ In Statics, the statics of particles is treated first, and the principle of 2.2 ADDING FORCES BY
COMPONENTS
ered later, at which time the vector and scalar products of two vectors are 2.2A Rectangular Components
of a Force: Unit Vectors
Fig. 2.14 Rectangular components of a
force F.
introduced and used to define the moment of a force about a point and In many problems, it is useful to resolve a force into two components that are
perpendicular to each other. Figure 2.14 shows a force F resolved into a compo-
y
about an axis.
nent Fx along the x axis and a component Fy along the y axis. The parallelogram
F
drawn to obtain the two components is a rectangle, and Fx and Fy are called x
rectangular components.
Fy
force, mass, and acceleration, of work and energy, and of impulse and
a force, you should think of the construction lines shown in Figs. 2.14 and 2.15
as being parallel to the x and y axes, rather than perpendicular to these axes. Fig. 2.15 Rectangular components of a
force F for axes rotated away from horizontal
This practice will help avoid mistakes in determining oblique components, as and vertical.
in Sec. 2.1E.
momentum are introduced and first applied to problems involving only Force in Terms of Unit Vectors. To simplify working with rectangular
components, we introduce two vectors of unit magnitude, directed respectively y
particles. Thus, students can familiarize themselves with the three along the positive x and y axes. These vectors are called unit vectors and are
denoted by i and j, respectively (Fig. 2.16). Recalling the definition of the prod-
uct of a scalar and a vector given in Sec. 2.1C, note that we can obtain the rect-
basic methods used in dynamics and learn their respective advan- angular components Fx and Fy of a force F by multiplying respectively the unit
vectors i and j by appropriate scalars (Fig. 2.17). We have j Magnitude = 1
Fx = Fx i Fy = Fy j (2.6)
tages before facing the difficulties associated with the motion of rigid
i x
and
Fig. 2.16 Unit vectors along the x and y
The scalars Fx and Fy may be positive or negative, depending upon the sense
y
of Fx and of Fy, but their absolute values are equal to the magnitudes of the
component forces Fx and Fy, respectively. The scalars Fx and Fy are called the
Fy = Fy j = F sin θj
scalar components of the force F, whereas the actual component forces Fx and
Fy should be referred to as the vector components of F. However, when there
F
exists no possibility of confusion, we may refer to the vector as well as the scalar
components of F as simply the components of F. Note that the scalar component j
Fx is positive when the vector component Fx has the same sense as the unit vector θ
i (i.e., the same sense as the positive x axis) and is negative when Fx has the oppo- i x
Fx = Fx i = F cos θi
† site sense. A similar conclusion holds for the sign of the scalar component Fy.
In a parallel text, Mechanics for Engineers, fifth edition, the use of vector algebra is limited Scalar Components. Denoting by F the magnitude of the force F and
Fig. 2.17 Expressing the components
of F in terms of unit vectors with scalar
to the addition and subtraction of vectors, and vector differentiation is omitted. by θ the angle between F and the x axis, which is measured counterclockwise multipliers.
bee3809X_ch02_016-082.indd 29 xv
11/09/17 01:38 PM
Rev.Confirming Pages
xvi Preface
Bodies: Energy and Momentum Methods
diagram and kinetic diagram, rather than on the standard algebraic equa-
tions of motion, a more intuitive and more complete understanding of the 147
3.4 Simplifying Systems of Forces
A
Remark: Because all the forces are contained in the plane of the figure,
you would expect the sum of their moments to be perpendicular to that plane.
Note that you could obtain the moment of each force component directly from
was first introduced in 1962 in the first edition of Vector Mechanics for
9.04 i 70 ft the diagram by first forming the product of its magnitude and perpendicular
O distance to O and then assigning to this product a positive or a negative sign,
x depending upon the sense of the moment.
Engineers, has now gained wide acceptance among mechanics teachers in Fig. 3 The point of application of
a single tugboat to create the same
effect as the given force system.
b. Single Tugboat. The force exerted by a single tugboat must be equal to
R, and its point of application A must be such that the moment of R about O is
equal to M RO (Fig. 3). Observing that the position vector of A is
this country. It is, therefore, used in preference to the method of dynamic you have
r = xi + 70j
problems in this book. REFLECT and THINK: Reducing the given situation to that of a single force
makes it easier to visualize the overall effect of the tugboats in maneuvering the
ocean liner. But in practical terms, having four boats applying force allows for
greater control in slowing and turning a large ship in a crowded harbor.
government and industry to adopt the international system of units (SI met-
A STRATEGY: First determine the relative position vectors drawn from
50 mm B
point A to the points of application of the various forces and resolve the
1200 N forces into rectangular components. Then, sum the forces and moments.
30°
700 N
ric units), the SI units most frequently used in mechanics are introduced in 60°
MODELING and ANALYSIS: Note that FB = (700 N)λBE,
100 mm where
O D
x ⟶
BE 75i − 150j + 50k
Chap. 1 and are used throughout the text. Approximately half of the sample
λBE = ___ = _____________
BE 175
100 mm Using meters and newtons, the position and force vectors are
problems and 60 percent of the homework problems are stated in these units,
z ⟶
rB/A = AB = 0.075i + 0.050k FB = 300i − 600j + 200k
E(150 mm, –50 mm, 100 mm) ⟶
rC/A = AC = 0.075i − 0.050k FC = 707i − 707k
⟶
while the remainder are in U.S. customary units. The authors believe that this
rD/A = AD = 0.100i − 0.100j FD = 600i + 1039j
approach will best serve the need of the students, who, as engineers, will have Rev.Confirming
R by adding respectively the x, y, and z components of the forces:Pages
R = ΣF = (1607 N)i + (439 N)j − (507 N)k ◂
units entails more than the use of conversion factors. Since the SI system
R –9.79 j
you would expect the sum of their moments to be perpendicular to that plane.
A
Note that you could obtain the moment of each force component directly from
9.04 i 70 ft the diagram by first forming the product of its magnitude and perpendicular
of units is an absolute system based on the units of time, length, and mass,
bee3809X_ch03_083-169.indd 147 10/25/17 06:36 AM
O distance to O and then assigning to this product a positive or a negative sign,
x depending upon the sense of the moment.
units of time, length, and force, different approaches are required for the
r = xi + 70j
you have
solution of many problems. For example, when SI units are used, a body
r × R = M RO
(xi + 70j) × (9.04i − 9.79j) = − 1035k
− x(9.79)k − 633k = − 1035k x = 41.1 ft ◂
is generally specified by its mass expressed in kilograms; in most problems REFLECT and THINK: Reducing the given situation to that of a single force
makes it easier to visualize the overall effect of the tugboats in maneuvering the
ocean liner. But in practical terms, having four boats applying force allows for
of statics it will be necessary to determine the weight of the body in new- greater control in slowing and turning a large ship in a crowded harbor.
tion will be required to determine its mass in slugs (or lb•s2/ft). The authors,
1200 N forces into rectangular components. Then, sum the forces and moments.
30°
700 N
60°
MODELING and ANALYSIS: Note that FB = (700 N)λBE,
100 mm where
units.
100 mm Using meters and newtons, the position and force vectors are
z ⟶
rB/A = AB = 0.075i + 0.050k FB = 300i − 600j + 200k
E(150 mm, –50 mm, 100 mm) ⟶
U.S. customary units can be selected. If so desired, two complete lists of R = ΣF = (1607 N)i + (439 N)j − (507 N)k ◂
(continued)
The topics covered in the optional sections in Statics include the reduc-
tion of a system of forces of a wrench, applications to hydrostatics, equilib-
rium of cables, products of inertia and Mohr’s circle, the determination of the
principal axes and the mass moments of inertia of a body of arbitrary shape,
and the method of virtual work. The sections on the inertia properties of
three-dimensional bodies are primarily intended for students who will later
study in dynamics the three-dimensional motion of rigid bodies.
The topics covered in the optional sections in Dynamics include graphi-
cal methods for the solution of rectilinear-motion problems, the trajectory of
a particle under a central force, the deflection of fluid streams, problems
involving jet and rocket propulsion, the kinematics and kinetics of rigid bodies
in three dimensions, damped mechanical vibrations, and electrical analogues.
These topics will be of particular interest when dynamics is taught in the
junior year.
The material presented in the text and most of the problems require no
previous mathematical knowledge beyond algebra, trigonometry, elementary
calculus, and the elements of vector algebra presented in Chaps. 2 and 3 of
the volume on statics. However, special problems are included, which make
use of a more advanced knowledge of calculus, and certain sections, such as
Secs. 19.5A and 19.5B on damped vibrations, should be assigned only if
students possess the proper mathematical background. In portions of the text
using elementary calculus, a greater emphasis is placed on the correct under-
standing and application of the concepts of differentiation and integration,
than on the nimble manipulation of mathematical formulas. In this connection,
it should be mentioned that the determination of the centroids of composite
areas precedes the calculation of centroids by integration, thus making it pos-
sible to establish the concept of moment of area firmly before introducing the
use of integration.
Guided Tour
Rev.Confirming Pages
Chapter Lessons. The body of the text is divided into sections, each con-
sisting of one or more sub-sections, several sample problems, and a large num-
ber of end-of-section problems for students to solve. Each section corresponds
to a well-defined topic and generally can be covered in one lesson. In a number
of cases, however, the instructor will find it desirable to devote more than one
lesson to a given topic. The Instructor’s and Solutions Manual contains sugges-
tions on the coverage of each lesson.
©Renato Bordoni/Alamy
Sample Problems. The Sample Problems are set up in much the same
form that students will use when solving assigned problems, and they employ
1
Introduction
the SMART problem-solving methodology that students are encouraged to use The tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere, One World Trade
Center is a prominent feature of the New York City skyline. From its
in the solution of their assigned problems. They thus serve the double purpose foundation to its structural components and mechanical systems, Rev.Confirming
design and operation of the tower is based on the fundamentals of
the Pages
of reinforcing the text and demonstrating the type of neat and orderly work
engineering mechanics.
that students should cultivate in their own solutions. In addition, in-problem 214 Equilibrium of Rigid Bodies
references and captions have been added to the sample problem figures for
bee3809X_ch01_001-015.indd 1 10/25/17 06:35 AM
contextual linkage to the step-by-step solution. In the digital version, many been bent as shown. The pipe is supported by ball-and-socket joints A and D,
which are fastened, respectively, to the floor and to a vertical wall, and by a
cable attached at the midpoint E of the portion BC of the pipe and at a point G
Sample Problems now have simulations to help students visualize the problem. on the wall. Determine (a) where G should be located if the tension in the cable
is to be minimum, (b) the corresponding minimum value of the tension.
6 ft 6 ft
12 ft
Concept Applications. Concept Applications are used within selected the- 450 lb
ory sections in the Statics volume to amplify certain topics, and they are designed A
12 ft
6 ft
to reinforce the specific material being presented and facilitate its understanding. STRATEGY: Draw the free-body diagram of the pipe showing the reac-
tions at A and D. Isolate the unknown tension T and the known weight W by
summing moments about the diagonal line AD, and compute values from the
Rev.Confirming Pages
equilibrium equations.
Solving Problems on Your Own. A section entitled Solving Problems on MODELING and ANALYSIS:
Free-Body Diagram. The free-body diagram of the pipe includes the load
Your Own is included for each lesson, between the sample problems and the W = (–450 lb)j, the reactions at A and D, and the force T exerted by the cable
problems to be assigned. The purpose of these sections is to help students orga- following the usual rules of algebra,Denote
neatly the unit vector
recording
problems,
step and by λ, which enables you to write
AD the
intermediate results. Alternatively, you can solve the resulting equations⟶
AD = 0:it is some-
⟶
λ · ( AE × T) + λ · ( AC × W) = 0 (1)
nize in their own minds the preceding theory of the text and the solution methods times convenient to present the Modeling and Analysis steps together,
but they are both essential parts of the overall process.)
4. Reflect and Think. After you have obtained the answer, check it care-
y
T Dx i
Dy j
Dz k
of the sample problems so that they can more successfully solve the homework fully. Does it make sense in the context of the original problem?
B For E
instance, the problem may ask for the force at a given point of a structure.
If your answer is negative, what does that mean for the force at the6 point?
ft
C D
problems. Also included in these sections are specific suggestions and strategies
12 ft
You can often detect mistakes in reasoning by checking the units. For
12 ft 0.60 m from
example, to determine the moment of a force of 50 N about a point W = – 450 j
its line of action, we write (Sec. 3.3A)
that will enable the students to more efficiently attack any assigned problems. M = Fd = (30 N)(0.60 m) = 30 N·m A i
x
λ
6 ft x
The unit N·m obtained by multiplying newtons by meters is the correct A unit for
A zk
the moment of a force; if you had obtained another unit, you would know
12 ft that
some mistake had been made. z Ay j
You can often detect errors in computation by substituting the numerical
Case Studies. Statics and dynamics principles are used extensively in answer into an equation that was not used in the solution and
Fig. 1 verifying
Free-bodythatdiagram
equation is satisfied. The importance of correct computations in engineering
cannot be overemphasized.
the of the pipe.
(continued)
be learned from the historical successes and failures of past designs, and unique
bridge in North America and continues in revenue service today. Construction
bee3809X_ch04_170-231.indd 214 was completed and the bridge put into operation in 1829 by the Baltimore10/25/17&
06:37 AM
Ohio Railroad. The structure includes the stone masonry arch shown in
CS Photo 1.1, and spans 80 ft. Assuming that the span is solid granite having a
insight can be gained by studying how engineers developed different products unit weight of 170 lb/ft3, and that its dimensions can be approximated by those
given in CS Fig. 1.1, let’s estimate the weight of this span.
and structures. To this end, real-world Case Studies have been introduced in this
revision to provide relevance and application to the principles of engineering
mechanics being discussed. The Case Studies are developed using the SMART
problem-solving methodology to present the story. In this way, they serve as both CS Photo 1.1 The Carrollton Viaduct in Baltimore, MD.
STRATEGY:
First calculate the volume of the span, and then multiply this volume by the unit
(continued)
bee3809X_ch01_001-015.indd 13
xix
10/25/17 06:35 AM
xx Guided Tour
P
R of such shape and size that we may assume all forces acting on them apply at
the same point.
of mechanics. The problems are grouped according to the por-
A
Resultant of Two Forces tions of material they illustrate and, in general, are arranged in
Forces are vector quantities; they are characterized by a point of application,
order of increasing difficulty. Problems requiring special atten-
Q
Fig. 2.30 a magnitude, and a direction, and they add according to the parallelogram law
(Fig. 2.30). We can determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant R
of two forces P and Q either graphically or by trigonometry using the law of
cosines and the law of sines (Sample Prob. 2.1). tion are indicated by asterisks. Answers to 70 percent of the
Components of a Force
Any given force acting on a particle can be resolved into two or more compo-
problems are given at the end of the book. Problems for which
nents, i.e., it can be replaced by two or more forces that have the same effect
on the particle. A force F can be resolved into two components P and Q by the answers are given are set in straight type in the text, while
drawing a parallelogram with F for its diagonal; the components P and Q are
then represented by the two adjacent sides of the parallelogram (Fig. 2.31).
Again, we can determine the components either graphically or by trigonometry
problems for which no answer is given are set in italic and red
(Sec. 2.1E).
font color.
Q
Chapter Review and Summary. Each chapter ends with
A
F
a review and summary of the material covered in that chapter.
P Marginal notes are used to help students organize their review
Fig. 2.31 work, and cross-references have been included to help them find
Rectangular Components; Unit Vectors
A force F is resolved into two rectangular components if its components Fx and
the portions of material requiring their special attention.
Fy are perpendicular to each other and are directed along the coordinate axes
y (Fig. 2.32). Introducing the unit vectors i and j along the x and y axes, respec-
tively, we can write the components and the vector as (Sec. 2.2A)
Fy = Fy j
Fx = Fx i Fy = Fy j (2.6) Review Problems. A set of review problems is included at
j
F
and
F = F x i + Fy j (2.7)
the end of each chapter. These problems provide students further
opportunity to apply the most important concepts introduced in
θ
x where Fx and Fy are the scalar components of F. These components, which can
i Fx = Fx i
be positive or negative, are defined by the relations
Fig. 2.32 Fx = F cos θ Fy = F sin θ (2.8) the chapter.
76
Rev.Confirming Pages
40°
P
α
2.129 A hoist trolley is subjected to the three forces shown. Knowing that
400 lb α
α = 40°, determine (a) the required magnitude of the force P if the
200 lb resultant of the three forces is to be vertical, (b) the corresponding
Fig. P2.129 magnitude of the resultant.
Concept Questions. Educational research has shown
that students can often choose appropriate equations and solve
2.130 Knowing that α = 55° and that boom AC exerts on pin C a force
directed along line AC, determine (a) the magnitude of that force,
(b) the tension in cable BC.
†
Hestenes, D., Wells, M., and Swakhamer, G (1992). The force concept
30° 20°
300 lb
A
inventory. The Physics Teacher, 30: 141–158.
Fig. P2.130
Streveler, R. A., Litzinger, T. A., Miller, R. L., and Steif, P. S. (2008).
Learning conceptual knowledge in the engineering sciences: Overview
80
and future research directions, JEE, 279–294.
critical step in solving kinetics problems in dynamics. A new 16.F1 A 6-ft board is placed in a truck with one end resting against a block
secured to the floor and the other leaning against a vertical partition. A
78°
the Free Body Practice Problems require students to draw a the position shown, in which lines joining G to A and B are, respec-
tively, horizontal and vertical, draw the FBD and KD for the plate.
A B
3.3 ft
G
C 15 lb 6.6 ft
18 lb D
Fig. P16.F3
16.F4 The 400-lb crate shown is lowered by means of two overhead cranes. 1.8 ft
Knowing the tension in each cable, draw the FBD and KD that can be
3.6 ft
used to determine the angular acceleration of the crate and the accel-
eration of the center of gravity. Fig. P16.F4
1137
xxiii
xxiv Digital Resources
∙ Textbook images
∙ Computer Problem sets for each chapter that are designed to be solved
with computational software.
∙ C.O.S.M.O.S., the Complete Online Solutions Manual Organization Sys-
tem that allows instructors to create custom homework, quizzes, and tests
using end-of-chapter problems from the text.
It was about a fortnight later that one afternoon, soon after lunch,
Mrs. Fanning came into the drawing-room. She was somewhat short-
sighted, and she stood in the middle of the room, looking round her.
After a time, to my great horror, she caught sight of me. If I had a
moment to spare, I should have got behind the curtain, in order to
avoid her, but I had not that moment; she discovered her prey, and
made for me as fast as an arrow from a bow.
"Ah," she said, "here you are; I am going out driving in Albert's
brougham this afternoon. You didn't know, perhaps, that Albert had
a brougham of his own?"
"I did not," I answered.
"It is a recent acquisition of his; he is becoming a wealthy man is
Albert, and he started the brougham a short time ago. He had the
body painted red and the wheels dark brown—I was for having the
wheels yellow, because I like something distinct, but Albert said, 'No,
she would rather have dark brown.' Who do you think he meant by
she, now? That's the puzzle I am putting to you. Who do you think
she is?"
"You, of course," I answered boldly.
Mrs. Fanning favoured me with a broad wink.
"Ah now, that's very nice of you," she said, "but the old mother
doesn't come in anywhere when the young girl appears on the
horizon. It is about time for Albert to be meeting the young girl, and
meet her he will. Indeed, it is my opinion that he has met her, and
that the brougham which she likes is standing at the door. It is for
the sake of that young girl he has had those wheels painted brown,
it is not the wish of his old mother. But come for a drive with me, will
you, dear?"
"I am sorry," I began.
"Oh no, I am not going to take any refusal. Ah, there is your
precious dear mother coming into the room."
Before I could interrupt her, Mrs. Fanning had gone to meet my
mother. She never walked in the ordinary sense of the word, she
waddled. She waddled now in her stiff brown satin across the
drawing-room, and stood before mother.
"And how are you feeling this morning, Mrs. Wickham?" she said;
"ah! but poorly, I can tell by the look of your face, you are dreadfully
blue round the lips, it's the effect of indigestion, isn't it, now?"
"I have suffered a good deal lately from indigestion," replied mother
in her gentle tones.
"And a bad thing it is, a very bad thing," said Mrs. Fanning. "I cured
myself with Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People. Did you ever try 'em,
Mrs. Wickham?"
"No," replied mother gravely.
"Well, well, they pulled me round. Albert was terribly concerned
about me a year ago. I couldn't fancy the greatest dainties you could
give me, I turned against my food, and as to going upstairs, why, if
you'll believe me, I could have no more taken possession of that
attic next to your young daughter than I could have fled. Now there
ain't a stair in Britain would daunt me; I'd be good for climbing the
Monument any fine morning, and it's all owing to Williams' Pink Pills.
They're a grand medicine. But what I wanted to say to you now was
this: May Miss Wickham come for a drive with me in my son's own
brougham? I am anxious to have an outing with her, and I see by
her face she is desirous to come; may she? Say yes, madam; if you
are wise, you will."
I saw that mother was becoming a little excited and a little agitated,
and I knew that that would never do, so I said hastily—
"Don't worry mother, please, Mrs. Fanning; I will certainly come with
you for an hour or so."
"We won't be back in an hour, dear," said Mrs. Fanning, "nor for two
hours; we are going to enjoy ourselves with a tea out. You'll spare
your daughter until she comes back, won't you, madam? I mean you
won't fret about her."
I was just about absolutely to refuse, when Miss Mullins came into
the room. To my astonishment and disgust she came straight over to
where we were talking, and immediately took Mrs. Fanning's part.
"Oh yes," she said, "you must not disappoint dear Mrs. Fanning,
Westenra; she was so looking forward to having a time out with you.
Go with her. As to your mother, I will look after her. I have nothing at
all to do this afternoon, and mean to go and sit with her in the
drawing-room, or rather to bring her into my private room, where
we will have a cosy tea to ourselves."
There was no help for it. After Jane's treachery in siding with Mrs.
Fanning, I could only have refused by making a fuss, which would
have been extremely bad for mother, so I went upstairs and spent a
little time considering in which of my hats I looked worst, and which
of my jackets presented the most dowdy appearance. Alack and
alas! I had no dowdy jackets and no unbecoming hats. I put on,
however, the quietest I could find, and ran downstairs. Mrs. Fanning
was waiting for me in the hall. One of the servants of the
establishment was standing near with a heavy fur rug over her arm.
Mrs. Fanning was attired in a huge sealskin cape, which went down
below her knees, and a bonnet with a large bird of paradise perched
on one side of the brim. She had a veil, with huge spots on it,
covering her broad face, and she was drawing on a pair of gloves a
great deal too small for her fat hands.
"Here you are, Miss Wickham," she said; "now, then, we'll go. Open
the door, please, Emma."
Emma did so, and we entered the carriage.
"Spread the rug, Emma," said Mrs. Fanning in a lordly tone. This was
also accomplished, and the next moment we were whirling away.
Mrs. Fanning laid her fat hand on my lap.
"Now, this is pleasant," she said; "I have been looking forward to
this. Do you know where I am going to take you?"
"I am sure I cannot tell," I answered; "but as we are out, I hope you
will let me look at the shops; I want to tell mother something about
the latest fashions; it often entertains her."
"Well, I am glad to hear you speak in that strain, it sounds so human
and womanly. Your tastes and mine coincide to a nicety. There's no
one loves shop-gazing better than I do; I have flattened my nose
against shop windows times and again, as long as I can remember.
Before my dear Albert became so wealthy, I used to get into my bus,
and do my hour of shop-gazing a-most every afternoon, but now it
fidgets the coachman if I ask him to pull up the horses too often.
You like the swing of the carriage, don't you, my dear? It's very
comfortable, isn't it? nearly as nice as if it had the yellow wheels that
Albert would not gratify his old mother by allowing. Ah, SHE has a
deal to answer for—a deal to answer for—however nice she may be
in herself." Here Mrs. Fanning favoured me with one of her broadest
winks.
"The carriage is very nice," I replied.
"I fancied somehow that it would suit you, and I was most anxious
to see how you looked in it. Some people don't look as if they were
born to a carriage, others take to it like a duck takes to the water.
Now, you look very nice in it; you and your mother in this carriage
would look as genteel as two ladies could look. You don't know what
a great admiration I have for your mother. She is one of the most
beautiful women on God's earth."
"And one of the best," I said impulsively, and as I thought of all that
was going to happen to that most precious mother, and how soon
that presence would be withdrawn from our mortal gaze, and how
soon that spirit would go to the God who gave it, tears sprang to my
eyes, and even Mrs. Fanning became more tolerable.
"Ah, you are feeling cut to bits about her great delicacy," said that
good lady. "Any one can see that; but cheer up, cheer up, the young
ought to rejoice, and you of all women under the sun have the most
cause for rejoicement, Miss Wickham."
I did not ask her why, I did not dare, we drove on. It seemed to me
that we were not going anywhere near the shops, we were steadily
pursuing our way into the suburbs. After a drive of over an hour, we
suddenly found ourselves in a part of Highgate quite unknown to
me. We had been going uphill for some time, and we stopped now
before some iron gates; a woman ran out of a lodge and opened the
gates, and then we drove down a short avenue shaded by some fine
trees. We drew up in front of a large, substantial red-brick house,
the door of which was open, and on the steps stood Mr. Fanning. He
ran down to meet us, with both his hands extended.
"Ah! and you have brought the little thing," he said to his mother.
"What little thing?" I said to myself. This was really the final straw. I
had never, never even by my most intimate friends, been spoken of
as the "little thing," for I was a tall girl and somewhat large in my
ideas, and if anything rather masculine in my mind, and to be
spoken of as a little thing, and by Albert Fanning, was about the final
straw which broke the camel's back. My first intention was to refuse
to budge from the carriage, to fiercely demand that the coachman
should turn round and drive me straight back again to mother, but
on second thoughts, I reflected that I should lose a good deal of
dignity by this proceeding, and the best possible plan was to appear
as if nothing at all extraordinary had occurred, and to follow Mrs.
Fanning into the house.
"Yes, I have brought her," said that good woman; "here she is. She
looks slim beside your old mother, eh! Albert? but she's young; as
time goes on she'll spread like all the rest of us. Well, and here we
are, and she likes the brougham extremely; don't you, my dear? I
could see that if you had yielded to me with regard to the yellow
wheels she would not have approved. We must all humour her while
she is young; it is always the way, always the way, ain't it, Albert?
And I never saw a girl look nicer in a brougham than she does. She
did enjoy her drive; it was lovely to see her. Well, now, she'll enjoy
still more what's before her—the house and the grounds. It's a bit of
a surprise we have for you, my dear," continued the old lady, turning
to me. "It is not every girl would have the luck to be brought here by
his mother; but everything that can be made easy and pleasant for
you, Miss Wickham, shall be made easy and pleasant. It was Albert's
wish that you should come here with me, and he said you would
much rather it was not bragged about at the boarding-house
beforehand. This is my son Albert's new house, furnished according
to his own taste, which is excellent, nothing showy nor gimcrack, all
firm and good, bought at Maple's, dear, in Tottenham Court Road,
and the very best the establishment could furnish. Everything new,
shining, and paid for, dear, paid for. You can see the bills, not a debt
to hang over your head by-and-by, love. But come in, come in."
I really felt that I could not stand much longer on the steps of the
mansion, listening to this most extraordinary address made to me by
Mrs. Fanning. What did it matter to me whether Albert Fanning paid
for his household goods or not? and how could it concern me what
shop he chose to buy them at? But I felt myself more or less in a
trap, and knew the best way to prevent any crisis taking place was
to put on an assumed air of absolute indifference, and to take the
first possible opportunity of returning home.
"Jane must get the Fannings to leave to-morrow, whatever
happens," I said to myself, "and I must cling now to Mrs. Fanning for
dear life. I don't suppose Albert Fanning will propose for me while
she is by." But alas! I little knew the couple with whom I had to deal.
Albert Fanning had willed that I was not to cling close to his mother.
Turning to the old lady, he said—
"You're fagged and flustered. You have done things uncommonly
well, and now you'll just have the goodness to sit with your feet on
the fender in the drawing-room, and give yourself a right good
toasting while Miss Wickham and I are examining the house."
"Oh no," I began.
"Oh yes," said Mrs. Fanning; "don't be shy, love." She gave me
another wink so broad that I did not dare to expostulate further. Had
I done so, Albert would probably have gone on his knees on the spot
and implored of me there and then to make him the happiest of
men.
Accordingly we all entered the drawing-room which was furnished à
la Maple. It was a large room, and there were a great many tables
about, and I wondered how stout Mrs. Fanning could cross the room
without knocking over one or two. She looked round her with
admiration.
"It's amazing the taste you have," she said, gazing at her son as if
he were a sort of demigod. He put her into a comfortable chair by
the fire, and then he and I began to do the house. Was there ever
such a dreadful business? We began at the attics, and we thoroughly
explored room after room. I did not mind that. As long as I could
keep Albert Fanning off dangerous ground I was quite ready to talk
to him. I was ready to poke at the mattresses on the new beds, and
to admire the chain springs, and to examine the ventilators in the
walls of every single room. I said "Yes" to all his remarks, and he
evidently thought he was making a most favourable impression. We
took a long time going over the house, but I did not mind that, for
Mr. Fanning was in his element, and was so pleased with his own
consummate common sense and his own skill in getting the right
things into the right corners, and in showing me what a mind he had
for contriving and for making money go as far as possible, that I
allowed him to talk to his heart's content. The brougham must soon
be ordered again, and we must get back to town, and the awful time
would be at an end. But when at last even the kitchens had been
inspected, and the action of the new range explained to me, Albert
said that he must now show me the grounds. There was no escaping
this infliction, and accordingly into the grounds we went.
These were fairly spacious. There was a large fruit garden, and a
kitchen garden behind it, and Albert Fanning told me exactly what
he was going to plant in the kitchen garden in the spring—a certain
bed in particular was to be devoted to spring onions. He told me that
he hated salad without a good dash of onion in it, and as he spoke
he looked at me as much as to say, "Don't you ever give me salad
without onion," and I began to feel the queerest sensation, as if I
was being mastered, creeping over me. I wondered if the man really
intended to take me from the garden to the church, where the priest
would be waiting to perform the ceremony which would tie us
together for life. The whole proceeding was most extraordinary, but
just at the crucial moment, just when I was feeling that I could bear
things no longer, I heard Mrs. Fanning's cheery voice. How I loved
the old lady at that moment!
"Albert! Albert!" she called out, "the tea is cooling. I don't approve of
tea being drawn too long, and it has been in the teapot for ten
minutes. Come in this minute, you naughty young folks, come in and
enjoy your tea."
"I am coming," I answered, "I am very hungry and thirsty."
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