features. Sleeping or
waking, grieved or joyous, well or ill, they lived a single life, and
it seemed so natural for one to answer to the other's name, that they
probably would have themselves confused their own identities, but for
their mother's unerring knowledge. Perhaps unconsciously guided by her,
perhaps through the voluntary action of their own natures, each quietly
took the other's place when called upon, even to the sharing of praise
or blame at school, the friendships and quarrels of the playground. They
were healthy and happy lads, and John Vincent was accustomed to say
to his neighbors, "They're no more trouble than one would be; and yet
they're four hands instead of two."

Phebe died when they were fourteen, saying to them, with almost her
latest breath, "Be one, always!" Before her husband could decide whether
to change her plan of domestic education, they were passing out of
boyhood, changing in voice, stature, and character with a continued
likeness which bewildered and almost terrified him. He procured garments
of different colors, but they were accustomed to wear each article in
common, and the result was only a mixture of tints for both. They were
sent to different schools, to be returned the next day, equally pale,
suffering, and incapable of study. Whatever device was employed, they
evaded it by a mutual instinct which rendered all external measures
unavailing. To John Vincent's mind their resemblance was an accidental
misfortune, which had been confirmed through their mother's fancy. He
felt that they were bound by some deep, mysterious tie, which, inasmuch
as it might interfere with all practical aspects of life, ought to be
gradually weakened. Two bodies, to him, implied two distinct men, and
it was wrong to permit a mutual dependence which prevented either from
exercising his own separate will and judgment.

But, while he was planning and pondering, the boys became young men, and
he was an old man. Old, and prematurely broken; for he had worked much,
borne much, and his large frame held only a moderate measure of vital
force. A great weariness fell upon him, and his powers began to give
way, at first slowly, but then with accelerated failure. He saw the end
coming, long before his sons suspected it; his doubt, for their sakes,
was the only thing which made it unwelcome. It was "upon his mind" (as
his Quaker neighbors would say) to speak to them of the future, and at
last the proper moment came.