第15章

CHAPTERXVI。

FOREBODINGS。

Faust。Ifheavenwasmadeforman，"twasmadeforme。

GoodAngel。Faustus，repent；yetheavenwillpitythee。

BadAngel。Thouartaspirit，Godcannotpitythee。

Faust。BeIadevil，yetGodmaypityme。

BadAngel。Toolate。

GoodAngel。NevertoolateifFaustuswillrepent。

BadAngel。Ifthourepent，devilswillteartheeinpieces。

OldMan。Iseeanangelhovero"erthyhead，Andwithavialfullofpreciousgrace，Offerstopourthesameintothysoul。

MARLOWE——DoctorFaustus。

Mr。Appleditchhadhadsomebusiness-misfortunes，notofaheavynature，butsufficienttocastagloomoverthehouseinDervishTown，andespeciallyoverthefaceofhisspouse，whohadsetherheartonanewcarpetforherdrawing-room，andfearedsheoughtnottoprocureitnow。Itiswonderfulhowconscientioussomepeoplearetowardstheirbalanceatthebanker"s。Howthedrawing-room，however，couldcometowantanewcarpetissomethingmysterious，exceptthereisapeculiarpowerofdecayinherentinthingsdeprivedofuse。Theseinfluencesoperating，however，shebegantothinkthatthetwoscionsofgrocerywerenotdrawingnineshillings"worthaweekofthesapofdivinity。ThisshehintedtoMr。Appleditch。ItwasresolvedtogiveHughwarning。

Asitwouldinvolvesomeawkwardnesstostatereasons，Mrs。

Appleditchresolvedtoquarrelwithhim，astheeasiestwayofprefacinghisdischarge。Itwasthewayshetookwithhermaids-of-all-work；foritwasgrandinitself，andalwaysleftherwithacomfortablefeelingofinjureddignity。

Asapreliminarycourse，shebegantotreathimwithstilllesspolitenessthanbefore。Hughwassocarelessofherbehaviour，thatthismadenoimpressionuponhim。Buthecametounderstanditallafterwards，fromputtingtogethertheremarksofthechildren，andthepartialcommunicationsofMr。AppleditchtoMissTalbot，whichthatgoodladyinnocentlyimpartedtoherlodger。

Atlength，oneday，shecameintotheroomwhereHughwasmorebusyinteachingthanhispupilswereinlearning，andseatedherselfbythefiretowatchforanopportunity。Thiswassoonfound。Fortheboys，renderedstillmoreinattentivebythepresenceoftheirmother，couldnotbeinducedtofixtheleastthoughtuponthematterinhand；sothatHughwascompelledtogooverthesamethingagainandagain，withoutsuccess。Atlasthesaid：

“Iamafraid，Mrs。Appleditch，Imustaskyoutointerfere，forI

cannotgetanyattentionfromtheboysto-day。“

“Andhowcoulditbeotherwise，Mr。Sutherland，whenyoukeepwearingthemoutwithgoingoverandoverthesamething，tilltheyaresickofit？Whydon"tyougoon？”

“HowcanIgoonwhentheyhavenotlearnedthethingtheyareat？

Thatwouldbetobuildthechimneysbeforethewalls。“

“Itisveryeasytobewitty，sir；butIbegyouwillbehavemorerespectfullytomeinthepresenceofmychildren，innocentlambs！”

Lookingroundatthemoment，Hughcaughtinhisfacewhattheelderlambhadintendedforhisback，agrimacehideousenoughtohaveprocuredhiminstantpromotioninthekingdomofapes。Themothersawittoo，andadded：

“Youseeyoucannotmakethemrespectyou。Really，Mr。Sutherland！”

Hughwasabouttoreply，totheeffectthatitwasuseless，insuchcircumstances，toattemptteachingthematall，someutteranceofwhichsortwaswatchedforastheoccasionforhisinstantdismission；butatthatverymomentacarriageandpairpulledsharplyupatthedoor，withmorethantheusualamountofquadrupedation，andmotherandsonsdartedsimultaneouslytothewindow。

“My！”criedJohnnie，“whatarumgo！Isn"tthatajollycarriage，Peetie？”

“Papa"sboughtacarriage！”shoutedPeetie。

“Bequiet，children，“saidtheirmother，asshesawafootmangetdownandapproachthedoor。

“Lookatthatbuffer，“saidJohnnie。“Docomeandseethisgrandfootman，Mr。Sutherland。He"ssuchagentleman！”

Aboxontheearfromhismothersilencedhim。Theservantenteringwithsomeperturbationamomentafter，addressedhermistress，forshedarednotaddressanyoneelsewhileshewasintheroom：

“Please"m，thecarriageisastin"afterMr。Sutherland。“

“Mr。Sutherland？”

“Yes"m。“

TheladyturnedtoMr。Sutherland，who，althoughsurprisedaswell，wasnotinclinedtoshowhissurprisetoMrs。Appleditch。

“Ididnotknowyouhadcarriage-friends，Mr。Sutherland，“saidshe，withatossofherhead。

“NeitherdidI，“answeredHugh。“ButIwillgoandseewhoitis。“

Whenhereachedthestreet，hefoundHarryonthepavement，whohavinggotoutofthecarriage，andnothavingbeenaskedintothehouse，wasunabletostandstillforimpatience。Assoonashesawhistutor，heboundedtohim，andthrewhisarmsroundhisneck，standingastheywereintheopenstreet。Tearsofdelightfilledhiseyes。

“Come，come，come，“saidHarry；“weallwantyou。“

“Whowantsme？”

“Mrs。EltonandEuphraandme。Come，getin。“

“AndhepulledHughtowardsthecarriage。

“Icannotgowithyounow。Ihavepupilshere。“

Harry"sfacefell。

“Whenwillyoucome？”

“Inhalf-an-hour。“

“Hurrah！Ishallbebackexactlyinhalf-an-hourthen。Dobeready，please，Mr。Sutherland。“

“Iwill。“

Harryjumpedintothecarriage，tellingthecoachmantodrivewherehepleased，andbebackatthesameplaceinhalf-an-hour。Hughreturnedintothehouse。

Asmaybesupposed，Margaretwasthemeansofthishappymeeting。

AlthoughshesawplainlyenoughthatEuphrawouldliketoseeHugh，shedidnotforsometimemakeuphermindtosendforhim。Thecircumstanceswhichmadeherresolvetodosowerethese。

ForsomedaysEuphraseemedtobegraduallyregainingherhealthandcomposureofmind。Oneevening，afteralongertalkthanusual，Margarethadleftherinbed，andhadgonetoherownroom。Shewasjustpreparingtogetintobedherself，whenaknockatherdoorstartledher，andgoingtoit，shesawEuphrastandingthere，paleasdeath，withnothingonbuthernightgown，notwithstandingthebittercoldofanearlyandseverefrost。Shethoughtatfirstshemustbewalkinginhersleep，butthescaredintelligenceofheropeneyes，soonsatisfiedherthatitwasnotso。

“Whatisthematter，dearMissCameron？”shesaid，ascalmlyasshecould。

“Heiscoming。Hewantsme。Ifhecallsme，Imustgo。“

“No，youshallnotgo，“rejoinedMargaret，firmly。

“Imust，Imust，“answeredEuphra，wringingherhands。

“Docomein，“saidMargaret，“youmustnotstandthereinthecold。“

“Letmegetintoyourbed。“

“Betterletmegowithyoutoyours。Thatwillbemorecomfortableforyou。“

“Oh！yes；pleasedo。“

MargaretthrewashawlroundEuphra，andwentbackwithhertoherroom。

“Hewantsme。Hewantsme。Hewillcallmesoon，“saidEuphra，inanagonisedwhisper，assoonasthedoorwasshut。“WhatshallI

do！”

“Cometobedfirst，andwewilltalkaboutitthere。“

Assoonastheywereinbed，MargaretputherarmroundEuphra，whowastremblingwithcoldandfear，andsaid：

“Hasthismananyrighttocallyou？”

“No，no，“answeredEuphra，vehemently。

“Thendon"tgo。“

“ButIamafraidofhim。“

“DefyhiminGod"sname。“

“Butbesidesthefear，thereissomethingthatIcan"tdescribe，thatalwayskeepstellingme——no，nottellingme，pushingme——no，drawingme，asifIcouldnotrestamomenttillIgo。Icannotdescribeit。Ihatetogo，andyetIfeelthatifIwerecoldinmygrave，Imustriseandgoifhecalledme。IwishIcouldtellyouwhatitislike。ItisasifsomedemonwereshakingmysoultillI

yieldedandwent。Oh！don"tdespiseme。Ican"thelpit。“

“Mydarling，Idon"t，Ican"tdespiseyou。Youshallnotgotohim。“

“ButImust，“answeredshe，withadespairingfaintnessmoreconvincingthananyvehemence；andthenbegantoweepwithaslow，hopelessweeping，liketherainofaNovembereve。

Margaretgotoutofbed。Euphrathoughtshewasoffended。Startingup，sheclaspedherhands，andsaid：

“OhMargaret！Iwon"tcry。Don"tleaveme。Don"tleaveme。“

Sheentreatedlikeachiddenchild。

“No，no，Ididn"tmeantoleaveyouforamoment。Liedownagain，dear，andcryasmuchasyoulike。IamgoingtoreadalittlebitoutoftheNewTestamenttoyou。“

“IamafraidIcan"tlistentoit。“

“Nevermind。Don"ttry。Iwanttoreadit。“

MargaretgotaNewTestament，andreadpartofthatchapterofSt。

John"sGospelwhichspeaksabouthumanlabourandthebreadoflife。

Shestoppedatthesewords：

“ForIcamedownfromheaven，nottodomineownwill，butthewillofhimthatsentme。“

Euphra"stearshadceased。ThesoundofMargaret"svoice，which，ifitlostinsweetnessbybecomingmoreScotchwhenshereadtheGospel，yetgainedtherebyinpathos，andthepoweroftheblessedwordsthemselves，hadsoothedthetroubledspiritalittle，andshelayquiet。

“Thecountisnotagoodman，MissCameron？”

“Youknowheisnot，Margaret。Heistheworstmanalive。“

“ThenitcannotbeGod"swillthatyoushouldgotohim。“

“ButonedoesmanythingsthatarenotGod"swill。“

“ButitisGod"swillthatyoushouldnotgotohim。“

Euphralaysilentforafewmoments。Suddenlysheexclaimed：

“ThenImustnotgotohim，“——gotoutofbed，threwherselfonherkneesbythebedside，andholdingupherclaspedhands，said，inlowtonesthatsoundedasifforcedfromherbyagony：

“Iwon"t！Iwon"t！OGod，Iwillnot。Helpme，helpme！”

Margaretkneltbesideher，andputherarmroundher。Euphraspokenomore，butremainedkneeling，withherextendedarmsandclaspedhandslyingonthebed，andherheadlaidbetweenthem。AtlengthMargaretgrewalarmed，andlookedather。Butshefoundthatshewasinasweetsleep。Shegentlydisengagedherself，andcoveringherupsoftandwarm，lefthertosleepoutherGod-sentsleepundisturbed，whileshesatbeside，andwatchedforherwaking。

Shesleptthusforanhour。Thenliftingherhead，andseeingMargaret，sherosequietly，asiffromherprayers，andsaidwithasmile：

“Margaret，IwasdreamingthatIhadamother。“

“Soyouhave，somewhere。“

“Yes，soIhave，somewhere，“sherepeated，andcreptintobedlikeachild，laydown，andwasasleepagaininamoment。

Margaretwatchedherforanotherhour，andthenseeingnosignsofrestlessness，butthatonthecontraryhersleepwasprofound，laydownbesideher，andsoonsharedinthatreposewhichtowearywomenandmenisGod"sbestgift。

Sheroseatherusualhourthenextday，andwasdressedbeforeEuphraawoke。ItwasacoldgreyDecembermorning，withthehoar-frostlyingthickontheroofsofthehouses。EuphraopenedhereyeswhileMargaretwasbusylightingthefire。Seeingthatshewasthere，sheclosedthemagain，andfelloncemorefastasleep。

Beforeshewokeagain，Margarethadsometeareadyforher；aftertakingwhich，shefeltabletogetup。SheroselookingmorebrightandhopefulthanMargarethadseenherbefore。

ButMargaret，whowatchedherintentlythroughtheday，sawachangecomeoverhercheer。Herfacegrewpaleandtroubled。Nowandthenhereyeswerefixedonvacancy；andagainshewouldlookatMargaretwithawoebegoneexpressionofcountenance；butpresently，asifrecollectingherself，wouldsmileandlookcheerfulforamoment。

Margaretsawthattheconflictwascomingon，ifnotalreadybegun——thatatleastitsshadowwasuponher；andthinkingthatifshecouldhaveatalkwithHughaboutwhathehadbeendoing，itwouldcomfortheralittle，anddivertherthoughtsfromherself，evenifnofartherormorepleasantlythantothecount，sheletHarryknowHugh"saddress，asgiveninthelettertoherfather。

Shewascertainthat，ifHarrysucceededinfindinghim，nothingmorewasnecessarytoinsurehisbeingbroughttoMrs。Elton"s。Aswehaveseen，HarryhadtracedhimtoBuccleuchTerrace。

Hughre-enteredthehouseinthesamemindinwhichhehadgoneout；

namely，thatafterMrs。Appleditch"sbehaviourtohimbeforehispupils，hecouldnotremaintheirtutoranylonger，howevergreathisneedmightbeofthepittancehereceivedforhisservices。

ButalthoughMrs。Appleditch"sfirstfeelinghadbeenjealousyofHugh"sacquaintancewith“carriage-people，“thetoadyismwhichissoessentialanelementofsuchjealousy，hadbythistimerevived；andwhenHughwasproceedingtofinishthelessonhehadbegun，intendingittobehislast，shesaid：

“Whydidn"tyouaskyourfriendintothedrawing-room，Mr。

Sutherland？”

“Goodgracious！Thedrawing-room！”thoughtHugh——butanswered：“Hewillfetchmewhenthelessonisover。“

“Iamsure，sir，anyfriendsofyoursthatliketocalluponyouhere，willbeverywelcome。Itwillbemoreagreeabletoyoutoreceivethemhere，ofcourse；foryouraccommodationatpoorMissTalbot"sishardlysuitableforsuchvisitors。“

“Iamsorrytosay，however，“answeredHugh，“thatafterthewayyouhavespokentometo-day，inthepresenceofmypupils，Icannotcontinuemyrelationtothemanylonger。“

“Ho！ho！”resnortedthelady，indignationandscornminglingwithmortification；“ourgrandvisitorshavesetourbacksup。Verywell，Mr。Sutherland，youwillobligemebyleavingthehouseatonce。Don"ttroubleyourself，pray，tofinishthelesson。Iwillpayyouforitallthesame。Anythingtogetridofamanwhoinsultsmebeforetheveryfacesofmyinnocentlambs！Andpleasetoremember，“sheadded，asshepulledoutherpurse，whileHughwascollectingsomebookshehadlenttheboys，“thatwhenyouwerestarving，myhusbandandItookyouinandgaveyouemploymentoutofcharity——purecharity，Mr。Sutherland。Hereisyourmoney。“

“Goodmorning，Mrs。Appleditch，“saidHugh；andwalkedoutwithhisbooksunderhisarm，leavingherwiththemoneyinherhand。

Hehadtoknockhisfeetonthepavementinfrontofthehouse，tokeepthemfromfreezing，forhalf-an-hour，beforethecarriagearrivedtotakehimaway。Assoonasitcameup，hejumpedintoit，andwascarriedoffintriumphbyHarry。

Mrs。Eltonreceivedhimkindly。Euphraheldoutherhandwithaslightblush，andthequietfamiliarityofanoldfriend。Hughcouldalmosthavefalleninlovewithheragain，fromcompassionforherpale，wornface，andsubduedexpression。

Mrs。Eltonwentoutinthecarriagealmostdirectly，andEuphrabeggedHarrytoleavethemalone，asshehadsomethingtotalktoMr。Sutherlandabout。

“HaveyoufoundanytraceofCountHalkar，Hugh？”shesaid，themomenttheywerebythemselves。

“IamverysorrytosayIhavenot。Ihavedonemybest。“

“Iamquitesureofthat——Ijustwantedtotellyou，that，fromcertainindicationswhichnoonecouldunderstandsowellasmyself，Ithinkyouwillhavemorechanceoffindinghimnow。“

“Iamdelightedtohearit，“respondedHugh。“IfIonlyhadhim！”

Euphrasighed，paused，andthensaid：

“ButIamnotsureofit。IthinkheisinLondon；buthemaybeinBohemia，foranythingIknow。Ishall，however，inallprobability，knowmoreabouthimwithinafewdays。“

HughresolvedtogoatoncetoFalconer，andcommunicatetohimwhatEuphrahadtoldhim。Buthesaidnothingtoherastothemeansbywhichhehadtriedtodiscoverthecount；foralthoughhefeltsurethathehaddonerightintellingFalconerallaboutit，hewasafraidlestEuphra，notknowingwhatsortofamanhewas，mightnotlikeit。Euphra，onherpart，didnotmentionMargaret"sname；forshehadbeggedhernottodoso。

“Youwilltellmewhenyouknowyourself？”

“Perhaps——Iwill，ifIcan。Idowishyoucouldgetthering。I

haveapainfulfeelingthatitgiveshimpoweroverme。“

“Thatcanonlybeanervousfancy，surely，“Hughventuredtosay。

“Perhapsitis。Idon"tknow。But，still，withoutthat，thereareplentyofreasonsforwishingtorecoverit。Hewillputittoabaduse，ifhecan。Butforyoursake，especially，Iwishwecouldgetit。“

“Thankyou。Youwerealwayskind。“

“No，“shereplied，withoutliftinghereyes；“Ibroughtitalluponyou。“

“Butyoucouldnothelpit。“

“Notatthemoment。Butallthatledtoitwasmyfault。“

Shepaused；thensuddenlyresumed：

“Iwillconfess——Doyouknowwhatgaverisetothereportsofthehousebeinghaunted？”

“No。“

“Itwasmewanderingaboutitatnight，lookingforthatveryring，togivetothecount。Itwasshameful。ButIdid。Thosereportspreventedmefrombeingfoundout。ButIhopenotmanyghostsaresomiserableasIwas——YouremembermyspeakingtoyouofMr。

Arnold"sjewels？”

“Yes，perfectly。“

“Iwantedtofindout，throughyou，wheretheringwas。ButIhadnointentionofinvolvingyou。“

“Iamsureyouhadnot。“

“Don"tbetoosureofanythingaboutme。Idon"tknowwhatImighthavebeenledtodo。ButIamverysorry。Doforgiveme。“

“IcannotallowthatIhaveanythingtoforgive。Buttellme，Euphra，wereyouthecreature，inwhitethatIsawintheGhost"sWalkonenight？Idon"tmeanthelasttime。“

“Verylikely，“sheanswered，bendingherheadyetlower，withasigh。

“Thenwhowasthecreatureinblackthatmetyou？Andwhatbecameofyouthen？”

“Didyouseeher？”rejoinedEuphra，turningpalerstill。“Ifaintedatsightofher。Itookherforthenunthathangsinthathorridroom。“

“SodidI，“saidHugh。“Butyoucouldnothavelainlong；forIwentuptothespotwhereyouvanished，andfoundnothing。“

“IsupposeIgotintotheshrubberybeforeIfell。Orthecountdraggedmein——Butwasthatreallyaghost？Ifeelnowasifitwasagoodmessenger，whetherghostornot，cometowarnme，ifI

hadhadthecouragetolisten。IwishIhadtakenthewarning。“

Theytalkedabouttheseandotherthings，tillMrs。Elton，whohadmadeHughpromisetostaytolunch，returned。Whentheywereseatedattable，thekind-heartedwomansaid：

“Now，Mr。Sutherland，whenwillyoubeginagainwithHarry？”

“Idonotquiteunderstandyou，“answeredHugh。

“Ofcourseyouwillcomeandgivehimlessons，poorboy。Hewillbebroken-heartedifyoudon"t。“

“IwishIcould。ButIcannot——atleastyet；forIknowhisfatherwasdissatisfiedwithme。ThatwasoneofthereasonsthatmadehimsendHarrytoLondon。“

Harrylookedwretchedlydisappointed，butsaidnothing。

“Ineverheardhimsayanythingofthesort。“

“Iamsureofit，though。Iamverysorryhehasmistakenme；buthewillknowmebettersomeday。“

“Iwilltakealltheresponsibility，“persistedMrs。Elton。

“Butunfortunatelytheresponsibilitystickstoofastforyoutotakeit。IcannotgetridofmyshareifIwould。“

“Youaretooparticular。IamsureMr。Arnoldnevercouldhavemeantthat。Thisismyhousetoo。“

“ButHarryishisboy。Ifyouwillletmecomeandseehimsometimes，Ishallbeverythankful，though。Imaybeusefultohimwithoutgivinghimlessons。“

“Thankyou，“saidHarrywithdelight。

“Well，well！IsupposeyouaresomuchinrequestinLondonthatyouwon"tmisshimforapupil。“

“Onthecontrary，Ihavenotasingleengagement。Ifyoucouldfindmeone，Ishouldbeexceedinglyobligedtoyou。“

“Dear！dear！dear！”saidMrs。Elton。“ThenyoushallhaveHarry。“

“Oh！yes；pleasetakeme，“saidHarry，beseechingly。

“No，Icannot。Imustnot。“

Mrs。Eltonrangthebell。

“James，tellthecoachmanIwantthecarriageinanhour。“

Mrs。Eltonwasassubmissivetohercoachmanasladieswhohavecarriagesgenerallyare，andwouldnothavedreamedoforderingthehorsesoutsosoonagainforherself；butsheforgoteverythingelsewhenafriendwasinneedofhelp，andbecameperfectlypachydermatoustotheoffendedlooksorindignanthintsofthatimportantfunctionary。

WithinafewminutesafterHughtookhisleave，Mrs。Eltonwasonherwaytorepeatavisitshehadalreadypaidthesamemorning，andtomakeseveralothercalls，withtheexpressobjectoffindingpupilsforHugh。Butinthisshewasnotsosuccessfulasshehadexpected。Infact，noonewhomshecouldthinkof，wantedsuchservicesatpresent。Shereturnedhomequitedown-hearted，andallbutconvincedthatnothingcouldbedonebeforetheapproachoftheLondonseason。

CHAPTERXVII。

STRIFE。

They"llturnmeinyourarms，Janet，Anadderandasnake；

Buthaudmefast，letmenotpass，Ginyewouldbemymaik。

They"llturnmeinyourarms，Janet，Anadderandanaske；

They"llturnmeinyourarms，Janet，Abalethatburnsfast。

They"llshapemeinyourarms，Janet，Adove，butandaswan；

Andlast，they"llshapemeinyourarmsAmother-nakedman：

Castyourgreenmantleoverme——

AndsaeshallIbewan。

ScotchBallad：Tamlane。

AssoonasHughhadleftthehouse，MargarethastenedtoEuphra。

Shefoundherinherownroom，alittlemorecheerful，butstillstrangelydepressed。Thisappearanceincreasedtowardstheevening，tillherlooksbecamequitehaggard，revealinganinwardconflictofgrowingagony。Margaretremainedwithher。

Justbeforedinner，theupstairsbell，whosesummonsMargaretwasaccustomedtoobey，rang，andshewentdown。Mrs。Eltondetainedherforafewminutes。Themomentshewasatliberty，sheflewtoEuphra"sroombythebackstaircase。But，assheascended，shewashorrifiedtomeetEuphra，inacloakandthickveil，creepingdownthestairslikeathief。Withoutsayingaword，thestronggirlliftedherinherarmsasifshehadbeenachild，andcarriedherbacktoherroom。Euphraneitherstrugglednorspoke。Margaretlaidheronhercouch，andsatdownbesideher。Shelaywithoutmoving，and，althoughwideawake，gavenoothersignofexistencethananoccasionallowmoan，thatseemedtocomefromaheartpressedalmosttodeath。

Havinglainthusforanhour，shebrokethesilence。

“Margaret，doyoudespisemedreadfully？”

“No，notintheleast。“

“YetyoufoundmegoingtodowhatIknewwaswrong。“

“YouhadnotmadeyourselfstrongbythinkingaboutthewillofGod。

Hadyou，dear？”

“No。Iwilltellyouhowitwas。Ihadbeentormentedwiththeinclinationtogotohim，andhadbeenresistingittillIwaswornout，andcouldhardlybearitmore。Suddenlyallgrewcalmwithinme，andIseemedtohateCountHalkarnolonger。Ithoughtwithmyselfhoweasyitwouldbetoputastoptothisdreadfultorment，justbyyieldingtoit——onlythisonce。IthoughtIshouldthenbestrongertoresistthenexttime；forthiswaswearingmeoutso，thatImustyieldthenexttime，ifIpersistednow。Butwhatseemedtojustifyme，wasthethoughtthatsoIshouldfindoutwherehewas，andbeabletotellHugh；andthenhewouldgettheringforme，and，perhapsthatwoulddeliverme。Butitwasverywrongofme。IforgotallaboutthewillofGod。Iwillnotgoagain，Margaret。DoyouthinkImaytryagaintofighthim？”

“Thatisjustwhatyoumustdo。AllthatGodrequiresofyouis，totryagain。God"schildmustbefree。Dotry，dearMissCameron。“

“IthinkIcould，ifyouwouldcallmeEuphra。Youaresostrong，andpure，andgood，Margaret！IwishIhadneverhadanythoughtsbutsuchasyouhave，youbeautifulcreature！Oh，howgladIamthatyoufoundme！Dowatchmealways。“

“IwillcallyouEuphra。Iwillbeyoursister-servant——anythingyoulike，ifyouwillonlytryagain。“

“Thankyou，withallmytroubledheart，dearMargaret。Iwillindeedtryagain。“

Shesprangfromthecouchinasuddenagony，andgraspingMargaretbythearm，lookedatherwithsuchaterror-strickenface，thatshebegantofearshewaslosingherreason。

“Margaret，“shesaid，asifwiththevoiceasofonejustraisedfromthedead，speakingwithallthecharneldampsinherthroat，“coulditbethatIaminlovewithhimstill？”

Margaretshuddered，butdidnotloseherself-possession。

“No，no，Euphra，darling。Youwerehauntedwithhim，andsotiredthatyouwerenotabletohatehimanylonger。Thenyoubegantogivewaytohim。Thatwasall。Therewasnoloveinthat。“

Euphra"sgrasprelaxed。

“Doyouthinkso？”

“Yes。“

Apausefollowed。

“DoyouthinkGodcarestohavemedohiswill？Isitanythingtohim？”

“Iamsureofit。Whydidhemakeyouelse？Butitisnotforthesakeofbeingobeyedthathecaresforit，butforthesakeofservingyouandmakingyoublessedwithhisblessedness。Hedoesnotthinkabouthimself，butaboutyou。“

“Oh，dear！oh，dear！Imustnotgo。“

“Letmereadtoyouagain，Eupra。“

“Yes，pleasedo，Margaret。“

ShereadthefortiethchapterofIsaiah，oneofherfather"sfavouritechapters，whereallthestrengthandknowledgeofGodareurgedtoaheight，thattheymayfallinoverwhelmingprofusionuponthewantsandfearsandunbeliefofhischildren。Howshouldhethatcalleththestarsbytheirnamesforgethispeople？

Whilesheread，thecloudmeltedawayfromEuphra"sface；asweetsleepfollowed；andtheparoxysmwasoverforthetime。

WasEuphrainsane？andwerethesethefirstaccessesofdailyfitsofmadness，whichhadbeengrowingandapproachingforwhocouldtellhowlong？

Evenifsheweremad，orgoingmad，wasnotthistherightwaytotreather？IwonderhowoftenthespiritualcureoffaithintheSonofMan，theGreatHealer，hasbeentriedonthosepossessedwithourmoderndemons。Isitprovedthatinsanityhasitsorigininthephysicaldisorderwhich，itisnowsaid，canbeshowntoaccompanyitinvariably？Letitbeso：ityetappearstomethatifthephysicianwould，liketheSonofManhimself，descendasitwereintothedisorganizedworldinwhichtheconsciousnessofhispatientexists，andreceivingasfactallthatherevealstohimofitscondition——forfactitis，ofaveryrealsort——introduce，byallthemeansthatsympathycansuggest，theonecentralcureforevil，spiritualandmaterial，namely，thetruthoftheSonofMan，thevisionoftheperfectfriendandhelper，withtherevelationofthepromisedlibertyofobedience——ifhedidthis，itseemstomethatcuresmightstillbewroughtasmarvellousasthoseoftheancienttime。

Itseemstome，too，thatthatcanbebutanimperfectreligion，asitwouldbeapoorsalvation，fromwhichonecornerofdarknessmayhideus；fromwhoseblessedhealthandfreedomadisorderedbrainmaysnatchus；makingushopelessoutcasts，tillfirstthephysician，thestudentofphysicallaws，shallinterfereandrestoreustoasoundmind，orthegreatGod"s-angelDeathcrumblethesoul-oppressingbrain，withitsthousandphantomsofpainandfearandhorror，intoafilmofdustinthehollowofthedesertedskull。

HughrepairedimmediatelytoFalconer"schambers，wherehewasmorelikelytofindhimduringthedaythanintheevening。Hewasathome。HetoldhimofhisinterviewwithEuphra，andherfeelingthatthecountwasnotfaroff。

“Doyouthinktherecanbeanythinginit？”askedhe，whenhehadfinishedhisrelation。

“Ithinkverylikely，“answeredhisfriend。“Iwillbemoreontheoutlookthanever。Itmay，afterall，bethroughtheladyherselfthatweshallfindthevillain。Ifsheweretofallintooneofhertrances，now，Ithinkitalmostcertainshewouldgotohim。Sheoughttobecarefullywatchedandfollowed，ifthatshouldtakeplace。Letmeknowallthatyoulearnabouther。Goandseeheragainto-morrow，thatwemaybekeptinformedofherexperiences，sofarasshethinkspropertotellthem。“

“Iwill，“saidHugh，andtookhisleave。

ButMargaret，whoknewEuphra"scondition，bothspiritualandphysical，betterthananyother，hadfardifferentobjectsforher，throughmeansoftheunholyattractionwhichthecountexercisedoverher，thanthediscoveryofthestolenring。Shewasdeterminedthatneithersleepingnorwakingshouldshefollowhiscall，ordancetohispiping。Sheshouldresisttothelast，inthenameofGod，andsoredeemherlostwillfromthepowerofthisdevil，towhomshehadfoolishlysoldit。

Thenextday，thestruggleevidentlycontinued；andithadsuchaneffectonEuphra，thatMargaretcouldnothelpfeelingveryanxiousabouttheresultasregardedherhealth，evenifsheshouldbevictoriousinthecontest。ButnotforonemomentdidMargaretquail；forshefeltconvinced，comeofitwhatmight，thattheonlyhopeforEuphralayinresistance。Death，tohermind，wassimplynothinginthebalancewithslaveryofsuchasort。

Once——butevidentlyinafitofabsence——Euphrarose，wenttothedoor，andopenedit。Butsheinstantlydashedittoagain，andwalkingslowlyback，resumedherseatonthecouch。Margaretcametoherfromtheothersideofthebed，whereshehadbeenworkingbythewindow，forthelastquarterofanhour，forthesakeofthewaninglight。

“Whatisit，dear？”shesaid。

“Oh，Margaret！areyouthere？Ididnotknowyouwereintheroom。

IfoundmyselfatthedoorbeforeIknewwhatIwasdoing。“

“Butyoucamebackofyourselfthistime。“

“YesIdid。ButIstillfeelinclinedtogo。“

“Thereisnosininthat，solongasyoudonotencouragethefeeling，oryieldtoit。“

“Ihateit。“

“Youwillsoonbefreefromit。Keeponcourageously，dearsister。

Youwillbeinlibertyandjoysoon。“

“Godgrantit。“

“Hewill，Euphra。Iamsurehewill。“

“Iamsureyouknow，oryouwouldnotsayit。“

Aknockcametothestreetdoor。Euphrastarted，andsatintheattitudeofafearfullistener。Amessagewaspresentlybroughther，thatMr。Sutherlandwasinthedrawing-room，andwishedtoseeher。

Euphraroseimmediately，andwenttohim。Margaret，whodidnotquitefeelthatshecouldbetrustedyet，removedtoaroombehindthedrawing-room，whenceshecouldseeEuphraifshepassedtogodownstairs。

HughaskedherifshecouldtellhimanythingmoreaboutCountHalkar。

“Only，“sheanswered，“thatIamstillsurerofhisbeingnearme。“

“Howdoyouknowit？”

“Ineednotmindtellingyou，forIhavetoldyoubeforethathehasakindofsupernaturalpoweroverme。Iknowitbyhisdrawingmetowardshim。ItistrueImightfeelitjustthesamewhetherhewasinAmericaorinLondon；butIdonotthinkhewouldcaretodoit，ifheweresofaroff。Iknowhimwellenoughtoknowthathewouldnotwishformeexceptforsomeimmediateadvantagetohimself。“

“Butwhatistheuseofhisdoingso，whenyoudon"tknowwhereheistobefound。“

“Ishouldgostraighttohim，withoutknowingwhereIwasgoing。“

Hughroseinhaste。

“Putonyourbonnetandcloak，andcomewithme。Iwilltakecareofyou。Leadmetohim，andtheringshallsoonbeinyourhandsagain。“

Euphrahesitated，halfrose，butsatdownimmediately。

“No，no！Notforworlds，“shesaid。“Donottemptme。Imustnot——Idarenot——Iwillnotgo。“

“ButIshallbewithyou。Iwilltakecareofyou。Don"tyouthinkIamable，Euphra？”

“Oh，yes！quiteable。ButImustnotgoanywhereatthatman"sbidding。“

“Butitwon"tbeathisbidding：itwillbeatmine。“

“Ah！thataltersthecaserather，doesitnot？IwonderwhatMargaretwouldsay。“

“Margaret！WhatMargaret？”saidHugh。

“Oh！mynewmaid，“answeredEuphra，recollectingherself。

“Notbeingwellatpresent，sheismynurse。“

“Weshalltakeacabassoonaswegettothecorner。“

“Idon"tthinkthecountwouldbeabletoguidethehorse，“saidEuphra，withasmile。“Imustwalk。ButIshouldliketogo。I

will。Itwouldbesuchavictorytocatchhiminhisowntoils。“

Sheroseandranupstairs。Inafewminutesshecamedownagain，cloakedandveiled。ButMargaretmetherasshedescended，andleadingherintothebackdrawing-room，said：

“Areyougoing，Euphra？”

“Yes；butIamgoingwithMr。Sutherland，“answeredEuphra，inadefensivetone。“Itistopleasehim，andnottoobeythecount。“

“AreyousureitisalltopleaseMr。Sutherland？Ifitwere，I

don"tthinkyouwouldbeabletoguidehimright。Isitnottogetridofyoursufferingbyyieldingtotemptation，Euphra？Atallevents，ifyougo，evenshouldMr。Sutherlandbesuccessfulwithhim，youwillneverfeelthatyouhaveovercomehim，orhe，thathehaslostyou。Hewillstillholdyoufast。Don"tgo。Iamsureyouaredeceivingyourself。“

Euphrastoodforamomentandpoutedlikeanaughtychild。ThensuddenlythrowingherarmsaboutMargaret"sneck，shekissedher，andsaid：

“Iwon"tgo，Margaret。Here，takemythingsupstairsforme。“

Shethrewoffherbonnetandcloak，andrejoinedHughinthedrawing-room。

“Ican"tgo，“shesaid。“Imustnotgo。Ishouldbeyieldingtohim，anditwouldmakeaslaveofmeallmylife。“

“Itisouronlychanceforthering，“saidHugh。

AgainEuphrahesitatedandwavered；butagainsheconquered。

“Icannothelpit，“shesaid。“Iwouldrathernothavetheringthango——ifyouwillforgiveme。“

“Oh，Euphra！”repliedHugh。“Youknowitisnotformyself。“

“Idoknowit。Youwon"tmindthenifIdon"tgo？”

“Certainlynot，ifyouhavemadeupyourmind。Youmusthaveagoodreasonforit。“

“IndeedIhave。“Andevenalreadyshefeltthatresistancebroughtitsownreward。

Hughwentalmostimmediately，inordertomakehisreporttoFalconer，withwhomhehadanappointmentforthepurpose。

“Sheisquiteright，“saidFalconer。“Idonotthink，intherelationinwhichshestandstohim，thatshecouldsafelydootherwise。Butitseemstomeverylikelythatthiswillturnoutwellforourplans，too。Letherpersist，andinallprobabilityhewillnotonlyhavetoresignherperforce，butwillsofarmakehimselfsubjecttoherinturn，astoseekherwhowillnotgotohim。Hewillpulluponhisownropetillheisdrawntothespotwherehehasfixedit。Whatremainsforyouandmetodo，istokeepaclosewatchonthehouseandneighbourhood。Mostlikelyweshallfindthevillainbeforelong。“

“Doyoureallythinkso？”

“Thewholeaffairismysterious，andhastodowithlawswithwhichwearemostimperfectlyacquainted；butthisseemstomeapresumptionworthactingupon。Istherenooneinthehouseonwhomyoucoulddependforassistance——forinformation，atleast？”

“Yes。ThereisthesameoldservantthatMrs。EltonhadwithheratArnstead。Heisasteadyoldfellow，andhasbeenveryfriendlywithme。“

“Well，whatIwouldadviseis，thatyoushouldfindyourselfquartersasnearthespotaspossible；and，besideskeepingasmuchofapersonalguarduponthehouseasyoucan，engagetheservantyoumentiontoletyouknow，themomentthecountmakeshisappearance。Itwillprobablybetowardsnightwhenhecalls，forsuchamanmayhavereasonsaswellasinstinctstomakehimlovethedarknessratherthanthelight。Youhadbettergoatonce；andwhenyouhavefoundaplace，leaveorsendtheaddressheretome，andtowardsnight-fallIwilljoinyou。Butwemayhavetowatchforseveraldays。Wemustnotbetoosanguine。“

Almostwithoutaword，HughwenttodoasFalconersaid。Theonlyplacehecouldfindsuitable，wasapublic-houseatthecornerofabackstreet，wherethemen-servantsoftheneighbourhoodusedtoresort。Hesucceededinsecuringaprivateroominit，foraweek，andimmediatelysentFalconerwordofhislocality。HethencalledasecondtimeatMrs。Elton"s，andaskedtoseethebutler。Whenhecame：

“Irwan，“saidhe，“hasHerrvonFunkelsteincalledhereto-day？”

“No，sir，hehasnot。“

“Youwouldknowhim，wouldyounot？”

“Yes，sir；perfectly。“

“Well，ifheshouldcallto-night，orto-morrow，oranytimewithinthenextfewdays，letmeknowthemomentheisinthehouse。YouwillfindmeattheGoldenStaff，roundthecorner。ItisoftheutmostimportancethatIshouldseehimatonce。Butdonotlethimknowthatanyonewantstoseehim。Youshallnotrepenthelpingmeinthisaffair。IknowIcantrustyou。“

Hughhadfixedhimwithhiseyes，beforehebegantoexplainhiswishes。Hehadfoundoutthatthiswasthebestwayofsecuringattentionfrominferiornatures，andthatitwasespeciallynecessarywithLondonservants；fortheirsuperciliousnessiscowedbyit，andthesuperiorwillbroughttobearupontheirs。Itistheonlywayamanwithoutacarriagehastocommandattentionfromsuch。Irwanwasnotoneofthissort。Hewasacountryservant，foronedifference。ButHughmadehisaddressasimpressiveaspossible。

“Iwillwithpleasure，sir，“answeredIrwan，andHughfelttolerablysureofhim。

Falconercame。Theyorderedsomesupper，andsattilleleveno"clock。Therebeingthennochanceofasummons，theywentouttogether。Passingthehouse，theysawlightinoneupperwindowonly。Thatlightwouldburnthereallnight，foritwasinEuphra"sroom。Theywenton，HughaccompanyingFalconerinoneofhismidnightwalksthroughLondon，ashehaddonerepeatedlybefore。

>FromsuchcompanionshipandthescenestowhichFalconerintroducedhim，hehadgatheredthisfruit，thathebegantobelieveinGodforthesakeofthewretchedmenandwomenhesawintheworld。Atfirstitwashisownpainatthesightofsuchmiserythatdrovehim，forconsolation，tohopeinGod；so，atfirst，itwasforhisownsake。Butashesawmoreofthem，andgrewtolovethemmore，hefeltthattheonlyhopeforthemlayintheloveofGod；andhehopedinGodforthem。HesawtoothataGodnotbothhumanlyandabsolutelydivine，aGodlessthanthatGodshadowedforthintheRedeemerofmen，wouldnotdo。ButthinkingaboutGodthus，andhopinginhimforhisbrothersandsisters，hebegantoloveGod。

Then，lastofall，thathemightseeinhimonetowhomhecouldabandoneverything，thathemightseehimperfectandallinallandashemustbe——forthesakeofGodhimself，hebelievedinhimastheSaviourofthesehissinfulandsufferingkin。

Asearlyaswasatallexcusable，thefollowingmorning，hecalledonEuphra。Thebutlersaidthatshehadnotcomedownyet，buthewouldsenduphisname。AmessagewasbroughtbackthatMissCameronwassorrynottoseehim，butshehadhadabadnight，andwasquiteunabletogetup。Irwanrepliedtohisinquiry，thatthecounthadnotcalled。HughwithdrewtotheGoldenStaff。

Abadnightithadbeenindeed。AsEuphrasleptwellthefirstpartofit，andhadnoattacksuchasshehadhaduponboththeprecedingnights，Margarethadhopedtheworstwasover。Stillshelaidherselfonlywithinthethresholdofsleepreadytowakeattheleastmotion。

InthemiddleofthenightshefeltEuphramove。Shelaystilltoseewhatshewoulddo。Euphraslippedoutofbed，andpartlydressedherself；thenwenttoherwardrobe，andputonacloakwithalargehood，whichshedrewoverherhead。Margaretlaywithadreadfulachingatherheart。Euphrawenttowardsthedoor。

Margaretcalledher，butshemadenoanswer。Margaretflewtothedoor，andreacheditbeforeher。Then，toherintensedelight，shesawthatEuphra"seyeswereclosed。Justasshelaidherhandonthedoor，Margarettookhergentlyinherarms。

“Letmego，letmego！”Euphraalmostscreamed。Thensuddenlyopeninghereyes，shestaredatMargaretinabewilderedfashion，likeonewakingfromthedead。

“Euphra！dearEuphra！”saidMargaret。

“Oh，Margaret！isitreallyyou？”exclaimedEuphra，flingingherarmsabouther。“Oh，Iamglad。Ah！youseewhatImusthavebeenabout。IsupposeIknewwhenIwasdoingit，butIdon"tknownow。

Ihaveforgottenallaboutit。Ohdear！ohdear！Ithoughtitwouldcometothis。“

“Cometobed，dear。Youcouldn"thelpit。Itwasnotyourself。

Thereisnotmorethanhalfofyouawake，whenyouwalkinyoursleep。“

Theywenttobed。EuphracreptclosetoMargaret，andcriedherselfasleepagain。Thenextdayshehadabadhead-ache。Thiswithheralwaysfollowedsomnambulation。Shedidnotgetupallthatday。

WhenHughcalledagainintheevening，heheardshewasbetter，butstillinbed。

FalconerjoinedHughattheGoldenStaff，atnight；buttheyhadnobettersuccessthanbefore。Falconerwentoutalone，forHughwantedtokeephimselffresh。Thoughverystrong，hewasyoungerandlesshardenedthanFalconer，whocouldstandanincredibleamountoflabourandlackofsleep。Hughwouldhavegivenwayunderthehalf。

CHAPTERXVIII。

VICTORY

Omyadmiredmistress，quenchnotoutTheholyfireswithinyou，thoughtemptationsShowerdownuponyou：claspthinearmouron；

Fightwell，andthoushaltsee，afterthesewars，Thyheadwearsunbeams，andthyfeettouchstars。

MASSINGER——TheVirginMartyr。

ButHughcouldsleepnomorethanifhehadbeenoutwithFalconer。

Hewasasrestlessasawildbeastinacage。Somethingwouldnotlethimbeatpeace。Soherose，dressed，andwentout。Assoonasheturnedthecorner，hecouldseeMrs。Elton"shouse。Itwasvisiblebothbyintermittentmoonlightabove，andbyflickeringgaslightbelow，forthewindblewratherstrong。Therewassnowintheair，heknew。Thelighttheyhadobservedlastnight，wasburningnow。Amomentservedtomaketheseobservations；andthenHugh"seyeswerearrestedbythesightofsomethingelse——amanwalkingupanddownthepavementinfrontofMrs。Elton"shouse。Heinstantlysteppedintotheshadowofaporchtowatchhim。Thefiguremightbethecount"s；itmightnot；hecouldnotbesure。

Everynowandthenthemanlookeduptothewindows。Atlengthhestoppedrightunderthelightedone，andlookedup。Hughwasonthepointofglidingout，thathemightgetasnearhimaspossiblebeforerushingonhim，when，atthemoment，tohisgreatmortification，apolicemanemergedfromsomemysteriouscorner，andthefigureinstantlyvanishedinanother。Hughdidnotpursuehim；

becauseitwouldbetosetallonasinglechance，andthatapoorone；forifthecount，shoulditbehe，succeededinescaping，hewouldnotreturntoaspotwhichheknewtobewatched。Hugh，therefore，withdrewoncemoreunderaporch，andwaited。But，whatevermightbethecause，themanmadehisappearancenomore。

Hughcontrivedtokeepwatchfortwohours，inspiteofsuspiciouspolicemen。Hesleptlateintothefollowingmorning。

CallingatMrs。Elton"s，helearnedthatthecounthadnotbeenthere；thatMissCameronhadbeenveryillallnight；butthatshewasratherbettersincethemorning。

Thatnight，asthepreceding，Margarethadawakedsuddenly。Euphrawasnotinthebedbesideher。Shestartedupinanagonyofterror；butitwassoonallayed，thoughnotremoved。ShesawEuphraonherkneesatthefootofthebed，anold-fashionedfour-postone。

Shehadherarmstwinedroundoneofthebed-posts，andherheadthrownback，asifsomeonewerepullingherbackwardsbyherhair，whichfelloverhernight-dresstothefloorinthick，blackmasses。

Hereyeswereclosed；herfacewasdeath-like，almostlivid；andthecolddewsoftorturewererollingdownfrombrowtochin。Herlipsweremovingconvulsively，withnowandthentheappearanceofanattemptatarticulation，asiftheyweresetinmotionbyanagonyofinwardprayer。Margaret，unabletomove，watchedherwithanxioussympathyandfearfulexpectation。Howlongthislastedshecouldnottell，butitseemedalongtime。AtlengthMargaretrose，andlongingtohavesomeshareinthestruggle，howeversmall，wentsoftly，andstoodbehindher，shadowingherfromafeeblerayofmoonlightwhich，throughawind-rentcloud，hadstolenintotheroom，andlayuponherupturnedface。Theresheliftedupherheartinprayer。InamomentafterthetensionofEuphra"scountenancerelaxedalittle；composureslowlyfollowed；herheadgraduallyrose，sothatMargaretcouldseeherfacenolonger；then，asgradually，droopedforward。Nextherarmsuntwinedthemselvesfromthebed-post，andherhandsclaspedthemselvestogether。Shelookedlikeoneprayingintheintensesilenceofabsorbingdevotion。

Margaretstoodstillasastatue。

InspeakingaboutitafterwardstoHugh，Margarettoldhimthatshedistinctlyrememberedhearing，whileshestood，themeasuredstepsofapolicemanpassthehouseonthepavementbelow。

InafewminutesEuphrabowedherheadyetlower，andthenrosetoherfeet。SheturnedroundtowardsMargaret，asifsheknewshewasthere。ToMargaret"sastonishment，hereyeswerewideopen。Shesmiledamostchild-like，peaceful，happysmile，andsaid：

“Itisover，Margaret，alloveratlast。Thankyou，withmywholeheart。Godhashelpedme。“

Atthatmoment，themoonshoneoutfull，andherfaceappearedinitslightlikethefaceofanangel。Margaretlookedonherwithawe。Fear，distress，anddoubthadvanished，andshewasalreadybeautifulliketheblessed。Margaretgotahandkerchief，andwipedthecolddampsfromherface。Thenshehelpedherintobed，whereshefellasleepalmostinstantly，andsleptlikeachild。Nowandthenshemoaned；butwhenMargaretlookedather，shesawthesmilestilluponhercountenance。

Shewokeweakandworn，buthappy。

“Ishallnottroubleyouto-day，Margaret，dear，“saidshe。“Ishallnotgetupyet，butyouwillnotneedtowatchme。Agreatchangehaspasseduponme。Iamfree。Ihaveovercomehim。Hemaydoashepleasesnow。Idonotcare。Idefyhim。Igotuplastnightinmysleep，butIrememberallaboutit；and，althoughIwasasleep，andfeltpowerlesslikeacorpse，Iresistedhim，evenwhenI

thoughthewasdraggingmeawaybybodilyforce。AndIresistedhim，tillheleftmealone。ThankGod！”

Ithadbeenaterriblestruggle，butshehadovercome。Norwasthisall：shewouldnomoreleadtwolives，thewakingandthesleeping。

Herwakingwillandconsciencehadassertedthemselvesinhersleepingacts；andthememoryofthesomnambulistlivedstillinthewakingwoman。Hencehertwoliveswereblendedintoonelife；andshewasnomoretwo，butone。Thisindicatedamightygrowthofindividualbeing。

“Iwokewithoutterror，“shewentontosay。“Ialwaysusedtowakefromsuchasleepinanagonyofunknownfear。IdonotthinkI

shalleverwalkinmysleepagain。“

Isnotsalvationtheunitingofallournatureintooneharmoniouswhole——Godfirstinus，ourselveslast，andallindueorderbetween？SomethingverymuchanalogoustothechangeinEuphratakesplaceinamanwhenhefirstlearnsthathisbeliefsmustbecomeacts；thathisreligiouslifeandhishumanlifeareone；

thathemustdothethingthatheadmires。TheIdealistheonlyabsoluteReal；anditmustbecometheRealintheindividuallifeaswell，howeverimpossibletheymaycountitwhonevertryit，orwhodonottrustinGodtoeffectit，whentheyfindthemselvesbaffledintheattempt。

Intheafternoon，Euphrafellasleep，andwhenshewoke，seemedbetter。ShesaidtoMargaret：

“Canitbethatitwasalladream，Margaret？Imeanmyassociationwiththatdreadfulman。Ifeelasifitwereonlysomehorriddream，andthatIcouldneverhavehadanythingtodowithhim。I

mayhavebeenoutofmymind，youknow，andhavetoldyouthingswhichIbelievedfirmlyenoughthen，butwhichneverreallytookplace。Itcouldnothavebeenme，Margaret，couldit？”

“Notyourreal，true，bestself，dear。“

“Ihavebeenadreadfulcreature，Margaret。ButIfeelthatallthathasmeltedawayfromme，andgonebehindthesunset，whichwillforeverstand，inallitsgloryandloveliness，betweenmeandit，animpassablerampartofdefence。“

Herwordssoundedstrangeandexcited，buthereyeandherpulsewerecalm。

“Howcouldheeverhavehadthathatefulpoweroverme？”

“Don"tthinkanymoreabouthim，dear，butenjoytherestGodhasgivenyou。“

“Iwill，Iwill。“

Atthatmoment，amaidcametothedoor，withFunkelstein"scardforMissCameron。

“Verywell，“saidMargaret；“askhimtowait。IwilltellMissCameron。Shemaywishtosendhimamessage。Youmaygo。“

ShetoldEuphrathatthecountwasinthehouse。Euphrashowednosurprise，nofear，noannoyance。

“Willyouseehimforme，Margaret，ifyoudon"tmind；andtellhimfromme，thatIdefyhim；thatIdonothatehim，onlybecauseI

despiseandforgethim；thatIchallengehimtodohisworst。“

Shehadforgottenallaboutthering。ButMargarethadnot。

“Iwill，“saidshe，andlefttheroom。

Onherwaydown，shewentintothedrawing-room，andrangthebell。

“SendMr。Irwantomehere，please。ItisforMissCameron。“

Themanwent，butpresentlyreturned，sayingthatthebutlerhadjuststeppedout。

“Verywell。Youwilldojustaswell。Whenthegentlemanleaveswhoiscallingnow，youmustfollowhim。Takeacab，ifnecessary，andfollowhimeverywhere，tillyoufindwherehestopsforthenight。Watchtheplace，andsendmewordwhereyouare。Butdon"tlethimknow。Putonplainclothes，please，asfastasyoucan。“

“Yes，Miss，directly。“

TheservantsallcalledMargaret，Miss。

Shelingeredyetalittle，togivethemantime。Shewasnotatallsatisfiedwithherplan，butshecouldthinkofnothingbetter。

Happily，itwasnotnecessary。IrwanhadrunasfastashisoldlegswouldcarryhimtotheGoldenStaff。Hughreceivedthenewswithdelight。Hisheartseemedtoleapintohisthroat，andhefeltjustashedid，when，deer-stalkingforthefirsttime，hetriedtotakeaimatagreatredstag。

“Ishallwaitforhimoutsidethedoor。Wemusthavenonoiseinthehouse。Heisathief，orworse，Irwan。“

“Goodgracious！Andthere"stheplatealllaidoutfordinneronthesideboard！”exclaimedIrwan，andhurriedofffasterthanhehadcome。

ButHughwasstandingatthedoorlongbeforeIrwangotuptoit。

HadMargaretknownwhowaswatchingoutside，itwouldhavebeenawonderfulrelieftoher。

Sheenteredthedining-room，wherethecountstoodimpatient。Headvancedquickly，actingonhisexpectationofEuphra，butseeinghismistake，stopped，andbowedpolitely。MargarettoldhimthatMissCameronwasill，andgavehimhermessage，wordforword。Thecountturnedpalewithmortificationandrage。Hebithislip，madenoreply，andwalkedoutintothehall，whereIrwanstoodwiththehandleofthedoorinhishand，impatienttoopenit。Nosoonerwasheoutofthehouse，thanHughspranguponhim；butthecount，whohadbeenperfectlyuponhisguard，eludedhim，anddartedoffdownthestreet。Hughpursuedatfullspeed，mortifiedathisescape。

Hehadnofearatfirstofovertakinghim，forhehadfoundfewmenhisequalsinspeedandendurance；buthesoonsaw，tohisdismay，thatthecountwasincreasingthedistancebetweenthem，andfearedthat，byasuddenturnintosomelabyrinth，hemightescapehimaltogether。TheypassedtheGoldenStaffatfullspeed，andatthenextcornerHughdiscoveredwhatgavethecounttheadvantage：itwashisagilityandrecklessnessinturningcorners。But，likethesorcerer"simpunity，theyfailedhimatlast；for，atthenextturn，heranfulluponFalconer，whostaggeredback，whilethecountreeledandfell。Hughwasuponhiminamoment。“Help！”roaredthecount，foralastchancefromthesympathiesofagatheringcrowd。