第5章

Aswewalkedroundtothefrontofthehouseaflyfromtherailwayapproachedusalongthedrive。MissHalcombewaitedonthedoor-stepsuntiltheflydrewup，andthenadvancedtoshakehandswithanoldgentleman，whogotoutbrisklythemomentthestepswereletdown。MrGilmorehadarrived。

Ilookedathim，whenwewereintroducedtoeachother，withaninterestandacuriositywhichIcouldhardlyconceal。ThisoldmanwastoremainatLimmeridgeHouseafterIhadleftit；hewastohearSirPercivalGlyde’sexplanation，andwastogiveMissHalcombetheassistanceofhisexperienceinformingherjudgment；hewastowaituntilthequestionofthemarriagewassetatrest；andhishand，ifthatquestionweredecidedintheaffirmative，wastodrawthesettlementwhichboundMissFairlieirrevocablytoherengagement。Eventhen，whenIknewnothingbycomparisonwithwhatIknownow，IlookedatthefamilylawyerwithaminterestwhichIhadneverfeltbeforeinthepresenceofanymanbreathingwhowasatotalstrangertome。

InexternalappearanceMrGilmorewastheexactoppositeoftheconventionalideaofanoldlawyer。Hiscomplexionwasflorid——hiswhitehairwaswornratherlongandkeptcarefullybrushed——hisblackcoat，waistcoat，andtrousersfittedhimwithperfectneatness——hiswhitecravatwascarefullytied，andhislavender-colouredkidglovesmighthaveadornedthehandsofafashionableclergyman，withoutfearandwithoutreproach。Hismannerswerepleasantlymarkedbytheformalgraceandrefinementoftheoldschoolofpoliteness，quickenedbytheinvigoratingsharpnessandreadinessofamanwhosebusinessinlifeobligeshimalwaystokeephisfacultiesingoodworkingorder。Asanguineconstitutionandfairprospectstobeginwith——alongsubsequentcareerofcreditableandcomfortableprosperity——acheerful，diligent，widely-respectedoldage——suchwerethegeneralimpressionsIderivedfrommyintroductiontoMrGilmore，anditisbutfairtohimtoadd，thattheknowledgeIgainedbylaterandbetterexperienceonlytendedtoconfirmthem。

IlefttheoldgentlemanandMissHalcombetoenterthehousetogether，andtotalkoffamilymattersundisturbedbytherestraintofastranger’spresence。Theycrossedthehallontheirwaytothedrawing-room，andIdescendedthestepsagaintowanderaboutthegardenalone。

MyhourswerenumberedatLimmeridgeHouse——mydeparturethenextmorningwasirrevocablysettled——myshareintheinvestigationwhichtheanonymousletterhadrenderednecessarywasatanend。NoharmcouldbedonetoanyonebutmyselfifIletmyheartlooseagain，forthelittletimethatwasleftme，fromthecoldcrueltyofrestraintwhichnecessityhadforcedmetoinflictuponit，andtookmyfarewellofthesceneswhichwereassociatedwiththebriefdream-timeofmyhappinessandmylove。

Iturnedinstinctivelytothewalkbeneathmystudy-window，whereIhadseenhertheeveningbeforewithherlittledog，andfollowedthepathwhichherdearfeethadtroddensooften，tillIcametothewicketgatethatledintoherrosegarden。Thewinterbarenessspreaddrearilyoveritnow。Theflowersthatshehadtaughtmetodistinguishbytheirnames，theflowersthatIhadtaughthertopaintfrom，weregone，andthetinywhitepathsthatledbetweenthebedsweredampandgreenalready。lwentontotheavenueoftrees，wherewehadbreathedtogetherthewarmfragranceofAugustevenings，wherewehadadmiredtogetherthemyriadcombinationsofshadeandsunlightthatdappledthegroundatourfeet。Theleavesfellaboutmefromthegroaningbranches，andtheearthydecayintheatmospherechilledmetothebones。Alittlefartheron，andIwasoutofthegrounds，andfollowingthelanethatwoundgentlyupwardtothenearesthills。Theoldfelledtreebythewayside，onwhichwehadsattorest，wassoddenwithrain，andthetuftoffernsandgrasseswhichIhaddrawnforher，nestlingundertheroughstonewallinfrontofus，hadturnedtoapoolofwater，stagnatingroundanislandofdraggledweeds。Igainedthesummitofthehill，andlookedattheviewwhichwehadsooftenadmiredinthehappiertime。Itwascoldandbarren——itwasnolongertheviewthatIremembered。Thesunshineofherpresencewasfarfromme——thecharmofhervoicenolongermurmuredinmyear。Shehadtalkedtome，onthespotfromwhichInowlookeddown，ofherfather，whowasherlastsurvivingparent——hadtoldmchowfondofeachothertheyhadbeen，andhowsadlyshemissedhimstillwhensheenteredcertainroomsinthehouse，andwhenshetookupforgottenoccupationsandamusementswithwhichhehadbeenassociated。WastheviewthatIhadseen，whilelisteningtothosewords，theviewthatIsawnow，standingonthehill-topbymyself？Iturnedandleftit——Iwoundmywaybackagain，overthemoor，androundthesandhills，downtothebeach。Therewasthewhiterageofthesurf，andthemultitudinousgloryoftheleapingwaves——butwherewastheplaceonwhichshehadoncedrawnidlefigureswithherparasolinthesand——theplacewherewehadsattogether，whileshetalkedtomeaboutmyselfandmyhome，whilesheaskedmeawoman’sminutelyobservantquestionsaboutmymotherandmysister，andinnocentlywonderedwhetherIshouldeverleavemylonelychambersandhaveawifeandahouseofmyown？Windandwavehadlongsincesmoothedoutthetraceofherwhichshehadleftinthosemarksonthesand。Ilookedoverthewidemonotonyoftheseasideprospect，andtheplaceinwhichwetwohadidledawaythesunnyhourswasaslosttomeasifIhadneverknownit，asstrangetomeasifIstoodalreadyonaforeignshore。

Theemptysilenceofthebeachstruckcoldtomyheart。Ireturnedtothehouseandthegarden，wheretraceswerelefttospeakofherateveryturn。

OnthewestterracewalkImetMrGilmore。Hewasevidentlyinsearchofme，forhequickenedhispacewhenwecaughtsightofeachother。Thestateofmyspiritslittlefittedmeforthesocietyofastranger；butthemeetingwasinevitable，andIresignedmyselftomakethebestofit。

`YouaretheverypersonIwantedtosee，’saidtheoldgentleman。`Ihadtwowordstosaytoyou，mydearsir；andifyouhavenoobjectionIwillavailmyselfofthepresentopportunity。Toputitplainly，MissHalcombeandIhavebeentalkingoverfamilyaffairs——affairswhicharethecauseofmybeinghere——andinthecourseofourconversationshewasnaturallyledtotellmeofthisunpleasantmatterconnectedwiththeanonymousletter，andofthesharewhichyouhavemostcreditablyandproperlytakenintheproceedingssofar。Thatshare，Iquiteunderstand，givesyouaninterestwhichyoumightnototherwisehavefelt，inknowingthatthefuturemanagementoftheinvestigationwhichyouhavebegunwillbeplacedinsafehands。Mydearsir，makeyourselfquiteeasyonthatpoint——itwillbeplacedinmyhands。’

`Youare，ineveryway，MrGilmore，muchfittertoadviseandtoactinthematterthanIam。Isitanindiscretiononmyparttoaskifyouhavedecidedyetonacourseofproceeding？’

`Sofarasitispossibletodecide，MrHartright，Ihavedecided。Imeantosendacopyoftheletter，accompaniedbyastatementofthecircumstances，toSirPercivalGlyde’ssolicitorinLondon，withwhomIhavesomeacquaintance。TheletteritselfIshallkeepheretoshowtoSirPercivalassoonashearrives。ThetracingofthetwowomenIhavealreadyprovidedfor，bysendingoneofMrFairlie’sservants——aconfidentialperson——tothestationtomakeinquiries。Themanhashismoneyandhisdirections，andhewillfollowthewomenintheeventofhisfindinganyclue。ThisisallthatcanbedoneuntilSirPercivalcomesonMonday。Ihavenodoubtmyselfthateveryexplanationwhichcanbeexpectedfromagentlemanandamanofhonour，hewillreadilygive。SirPercivalstandsveryhigh，sir——aneminentposition，areputationabovesuspicion——Ifeelquiteeasyaboutresults——quiteeasy，Iamrejoicedtoassureyou。Thingsofthissorthappenconstantlyinmyexperience。Anonymousletters——unfortunatewoman——sadstateofsociety。Idon’tdenythattherearepeculiarcomplicationsinthiscase；butthecaseitselfis，mostunhappily，common——common。’

`Iamafraid，MrGilmore，IhavethemisfortunetodifferfromyouintheviewItakeofthecase。’

`rustso，mydearsir——justso。Iamanoldman，andItakethepracticalview。Youareayoungman，andyoutaketheromanticview。Letusnotdisputeaboutourviews。Iliveprofessionallyinanatmosphereofdisputation，MrHartright，andIamonlytoogladtoescapefromit，asIamescapinghere。Wewillwaitforevents——yes，yes，yes——wewillwaitforevents。Charmingplacethis。Goodshooting？Probablynot，noneofMrFairlie’slandispreserved，Ithink。Charmingplace，though，anddelightfulpeople。Youdrawandpaint，Ihear，MrHartright？Enviableaccomplishment。Whatstyle？’

Wedroppedintogeneralconversation，orrather，MrGilmoretalkedandIlistened。Myattentionwasfarfromhim，andfromthetopicsonwhichhediscoursedsofluently。Thesolitarywalkofthelasttwohourshadwroughtitseffectonme——ithadsettheideainmymindofhasteningmydeparturefromLimmeridgeHouse。WhyshouldIprolongthehardtrialofsayingfarewellbyoneunnecessaryminute？Whatfurtherservicewasrequiredofmebyanyone？TherewasnousefulpurposetobeservedbymystayinCumberland——therewasnorestrictionoftimeinthepermissiontoleavewhichmyemployerhadgrantedtome。Whynotenditthereandthen？

Ideterminedtoendit。Thereweresomehoursofdaylightstillleft——therewasnoreasonwhymyjourneybacktoLondonshouldnotbeginonthatafternoon。ImadethefistcivilexcusethatoccurredtomeforleavingMrGilmore，andreturnedatoncetothehouse。

OnmywayuptomyroomImetMissHalcombeonthestairs。Shesaw，bythehurryofmymovementsandthechangeinmymanner，thatIhadsomenewpurposeinview，andaskedwhathadhappened。

Itoldherthereasonswhichinducedmetothinkofhasteningmydeparture，exactlyasIhavetoldthemhere。

`No，no，’shesaid，earnestlyandkindly，`leaveuslikeafriend——breakbreadwithusoncemore。Stayhereanddine，stayhereandhelpustospendourlasteveningwithyouashappily，aslikeourfirstevenings，aswecan。Itismyinvitation——MrsVesey’sinvitation——’shehesitatedalittle，andthenadded，`Laura’sinvitationaswell。’

Ipromisedtoremain。GodknowsIhadnowishtoleaveeventheshadowofasorrowfulimpressionwithanyofthem。

Myownroomwasthebestplaceformetillthedinnerbellrang。Iwaitedtheretillitwastimetogodownstairs。

IhadnotspokentoMissFairlie——Ihadnotevenseenher——allthatday。Thefirstmeetingwithher，whenIenteredthedrawing-room，wasahardtrialtoherself-controlandtomine。She，too，haddoneherbesttomakeourlasteveningrenewthegoldenbygonetime——thetimethatcouldnevercomeagain。ShehadputonthedresswhichIusedtoadmiremorethananyotherthatshepossessed——adarkbluesilk，trimmedquaintlyandprettilywithold-fashionedlace；shecameforwardtomeetmewithherformerreadiness——shegavemeherhandwiththefrank，innocentgood-willofhappierdays。Thecoldfingersthattrembledroundmine——thepalecheekswithabrightredspotburninginthemidstofthem——thefaintsmilethatstruggledtoliveonherlipsanddiedawayfromthemwhileIlookedatit，toldmeatwhatsacrificeofherselfheroutwardcomposurewasmaintained。Myheartcouldtakehernoclosertome，orIshouldhavelovedherthenasIhadneverlovedheryet。

MrGilmorewasagreatassistancetous。Hewasinhighgood-humour，andheledtheconversationwithunflaggingspirit。MissHalcombesecondedhimresolutely，andIdidallIcouldtofollowherexample。Thekindblueeyes，whoseslightestchangesofexpressionIhadlearnttointerpretsowell，lookedatmeappealinglywhenwefirstsatdowntotable。Helpmysister——thesweetanxiousfaceseemedtosay——helpmysister，andyouwillhelpme。

Wegotthroughthedinner，toalloutwardappearanceatleast，happilyenough。Whentheladieshadrisenfromtable，andMrGilmoreandIwereleftaloneinthedining-room，anewinterestpresenteditselftooccupyourattention，andtogivemeanopportunityofquietingmyselfbyafewminutesofneedfulandwelcomesilence。TheservantwhohadbeendespatchedtotraceAnneCatherickandMrsClementsreturnedwithhisreport，andwasshownintothedining-roomimmediately。

`Well，’saidMrGilmore，`whathaveyoufoundout？’

`Ihavefoundout，sir，’answeredtheman，`thatboththewomentookticketsatourstationhereforCarlisle。’

`YouwenttoCarlisle，ofcourse，whenyouheardthat？’

`ldid，sir，butIamsorrytosayIcouldfindnofurthertraceofthem。’

`Youinquiredattherailway？’

`Yes，sir。’

`Andatthedifferentinns？’

`Yes，sir。’

`AndyouleftthestatementIwroteforyouatthePolicestation？’

`Idid，sir。’。

`Well，myfriend，youhavedoneallyoucould，andIhavedoneallIcould，andtherethemattermustresttillfurthernotice。Wehaveplayedourtrumpcards，MrHartright，’continuedtheoldgentlemanwhentheservanthadwithdrawn。`Forthepresent，atleast，thewomenhaveoutmanoeuvredus，andouronlyresourcenowistowaittillSirpercivalGlydecomeshereonMondaynext。Won’tyoufillyourglassagain？Goodbottleofport，that——sound，substantial，oldwine。Ihavegotbetterinmyowncellar，though。’

Wereturnedtothedrawing-room——theroominwhichthehappiesteveningsofmylifehadbeenpassed——theroomwhich，afterthislastnight，Iwasnevertoseeagain。Itsaspectwasalteredsincethedayshadshortenedandtheweatherhadgrowncold。Theglassdoorsontheterracesidewereclosed，andhiddenbythickcurtains。Insteadofthesofttwilightobscurity，inwhichweused-cosit，thebrightradiantglowoflamplightnowdazzledmyeyes。Allwaschanged-in-doorsandoutallwaschanged。

MissHalcombeandMrGilmoresatdowntogetheratthecard-table——MrsVeseytookhercustomarychair。Therewasnorestraintonthedisposaloftheirevening，andIfelttherestraintonthedisposalofmineallthemorepainfullyfromobservingit。lsawMissFairlielingeringnearthemusic-stand。ThetimehadbeenwhenImighthavejoinedherthere。Iwaitedirresolutely——Iknewneitherwheretogonorwhattodonext。Shecastonequickglanceatme，tookapieceofmusicsuddenlyfromthestand，andcametowardsmeofherownaccord。

`ShallIplaysomeofthoselittlemelodiesofMozart’swhichyouusedtolikesomuch？’sheasked，openingthemusicnervously，andlookingdownatitwhileshespoke。

BeforeIcouldthankhershehastenedtothepiano。Thechairnearit，whichIhadalwaysbeenaccustomedtooccupy，stoodempty。Shestruckafewchords——thenglancedroundatme——thenlookedbackagainathermusic。

`Won’tyoutakeyouroldplace？’shesaid，speakingveryabruptlyandinverylowtones。

`Imaytakeitonthelastnight，’Ianswered。

Shedidnotreply——shekeptherattentionrivetedonthemusic——musicwhichsheknewbymemory，whichshehadplayedoverandoveragain，informertimes，withoutthebook。Ionlyknewthatshehadheardme，Ionlyknewthatshewasawareofmybeingclosetoher，byseeingtheredspotonthecheekthatwasnearesttomefadeout，andthefacegrowpaleallover。

`Iamverysorryyouaregoing，’shesaid，hervoicealmostsinkingtoawhisper，hereyeslookingmoreandmoreintentlyatthemusic，herfingersflyingoverthekeysofthepianowithastrangefeverishenergywhichIhadnevernoticedinherbefore。

`Ishallrememberthosekindwords，MissFairlie，longaftertomorrowhascomeandgone。’

Thepalenessgrewwhiteronherface，andsheturneditfartherawayfromme。

`Don’tspeakoftomorrow，’shesaid。`Letthemusicspeaktousoftonight，inahappierlanguagethanours。’

Herlipstrembled——afaintsighflutteredfromthem，whichshetriedvainlytosuppress。Herfingerswaveredonthepiano——shestruckafalsenote，confusedherselfintryingtosetitright，anddroppedherhandsangrilyonherlap。MissHalcombeandMrGilmorelookedupinastonishmentfromthecard-tableatwhichtheywereplaying。EvenMrsVesey，dozinginherchair，wokeatthesuddencessationofthemusic，andinquiredwhathadhappened。

`Youplayatwhist，MrHartright？’askedMissHalcombe，withhereyesdirectedsignificantlyattheplaceIoccupied。

Iknewwhatshemeant——Iknewshewasright，andIroseatoncetogotothecard-table。AsIleftthepianoMissFairlieturnedapageofthemusic，andtouchedthekeysagainwithasurerhand。

`Iwillplayit，’shesaid，strikingthenotesalmostpassionately。`Iwillplayitonthelastnight。’

`Come，MrsVesey，’saidMissHalcombe，`MrGilmoreandIaretiredofécarté——comeandbeMrHartright’spartneratwhist。’

Theoldlawyersmiledsatirically。Hishadbeenthewinninghand，andhehadjustturnedupaking。HeevidentlyattributedMissHalcombe’sabruptchangeinthecard-tablearrangementstoalady’sinabilitytoplaythelosinggame。

Therestoftheeveningpassedwithoutawordoralookfromher。Shekeptherplaceatthepiano，andIkeptmineatthecard-table。Sheplayedunintermittingly——playedasifthemusicwasheronlyrefugefromherself。Sometimesherfingerstouchedthenoteswithalingeringfondness——asoft，plaintive，dyingtenderness，unutterablybeautifulandmournfultohear；sometimestheyfalteredandfailedher，orhurriedovertheinstrumentmechanically，asiftheirtaskwasaburdentothem。Butstill，changeandwaverastheymightintheexpressiontheyimpartedtothemusic，theirresolutiontoplayneverfaltered。SheonlyrosefromthepianowhenweallrosetosayGood-night。

MrsVeseywasthenearesttothedoor，andthefirsttoshakehandswithme。

`Ishallnotseeyouagain，MrHartright，’saidtheoldlady。`Iamtrulysorryyouaregoingaway。Youhavebeenverykindandattentive，andanoldwomanlikemefeelskindnessandattention。Iwishyouhappy，sir——Iwishyouakindgood-bye。’

MrGilmorecamenext。

`Ihopeweshallhaveafutureopportunityofbetteringouracquaintance，MrHartright。Youquiteunderstandaboutthatlittlematterofbusinessbeingsafeinmyhands？Yes，yes，ofcourse。Blessme，howcolditis！Don’tletmekeepyouatthedoor。Bonvoyage，mydearsir——bonvoyage，astheFrenchsay。’

Icouldaddnomore。Myvoicefaltered，myeyesmoistenedinspiteofme。

Shecaughtmebybothhands——shepressedthemwiththestrong，steadygraspofaman——herdarkeyesglittered——herbrowncomplexionflusheddeep——theforceandenergyofherfaceglowedandgrewbeautifulwiththepureinnerlightofhergenerosityandherpity。

`Iwilltrustyou——ifeverthetimecomesIwilltrustyouasmyfriendandherfriend，asmaybrotherandherbrother。’Shestopped，drewmenearertoher——thefearless，noblecreature——touchedmyforehead，sister-like，withherlips，andcalledmebymyChristianname。`Godblessyou，Walter！’shesaid。`Waitherealoneandcomposeyourself——Ihadbetternotstayforbothoursakes——Ihadbetterseeyougofromthebalconyupstairs。’

Shelefttheroom。Iturnedawaytowardsthewindow，wherenothingfacedmebutthelonelyautumnlandscape——Iturnedawaytomastermyself，beforeItoolefttheroominmyturn，andleftitforever。

Aminutepassed——itcouldhardlyhavebeenmore——whenIheardthedooropenagainsoftly，andtherustlingofawoman’sdressonthecarpetmovedtowardsme。MyheartbeatviolentlyasIturnedround。MissFairliewasapproachingmefromthefartherendoftheroom。

Shestoppedandhesitatedwhenoureyesmet，andwhenshesawthatwewerealone。Then，withthatcouragewhichwomenlosesoofteninthesmallemergency，andsoseldominthegreat，shecameonnearertome，strangelypaleandstrangelyquiet，drawingonehandafterheralongthetablebywhichshewalked，andholdingsomethingathersideintheother，whichwashiddenbythefoldsofherdress。

`Ionlywentintothedrawing-room，’shesaid，`tolookforthis。Itmayremindyouofyourvisithere，andofthefriendsyouleavebehindyou。YoutoldmeIhadimprovedverymuchwhenIdidit，andIthoughtyoumightlike——’

Sheturnedherheadaway，andofferedmealittlesketch，drawnthroughoutbyherownpencil，ofthesummer-houseinwhichwehadfirstmet。Thepapertrembledinherhandasshehelditouttome——trembledinmineasItookitfromher。

IwasafraidtosaywhatIfelt——Ionlyanswered，`Itshallneverleaveme——allmylifelongitshallbethetreasurethatIPrizemost。Iamverygratefulforit——verygratefultoyou，fornotlettingmegoawaywithoutbiddingyougood-bye。’

`Oh！’shesaidinnocently，`howcouldIletyougo，afterwehavepassedsomanyhappydaystogether！’

`Thosedaysmayneverreturn，MissFairlie——mywayoflifeandyoursareveryfarapart。Butifatimeshouldcome，whenthedevotionofmywholeheartandsoulandstrengthwillgiveyouamoment’shappiness，orspareyouamoment’ssorrow，willyoutrytorememberthepoordrawing-masterwhohastaughtyou？MissHalcombehaspromisedtotrustme——willyoupromisetoo？’

Thefarewellsadnessinthekindblueeyesshonedimlythroughhergatheringtears。

`Ipromiseit，’shesaidinbrokentones。`Oh，don’tlookatmelikethat！Ipromiseitwithallmyheart。’

Iventuredalittlenearertoher，andheldoutmyhand。

`Youhavemanyfriendswholoveyou，MissFairlie。Yourhappyfutureisthedearobjectofmanyhopes。MayIsay，atparting，thatitisthedearobjectofmyhopestoo？’

Thetearsflowedfastdownhercheeks-Sherestedonetremblinghandonthetabletosteadyherselfwhileshegavemetheother。Itookitinmine——Ihelditfast。Myheaddroopedoverit，mytearsfellonit，mylipspressedit——notinlove；oh，notinlove，atthatlastmoment，butintheagonyandtheself-abandonmentofdespair。

`ForGod’ssake，leaveme！’shesaidfaintly。

Theconfessionofherheart’ssecretburstfromherinthosepleadingwords。Ihadnorighttohearthem，norighttoanswerthem——theywerethewordsthatbanishedme，inthenameofhersacredweakness，fromtheroom。Itwasallover。Idroppedherhand，Isaidnomore。Theblindingtearsshutheroutfrommyeyes，andIdashedthemawaytolookatherforthelasttime。Onelookasshesankintoachair，asherarmsfellonthetable，asherfairheaddroppedonthemwearily。Onefarewelllook，andthedoorhadcloseduponher——thegreatgulfofseparationhadopenedbetweenus——theimageofLauraFairliewasamemoryofthepastalready。

IWRITEtheselinesattherequestofmyfriend，MrWalterHartright。TheyareintendedtoconveyadescriptionofcertaineventswhichseriouslyaffectedMissFairlie’sinterests，andwhichtookplaceaftertheperiodofMrHartright’sdeparturefromLimmeridgeHouse。

Thereisnoneedformetosaywhethermyownopiniondoesordoesnotsanctionthedisclosureoftheremarkablefamilystory，ofwhichmynarrativeformsanimportantcomponentpart。MrHartrighthastakenthatresponsibilityonhimself，andcircumstancesyettoberelatedwillshowthathehasamplyearnedtherighttodoso，ifhechoosestoexerciseit。Theplanhehasadoptedforpresentingthestorytoothers，inthemosttruthfulandmostvividmanner，requiresthatitshouldbetold，ateachsuccessivestageinthemarchofevents，bythepersonswhoweredirectlyconcernedinthoseeventsatthetimeoftheiroccurrence。Myappearancehere，asnarrator，isthenecessaryconsequenceofthisarrangement。IwaspresentduringthesojournofSirPercivalGlydeinCumberland，andwaspersonallyconcernedinoneimportantresultofhisshortresidenceunderMrFairlie’sroof。Itismyduty，therefore，toaddthesenewlinkstothechainofevents，andtotakeupthechainitselfatthepointwhere，forthepresentonly，MrHartrighthasdroppedit。

IarrivedatLimmeridgeHouseonFridaythesecondofNovember。

MyobjectwastoremainatMrFairlie’suntilthearrivalofSirPercivalGlyde。IfthateventledtotheappointmentofanygivendayforSirPercival’sunionwithMissFairlie，IwastotakethenecessaryinstructionsbackwithmetoLondon，andtooccupymyselfindrawingthelady’smarriage-settlement。

OntheFridayIwasnotfavouredbyMrFairliewithaninterview。Hehadbeen，orhadfanciedhimselftobe，aninvalidforyearspast，andhewasnotwellenoughtoreceiveme。MissHalcombewasthefirstmemberofthefamilywhomIsaw。Shemetmeatthehousedoor，andintroducedmetoMrHartright，whohadbeenstayingatLimmeridgeforsometimepast。

IdidnotseeMissFairlieuntillaterintheday，atdinner-time。Shewasnotlookingwell，andIwassorrytoobserveit。Sheisasweetlovablegirl，asamiableandattentivetoeveryoneaboutherasherexcellentmotherusedtobe——though，personallyspeaking，shetakesafterherfather。MrsFairliehaddarkeyesandhair，andherelderdaughter，MissHalcombe，stronglyremindsmeofher。MissFairlieplayedtousintheevening——notsowellasusual，Ithought。Wehadarubberatwhist，amereprofanation，sofarasplaywasconcerned，ofthatnoblegame。IhadbeenfavourablyimpressedbyMrHartrightonourfirstintroductiontooneanother，butIsoondiscoveredthathewasnotfreefromthesocialfailingsincidentaltohisage。Therearethreethingsthatnoneoftheyoungmenofthepresentgenerationcando。Theycan’tsitovertheirwine，theycan’tplayatwhist，andtheycan’tpayaladyacompliment。MrHartrightwasnoexceptiontothegeneralrule。Otherwise，eveninthoseearlydaysandonthatshortacquaintance，hestruckmeasbeingamodestandgentlemanlikeyoungman。

SotheFridaypassed。Isaynothingaboutthemoreseriousmatterswhichengagedmyattentiononthatday——theanonymouslettertoMissFairlie，themeasuresIthoughtitrighttoadoptwhenthematterwasmentionedtome，andtheconvictionIentertainedthateverypossibleexplanationofthecircumstanceswouldbereadilyaffordedbySirPercivalGlyde，havingallbeenfullynoticed，asIunderstand，inthenarrativewhichprecedesthis。

OntheSaturdayMrHartrighthadleftbeforeIgotdowntobreakfast。MissFairliekeptherroomallday，andMissHalcombeappearedtometobeoutofspirits。ThehousewasnotwhatitusedtobeinthetimeofMrandMrsPhilipFairlie。Itookawalkbymyselfintheforenoon，andlookedaboutatsomeoftheplaceswhichIfirstsawwhenIwasstayingatLimmeridgetotransactfamilybusiness，morethanthirtyyearssince。Theywerenotwhattheyusedtobeeither。

Attwoo’clockMrFairliesenttosayhewaswellenoughtoseeme。Hehadnotaltered，atanyrate，sinceIfirstknewhim。Histalkwastothesamepurposeasusual——allabouthimselfandhisailments，hiswonderfulcoins，andhismatchlessRembrandtetchings。ThemomentItriedtospeakofthebusinessthathadbroughtmetohishouse，heshuthiseyesandsaidI`upset’him。Ipersistedinupsettinghimbyreturningagainandagaintothesubject。AllIcouldascertainwasthathelookedonhisniece’smarriageasasettledthing，thatherfatherhadsanctionedit，thathesanctionedithimself，thatitwasadesirablemarriage，andthatheshouldbepersonallyrejoicedwhentheworryofitwasover。Astothesettlements，ifIwouldconsulthisniece，andafterwardsdiveasdeeplyasIpleasedintomyownknowledgeofthefamilyaffairs，andgeteverythingready，andlimithisshareinthebusiness，asguardian，tosayingYes，attherightmoment——why，ofcoursehewouldmeetmyviews，andeverybodyelse’sviews，withinfinitepleasure。Inthemeantime，thereIsawhim，ahelplesssufferer，confinedtohisroom。DidIthinkhelookedasifhewantedteasing？No。Thenwhyteasehim？

Imight，perhaps，havebeenalittleastonishedatthisextraordinaryabsenceofallself-assertiononMrFairlie’spart，inthecharacterofguardian，ifmyknowledgeofthefamilyaffairshadnotbeensufficienttoremindmethathewasasingleman，andthathehadnothingmorethanalife-interestintheLimmeridgeproperty。Asmattersstood，therefore，Iwasneithersurprisednordisappointedattheresultoftheinterview。MrFairliehadsimplyjustifiedmyexpectations——andtherewasanendofit。

Sundaywasadullday，outofdoorsandin。AletterarrivedformefromSirPercivalGlyde’ssolicitor，acknowledgingthereceiptofmycopyoftheanonymousletterandmyaccompanyingstatementofthecase。MissFairliejoinedusintheafternoon，lookingTaleanddepressed，andaltogetherunlikeherself。Ihadsometalkwithher，andventuredonadelicateallusiontoSirPercival。Shelistenedandsaidnothing。Allothersubjectsshepursuedwillingly，butthissubjectsheallowedtodrop。Ibegantodoubtwhethershemightnotberepentingofherengagement——justasyoungladiesoftendo，whenrepentancecomestoolate。

OnMondaySirPercivalGlydearrived。

Ifoundhimtobeamostprepossessingman，sofarasmannersandappearancewereconcerned。HelookedratherolderthanIhadexpected，hisheadbeingbaldovertheforehead，andhisfacesomewhatmarkedandworn，buthismovementswereasactiveandhisspiritsashighasayoungman’s。HismeetingwithMissHalcombewasdelightfullyheartyandunaffected，andhisreceptionofme，uponmybeingpresentedtohim，wassoeasyandpleasantthatwegotontogetherlikeoldfriends。MissFairliewasnotwithuswhenhearrived，butsheenteredtheroomabouttenminutesafterwards。SirPercivalroseandpaidhiscomplimentswithperfectgrace。Hisevidentconcernonseeingthechangefortheworseintheyounglady’slookswasexpressedwithamixtureoftendernessandrespect，withanunassumingdelicacyoftone，voice，andmanner，whichdidequalcredittohisgoodbreedingandhisgoodsense。Iwasrathersurprised，underthesecircumstances，toseethatMissFairliecontinuedtobeconstrainedanduneasyinhispresence，andthatshetookthefirstopportunityofleavingtheroomagain。SirPercivalneithernoticedtherestraintinherreceptionofhim，norhersuddenwithdrawalfromoursociety。Hehadnotobtrudedhisattentionsonherwhileshewaspresent，andhedidnotembarrassMissHalcombebyanyallusiontoherdeparturewhenshewasgone。HistactandtastewereneveratfaultonthisoranyotheroccasionwhileIwasinhiscompanyatLimmeridgeHouse。

AssoonasMissFairliehadlefttheroomhesparedusallembarrassmentonthesubjectoftheanonymousletter，byadvertingtoitofhisownaccord。HehadstoppedinLondononhiswayfromHampshire，hadseenhissolicitor，hadreadthedocumentsforwardedbyme，andhadtravelledontoCumberland，anxioustosatisfyourmindsbythespeediestandthefullestexplanationthatwordscouldconvey。Onhearinghimexpresshimselftothiseffect，Iofferedhimtheoriginalletter，whichIhadkeptforhisinspection。Hethankedme，anddeclinedtolookatit，sayingthathehadseenthecopy，andthathewasquitewillingtoleavetheoriginalinourhands。

Thestatementitself，onwhichheimmediatelyentered，wasassimpleandsatisfactoryasIhadallalonganticipateditwouldbe。

MrsCatherick，heinformedus，hadinpastyearslaidhimundersomeobligationsforfaithfulservicesrenderedtohisfamilyconnectionsandtohimself。Shehadbeendoublyunfortunateinbeingmarriedtoahusbandwhohaddesertedher，andinhavinganonlychildwhosementalfacultieshadbeeninadisturbedconditionfromaveryearlyage。AlthoughhermarriagehadremovedhertoapartofHampshirefardistantfromtheneighbourhoodinwhichSirPercival’spropertywassituated，hehadtakencarenottolosesightofher——hisfriendlyfeelingtowardsthepoorwoman，inconsiderationofherpastservices，havingbeengreatlystrengthenedbyhisadmirationofthepatienceandcouragewithwhichshesupportedhercalamities。Incourseoftimethesymptomsofmentalafflictioninherunhappydaughterincreasedtosuchaseriousextent，astomakeitamatterofnecessitytoplaceherunderpropermedicalcare。MrsCatherickherselfrecognisedthisnecessity，butshealsofelttheprejudicecommontopersonsoccupyingherrespectablestation，againstallowingherchildtobeadmitted，asapauper，intoapublicAsylum。SirPercivalhadrespectedthisprejudice，asherespectedhonestindependenceoffeelinginanyrankoflife，andhadresolvedtomarkhisgratefulsenseofMrsCatherick’searlyattachmenttotheinterestsofhimselfandhisfamily，bydefrayingtheexpenseofherdaughter’smaintenanceinatrustworthyprivateAsylum。Tohermother’sregret，andtohisownregret，theunfortunatecreaturehaddiscoveredthesharewhichcircumstanceshadinducedhimtotakeinplacingherunderrestraint，andhadconceivedthemostintensehatredanddistrustofhiminconsequence。Tothathatredanddistrust——whichhadexpresseditselfinvariouswaysintheAsylum——theanonymousletter，writtenafterherescape，wasplainlyattributable。IfMissHalcombe’sorMrGilmore’srecollectionofthedocumentdidnotconfirmthatview，oriftheywishedforanyadditionalparticularsabouttheAsylum(theaddressofwhichhementioned，aswellasthenamesandaddressesofthetwodoctorsonwhosecertificatesthepatientwasadmitted)，hewasreadytoansweranyquestionandtoclearupanyuncertainty。Hehaddonehisdutytotheunhappyyoungwoman，byinstructinghissolicitortosparenoexpenseintracingher，andinrestoringheroncemoretomedicalcare，andhewasnowonlyanxioustodohisdutytowardsMissFairlieandtowardsherfamily，inthesameplain。straightforwardway。

Iwasthefirsttospeakinanswertothisappeal。Myowncoursewasplaintome。ItisthegreatbeautyoftheLawthatitcandisputeanyhumanstatement，madeunderanycircumstances，andreducedtoanyform。IfIhadfeltprofessionallycalledupontosetupacaseagainstSirPercivalGlyde，onthestrengthofhisownexplanation，Icouldhavedonesobeyondalldoubt。Butmydutydidnotlieinthisdirection——myfunctionwasofthepurelyjudicialkind。Iwastoweightheexplanationwehadjustheard，toallowalldueforcetothehighreputationofthegentlemanwhoofferedit，andtodecidehonestlywhethertheprobabilities，onSirPercival’sownshowing，wereplainlywithhim，orplainlyagainsthim。Myownconvictionwasthattheywereplainlywithhim，andIaccordinglydeclaredthathisexplanationwas，tomymind，unquestionablyasatisfactoryone。

MissHalcombe，afterlookingatmeveryearnestly，saidafewwords，onherside，tothesameeffect——withacertainhesitationofmanner，however，whichthecircumstancesdidnotseemtometowarrant。Iamunabletosay，positively，whetherSirPercivalnoticedthisornot。Myopinionisthathedid，seeingthathepointedlyresumedthesubject，althoughhemightnow，withallpropriety，haveallowedittodrop。

`IfmyplainstatementoffactshadonlybeenaddressedtoMrGilmore，’hesaid，`Ishouldconsideranyfurtherreferencetothisunhappymatterasunnecessary。ImayfairlyexpectMrGilmore，asagentleman，tobelievemeonmyword，andwhenhehasdonemethatjustice，alldiscussionofthesubjectbetweenushascometoanend。Butmypositionwithaladyisnotthesame。Iowetoher——whatIwouldconcedetonomanalive——aproofofthetruthofmyassertion。Youcannotaskforthatproof，MissHalcombe，anditisthereforemydutytoyou，andstillmoretoMissFairlie，toofferit。MayIbegthatyouwillwriteatoncetothemotherofthisunfortunatewoman——toMrsCatherick——toaskforhertestimonyinsupportoftheexplanationwhichIhavejustofferedtoyou。’

IsawMissHalcombechangecolour，andlookalittleuneasy。SirPercival’ssuggestion，politelyasitwasexpressed，appearedtoher，asitappearedtome，topointverydelicatelyatthehesitationwhichhermannerhadbetrayedamomentortwosince。

`Ihope，SirPercival，youdon’tdometheinjusticetosupposethatIdistrustyou，’shesaidquickly。

`Certainlynot，MissHalcombe。Imakemyproposalpurelyasanactofattentiontoyou。WillyouexcusemyobstinacyifIstillventuretopressit？’

Hewalkedtothewriting-tableashespoke，drewachairtoit，andopenedthepapercase。

`Letmebegyoutowritethenote，’hesaid，`asafavourtome。Itneednotoccupyyoumorethanafewminutes。YouhaveonlytoaskMrsCathericktwoquestions。First，ifherdaughterwasplacedintheAsylumwithherknowledgeandapproval。Secondly，iftheshareItookinthematterwassuchastomerittheexpressionofhergratitudetowardsmyself。MrGilmore’smindisateaseonthisunpleasantsubject，andyourmindisatease——praysetmymindateasealsobywritingthenote。’

`Youobligemetograntyourrequest，SirPercival，whenIwouldmuchratherrefuseit。’

WiththosewordsMissHalcomberosefromherplaceandwenttothewriting-table。SirPercivalthankedher，handedherapen，andthenwalkedawaytowardsthefireplace。MissFairlie’slittleItaliangreyhoundwaslyingontherug。Heheldouthishand，andcalledtothedoggood-humouredly。

`Come，Nina，’hesaid，`weremembereachother，don’twe？’

Thelittlebeast，cowardlyandcross-grained，aspet-dogsusuallyare，lookedupathimsharply，shrankawayfromhisoutstretchedhand，whined，shivered，andhiditselfunderasofa。Itwasscarcelypossiblethathecouldhavebeenputoutbysuchatrifleasadog’sreceptionofhim，butIobserved，nevertheless，thathewalkedawaytowardsthewindowverysuddenly。Perhapshistemperisirritableattimesifso，Icansympathisewithhim。Mytemperisirritableattimestoo。

MissHalcombewasnotlonginwritingthenote。Whenitwasdonesherosefromthewriting-table，andhandedtheopensheetofpapertoSirPercival。Hebowed，tookitfromher，foldeditupimmediatelywithoutlookingatthecontents，sealedit，wrotetheaddress，andhandeditbacktoherinsilence。Ineversawanythingmoregracefullyandmorebecominglydoneinmylife。

`Youinsistonmypostingthisletter，SirPercival？’saidMissHalcombe。

`Ibegyouwillpostit，’heanswered。`Andnowthatitiswrittenandsealedup，allowmetoaskoneortwolastquestionsabouttheunhappywomantowhomitrefers。IhavereadthecommunicationwhichMrGilmorekindlyaddressedtomysolicitor，describingthecircumstancesunderwhichthewriteroftheanonymousletterwasidentified。Buttherearecertainpointstowhichthatstatementdoesnotrefer。DidAnneCatherickseeMissFairlie？’

`Certainlynot，’repliedMissHalcombe。

`Didsheseeyou？’

`No。’

`Shesawnobodyfromthehousethen，exceptacertainMrHartright，whoaccidentallymetwithherinthechurchyardhere？’

`Nobodyelse。’

`MrHartrightwasemployedatLimmeridgeasadrawing-master，Ibelieve？IsheamemberofoneoftheWater-ColourSocieties？’

`Ibelieveheis，’answeredMissHalcombe。

Hepausedforamoment，asifhewasthinkingoverthelastanswer，andthenadded——

`DidyoufindoutwhereAnneCatherickwasliving，whenshewasinthisneighbourhood？’

`Yes。Atafarmonthemoor，calledTodd’sCorner。’

`Itisadutyweallowetothepoorcreatureherselftotraceher，’continuedSirPercival。`ShemayhavesaidsomethingatTodd’sCornerwhichmayhelpustofindher。Iwillgothereandmakeinquiriesonthechance。Inthemeantime，asIcannotprevailonmyselftodiscussthispainfulsubjectwithMissFairlie，mayIbeg，MissHalcombe，thatyouwillkindlyundertaketogiveherthenecessaryexplanation，deferringitofcourseuntilyouhavereceivedthereplytothatnote。’

MissHalcombepromisedtocomplywithhisrequest。Hethankedher，noddedpleasantly，andleftus，togoandestablishhimselfinhisownroom。Asheopenedthedoorthecross-grainedgreyhoundpokedouthersharpmuzzlefromunderthesofa，andbarkedandsnappedathim。

`Agoodmorning’swork，MissHalcombe，’Isaid，assoonaswewerealone。`Hereisananxiousdaywellendedalready。’

`Yes，’sheanswered；`nodoubt。Iamverygladyourmindissatisfied。’

`Mymind！Surely，withthatnoteinyourhand，yourmindisateasetoo？’

`Ohyes——howcanitbeotherwise？Iknowthethingcouldnotbe，’shewenton，speakingmoretoherselfthantome；`butIalmostwishWalterHartrighthadstayedherelongenoughtobepresentattheexplanation，andtoheartheproposaltometowritethisnote。’

Iwasalittlesurprised——perhapsalittlepiquedalso——bytheselastwords。

`Events，itistrue，connectedMrHartrightveryremarkablywiththeaffairoftheletter，’Isaid；`andIreadilyadmitthatheconductedhimself，allthingsconsidered，withgreatdelicacyanddiscretion。ButIamquiteatalosstounderstandwhatusefulinfluencehispresencecouldhaveexercisedinrelationtotheeffectofSirPercival’sstatementonyourmindormine。’

`Itwasonlyafancy，’shesaidabsently。`Thereisnoneedtodiscussit，MrGilmore。Yourexperienceoughttobe，andis，thebestguideIcandesire。’

Ididnotaltogetherlikeherthrustingthewholeresponsibility，inthismarkedmanner，onmyshoulders。IfMrFairliehaddoneit，Ishouldnothavebeensurprised。Butresolute，clear-mindedMissHalcombewastheverylastpersonintheworldwhomIshouldhaveexpectedtofindshrinkingfromtheexpressionofanopinionofherown。

`Ifanydoubtsstilltroubleyou，’Isaid，`whynotmentionthemtomeatonce？Tellmeplainly，haveyouanyreasontodistrustSirPercivalGlyde？’

`Nonewhatever。’

`Doyouseeanythingimprobable，orcontradictory，inhisexplanation？’

`HowcanIsayIdo，aftertheproofhehasofferedmeofthetruthofit？Cantherebebettertestimonyinhisfavour，MrGilmore，thanthetestimonyofthewoman’smother？’

`Nonebetter。Iftheanswertoyournoteofinquiryprovestobesatisfactory，IforonecannotseewhatmoreanyfriendofSirpercival’scanpossiblyexpectfromhim。’

`Thenwewillpostthenote，’shesaid，arisingtoleavetheroom，`anddismissallfurtherreferencetothesubjectuntiltheanswerarrives。Don’tattachanyweighttomyhesitation。IcangivenobetterreasonforitthanthatIhavebeenover-anxiousaboutLauralately——andanxiety，MrGilmore，unsettlesthestrongestofus。’

Sheleftmeabruptly，hernaturallyfirmvoicefalteringasshespokethoselastwords。Asensitive，vehement，passionatenature——awomanoftenthousandinthesetrivial，superficialtimes。Ihadknownherfromherearliestyears——Ihadseenhertested，asshegrewup，inmorethanonetryingfamilycrisis，andmylongexperiencemademeattachanimportancetoherhesitationunderthecircumstancesheredetailed，whichIshouldcertainlynothavefeltinthecaseofanotherwoman。Icouldseenocauseforanyuneasinessoranydoubt，butshehadmademealittleuneasy，andalittledoubtful，nevertheless。Inmyyouth，Ishouldhavechafedandfrettedundertheirritationofmyownunreasonablestateofmind。Inmyage，Iknewbetter，andwentoutphilosophicallytowalkitoff。

Weallmetagainatdinner-time。

SirPercivalwasinsuchboisteroushighspiritsthatIhardlyrecognisedhimasthesamemanwhosequiettact，refinement，andgoodsensehadimpressedmesostronglyattheinterviewofthemorning。TheonlytraceofhisformerselfthatIcoulddetectreappeared，everynowandthen，inhismannertowardsMissFairlie。Alookorawordfromhersuspendedhisloudestlaugh，checkedhisgayestflowoftalk，andrenderedhimallattentiontoher，andtonooneelseattable，inaninstant。Althoughheneveropenlytriedtodrawherintotheconversation，heneverlosttheslightestchanceshegavehimoflettingherdriftintoitbyaccident，andofsayingthewordstoher，underthosefavourablecircumstances，whichamanwithlesstactanddelicacywouldhavepointedlyaddressedtoherthemomenttheyoccurredtohim。Rathertomysurprise，MissFairlieappearedtobesensibleofhisattentionswithoutbeingmovedbythem。Shewasalittleconfusedfromtimetotimewhenhelookedather，orspoketoher；butsheneverwarmedtowardshim。Rank，fortune，goodbreeding，goodlooks，therespectofagentleman，andthedevotionofaloverwereallhumblyplacedatherfeet，and，sofarasappearanceswent，wereallofferedinvain。

Onthenextday，theTuesday，SirPercivalwentinthemorning(takingoneoftheservantswithhimasaguide)toTodd’sCorner-Hisinquiries，asIafterwardsheard，ledtonoresults。OnhisreturnhehadaninterviewwithMrFairlie，andintheafternoonheandMissHalcomberodeouttogether。Nothingelsehappenedworthyofrecord。Theeveningpassedasusual。TherewasnochangeinSirPercival，andnochangeinMissFairlie。

TheWednesday’spostbroughtwithitanevent——thereplyfromMrsCatherick。Itookacopyofthedocument，whichIhavepreserved，andwhichImayaswellpresentinthisplace。Itranasfollows——

`MADAM，——Ibegtoacknowledgethereceiptofyourletter，inquiringwhethermydaughter，Anne，wasplacedundermedicalsuperintendencewithmyknowledgeandapproval，andwhetherthesharetakeninthematterbySirPercivalGlydewassuchastomerittheexpressionofmygratitudetowardsthatgentleman。Bepleasedtoacceptmyanswerintheaffirmativetoboththosequestions，andbelievemetoremain，yourobedientservant，`JANEANNECATHERICK。’

Short，sharp，andtothepoint；informratherabusiness-likeletterforawomantowrite——insubstanceasplainaconfirmationascouldbedesiredofSirPercivalGlyde’sstatement。Thiswasmyopinion，andwithcertainminorreservations，MissHalcombe’sopinionalso。SirPercival，whentheletterwasshowntohim，didnotappeartobestruckbythesharp，shorttoneofit。HetoldusthatMrsCatherickwasawomanoffewwords，aclear-headed，straightforward，unimaginativeperson，whowrotebrieflyandplainly，justasshespoke。

Thenextdutytobeaccomplished，nowthattheanswerhadbeenreceived，wastoacquaintMissFairliewithSirPercival’sexplanation。MissHalcombehadundertakentodothis，andhadlefttheroomtogotohersister，whenshesuddenlyreturnedagain，andsatdownbytheeasy-chairinwhichIwasreadingthenewspaper。SirPercivalhadgoneoutaminutebeforetolookatthestables，andnoonewasintheroombutourselves。

`Isupposewehavereallyandtrulydoneallwecan？’shesaid，turningandtwistingMrsCatherick’sletterinherhand。

`IfwearefriendsofSirPercival’s，whoknowhimandtrusthim，wehavedoneall，andmorethanall，thatisnecessary，’Ianswered，alittleannoyedbythisreturnofherhesitation。`Butifweareenemieswhosuspecthim——’

`Thatalternativeisnoteventobethoughtof，’sheinterposed。`WeareSirPercival’sfriends，andifgenerosityandforbearancecanaddtoourregardforhim，weoughttobeSirPercival’sadmirersaswell。YouknowthathesawMrFairlieyesterday，andthatheafterwardswentoutwithme。’

`Yes。Isawyouridingawaytogether。’

`WebegantheridebytalkingaboutAnneCatherick，andaboutthesingularmannerinwhichMrHartrightmetwithher。Butwesoondroppedthatsubject，andSirPercivalspokenext，inthemostunselfishterms，ofhisengagementwithLaura。Hesaidhehadobservedthatshewasoutofspirits，andhewaswilling，ifnotinformedtothecontrary，toattributetothatcausethealterationinhermannertowardshimduringhispresentvisit。If，however，therewasanymoreseriousreasonforthechange，hewouldentreatthatnoconstraintmightbeplacedonherinclinationseitherbyMrFairlieorbyme。Allheasked，inthatcase，wasthatshewouldrecalltomind，forthelasttime，whatthecircumstanceswereunderwhichtheengagementbetweenthemwasmade，andwhathisconducthadbeenfromthebeginningofthecourtshiptothepresenttime。If，afterduereflectiononthosetwosubjects，sheseriouslydesiredthatheshouldwithdrawhispretensionstothehonourofbecomingherhusband——andifshewouldtellhimsoplainlywithherownlips——hewouldsacrificehimselfbyleavingherperfectlyfreetowithdrawfromtheengagement。’

`Nomancouldsaymorethanthat，MissHalcombe。Astomyexperience，fewmeninhissituationwouldhavesaidasmuch。’

ShepausedafterIhadspokenthosewords，andlookedatmewithasingularexpressionofperplexityanddistress。

`Iaccusenobody，andIsuspectnothing，’shebrokeoutabruptly。`ButIcannotandwillnotaccepttheresponsibilityofpersuadingLauratothismarriage。’

`ThatisexactlythecoursewhichSirPercivalGlydehashimselfrequestedyoutotake，’Irepliedinastonishment。`Hehasbeggedyounottoforceherinclinations。’

`Andheindirectlyobligesmetoforcethem，ifIgiveherhismessage。’

`Howcanthatpossiblybe？’

`ConsultyourownknowledgeofLaura，MrGilmore。IfItellhertoreflectonthecircumstancesofherengagement，Iatonceappealtotwoofthestrongestfeelingsinhernature——toherloveforherfather’smemory，andtoherstrictregardfortruth。Youknowthatsheneverbrokeapromiseinherlife——youknowthatsheenteredonthisengagementatthebeginningofherfather’sfatalillness，andthathespokehopefullyandhappilyofhermarriagetoSirPercivalGlydeonhisdeathbed。’

IownthatIwasalittleshockedatthisviewofthecase。

`Surely，’Isaid，`youdon’tmeantoinferthatwhenSirPercivalspoketoyouyesterdayhespeculatedonsucharesultasyouhavejustmentioned？’

Herfrank，fearlessfaceansweredforherbeforeshespoke。

`DoyouthinkIwouldremainaninstantinthecompanyofanymanwhomIsuspectedofsuchbasenessasthat？’sheaskedangrily。

Ilikedtofeelherheartyindignationflashoutonmeinthatway。Weseesomuchmaliceandsolittleindignationinmyprofession。

`Inthatcase，’Isaid，`excusemeifItellyou，inourlegalphrase，thatyouaretravellingoutoftherecord。Whatevertheconsequencesmaybe，SirPercivalhasarighttoexpectthatyoursistershouldcarefullyconsiderherengagementfromeveryreasonablepointofviewbeforesheclaimsherreleasefromit。Ifthatunluckyletterhasprejudicedheragainsthim，goatonce，andtellherthathehasclearedhimselfinyoureyesandinmine。Whatobjectioncansheurgeagainsthimafterthat？Whatexcusecanshepossiblyhaveforchanginghermindaboutamanwhomshehadvirtuallyacceptedforherhusbandmorethantwoyearsago？’

`Intheeyesoflawandreason，MrGilmore，noexcuse，Idaresay。Ifshestillhesitates，andifIstillhesitate，youmustattributeourstrangeconduct，ifyoulike，tocapriceinbothcases，andwemustbeartheimputationaswellaswecan。’

Withthosewordsshesuddenlyroseandleftme。Whenasensiblewomanhasaseriousquestionputtoher，andevadesitbyaflippantanswer，itisasuresign，inninety-ninecasesoutofahundred，thatshehassomethingtoconceal。Ireturnedtotheperusalofthenewspaper，stronglysuspectingthatMissHalcombeandMissFairliehadasecretbetweenthemwhichtheywerekeepingfromSirPercival，andkeepingfromme。Ithoughtthishardonbothofus，especiallyonSirPercival。

Mydoubts——ortospeakmorecorrectly，myconvictions——wereconfirmedbyMissHalcombe’slanguageandmannerwhenIsawheragainlaterintheday。Shewassuspiciouslybriefandreservedintellingmetheresultofherinterviewwithhersister。MissFairlie，itappeared，hadlistenedquietlywhiletheaffairoftheletterwasplacedbeforeherintherightpointofview，butwhenMissHalcombenextproceededtosaythattheobjectofSirPercival’svisitatLimmeridgewastoprevailonhertoletadaybefixedforthemarriage，shecheckedallfurtherreferencetothesubjectbybeggingfortime。IfSirPercivalwouldconsenttospareherforthepresent，shewouldundertaketogivehimhisfinalanswerbeforetheendoftheyear。Shepleadedforthisdelaywithsuchanxietyandagitation，thatMissHalcombehadpromisedtouseherinfluence，ifnecessary，toobtainit，andthere，atMissFairlie’searnestentreaty，allfurtherdiscussionofthemarriagequestionhadended。

Thepurelytemporaryarrangementthusproposedmighthavebeenconvenientenoughtotheyounglady，butitprovedsomewhatembarrassingtothewriteroftheselines。Thatmorning’sposthadbroughtaletterfrommypartner，whichobligedmetoreturntotownthenextdaybytheafternoontrain。ItwasextremelyprobablethatIshouldfindnosecondopportunityofpresentingmyselfatLimmeridgeHouseduringtheremainderoftheyear。Inthatcase，supposingMissFairlieultimatelydecidedonholdingtoherengagement，mynecessarypersonalcommunicationwithher，beforeIdrewhersettlement，wouldbecomesomethinglikeadownrightimpossibility，andweshouldbeobligedtocommittowritingquestionswhichoughtalwaystobediscussedonbothsidesbywordofmouth。IsaidnothingaboutthisdifficultyuntilSirPercivalhadbeenconsultedonthesubjectofthedesireddelay。Hewastoogallantagentlemannottogranttherequestimmediately。WhenMissHalcombeinformedmeofthisItoldherthatImustabsolutelyspeaktohersisterbeforeIleftLimmeridge，anditwas，therefore，arrangedthatIshouldseeMissFairlieinherownsitting-roomthenextmorning。Shedidnotcomedowntodinner，orjoinusintheevening。Indispositionwastheexcuse，andIthoughtSirPercivallooked，aswellhemight，alittleannoyedwhenheheardofit。

Thenextmorning，assoonasbreakfastwasover，IwentuptoMissFairlie’ssitting-room。Thepoorgirllookedsopaleandsad，andcameforwardtowelcomemesoreadilyandprettily，thattheresolutiontolectureheronhercapriceandindecision，whichIhadbeenformingallthewayupstairs，failedmeonthespot。Iledherbacktothechairfromwhichshehadrisen，andplacedmyselfoppositetoher。Hercross-grainedpetgreyhoundwasintheroom，andIfullyexpectedabarkingandsnappingreception。Strangetosay，thewhimsicallittlebrutefalsifiedmyexpectationsbyjumpingintomylapandpokingitssharpmuzzlefamiliarlyintomyhandthemomentIsatdown。

`Youusedoftentositonmykneewhenyouwereachild，mydear，’Isaid，`andnowyourlittledogseemsdeterminedtosucceedyouinthevacantthrone。Isthatprettydrawingyourdoing？’

Ipointedtoalittlealbumwhichlayonthetablebyherside，andwhichshehadevidentlybeenlookingoverwhenIcamein。Thepagethatlayopenhadasmallwater-colourlandscapeveryneatlymountedonit。Thiswasthedrawingwhichhadsuggestedmyquestion——anidlequestionenough——buthowcouldIbegintotalkofbusinesstoherthemomentIopenedmylips？

`No，’shesaid，lookingawayfromthedrawingratherconfusedly，`itisnotmydoing。’

Herfingershadarestlesshabit，whichIrememberedinherasachild，ofalwaysplayingwiththefirstthingthatcametohandwheneveranyonewastalkingtoher-Onthisoccasiontheywanderedtothealbum，andtoyedabsentlyaboutthemarginofthelittlewater-colourdrawing。Theexpressionofmelancholydeepenedonherface。Shedidnotlookatthedrawing，orlookatme。Hereyesmoveduneasilyfromobjecttoobjectintheroom，betrayingplainlythatshesuspectedwhatmypurposewasincomingtospeaktoher。Seeingthat，Ithoughtitbesttogettothepurposewithaslittledelayaspossible。

`Oneoftheerrands，mydear，whichbringsmehereistobidyougood-bye，’Ibegan。`ImustgetbacktoLondontoday:and，beforeIleave，Iwanttohaveawordwithyouonthesubjectofyourownaffairs。’

`Iamverysorryyouaregoing，MrGilmore，’shesaid，lookingatmekindly。`Itislikethehappyoldtimestohaveyouhere。’

`IhopeImaybeabletocomebackandrecallthosepleasantmemoriesoncemore，’Icontinued；`butasthereissomeuncertaintyaboutthefuture，ImusttakemyopportunitywhenIcangetit，andspeaktoyounow。Iamyouroldlawyerandyouroldfriend，andImayremindyou，Iamsure，withoutoffence，ofthepossibilityofyourmarryingSirPercivalGlyde。’

Shetookherhandoffthelittlealbumassuddenlyasifithadturnedhotandburnther。Herfingerstwinedtogethernervouslyinherlap，hereyeslookeddownagainatthefloor，andanexpressionofconstraintsettledonherfacewhichlookedalmostlikeanexpressionofpain。

`Isitabsolutelynecessarytospeakofmymarriageengagement？’sheaskedinlowtones。

`Itisnecessarytorefertoit，’Ianswered，`butnottodwellonit。Letusmerelysaythatyoumaymarry，orthatyoumaynotmarry。Inthefirstcase，Imustbeprepared，beforehand，todrawyoursettlement，andIoughtnottodothatwithout，asamatterofpoliteness，firstconsultingyou。Thismaybemyonlychanceofhearingwhatyourwishesare。Letus，therefore，supposethecaseofyourmarrying，andletmeinformyou，inasfewwordsaspossible，whatyourpositionisnow，andwhatyoumaymakeit，ifyouplease，inthefuture。’

Iexplainedtohertheobjectofamarriage-settlement，andthentoldherexactlywhatherprospectswere——inthefirstplace，onhercomingofage，andinthesecondplace，onthedeceaseofheruncle——markingthedistinctionbetweenthepropertyinwhichshehadalife-interestonly，andthepropertywhichwasleftatherowncontrol。Shelistenedattentively，withtheconstrainedexpressionstillonherface，andherhandsstillnervouslyclaspedtogetherinherlap。

`Andnow，’Isaidinconclusion，`tellmeifyoucanthinkofanyconditionwhich，inthecasewehavesupposed，youwouldwishmetomakeforyou——subject，ofcourse，toyourguardian’sapproval，asyouarenotyetofage。’

Shemoveduneasilyinherchair，thenlookedinmyfaceonasuddenveryearnestly。

`Ifitdoeshappen，’shebeganfaintly，`ifIam——’

`Ifyouaremarried，’Iadded，helpingherout。

`Don’tlethimpartmefromMarian，’shecried，withasuddenoutbreakofenergy。`Oh，MrGilmore，praymakeitlawthatMarianistolivewithme！’

UnderothercircumstancesImight，perhaps，havebeenamusedatthisessentiallyfeminineinterpretationofmyquestion，andofthelongexplanationwhichhadprecededit。Butherlooksandtones，whenshespoke，wereofakindtomakememorethanserious——theydistressedme。Herwords，fewastheywere，betrayedadesperateclingingtothepastwhichbodedillforthefuture。

`YourhavingMarianHalcombetolivewithyoucaneasilybesettledbyprivatearrangement，’Isaid。`Youhardlyunderstoodmyquestion，Ithink。Itreferredtoyourownproperty——tothedisposalofyourmoney。Supposingyouweretomakeawillwhenyoucomeofage，whowouldyoulikethemoneytogoto？’

`Marianhasbeenmotherandsisterbothtome，’saidthegood，affectionategirl，herprettyblueeyesglisteningwhileshespoke。`MayIleaveittoMarian，MrGilmore？’

`Certainly，mylove，’Ianswered。`Butrememberwhatalargesumitis-WouldyoulikeitalltogotoMissHalcombe？’

Shehesitated；hercolourcameandwent，andherhandstolebackagaintothelittlealbum。

`Notallofit，’shesaid。`ThereissomeoneelsebesidesMarian——’

Shestopped；hercolourheightened，andthefingersofthehandthatresteduponthealbumbeatgentlyonthemarginofthedrawing，asifhermemoryhadsetthemgoingmechanicallywiththeremembranceofafavouritetune。

`YoumeansomeothermemberofthefamilybesidesMissHalcombe？’Isuggested，seeingheratalosstoproceed，

Theheighteningcolourspreadtoherforeheadandherneck，andthenervousfingerssuddenlyclaspedthemselvesfastroundtheedgeofthebook。

`Thereissomeoneelse，’shesaid，notnoticingmylastwords，thoughshehadevidentlyheardthem；`thereissomeoneelsewhomightlikealittlekeepsakeif——ifImightleaveit。TherewouldbenoharmifIshoulddiefirst——’

Shepausedagain。Thecolourthathadspreadoverhercheekssuddenly，assuddenlyleftthem。Thehandonthealbumresigneditshold，trembledalittle，andmovedthebookawayfromher。Shelookedatmeforaninstant——thenturnedherheadasideinthechair。Herhandkerchieffelltothefloorasshechangedherposition，andshehurriedlyhidherfacefrommeinherhands。

Sad！Torememberher，asIdid，theliveliest，happiestchildthateverlaughedthedaythrough，andtoseehernow，intheflowerofherageandherbeauty，sobrokenandsobroughtdownasthis！

InthedistressthatshecausedmeIforgottheyearsthathadpassed，andthechangetheyhadmadeinourpositiontowardsoneanother。Imovedmychairclosetoher，andpickedupherhandkerchieffromthecarpet，anddrewherhandsfromherfacegently。`Don’tcry，mylove，’Isaid，anddriedthetearsthatweregatheringinhereyeswithmyownhand，asifshehadbeenthelittleLauraFairlieoftenlongyearsago。

ItwasthebestwayIcouldhavetakentocomposeher。Shelaidherheadonmyshoulder，andsmiledfaintlythroughhertears。

`Iamverysorryforforgettingmyself，’shesaidartlessly。`Ihavenotbeenwell——Ihavefeltsadlyweakandnervouslately，andIoftencrywithoutreasonwhenIamalone。Iambetternow——IcanansweryouasIought，MrGilmore，Icanindeed。’

`No，no，mydear，’Ireplied，`wewillconsiderthesubjectasdonewithforthepresent。Youhavesaidenoughtosanctionmytakingthebestpossiblecareofyourinterests，andwecansettledetailsatanotheropportunity。Letushavedonewithbusinessnow，andtalkofsomethingelse。’

Iledheratonceintospeakingonothertopics。Intenminutes’timeshewasinbetterspirits，andIrosetotakemyleave。

`Comehereagain，’shesaidearnestly。`Iwilltrytobeworthierofyourkindfeelingformeandformyinterestsifyouwillonlycomeagain。’

Stillclingingtothepast——thatpastwhichIrepresentedtoher，inmyway，asMissHalcombedidinhers！Ittroubledmesorelytoseeherlookingback，atthebeginningofhercareer，justasIlookbackattheendofmine。

`IfIdocomeagain，IhopeIshallfindyoubetter，’Isaid；`betterandhappier。Godblessyou，mydear！’

Sheonlyansweredbyputtinguphercheektometobekissed。Evenlawyershavehearts，andmineachedalittleasItookleaveofher。

Thewholeinterviewbetweenushadhardlylastedmorethanhalfanhour——shehadnotbreathedaword，inmypresence，toexplainthemysteryofherevidentdistressanddismayattheprospectofhermarriage，andyetshehadcontrivedtowinmeovertohersideofthequestion，Ineitherknewhownorwhy。Ihadenteredtheroom，feelingthatSirPercivalGlydehadfairreasontocomplainofthemannerinwhichshewastreatinghim。Ileftit，secretlyhopingthatmattersmightendinhertakinghimathiswordandclaimingherrelease。Amanofmyageandexperienceoughttohaveknownbetterthantovacillateinthisunreasonablemanner。Icanmakenoexcuseformyself；Icanonlytellthetruth，andsay——soitwas。

Thehourformydeparturewasnowdrawingnear。IsenttoMrFairlietosaythatIwouldwaitonhimtotakeleaveifheliked，butthathemustexcusemybeingratherinahurry。Hesentamessageback，writteninpencilonaslipofpaper:`Kindloveandbestwishes，dearGilmore。Hurryofanykindisinexpressiblyinjurioustome。Praytakecareofyourself。Goodbye。’

rustbeforeIleftIsawMissHalcombeforamomentalone。

`HaveyousaidallyouwantedtoLaura？’sheasked。

`Yes，’Ireplied。`Sheisveryweakandnervous——Iamgladshehasyoutotakecareofher。’

MissHalcombe’ssharpeyesstudiedmyfaceattentively。

`YouarealteringyouropinionaboutLaura，’shesaid。`Youarereadiertomakeallowancesforherthanyouwereyesterday。’

Nosensiblemaneverengages，unprepared，inafencingmatchofwordswithawoman。Ionlyanswered——

`Letmeknowwhathappens。IwilldonothingtillIhearfromyou。’

Shestilllookedhardinmyface。`Iwishitwasallover，andwellover，MrGilmore——andsodoyou。’Withthosewordssheleftme。

SirPercivalmostpolitelyinsistedonseeingmetothecarriagedoor。

`Ifyouareeverinmyneighbourhood，’hesaid，`praydon’tforgetthatIamsincerelyanxioustoimproveouracquaintance。Thetriedandtrustedoldfriendofthisfamilywillbealwaysawelcomevisitorinanyhouseofmine。’

Areallyirresistibleman——courteous，considerate，delightfullyfreefrompride——agentleman，everyinchofhim。AsIdroveawaytothestationIfeltasifIcouldcheerfullydoanythingtopromotetheinterestsofSirPercivalGlyde——anythingintheworld，exceptdrawingthemarriagesettlementofhiswife。

Aweekpassed，aftermyreturntoLondon，withoutthereceiptofanycommunicationfromMissHalcombe。

Ontheeighthdayaletterinherhandwritingwasplacedamongtheotherlettersonmytable。

ItannouncedthatSirPercivalGlydehadbeendefinitelyaccepted，andthatthemarriagewastotakeplace，ashehadoriginallydesired，beforetheendoftheyear。InallprobabilitytheceremonywouldbeperformedduringthelastfortnightinDecember。MissFairlie’stwenty-firstbirthdaywaslateinMarch。Shewould，therefore，bythisarrangementbecomeSirPercival’swifeaboutthreemonthsbeforeshewasofage。

Ioughtnottohavebeensurprised，Ioughtnottohavebeensorry，butIwassurprisedandsorry，nevertheless。Somelittledisappointment，causedbytheunsatisfactoryshortnessofMissHalcombe’sletter，mingleditselfwiththesefeelings，andcontributeditssharetowardsupsettingmyserenityfortheday。Insixlinesmycorrespondentannouncedtheproposedmarriage——inthreemore，shetoldmethatSirPercivalhadleftCumberlandtoreturntohishouseinHampshire，andintwoconcludingsentencessheinformedme，first，thatLaurawassadlyinwantofchangeandcheerfulsociety；secondly，thatshehadresolvedtotrytheeffectofsomesuchchangeforthwith，bytakinghersisterawaywithheronavisittocertainoldfriendsinYorkshire。Theretheletterended，withoutawordtoexplainwhatthecircumstanceswerewhichhaddecidedMissFairlietoacceptSirPercivalGlydeinoneshortweekfromthetimewhenIhadlastseenher。

Atalaterperiodthecauseofthissuddendeterminationwasfullyexplainedtome。Itisnotmybusinesstorelateitimperfectly，onhearsayevidence。ThecircumstancescamewithinthepersonalexperienceofMissHalcombe，andwhenhernarrativesucceedsmine，shewilldescribethemineveryparticularexactlyastheyhappened。Inthemeantime，theplaindutyformetoperform——beforeI，inmyturn，laydownmypenandwithdrawfromthestory——istorelatetheoneremainingeventconnectedwithMissFairlie’sproposedmarriageinwhichIwasconcerned，namely，thedrawingofthesettlement。

Itisimpossibletoreferintelligiblytothisdocumentwithoutfirstenteringintocertainparticularsinrelationtothebride’specuniaryaffairs。Iwilltrytomakemyexplanationbrieflyandplainly，andtokeepitfreefromprofessionalobscuritiesandtechnicalities。Thematterisoftheutmostimportance。IwarnallreadersoftheselinesthatMissFairlie’sinheritanceisaveryseriouspartofMissFairlie’sstory，andthatMrGilmore’sexperience，inthisparticular，mustbetheirexperiencealso，iftheywishtounderstandthenarrativeswhichareyettocome。

MissFairlie’sexpectations，then，wereofatwofoldkind，comprisingherpossibleinheritanceofrealproperty，orland，whenheruncledied，andherabsoluteinheritanceofpersonalproperty，ormoney，whenshecameofage。

Letustakethelandfirst。

InthetimeofMissFairlie’spaternalgrandfather(whomwewillcallMrFairlie，theelder)theentailedsuccessiontotheLimmeridgeestatestoodthus——

MrFairlie，theelder，diedandleftthreesons，Philip，Frederick，andArthur。Aseldestson，Philipsucceededtotheestate。Ifhediedwithoutleavingason，thepropertywenttothesecondbrother，Frederick；andifFrederickdiedalsowithoutleavingason，thepropertywenttothethirdbrother，Arthur。

Aseventsturnedout，MrPhilipFairliediedleavinganonlydaughter，theLauraofthisstory，andtheestate，inconsequence，went，incourseoflaw，tothesecondbrother，frederick，asingleman。Thethirdbrother，Arthur，haddiedmanyyearsbeforethedeceaseofPhilip，leavingasonandadaughter。Theson，attheageofeighteen，wasdrownedatOxford。HisdeathleftLaura，thedaughterofMrPhilipFairlie，presumptiveheiresstotheestate，witheverychanceofsucceedingtoit，intheordinarycourseofnature，onheruncleFrederick’sdeath，ifthesaidFrederickdiedwithoutleavingmaleissue。

Exceptintheevent，then，ofMrFrederickFairlie’smarryingandleavinganheir(thetwoverylastthingsintheworldthathewaslikelytodo)，hisniece，Laura，wouldhavethepropertyonhisdeath，possessing，itmustberemembered，nothingmorethanalife-interestinit。Ifshediedsingle，ordiedchildless，theestatewouldreverttohercousin，Magdalen，thedaughterofMrArthurFairlie。Ifshemarried，withapropersettlement——or，inotherwords，withthesettlementImeanttomakeforher——theincomefromtheestate(agoodthreethousandayear)would，duringherlifetime，beatherowndisposal。Ifshediedbeforeherhusband，hewouldnaturallyexpecttobeleftintheenjoymentoftheincome，forhislifetime。Ifshehadason，thatsonwouldbetheheir，totheexclusionofhercousinMagdalen。Thus，SirPercival’sprospectsinmarryingMissFairlie(sofarashiswife’sexpectationsfromrealpropertywereconcerned)promisedhimthesetwoadvantages，onMrFrederickFairlie’sdeath:First，theuseofthreethousandayear(byhiswife’spermission，whileshelived，andinhisownright，onherdeath，ifhesurvivedher)；and，secondly，theinheritanceofLimmeridgeforhisson，ifhehadone。

Somuchforthelandedproperty，andforthedisposaloftheincomefromit，ontheoccasionofMissFairlie’smarriage。Thusfar，nodifficultyordifferenceofopiniononthelady’ssettlementwasatalllikelytoarisebetweenSirPercival’slawyerandmyself。

Thepersonalestate，or，inotherwords，themoneytowhichMissFairliewouldbecomeentitledonreachingtheageoftwenty-oneyears，isthenextpointtoconsider。

Thispartofherinheritancewas，initself，acomfortablelittlefortune。Itwasderivedunderherfather’swill，anditamountedtothesumoftwentythousandpounds。Besidesthis，shehadalife-interestintenthousandpoundsmore，whichlatteramountwastogo，onherdecease，toherauntEleanor，herfather’sonlysister。Itwillgreatlyassistinsettingthefamilyaffairsbeforethereaderintheclearestpossiblelight，ifIstophereforamoment，toexplainwhytheaunthadbeenkeptwaitingforherlegacyuntilthedeathoftheniece。

MrPhilipFairliehadlivedonexcellenttermswithhissisterEleanor，aslongassheremainedasinglewoman。Butwhenhermarriagetookplace，somewhatlateinlife，andwhenthatmarriageunitedhertoanItaliangentlemannamedFosco，or，rather，toanItaliannobleman——seeingthatherejoicedinthetitleofCount——MrFairliedisapprovedofherconductsostronglythatheceasedtoholdanycommunicationwithher，andevenwentthelengthofstrikinghernameoutofhiswill。Theothermembersofthefamilyallthoughtthisseriousmanifestationofresentmentathissister’smarriagemoreorlessunreasonable。CountFosco，thoughnotarichman，wasnotapennilessadventurereither。Hehadasmallbutsufficientincomeofhisown。HehadlivedmanyyearsinEngland，andheheldanexcellentpositioninsociety。Theserecommendations，however，availednothingwithMrFairlie。InmanyofhisopinionshewasanEnglishmanoftheoldschool，andhehatedaforeignersimplyandsolelybecausehewasaforeigner。Theutmostthathecouldbeprevailedontodo，inafteryears——mainlyatMissFairlie’sintercession——wastorestorehissister’snametoitsformerplaceinhiswill，buttokeepherwaitingforherlegacybygivingtheincomeofthemoneytohisdaughterforlife，andthemoneyitself，ifherauntdiedbeforeher，tohercousinMagdalen。Consideringtherelativeagesofthetwoladies，theaunt’schance，intheordinarycourseofnature，ofreceivingthetenthousandpounds，wasthusrendereddoubtfulintheextreme；andMadameFoscoresentedherbrother’streatmentofherasunjustlyasusualinsuchcases，byrefusingtoseeherniece，anddecliningtobelievethatMissFairlie’sintercessionhadeverbeenexertedtorestorehernametoMrFairlie’swill。

Suchwasthehistoryofthetenthousandpounds。HereagainnodifficultycouldarisewithSirPercival’slegaladviser。Theincomewouldbeatthewife’sdisposal，andtheprincipalwouldgotoherauntorhercousinonherdeath。

Allpreliminaryexplanationsbeingnowclearedoutoftheway，Icomeatlasttotherealknotofthecase——tothetwentythousandpounds。

ThissumwasabsolutelyMissFairlie’sownonhercompletinghertwenty-firstyear，andthewholefuturedispositionofitdepended，inthefirstinstance，ontheconditionsIcouldobtainforherinhermarriage-settlement。Theotherclausescontainedinthatdocumentwereofaformalkind，andneednotberecitedhere。Buttheclauserelatingtothemoneyistooimportanttobepassedover。Afewlineswillbesufficienttogivethenecessaryabstractofit。

Mystipulationinregardtothetwentythousandpoundswassimplythis:Thewholeamountwastobesettledsoastogivetheincometotheladyforherlife——afterwardstoSirPercivalforhislife——andtheprincipaltothechildrenofthemarriage。Indefaultofissue，theprincipalwastobedisposedofastheladymightbyherwilldirect，forwhichpurposeIreservedtohertherightofmakingawill。Theeffectoftheseconditionsmaybethussummedup。IfLadyGlydediedwithoutleavingchildren，herhalf-sisterMissHalcombe，andanyotherrelativesorfriendswhomshemightbeanxioustobenefit，would，onherhusband’sdeath，divideamongthemsuchsharesofhermoneyasshedesiredthemtohave。If，ontheotherhand，shediedleavingchildren，thentheirinterest，naturallyandnecessarily，supersededallotherinterestswhatsoever。Thiswastheclause——andnoonewhoreadsitcanfail，Ithink，toagreewithmethatitmetedoutequaljusticetoallparties。

Weshallseehowmyproposalsweremetonthehusband’sside。

AtthetimewhenMissHalcombe’sletterreachedmeIwasevenmorebusilyoccupiedthanusual。ButIcontrivedtomakeleisureforthesettlement。Ihaddrawnit，andhadsentitforapprovaltoSirPercival’ssolicitor，inlessthanaweekfromthetimewhenMissHalcombehadinformedmeoftheproposedmarriage。

Afteralapseoftwodaysthedocumentwasreturnedtome，withnotesandremarksofthebaronet’slawyer。Hisobjections，ingeneral，provedtobeofthemosttriflingandtechnicalkind，untilhecametotheclauserelatingtothetwentythousandpounds。Againstthisthereweredoublelinesdrawninredink，andthefollowingnotewasappendedtothem——

`Notadmissible。TheprincipaltogotoSirPercivalGlyde，intheeventofhissurvivingLadyGlyde，andtherebeingnoissue。’

Thatistosay，notonefarthingofthetwentythousandpoundswastogotoMissHalcombe，ortoanyotherrelativeorfriendofLadyGlyde’s。Thewholesum，ifsheleftnochildren，wastoslipintothepocketsofherhusband。

TheanswerIwrotetothisaudaciousproposalwasasshortandsharpasIcouldmakeit。`Mydearsir。MissFairlie’ssettlement。Imaintaintheclausetowhichyouobject，exactlyasitstands。Yourstruly。’Therejoindercamebackinaquarterofanhour。`Mydearsir。MissFairlie’ssettlement。Imaintaintheredinktowhichyouobject，exactlyasitstands。Yourstruly。’Inthedetestableslangoftheday，wewerenowboth`atadeadlock，andnothingwasleftforitbuttorefertoourclientsoneitherside。

Asmattersstood，myclient——MissFairlienothavingyetcompletedhertwenty-firstyear——MrFrederickFairlie，washerguardian。Iwrotebythatday’spost，andputthecasebeforehimexactlyasitstood，notonlyurgingeveryargumentIcouldthinkoftoinducehimtomaintaintheclauseasIhaddrawnit，butstatingtohimplainlythemercenarymotivewhichwasatthebottomoftheoppositiontomysettlementofthetwentythousandpounds。TheknowledgeofSirPercival’saffairswhichIhadnecessarilygainedwhentheprovisionsofthedeedonhissideweresubmittedinduecoursetomyexamination，hadbuttooplainlyinformedmethatthedebtsonhisestatewereenormous，andthathisincome，thoughnominallyalargeone，wasvirtually，foramaninhisposition，nexttonothing。ThewantofreadymoneywasthepracticalnecessityofSirPercival’sexistence，andhislawyer’snoteontheclauseinthesettlementwasnothingbutthefranklyselfishexpressionofit。

MrFairlie’sanswerreachedmebyreturnofpost，andprovedtobewanderingandirrelevantintheextreme。TurnedintoplainEnglish，itpracticallyexpresseditselftothiseffect:`WoulddearGilmorebesoveryobligingasnottoworryhisfriendandclientaboutsuchatrifleasaremotecontingency？Wasitlikelythatayoungwomanoftwenty-onewoulddiebeforeamanofforty-five，anddiewithoutchildren？Ontheotherhand，insuchamiserableworldasthis，wasitpossibletoover-estimatethevalueofpeaceandquietness？Ifthosetwoheavenlyblessingswereofferedinexchangeforsuchanearthlytrifleasaremotechanceoftwentythousandpounds，wasitnotafairbargain？Surely，yes。Thenwhynotmakeit？’

Ithrewtheletterawayindisgust。Justasithadflutteredtotheground，therewasaknockatmydoor，andSirPercival’ssolicitor，MrMerriman，wasshownin。Therearemanyvarietiesofsharppractitionersinthisworld，butIthinkthehardestofalltodealwitharethemenwhooverreachyouunderthedisguiseofinveterategood-humour。Afat，well-fed，smiling，friendlymanofbusinessisofallpartiestoabargainthemosthopelesstodealwith。MrMerrimanwasoneofthisclass。

`AndhowisgoodMrGilmore？’hebegan，allinaglowwiththewarmthofhisownamiability。`Gladtoseeyou，sir，insuchexcellenthealth。Iwaspassingyourdoor，andIthoughtIwouldlookinincaseyoumighthavesomethingtosaytome。Do——nowpraydoletussettlethislittledifferenceofoursbywordofmouth，ifwecan！Haveyouheardfromyourclientyet？’

`Yes。Haveyouheardfromyours？’

`Mydear，goodsir！IwishIhadheardfromhimtoanypurpose——Iwish，withallmyheart，theresponsibilitywasoffmyshoulders；butheisobstinate——orletmerathersay，resolute——andhewon’ttakeitoff。``Merriman，Ileavedetailstoyou。Dowhatyouthinkrightformyinterests，andconsidermeashavingpersonallywithdrawnfromthebusinessuntilitisallover。’’ThosewereSirPercival’swordsafortnightago，andallIcangethimtodonowistorepeatthem。Iamnotahardman，MrGilmore，asyouknow。Personallyandprivately，Idoassureyou，Ishouldliketospongeoutthatnoteofmineatthisverymoment。ButifSirPercivalwon’tgointothematter，ifSirPercivalwillblindlyLeaveallhisinterestsinmysolecare，whatcoursecanIpossiblytakeexceptthecourseofassertingthem？Myhandsarebound——don’tyousee，mydearsir？——myhandsarebound。’

`Youmaintainyournoteontheclause，then，totheletter？’Isaid。

`Yes——deucetakeit！Ihavenootheralternative。’Hewalkedtothefireplaceandwarmedhimself，hummingthefagendofatuneinarichconvivialbassvoice。`Whatdoesyoursidesay？’hewenton；`nowpraytellme——whatdoesyoursidesay？’

Iwasashamedtotellhim。Iattemptedtogaintime——nay，Ididworse。Mylegalinstinctsgotthebetterofme，andIeventriedtobargain。

`Twentythousandpoundsisratheralargesumtobegivenupbythelady’sfriendsattwodays’notice，’Isaid。

`Verytrue，’repliedMrMerriman，lookingdownthoughtfullyathisboots。`Properlyput，sir——mostproperlyput！’

`Acompromise，recognisingtheinterestsofthelady’sfamilyaswellastheinterestsofthehusband，mightnotperhapshavefrightenedmyclientquitesomuch，’Iwenton。`Come，come！thiscontingencyresolvesitselfintoamatterofbargainingafterall。Whatistheleastyouwilltake？’

`Theleastwewilltake，’saidMrMerriman，`isnineteen-thousand——nine——hundred——and——ninety——nine——pounds——nineteen-shillings-and-eleven-pence-three-farthings。Ha！haIha！Excuseme，MrGilmore。Imusthavemylittlejoke。’

`Littleenough，’Iremarked。`Thejokeisjustworththeoddfarthingitwasmadefor。’

MrMerrimanwasdelighted。Helaughedovermyretorttilltheroomrangagain。Iwasnothalfsogood-humouredonmyside；Icamebacktobusiness，andclosedtheinterview。

`ThisisFriday，’Isaid。`GiveustillTuesdaynextforourfinalanswer。’

`Byallmeans，’repliedMrMerriman。`Longer，mydearsir，ifyoulike。’Hetookuphishattogo，andthenaddressedmeagain。`Bytheway，’hesaid，`yourclientsinCumberlandhavenotheardanythingmoreofthewomanwhowrotetheanonymousletter，havethey？’

`Nothingmore，’Ianswered。`Haveyoufoundnotraceofher？’

`Notyet，’saidmylegalfriend。`Butwedon’tdespair。SirPercivalhashissuspicionsthatSomebodyiskeepingherinhiding，andwearehavingthatSomebodywatched。’

`YoumeantheoldwomanwhowaswithherinCumberland，’Isaid。

`Quiteanotherparty，sir，’answeredMrMerriman。`Wedon’thappentohavelaidhandsontheoldwomanyet。OurSomebodyisaman。WehavegothimcloseunderoureyehereinLondon，andwestronglysuspecthehadsomethingtodowithhelpingherinthefirstinstancetoescapefromtheAsylum。SirPercivalwantedtoquestionhimatonce，butIsaid，``No。Questioninghimwillonlyputhimonhisguard——watchhim，andwait。’’Weshallseewhathappens。Adangerouswomantobeatlarge，MrGilmore；nobodyknowswhatshemaydonext。Iwishyougoodmorning，sir。OnTuesdaynextIshallhopeforthepleasureofhearingfromyou。’Hesmiledamiablyandwentout。

Mymindhadbeenratherabsentduringthelatterpartoftheconversationwithmylegalfriend。IwassoanxiousaboutthematterofthesettlementthatIhadlittleattentiontogivetoanyothersubject，andthemomentIwasleftaloneagainIbegantothinkoverwhatmynextproceedingoughttobe。

InthecaseofanyotherclientIshouldhaveactedonmyinstructions，howeverpersonallydistastefultome，andhavegivenupthepointaboutthetwentythousandpoundsonthespot。ButIcouldnotactwiththisbusiness-likeindifferencetowardsMissFairlie。Ihadanhonestfeelingofaffectionandadmirationforher——Irememberedgratefullythatherfatherhadbeenthekindestpatronandfriendtomethatevermanhad——IhadfelttowardsherwhileIwasdrawingthesettlementasImighthavefelt，ifIhadnotbeenanoldbachelor，towardsadaughterofmyown，andIwasdeterminedtosparenopersonalsacrificeinherserviceandwhereherinterestswereconcerned。WritingasecondtimetoMrFairliewasnottobethoughtof——itwouldonlybegivinghimasecondopportunityofslippingthroughmyfingers。Seeinghimandpersonallyremonstratingwithhimmightpossiblybeofmoreuse。ThenextdaywasSaturday。IdeterminedtotakeareturnticketandjoltmyoldbonesdowntoCumberland，onthechanceofpersuadinghimtoadoptthejust，theindependent，andthehonourablecourse。Itwasapoorchanceenough，nodoubt，butwhenIhadtrieditmyconsciencewouldbeatease。Ishouldthenhavedoneallthatamaninmypositioncoulddotoservetheinterestsofmyoldfriend’sonlychild。

TheweatheronSaturdaywasbeautiful，awestwindandabrightsun。Havingfeltlatterlyareturnofthatfulnessandoppressionofthehead，againstwhichmydoctorwarnedmesoseriouslymorethantwoyearssince，IresolvedtotaketheopportunityofgettingalittleextraexercisebysendingmybagonbeforemeandwalkingtotheterminusinEustonSquare。AsIcameoutintoHolbornagentlemanwalkingbyrapidlystoppedandspoketome。ItwasMrWalterHartright。

IfhehadnotbeenthefirsttogreetmeIshouldcertainlyhavepassedhim。HewassochangedthatIhardlyknewhimagain。Hisfacelookedpaleandhaggard——hismannerwashurriedanduncertain——andhisdress，whichIrememberedasneatandgentleman-likewhenIsawhimatLimmeridge，wassoslovenlynowthatIshouldreallyhavebeenashamedoftheappearanceofitononeofmyownclerks。

`HaveyoubeenlongbackfromCumberland？’heasked。`IheardfromMissHalcombelately。IamawarethatSirPercivalGlyde’sexplanationhasbeenconsideredsatisfactory。Willthemarriagetakeplacesoon？Doyouhappentoknow，MrGilmore？’

Hespokesofast，andcrowdedhisquestionstogethersostrangelyandconfusedly，thatIcouldhardlyfollowhim。HoweveraccidentallyintimatehemighthavebeenwiththefamilyatLimmeridge，Icouldnotseethathehadanyrighttoexpectinformationontheirprivateaffairs，andIdeterminedtodroPhim，aseasilyasmightbe，onthesubjectofMissFairlie’smarriage。

`Timewillshow，MrHartright，’Isaid——`timewillshow。Idaresayifwelookoutforthemarriageinthepapersweshallnotbefarwrong。Excusemynoticingit，butIamsorrytoseeyounotlookingsowellasyouwerewhenwelastmet。’

Amomentarynervouscontractionquiveredabouthislipsandeyes，andmademehalfreproachmyselfforhavingansweredhiminsuchasignificantlyguardedmanner。

`Ihadnorighttoaskabouthermarriage，’hesaidbitterly。`Imustwaittoseeitinthenewspaperslikeotherpeople。Yes，’——hewentonbeforeIcouldmakeanyapologies——`Ihavenotbeenwelllately。Iamgoingtoanothercountrytotryachangeofsceneandoccupation。MissHalcombehaskindlyassistedmewithherinfluence，andmytestimonialshavebeenfoundsatisfactory。Itisalongdistanceoff，butIdon’tcarewhereIgo，whattheclimateis，orhowlongIamaway。’Helookedabouthimwhilehesaidthisatthethrongofstrangerspassingusbyoneitherside，inastrange，suspiciousmanner，asifhethoughtthatsomeofthemmightbewatchingus。

`Iwishyouwellthroughit，andsafebackagain，’Isaid，andthenadded，soasnottokeephimaltogetheratarm’slengthonthesubjectoftheFairlies，`IamgoingdowntoLimmeridgetodayonbusiness-MissHalcombeandMissFairlieareawayjustnowonavisittosomefriendsinYorkshire。’

Hiseyesbrightened，andheseemedabouttosaysomethinginanswer，butthesamemomentarynervousspasmcrossedhisfaceagain。Hetookmyhand，pressedithard，anddisappearedamongthecrowdwithoutsayinganotherword。Thoughhewaslittlemorethanastrangertome，Iwaitedforamoment，lookingafterhimalmostwithafeelingofregret。Ihadgainedinmyprofessionsufficientexperienceofyoungmentoknowwhattheoutwardsignsandtokenswereoftheirbeginningtogowrong，andwhenIresumedmywalktotherailwayIamsorrytosayIfeltmorethandoubtfulaboutMrHartright’sfuture。