第9章

June19th——Theeventsofyesterdaywarnedmetobeready，soonerorlater，tomeettheworst。Todayisnotyetatanend，andtheworsthascome。

JudgingbytheclosestcalculationoftimethatLauraandIcouldmake，wearrivedattheconclusionthatAnneCatherickmusthaveappearedattheboat-houseathalf-pasttwoo’clockontheafternoonofyesterday。IaccordinglyarrangedthatLaurashouldjustshowherselfattheluncheon-cabletoday，andshouldthenslipoutatthefirstopportunity，leavingmebehindtopreserveappearances，andtofollowherassoonasIcouldsafelydoso。Thismodeofproceeding，ifnoobstaclesoccurredtothwartus，wouldenablehertobeattheboat-housebeforehalf-pasttwo，and(whenIleftthetable，inmyturn)wouldtakemetoasafepositionintheplantationbeforethree。

Thechangeintheweather，whichlastnight’swindwarnedustoexpect，camewiththemorning。ItwasrainingheavilywhenIgotup，anditcontinuedtorainuntiltwelveo’clock——whenthecloudsdispersed，theblueskyappeared，andthesunshoneagainwiththebrightpromiseofafineafternoon。

MyanxietytoknowhowSirPercivalandtheCountwouldoccupytheearlypartofthedaywasbynomeanssetatrest，sofarasSirPercivalwasconcerned，byhisleavingusimmediatelyafterbreakfast，andgoingoutbyhimself，inspiteoftherain。Heneithertolduswherehewasgoingnorwhenwemightexpecthimback。Wesawhimpassthebreakfast-roomwindowhastily，withhishighbootsandhiswaterproofcoaton——andthatwasall。

TheCountpassedthemorningquietlyindoors，somepartofitinthelibrary，somepartinthedrawing-room，playingoddsandendsofmusiconthepiano，andhummingtohimself。Judgingbyappearances，thesentimentalsideofhischaracterwaspersistentlyinclinedtobetrayitselfstill。Hewassilentandsensitive，andreadytosighandlanguishponderously(asonlyfatmenFansighandlanguish)onthesmallestprovocation。

Luncheon-timecameandSirPercivaldidnotreturn。TheCounttookhisfriend’splaceatthetable，plaintivelydevouredthegreaterpartofafruittart，submergedunderawholejugfulofcream，andexplainedthefullmeritoftheachievementtousassoonashehaddone。`Atasteforsweets，’hesaidinhissoftesttonesandhistenderestmanner，`istheinnocenttasteofwomenandchildren。Ilovetoshareitwiththem——itisanotherbond，dearladies，betweenyouandme。’

Lauraleftthetableintenminutes’time。Iwassorelytemptedtoaccompanyher。Butifwehadbothgoneouttogetherwemusthaveexcitedsuspicion，andworsestill，ifweallowedAnneCathericktoseeLaura，accompaniedbyasecondpersonwhowasastrangertoher，weshouldinallprobabilityforfeitherconfidencefromthatmoment，nevertoregainitagain。

Iwaited，therefore，aspatientlyasIcould，untiltheservantcameintoclearthetable。WhenIquittedtheroom，therewerenosigns，inthehouseoroutofit，ofSirPercival’sreturn。IlefttheCountwithapieceofsugarbetweenhislips，andtheviciouscockatooscramblinguphiswaistcoattogetatit，whileMadameFosco，sittingoppositetoherhusband，watchedtheproceedingsofhisbirdandhimselfasattentivelyasifshehadneverseenanythingofthesortbeforeinherlife。OnmywaytotheplantationIkeptcarefullybeyondtherangeofviewfromtheluncheon-roomwindow。Nobodysawmeandnobodyfollowedme。Itwasthenaquartertothreeo’clockbymywatch。

OnceamongthetreesIwalkedrapidly，untilIhadadvancedmorethanhalf-waythroughtheplantation。AtthatpointIslackenedmypaceandproceededcautiously，butIsawnoone，andheardnovoices。BylittleandlittleIcamewithinviewofthebackoftheboat-house——stoppedandlistened——thenwenton，tillIwasclosebehindit，andmusthaveheardanypersonswhoweretalkinginside。Stillthesilencewasunbroken——stillfarandnearnosignofalivingcreatureappearedanywhere。

Afterskirtingroundbythebackofthebuilding，firstononesideandthenontheother，andmakingnodiscoveries，Iventuredinfrontofit，andfairlylookedin。Theplacewasempty。

Icalled，`Laura！’——atfirstsoftly，thenlouderandlouder。Nooneansweredandnooneappeared。ForallthatIcouldseeandhear，theonlyhumancreatureintheneighbourhoodofthelakeandtheplantationwasmyself。

Myheartbegantobeatviolently，butIkeptmyresolution，andsearched，firsttheboat-houseandthenthegroundinfrontofit，foranysignswhichmightshowmewhetherLaurahadreallyreachedtheplaceornot。Nomarkofherpresenceappearedinsidethebuilding，butIfoundtracesofheroutsideit，infootstepsonthesand。

Idetectedthefootstepsoftwopersons——largefootstepslikeaman’s，andsmallfootsteps，which，byputtingmyownfeetintothemandtestingtheirsizeinthatmanner，IfeltcertainwereLaura’s。Thegroundwasconfusedlymarkedinthiswayjustbeforetheboat-house。Closeagainstonesideofit，undershelteroftheprojectingroof，Idiscoveredalittleholeinthesand——aholeartificiallymade，beyondadoubt。Ijustnoticedit，andthenturnedawayimmediatelytotracethefootstepsasfarasIcould，andtofollowthedirectioninwhichtheymightleadme。

Theyledme，startingfromtheleft-handsideoftheboat-house，alongtheedgeofthetrees，adistance，Ishouldthink，ofbetweentwoandthreehundredyards，andthenthesandygroundshowednofurthertraceofthem。FeelingthatthepersonswhosecourseIwastrackingmustnecessarilyhaveenteredthePlantationatthispoint，Ienteredittoo。AtfirstIcouldfindnopath，butIdiscoveredoneafterwards，justfaintlytracedamongthetrees，andfollowedit。Ittookme，forsomedistance，inthedirectionofthevillage，untilIstoppedatapointwhereanotherfoot-trackcrossedit。Thebramblesgrewthicklyoneithersideofthissecondpath。Istoodlookingdownit，uncertainwhichwaytotakenext，andwhileIlookedIsawononethornybranchsomefragmentsoffringefromawoman’sshawl。AcloserexaminationofthefringesatisfiedmethatithadbeentornfromashawlofLaura’s，andIinstantlyfollowedthesecondpath。Itbroughtmeoutatlast，tomygreatrelief，atthebackofthehouse。Isaytomygreatrelief，becauseIinferredthatLauramust，forsomeunknownreason，havereturnedbeforemebythisroundaboutway。Iwentinbythecourt-yardandtheoffices。ThefirstpersonwhomImetincrossingtheservants’hallwasMrsMichelson，thehousekeeper。

`Doyouknow，’Iasked，`whetherLadyGlydehascomeinfromherwalkornot？’

`MyladycameinalittlewhileagowithSirPercival，’answeredthehousekeeper。`Iamafraid，MissHalcombe，somethingverydistressinghashappened。’

Myheartsankwithinme。`Youdon’tmeananaccident？’Isaidfaintly。

`No，no——thankGod，noaccident。Butmyladyranupstairstoherownroomintears，andSirPercivalhasorderedmetogiveFannywarningtoleaveinanhour’stime。’

FannywasLaura’smaid——agoodaffectionategirlwhohadbeenwithherforyears——theonlypersoninthehousewhosefidelityanddevotionwecouldbothdependupon。

`WhereisFanny？’Iinquired。

`Inmyroom，MissHalcombe。Theyoungwomanisquiteovercome，andItoldhertositdownandtrytorecoverherself。’

IwenttoMrsMichelson’sroom，andfoundFannyinacorner，withherboxbyherside，cryingbitterly。

Shecouldgivemenoexplanationwhateverofhersuddendismissal。SirPercivalhadorderedthatsheshouldhaveamonth’swages，inplaceofamonth’swarning，andgo。Noreasonhadbeenassigned——noobjectionhadbeenmadetoherconduct。Shehadbeenforbiddentoappealtohermistress，forbiddeneventoseeherforamomenttosaygood-bye。Shewastogowithoutexplanationsorfarewells，andtogoatonce。

Aftersoothingthepoorgirlbyafewfriendlywords，Iaskedwheresheproposedtosleepthatnight。Sherepliedthatshethoughtofgoingtothelittleinninthevillage，thelandladyofwhichwasarespectablewoman，knowntotheservantsatBlackwaterPark。Thenextmorning，byleavingearly，shemightgetbacktoherfriendsinCumberlandwithoutstoppinginLondon，whereshewasatotalstranger。

IfeltdirectlythatFanny’sdepartureofferedusasafemeansofcommunicationwithLondonandwithLimmeridgeHouse，ofwhichitmightbeveryimportanttoavailourselves。Accordingly，Itoldherthatshemightexpecttohearfromhermistressorfrommeinthecourseoftheevening，andthatshemightdependonourbothdoingallthatlayinourpowertohelpher，underthetrialofleavingusforthepresent。Thosewordssaid，Ishookhandswithherandwentupstairs。

ThedoorwhichledtoLaura’sroomwasthedoorofanantechamberopeningontothepassage。WhenItriedit，itwasboltedontheinside。

Iknocked，andthedoorwasopenedbythesameheavy，overgrownhousemaidwhoselumpishinsensibilityhadtriedmypatiencesoseverelyonthedaywhenIfoundthewoundeddog。Ihad，sincethattime，discoveredthathernamewasMargaretPorcher，andthatshewasthemostawkward，slatternly，andobstinateservantinthehouse。

Onopeningthedoorsheinstantlysteppedouttothethreshold，andstoodgrinningatmeinstolidsilence。

`Whydoyoustandthere？’Isaid`Don’tyouseethatIwanttocomein？’

`Ah，butyoumustn’tcomein，’wastheanswer，withanotherandabroadergrinstill。

`Howdareyoutalktomeinthatway？Standbackinstantly！’

Shestretchedoutagreatredhandandarmoneachsideofher，soastobarthedoorway，andslowlynoddedheraddleheadatme。

`Master’sorders，’shesaid，andnoddedagain。

Ihadneedofallmyself-controltowarnmeagainstcontestingthematterwithher，andtoremindmethatthenextwordsIhadtosaymustbeaddressedtohermaster。Iturnedmybackonher，andinstantlywentdownstairstofindhim。MyresolutiontokeepmytemperunderalltheirritationsthatSirPercivalcouldofferwas，bythistime，ascompletelyforgotten——Isaysotomyshame——asifIhadnevermadeit。Itdidmegood，afterallIhadsufferedandsuppressedinthathouse——itactuallydidmegoodtofeelhowangryIwas。

Thedrawing-roomandthebreakfast-roomwerebothempty。Iwentontothelibrary，andthereIfoundSirPercival，theCount，andMadameFosco。Theywereallthreestandingup，closetogether，andSirPercivalhadalittleslipofpaperinhishand。AsIopenedthedoorIheardtheCountsaytohim，`No——athousandtimesover，no。’

Iwalkedstraightuptohim，andlookedhimfullintheface。

`AmItounderstand，SirPercival，thatyourwife’sroomisaprison，andthatyourhousemaidisthegaolerwhokeepsit？’Iasked。

`Yes，thatiswhatyouaretounderstand，’heanswered。`Takecaremygaolerhasn’tgotdoubledutytodo——takecareyourroomisnotaprisontoo。’

`Takeyoucarehowyoutreatyourwife，andhowyouthreatenme，’Ibrokeoutintheheatofmyanger。`TherearelawsinEnglandtoprotectwomenfromcrueltyandoutrage。IfyouhurtahairofLaura’shead，ifyoudaretointerferewithmyfreedom，comewhatmay，tothoselawsIwillappeal。’

InsteadofansweringmeheturnedroundtotheCount。

`WhatdidItellyou？’heasked。`Whatdoyousaynow？’

`WhatIsaidbefore，’repliedtheCount——`No。’

EveninthevehemenceofmyangerIfelthiscalm，cold，greyeyesonmyface。Theyturnedawayfrommeassoonashehadspoken，andlookedsignificantlyathiswife。MadameFoscoimmediatelymovedclosetomyside，andinthatpositionaddressedSirPercivalbeforeeitherofuscouldspeakagain。

`Favourmewithyourattentionforonemoment，’shesaid，inherclearicily-suppressedtones。`Ihavetothankyou，SirPercival，foryourhospitality，andtodeclinetakingadvantageofitanylonger。IremaininnohouseinwhichladiesaretreatedasyourwifeandMissHalcombehavebeentreatedheretoday！’

SirPercivaldrewbackastep。andstaredatherindeadsilence。Thedeclarationhehadjustheard——adeclarationwhichhewellknew，asIwellknew，MadameFoscowouldnothaveventuredtomakewithoutherhusband’spermission——seemedtopetrifyhimwithsurprise。TheCountstoodby，andlookedathiswifewiththemostenthusiasticadmiration。

`Sheissublime！’hesaidtohimself。Heapproachedherwhilehespoke，anddrewherhandthroughhisarm。`Iamatyourservice，Eleanor，’hewenton，withaquietdignitythatIhadnevernoticedinhimbefore。`AndatMissHalcombe’sservice，ifshewillhonourmebyacceptingalltheassistanceIcanofferher。’

`Damnit！whatdoyoumean？’criedSirPercival，astheCountquietlymovedawaywithhiswifetothedoor。

`AtothertimesImeanwhatIsay，butatthistimeImeanwhatmywifesays，’repliedtheimpenetrableItalian。`Wehavechangedplaces，Percival，foronce，andMadameFosco’sopinionis——mine。’

SirPercivalcrumpledupthepaperinhishand，andpushingpasttheCount，withanotheroath，stoodbetweenhimandthedoor。

`Haveyourownway，’hesaid，withbaffledrageinhislow，half-whisperingtones。`Haveyourownway——andseewhatcomesofit。’Withthosewordshelefttheroom。

MadameFoscoglancedinquiringlyatherhusband。`Hehas

goneawayverysuddenly，’shesaid。`Whatdoesitmean？’

`ItmeansthatyouandItogetherhavebroughttheworst-temperedmaninallEnglandtohissenses，’answeredtheCount。`Itmeans，MissHalcombe，thatLadyGlydeisrelievedfromagrossindignity，andyoufromtherepetitionofanunpardonableinsult。Suffermetoexpressmyadmirationofyourconductandyourcourageataverytryingmoment。’

`Sincereadmiration，’suggestedMadameFosco。

`Sincereadmiration，’echoedtheCount。

Ihadnolongerthestrengthofmyfirstangryresistancetooutrageandinjurytosupportme。Myheart-sickanxietytoseeLaura，mysenseofmyownhelplessignoranceofwhathadhappenedattheboat-house，pressedonmewithanintolerableweight。ItriedtokeepupappearancesbyspeakingtotheCountandhiswifeinthetonewhichtheyhadchosentoadoptinspeakingtome，butthewordsfailedonmylips——mybreathcameshortandthick——myeyeslookedlongingly，insilence，atthedoor。TheCount，understandingmyanxiety，openedit，wentout，andpulledittoafterhim。AtthesametimeSirPercival’sheavystepdescendedthestairs。Iheardthemwhisperingtogetheroutside，whileMadameFoscowasassuringme，inhercalmestandmostconventionalmanner，thatsherejoiced，foralloursakes，thatSirPercival’sconducthadnotobligedherhusbandandherselftoleaveBlackwaterPark。Beforeshehaddonespeakingthewhisperingceased，thedooropened，andtheCountlookedin。

`MissHalcombe，’hesaid，`IamhappytoinformyouthatLadyGlydeismistressagaininherownhouse。IthoughtitmightbemoreagreeabletoyoutohearofthischangeforthebetterfrommethanfromSirPercival，andIhavethereforeexpresslyreturnedtomentionit。’

`Admirabledelicacy！’saidMadameFosco，payingbackherhusband’stributeofadmirationwiththeCount’sowncoin，intheCount’sownmanner。Hesmiledandbowedasifhehadreceivedaformalcomplimentfromapolitestranger，anddrewbacktoletmepassoutfirst。

SirPercivalwasstandinginthehall。AsIhurriedtothestairsIheardhimcallimpatientlytotheCounttocomeoutofthelibrary。

`Whatareyouwaitingtherefor？’hesaid。`Iwanttospeaktoyou。’

`AndIwanttothinkalittlebymyself，’repliedtheother。`Waittilllater，Percival，waittilllater。’

Neitherhenorhisfriendsaidanymore。Igainedthetopofthestairsandranalongthepassage。InmyhasteandmyagitationIleftthedooroftheante-chamberopen，butIclosedthedoorofthebedroomthemomentIwasinsideit。

Laurawassittingaloneatthefarendoftheroom，herarmsrestingwearilyonatable，andherfacehiddeninherhands。Shestartedupwithacryofdelightwhenshesawme。

`Howdidyougethere？’sheasked。`Whogaveyouleave？NotSirPercival？’

Inmyoverpoweringanxietytohearwhatshehadtotellme，Icouldnotanswerher——Icouldonlyputquestionsonmyside。Laura’seagernesstoknowwhathadpasseddownstairsproved，however，toostrongtoberesisted。Shepersistentlyrepeatedherinquiries。

`TheCount，ofcourse，’Iansweredimpatiently。`Whoseinfluenceinthehouse——’

Shestoppedmewithagestureofdisgust。

`Don’tspeakofhim，’shecried。`TheCountisthevilestcreaturebreathing！TheCountisamiserableSpy！’

Beforewecouldeitherofussayanotherwordwewerealarmedbyasoftknockingatthedoorofthebedroom。

Ihadnotyetsatdown，andIwentfirsttoseewhoitwas。WhenIopenedthedoorMadameFoscoconfrontedmewithmyhandkerchiefinherhand。

`Youdroppedthisdownstairs，MissHalcombe，’shesaid，`andIthoughtIcouldbringittoyou，asIwaspassingbytomyownroom。

Herface，naturallypale，hadturnedtosuchaghastlywhitenessthatIstartedatthesightofit。Herhands，sosureandsteadyatallothertimes，trembledviolently，andhereyeslookedwolfishlypastmethroughtheopendoor，andfixedonLaura。

Shehadbeenlisteningbeforesheknocked！Isawitinherwhiteface，Isawitinhertremblinghands，IsawitinherlookatLaura。

Afterwaitinganinstantsheturnedfrommeinsilence，andslowlywalkedaway。

Iclosedthedooragain。`Oh，LauraILaura！WeshallbothruethedaywhenyoucalledtheCountaSpy！’

`Youwouldhavecalledhimsoyourself，Marian，ifyouhadknownwhatIknow。AnneCatherickwasright。Therewasathirdpersonwatchingusintheplantationyesterday，andthatthirdperson——

`AreyousureitwastheCount？’

`Iamabsolutelycertain。HewasSirPercival’sspy——hewasSirPercival’sinformer——hesetSirPercivalwatchingandwaiting，allthemorningthrough，forAnneCatherickandforme。’

`IsAnnefound？Didyouseeheratthelake？’

`No。Shehassavedherselfbykeepingawayfromtheplace。WhenIgottotheboat-housenoonewasthere。’

`Yes？Yes？’

`Iwentinandsatwaitingforafewminutes。Butmyrestlessnessmademegetupagain，towalkaboutalittle。AsIpassedoutIsawsomemarksonthesand，closeunderthefrontoftheboat-house。Istoopeddowntoexaminethem，anddiscoveredawordwritteninlargelettersonthesand。Thewordwas——LOOK。’

`Andyouscrapedawaythesand，anddugahollowplaceinit？’

`Howdoyouknowthat，Marian？’

`IsawthehollowplacemyselfwhenIfollowedyoutotheboat-house。Goon——goon！’

`Yes，Iscrapedawaythesandonthesurface，andinalittlewhileIcametoastripofpaperhiddenbeneath，whichhadwritingonit。ThewritingwassignedwithAnneCatherick’sinitials。’

`Whereisit？’

`SirPercivalhastakenitfromme。’

`Canyourememberwhatthewritingwas？Doyouthinkyoucanrepeatittome？’

`InsubstanceIcan，Marian。Itwasveryshort。Youwouldhaverememberedit。wordforword。’

`Trytotellmewhatthesubstancewasbeforewegoanyfurther。’

Shecomplied。Iwritethelinesdownhereexactlyassherepeatedthemtome。Theyranthus——andhadtoruntosavemyself。Hewasnotquickenoughonhisfeettofollowme，andhelostmeamongthetrees。Idarenotriskcomingbackheretodayatthesametime。Iwritethis，andhideitinthesand，atsixinthemorning，totellyouso。Whenwespeaknextofyourwickedhusband’sSecretwemustspeaksafely，ornotatall。Trytohavepatience。Ipromiseyoushallseemeagainandthatsoon——A。C。’

Thereferencetothe`tall，stoutoldman’(thetermsofwhichLaurawascertainthatshehadrepeatedtomecorrectly)leftnodoubtastowhotheintruderhadbeen。IcalledtomindthatIhadtoldSirPercival，intheCount’spresencethedaybefore，thatLaurahadgonetotheboat-housetolookforherbrooch。Inallprobabilityhehadfollowedherthere，inhisofficiousway，torelievehermindaboutthematterofthesignature，immediatelyafterhehadmentionedthechangeinSirPercival’splanstomeinthedrawing-room。Inthiscasehecouldonlyhavegottotheneighbourhoodoftheboat-houseattheverymomentwhenAnneCatherickdiscoveredhim。ThesuspiciouslyhurriedmannerinwhichshepartedfromLaurahadnodoubtpromptedhisuselessattempttofollowher。Oftheconversationwhichhadpreviouslytakenplacebetweenthemhecouldhaveheardnothing。Thedistancebetweenthehouseandthelake，andthetimeatwhichheleftmeinthedrawing-room，ascomparedwiththetimeatwhichLauraandAnneCatherickhadbeenspeakingtogether，provedthatfacttousatanyrate，beyondadoubt。

Havingarrivedatsomethinglikeaconclusionsofar，mynextgreatinterestwastoknowwhatdiscoveriesSirPercivalhadmadeafterCountFoscohadgivenhimhisinformation。

`Howcameyoutolosepossessionoftheletter？’Iasked。`Whatdidyoudowithitwhenyoufounditinthesand？’

`Afterreadingitoncethrough，’shereplied，`Itookitintotheboat-housewithmetositdownandlookoveritasecondtime。WhileIwasreadingashadowfellacrossthepaper。Ilookedup，andsawSirPercivalstandinginthedoorwaywatchingme。’

`Didyoutrytohidetheletter？’

`Itried，buthestoppedme。``Youneedn’ttroubletohidethat，’’hesaid。``Ihappentohavereadit。’’Icouldonlylookathimhelplessly——Icouldsaynothing。``Youunderstand？’’hewenton；``Ihavereadit。Idugitupoutofthesandtwohourssince，andburieditagain，andwrotethewordaboveitagain，andleftitreadytoyourhands。Youcan’tlieyourselfoutofthescrapenow。YousawAnneCatherickinsecretyesterday，andyouhavegotherletterinyourhandatthismoment。Ihavenotcaughtheryet，butIhavecaughtyou。Givemetheletter。’’Hesteppedcloseuptome——Iwasalonewithhim，Marian——whatcouldIdo？——Igavehimtheletter。’

`Whatdidhesaywhenyougaveittohim？’

`Atfirsthesaidnothing。Hetookmebythearm，andledmeoutoftheboat-house，andlookedabouthimonallsides，asifhewasafraidofourbeingseenorheard。Thenheclaspedhishandfastroundmyarm，andwhisperedtome，``WhatdidAnneCathericksaytoyouyesterday？Iinsistonhearingeveryword，fromfirsttolast。’’’

`Didyoutellhim？’

`Iwasalonewithhim，Marian——hiscruelhandwasbruisingmyarm——whatcouldIdo？’

`Isthemarkonyourarmstill？Letmeseeit。’

`Whydoyouwanttoseeit？’

`Iwanttoseeit，Laura，becauseourendurancemustend，andourresistancemustbegintoday。Thatmarkisaweapontostrikehimwith。Letmeseeitnow——Imayhavetosweartoitatsomefuturetime。’

`Oh，Marian，don’tlookso——don’ttalksoIItdoesn’thurtmenow！’

`Letmeseeit！’

Sheshowedmethemarks。Iwaspastgrievingoverthem，pastcryingoverthem，pastshudderingoverthem。Theysayweareeitherbetterthanmen，orworse。Ifthetemptationthathasfalleninsomewomen’sway，andmadethemworse，hadfalleninmineatthatmoment——ThankGod！myfacebetrayednothingthathiswifecouldread。Thegentle，innocent，affectionatecreaturethoughtIwasfrightenedforherandsorryforher，andthoughtnomore。

`Don’tthinktooseriouslyofit，Marian，’shesaidsimply，asshepulledhersleevedownagain。`Itdoesn’thurtmenow。’

`Iwilltrytothinkquietlyofit，mylove，foryoursake——Well！well！AndyoutoldhimallthatAnneCatherickhadsaidtoyou——allthatyoutoldme？

`Yes，all。Heinsistedonit——Iwasalonewithhim——Icouldconcealnothing。’

`Didhesayanythingwhenyouhaddone？’

`Helookedatme，andlaughedtohimselfinmocking，bitterway。``Imeantohavetherestoutofyou，’’hesaid，``doyouhear？——therest。’’IdeclaredtohimsolemnlythatIhadtoldhimeverythingIknew。``Notyou，`heanswered，``youknowmorethanyouchoosetotell。Won’tyoutellit？Youshall！I’llwringitoutofyouathomeifIcan’twringitoutofyouhere——Heledmeawaybyastrangepaththroughtheplantation——apathwheretherewasnohopeofourmeetingyou——andhespokenomoretillwecamewithinsightofthehouse。Thenhestoppedagain，andsaid，``Willyoutakeasecondchance，ifIgiveittoyou？Willyouthinkbetterofit。andtellmetherest？’’IcouldonlyrepeatthesamewordsIhadspokenbefore。Hecursedmyobstinacy，andwenton，andtookmewithhimtothehouse。``Youcan’tdeceiveme，’’hesaid，``youknowmorethanyouchoosetotell。I’llhaveyoursecretoutofyou，andI’llhaveitoutofthatsisterofyoursaswell。Thereshallbenomoreplottingandwhisperingbetweenyou。Neitheryounorsheshallseeeachotheragaintillyouhaveconfessedthetruth。I’llhaveyouwatchedmorning，noon，andnight，tillyouconfessthetruth。’’HewasdeaftoeverythingIcouldsay。Hetookmestraightupstairsintomyownroom。Fannywassittingthere，doingsomeworkforme，andheinstantlyorderedherout。``I’lltakegoodcareyou’renotmixedupintheconspiracy，`hesaid。``Youshallleavethishousetoday。Ifyourmistresswantsamaid。sheshallhaveoneofmychoosing。’’Hepushedmeintotheroom，andlockedthedooronme。Hesetthatsenselesswomantowatchmeoutside，Marian！Helookedandspokelikeamadman。Youmayhardlyunderstandit——hedidindeed。’

`Idounderstandit，Laura。Heismad——madwiththeterrorsofaguiltyconscience。EverywordyouhavesaidmakesmepositivelycertainthatwhenAnneCatherickleftyouyesterdayyouwereontheeveofdiscoveringasecretwhichmighthavebeenyourvilehusband’sruin，andhethinksyouhavediscoveredit。Nothingyoucansayordowillquietthatguiltydistrust，andconvincehisfalsenatureofyourtruth。Idon’tsaythis，mylove，toalarmyou。Isayittoopenyoureyestoyourposition，andtoconvinceyouoftheurgentnecessityoflettingmeact，asIbestcan，foryourprotectionwhilethechanceisourown。CountFosco’sinterferencehassecuredmeaccesstoyoutoday，buthemaywithdrawthatinterferencetomorrow。SirPercivalhasalreadydismissedFannybecausesheisaquick-wittedgirl，anddevotedlyattachedtoyou，andhaschosenawomantotakeherplacewhocaresnothingforyourinterests，andwhosedullintelligencelowershertothelevelofthewatch-dogintheyard。Itisimpossibletosaywhatviolentmeasureshemaytakenext，unlesswemakethemostofouropportunitieswhilewehavethem。’

`Whatcanwedo，Marian？Oh，ifwecouldonlyleavethishouse，nevertoseeitagain！’

`Listentome，mylove，andtrytothinkthatyouarenotquitehelplesssolongasIamherewithyou。’

`Iwillthinkso——Idothinkso。Don’taltogetherforgetpoorFannyinthinkingofme。Shewantshelpandcomforttoo。’

`Iwillnotforgether。IsawherbeforeIcameuphere，andIhavearrangedtocommunicatewithhertonight。Lettersarenotsafeinthepost-bagatBlackwaterPark，andIshallhavetwotowritetoday，inyourinterests，whichmustpassthroughnohandsbutFanny’s。’

`Whatletters？’

`Imeantowritefirst，Laura，toMrGilmore’spartner，whohasofferedtohelpusinanyfreshemergency。LittleasIknowofthelaw，Iamcertainthatitcanprotectawomanfromsuchtreatmentasthatruffianhasinflictedonyoutoday。IwillgointonodetailsaboutAnneCatherick，becauseIhavenocertaininformationtogive。Butthelawyershallknowofthosebruisesonyourarm，andoftheviolenceofferedtoyouinthisroom——heshall，beforeIresttonight！’

`Butthinkoftheexposure，Marian！’

`Iamcalculatingontheexposure。SirPercivalhasmoretodreadfromitthanyouhave。Theprospectofanexposuremaybringhimtotermswhennothingelsewill。’

IroseasIspoke，butLauraentreatedmenottoleaveher。`Youwilldrivehimtodesperation，`shesaid，`andincreaseourdangerstenfold。’

Ifeltthetruth——thedishearteningtruth——ofthosewords。ButIcouldnotbringmyselfplainlytoacknowledgeittoher。Inourdreadfulpositiontherewasnohelpandnohopeforusbutinriskingtheworst。Isaidsoinguardedterms。Shesighedbitterly，butdidnotcontestthematter。SheonlyaskedaboutthesecondletterthatIhadproposedwriting。Towhomwasittobeaddressed？

`ToMrFairlie，’Isaid。`Youruncleisyournearestmalerelative，andtheheadofthefamily。Hemustandshallinterfere。’

Laurashookherheadsorrowfully。

`Yes，yes，’Iwenton，`youruncleisaweak，selfish，worldlyman，Iknow，butheisnotSirPercivalGlyde，andhehasnosuchfriendabouthimasCountFosco。Iexpectnothingfromhiskindnessorhistendernessoffeelingtowardsyouortowardsme，buthewilldoanythingtopamperhisownindolence，andtosecurehisownquiet。Letmeonlypersuadehimthathisinterferenceatthismomentwillsavehiminevitabletroubleandwretchednessandresponsibilityhereafter，andhewillbestirhimselfforhisownsake。Iknowhowtodealwithhim，Laura——Ihavehadsomepractice。’

`IfyoucouldonlyprevailonhimtoletmegobacktoLimmeridgeforalittlewhileandstaytherequietlywithyou，Marian，IcouldbealmostashappyagainasIwasbeforeIwasmarried！’

Thosewordssetmethinkinginanewdirection。WoulditbepossibletoplaceSirPercivalbetweenthetwoalternativesofeitherexposinghimselftothescandaloflegalinterferenceonhiswife’sbehalf，orofallowinghertobequietlyseparatedfromhimforatimeunderpretextofavisittoheruncle’shouse？Andcouldhe，inthatcase，bereckonedonaslikelytoacceptthelastresource？Itwasdoubtful——morethandoubtful。Andyet，hopelessastheexperimentseemed，surelyitwasworthtrying。Iresolvedtotryitinsheerdespairofknowingwhatbettertodo。

`Youruncleshallknowthewishyouhavejustexpressed，’Isaid，`andIwillaskthelawyer’sadviceonthesubjectaswell。Goodmaycomeofit——andwillcomeofit，Ihope。’

SayingthatIroseagain，andagainLauratriedtomakemeresumemyseat。

`Don’tleaveme，’shesaiduneasily。`Mydeskisonthattable。Youcanwritehere。’

Ittriedmetothequicktorefuseher，eveninherowninterests。Butwehadbeentoolongshutupalonetogetheralready。Ourchanceofseeingeachotheragainmightentirelydependonournotexcitinganyfreshsuspicions。Itwasfulltimetoshowmyself，quietlyandunconcernedly，amongthewretcheswhowereatthatverymoment，perhaps，thinkingofusandtalkingofusdownstairs。IexplainedthemiserablenecessitytoLaura，andprevailedonhertorecogniseitasIdid。

`lwillcomebackagain，love，inanhourorless，’Isaid。`Theworstisoverfortoday。Keepyourselfquietandfearnothing。’

`Isthekeyinthedoor，Marian？CanIlockitontheinside？’

`Yes，hereisthekey。Lockthedoor，andopenittonobodyuntilIcomeupstairsagain。’

Ikissedherandlefther。ItwasarelieftomeasIwalkedawaytohearthekeyturnedinthelock，andtoknowthatthedoorwasatherowncommand。

June19th——IhadonlygotasfarasthetopofthestairswhenthelockingofLaura’sdoorsuggestedtometheprecautionofalsolockingmyowndoor，andkeepingthekeysafelyaboutmewhileIwasoutoftheroom。Myjournalwasalreadysecuredwithotherpapersinthetabledrawer，butmywritingmaterialswereleftout。Theseincludedaseal，bearingthecommondeviceoftwodovesdrinkingoutofthesamecup，andsomesheetsofblotting-paper，whichhadtheimpressiononthemoftheclosinglinesofmywritinginthesepagestracedduringthepastnight。Distortedbythesuspicionwhichhadnowbecomeapartofmyself，evensuchtriflesastheselookedtoodangeroustobetrustedwithoutaguard——eventhelockedtabledrawerseemedtobenotsufficientlyprotectedinmyabsenceuntilthemeansofaccesstoithadbeencarefullysecuredaswell。

IfoundnoappearanceofanyonehavingenteredtheroomwhileIhadbeentalkingwithLaura。Mywritingmaterials(whichIhadgiventheservantinstructionsnevertomeddlewith)werescatteredoverthetablemuchasusual。TheonlycircumstanceinconnectionwiththemthatatallstruckmewasthattheseallaytidilyinthetraywiththePencilsandthewax。Itwasnotinmycarelesshabits(lamsorrytosay)toputitthere，neitherdidIrememberputtingitthere。ButasIcouldnotcalltomind，ontheotherhand，whereelseIhadthrownitdown，andasIwasalsodoubtfulwhetherImightnotforoncehavelaiditmechanicallyintherightplace，Iabstainedfromaddingtotheperplexitywithwhichtheday’seventshadfilledmymindbytroublingitafreshaboutatrifle。Ilockedthedoor，putthekeyinmyPocket，andwentdownstairs。

MadameFoscowasaloneinthehalllookingattheweatherglass。

`Stillfalling，’shesaid。`Iamafraidwemustexpectmorerain。’

Herfacewascomposedagaintoitscustomaryexpressionanditscustomarycolour。Butthehandwithwhichshepointedtothedialoftheweather-glassstilltrembled。

CouldshehavetoldherhusbandalreadythatshehadoverheardLaurarevilinghim，inmycompany，asa`spy？’Mystrongsuspicionthatshemusthavetoldhim，myirresistibledread(allthemoreoverpoweringfromitsveryvagueness)oftheconsequenceswhichmightfollow，myfixedconviction，derivedfromvariouslittleself-betrayalswhichwomennoticeineachother，thatMadameFosco，inspiteofherwell-assumedexternalcivility，hadnotforgivenhernieceforinnocentlystandingbetweenherandthelegacyoftenthousandpounds——allrusheduponmymindtogether，allimpelledmetospeakinthevainhopeofusingmyowninfluenceandmyownpowersofpersuasionfortheatonementofLaura’soffence。

`MayItrusttoyourkindnesstoexcuseme，MadameFosco，ifIventuretospeaktoyouonanexceedinglypainfulsubject？’

Shecrossedherhandsinfrontofherandbowedherheadsolemnly，withoututteringaword，andwithouttakinghereyesoffmineforamoment。

`Whenyouweresogoodastobringmebackmyhandkerchief，’Iwenton，`lamvery，verymuchafraidyoumusthaveaccidentallyheardLaurasaysomethingwhichIamunwillingtorepeat，andwhichIwillnotattempttodefend。IwillonlyventuretohopethatyouhavenotthoughtitofsufficientimportancetobementionedtotheCount？’

`Ithinkitofnoimportancewhatever，’saidMadameFoscosharplyandsuddenly。`But，’sheadded，resuminghericymannerinamoment，`Ihavenosecretsfrommyhusbandevenintrifles。WhenhenoticedjustnowthatIlookeddistressed，itwasmypainfuldutytotellhimwhyIwasdistressed，andIfranklyacknowledgetoyou，MissHalcombe，thatIhavetoldhim。’

Iwaspreparedtohearit，andyetsheturnedmecoldalloverwhenshesaidthosewords。

`Letmeearnestlyentreatyou，MadameFosco——letmeearnestlyentreattheCount——tomakesomeallowancesforthesadpositioninwhichmysisterisplaced。Shespokewhileshewassmartingundertheinsultandinjusticeinflictedonherbyherhusband，andshewasnotherselfwhenshesaidthoserashwords。MayIhopethattheywillbeconsideratelyandgenerouslyforgiven？’

`Mostassuredly，’saidtheCount’squietvoicebehindme。Hehadstolenonuswithhisnoiselesstreadandhisbookinhishandfromthelibrary。

`WhenLadyGlydesaidthosehastywords，’hewenton，`shedidmeaninjusticewhichIlament——andforgive。Letusneverreturntothesubject，MissHalcombe；letusallcomfortablycombinetoforgetitfromthismoment’

`Youareverykind，’Isaid，`yourelievemeinexpressibly。~’’

Itriedtocontinue，buthiseyeswereonme；hisdeadlysmilethathideseverythingwasset，hard，andunwaveringonhisbroad，smoothface。Mydistrustofhisunfathomablefalseness，mysenseofmyowndegradationinstoopingtoconciliatehiswifeandhimself，sodisturbedandconfusedme，thatthenextwordsfailedonmylips，andIstoodthereinsilence。

`Ibegyouonmykneestosaynomore，MissHalcombe——Iamtrulyshockedthatyoushouldhavethoughtitnecessarytosaysomuch。’Withthatpolitespeechhetookmyhand——oh，howIdespisemyself！oh，howlittlecomfortthereiseveninknowingthatIsubmittedtoitforLaura’ssake！——hetookmyhandandputittohispoisonouslips。NeverdidIknowallmyhorrorofhimtillthen。Thatinnocentfamiliarityturnedmybloodasifithadbeenthevilestinsultthatamancouldofferme。YetIhidmydisgustfromhim——Itriedtosmile——I，whooncemercilesslydespiseddeceitinotherwomen，wasasfalseastheworstofthem，asfalseastheJudaswhoselipshadtouchedmyhand。

Icouldnothavemaintainedmydegradingself-control——itisallthatredeemsmeinmyownestimationtoknowthatIcouldnot——ifhehadstillcontinuedtokeephiseyesonmyface。Hiswife’stigerishjealousycametomyrescueandforcedhisattentionawayfrommethemomenthepossessedhimselfofmyhand。Hercoldblueeyescaughtlight，herdullwhitecheeksflushedintobrightcolour，shelookedyearsyoungerthanherageinaninstant。

`Count！’shesaid。`YourforeignformsofpolitenessarenotunderstoodbyEnglishwomen。’

`Pardonme，myangel！ThebestanddearestEnglishwomanintheworldunderstandsthem。’Withthosewordshedroppedmyhandandquietlyraisedhiswife’shandtohislipsinplaceofit。

Iranbackupthestairstotakerefugeinmyownroom。Iftherehadbeentimetothink，mythoughts，whenIwasaloneagain，wouldhavecausedmebittersuffering。Buttherewasnotimetothink。Happilyforthepreservationofmycalmnessandmycouragetherewastimefornothingbutaction。

TheletterstothelawyerandtoMrFairliewerestilltobewritten，andIsatdownatoncewithoutamoment’shesitationtodevotemyselftothem。

Therewasnomultitudeofresourcestoperplexme——therewasabsolutelynoonetodependon，inthefirstinstance，butmyself。SirPercivalhadneitherfriendsnorrelativesintheneighbourhoodwhoseintercessionIcouldattempttoemploy。Hewasonthecoldestterms——insomecasesontheworsttermswiththefamiliesofhisownrankandstationwholivednearhim。Wetwowomenhadneitherfathernorbrothertocometothehouseandtakeourparts。Therewasnochoicebuttowritethosetwodoubtfulletters，ortoputLaurainthewrongandmyselfinthewrong，andtomakeallpeaceablenegotiationinthefutureimpossiblebysecretlyescapingfromBlackwaterPark。Nothingbutthemostimminentpersonalperilcouldjustifyourtakingthatsecondcourse。Thelettersmustbetriedfirst，andIwrotethem。

IsaidnothingtothelawyeraboutAnneCatherick，because(asIhadalreadyhintedtoLaura)thattopicwasconnectedwithamysterywhichwecouldnotyetexplain，andwhichitwouldthereforebeuselesstowriteabouttoaprofessionalman。IleftmycorrespondenttoattributeSirPercival’sdisgracefulconduct，ifhepleased，tofreshdisputesaboutmoneymatters，andsunplyconsultedhimonthepossibilityoftakinglegalproceedingsforLaura’sprotectionintheeventofherhusband’srefusaltoallowhertoleaveBlackwaterParkforatimeandreturnwithmetoLimmeridge。IreferredhimtoMrFairlieforthedetailsofthislastarrangement——IassuredhimthatIwrotewithLaura’sauthority——andIendedbyentreatinghimtoactinhernametotheutmostextentofhispowerandwiththeleastpossiblelossoftime。

ThelettertoMrFairlieoccupiedmenext。IappealedtohimonthetermswhichIhadmentionedtoLauraasthemostlikelytomakehimbestirhimself；Ienclosedacopyofmylettertothelawyertoshowhimhowseriousthecasewas，andIrepresentedourremovaltoLimmeridgeastheonlycompromisewhichwouldpreventthedangeranddistressofLaura’spresentpositionfrominevitablyaffectingheruncleaswellasherselfatnoverydistanttime。

WhenIhaddone，andhadsealedanddirectedthetwoenvelopes，IwentbackwiththeletterstoLaura’sroom，toshowherthattheywerewritten。

`Hasanybodydisturbedyou？’Iasked，whensheopenedthedoortome。

`Nobodyhasknocked，’shereplied。`ButIheardsomeoneintheouterroom。’

`Wasitamanorawoman？’

`Awoman。Iheardtherustlingofhergown。’

`Arustlinglikesilk？’

`Yes，likesilk。’

MadameFoscohadevidentlybeenwatchingoutside。Themischiefshemightdobyherselfwaslittletobefeared。Butthemischiefshemightdo，asawillinginstrumentinherhusband’shands，wastooformidabletobeoverlooked。

`Whatbecameoftherustlingofthegownwhenyounolongerhearditintheante-room？’Iinquired。`Didyouhearitgopastyourwall，alongthepassage？’

`Yes。Ikeptstillandlistened，andjustheardit。’

`Whichwaydiditgo？’

`Towardsyourroom。’

Iconsideredagain。Thesoundhadnotcaughtmyears。ButIwasthendeeplyabsorbedinmyletters，andIwritewithaheavyhandandaquillpen，scrapingandscratchingnoisilyoverthepaper。ItwasmorelikelythatMadameFoscowouldhearthescrapingofmypenthanthatIshouldheartherustlingofherdress。Anotherreason(ifIhadwantedone)fornottrustingmyletterstothepost-baginthehall。

Laurasawmethinking。`Moredifficulties！’shesaidwearily；`moredifficultiesandmoredangers！’

`Nodangers，’Ireplied。`Somelittledifficulty，perhaps。IamthinkingofthesafestwayofputtingmytwolettersintoFanny’shands。’

`Youhavereallywrittenthem，then？Oh，Marian，runnorisks——pray，pray，runnorisks！’

`No，no——nofear。Letmesee——whato’clockisitnow？’

Itwasaquartertosix。Therewouldbetimeformetogettothevillageinn，andtocomebackagainbeforedinner。IfIwaitedtilltheeveningImightfindnosecondopportunityofsafelyleavingthehouse。

`Keepthekeyturnedinthelock，Laura，’Isaid，`anddon’tbeafraidaboutme。Ifyouhearanyinquiriesmade，callthroughthedoor，andsaythatIamgoneoutforawalk。’

`Whenshallyoubeback？’

`Beforedinner，withoutfail。Courage，mylove。Bythistimetomorrowyouwillhaveaclear-headed，trustworthymanactingforyourgood。MrGilmore’spartnerisournextbestfriendtoMrGilmorehimself。’

Amoment’sreflection，assoonasIwasalone，convincedmethatIhadbetternotappearinmywalking-dressuntilIhadfirstdiscoveredwhatwasgoingoninthelowerpartofthehouse。IhadnotascertainedyetwhetherSirPercivalwasindoorsorout。

Thesingingofthecanariesinthelibrary，andthesmelloftobacco-smokethatcamethroughthedoor，whichwasnotclosed，toldmeatoncewheretheCountwas。IlookedovermyshoulderasIpassedthedoorway，andsawtomysurprisethathewasexhibitingthedocilityofthebirdsinhismostengaginglypolitemannertothehousekeeper。Hemusthavespeciallyinvitedhertoseethem——forshewouldneverhavethoughtofgoingintothelibraryofherownaccord。Theman’sslightestactionshadapurposeofsomekindatthebottomofeveryoneofthem。Whatcouldbehispurposehere？

Itwasnotimethentoinquireintohismotives。IlookedaboutforMadameFosconext，andfoundherfollowingherfavouritecircleroundandroundthefish-pond。

Iwasalittledoubtfulhowshewouldmeetme，aftertheoutbreakofjealousyofwhichIhadbeenthecausesoshortatimesince。Butherhusbandhadtamedherintheinterval，andshenowspoketomewiththesamecivilityasusual。MyonlyobjectinaddressingmyselftoherwastoascertainifsheknewwhathadbecomeofSirPercival。Icontrivedtorefertohimindirectly，andafteralittlefencingoneithersidesheatlastmentionedthathehadgoneout。

`Whichofthehorseshashetaken？’Iaskedcarelessly。

`Noneofthem，’shereplied。`Hewentawaytwohourssinceonfoot。AsIunderstoodit，hisobjectwastomakefreshinquiriesaboutthewomannamedAnneCatherick。Heappearstobeunreasonablyanxiousabouttracingher。Doyouhappentoknowifsheisdangerouslymad，MissHalcombe？’

`Idonot，Countess。’

`Areyougoingin？’

`Yes，Ithinkso。Isupposeitwillsoonbetimetodressfordinner。’

Weenteredthehousetogether。MadameFoscostrolledintothelibrary，anddosedthedoor。Iwentatoncetofetchmyhatandshawl。Everymomentwasofimportance，ifIwastogettoFannyattheinnandhebackbeforedinner。

WhenIcrossedthehallagainnoonewasthere，andthesingingofthebirdsinthelibraryhadceased。Icouldnotstoptomakeanyfreshinvestigations。Icouldonlyassuremyselfthatthewaywasclear，andthenleavethehousewiththetwoletterssafeinmypocket。

OnmywaytothevillageIpreparedmyselfforthepossibilityofmeetingSirPercival。AslongasIhadhimtodealwithaloneIfeltcertainofnotlosingmypresenceofmind。Anywomanwhoissureofherownwitsisamatchatanytimeforamanwhoisnotsureofhisowntemper。IhadnosuchfearofSirPercivalasIhadoftheCount。Insteadoffluttering，ithadcomposedme，tohearoftheerrandonwhichhehadgoneout。WhilethetracingofAnneCatherickwasthegreatanxietythatoccupiedhim，LauraandImighthopeforsomecessationofanyactivepersecutionathishands。Foroursakesnow，aswellasforAnne’s，Ihopedandprayedferventlythatshemightstillescapehim。

IwalkedonasbrisklyastheheatwouldletmetillIreachedthecross-roadwhichledtothevillage，lookingbackfromtimetotimetomakesurethatIwasnotfollowedbyanyone。

Nothingwasbehindmeallthewaybutanemptycountrywaggon。Thenoisemadebythelumberingwheelsannoyedme，andwhenIfoundthatthewaggontooktheroadtothevillage，aswellasmyself，Istoppedtoletitgobyandpassoutofhearing。AsIlookedtowardit，moreattentivelythanbefore，Ithoughtldetectedatintervalsthefeetofamanwalkingclosebehindit，thecarterbeinginfront，bythesideofhishorses。Thepartofthecross-roadwhichIhadjustpassedoverwassonarrowthatthewaggoncomingaftermebrushedthetreesandthicketsoneitherside，andIhadtowaituntilitwentbybeforeIcouldtestthecorrectnessofmyimpression。Apparentlythatimpressionwaswrong，forwhenthewaggonhadpassedmetheroadbehinditwasquiteclear。

IreachedtheinnwithoutmeetingSirPercival，andwithoutnoticinganythingmore，andwasgladtofindthatthelandladyhadreceivedFannywithallpossiblekindness。Thegirlhadalittleparlourtositin，awayfromthenoiseofthetaproom，andacleanbedchamberatthetopofthehouse。Shebegancryingagainatthesightofme，andsaid，poorsoul，trulyenough，thatitwasdreadfultofeelherselfturnedoutintotheworldasifshehadcommittedsomeunpardonablefault，whennoblamecouldbelaidatherdoorbyanybody——notevenbyhermaster，whohadsentheraway。

`Trytomakethebestofit，Fanny，’Isaid。`YourmistressandIwillstandyourfriends，andwilltakecarethatyourcharactershallnotsuffer。Now，listentome。Ihaveverylittletimetospare，andIamgoingtoputagreattrustinyourhands。Iwishyoutotakecareofthesetwoletters。TheonewiththestamponityouaretoputintothepostwhenyoureachLondontomorrow。Theother，directedtoMrFairlie，youaretodelivertohimyourselfassoonasyougethome。Keepboththelettersaboutyouandgivethemuptonoone。Theyareofthelastimportancetoyourmistress’sinterests。’

Fannyputthelettersintothebosomofherdress。`Theretheyshallstop，miss，’shesaid，`tillIhavedonewhatyoutellme。’

`Mindyouareatthestationingoodtimetomorrowmorning，’Icontinued。`AndwhenyouseethehousekeeperatLimmeridgegivehermycompliments，andsaythatyouareinmyserviceuntilLadyGlydeisabletotakeyouback。Wemaymeetagainsoonerthanyouthink。Sokeepagoodheart，anddon’tmisstheseveno’clocktrain。’

`Thankyou，miss——thankyoukindly。Itgivesonecouragetohearyourvoiceagain。Pleasetooffermydutytomylady，andsayIleftallthethingsastidyasIcouldinthetime。Oh，dear！dear！whowilldressherfordinnertoday？Itreallybreaksmyheart，miss，tothinkofit。’

WhenIgotbacktothehouseIhadonlyaquarterofanhourtosparetoputmyselfinorderfordinner，andtosaytwowordstoLaurabeforeIwentdownstairs。

`ThelettersareinFanny’shands，’Iwhisperedtoheratthedoor。`Doyoumeantojoinusatdinner？’

`Oh，no，no——notfortheworld。’

`Hasanythinghappened？Hasanyonedisturbedyou？’

`Yes——justnow——SirPercival——’

`Didhecomein？’

`No，hefrightenedmebyathumponthedooroutside。Isaid，``Who’sthere？’’``Youknow，’’heanswered。``Willyoualteryourmind，andtellmetherest？Youshall！SoonerorlaterI’llwringitoutofyou。YouknowwhereAnneCatherickisatthismoment。’’``Indeed，indeed，’’Isaid，``Idon’t。’’``Youdo！’’hecalledback。``I’llcrushyourobstinacy——mindthat！——I’llwringitoutofyou！’’Hewentawaywiththosewords——wentaway，Marian，hardlyfiveminutesago。’hadnotfoundheryet。

`Youaregoingdownstairs，Marian？Comeupagainintheevening。’

`Yes，yes。Don’tbeuneasyifIamalittlelate——Imustbecarefulnottogiveoffencebyleavingthemtoosoon。’

Thedinner-bellrangandIhastenedaway。

SirPercivaltookMadameFoscointothedining-room，andtheCountgavemehisann。Hewashotandflushed，andwasnotdressedwithhiscustomarycareandcompleteness。Hadhe，too，beenoutbeforedinner，andbeenlateingettingback？orwasheonlysufferingfromtheheatalittlemoreseverelythanusual？

Howeverthismightbe，hewasunquestionablytroubledbysomesecretannoyanceoranxiety，which，withallhispowersofdeception，hewasnotableentirelytoconceal。ThroughthewholeofdinnerhewasalmostassilentasSirPercivalhimself，andhe，everynowandthen，lookedathiswifewithanexpressionoffurtiveuneasinesswhichwasquitenewinmyexperienceofhim。Theonesocialobligationwhichheseemedtobeself-possessedenoughtoperformascarefullyaseverwastheobligationofbeingpersistentlycivilandattentivetome。WhatvileobjecthehasinviewIcannotstilldiscover，butbethedesignwhatitmay，invariablepolitenesstowardsmyself，invariablehumilitytowardsLaura，andinvariablesuppression(atanycost)ofSirPercival’sclumsyviolence，havebeenthemeanshehasresolutelyandimpenetrablyusedtogettohisendeversincehesetfootinthishouse。Isuspecteditwhenhefirstinterferedinourfavour，onthedaywhenthedeedwasproducedinthelibrary，andIfeelcertainofitnow。

WhenMadameFoscoandIrosetoleavethetable，theCountrosealsotoaccompanyusbacktothedrawing-room。

`Whatareyougoingawayfor？’askedSirPercival——`Imeanyou，Fosco。’

`IamgoingawaybecauseIhavehaddinnerenough，andwineenough，’answeredtheCount。`Besokind，Percival，astomakeallowancesformyforeignhabitofgoingoutwiththeladies，aswellascominginwiththem。’

`Nonsense！Anotherglassofclaretwon’thurtyou。SitdownagainlikeanEnglishman。Iwanthalfanhour’squiettalkwithyouoverourwine。’

`Aquiettalk，Percival，withallmyheart，butnotnow，andnotoverthewine。Laterintheevening，ifyouplease——laterintheevening。’

`Civil！’saidSirPercivalsavagely。`Civilbehaviour，uponmysoul，toamaninhisownhouse！’

IhadmorethanonceseenhimlookattheCountuneasilyduringdinner-time，andhadobservedthattheCountcarefullyabstainedfromlookingathiminreturn。Thiscircumstance，coupledwiththehost’sanxietyforalittlequiettalkoverthewine，andtheguest’sobstinateresolutionnottositdownagainatthetable，revivedinmymemorytherequestwhichSirPercivalhadvainlyaddressedtohisfriendearlierintheday，tocomeoutofthelibraryandspeaktohim。TheCounthaddeferredgrantingthatprivateinterview，whenitwasfirstaskedforintheafternoon，andhadagaindeferredgrantingit，whenitwasasecondtimeaskedforatthedinner-table。Whateverthecomingsubjectofdiscussionbetweenthemmightbe，itwasclearlyanimportantsubjectinSirPercival’sestimation——andperhaps(judgingfromhisevidentreluctancetoapproachit)adangeroussubjectaswell，intheestimationoftheCount。

Theseconsiderationsoccurredtomewhilewewerepassingfromthedining-roomtothedrawing-room。SirPercival’sangrycommentaryonhisfriend’sdesertionofhimhadnotproducedtheslightesteffect。TheCountobstinatelyaccompaniedustothetea-table——waitedaminuteortwointheroom——wentoutintothehall——andreturnedwiththepost-baginhishands。Itwastheneighto’clock——thehouratwhichtheletterswerealwaysdespatchedfromBlackwaterPark。

`Haveyouanyletterforthepost，MissHalcombe？’heasked，approachingmewiththebag。

IsawMadameFosco，whowasmakingthetea，pause，withthesugar-tongsinherhand，tolistenformyanswer。

`No，Count，thankyou。Noletterstoday。’

Hegavethebagtotheservant，whowasthenintheroom；satdownatthepiano，andplayedtheairofthelivelyNeapolitanstreet-song，`LamiaCarolina，’twiceover。Hiswife，whowasusuallythemostdeliberateofwomeninallhermovements，madeteaasquicklyasIcouldhavemadeitmyself——finishedherowncupintwominutes，andquietlyglidedoutoftheroom。

Irosetofollowherexample——partlybecauseIsuspectedherofattemptingsometreacheryupstairswithLaura，partlybecauseIwasresolvednottoremainaloneinthesameroomwithherhusband。

BeforeIcouldgettothedoortheCountstoppedme，byarequestforacupoftea。Igavehimthecupoftea，andtriedasecondtimetogetaway。Hestoppedmeagain——thistimebygoingbacktothepiano，andsuddenlyappealingtomeonamusicalquestioninwhichhedeclaredthatthehonourofhiscountrywasconcerned。

Ivainlypleadedmyowntotalignoranceofmusic，andtotalwantoftasteinthatdirection。Heonlyappealedtomeagainwithavehemencewhichsetallfurtherprotestonmypartatdefiance。`TheEnglishandtheGermans(heindignantlydeclared)werealwaysrevilingtheItaliansfortheirinabilitytocultivatethehigherkindsofmusic。WewereperpetuallytalkingofourOratorios，andtheywereperpetuallytalkingoftheirSymphonies。Didweforgetanddidtheyforgethisimmortalfriendandcountryman，Rossini？WhatwasMosesinEgyptbutasublimeoratorio，whichwasactedonthestageinsteadofbeingcoldlysunginaconcert-room？WhatwastheoverturetoGuillaumeTellbutasymphonyunderanothername？HadIheardMosesinEgypt？WouldIlistentothis，andthis，andthis，andsayifanythingmoresublimelysacredandgrandhadeverbeencomposedbymortalman？’——Andwithoutwaitingforawordofassentordissentonmypart，lookingmehardinthefaceallthetime，hebeganthunderingonthepiano，andsingingtoitwithloudandloftyenthusiasm——onlyinterruptinghimself，atintervals，toannouncetomefiercelythetitlesofthedifferentpiecesofmusic:`ChorusofEgyptiansinthePlagueofDarkness，MissHalcombe！’——`RecitativoofMoseswiththetablesoftheLaw。’——`PrayerofIsraelites，atthepassageoftheRedSea。Aha！Aha！Isthatsacred？isthatsublime？’Thepianotrembledunderhispowerfulhands，andtheteacupsonthetablerattled，ashisbigbassvoicethunderedoutthenotes，andhisheavyfootbeattimeonthefloor。

Therewassomethinghorrible——somethingfierceanddevilish——intheoutburstofhisdelightathisownsingingandplaying，andinthetriumphwithwhichhewatcheditseffectuponmeasIshranknearerandnearertothedoor。Iwasreleasedatlast，notbymyownefforts，butbySirPercival’sinterposition。Heopenedthedining-roomdoor，andcalledoutangrilytoknowwhat`thatinfernalnoise’meant。TheCountinstantlygotupfromthepiano。`AhIifPercivaliscoming，’hesaid，`harmonyandmelodyarebothatanend。TheMuseofMusic，MissHalcombe，desertsusindismay，andI，thefatoldminstrel，exhaletherestofmyenthusiasmintheopenair！’Hestalkedoutintotheverandah，puthishandsinhispockets，andresumedtheRecitativoofMoses，sottovoce，inthegarden。

IheardSirPercivalcallafterhimfromthedining-roomwindow。Buthetooknonotice——heseemeddeterminednottohear。Thatlong-deferredquiettalkbetweenthemwasstilltobeputoff，wasstilltowaitfortheCount’sabsolutewillandpleasure。

Hehaddetainedmeinthedrawing-roomnearlyhalfanhourfromthetimewhenhiswifeleftus。Wherehadshebeen，andwhathadshebeendoinginthatinterval？

Iwentupstairstoascertain，butImadenodiscoveries，andwhenIquestionedLaura，Ifoundthatshehadnotheardanything。Nobodyhaddisturbedher，nofaintrustlingofthesilkdresshadbeenaudible，eitherintheante-roomorinthepassage。

Itwasthentwentyminutestonine。Aftergoingtomyroomtogetmyjournal，Ireturned，andsatwithLaura，sometimeswriting，sometimesstoppingtotalkwithher。Nobodycamenearus，andnothinghappened。Weremainedtogethertillteno’clock。Ithenrose，saidmylastcheeringwords，andwishedhergoodnight。ShelockedherdooragainafterwehadarrangedthatIshouldcomeinandseeherthefirstthinginthemorning。

Ihadafewsentencesmoretoaddtomydiarybeforegoingtobedmyself，andasIwentdownagaintothedrawing-roomafterleavingLauraforthelasttimethatwearyday，Iresolvedmerelytoshowmyselfthere，tomakemyexcuses，andthentoretireanhourearlierthanusualforthenight。

SirPercival，andtheCountandhiswife，weresittingtogether。SirPercivalwasyawninginaneasy-chair，theCountwasreading，MadameFoscowasfanningherself。Strangetosay，herfacewasflushednow。She。whohadneversufferedfromtheheat，wasmostundoubtedlysufferingfromittonight。

`Iamafraid，Countess，youarenotquitesowellasusual？’Isaid。

`TheveryremarkIwasabouttomaketoyou，’shereplied。`Youarelookingpale，mydear。’

Mydear！Itwasthefirsttimeshehadeveraddressedmewiththatfamiliarity！Therewasaninsolentsmiletooonherfacewhenshesaidthewords。

`Iamsufferingfromoneofmybadheadaches，’Iansweredcoldly。

`Ah，indeed？Wantofexercise，Isuppose？Awalkbeforedinnerwouldhavebeenjustthethingforyou。’Shereferredtothe`walk’withastrangeemphasis。Hadsheseenmegoout？Nomatterifshehad。ThelettersweresafenowinFanny’shands。

`Comeandhaveasmoke，Fosco，’saidSirPercival，rising，withanotheruneasylookathisfriend。

`Withpleasure，Percival，whentheladieshavegonetobed，’repliedtheCount。

`Excuseme，Countess，ifIsetyoutheexampleofretiring，’Isaid。`Theonlyremedyforsuchaheadacheasmineisgoingtobed。’

Itookmyleave。Therewasthesameinsolentsmileonthewoman’sfacewhenIshookhandswithher。SirPercivalpaidnoattentiontome。HewaslookingimpatientlyatMadameFosco，whoshowednosignsofleavingtheroomwithme。TheCountsmiledtohimselfbehindhisbook。TherewasyetanotherdelaytothatquiettalkwithSirPercival——andtheCountesswastheimpedimentthistime。

June19th——Oncesafelyshutintomyownroom，Iopenedthesepages，andpreparedtogoonwiththatpartoftheday’srecordwhichwasstilllefttowrite。

FortenminutesormoreIsatidle，withthepeninmyhand，thinkingovertheeventsofthelasttwelvehours。WhenIatlastaddressedmyselftomytask，IfoundadifficultyinproceedingwithitwhichIhadneverexperiencedbefore。Inspiteofmyeffortstofixmythoughtsonthematterinhand，theywanderedawaywiththestrangestpersistencyintheonedirectionofSirPercivalandtheCount，andalltheinterestwhichItriedtoconcentrateonmyjournalcentredinsteadinthatprivateinterviewbetweenthemwhichhadbeenputoffallthroughtheday，andwhichwasnowtotakeplaceinthesilenceandsolitudeofthenight。

Inthisperversestateofmymind，therecollectionofwhathadpassedsincethemorningwouldnotcomebacktome，andtherewasnoresourcebuttoclosemyjournalandtogetawayfromitforalittlewhile。

Iopenedthedoorwhichledfrommybedroomintomysitting-room，andhavingpassedthrough，pulledittoagain，topreventanyaccidentincaseofdraughtwiththecandleleftonthedressing-table。Mysitting-roomwindowwaswideopen，andIleanedoutlistlesslytolookatthenight。

Itwasdarkandquiet。Neithermoonnorstarswerevisible。Therewasasmelllikeraininthestill，heavyair，andIputmyhandoutofthewindow。No。Therainwasonlythreatening，ithadnotcomeyet。