第12章

Thenexteventthatoccurredwasofsosingularanaturethatitmighthavecausedmeafeelingofsuperstitioussurprise，ifmymindhadnotbeenfortifiedbyprincipleagainstanypaganweaknessofthatsort。TheuneasysenseofsomethingwronginthefamilywhichhadmademewishmyselfawayfromBlackwaterPark，wasactuallyfollowed，strangetosay，bymydeparturefromthehouse。Itistruethatmyabsencewasforatemporaryperiodonly，butthecoincidencewas，inmyopinion，notthelessremarkableonthataccount。

Mydeparturetookplaceunderthefollowingcircumstances——

AdayortwoaftertheservantsallleftIwasagainsentfortoseeSirPercival。Theundeservedslurwhichhehadcastonmymanagementofthehouseholddidnot，Iamhappytosay，preventmefromreturninggoodforeviltothebestofmyability，bycomplyingwithhisrequestasreadilyandrespectfullyasever。Itcostmeastrugglewiththatfallennature，whichweallshareincommon，beforeIcouldsuppressmyfeelings。Beingaccustomedtoself-discipline，Iaccomplishedthesacrifice。IfoundSirPercivalandCountFoscosittingtogetheragain。Onthisoccasionhislordshipremainedpresentattheinterview，andassistedinthedevelopmentofSirPercival’sviews。ThesubjecttowhichtheynowrequestedmyattentionrelatedtothehealthychangeofairbywhichweallhopedthatMissHalcombeandLadyGlydemightsoonbeenabledtoprofit。SirPercivalmentionedthatboththeladieswouldprobablypasstheautumn(byinvitationofFrederickFairlie，Esquire)atLimmeridgeHouse，Cumberland。Butbeforetheywentthere，itwashisopinion，confirmedbyCountFosco(whoheretookuptheconversationandcontinuedittotheend)。thattheywouldbenefitbyashortresidencefirstinthegenialclimateofTorquay。Thegreatobject，therefore，wastoengagelodgingsatthatplace，affordingallthecomfortsandadvantagesofwhichtheystoodinneed，andthegreatdifficultywastofindanexperiencedpersoncapableofchoosingthesortofresidencewhichtheywanted。InthisemergencytheCountbeggedtoinquire，onSirPercival’sbehalf，whetherIwouldobjecttogivetheladiesthebenefitofmyassistance，byproceedingmyselftoTorquayintheirinterests。Itwasimpossibleforapersoninmysituationtomeetanyproposal，madeintheseterms，withapositiveobjection。IcouldonlyventuretorepresenttheseriousinconvenienceofmyleavingBlackwaterParkintheextraordinaryabsenceofalltheindoorservants，withtheoneexceptionofMargaretPorcher。ButSirPercivalandhislordshipdeclaredthattheywerebothwillingtoputupwithinconvenienceforthesakeoftheinvalids。InextrespectfullysuggestedwritingtoanagentatTorquay，butIwasmetherebybeingremindedoftheimprudenceoftakinglodgingswithoutfirstseeingthem。IwasalsoinformedthattheCountess(whowouldotherwisehavegonetoDevonshireherself)couldnot，inLadyGlyde’spresentcondition，leaveherniece，andthatSirPercivalandtheCounthadbusinesstotransacttogetherwhichwouldobligethemtoremainatBlackwaterPark。Inshort，itwasclearlyshownmethatifIdidnotundertaketheerrand，nooneelsecouldbetrustedwithit。Underthesecircumstances，IcouldonlyinformSirPercivalthatmyserviceswereatthedisposalofMissHalcombeandLadyGlyde。

ItwasthereuponarrangedthatIshouldleavethenextmorning，thatIshouldoccupyoneortwodaysinexaminingallthemostconvenienthousesinTorquay，andthatIshouldreturnwithmyreportassoonasIconvenientlycould。Amemorandumwaswrittenformebyhislordship，statingtherequisiteswhichtheplaceIwassenttotakemustbefoundtopossess，andanoteofthepecuniarylimitassignedtomewasaddedbySirPercival。

Myownideaonreadingovertheseinstructionswas，thatnosuchresidenceasIsawdescribedcouldbefoundatanywatering-placeinEngland，andthat，evenifitcouldbychancebediscovered，itwouldcertainlynotbepartedwithforanyperiodonsuchtermsasIwaspermittedtooffer。Ihintedatthesedifficultiestoboththegentlemen，butSirPercival(whoundertooktoanswerme)didnotappeartofeelthem。Itwasnotformetodisputethequestion。Isaidnomore，butIfeltaverystrongconvictionthatthebusinessonwhichIwassentawaywassobesetbydifficultiesthatmyerrandwasalmosthopelessatstarting。

BeforeIleftItookcaretosatisfymyselfthatMissHalcombewasgoingonfavourably。

Therewasapainfulexpressionofanxietyinherfacewhichmademefearthathermind，onfirstrecoveringitself，wasnotatease。ButshewascertainlystrengtheningmorerapidlythanIcouldhaveventuredtoanticipate，andshewasabletosendkindmessagestoLadyGlyde，sayingthatshewasfastgettingwell，andentreatingherladyshipnottoexertherselfagaintoosoon。IleftherinchargeofMrsRubelle，whowasstillasquietlyindependentofeveryoneelseinthehouseasever。WhenIknockedatLadyGlyde’sdoorbeforegoingaway，Iwastoldthatshewasstillsadlyweakanddepressed，myinformantbeingtheCountess，whowasthenkeepinghercompanyinherroom。SirPercivalandtheCountwerewalkingontheroadtothelodgeasIwasdrivenbyinthechaise。Ibowedtothemandquittedthehouse，withnotalivingsoulleftintheservants’officesbutMargaretPorcher。

Every。onemustfeelwhatIhavefeltmyselfsincethattime，almostsuspicious。Letme，however，sayagainthatitwasimpossibleforme，inmydependentposition，toactotherwisethanIdid。

TheresultofmyerrandatTorquaywasexactlywhatIhadfore-seen。NosuchlodgingsasIwasinstructedtotakecouldbefoundinthewholeplace，andthetermsIwaspermittedtogiveweremuchtoolowforthepurpose，evenifIhadbeenabletodiscoverwhatIwanted。IaccordinglyreturnedtoBlackwaterPark，andinformedSirPercival，whometmeatthedoor，thatmyjourneyhadbeentakeninvain。Heseemedtoomuchoccupiedwithsomeothersubjecttocareaboutthefailureofmyerrand，andhisfirstwordsinformedmethatevenintheshorttimeofmyabsenceanotherremarkablechangehadtakenplaceinthehouse。

TheCountandCountessFoscohadleftBlackwaterParkfortheirnewresidenceinStJohn’sWood。

Iwasnotmadeawareofthemotiveforthissuddendeparture——IwasonlytoldthattheCounthadbeenveryparticularinleavinghiskindcomplimentstome。WhenIventuredonaskingSirPercivalwhetherLadyGlydehadanyonetoattendtohercomfortsintheabsenceoftheCountess，herepliedthatshehadMargaretPorchertowaitonher，andheaddedthatawomanfromthevillagehadbeensentfortodotheworkdownstairs。

Theanswerreallyshockedme——therewassuchaglaringimproprietyinpermittinganunder-housemaidtofilltheplaceofconfidentialattendantonLadyGlyde。Iwentupstairsatonce，andmetMargaretonthebedroomlanding。Herserviceshadnotbeenrequired(naturallyenough)，hermistresshavingsufficientlyrecoveredthatmorningtobeabletoleaveherbed。IaskednextafterMissHalcombe，butIwasansweredinaslouching，sulkyway，whichleftmenowiserthanIwasbefore。Ididnotchoosetorepeatthequestion，andperhapsprovokeanimpertinentreply。ItwasineveryrespectmorebecomingtoapersoninmypositiontopresentmyselfimmediatelyinLadyGlyde’sroom。

Ifoundthatherladyshiphadcertainlygainedinhealthduringthelastfewdays。Althoughstillsadlyweakandnervous，shewasabletogetupwithoutassistance，andtowalkslowlyaboutherroom，feelingnoworseeffectfromtheexertionthanaslightsensationoffatigue。ShehadbeenmadealittleanxiousthatmorningaboutMissHalcombe，throughhavingreceivednonewsofherfromanyone。IthoughtthisseemedtoimplyablamablewantofattentiononthepartofMrsRubelle，butIsaidnothing，andremainedwithLadyGlydetoassisthertodress。WhenshewasreadywebothlefttheroomtogethertogotoMissHalcombe。

WewerestoppedinthepassagebytheappearanceofSirPercival。Helookedasifhehadbeenpurposelywaitingtheretoseeus。

`Whereareyougoing？’hesaidtoLadyGlyde。

`ToMarian’sroom，’sheanswered。

`Itmayspareyouadisappointment，’remarkedSirPercival，`ifItellyouatoncethatyouwillnotfindherthere。’

`Notfindherthere！’

`No。SheleftthehouseyesterdaymorningwithFoscoandhiswife。’

LadyGlydewasnotstrongenoughtobearthesurpriseofthisextraordinarystatement。Sheturnedfearfullypale，andleanedbackagainstthewall，lookingatherhusbandindeadsilence。

IwassoastonishedmyselfthatIhardlyknewwhattosay。IaskedSirPercivalifhereallymeantthatMissHalcombehadleftBlackwaterPark。

`Icertainlymeanit，’heanswered。

`Inherstate，SirPercival！WithoutmentioningherintentionstoLadyGlyde！’

Beforehecouldreplyherladyshiprecoveredherselfalittleandspoke。

`Impossible！’shecriedoutinaloud，frightenedmanner，takingasteportwoforwardfromthewall。`Wherewasthedoctor？wherewasMrDawsonwhenMarianwentaway？’

`MrDawsonwasn’twanted，andwasn’there，’saidSirPercival。`Heleftofhisownaccord，whichisenoughofitselftoshowthatshewasstrongenoughtotravel。Howyoustare！Ifyoudon’tbelieveshehasgone，lookforyourself。Openherroomdoor，andalltheotherroomdoorsifyoulike。’

Shetookhimathisword，andIfollowedher。TherewasnooneinMissHalcombe’sroombutMargaretPorcher，whowasbusysettingittorights。Therewasnooneinthespareroomsorthedressing-roomswhenwelookedintothemafterwards。SirPercivalstillwaitedforusinthepassage。AswewereleavingthelastroomthatwehadexaminedLadyGlydewhispered，`Don’tgo，MrsMichelson！don’tleaveme，forGod’ssake！’BeforeIcouldsayanythinginreturnshewasoutagaininthepassage，speakingtoherhusband。

`Whatdoesitmean，SirPercival？Iinsist——Ibegandprayyouwilltellmewhatitmeans。’

`Itmeans，’heanswered，`thatMissHalcombewasstrongenoughyesterdaymorningtositupandbedressed，andthatsheinsistedontakingadvantageofFosco’sgoingtoLondontogotheretoo。’

`ToLondon！’

`Yes——onherwaytoLimmeridge。’

LadyGlydeturnedandappealedtome。

`YousawMissHalcombelast，’shesaid。`Tellmeplainly，MrsMichelson，didyouthinkshelookedfittotravel？’

`Notinmyopinion，yourladyship。’

SirPercival，onhisside，instantlyturnedandappealedtomealso。

`Beforeyouwentaway，’hesaid，`didyou，ordidyounot，tellthenursethatMissHalcombelookedmuchstrongerandbetter？’

`Icertainlymadetheremark，SirPercival。’

HeaddressedherladyshipagainthemomentIofferedthatreply。

`SetoneofMrsMichelson’sopinionsfairlyagainsttheother，’hesaid，`andtrytobereasonableaboutaperfectlyplainmatter。Ifshehadnotbeenwellenoughtobemoveddoyouthinkweshouldanyofushaveriskedlettinghergo？Shehasgotthreecompetentpeopletolookafterher——Foscoandyouraunt，andMrsRubelle，whowentawaywiththemexpresslyforthatpurpose。Theytookawholecarriageyesterday，andmadeabedforherontheseatincaseshefelttired。Today，FoscoandMrsRubellegoonwithherthemselvestoCumberland——’

`WhydoesMariangotoLimmeridgeandleavemeherebymyself？’saidherladyship，interruptingSirPercival。

`Becauseyourunclewon’treceiveyoutillhehasseenyoursisterfirst，’hereplied。`Haveyouforgottentheletterhewrotetoheratthebeginningofherillness？Itwasshowntoyou，youreadityourself，andyououghttorememberit。’

`Idorememberit。’

`Ifyoudo，whyshouldyoubesurPrisedatherleavingyou？YouwanttobebackatLimmeridge，andshehasgonetheretogetyouruncle’sleaveforyouonhisownterms。’

PoorLadyGlyde’seyesfilledwithtears。

`Marianneverleftmebefore，’shesaid，`withoutbiddingmegood-bye。’

`Shewouldhavebidyougood-byethistime，’returnedSirPercival，`ifshehadnotbeenafraidofherselfandofyou。Sheknewyouwouldtrytostopher，sheknewyouwoulddistressherbycrying。Doyouwanttomakeanymoreobjections？Ifyoudo，youmustcomedownstairsandaskquestionsinthedining-room。Theseworriesupsetme。Iwantaglassofwine。’

Heleftussuddenly。

Hismannerallthroughthisstrangeconversationhadbeenveryunlikewhatitusuallywas-Heseemedtobealmostasnervousandfluttered，everynowandthen，ashisladyherself。Ishouldneverhavesupposedthathishealthhadbeensodelicate，orhiscomposuresoeasytoupset。

ItriedtoprevailonLadyGlydetogobacktoherroom，butitwasuseless。Shestoppedinthepassage，withthelookofawomanwhosemindwaspanic-stricken。

`Somethinghashappenedtomysister！’shesaid。

`Remember，mylady，whatsurprisingenergythereisinMissHalcombe，’Isuggested。`Shemightwellmakeaneffortwhichotherladiesinhersituationwouldbeunfitfor。Ihopeandbelievethereisnothingwrong——Idoindeed。’

`ImustfollowMarian，’saidherladyship，withthesamepanic-strickenlook。`Imustgowhereshehasgone，Imustseethatsheisaliveandwellwithmyowneyes。Come！comedownwithmetoSirPercival。’

Ihesitated，fearingthatmypresencemightbeconsideredanintrusion。Iattemptedtorepresentthistoherladyship，butshewasdeaftome。Sheheldmyarmfastenoughtoforcemetogodownstairswithher，andshestillclungtomewithallthelittlestrengthshehadatthemomentwhenIopenedthedining-roomdoor。

SirPercivalwassittingatthetablewithadecanterofwinebeforehim。Heraisedtheglasstohislipsaswewentinanddraineditatadraught。Seeingthathelookedatmeangrilywhenheputitdownagain，Iattemptedtomakesomeapologyformy

accidentalpresenceintheroom。

`Doyousupposethereareanysecretsgoingonhere？’hebrokeoutsuddenly；`therearenone——thereisnothingunderhand，nothingkeptfromyouorfromanyone。’Afterspeakingthosestrangewordsloudlyandsternly，hefilledhimselfanotherglassofwineandaskedLadyGlydewhatshewantedofhim。

`IfmysisterisSttotravelIamfittotravel，’saidherladyship，withmorefirmnessthanshehadyetshown。`IcometobegyouwillmakeallowancesformyanxietyaboutMarian，andletmefollowheratoncebytheafternoontrain。’

`Youmustwaittilltomorrow，’repliedSirPercival，`andthenifyoudon’theartothecontraryyoucango。Idon’tsupposeyouareatalllikelytoheartothecontrary，soIshallwritetoFoscobytonight’spost。’

Hesaidthoselastwordsholdinghisglassuptothelight，andlookingatthewineinitinsteadofatLadyGlyde。Indeedheneveroncelookedatherthroughouttheconversation。Suchasingularwantofgoodbreedinginagentlemanofhisrankimpressedme，Iown，verypainfully。

`WhyshouldyouwritetoCountFosco？’sheasked，inextremesurprise。

`Totellhimtoexpectyoubythemiddaytrain，’saidSirPercival。`HewillmeetyouatthestationwhenyougettoLondon，andtakeyouontosleepatyouraunt’sinStJohn’sWood。’

LadyGlyde’shandbegantotrembleviolentlyroundmyarm——whyIcouldnotimagine。

`ThereisnonecessityforCountFoscotomeetme，’shesaid。`IwouldrathernotstayinLondontosleep。’

`Youmust。Youcan’ttakethewholejourneytoCumberlandinoneday。YoumustrestanightinLondon——andIdon’tchooseyoutogobyyourselftoanhotel。Foscomadetheoffertoyouruncletogiveyouhouse-roomonthewaydown，andyourunclehasaccepted。Here！hereisaletterfromhimaddressedtoyourself。Ioughttohavesentitupthismorning，butIforgot。ReaditandseewhatMrFairliehimselfsaystoyou。’

LadyGlydelookedattheletterforamomentandthenplaceditinmyhands。

`Readit，’shesaidfaintly。`Idon’tknowwhatisthematterwithme。Ican’treaditmyself。’

Itwasanoteofonlyfourlines——soshortandsocarelessthatitquitestruckme。IfIremembercorrectlyitcontainednomorethanthesewords——

`DearestLaura，Pleasecomewheneveryoulike。Breakthejourneybysleepingatyouraunt’shouse。GrievedtohearofdearMarian’sillness。Affectionatelyyours，FrederickFairlie。’

`Iwouldrathernotgothere——IwouldrathernotstayanightinLondon，’saidherladyship，breakingouteagerlywiththosewordsbeforeIhadquitedonereadingthenote，shortasitwas。`Don’twritetoCountFosco！Pray，praydon’twritetohim！’

SirPercivalfilledanotherglassfromthedecantersoawkwardlythatheupsetitandspiltallthewineoverthetable。`Mysightseemstobefailingme，’hemutteredtohimself，inanodd，muffledvoice。Heslowlysettheglassupagain，refilledit，anddraineditoncemoreatadraught。Ibegantofear，fromhislookandmanner，thatthewinewasgettingintohishead。

`Praydon’twritetoCountFosco，’persistedLadyGlyde，moreearnestlythanever。

`Whynot，Ishouldliketoknow？’criedSirPercival，withasuddenburstofangerthatstartledusboth。`WherecanyoustaymoreproperlyinLondonthanattheplaceyourunclehimselfchoosesforyou——atyouraunt’shouse？AskMrsMichelson。

Thearrangementproposedwassounquestionablytherightandtheproperone，thatIcouldmakenopossibleobjectiontoit。MuchasIsympathisedwithLadyGlydeinotherrespects，IcouldnotsympathisewithherinherunjustprejudicesagainstCountFosco。Ineverbeforemetwithanyladyofherrankandstationwhowassolamentablynarrow-mindedonthesubjectofforeigners。Neitherheruncle’snotenorSirPercival’sincreasingimpatienceseemedtohavetheleasteffectonher。ShestillobjectedtostayinganightinLondon，shestillimploredherhusbandnottowritetotheCount。

`Dropit！’saidSirPercival，rudelyturninghisbackonus。`Ifyouhaven’tsenseenoughtoknowwhatisbestforyourselfotherpeoplemustknowforyou。Thearrangementismade，andthereisanendofit。YouareonlywantedtodowhatMissHalcombehasdonebeforeyou——’

`Marian？’repeatedherladyship，inabewilderedmanner；`MariansleepinginCountFosco’shouse！’

`Yes，inCountFosco’shouse。Sheslepttherelastnighttobreakthejourney，andyouaretofollowherexample，anddowhatyouruncletellsyou。YouaretosleepatFosco’stomorrownight，asyoursisterdid，tobreakthejourney。Don’tthrowtoomanyobstaclesinmyway！don’tmakemerepentoflettingyougoatall！’

Hestartedtohisfeet，andsuddenlywalkedoutintotheverandahthroughtheopenglassdoors。

`Willyourladyshipexcuseme，’Iwhispered，`ifIsuggestthatwehadbetternotwaitheretillSirPercivalcomesback？Iamverymuchafraidheisover-excitedwithwine。’

Sheconsentedtoleavetheroominaweary，absentmanner。

Assoonasweweresafeupstairsagain，IdidallIcouldtocomposeherladyship’sspirits。IremindedherthatMrFairlie’sletterstoMissHalcombeandtoherselfdidcertainlysanction，andevenrendernecessary，soonerorlater，thecoursethathadbeentaken。Sheagreedtothis，andevenadmitted，ofherownaccord，thatbothletterswerestrictlyincharacterwithheruncle’speculiardisposition——butherfearsaboutMissHalcombe，andherunaccountabledreadofsleepingattheCount’shouseinLondon，stillremainedunshakeninspiteofeveryconsiderationthatIcouldurge。IthoughtitmydutytoprotestagainstLadyGlyde’sunfavourableopinionofhislordship，andIdidso，withbecomingforbearanceandrespect。

`Yourladyshipwillpardonmyfreedom，’Iremarked，inconclusion，`butitissaid，``bytheirfruitsyeshallknowthem。’’IamsuretheCount’sconstantkindnessandconstantattention，fromtheverybeginningofMissHalcombe’sillness，meritourbestconfidenceandesteem。Evenhislordship’sseriousmisunderstandingwithMrDawsonwasentirelyattributabletohisanxietyonMissHalcombe’saccount。’

`Whatmisunderstanding？’inquiredherladyship，withalookofsuddeninterest。

IrelatedtheunhappycircumstancesunderwhichMrDawsonhadwithdrawnhisattendance——mentioningthemallthemorereadilybecauseIdisapprovedofSirPercival’scontinuingtoconcealwhathadhappened(ashehaddoneinmypresence)fromtheknowledgeofLadyGlyde。

Herladyshipstartedup，witheveryappearanceofbeingadditionallyagitatedandalarmedbywhatIhadtoldher。

`Worse！worsethanIthought！’shesaid，walkingabouttheroom，inabewilderedmanner。`TheCountknewMrDawsonwouldneverconsenttoMarian’stakingajourney——hepurposelyinsultedthedoctortogethimoutofthehouse。’

`Oh，mylady！mylady！’Iremonstrated。

`MrsMichelson！’shewentonvehemently，`nowordsthateverwerespokenwillpersuademethatmysisterisinthatman’spowerandinthatman’shousewithherownconsent-Myhorrorofhimissuch，thatnothingSirPercivalcouldsay，andnolettersmyunclecouldwrite，wouldinduceme，ifIhadonlymyownfeelingstoconsult，toeat，drink，orsleepunderhisroof。ButmymiseryofsuspenseaboutMariangivesmethecouragetofollowheranywhere，tofollowherevenintoCountFosco’shouse。’

Ithoughtitright，atthispoint，tomentionthatMissHalcombehadalreadygoneontoCumberland，accordingtoSirPercival’saccountofthematter。

`Iamafraidtobelieveit！’answeredherladyship。`Iamafraidsheisstillinthatman’shouse。IfIamwrong，ifshehasreallygonetoLimmeridgeIamresolvedIwillnotsleeptomorrownightunderCountFosco’sroof。Mydearestfriendintheworld，nexttomysister，livesnearLondon。Youhaveheardme，youhaveheardMissHalcombe，speakofMrsVesey？Imeantowrite，andproposetosleepatherhouse。Idon’tknowhowIshallgetthere——Idon’tknowhowIshallavoidtheCount——buttothatrefugeIwillescapeinsomeway，ifmysisterhasgonetoCumberland。AllIaskofyoutodo，istoseeyourselfthatmylettertoMrsVeseygoestoLondontonight，ascertainlyasSirPercival’slettergoestoCountFosco。Ihavereasonsfornottrustingthepost-bagdownstairs。Willyoukeepmysecret，andhelpmeinthis？itisthelastfavour，perhaps，thatIshalleveraskofyou。’

Ihesitated，Ithoughtitallverystrange，Ialmostfearedthatherladyship’smindhadbeenalittleaffectedbyrecentanxietyandsuffering。Atmyownrisk，however，Iendedbygivingmyconsent。Iftheletterhadbeenaddressedtoastranger，ortoanyonebutaladysowellknowntomebyreportasMrsVesey，Imighthaverefused。IthankGod——lookingtowhathappenedafterwards——IthankGodIneverthwartedthatwish，oranyother，whichLadyGlydeexpressedtome，onthelastdayofherresidenceatBlackwaterPark。

Theletterwaswrittenandgivenintomyhands。Imyselfputitintothepost-boxinthevillagethatevening。

WesawnothingmoreofSirPercivalfortherestoftheday。

Islept，byLadyGlyde’sowndesire，inthenextroomtohers，withthedooropenbetweenus。Therewassomethingsostrangeanddreadfulinthelonelinessandemptinessofthehouse，thatIwasglad，onmyside，tohaveacompanionnearme。Herladyshipsatuplate，readinglettersandburningthem，andemptyingherdrawersandcabinetsoflittlethingssheprized，asifsheneverexpectedtoreturntoBlackwaterPark。Hersleepwassadlydisturbedwhensheatlastwenttobed——shecriedoutinitseveraltimes，oncesoloudthatshewokeherself。Whateverherdreamswere，shedidnotthinkfittocommunicatethemtome。Perhaps，inmysituation，Ihadnorighttoexpectthatsheshoulddoso。Itmatterslittlenow。Iwassorryforher，Iwasindeedheartilysorryforherallthesame。

Thenextdaywasfineandsunny。SirPercivalcameup，afterbreakfast，totellusthatthechaisewouldbeatthedoorataquartertotwelve——thetraintoLondonstoppingatourstationattwentyminutesafter。HeinformedLadyGlydethathewasobligedtogoout，butaddedthathehopedtobebackbeforesheleft。Ifanyunforeseenaccidentdelayedhim，Iwastoaccompanyhertothestation，andtotakespecialcarethatshewasintimeforthetrain。SirPercivalcommunicatedthesedirectionsveryhastily——walkinghereandthereabouttheroomallthetime。Herladyshiplookedattentivelyafterhimwhereverhewent。Heneveroncelookedatherinreturn。

Sheonlyspokewhenhehaddone，andthenshestoppedhimasheapproachedthedoor，byholdingoutherhand。

`Ishallseeyounomore，’shesaid。inaverymarkedmanner。`Thisisourparting——ourparting，itmaybeforever。Willyoutrytoforgiveme，Percival，asheartilyasIforgiveyou？’

Hisfaceturnedofanawfulwhitenessallover，andgreatbeadsofperspirationbrokeoutonhisbaldforehead。`Ishallcomeback，’hesaid，andmadeforthedoor，ashastilyasifhiswife’sfarewellwordshadfrightenedhimoutoftheroom。

IhadneverlikedSirPercival，butthemannerinwhichheleftLadyGlydemademefeelashamedofhavingeatenhisbreadandlivedinhisservice。IthoughtofsayingafewcomfortingandChristianwordstothepoorlady，buttherewassomethinginherface，asshelookedafterherhusbandwhenthedoorclosedonhim，thatmademealtermymindandkeepsilence

Atthetimenamedthechaisedrewupatthegates。Herladyshipwasright——SirPercivalnevercameback。Iwaitedforhimtillthelastmoment，andwaitedinvain。

Nopositiveresponsibilitylayonmyshoulders，andyetIdidnotfeeleasyinmymind。`Itisofyourownfreewill，’Isaid，asthechaisedrovethroughthelodge-gates，`thatyourladyshipgoestoLondon？’

`Iwillgoanywhere，’sheanswered，`toendthedreadfulsuspensethatIamsufferingatthismoment。’

ShehadmademefeelalmostasanxiousandasuncertainaboutMissHalcombeasshefeltherself。Ipresumedtoaskhertowritemealine，ifallwentwellinLondon。Sheanswered，`Mostwillingly，MrsMichelson。’

`Weallhaveourcrossestobear，mylady，’Isaid，seeinghersilentandthoughtful，aftershehadpromisedtowrite。

Shemadenoreply——sheseemedtobetoomuchwrappedupinherownthoughtstoattendtome。

`Ifearyourladyshiprestedbadlylastnight，’Iremarked，afterwaitingalittle。

`Yes，’shesaid，Iwasterriblydisturbedbydreams。’

`Indeed，mylady？’Ithoughtshewasgoingtotellmeherdreams，butno，whenshespokenextitwasonlytoaskaquestion。

`YoupostedthelettertoMrsVeseywithyourownhands？’

`Yes，myLady。’

`DidSirPercivalsay，yesterday，thatCountFoscowastomeetmeattheterminusinLondon？’

`Hedid，mylady。’

ShesighedheavilywhenIansweredthatlastquestion，andsaidnomore。

Wearrivedatthestation，withhardlytwominutestospare。Thegardener(whohaddrivenus)managedabouttheluggage，whileItooktheticket。ThewhistleofthetrainwassoundingwhenIjoinedherladyshipontheplatform。Shelookedverystrangely，andpressedherhandoverherheart，asifsomesuddenpainorfrighthadovercomeheratthatmoment。

`Iwishyouweregoingwithme！’shesaid，catchingeagerlyatmyarmwhenIgavehertheticket。

Iftherehadbeentime，ifIhadfeltthedaybeforeasIfeltthen，Iwouldhavemademyarrangementstoaccompanyher，eventhoughthedoingsohadobligedmetogiveSirPercivalwarningonthespot。Asitwas，herwishes，expressedatthelastmomentonly，wereexpressedtoolateformetocomplywiththem。SheseemedtounderstandthisherselfbeforeIcouldexplainit，anddidnotrepeatherdesiretohavemeforatravellingcompanion。Thetraindrewupattheplatform。Shegavethegardenerapresentforhischildren，andtookmyhand，inhersimpleheartymanner，beforeshegotintothecarriage。

`Youhavebeenverykindtomeandtomysister，’shesaid——`kindwhenwewerebothfriendless。Ishallrememberyougratefully，aslongasIlivetorememberanyone。Good-bye——andGodblessyou！’

Shespokethosewordswithatoneandalookwhichbroughtthetearsintomyeyes——shespokethemasifshewasbiddingmefarewellforever。

`Good-bye，mylady，’Isaid，puttingherintothecarriage，andtryingtocheerher；`good-bye，forthepresentonly；good-bye，withmybestandkindestwishesforhappiertimes。’

Sheshookherhead，andshudderedasshesettledherselfinthecarriage。Theguardclosedthedoor。`Doyoubelieveindreams？’shewhisperedtomeatthewindow。`Mydreams，lastnight，weredreamsIhaveneverhadbefore。Theterrorofthemishangingovermestill。’ThewhistlesoundedbeforeIcouldanswer，andthetrainmoved。Herpalequietfacelookedatmeforthelasttime——lookedsorrowfullyandsolemnlyfromthewindow。Shewavedherhand，andIsawhernomore。

Towardsfiveo’clockontheafternoonofthatsameday，havingalittletimetomyselfinthemidstofthehouseholddutieswhichnowpresseduponme，Isatdownaloneinmyownroom，totryandcomposemymindwiththevolumeofmyhusband’sSermons。ForthefirsttimeinmylifeIfoundmyattentionwanderingoverthosepiousandcheeringwords。ConcludingthatLadyGlyde’sdeparturemusthavedisturbedmefarmoreseriouslythanIhadmyselfsupposed，Iputthebookaside，andwentouttotakeaturninthegarden。SirPercivalhadnotyetreturned，tomyknowledge，soIcouldfeelnohesitationaboutshowingmyselfinthegrounds。

Onturningthecornerofthehouse，andgainingaviewofthegarden，Iwasstartledbyseeingastrangerwalkinginit。Thestrangerwasawoman——shewasloungingalongthepathwithherhacktome。andwasgatheringtheflowers。

AsIapproachedsheheardme，andturnedround。

Mybloodcurdledinmyveins。ThestrangewomaninthegardenwasMrsRubelle！

Icouldneithermorenorspeak。Shecameuptome，ascomposedlyasever，withherflowersinherhand。

`Whatisthematter，ma’am？’shesaidquietly。

`Youhere！’Igaspedout。`NotgonetoLondon！NotgonetoCumberland！’

MrsRubellesmeltatherflowerswithasmileofmaliciouspity。

`Certainlynot，’shesaid。`IhaveneverleftBlackwaterPark。’

Isummonedbreathenoughandcourageenoughforanotherquestion。

`WhereisMissHalcombe？’

MrsRubellefairlylaughedatmethistime，andrepliedinthesewords——

`MissHalcombe，ma’am，hasnotleftBlackwaterParkeither。’

MISSHALCOMBEhadneverleftBlackwaterPark！

WhenIheardthatastoundinganswer，allmythoughtswerestartledbackontheinstanttomypartingwithLadyGlyde。IcanhardlysayIreproachedmyself，butatthatmomentIthinkIwouldhavegivenmanyayear’shardsavingstohaveknownfourhoursearlierwhatIknewnow。

MrsRubellewaited，quietlyarranginghernosegay，asifsheexpectedmetosaysomething。

Icouldsaynothing。IthoughtofLadyGlyde’sworn-outenergiesandweaklyhealth，andItrembledforthetimewhentheshockofthediscoverythatIhadmadewouldfallonher。Foraminuteormoremyfearsforthepoorladiessilencedme。AttheendofthattimeMrsRubellelookedupsidewaysfromherflowers，andsaid，`HereisSirPercival，ma’am，returnedfromhisride。’

Isawhimassoonasshedid。Hecametowardsus，slashingviciouslyattheflowerswithhisriding-whip。Whenhewasnearenoughtoseemyfacehestopped，struckathisbootwiththewhip，andburstoutlaughing，soharshlyandsoviolentlythatthebirdsflewaway，startled，fromthetreebywhichhestood。

`Well。MrsMichelson，’hesaid，`youhavefounditoutatlast，haveyou？’

Imadenoreply。HeturnedtoMrsRubelle。

`Whendidyoushowyourselfinthegarden？’

`Ishowedmyselfabouthalfanhourago，sir。YousaidImighttakemylibertyagainassoonasLadyGlydehadgoneawaytoLondon。’

`Quiteright。Idon’tblameyouIonlyaskedthequestion。’Hewaitedamoment，andthenaddressedhimselfoncemoretome。`Youcan’tbelieveit，canyou？’hesaidmockingly。`Here！comealongandseeforyourself。’

Heledthewayroundtothefrontofthehouse。Ifollowedhim，andMrsRubellefollowedme。Afterpassingthroughtheirongateshestopped，andpointedwithhiswhiptothedisusedmiddlewingofthebuilding。

`There！’hesaid。`Lookupatthefirstfloor。YouknowtheoldElizabethanbedrooms？MissHalcombeissnugandsafeinoneofthebestofthematthismoment。Takeherin，MrsRubelle(youhavegotyourkey？)；takeMrsMichelsonin，andletherowneyessatisfyherthatthereisnodeceptionthistime。’

Thetoneinwhichhespoketome。andtheminuteortwothathadpassedsinceweleftthegarden。helpedmetorecovermyspiritsalittle。WhatImighthavedoneatthiscriticalmoment，ifallmylifehadbeenpassedinservice，Icannotsay。Asitwas，possessingthefeelings，theprinciples，andthebringingupofalady，Icouldnothesitateabouttherightcoursetopursue。Mydutytomyself，andmydutytoLadyGlyde，alikeforbademetoremainintheemploymentofamanwhohadshamefullydeceivedusbothbyaseriesofatrociousfalsehoods。

`Imustbegpermission，SirPercival，tospeakafewwordstoyouinprivate，’Isaid。`Havingdoneso，IshallbereadytoproceedwiththispersontoMissHalcombe’sroom。’

MrsRubelle，whomIhadindicatedbyaslightturnofmyhead，insolentlysniffedathernosegayandwalkedaway，withgreatdeliberation，towardsthehousedoor。

`Well，’saidSirPercivalsharply，`whatisitnow？’

`Iwishtomention，sir，thatIamdesirousofresigningthesituationInowholdatBlackwaterPark。’Thatwasliterallyhowlputit。Iwasresolvedthatthefirstwordsspokeninhispresenceshouldbewordswhichexpressedmyintentiontoleavehisservice。

Heeyedmewithoneofhisblackestlooks，andthrusthishandssavagelyintothepocketsofhisriding-coat。

`Why？’hesaid，`why，Ishouldliketoknow？’

`Itisnotforme，SirPercival，toexpressanopiniononwhathastakenplaceinthishouse。Idesiretogivenooffence。ImerelywithtosaythatIdonotfeelitconsistentwithmydutytoLadyGlydeandtomyselftoremainanylongerinyourservice。’

`Isitconsistentwithyourdutytometostandthere，castingsuspiciononmetomyface？’hebrokeoutinhismostviolentmanner。`Iseewhatyou’redrivingat。Youhavetakenyourownmean，underhandviewofaninnocentdeceptionpractisedonLadyGlydeforherowngood。Itwasessentialtoherhealththatsheshouldhavea。changeofairimmediately，andyouknowaswellasIdoshewouldneverhavegoneawayifshehadbeentoldMissHalcombewasstilllefthere。Shehasbeendeceivedinherowninterests——andIdon’tcarewhoknowsit。Go，ifyoulike——thereareplentyofhousekeepersasgoodasyoutobehadfortheasking。Gowhenyouplease——buttakecarehowyouspreadscandalsaboutmeandmyaffairswhenyou’reoutofmyservice。Tellthetruth，andnothingbutthetruth，oritwillbetheworseforyou！SeeMissHalcombeforyourself——seeifshehasn’tbeenaswelltakencareofinonepartofthehouseasintheother。Rememberthedoctor’sownordersthatLadyGlydewastohaveachangeofairattheearliestpossibleopportunity。Bearallthatwellinmind，andthensayanythingagainstmeandmyproceedingsifyoudare！’

Hepouredoutthesewordsfiercely，allinabreath，walkingbackwardsandforwards，andstrikingabouthimintheairwithhiswhip。

Nothingthathesaidordidshookmyopinionofthedisgracefulseriesoffalsehoodsthathehadtoldinmypresencethedaybefore，orofthecrueldeceptionbywhichhehadseparatedLadyGlydefromhersister，andhadsentheruselesslytoLondon，whenshewashalfdistractedwithanxietyonMissHalcombe’saccount。Inaturallykeptthesethoughtstomyself，andsaidnothingmoretoirritatehim；butIwasnotthelessresolvedtopersistinmypurpose。Asoftanswerturnethawaywrath，andIsuppressedmyownfeelingsaccordinglywhenitwasmyturntoreply。

`WhileIaminyourservice，SirPercival，’Isaid。`IhopeIknowmydutywellenoughnottoinquireintoyourmotives。WhenIamoutofyourservice，IhopeIknowmyownplacewellenoughnottospeakofmatterswhichdon’tconcernme——’

`Whendoyouwanttogo？’heasked，interruptingmewithoutceremony。`Don’tsupposeIamanxioustokeepyou——don’tsupposeIcareaboutyourleavingthehouse。Iamperfectlyfairandopeninthismatter，fromfirsttolast。Whendoyouwanttogo？’

`Ishouldwishtoleaveatyourearliestconvenience，SirPercival-’

`Myconveniencehasnothingtodowithit。Ishallbeoutofthehouseforgoodandalltomorrowmorning，andIcansettleyouraccounttonight。Ifyouwanttostudyanybody’sconvenience，ithadbetterbeMissHalcombe’s。MrsRubelle’stimeisuptoday，andshehasreasonsforwishingtobeinLondontonight。Ifyougoatonce，MissHalcombewon’thaveasoulleftheretolookafterher。’

IhopeitisunnecessaryformetosaythatIwasquiteincapableofdesertingMissHalcombeinsuchanemergencyashadnowbefallenLadyGlydeandherself。AfterfirstdistinctlyascertainingfromSirPercivalthatMrsRubellewascertaintoleaveatonceifItookherplace，andafteralsoobtainingpermissiontoarrangeforMrDawson’sresuminghisattendanceonhispatient，IwillinglyconsentedtoremainatBlackwaterParkuntilMissHalcombenolongerrequiredmyservices。ItwassettledthatIshouldgiveSirPercival’ssolicitoraweek’snoticebeforeIleft，andthathewastoundertakethenecessaryarrangementsforappointingmysuccessor。Thematterwasdiscussedinveryfewwords。AtitsconclusionSirPercivalabruptlyturnedonhisheel，andleftmefreetojoinMrsRubelle。Thatsingularforeignpersonhadbeensittingcomposedlyonthedoorstepallthistime，waitingtillIcouldfollowhertoMissHalcombe’sroom。

Ihadhardlywalkedhalf-waytowardsthehousewhenSirPercival，whohadwithdrawnintheoppositedirection，suddenlystoppedandcalledmeback。

`Whyareyouleavingmyservice？’heasked。

Thequestionwassoextraordinary，afterwhathadjustpassedbetweenus，thatIhardlyknewwhattosayinanswertoit。

`Mind！Idon’tknowwhyyouaregoing，’hewenton。`Youmustgiveareasonforleavingme，Isuppose，whenyougetanothersituation。Whatreason？Thebreakingupofthefamily？Isthatit？’

`Therecanbenopositiveobjection，SirPercival，tothatreason——’

`Verywell！That’sallIwanttoknow。Ifpeopleapplyforyourcharacter，that’syourreason，statedbyyourself。Yougoinconsequenceofthebreakingupofthefamily。’

HeturnedawayagainbeforeIcouldsayanotherword，andwalkedoutrapidlyintothegrounds。Hismannerwasasstrangeashislanguage。Iacknowledgehealarmedme。

EventhepatienceofMrsRubellewasgettingexhausted，whenIjoinedheratthehousedoor。

`Atlast！’shesaid，withashrugofherleanforeignshoulders。Sheledthewayintotheinhabitedsideofthehouse，ascendedthestairs，andopenedwithherkeythedoorattheendofthepassage，whichcommunicatedwiththeoldElizabethanrooms——adoorneverpreviouslyused，inmytime，atBlackwaterPark。TheroomsthemselvesIknewwell，havingenteredthemmyselfonvariousoccasionsfromtheothersideofthehouse。MrsRubellestoppedatthethirddooralongtheoldgallery，handedmethekeyofit，withthekeyofthedoorofcommunication，andtoldmeIshouldfindMissHalcombeinthatroom。BeforeIwentinIthoughtitdesirabletomakeherunderstandthatherattendancehadceased。Accordingly，Itoldherinplainwordsthatthechargeofthesickladyhenceforthdevolvedentirelyonmyself。

`Iamgladtohearit，ma’am，’saidMrsRubelle。`Iwanttogoverymuch。’

`Doyouleavetoday？’Iasked，tomakesureofher。

`Nowthatyouhavetakencharge，ma’am，Ileaveinhalfanhour’stime。SirPercivalhaskindlyplacedatmydispositionthegardener，andthechaise，wheneverIwantthem。Ishallwanttheminhalfanhour’stimetogotothestation。Iampackedupinanticipationalready。Iwishyougood-dayma’am。’

Shedroppedabriskcurtsey，andwalkedhackalongthegallery，hummingalittletune，andkeepingtimetoitcheerfullywiththenosegayinherhand。IamsincerelythankfultosaythatwasthelastIsawofMrsRubelle。

WhenIwentintotheroomMissHalcombewasasleep。Ilookedatheranxiously。asshelayinthedismal，high，old-fashionedbed。ShewascertainlynotinanyrespectalteredfortheworsesinceIhadseenherlast。Shehadnotbeenneglected，Iamboundtoadmit，inanywaythatIcouldperceive。Theroomwasdreary，anddusty，anddark，butthewindow(lookingonasolitarycourt-yardatthebackofthehouse)wasopenedtoletinthefreshair，andallthatcouldbedonetomaketheplacecomfortablehadbeendone。ThewholecrueltyofSirPercival’sdeceptionhadfallenonpoorLadyGlyde。Theonlyill-usagewhicheitherheorMrsRubellehadinflictedonMissHalcombeconsisted，asfarasIcouldsee，inthefirstoffenceofhidingheraway。

Istoleback，leavingthesickladystillpeacefullyasleep。togivethegardenerinstructionsaboutbringingthedoctor。Ibeggedtheman，afterhehadtakenMrsRubelletothestation，todriveroundbyMrDawson’s，andleaveamessageinmyname，askinghimtocallandseeme。Iknewhewouldcomeonmyaccount。andIknewhewouldremainwhenhefoundCountFoscohadleftthehouse。

Induecourseoftimethegardenerreturned，andsaidthathehaddrivenroundbyMrDawson’sresidence，afterleavingMrsRubelleatthestation。Thedoctorsentmewordthathewaspoorlyinhealthhimself，butthathewouldcall，ifpossible，thenextmorning。

Havingdeliveredhismessagethegardenerwasabouttowithdraw，butIstoppedhimtorequestthathewouldcomebackbeforedark，andsitupthatnight，inoneoftheemptybedrooms，soastobewithincallincaseIwantedhim。Heunderstoodreadilyenoughmyunwillingnesstobeleftaloneallnightinthemostdesolatepartofthatdesolatehouse，andwearrangedthatheshouldcomeinbetweeneightandnine。

Hecamepunctually，andIfoundcausetobethankfulthatIhadadoptedtheprecautionofcallinghimin。BeforemidnightSirPercival’sstrangetemperbrokeoutinthemostviolentandmostalarmingmanner，andifthegardenerhadnotbeenonthespottopacifyhimontheinstant，Iamafraidtothinkwhatmighthavehappened。

Almostalltheafternoonandeveninghehadbeenwalkingaboutthehouseandgroundsinanunsettled，excitablemanner，having，inallprobability，asIthought，takenanexcessivequantityofwineathissolitarydinner。Howeverthatmaybe，Iheardhisvoicecallingloudlyandangrilyinthenewwingofthehouse，asIwastakingaturnbackwardsandforwardsalongthegallerythelastthingatnight。Thegardenerimmediatelyrandowntohim，andIclosedthedoorofcommunication，tokeepthealarm，ifpossible，fromreachingMissHalcombe’sears。Itwasfullhalfanhourbeforethegardenercameback。Hedeclaredthathismasterwasquiteoutofhissenses——notthroughtheexcitementofdrink，asIhadsupposed，butthroughakindofpanicorfrenzyofmind，forwhichitwasimpossibletoaccount。HehadfoundSirPercivalwalkingbackwardsandforwardsbyhimselfinthehall，swearing，witheveryappearanceofthemostviolentpassion，thathewouldnotstopanotherminutealoneinsuchadungeonashisownhouse，andthathewouldtakethefirststageofhisjourneyimmediatelyinthemiddleofthenight。Thegardener，onapproachinghim，hadbeenhuntedout，withoathsandthreats，togetthehorseandchaisereadyinstantly。InaquarterofanhourSirPercivalhadjoinedhimintheyard，hadjumpedintothechaise，and，lashingthehorseintoagallop，haddrivenhimselfaway，withhisfaceaspaleasashesinthemoonlight。Thegardenerhadheardhimshoutingandcursingatthelodge-keepertogetupandopenthegate——hadheardthewheelsrollfuriouslyonagaininthestillnight，whenthegatewasunlocked——andknewnomore。

Thenextday，oradayortwoafter，Iforgetwhich，thechaisewasbroughtbackfromKnowlesbury，ournearesttown，bytheostlerattheoldinn。SirPercivalhadstoppedthere，andhadafterwardsleftbythetrain——forwhatdestinationthemancouldnottell。Ineverreceivedanyfurtherinformation，eitherfromhimselforfromanyoneelse，ofSirPercival’sproceedings，andIamnotevenaware，atthismoment，whetherheisinEnglandoroutofit。HeandIhavenotmetsincehedroveawaylikeanescapedcriminalfromhisownhouse，anditismyferventhopeandprayerthatwemaynevermeetagain。

Myownpartofthissadfamilystoryisnowdrawingtoanend。

IhavebeeninformedthattheparticularsofMissHalcombe’swaking，andofwhatpassedbetweenuswhenshefoundmesittingbyherbedside，arenotmaterialtothepurposewhichistobeansweredbythepresentnarrative。Itwillbesufficientformetosayinthisplace，thatshewasnotherselfconsciousofthemeansadoptedtoremoveherfromtheinhabitedtotheuninhabitedpartofthehouse。Shewasinadeepsleepatthetime，whethernaturallyorartificiallyproducedshecouldnotsay。InmyabsenceatTorquay，andintheabsenceofalltheresidentservantsexceptMargaretPorcher(whowasperpetuallyeating，drinking，orsleeping，whenshewasnotatwork)，thesecrettransferofMissHalcombefromonepartofthehousetotheotherwasnodoubteasilyperformed。MrsRubelle(asIdiscoveredformyself，inlookingabouttheroom)hadprovisions，andallothernecessaries，togetherwiththemeansofheatingwater，broth，andsoon，withoutkindlingafire，placedatherdisposalduringthefewdaysofherimprisonmentwiththesicklady。ShehaddeclinedtoanswerthequestionswhichMissHalcombenaturallyput，buthadnot，inotherrespects，treatedherwithunkindnessorneglect。ThedisgraceoflendingherselftoaviledeceptionistheonlydisgracewithwhichIcanconscientiouslychargeMrsRubelle。

Ineedwritenoparticulars(andIamrelievedtoknowit)oftheeffectproducedonMissHalcombebythenewsofLadyGlyde’sdeparture，orbythefarmoremelancholytidingswhichreachedusonlytoosoonafterwardsatBlackwaterPark。InbothcasesIpreparedhermindbeforehandasgentlyandascarefullyaspossible，havingthedoctor’sadvicetoguideme，inthelastcaseonly，throughMrDawson’sbeingtoounwelltocometothehouseforsomedaysafterIhadsentforhim。Itwasasadtime，atimewhichitafflictsmetothinkofortowriteofnow。ThepreciousblessingsofreligiousconsolationwhichIendeavouredtoconveywerelonginreachingMissHalcombe’sheart，butIhopeandbelievetheycamehometoheratlast。Ineverlefthertillherstrengthwasrestored。Thetrainwhichtookmeawayfromthatmiserablehousewasthetrainwhichtookherawayalso。WepartedverymournfullyinLondon。IremainedwitharelativeatIslington，andshewentontoMrFairlie’shouseinCumberland。

IhaveonlyafewlinesmoretowritebeforeIclosethispainfulstatement。Theyaredictatedbyasenseofduty。

Inthefirstplace，Iwishtorecordmyownpersonalconvictionthatnoblamewhatever，inconnectionwiththeeventswhichIhavenowrelated，attachestoCountFosco。Iaminformedthatadreadfulsuspicionhasbeenraised，andthatsomeveryseriousconstructionsareplaceduponhislordship’sconduct。MypersuasionoftheCount’sinnocenceremains，however，quiteunshaken。IfheassistedSirPercivalinsendingmetoTorquay，heassistedunderadelusion，forwhich，asaforeignerandastranger，hewasnottoblame。IfhewasconcernedinbringingMrsRubelletoBlackwaterPark，itwashismisfortuneandnothisfault，whenthatforeignpersonwasbaseenoughtoassistadeceptionplannedandcarriedoutbythemasterofthehouse。Iprotest，intheinterestsofmorality，againstblamebeinggratuitouslyandwantonlyattachedtotheproceedingsoftheCount。

Inthesecondplace，IdesiretoexpressmyregretatmyowninabilitytoremembertheprecisedayonwhichLadyGlydeleftBlackwaterParkforLondon。Iamtoldthatitisofthelastimportancetoascertaintheexactdateofthatlamentablejourney，andIhaveanxiouslytaxedmymemorytorecallit。Theefforthasbeeninvain。IcanonlyremembernowthatitwastowardsthelatterpartofJuly。Weallknowthedifficulty，afteralapseoftime，offixingpreciselyonapastdateunlessithasbeenpreviouslywrittendown。ThatdifficultyisgreatlyincreasedinmycasebythealarmingandconfusingeventswhichtookplaceabouttheperiodofLadyGlyde’sdeparture。IheartilywishIhadmadeamemorandumatthetime。Iheartilywishmymemoryofthedatewasasvividasmymemoryofthatpoorlady’sface，whenitlookedatmesorrowfullyforthelasttimefromthecarriagewindow。

THESTORYCONTINUEDINSEVERALNARRATIVES

1。THENARRATIVEOFHESTERPINHORN，COOKINTHESERVICEOFCOUNTFOSCO

Takendownfromherownstatement

IAMsorrytosaythatIhaveneverlearnttoreadorwrite。Ihavebeenahard-workingwomanallmylife，andhavekeptagoodcharacter。Iknowthatitisasinandwickednesstosaythethingwhichisnot，andIwilltrulybewareofdoingsoonthisoccasion。AllthatIknowIwilltell，andIhumblybegthegentlemanwhotakesthisdowntoputmylanguagerightashegoeson，andtomakeallowancesformybeingnoscholar。

InthislastsummerIhappenedtobeoutofplace(throughnofaultofmyown)，andIheardofasituationasplaincook，atNumberFive，ForestRoad，StJohn’sWood。Itooktheplaceontrial。Mymaster’snamewasFosco。MymistresswasanEnglishlady。HewasCountandshewasCountess。Therewasagirltodohousemaid’sworkwhenIgotthere。Shewasnotover-cleanortidy，buttherewasnoharminher。Iandsheweretheonlyservantsinthehouse。

Ourmasterandmistresscameafterwegotin；andassoonastheydidcomeweweretold，downstairs，thatcompanywasexpectedfromthecountry。

Thecompanywasmymistress’sniece，andthebackbedroomonthefirstfloorwasgotreadyforher。MymistressmentionedtomethatLadyGlyde(thatwashername)wasinpoorhealth，andthatImustbeparticularinmycookingaccordingly。Shewastocomethatday，aswellasIcanremember——butwhateveryoudo，don’ttrustmymemoryinthematter。Iamsorrytosayit’snouseaskingmeaboutdaysofthemonth，andsuch-like。ExceptSundays，halfmytimeItakenoheedofthem，beingahard-workingwomanandnoscholar。AllIknowisLadyGlydecame，andwhenshedidcome，afinefrightshegaveusallsurely。Idon’tknowhowmasterbroughthertothehouse，beinghardatworkatthetime。Buthedidbringherintheafternoon，Ithink，andthehousemaidopenedthedoortothem，andshowedthemintotheparlour。Beforeshehadbeenlongdowninthekitchenagainwithme，weheardahurry-skurryupstairs，andtheparlourbellringinglikemad，andmymistress’svoicecallingoutforhelp。

Webothranup，andtherewesawtheladylaidonthesofa，withherfaceghastlywhite，andherhandsfastclenched，andherheaddrawndowntooneside。Shehadbeentakenwithasuddenfright，mymistresssaid，andmasterhetoldusshewasinafitofconvulsions。Iranout，knowingtheneighbourhoodalittlebetterthantherestofthem，tofetchthenearestdoctor’shelp。ThenearesthelpwasatGoodricke’sandGarth’s，whoworkedtogetheraspartners，andhadagoodnameandconnection，asIhaveheard，allroundStJohn’sWood。MrGoodrickewasin，andhecamebackwithmedirectly。

Itwassometimebeforehecouldmakehimselfofmuchuse。Thepoorunfortunateladyfelloutofonefitintoanother，andwentonsotillshewasquiteweariedout，andashelplessasanew-bornbabe。Wethengothertobed。MrGoodrickewentawaytohishouseformedicine，andcamehackagaininaquarterofanhourorless。Besidesthemedicinehebroughtabitofhollowmahoganywoodwithhim，shapedlikeakindoftrumpet，andafterwaitingalittlewhile，heputoneendoverthelady’sheartandtheothertohisear，andlistenedcarefully。

Whenhehaddonehesaystomymistress，whowasintheroom，`Thisisaveryseriouscase，’hesays，`IrecommendyoutowritetoLadyGlyde’sfriendsdirectly。’Mymistresssaystohim，`Isitheart-disease？’Andhesays，`Yes，heart-diseaseofamostdangerouskind。’Hetoldherexactlywhathethoughtwasthematter，whichIwasnotcleverenoughtounderstand。ButIknowthis，heendedbysayingthathewasafraidneitherhishelpnoranyotherdoctor’shelpwaslikelytobeofmuchservice。

Mymistresstookthisillnewsmorequietlythanmymaster。Hewasabig，fat，oddsortofelderlyman，whokeptbirdsandwhitemice，andspoketothemasiftheyweresomanyChristianchildren。Heseemedterriblycutupbywhathadhappened。`Ah！poorLadyGlyde！poordearLadyGlyde！’hesays，andwentstalkingabout，wringinghisfathandsmorelikeaplay-actorthanagentleman。Foronequestionmymistressaskedthedoctoraboutthelady’schancesofgettinground，heaskedagoodfiftyatleast。Ideclarehequitetormentedusall，andwhenhewasquietatlast，outhewentintothebitofbackgarden，pickingtrumperylittlenosegays，andaskingmetotakethemupstairsandmakethesick-roomlookprettywiththem。Asifthatdidanygood。Ithinkhemusthavebeen，attimes，alittlesoftinhishead。Buthewasnotabadmaster——hehadamonstrousciviltongueofhisown，andajolly，easy，coaxingwaywithhim。Ilikedhimadealbetterthanmymistress。Shewasahardone，ifevertherewasahardoneyet。

Towardsnight-timetheladyrousedupalittle。Shehadbeensoweariedout，beforethat，bytheconvulsions，thatsheneverstirredhandorfoot，orspokeawordtoanybody。Shemovedinthebednow，andstaredaboutherattheroomandusinit。Shemusthavebeenanice-lookingladywhenwell，withlighthair，andblueeyesandallthat。Herrestwastroubledatnight——atleastsoIheardfrommymistress，whosatupalonewithher。IonlywentinoncebeforegoingtobedtoseeifIcouldbeofanyuse，andthenshewastalkingtoherselfinaconfused，ramblingmanner。Sheseemedtowantsadlytospeaktosomebodywhowasabsentfromhersomewhere。Icouldn’tcatchthenamethefirsttime，andthesecondtimemasterknockedatthedoor，withhisregularmouthfulofquestions，andanotherofhistrumperynosegays。

WhenIwentinearlythenextmorning，theladywascleanwornoutagain，andlayinakindoffaintsleep。MrGoodrickebroughthispartner，MrGarth，withhimtoadvise。Theysaidshemustnotbedisturbedoutofherrestonanyaccount。Theyaskedmymistressmanyquestions，attheotherendoftheroom，aboutwhatthelady’shealthhadbeeninpasttimes，andwhohadattendedher，andwhethershehadeversufferedmuchandlongtogetherunderdistressofmind。Iremembermymistresssaid`Yes’tothatlastquestion。AndMrGoodrickelookedatMrGarth，andshookhishead；andMrGarthlookedatMrGoodricke，andshookhishead。Theyseemedtothinkthatthedistressmighthavesomethingtodowiththemischiefatthelady’sheart。Shewasbutafrailthingtolookat，poorcreature！Verylittlestrengthatanytime，Ishouldsay——verylittlestrength。

Lateronthesamemorning，whenshewoke，theladytookasuddenturn，andgotseeminglyagreatdealbetter。Iwasnotletinagaintoseeher，nomorewasthehousemaid，forthereasonthatshewasnottobedisturbedbystrangers。WhatIheardofherbeingbetterwasthroughmymaster。Hewasinwonderfulgoodspiritsaboutthechange，andlookedinatthekitchenwindowfromthegarden，withhisgreatbigcurly-brimmedwhitehaton，togoout。

`GoodMrsCook，’sayshe，`LadyGlydeisbetter。Mymindismoreeasythanitwas，andIamgoingouttostretchmylegswithasunnylittlesummerwalk。ShallIorderforyou，shallImarketforyou，MrsCook？Whatareyoumakingthere？Anicetartfordinner？Muchcrust，ifyouplease——muchcrispcrust，mydear，thatmeltsandcrumblesdeliciousinthemouth。’Thatwashisway。Hewaspastsixty，andfondofpastry。Justthinkofthat！

Thedoctorcameagainintheforenoon，andsawforhimselfthatLadyGlydehadwokeupbetter。Heforbidustotalktoher，ortolethertalktous，incaseshewasthatwaydisposed，sayingshemustbekeptquietbeforeallthings，andencouragedtosleepasmuchaspossible。ShedidnotseemtowanttotalkwheneverIsawher，exceptovernight。whenIcouldn’tmakeoutwhatshewassaying——sheseemedtoomuchworndown。MrGoodrickewasnotnearlyinsuchgoodspiritsaboutherasmaster。Hesaidnothingwhenhecamedownstairs，exceptthathewouldcallagainatfiveo’clock。

Aboutthattime(whichwasbeforemastercamehomeagain)thebellranghardfromthebedroom，andmymistressranoutintothelanding，andcalledtometogoforMrGoodricke，andtellhimtheladyhadfainted。Igotonmybonnetandshawl，when，asgoodluckwouldhaveit，thedoctorhimselfcametothehouseforhispromisedvisit。

Ilethimin，andwentupstairsalongwithhim。`LadyGlydewasjustasusual，’saysmymistresstohimatthedoor；`shewasawake，andlookingaboutherinastrange，forlornmanner，whenIheardhergiveasortofhalfcry，andshefaintedinamoment。’Thedoctorwentuptothebed，andstoopeddownoverthesicklady。Helookedveryserious，allonasudden，atthesightofher，andputhishandonherheart。

MymistressstaredhardinMrGoodricke’sface。`Notdead！’saysshe，whispering，andturningallofatremblefromheadtofoot。

`Yes，’saysthedoctor，veryquietandgrave。`Dead。IwasafraiditwouldhappensuddenlywhenIexaminedherheartyesterday。’Mymistresssteppedbackfromthebedsidewhilehewasspeaking，andtrembledandtrembledagain。`Dead！’shewhisPerstoherself；`deadsosuddenly！deadsosoon！WhatwilltheCountsay？’MrGoodrickeadvisedhertogodownstairs，andquietherselfalittle。`Youhavebeensittingupallnight，’sayshe，`andyournervesareshaken。Thisperson，’sayshe，meaningme，`thispersonwillstayintheroomtillIcansendforthenecessaryassistance。’Mymistressdidashetoldher。`ImustpreparetheCount，’shesays。`ImustcarefullypreparetheCount。’Andsosheleftus，shakingfromheadtofoot，andwentout。

`Yourmasterisaforeigner，’saysMrGoodricke，whenmymistresshadleftus。`Doesheunderstandaboutregisteringthedeath？’`Ican’trightlytell，sir，’saysI，`butIshouldthinknot。’Thedoctorconsideredaminute，andthensayshe，`Idon’tusuallydosuchthings，’sayshe，`butitmaysavethefamilytroubleinthiscaseifIregisterthedeathmyself。Ishallpassthedistrictofficeinhalfanhour’stime，andIcaneasilylookin。Mention，ifyouplease，thatIwilldoso，’`Yes，sir，’saysI，`withthanks，I’msure，foryourkindnessinthinkingofit。’`Youdon’tmindstayingheretillIcansendyoutheproperperson？’sayshe。`No，sir，’saysI；`I’llstaywiththepoorladytillthen。Isupposenothingmorecouldbedone，sir，thanwasdone？’saysI。`No，’sayshe，`nothing；shemusthavesufferedsadlybeforeeverIsawher——thecasewashopelesswhenIwascalledin。’`Ah，dearme！weallcometoit，soonerorlater，don’twe，sir？’saysI。Hegavenoanswertothat——hedidn’tseemtocareabouttalking。Hesaid，`Good-day，’andwentout。

IstoppedbythebedsidefromthattimetillthetimewhenMrGoodrickesentthepersonin，ashehadpromised。Shewas，byname，JaneGould。Iconsideredhertobearespectable-lookingwoman。Shemadenoremark，excepttosaythatsheunderstoodwhatwaswantedofher，andthatshehadwindedamanyoftheminhertime。

Howmasterborethenews，whenhefirstheardit，ismorethanIcantell，nothavingbeenpresent。WhenIdidseehimhelookedawfullyovercomebyit，tobesure。Hesatquietinacorner，withhisfathandshangingoverhisthickknees，andhisheaddown，andhiseyeslookingatnothing。Heseemednotsomuchsorry，asscaredanddazedlike，bywhathadhappened。Mymistressmanagedallthatwastobedoneaboutthefuneral。Itmusthavecostasightofmoney——thecoffin，inparticular，beingmostbeautiful。Thedeadlady’shusbandwasaway，asweheard，inforeignparts。Butmymistress(beingheraunt)settleditwithherfriendsinthecountry(Cumberland，Ithink)thatsheshouldbeburiedthere，inthesamegravealongwithhermother。Everythingwasdonehandsomely，inrespectofthefuneral，Isayagain，andmasterwentdowntoattendtheburyinginthecountryhimself。Helookedgrandinhisdeepmourning，withhisbigsolemnface，andhisslowwalk，andhisbroadhatband——thathedid！

Inconclusion，Ihavetosay，inanswertoquestionsputtome——

(i)ThatneitherInormyfellow-servanteversawmymastergiveLadyGlydeanymedicinehimself。

(2)Thathewasnever，tomyknowledgeandbelief，leftaloneintheroomwithLadyGlyde。

(3)ThatIamnotabletosaywhatcausedthesuddenfright，whichmymistressinformedmehadseizedtheladyonherfirstcomingintothehouse。Thecausewasneverexplained，eithertomeortomyfellow-servant。

Theabovestatementhasbeenreadoverinmypresence。Ihavenothingtoaddtoit，ortotakeawayfromit。Isay，onmyoathasaChristianwoman，thisisthetruth。

(Signed)HESTERPINHORN，Her+Mark。

2。THENARRATIVEOFTHEDOCTOR

TotheRegistraroftheSub-Districtinwhichtheundermentioneddeathtookplace——IherebycertifythatIattendedLadyGlyde，agedTwenty-OnelastBirthday；thatIlastsawheronThursdaythe25thJuly1850；thatshediedonthesamedayatNo。5ForestRoad，StJohn’sWood，andthatthe

CauseofherdeathDurationofdisease

AneurismNotknown

(Signed)ALFREDGOODRICKE。

Prof。Title。M。R。C。S。Eng。，L。S。A。

Address:12CroydonGardens，

StJohn’sWood。

3。THENARRATIVEOFJANEGOULD

IWASthepersonsentinbyMrGoodricketodowhatwasrightandneedfulbytheremainsofaladywhohaddiedatthehousenamedinthecertificatewhichprecedesthis。Ifoundthebodyinchargeoftheservant，HesterPinhorn。Iremainedwithit，andprepareditatthepropertimeforthegrave。Itwaslaidinthecoffininmypresence，andIafterwardssawthecoffinscreweddownprevioustoitsremoval。Whenthathadbeendone，andnotbefore，Ireceivedwhatwasduetomeandleftthehouse。IreferpersonswhomaywishtoinvestigatemycharactertoMrGoodricke。HewillbearwitnessthatIcanbetrustedtotellthetruth。

(Signed)JANEGOULD。

4。THENARRATIVEOFTHETOMBSTONE

SACRED

TOTHEMEMORYOF

LAURA，

LADYGLYDE，

WIFEOFSIRPERCIVALGLYDE，BART。，

OFBLACKWATERPARK，HAMPSHIRE，

AND

DAUGHTEROFTHELATEPHILIPFAIRLIE，ESQ。，

OFLIMMERIDGEHOUSE，INTHISPARISH。

BORNMARCH27TH，1829；

MARRIEDDECEMBER22ND，1849；

DIEDJULY25TH，1850。

5。THENARRATIVEOFWALTERHARTRIGHT

EARLYinthesummerof1850IandmysurvivingcompanionsleftthewildsandforestsofCentralAmericaforhome。Arrivedatthecoast，wetookshipthereforEngland。ThevesselwaswreckedintheGulfofMexico——Iwasamongthefewsavedfromthesea。Itwasmythirdescapefromperilofdeath。Deathbydisease，deathbytheIndians，deathbydrowning——allthreehadapproachedme；allthreehadpassedmeby。

ThesurvivorsofthewreckwererescuedbyanAmericanvesselboundforLiverpool。TheshipreachedherportonthethirteenthdayofOctober1850。Welandedlateintheafternoon，andIarrivedinLondonthesamenight。

Thesepagesarenottherecordofmywanderingsandmydangersawayfromhome。Themotiveswhichledmefrommycountryandmyfriendstoanewworldofadventureandperilareknown。Fromthatself-imposedexileIcameback，asIhadhoped，prayed，believedIshouldcomeback——achangedman。InthewatersofanewlifeIhadtemperedmynatureafresh。Inthesternschoolofextremityanddangermywillhadlearnttobestrong，myhearttoberesolute，mymindtorelyonitself。Ihadgoneouttoflyfrommyownfuture。Icamebacktofaceit，asamanshould。

TofaceitwiththatinevitablesuppressionofmyselfwhichIknewitwoulddemandfromme。Ihadpartedwiththeworstbitternessofthepast，butnotwithmyheart’sremembranceofthesorrowandthetendernessofthatmemorabletime。Ihadnotceasedtofeeltheoneirreparabledisappointmentofmylife——Ihadonlylearnttobearit。LauraFairliewasinallmythoughtswhentheshipboremeaway，andIlookedmylastatEngland。LauraFairliewasinallmythoughtswhentheshipbroughtmeback，andthemorninglightshowedthefriendlyshoreinview。

Mypentracestheoldlettersasmyheartgoesbacktotheoldlove。IwriteofherasLauraFairliestill。Itishardtothinkofher，itishardtospeakofher，byherhusband’sname。

Therearenomorewordsofexplanationtoaddonmyappearingforthesecondtimeinthesepages。Thisnarrative，ifIhavethestrengthandthecouragetowriteit，maynowgoon。

Myfirstanxietiesandfirsthopeswhenthemorningcamecentredinmymotherandmysister。Ifeltthenecessityofpreparingthemforthejoyandsurpriseofmyreturn，afteranabsenceduringwhichithadbeenimpossibleforthemtoreceiveanytidingsofmeformonthspast。EarlyinthemorningIsentalettertotheHampsteadCottage，andfolloweditmyselfinanhour’stime。

Whenthefirstmeetingwasover，whenourquietandcomposureofotherdaysbegangraduallytoreturntous，Isawsomethinginmymother’sfacewhichtoldmethatasecretoppressionlayheavyonherheart。Therewasmorethanlove——therewassorrowintheanxiouseyesthatlookedonmesotenderly——therewaspityinthekindhandthatslowlyandfondlystrengtheneditsholdonmine。Wehadnoconcealmentsfromeachother。Sheknewhowthehopeofmylifehadbeenwrecked——sheknewwhyIhadlefther。ItwasonmylipstoaskascomposedlyasIcouldifanyletterhadcomeformefromMissHalcombe，iftherewasanynewsofhersisterthatImighthear。ButwhenIlookedinmymother’sfaceIlostcouragetoputthequestioneveninthatguardedform。Icouldonlysay，doubtinglyandrestrainedly——

`Youhavesomethingtotellme。’

Mysister，whohadbeensittingoppositetous，rosesuddenlywithoutawordofexplanation——roseandlefttheroom。

Mymothermovedclosertomeonthesofaandputherarmsroundmyneck。Thosefondarmstrembled——thetearsflowedfastoverthefaithfullovingface。

`Walter！’shewhispered，`myowndarling！myheartisheavyforyou，Oh，mysonImysonItrytorememberthatIamstillleft！’

Myheadsankonherbosom。Shehadsaidallinsayingthosewords。

Itwasthemorningofthethirddaysincemyreturn——themorningofthesixteenthofOctober。

Ihadremainedwiththematthecottage——Ihadtriedhardnottoembitterthehappinessofmyreturntothemasitwasembitteredtome。Ihaddoneallmancouldtoriseaftertheshock，andacceptmyliferesignedly——toletmygreatsorrowcomeintendernesstomyheart，andnotindespair。Itwasuselessandhopeless。Notearssoothedmyachingeyes，noreliefcametomefrommysister’ssympathyormymother’slove。

OnthatthirdmorningIopenedmyhearttothem。AtlastthewordspassedmylipswhichIhadlongedtospeakonthedaywhenmymothertoldmeofherdeath。

`Letmegoawayaloneforalittlewhile，’Isaid。`IshallbearitbetterwhenIhavelookedoncemoreattheplacewhereIfirstsawher——whenIhavekneltandprayedbythegravewheretheyhavelaidhertorest。’

Idepartedonmyjourney——myjourneytothegraveofLauraFairlie。

ItwasaquietautumnafternoonwhenIstoppedatthesolitarystation，andsetforthaloneonfootbythewell-rememberedroad。Thewaningsunwasshiningfaintlythroughthinwhiteclouds——theairwaswarmandstill——thepeacefulnessofthelonelycountrywasovershadowedandsaddenedbytheinfluenceofthefallingyear。

Ireachedthemoor——Istoodagainonthebrowofthehill——Ilookedonalongthepath——andtherewerethefamiliargardentreesinthedistance，theclearsweepingsemicircleofthedrive，thehighwhitewallsofLimmeridgeHouse。Thechancesandchanges，thewanderingsanddangersofmonthsandmonthspast，allshrankandshrivelledtonothinginmymind。Itwaslikeyesterdaysincemyfeethadlasttroddenthefragrantheathyground。IthoughtIshouldseehercomingtomeetme，withherlittlestrawhatshadingherface，hersimpledressflutteringintheair，andherwell-filledsketch-bookreadyinherhand。

Oh，death，thouhastthysting！oh，grave，thouhastthyvictory！

Iturnedaside，andtherebelowmeintheglenwasthelonesomegreychurch，thePorchwhereIhadwaitedforthecomingofthewomaninwhite，thehillsencirclingthequietburial-ground，thebrookbubblingcoldoveritsstonybed。Therewasthemarblecross，fairandwhite，attheheadofthetomb——thetombthatnowroseovermotheranddaughteralike。

Iapproachedthegrave。Icrossedoncemorethelowstonestile，andbaredmyheadasItouchedthesacredground。Sacredtogentlenessandgoodness，sacredtoreverenceandgrief。

Istoppedbeforethepedestalfromwhichthecrossrose。Ononesideofit，onthesidenearesttome，thenewly-cutinscriptionmetmyeyes——thehard，clear，cruelblackletterswhichtoldthestoryofherlifeanddeath。Itriedtoreadthem。Ididreadasfarasthename。`SacredtotheMemoryofLaura——’Thekindblueeyesdimwithtears——thefairheaddroopingwearily——theinnocentpartingwordswhichimploredmetoleaveher——oh，forahappierlastmemoryofherthanthis；thememoryItookawaywithme，thememoryIbringbackwithmetohergrave！

AsecondtimeItriedtoreadtheinscription。Isawattheendthedateofherdeath，andaboveit——

Aboveittherewerelinesonthemarble——therewasanameamongthemwhichdisturbedmythoughtsofher。Iwentroundtotheothersideofthegrave，wheretherewasnothingtoread，nothingofearthlyvilenesstoforceitswaybetweenherspiritandmine。

Ikneltdownbythetomb。Ilaidmyhands，Ilaidmyheadonthebroadwhitestone，andclosedmywearyeyesontheeartharound，onthelightabove。Ilethercomebacktome。Oh，mylove！mylove！myheartmayspeaktoyounow！Itisyesterdayagainsinceweparted——yesterday，sinceyourdearhandlayinmine——yesterday，sincemyeyeslookedtheirlastonyou。Mylove！mylove！

Timehadflowedon，andsilencehadfallenlikethicknightoveritscourse。

Thefirstsoundthatcameaftertheheavenlypeacerustledfaintlylikeapassingbreathofairoverthegrassoftheburial-ground。Ihearditnearingmeslowly，untilitcamechangedtomycar——camelikefootstepsmowingonward——thenstopped。

Ilookedup。

Thesunsetwasnearathand。Thecloudshadparted——theslantinglightfellmellowoverthehills。Thelastofthedaywascoldandclearandstillinthequietvalleyofthedead。

Beyondme，intheburial-ground，standingtogetherinthecoldclearnessofthelowerlight，Isawtwowomen。Theywerelookingtowardsthetomb，lookingtowardsme。

Two。

Theycamealittleon，andstoppedagain。Theirveilsweredown，andhidtheirfacesfromme。Whentheystoppedoneofthemraisedherveil。InthestilleveninglightIsawthefaceofMarianHalcombe。

Changed，changedasifyearshadpassedoverit！Theeyeslargeandwild，andlookingatmewithastrangeterrorinthem。Thefacewornandwastedpiteously。Painandfearandgriefwrittenonheraswithabrand。

Itookonesteptowardsherfromthegrave。Shenevermoved——sheneverspoke。Theveiledwomanwithhercriedoutfaintly。Istopped。Thespringsofmylifefelllow，andtheshudderingofanunutterabledreadcreptovermefromheadtofoot。

Thewomanwiththeveiledfacemovedawayfromhercompanion，andcametowardsmeslowly。Leftbyherself，standingbyherself，MarianHalcombespoke。ItwasthevoicethatIremembered——thevoicenotchanged，likethefrightenedeyesandthewastedface。

`Mydream！mydream！’Iheardhersaythosewordssoftlyintheawfulsilence。Shesankonherknees，andraisedherclaspedhandstoheaven。`Father！strengthenhim。Father！helphiminhishourofneed。’

Thewomancameon，slowlyandsilentlycameon。Ilookedather——ather，andatnoneother，fromthatmoment。

Thevoicethatwasprayingformefalteredandsanklow——thenroseonasudden，andcalledaffrightedly，calleddespairinglytometocomeaway。

Buttheveiledwomanhadpossessionofme，bodyandsoul。Shestoppedononesideofthegrave。Westoodfacetofacewiththetombstonebetweenus。Shewasclosetotheinscriptiononthesideofthepedestal。Hergowntouchedtheblackletters。

Thevoicecamenearer，androseandrosemorepassionatelystill。`HideyourfaceIdon’tlookather！Oh，forGod’ssake，sparehim——’

Thewomanliftedherveil。

`SacredtotheMemoryofLaura，LadyGlyde——’

Laura，LadyGlyde，wasstandingbytheinscription，andwaslookingatmeoverthegrave。