第14章

ThestoryofmyfirstinquiriesinHampshireissoontold。

MyearlydeparturefromLondonenabledmetoreachMrDawson’shouseintheforenoon。Ourinterview，sofarastheobjectofmyvisitwasconcerned，ledtonosatisfactoryresult。

MrDawson’sbookscertainlyshowedwhenhehadresumedhisattendanceonMissHalcombeatBlackwaterPark，butitwasnotpossibletocalculatebackfromthisdatewithanyexactness，withoutsuchhelpfromMrsMichelsonasIknewshewasunabletoafford。Shecouldnotsayfrommemory(who，insimilarcases，evercan？)howmanydayshadelapsedbetweentherenewalofthedoctor’sattendanceonhispatientandthepreviousdepartureofLadyGlyde。ShewasalmostcertainofhavingmentionedthecircumstanceofthedeparturetoMissHalcombe，onthedayafterithappened——butthenshewasnomoreabletofixthedateofthedayonwhichthisdisclosuretookplace，thantofixthedateofthedaybefore，whenLadyGlydehadleftforLondon。Neithercouldshecalculate，withanynearerapproachtoexactness，thetimethathadpassedfromthedepartureofhermistress，tothePeriodwhentheundatedletterfromMadameFoscoarrived。ly，asiftocompletetheseriesofdifficulties，thedoctorhimself，havingbeenillatthetime，hadomittedtomakehisusualentryofthedayoftheweekandmonthwhenthegardenerfromBlackwaterParkhadcalledonhimtodeliverMrsMichelson’smessage。

HopelessofobtainingassistancefromMrDawson，IresolvedtotrynextifIcouldestablishthedateofSirPercival’sarrivalatKnowlesbury。

Itseemedlikeafatality！WhenIreachedKnowlesburytheinnwasshutup，andbillswerepostedonthewalls。Thespeculationhadbeenabadone，asIwasinformed，eversincethetimeoftherailway。Thenewhotelatthestationhadgraduallyabsorbedthebusiness，19andtheoldinn(whichweknewtobetheinnatwhichSirPercivalhadputup)，hadbeenclosedabouttwomonthssince。Theproprietorhadleftthetownwithallhisgoodsandchattels，andwherehehadgoneIcouldnotpositivelyascertainfromanyone。ThefourpeopleofwhomIinquiredgavemefourdifferentaccountsofhisplansandprojectswhenheleftKnowlesbury。

TherewerestillsomehourstosparebeforethelasttrainleftforLondon，andIdrovebackagaininaflyfromtheKnowlesburystationtoBlackwaterPark，withthepurposeofquestioningthegardenerandthepersonwhokeptthelodge。Ifthey，too，provedunabletoassistme，myresourcesforthepresentwereatanend，andImightreturntotown。

Idismissedtheflyamiledistantfromthepark，andgettingmydirectionsfromthedriver，proceededbymyselftothehouse。

AsIturnedintothelanefromthehigh-road，Isawaman，withacarpet-bag，walkingbeforemerapidlyonthewaytothelodge。Hewasalittleman，dressedinshabbyblack，andwearingaremarkablylargehat。Isethimdown(aswellasitwaspossibletojudge)foralawyer’sclerk，andstoppedatoncetowidenthedistancebetweenus。Hehadnotheardme，andhewalkedonoutofsight，withoutlookingback。WhenIpassedthroughthegatesmyself，alittlewhileafterwards，hewasnotvisible——hehadevidentlygoneontothehouse。

Thereweretwowomeninthelodge。Oneofthemwasold，theotherIknewatonce，byMarian’sdescriptionofher，tobeMargaretPorcher。

IaskedfirstifSirPercivalwasatthePark，andreceivingareplyinthenegative，inquirednextwhenhehadleftit。Neitherofthewomencouldtellmemorethanthathehadgoneawayinthesummer。IcouldextractnothingfromMargaretPorcherbutvacantsmilesandshakingsofthehead。Theoldwomanwasalittlemoreintelligent，andImanagedtoleadherintospeakingofthemannerofSirPercival’sdeparture，andofthealarmthatitcausedher。Sherememberedhermastercallingheroutofbed，andrememberedhisfrighteningherbyswearing——butthedateatwhichtheoccurrencehappenedwas，asshehonestlyacknowledged，`quitebeyondher。’

OnleavingthelodgeIsawthegardeneratworknotfaroff。WhenIfirstaddressedhim，helookedatmeratherdistrustfully，butonmyusingMrsMichelson’sname，withacivilreferencetohimself，heenteredintoconversationreadilyenough。Thereisnoneedtodescribewhatpassedbetweenus——itended，asallmyotherattemptstodiscoverthedatehadended。Thegardenerknewthathismasterhaddrivenaway，atnight，`sometimeinJuly，thelastfortnightorthelasttendaysinthemonth’——andknewnomore。

WhilewewerespeakingtogetherIsawthemaninblack，withthelargehat，comeoutfromthehouse，andstandatsomelittledistanceobservingus。

CertainsuspicionsofhiserrandatBlackwaterParkhadalreadycrossedmymind。Theywerenowincreasedbythegardener’sinability(orunwillingness)totellmewhothemanwas，andIdeterminedtoclearthewaybeforeme，ifpossible，byspeakingtohim。TheplainestquestionIcouldputasastrangerwouldbetoinquireifthehousewasallowedtobeshowntovisitors。Iwalkeduptothemanatonce，andaccostedhiminthosewords。

HislookandmannerunmistakablybetrayedthatheknewwhoIwas，andthathewantedtoirritatemeintoquarrellingwithhim。Hisreplywasinsolentenoughtohaveansweredthepurpose，ifIhadbeenlessdeterminedtocontrolmyself。Asitwas，Imethimwiththemostresolutepoliteness，apologisedformyinvoluntaryintrusion(whichhecalleda`trespass，’)andleftthegrounds。ItwasexactlyasIsuspected。TherecognitionofmewhenIleftMrKyrle’sofficehadbeenevidentlycommunicatedtoSirPercivalGlyde，andthemaninblackhadbeensenttotheParkinanticipationofmymakinginquiriesatthehouseorintheneighbourhood。IfIhadgivenhimtheleastchanceoflodginganysortoflegalcomplaintagainstme，theinterferenceofthelocalmagistratewouldnodoubthavebeenturnedtoaccountasaclogonmyproceedings，andameansofseparatingmefromMarianandLauraforsomedaysatleast。

IwaspreparedtobewatchedonthewayfromBlackwaterParktothestation，exactlyasIhadbeenwatchedinLondonthedaybefore-ButIcouldnotdiscoveratthetime，whetherIwasreallyfollowedonthisoccasionornot。ThemaninblackmighthavehadmeansoftrackingmeathisdisposalofwhichIwasnotaware，butIcertainlysawnothingofhim，inhisownperson，eitheronthewaytothestation，orafterwardsonmyarrivalattheLondonterminusintheevening。Ireachedhomeonfoot，takingtheprecaution，beforeIapproachedourowndoor，ofwalkingroundbythelonelieststreetintheneighbourhood，andtherestoppingandlookingbackmorethanonceovertheopenspacebehindme。IhadfirstlearnttousethisstratagemagainstsuspectedtreacheryinthewildsofCentralAmerica——andnowIwaspractisingitagain，withthesamepurposeandwithevengreatercaution，intheheartofcivilisedLondonI

NothinghadhappenedtoalarmMarianduringmyabsence。SheaskedeagerlywhatsuccessIhadmetwith。WhenItoldhershecouldnotconcealhersurpriseattheindifferencewithwhichIspokeofthefailureofmyinvestigationsthusfar。

Thetruthwas，thattheill-successofmyinquirieshadinnosensedauntedme。Ihadpursuedthemasamatterofduty，andIhadexpectednothingfromthem。Inthestateofmymindatthattime，itwasalmostarelieftometoknowthatthestrugglewasnownarrowedtoatrialofstrengthbetweenmyselfandSirPercivalGlyde。Thevindictivemotivehadmingleditselfallalongwithmyotherandbettermotives，andIconfessitwasasatisfactiontometofeelthatthesurestway，theonlywayleft，ofservingLaura’scause，wastofastenmyholdfirmlyonthevillainwhohadmarriedher。

WhileIacknowledgethatIwasnotstrongenoughtokeepmymotivesabovethereachofthisinstinctofrevenge，Icanhonestlysaysomethinginmyownfavourontheotherside。NobasespeculationonthefuturerelationsofLauraandmyself，andontheprivateandpersonalconcessionswhichImightforcefromSirPercivalifIoncehadhimatmymercy，everenteredmymind。Ineversaidtomyself，`IfIdosucceed，itshallbeoneresultofmysuccessthatIputitoutofherhusband’spowertotakeherfrommeagain。’Icouldnotlookatherandthinkofthefuturewithsuchthoughtsasthose。Thesadsightofthechangeinherfromherformerself，madetheoneinterestofmyloveaninterestoftendernessandcompassionwhichherfatherorherbrothermighthavefelt，andwhichIfelt，Godknows，inmyinmostheart。Allmyhopeslookednofartheronnowthantothedayofherrecovery。There，tillshewasstrongagainandhappyagain——there，tillshecouldlookatmeasshehadoncelooked，andspeaktomeasshehadoncespoken——thefutureofmyhappiestthoughtsandmydearestwishesended。

Thesewordsarewrittenundernopromptingofidleself-contemplation。Passagesinthisnarrativearesoontocomewhichwillsetthemindsofothersinjudgmentonmyconduct。Itisrightthatthebestandtheworstofmeshouldbefairlybalancedbeforethattime。

OnthemorningaftermyreturnfromHampshireItookMarianupstairsintomyworking-room，andtherelaidbeforehertheplanthatIhadmaturedthusfar，formasteringtheoneassailablepointinthelifeofSirPercivalGlyde。

ThewaytotheSecretlaythroughthemystery，hithertoimpenetrabletoallofus，ofthewomaninwhite。TheapproachtothatinitsturnmightbegainedbyobtainingtheassistanceofAnneCatherick’smother，andtheonlyascertainablemeansofprevailingonMrsCathericktoactortospeakinthematterdependedonthechanceofmydiscoveringlocalparticularsandfamilyparticularsfirstofallfromMrsClements。Afterthinkingthesubjectovercarefully，IfeltcertainthatIcouldonlybeginthenewinquiriesbyplacingmyselfincommunicationwiththefaithfulfriendandprotectressofAnneCatherick。

ThefirstdifficultythenwastofindMrsClements。

IwasindebtedtoMarian’squickperceptionformeetingthisnecessityatoncebythebestandsimplestmeans。SheproposedtowritetothefarmnearLimmeridge(Todd’sCorner)，toinquirewhetherMrsClementshadcommunicatedwithMrsToddduringthepastfewmonths。HowMrsClementshadbeenseparatedfromAnneitwasimpossibleforustosay，butthatseparationonceeffected，itwouldcertainlyoccurtoMrsClementstoinquireafterthemissingwomanintheneighbourhoodofallotherstowhichshewasknowntobemostattached——theneighbourhoodofLimmeridge。IsawdirectlythatMarian’sproposalofferedusaprospectofsuccess，andshewrotetoMrsToddaccordinglybythatday’spost。

Whilewewerewaitingforthereply，ImademyselfmasterofalltheinformationMariancouldaffordonthesubjectofSirpercival’sfamily，andofhisearlylife。Shecouldonlyspeakonthesetopicsfromheresay，butshewasreasonablycertainofthetruthofwhatlittleshehadtotell。

SirPercivalwasanonlychild。Hisfather，SirfelixGlyde，hadsufferedfromhisbirthunderapainfulandincurabledeformity，andhadshunnedallsocietyfromhisearliestyears。Hissolehappinesswasintheenjoymentofmusic，andhehadmarriedaladywithtastessimilartohisown，whowassaidtobeamostaccomplishedmusician。HeinheritedtheBlackwaterpropertywhilestillayoungman。Neitherhenorhiswife，aftertakingpossession，madeadvancesofanysorttowardsthesocietyoftheneighbourhood，andnooneendeavouredtotemptthemintoabandoningtheirreserve，withtheonedisastrousexceptionoftherectoroftheparish。

Therectorwastheworstofallinnocentmischief-makers——anover-zealousman。HehadheardthatSirFelixhadleftCollegewiththecharacterofbeinglittlebetterthanarevolutionistinpoliticsandaninfidelinreligion，andhearrivedconscientiouslyattheconclusionthatitwashisboundendutytosummonthelordofthemanortohearsoundviewsenunciatedintheparishchurch。SirFelixfiercelyresentedtheclergyman’swell-meantbutill-directedinterference，insultinghimsogrosslyandsopublicly，thatthefamiliesintheneighbourhoodsentlettersofindignantremonstrancetothePark，andeventhetenantsoftheBlackwaterpropertyexpressedtheiropinionasstronglyastheydared。Thebaronet，whohadnocountrytastesofanykind，andnoattachmenttotheestateortoanyonelivingonit，declaredthatsocietyatBlackwatershouldneverhaveasecondchanceofannoyinghim，andlefttheplacefromthatmoment。

AfterashortresidenceinLondonheandhiswifedepartedfortheContinent，andneverreturnedtoEnglandagain。TheylivedpartofthetimeinFranceandpartinGermany——alwayskeepingthemselvesinthestrictretirementwhichthemorbidsenseofhisownpersonaldeformityhadmadeanecessitytoSirFelix。Theirson，Percival，hadbeenbornabroad，andhadbeeneducatedtherebyprivatetutors。Hismotherwasthefirstofhisparentswhomhelost。Hisfatherhaddiedafewyearsafterher，eitherin1825or1826。SirPercivalhadbeeninEngland，asayoungman，onceortwicebeforethatperiod，buthisacquaintancewiththelateMrFairliedidnotbegintillafterthetimeofhisfather’sdeath。Theysoonbecameveryintimate，althoughSirPercivalwasseldom，ornever，atLimmeridgeHouseinthosedays。MrFrederickFairliemighthavemethimonceortwiceinMrPhilipFairlie’scompany，buthecouldhaveknownlittleofhimatthatoratanyothertime。SirPercival’sonlyintimatefriendintheFairliefamilyhadbeenLaura’sfather。

ThesewerealltheparticularsthatIcouldgainfromMarian。Theysuggestednothingwhichwasusefultomypresentpurpose，butInotedthemdowncarefully，intheeventoftheirprovingtobeofimportanceatanyfutureperiod。

MrsTodd’sreply(addressed，byourownwish，toapost-officeatsomedistancefromus)hadarrivedatitsdestinationwhenIwenttoapplyforit。Thechances，whichhadbeenallagainstushitherto，turnedfromthismomentinourfavour。MrsTodd’slettercontainedthefirstitemofinformationofwhichwewereinsearch。

MrsClements，itappeared，had(aswehadconjectured)writtentoTodd’sCorner，askingpardoninthefirstplacefortheabruptmannerinwhichsheandAnnehadlefttheirfriendsatthefarm-house(onthemorningafterIhadmetthewomaninwhiteinLimmeridgechurchyard)，andtheninformingMrsToddofAnne’sdisappearance，andentreatingthatshewouldcauseinquiriestobemadeintheneighbourhood，onthechancethatthelostwomanmighthavestrayedbacktoLimmeridge。Inmakingthisrequest，MrsClementshadbeencarefultoaddtoittheaddressatwhichshemightalwaysbeheardof，andthataddressMrsToddnowtransmittedtoMarian。ItwasinLondon，andwithinhalfanhour’swalkofourownlodging。

Inthewordsoftheproverb，Iwasresolvednottoletthegrassgrowundermyfeet。ThenextmorningIsetforthtoseekaninterviewwithMrsClements。Thiswasmyfirststepforwardintheinvestigation。ThestoryofthedesperateattempttowhichInowstoodcommittedbeginshere。

TheaddresscommunicatedbyMrsToddtookmetoalodging-housesituatedinarespectablestreetneartheGray’sInnRoad。

WhenIknockedthedoorwasopenedbyMrsClementsherself。Shedidnotappeartorememberme，andaskedwhatmybusinesswas。IrecalledtoherourmeetinginLimmeridgechurchyardatthecloseofmyinterviewtherewiththewomaninwhite，takingspecialcaretoremindherthatIwasthepersonwhoassistedAnneCatherick(asAnnehadherselfdeclared)toescapethepursuitfromtheAsylum。ThiswasmyonlyclaimtotheconfidenceofMrsClements。SherememberedthecircumstancethemomentIspokeofit，andaskedmeintotheparlour，inthegreatestanxietytoknowifIhadbroughtheranynewsofAnne。

Itwasimpossibleformetotellherthewholetruthwithout，atthesametime，enteringintoparticularsonthesubjectoftheconspiracywhichitwouldhavebeendangeroustoconfidetoastranger。Icouldonlyabstainmostcarefullyfromraisinganyfalsehopes，andthenexplainthattheobjectofmyvisitwastodiscoverthepersonswhowerereallyresponsibleforAnne’sdisappearance。Ievenadded，soastoexoneratemyselffromanyafter-reproachofmyownconscience，thatIentertainednottheleasthopeofbeingabletotraceher——thatIbelievedweshouldneverseeheraliveagain——andthatmymaininterestintheaffairwastobringtopunishmenttwomenwhomIsuspectedtobeconcernedinluringheraway，andatwhosehandsIandsomedearfriendsofminehadsufferedagrievouswrong。WiththisexplanationIleftittoMrsClementstosaywhetherourinterestinthematter(whateverdifferencetheremightbeinthemotiveswhichactuatedus)wasnotthesame，andwhethershefeltanyreluctancetoforwardmyobjectsbygivingmesuchinformationonthesubjectofmyinquiriesasshehappenedtopossess。

ThePoorwomanwasatfirsttoomuchconfusedandagitatedtounderstandthoroughlywhatIsaidtoher。ShecouldonlyreplythatIwaswelcometoanythingshecouldtellmeinreturnforthekindnessIhadshowntoAnne；butasshewasnotveryquickandready，atthebestoftimes，intalkingtostrangers，shewouldbegmetoputherintherightway，andtosaywhereIwishedhertobegin。

Knowingbyexperiencethattheplainestnarrativeattainablefrompersonswhoarenotaccustomedtoarrangetheirideas，isthenarrativewhichgoesfarenoughbackatthebeginningtoavoidallimpedimentsofretrospectioninitscourse，IaskedMrsClementstotellmefirstwhathadhappenedaftershehadleftLimmeridge，andso，bywatchfulquestioning，carriedheronfrompointtopoint，tillwereachedtheperiodofAnne’sdisappearance。

ThesubstanceoftheinformationwhichIthusobtainedwasasfollows:——

OnleavingthefarmatTodd’sCorner，MrsClementsandAnnehadtravelledthatdayasfarasDerby，andhadremainedthereaweekonAnne’saccount。TheyhadthengoneontoLondon，andhadlivedinthelodgingoccupiedbyMrsClementsatthattimeforamonthormore，whencircumstancesconnectedwiththehouseandthelandlordhadobligedthemtochangetheirquarters。Anne’sterrorofbeingdiscoveredinLondonoritsneighbourhood，whenevertheyventuredtowalkout，hadgraduallycommunicateditselftoMrsClements，andshehaddeterminedonremovingtooneofthemostout-of-the-wayplacesinEngland——tothetownofGrimsbyinLincolnshire，whereherdeceasedhusbandhadpassedallhisearlylife。Hisrelativeswererespectablepeoplesettledinthetown——theyhadalwaystreatedMrsClementswithgreatkindness，andshethoughtitimpossibletodobetterthangothereandtaketheadviceofherhusband’sfriends。AnnewouldnothearofreturningtohermotheratWelmingham，becauseshehadbeenremovedtotheAsylumfromthatplace，andbecauseSirPercivalwouldbecertaintogobackthereandfindheragain。Therewasseriousweightinthisobjection，andMrsClementsfeltthatitwasnottobeeasilyremoved。

AtGrimsbythefirstserioussymptomsofillnesshadshownthemselvesinAnne。TheyappearedsoonafterthenewsofLadyGlyde’smarriagehadbeenmadepublicinthenewspapers，andhadreachedherthroughthatmedium。

Themedicalmanwhowassentfortoattendthesickwomandiscoveredatoncethatshewassufferingfromaseriousaffectionoftheheart。Theillnesslastedlong，leftherveryweak，andreturnedatintervals，thoughwithmitigatedseverity，againandagain。TheyremainedatGrimsby，inconsequence，duringthefirsthalfofthenewyear，andtheretheymightprobablyhavestayedmuchlonger，butforthesuddenresolutionwhichAnnetookatthistimetoventurebacktoHampshire，forthepurposeofobtainingaprivateinterviewwithLadyGlyde。

MrsClementsdidallinherpowertoopposetheexecutionofthishazardousandunaccountableproject。NoexplanationofhermotiveswasofferedbyAnne，exceptthatshebelievedthedayofherdeathwasnotfaroff，andthatshehadsomethingonhermindwhichmustbecommunicatedtoLadyGlyde，atanyrisk，insecret。HerresolutiontoaccomplishthispurposewassofirmlysettledthatshedeclaredherintentionofgoingtoHampshirebyherselfifMrsClementsfeltanyunwillingnesstogowithher。Thedoctor，onbeingconsulted，wasofopinionthatseriousoppositiontoherwisheswould，inallprobability，produceanotherandperhapsafatalfitofillness，andMrsClements，underthisadvice，yieldedtonecessity，andoncemore，withsadforebodingsoftroubleanddangertocome，allowedAnneCathericktohaveherownway。

OnthejourneyfromLondontoHampshireMrsClementsdiscoveredthatoneoftheirfellow-passengerswaswellacquaintedwiththeneighbourhoodofBlackwater，andcouldgiveheralltheinformationsheneededonthesubjectoflocalities。Inthiswayshefoundoutthattheonlyplacetheycouldgoto，whichwasnotdangerouslyneartoSirPercival’sresidence，wasalargevillagecalledSandon。ThedistanceherefromBlackwaterParkwasbetweenthreeandfourmiles——andthatdistance，andbackagain，Annehadwalkedoneachoccasionwhenshehadappearedintheneighbourhoodofthelake。

ForthefewdaysduringwhichtheywereatSandonwithoutbeingdiscoveredtheyhadlivedalittleawayfromthevillage，inthecottageofadecentwidow-womanwhohadabedroomtolet，andwhosediscreetsilenceMrsClementshaddoneherbesttosecure，forthefirstweekatleast。ShehadalsotriedhardtoinduceAnnetobecontentwithwritingtoLadyGlyde，inthefirstinstance；butthefailureofthewarningcontainedintheanonymouslettersenttoLimmeridgehadmadeAnneresolutetospeakthistime，andobstinateinthedeterminationtogoonhererrandalone。

MrsClements，nevertheless，followedherprivatelyoneachoccasionwhenshewenttothelake，without，however，venturingnearenoughtotheboat-housetobewitnessofwhattookplacethere。WhenAnnereturnedforthelasttimefromthedangerousneighbourhood，thefatigueofwalking，dayafterday，distanceswhichwerefartoogreatforherstrength，addedtotheexhaustingeffectoftheagitationfromwhichshehadsuffered，producedtheresultwhichMrsClementshaddreadedallalong。TheoldpainovertheheartandtheothersymptomsoftheillnessatGrimsbyreturned，andAnnewasconfinedtoherbedinthecottage。

Inthisemergencythefirstnecessity，asMrsClementsknewbyexperience，wastoendeavourtoquietAnne’sanxietyofmind，andforthispurposethegoodwomanwentherselfthenextdaytothelake，totryifshecouldfindLadyGlyde(whowouldbesure，asAnnesaid，totakeherdailywalktotheboat-house)，andprevailonhertocomebackprivatelytothecottagenearSandon。OnreachingtheoutskirtsoftheplantationMrsClementsencountered，notLadyGlyde，butatall，stout，elderlygentleman，withabookinhishand——inotherwords，CountFosco。

TheCount，afterlookingatherveryattentivelyforamoment，askedifsheexpectedtoseeanyoneinthatplace，andadded，beforeshecouldreply，thathewaswaitingtherewithamessagefromLadyGlyde，butthathewasnotquitecertainwhetherthepersonthenbeforehimansweredthedescriptionofthepersonwithwhomhewasdesiredtocommunicate。

UponthisMrsClementsatonceconfidedhererrandtohim，andentreatedthathewouldhelptoallayAnne’sanxietybytrustinghismessagetoher。TheCountmostreadilyandkindlycompliedwithherrequest。Themessage，hesaid，wasaveryimportantone。LadyGlydeentreatedAnneandhergoodfriendtoreturnimmediatelytoLondon，asshefeltcertainthatSirPercivalwoulddiscoverthemiftheyremainedanylongerintheneighbourhoodofBlackwater。ShewasherselfgoingtoLondoninashorttime，andifMrsClementsandAnnewouldgotherefirst，andwouldletherknowwhattheiraddresswas，theyshouldhearfromherandseeherinafortnightorless。TheCountaddedthathehadalreadyattemptedtogiveafriendlywarningtoAnneherself，butthatshehadbeentoomuchstartledbyseeingthathewasastrangertolethimapproachandspeaktoher。

TothisMrsClementsreplied，inthegreatestalarmanddistress，thatsheaskednothingbetterthantotakeAnnesafelytoLondon，butthattherewasnopresenthopeofremovingherfromthedangerousneighbourhood，asshelayillinherbedatthatmoment。TheCountinquiredifMrsClementshadsentformedicaladvice，andhearingthatshehadhithertohesitatedtodoso，fromthefearofmakingtheirpositionpubliclyknowninthevillage，informedherthathewashimselfamedicalman，andthathewouldgobackwithherifshepleased，andseewhatcouldbedoneforAnne。MrsClements(feelinganaturalconfidenceintheCount，asapersontrustedwithasecretmessagefromLadyGlyde)gratefullyacceptedtheoffer，andtheywentbacktogethertothecottage。

Annewasasleepwhentheygotthere。TheCountstartedatthesightofher(evidentlyfromastonishmentatherresemblancetoLadyGlyde)。PoorMrsClementssupposedthathewasonlyshockedtoseehowillshewas。Hewouldnotallowhertobeawakened——hewascontentedwithputtingquestionstoMrsClementsabouthersymptoms，withlookingather，andwithlightlytouchingherpulse。Sandonwasalargeenoughplacetohaveagrocer’sanddruggist’sshopinit，andthithertheCountwenttowritehisprescriptionandtogetthemedicinemadeup。Hebroughtitbackhimself，andtoldMrsClementsthatthemedicinewasapowerfulstimulant，andthatitwouldcertainlygiveAnnestrengthtogetupandbearthefatigueofajourneytoLondonofonlyafewhours。Theremedywastobeadministeredatstatedtimesonthatdayandonthedayafter。Onthethirddayshewouldbewellenoughtotravel，andhearrangedtomeetMrsClementsattheBlackwaterstation，andtoseethemoffbythemid-daytrain。IftheydidnotappearhewouldassumethatAnnewasworse，andwouldproceedatoncetothecottage。

Aseventsturnedout，nosuchemergencyasthisoccurred。

ThismedicinehadanextraordinaryeffectonAnne，andthegoodresultsofitwerehelpedbytheassuranceMrsClementscouldnowgiveherthatshewouldsoonseeLadyGlydeinLondon。Attheappointeddayandtime(whentheyhadnotbeenquitesolongasaweekinHampshirealtogether)，theyarrivedatthestation。TheCountwaswaitingthereforthem，andwastalkingtoanelderlylady，whoappearedtobegoingtotravelbythetraintoLondonalso。Hemostkindlyassistedthem，andputthemintothecarriagehimself，beggingMrsClementsnottoforgettosendheraddresstoLadyGlyde。Theelderlyladydidnottravelinthesamecompartment，andtheydidnotnoticewhatbecameofheronreachingtheLondonterminus。MrsClementssecuredrespectablelodgingsinaquietneighbourhood，andthenwrote，asshehadengagedtodo，toinformLadyGlydeoftheaddress。

Alittlemorethanafortnightpassed，andnoanswercame。

Attheendofthattimealady(thesameelderlyladywhomtheyhadseenatthestation)calledinacab，andsaidthatshecamefromLadyGlyde，whowasthenatanhotelinLondon，andwhowishedtoseeMrsClements，forthepurposeofarrangingafutureinterviewwithAnne。MrsClementsexpressedherwillingness(Annebeingpresentatthetime，andentreatinghertodoso)toforwardtheobjectinview，especiallyasshewasnotrequiredtobeawayfromthehouseformorethanhalfanhouratthemost。Sheandtheelderlylady(clearlyMadameFosco)thenleftinthecab。Theladystoppedthecab，afterithaddrivensomedistance，atashopbeforetheygottothehotel，andbeggedMrsClementstowaitforherforafewminuteswhileshemadeapurchasethathadbeenforgotten。Sheneverappearedagain。

AfterwaitingsometimeMrsClementsbecamealarmed，andorderedthecabmantodrivebacktoherlodgings。Whenshegotthere，afteranabsenceofrathermorethanhalfanhour，Annewasgone。

Theonlyinformationtobeobtainedfromthepeopleofthehousewasderivedfromtheservantwhowaitedonthelodgers。Shehadopenedthedoortoaboyfromthestreet，whohadleftaletterfor`theyoungwomanwholivedonthesecondfloor’(thepartofthehousewhichMrsClementsoccupied)。Theservanthaddeliveredtheletter，hadthengonedownstairs，andfiveminutesafterwardshadobservedAnneopenthefrontdoorandgooutdressedinherbonnetandshawl。Shehadprobablytakentheletterwithher，foritwasnottobefound，anditwasthereforeimpossibletotellwhatinducementhadbeenofferedtomakeherleavethehouse。Itmusthavebeenastrongone，forshewouldneverstiroutaloneinLondonofherownaccord。IfMrsClementshadnotknownthisbyexperiencenothingwouldhaveinducedhertogoawayinthecab，evenforsoshortatimeashalfanhouronly。

Assoonasshecouldcollectherthoughts，thefirstideathatnaturallyoccurredtoMrsClementswastogoandmakeinquiriesattheAsylum，towhichshedreadedthatAnnehadbeentakenback。

Shewenttherethenextday，havingbeeninformedofthelocalityinwhichthehousewassituatedbyAnneherself。Theanswershereceived(herapplicationhavinginallprobabilitybeenmadeadayortwobeforethefalseAnneCatherickhadreallybeenconsignedtosafekeepingintheAsylum)was，thatnosuchpersonhadbeenbroughtbackthere。ShehadthenwrittentoMrsCatherickatWelminghamtoknowifshehadseenorheardanythingofherdaughter，andhadreceivedananswerinthenegative。Afterthatreplyhadreachedher，shewasattheendofherresources，andperfectlyignorantwhereelsetoinquireorwhatelsetodo。FromthattimetothisshehadremainedintotalignoranceofthecauseofAnne’sdisappearanceandoftheendofAnne’sstory。

ThusfartheinformationwhichIhadreceivedfromMrsClements——thoughitestablishedfactsofwhichIhadnotpreviouslybeenaware——wasofapreliminarycharacteronly。

ItwasclearthattheseriesofdeceptionswhichhadremovedAnneCathericktoLondon，andseparatedherfromMrsClements，hadbeenaccomplishedsolelybyCountFoscoandtheCountess，andthequestionwhetheranypartoftheconductofhusbandorwifehadbeenofakindtoplaceeitherofthemwithinreachofthelawmightbewellworthyoffutureconsideration。ButthepurposeIhadnowinviewledmeinanotherdirectionthanthis。TheimmediateobjectofmyvisittoMrsClementswastomakesomeapproachatleasttothediscoveryofSirPercival’ssecret，andshehadsaidnothingasyetwhichadvancedmeonmywaytothatimportantend。Ifeltthenecessityoftryingtoawakenherrecollectionsofothertimes，persons，andeventsthanthoseonwhichhermemoryhadhithertobeenemployed，andwhenInextspokeIspokewiththatobjectindirectlyinview。

`IwishIcouldbeofanyhelptoyouinthissadcalamity，’Isaid。`AllIcandoistofeelheartilyforyourdistress。IfAnnehadbeenyourownchild，MrsClements，youcouldhaveshownhernotruerkindness——youcouldhavemadenoreadiersacrificesforhersake。’

`There’snogreatmeritinthat，sir，’saidMrsClementssimply。`Thepoorthingwasasgoodasmyownchildtome。Inursedherfromababy，sir，bringingherupbyhand——andahardjobitwastorearher。Itwouldn’tgotomyheartsotoloseherifIhadn’tmadeherfirstshortclothesandtaughthertowalk。Ialwayssaidshewassenttoconsolemeforneverhavingchickorchildofmyown。Andnowshe’slosttheoldtimeskeepcomingbacktomymind，andevenatmyageIcan’thelpcryingabouther——Ican’tindeed，sir！’

IwaitedalittletogiveMrsClementstimetocomposeherself。WasthelightthatIhadbeenlookingforsolongglimmeringonme——faroff，asyet——inthegoodwoman’srecollectionsofAnne’searlylife？

`DidyouknowMrsCatherickbeforeAnnewasborn？’Iasked。

`Notverylong，sir——notabovefourmonths。Wesawagreatdealofeachotherinthattime，butwewereneververyfriendlytogether。’

Hervoicewassteadierasshemadethatreply。Painfulasmanyofherrecollectionsmightbe，Iobservedthatitwasunconsciouslyarelieftohermindtoreverttothedimly-seentroublesofthepast，afterdwellingsolongonthevividsorrowsofthepresent。

`WereyouandMrsCatherickneighbours？’Iinquired，leadinghermemoryonasencouraginglyasIcould。

`Yes，sir——neighboursatOldWelmingham。’

`OldWelmingham？Therearetwoplacesofthatname，then，inHampshire？’

`Well，sir，thereusedtobeinthosedays——betterthanthree-and-twentyyearsago。Theybuiltanewtownabouttwomilesoff，convenienttotheriver——andOldWelmingham，whichwasnevermuchmorethanavillage，gotintimetobedeserted。ThenewtownistheplacetheycallWelminghamnow——buttheoldparishchurchistheparishchurchstill。Itstandsbyitself，withthehousespulleddownorgonetoruinallroundit。I’velivedtoseesadchanges。Itwasapleasant，prettyplaceinmytime。’

`Didyoulivetherebeforeyourmarriage，MrsClements？’

`No，sir——I’maNorfolkwoman。Itwasn’ttheplacemyhusbandbelongedtoeither。HewasfromGrimsby，asItoldyou，andheservedhisapprenticeshipthere。Buthavingfriendsdownsouth，andhearingofanopening，hegotintobusinessatSouthampton。Itwasinasmallway，buthemadeenoughforaplainmantoretireon，andsettledatOldWelmingham。Iwenttherewithhimwhenhemarriedme。Wewereneitherofusyoung，butwelivedveryhappytogether——happierthanourneighbour，MrCatherick，livedalongwithhiswifewhentheycametoOldWelminghamayearortwoafterwards。’

`Wasyourhusbandacquaintedwiththembeforethat？’

`WithCatherick，sir——notwithhiswife。Shewasastrangertobothofus。SomegentlemenhadmadeinterestforCatherick，andhegotthesituationofclerkatWelminghamchurch，whichwasthereasonofhiscomingtosettleinourneighbourhood。Hebroughthisnewly-marriedwifealongwithhim，andweheardincourseoftimeshehadbeenlady’s-maidinafamilythatlivedatVarneckHall，nearSouthampton。Catherickhadfounditahardmattertogethertomarryhim，inconsequenceofherholdingherselfuncommonlyhigh。Hehadaskedandasked，andgiventhethingupatlast，seeingshewassocontraryaboutit。Whenhehadgivenitupsheturnedcontraryjusttheotherway，andcametohimofherownaccord，withoutrhymeorreasonseemingly。Mypoorhusbandalwayssaidthatwasthetimetohavegivenheralesson。ButCatherickwastoofondofhertodoanythingofthesort——henevercheckedhereitherbeforetheyweremarriedorafter。Hewasaquickmaninhisfeelings，lettingthemcarryhimadealtoofar，nowinonewayandnowinanother，andhewouldhavespoiltabetterwifethanMrsCatherickifabetterhadmarriedhim。Idon’tliketospeakillofanyone，sir，butshewasaheartlesswoman，withaterriblewillofherown——fondoffoolishadmirationandfineclothes，andnotcaringtoshowsomuchasdecentoutwardrespecttoCatherick，kindlyashealwaystreatedher。Myhusbandsaidhethoughtthingswouldturnoutbadlywhentheyfirstcametolivenearus，andhiswordsprovedtrue。Beforetheyhadbeenquitefourmonthsinourneighbourhoodtherewasadreadfulscandalandamiserablebreak-upintheirhousehold。Bothofthemwereinfault——Iamafraidbothofthemwereequallyinfault。’

`Youmeanbothhusbandandwife？’

`Oh，no，sir！Idon’tmeanCatherick——hewasonlytobepitied。Imeanthiswifeandtheperson——’

`Andthepersonwhocausedthescandal？’

`Yes，sir。Agentlemanbornandbroughtup，whooughttohavesetabetterexample。Youknowhim，sir——andmypoordearAnneknewhimonlytoowell。’

`SirPercivalGlyde？’

`Yes，SirPercivalGlyde。’

Myheartbeatfast——IthoughtIhadmyhandontheclue。HowlittleIknewthenofthewindingsofthelabyrinthswhichwerestilltomisleadme！

`DidSirPercivalliveinyourneighbourhoodatthattime？’Iasked。

`No，sir。Hecameamongusasastranger。Hisfatherhaddiednotlongbeforeinforeignparts。Irememberhewasinmourning。Heputupatthelittleinnontheriver(theyhavepulleditdownsincethattime)，wheregentlemenusedtogotofish。Hewasn’tmuchnoticedwhenhefirstcame——itwasacommonthingenoughforgentlementotravelfromallpartsofEnglandtofishinourriver。’

`DidhemakehisappearanceinthevillagebeforeAnnewasborn？’

`Yes，sir。AnnewasbornintheJunemonthofeighteenhundredandtwenty-seven——andIthinkhecameattheendofAprilorthebeginningofMay。’

`Cameasastrangertoallofyou？AstrangertoMrsCatherickaswellastotherestoftheneighbours？’

`Sowethoughtatfirst，sir。Butwhenthescandalbrokeout，nobodybelievedtheywerestrangers。Irememberhowithappenedaswellasifitwasyesterday。Catherickcameintoourgardenonenight，andwokeusbythrowingupahandfulofgravelfromthewalkatourwindow。Iheardhimbegmyhusband，fortheLord’ssake，tocomedownandspeaktohim。Theywerealongtimetogethertalkingintheporch。Whenmyhusbandcamebackupstairshewasallofatremble。Hesatdownonthesideofthebedandhesaystome，``Lizzie！Ialwaystoldyouthatwomanwasabadone——Ialwayssaidshewouldendill，andI’mafraidinmyownmindthattheendhascomealready。Catherickhasfoundalotoflacehandkerchiefs，andtwofinerings，andanewgoldwatchandchain，hidawayinhiswife’sdrawer——thingsthatnobodybutabornladyoughtevertohave——andhiswifewon’tsayhowshecamebythem。’’``Doeshethinkshestolethem？’’saysI。``No，’’sayshe，``stealingwouldbebadenough。Butit’sworsethanthat，she’shadnochanceofstealingsuchthingsasthose，andshe’snotawomantotakethemifshehad。They’regifts，Lizzie——there’sherowninitialsengravedinsidethewatch——andCatherickhasseenhertalkingprivately，andcarryingonasnomarriedwomanshould，withthatgentlemaninmourning，SirPercivalGlyde。Don’tyousayanythingaboutit——I’vequietedCatherickfortonight。I’vetoldhimtokeephistonguetohimself，andhiseyesandhisearsopen，andtowaitadayortwo，tillhecanbequitecertain。’’``Ibelieveyouarebothofyouwrong，’’saysI。``It’snotinnature，comfortableandrespectableassheishere，thatMrsCatherickshouldtakeupwithachancestrangerlikeSirPercivalGlyde。’’``Ay，butisheastrangertoher？’’saysmyhusband。``YouforgethowCatherick’swifecametomarryhim。Shewenttohimofherownaccord，aftersayingNooverandoveragainwhenheaskedher。Therehavebeenwickedwomenbeforehertime，Lizzie，whohaveusedhonestmenwholovedthemasameansofsavingtheircharacters，andI’msorelyafraidthisMrsCatherickisaswickedastheworstofthem。Weshallsee，’’saysmyhusband，``weshallsoonsee。’’Andonlytwodaysafterwardswedidsee。’

MrsClementswaitedforamomentbeforeshewenton。Eveninthatmoment，IbegantodoubtwhetherthecluethatIthoughtIhadfoundwasreallyleadingmetothecentralmysteryofthelabyrinthafterall。Wasthiscommon，toocommon，storyofaman’streacheryandawoman’sfrailtythekeytoasecretwhichhadbeenthelife-longterrorofSirPercivalGlyde？

`Well，sir，Cathericktookmyhusband’sadviceandwaited，’MrsClementscontinued。`AndasItoldyou，hehadn’tlongtowait。OntheseconddayhefoundhiswifeandSirPercivalwhisperingtogetherquitefamiliar，closeunderthevestryofthechurch。Isupposetheythoughttheneighbourhoodofthevestrywasthelastplaceintheworldwhereanybodywouldthinkoflookingafterthem，but，howeverthatmaybe，theretheywere。SirPercival，beingseeminglysurprisedandconfounded，defendedhimselfinsuchaguiltywaythatPoorCatherick(whosequicktemperIhavetoldyouofalready)fellintoakindoffrenzyathisowndisgrace，andstruckSirPercival。Hewasnomatch(andIamsorrytosayit)forthemanwhohadwrongedhim，andhewasbeateninthecruellestmanner，beforetheneighbours，whohadcometotheplaceonhearingthedisturbance，couldrunintopartthem。Allthishappenedtowardsevening，andbeforenightfall，whenmyhusbandwenttoCatherick’shouse，hewasgone，nobodyknewwhere。Nolivingsoulinthevillageeversawhimagain。Heknewtoowell，bythattime，whathiswife’svilereasonhadbeenformarryinghim，andhefelthismiseryanddisgrace，especiallyafterwhathadhappenedtohimwithSirPercival，tookeenly。Theclergymanoftheparishputanadvertisementinthepaperbegginghimtocomeback，andsayingthatheshouldnotlosehissituationorhisfriends。ButCatherickhadtoomuchprideandspirit，assomepeoplesaid——toomuchfeeling，asIthink，sir——tofacehisneighboursagain，andtrytolivedownthememoryofhisdisgrace。MyhusbandheardfromhimwhenhehadleftEngland，andheardasecondtime，whenhewassettledanddoingwellinAmerica。Heisalivetherenow，asfarasIknow，butnoneofusintheoldcountry——hiswickedwifeleastofall——areeverlikelytoseteyesonhimagain。’

`WhatbecameofSirPercival？’Iinquired。`Didhestayintheneighbourhood？’

`Nothe，sir。Theplacewastoohottoholdhim。HewasheardathighwordswithMrsCatherickthesamenightwhenthescandalbrokeout，andthenextmorninghetookhimselfoff。’

`AndMrsCatherick？SurelysheneverremainedinthevillageamongthePeoplewhoknewofherdisgrace？’

`Shedid，sir。Shewashardenoughandheartlessenoughtosettheopinionsofallherneighboursatflatdefiance。Shedeclaredtoeverybody，fromtheclergymandownwards，thatshewasthevictimofadreadfulmistake，andthatallthescandal-mongersintheplaceshouldnotdriveheroutofit，asifshewasaguiltywoman。AllthroughmytimeshelivedatOldWelmingham，andaftermytime，whenthenewtownwasbuilding，andtherespectableneighboursbeganmovingtoit，shemovedtoo，asifshewasdeterminedtoliveamongthemandscandalisethemtotheverylast。Theresheisnow，andthereshewillstop，indefianceofthebestofthem，toherdyingday。’

`Buthowhasshelivedthroughalltheseyears？’Iasked。`Washerhusbandableandwillingtohelpher？’

`Bothableandwilling，sir，’saidMrsClements。`Inthesecondletterhewrotetomygoodman，hesaidshehadbornehisname，andlivedinhishome，and，wickedasshewas，shemustnotstarvelikeabeggarinthestreet。HecouldaffordtomakeherplaceinLondon。’

`Didsheaccepttheallowance？’

`Notafarthingofit，sir。ShesaidshewouldneverbebeholdentoCatherickforbitordrop，ifshelivedtobeahundred。Andshehaskeptherwordeversince。Whenmypoordearhusbanddied，andleftalltome，Catherick’sletterwasputinmypossessionwiththeotherthings，andItoldhertoletmeknowifshewaseverinwant。``I’llletallEnglandknowI’minwant，’’shesaid，``beforeItellCatherick，oranyfriendofCatherick’s。Takethatforyouranswer，andgiveittohimforananswer，ifheeverwritesagain。’’’

`Doyousupposethatshehadmoneyofherown？’

`Verylittle，ifany，sir。Itwassaid，andsaidtruly，Iamafraid，thathermeansoflivingcameprivatelyfromSirPercivalGlyde。’

AfterthatlastreplyIwaitedalittle，toreconsiderwhatIhadheard。IfIunreservedlyacceptedthestorysofar，itwasnowplainthatnoapproach，directorindirect，totheSecrethadyetbeenrevealedtome，andthatthepursuitofmyobjecthadendedagaininleavingmefacetofacewiththemostpalpableandthemostdishearteningfailure。

Buttherewasonepointinthenarrativewhichmademedoubttheproprietyofacceptingitunreservedly，andwhichsuggestedtheideaofsomethinghiddenbelowthesurface。

Icouldnotaccounttomyselfforthecircumstanceoftheclerk’sguiltywifevoluntarilylivingoutallherafter-existenceonthesceneofherdisgrace。Thewoman’sownreportedstatementthatshehadtakenthisstrangecourseasapracticalassertionofherinnocencedidnotsatisfyme。Itseemed，tomymind，morenaturalandmoreprobabletoassumethatshewasnotsocompletelyafreeagentinthismatterasshehadherselfasserted。Inthatcase，whowasthelikeliestpersontopossessthepowerofcompellinghertoremainatWelmingham？Thepersonunquestionablyfromwhomshederivedthemeansofliving。Shehadrefusedassistancefromherhusband，shehadnoadequateresourcesofherown，shewasafriendless，degradedwoman——fromwhatsourceshouldshederivehelpbutfromthesourceatwhichreportpointed——SirPercivalGlyde？

Reasoningontheseassumptions，andalwaysbearinginmindtheonecertainfacttoguideme，thatMrsCatherickwasinpossessionoftheSecret，IeasilyunderstoodthatitwasSirPercival’sinteresttokeepheratWelmingham，becausehercharacterinthatplacewascertaintoisolateherfromallcommunicationwithfemaleneighbours，andtoallowhernoopportunitiesoftalkingincautiouslyinmomentsoffreeintercoursewithinquisitivebosomfriends。Butwhatwasthemysterytobeconcealed？NotSirPercival’sinfamousconnectionwithMrsCatherick’sdisgrace，fortheneighboursweretheverypeoplewhoknewofit——notthesuspicionthathewasAnne’sfather，forWelminghamwastheplaceinwhichthatsuspicionmustinevitablyexist。IfIacceptedtheguiltyappearancesdescribedtomeasunreservedlyasothershadacceptedthem，ifIdrewfromthemthesamesuperficialconclusionwhichMrCatherickandallhisneighbourshaddrawn，wherewasthesuggestion，inallthatIhadheard，ofadangeroussecretbetweenSirPercivalandMrsCatherick，whichhadbeenkepthiddenfromthattimetothis？

Andyet，inthosestolenmeetings，inthosefamiliarwhisperingsbetweentheclerk’swifeand`thegentlemaninmourning，’thecluetodiscoveryexistedbeyondadoubt。

Wasitpossiblethatappearancesinthiscasehadpointedonewaywhilethetruthlayallthewhileunsuspectedinanotherdirection？CouldMrsCatherick’sassertion，thatshewasthevictimofadreadfulmistake，byanypossibilitybetrue？Or，assumingittobefalse，couldtheconclusionwhichassociatedSirPercivalwithherguilthavebeenfoundedinsomeinconceivableerror？HadSirPercival，byanychance，courtedthesuspicionthatwaswrongforthesakeofdivertingfromhimselfsomeothersuspicionthatwasright？Here——ifIcouldfindit——herewastheapproachtotheSecret，hiddendeepunderthesurfaceoftheapparentlyunpromisingstorywhichIhadjustheard。

MynextquestionswerenowdirectedtotheoneobjectofascertainingwhetherMrCatherickhadorhadnotarrivedtrulyattheconvictionofhiswife’smisconduct。TheanswersIreceivedfromMrsClementsleftmeinnodoubtwhateveronthatpoint。MrsCatherickhad，ontheclearestevidence，compromisedherreputation，whileasinglewoman，withsomepersonunknown，andhadmarriedtosavehercharacter。Ithadbeenpositivelyascertained，bycalculationsoftimeandplaceintowhichIneednotenterparticularly，thatthedaughterwhoboreherhusband’snamewasnotherhusband’schild。

Thenextobjectofinquiry，whetheritwasequallycertainthatSirPercivalmusthavebeenthefatherofAnne，wasbesetbyfargreaterdifficulties。Iwasinnopositiontotrytheprobabilitiesononesideorontheotherinthisinstancebyanybettertestthanthetestofpersonalresemblance。

`IsupposeyouoftensawSirPercivalwhenhewasinyourvillage？’Isaid。

`Yes，sir，veryoften，’repliedMrsClements。

`DidyoueverobservethatAnnewaslikehim？’

`Shewasnotatalllikehim，sir。’

`Wasshelikehermother，then？’

`Notlikehermothereither，sir。MrsCatherickwasdark，andfullintheface。’

Notlikehermotherandnotlikeher(supposed)father。Iknewthatthetestbypersonalresemblancewasnottobeimplicitlytrusted，but，ontheotherhand，itwasnottobealtogetherrejectedonthataccount。WasitpossibletostrengthentheevidencebydiscoveringanyconclusivefactsinrelationtothelivesofMrsCatherickandSirPercivalbeforetheyeitherofthemappearedatOldWelmingham？WhenIaskedmynextquestionsIputthemwiththisview。

`WhenSirPercivalfirstarrivedinyourneighbourhood，’Isaid，`didyouhearwherehehadcomefromlast？’

`No，sir。SomesaidfromBlackwaterPark，andsomesaidfromScotland——butnobodyknew。’

`WasMrsCathericklivinginserviceatVarneckHallimmediatelybeforehermarriage？’

`Yes，sir。’

`Andhadshebeenlonginherplace？’

`Threeorfouryears，sir；Iamnotquitecertainwhich。’

`DidyoueverhearthenameofthegentlemantowhomVarneckHallbelongedatthattime？’

`Yes，sir。HisnamewasMajorDonthorne。’

`DidMrCatherick，ordidanyoneelseyouknew，everhearthatSirPercivalwasafriendofMajorDonthorne’s，oreverseeSirPercivalintheneighbourhoodofVarneckHall？’

`Catherickneverdid，sir，thatIcanremember——noranyoneelseeither，thatIknowof。’

InoteddownMajorDonthorne’snameandaddress，onthechancethathemightstillbealive，andthatitmightbeusefulatsomefuturetimetoapplytohim。Meanwhile，theimpressiononmymindwasnowdecidedlyadversetotheopinionthatSirPercivalwasAnne’sfather，anddecidedlyfavourabletotheconclusionthatthesecretofhisstoleninterviewswithMrsCatherickwasentirelyunconnectedwiththedisgracewhichthewomanhadinflictedonherhusband’sgoodname。IcouldthinkofnofurtherinquirieswhichImightmaketostrengthenthisimpression——IcouldonlyencourageMrsClementstospeaknextofAnne’searlydays，andwatchforanychance-suggestionwhichmightinthiswayofferitselftome。

`Ihavenotheardyet，’Isaid，`howthepoorchild，borninallthissinandmisery，cametobetrusted，MrsClements，toyourcare。’

`Therewasnobodyelse，sir，totakethelittlehelplesscreatureinhand，’repliedMrsClements。`Thewickedmotherseemedtohateit——asifthepoorbabywasinfault！——fromthedayitwasborn。Myheartwasheavyforthechild，andImadetheoffertobrineitupastenderlyasifitwasmyown。’

`DidAnneremainentirelyunderyourcarefromthattime？’

`Notquiteentirely，sir。MrsCatherickhadherwhimsandfanciesaboutitattimes，andusednowandthentolayclaimtothechild，asifshewantedtospitemeforbringingitup。Butthesefitsofhers，neverlastedforlong。PoorlittleAnnewasalwaysreturnedtome，andwasalwaysgladtogetback——thoughsheledbutagloomylifeinmyhouse，havingnoplay-mates，likeotherchildren，tobrightenherup。OurlongestseparationwaswhenhermothertookhertoLimmeridge。rustatthattimeIlostmyhusband，andIfeltitwasaswell，inthatmiserableaffliction，thatAnneshouldnotbeinthehouse。Shewasbetweentenandelevenyearsoldthen，slowatherlessons，poorsoul，andnotsocheerfulasotherchildren——butasprettyalittlegirltolookatasyouwouldwishtosee。Iwaitedathometillhermotherbroughtherback，andthenImadetheoffertotakeherwithmetoLondon——thetruthbeing，sir，thatIcouldnotfinditinmyhearttostopatOldWelminghamaftermyhusband’sdeath，theplacewassochangedandsodismaltome。’

`AnddidMrsCatherickconsenttoyourproposal？’

`No，sir。Shecamebackfromthenorthharderandbittererthanever。FolksdidsaythatshehadbeenobligedtoaskSirPercival’sleavetogo，tobeginwith；andthatsheonlywenttonurseherdyingsisteratLimmeridgebecausethepoorwomanwasreportedtohavesavedmoney——thetruthbeingthatshehardlyleftenoughtoburyher。ThesethingsmayhavesouredMrsCathericklikelyenough，buthoweverthatmaybe，shewouldn’thearofmytakingthechildaway。Sheseemedtolikedistressingusbothbypartingus。AllIcoulddowastogiveAnnemydirection，andtotellherprivately，ifshewaseverintrouble，tocometome。Butyearspassedbeforeshewasfreetocome。Ineversawheragain，poorsoul，tillthenightsheescapedfromthemad-house。’

`Youknow，MrsClements，whySirPercivalGlydeshutherup？’

`IonlyknowwhatAnneherselftoldme，sir。Thepoorthingusedtorambleandwanderaboutitsadly。ShesaidhermotherhadGotsomesecretofSirPercival’stokeep，andhadletitouttoherlongafterIleftHampshire——andwhenSirPercivalfoundsheknewit，heshutherup。ButshenevercouldsaywhatitwaswhenIaskedher。Allshecouldtellmewas，thathermothermightbetheruinanddestructionofSirPercivalifshechose。MrsCatherickmayhaveletoutjustasmuchasthat，andnomore。I’mnexttocertainIshouldhaveheardthewholetruthfromAnne，ifshehadreallyknownitasshepretendedtodo，andassheverylikelyfanciedshedid，poorsoul。’

Thisideahadmorethanonceoccurredtomyownmind。IhadalreadytoldMarianthatIdoubtedwhetherLaurawasreallyonthepointofmakinganyimportantdiscoverywhensheandAnneCatherickweredisturbedbyCountFoscoattheboat-house。ItwasperfectlyincharacterwithAnne’smentalafflictionthatsheshouldassumeanabsoluteknowledgeofthesecretonnobettergroundsthanvaguesuspicion，derivedfromhintswhichhermotherhadincautiouslyletdropinherpresence。SirPercival’sguiltydistrustwould，inthatcase，infalliblyinspirehimwiththefalseideathatAnneknewallfromhermother，justasithadafterwardsfixedinhismindtheequallyfalsesuspicionthathiswifeknewallfromAnne。

Thetimewaspassing，themorningwaswearingaway。Itwasdoubtful，ifIstayedlonger，whetherIshouldhearanythingmorefromMrsClementsthatwouldbeatallusefultomypurpose。Ihadalreadydiscoveredthoselocalandfamilyparticulars，inrelationtoMrsCatherick，ofwhichIhadbeeninsearch，andIhadarrivedatcertainconclusions，entirelynewtome，whichmightimmenselyassistindirectingthecourseofmyfutureproceedings。Irosetotakemyleave，andtothankMrsClementsforthefriendlyreadinessshehadshowninaffordingmeinformation。

`Iamafraidyoumusthavethoughtmeveryinquisitive，’Isaid。`Ihavetroubledyouwithmorequestionsthanmanypeoplewouldhavecaredtoanswer。’

`Youareheartilywelcome，sir，toanythingIcantellyou，’answeredMrsClements。Shestoppedandlookedatmewistfully。`ButIdowish，’saidthepoorwoman，`youcouldhavetoldmealittlemoreaboutAnne，sir。IthoughtIsawsomethinginyourfacewhenyoucameinwhichlookedasifyoucould。Youcan’tthinkhowharditisnoteventoknowwhethersheislivingordead。IcouldbearitbetterifIwasonlycertain。Yousaidyouneverexpectedweshouldseeheraliveagain。Doyouknow，sir——doyouknowfortruth——thatithaspleasedGodtotakeher？’

Iwasnotproofagainstthisappeal，itwouldhavebeenunspeakablymeanandcruelofmeifIhadresistedit。

`Iamafraidthereisnodoubtofthetruth，’Iansweredgently；`Ihavethecertaintyinmyownmindthathertroublesinthisworldareover。’

Thepoorwomandroppedintoherchairandhidherfacefromme。`Oh，sir，’shesaid，`howdoyouknowit？Whocanhavetoldyou？’

`Noonehastoldme，MrsClements。ButIhavereasonsforfeelingsureofit——reasonswhichIpromiseyoushallknowassoonasIcansafelyexplainthem。Iamcertainshewasnotneglectedinherlastmoments——Iamcertaintheheartcomplaintfromwhichshesufferedsosadlywasthetruecauseofherdeath。YoushallfeelassureofthisasIdo，soon——youshallknow，beforelong，thatsheisburiedinaquietcountrychurchyard——inaprettypeacefulplace，whichyoumighthavechosenforheryourself。’

`Dead！’saidMrsClements，`deadsoyoung，andIamlefttohearit！Imadeherfirstshortfrocks。Itaughthertowalk。ThefirsttimesheeversaidMothershesaidittome——andnowIamleftandAnneistaken！Didyousay，sir，’saidthepoorwoman，removingthehandkerchieffromherface，andlookingupatmeforthefirsttime，`didyousaythatshehadbeennicelyburied？Wasitthesortoffuneralshemighthavehadifshehadreallybeenmyownchild？’

Iassuredherthatitwas。Sheseemedtotakeaninexplicableprideinmyanswer——tofindacomfortinitwhichnootherandhigherconsiderationscouldafford。`Itwouldhavebrokenmyheart，’shesaidsimply，`ifAnnehadnotbeennicelyburied——buthowdoyouknowit，sir？whotoldyou？’IoncemoreentreatedhertowaituntilIcouldspeaktoherunreservedly。`Youaresuretoseemeagain，’Isaid。`forIhaveafavourtoaskwhenyouarealittlemorecomposed——perhapsinadayortwo。’

`Don’tkeepitwaiting，sir，onmyaccount，’saidMrsClements。`NevermindmycryingifIcanbeofuse。Ifyouhaveanythingonyourmindtosaytome，sir，pleasetosayitnow。’

`Ionlywishtoaskyouonelastquestion，’Isaid。`IonlywanttoknowMrsCatherick’saddressatWelmingham。’

MyrequestsostartledMrsClements，that，forthemoment，eventhetidingsofAnne’sdeathseemedtobedrivenfromhermind。Hertearssuddenlyceasedtoflow，andshesatlookingatmeinblankamazement。

`FortheLord’ssake，sir！’shesaid，`whatdoyouwantwithMrsCatherick！’

`Iwantthis，MrsClements，’Ireplied，`IwanttoknowthesecretofthoseprivatemeetingsofherswithSirPercivalGlyde。Thereissomethingmoreinwhatyouhavetoldmeofthatwoman’spastconduct，andofthatman’spastrelationswithher，thanyouoranyofyourneighbourseversuspected。Thereisasecretwenoneofusknowbetweenthosetwo，andIamgoingtoMrsCatherickwiththeresolutiontofinditout。’

`Thinktwiceaboutit，sir！’saidMrsClements，risinginherearnestnessandlayingherhandonmyarm。`She’sanawfulwoman——youdon’tknowherasIdo。Thinktwiceaboutit。’

`Iamsureyourwarningiskindlymeant，MrsClements。ButIamdeterminedtoseethewoman，whatevercomesofit。’

MrsClementslookedmeanxiouslyintheface。

`Iseeyourmindismadeup，sir，’shesaid。`Iwillgiveyoutheaddress。’

Iwroteitdowninmypocket-bookandthentookherhandtosayfarewell。

`Youshallhearfrommesoon，’Isaid；`youshallknowallthatIhavepromisedtotellyou。’

MrsClementssighedandshookherheaddoubtfully。

`Anoldwoman’sadviceissometimesworthtaking，sir，’shesaid。`ThinktwicebeforeyougotoWelmingham。’

WhenIreachedhomeagainaftermyinterviewwithMrsClements，IwasstruckbytheappearanceofachangeinLaura。

Theunvaryinggentlenessandpatiencewhichlongmisfortunehadtriedsocruellyandhadneverconqueredyet，seemednowtohavesuddenlyfailedher。InsensibletoallMarian’sattemptstosootheandamuseher，shesatwithherneglecteddrawingpushedawayonthetable，hereyesresolutelycastdown，herfingerstwininganduntwiningthemselvesrestlesslyinherlap。MarianrosewhenIcamein，withasilentdistressinherface，waitedforamomenttoseeifLaurawouldlookupatmyapproach，whisperedtome，`Tryifyoucanrouseher，’andlefttheroom。

Isatdowninthevacantchair——gentlyunclaspedthepoor，worn，restlessfingers，andtookbothherhandsinmine。

`Whatareyouthinkingof，Laura？Tellme，mydarling——tryandtellmewhatitis。’

Shestruggledwithherself，andraisedhereyestomine。`Ican’tfeelhappy，’shesaid，`Ican’thelpthinking——’Shestopped，bentforwardalittle，andlaidherheadonmyshoulder，withaterriblemutehelplessnessthatstruckmetotheheart。

`Trytotellme，’Irepeatedgently；`trytotellmewhyyouarenothappy。’

`Iamsouseless——Iamsuchaburdenonbothofyou，’sheanswered，withaweary，hopelesssigh。`Youworkandgetmoney，Walter，andMarianhelpsyou。WhyistherenothingIcando！YouwillendinlikingMarianbetterthanyoulikeme——youwill，becauseIamsohelpless！Oh，don’t，don’t，don’ttreatmelikeachild！’

Iraisedherhead，andsmoothedawaythetangledhairthatfelloverherfaceandkissedher——mypoor，fadedflower！mylost，afflictedsister！`Youshallhelpus，Laura，’Isaid，`youshallbegin，mydarling，today。’

Shelookedatmewithafeverisheagerness，withabreathlessinterest，thatmademetrembleforthenewlifeofhopewhichIhadcalledintobeingbythosefewwords。

Irose，andsetherdrawingmaterialsinorder，andplacedthemnearheragain。

`YouknowthatIworkandgetmoneybydrawing，’Isaid。`Nowyouhavetakensuchpains，nowyouaresomuchimproved，youshallbegintoworkandgetmoneytoo。Trytofinishthislittlesketchasnicelyandprettilyasyoucan。WhenitisdoneIwilltakeitawaywithme，andthesamepersonwillbuyitwhobuysallthatIdo。Youshallkeepyourownearningsinyourownpurse，andMarianshallcometoyoutohelpus，asoftenasshecomestome。Thinkhowusefulyouaregoingtomakeyourselftobothofus，andyouwillsoonbeashappy，Laura，asthedayislong。’

Herfacegreweager，andbrightenedintoasmile。Inthemomentwhileitlasted。inthemomentwhensheagaintookupthepencilsthathadbeenlaidaside，shealmostlookedliketheLauraofpastdays。

Ihadrightlyinterpretedthefirstsignsofanewgrowthandstrengthinhermind，unconsciouslyexpressingthemselvesinthenoticeshehadtakenoftheoccupationswhichfilledhersister’slifeandmine。Marian(whenItoldherwhathadpassed)saw，aslsaw，thatshewaslongingtoassumeherownlittlepositionofimportance，toraiseherselfinherownestimationandinours——and，fromthatday，wetenderlyhelpedthenewambitionwhichgavepromiseofthehopeful，happierfuture，thatmightnownotbefaroff。Herdrawings，asshefinishedthem，ortriedtofinishthem，wereplacedinmyhands。Mariantookthemfrommeandhidthemcarefully，andIsetasidealittleweeklytributefrommyearnings，tobeofferedtoherasthepricepaidbystrangersforthepoor，faint，valuelesssketches，ofwhichIwastheonlypurchaser。Itwashardsometimestomaintainourinnocentdeception，whensheproudlybroughtoutherpursetocontributehersharetowardstheexpenses，andwonderedwithseriousinterest，whetherIorshehadearnedthemostthatweek。Ihaveallthosehiddendrawingsinmypossessionstill——theyaremytreasuresbeyondprice——thedearremembrancesthatIlovetokeepalive——thefriendsinpastadversitythatmyheartwillneverpartfrom，mytendernessneverforget。

AmItrifling，here，withthenecessitiesofmytask？amIlookingforwardtothehappiertimewhichmynarrativehasnotyetreached？Yes。Backagain——backtothedaysofdoubtanddread，whenthespiritwithinmestruggledhardforitslife，intheicystillnessofperpetualsuspense。Ihavepausedandrestedforawhileonmyforwardcourse。Itisnot，perhaps，timewasted，ifthefriendswhoreadthesepageshavepausedandrestedtoo。

ItookthefirstopportunityIcouldfindofspeakingtoMarianinprivate，andofcommunicatingtohertheresultoftheinquirieswhichIhadmadethatmorning。SheseemedtosharetheopiniononthesubjectofmyproposedjourneytoWelmingham，whichMrsClementshadalreadyexpressedtome。

`Surely，Walter，’shesaid，`youhardlyknowenoughyettogiveyouanyhopeofclaimingMrsCatherick’sconfidence？Isitwisetoproceedtotheseextremities，beforeyouhavereallyexhaustedallsaferandsimplermeansofattainingyourobject？WhenyoutoldmethatSirPercivalandtheCountweretheonlytwopeopleinexistencewhoknewtheexactdateofLaura’sjourney，youforgot，andIforgot，thattherewasathirdpersonwhomustsurelyknowit——ImeanMrsRubelle。Woulditnotbefareasier，andfarlessdangerous，toinsistonaconfessionfromher，thantoforceitfromSirPercival？’

`Itmightbeeasier，’Ireplied，`butwearenotawareofthefullextentofMrsRubelle’sconnivanceandinterestintheconspiracy，andwearethereforenotcertainthatthedatehasbeenimpressedonhermind，asithasbeenassuredlyimpressedonthemindsofSirPercivalandtheCount。Itistoolate，now，towastethetimeonMrsRubelle，whichmaybeall-importanttothediscoveryoftheoneassailablepointinSirPercival’slife。Areyouthinkingalittletooseriously，Marian，oftheriskImayruninreturningtoHampshire？AreyoubeginningtodoubtwhetherSirPercivalGlydemaynotintheendbemorethanamatchforme？’

`Hewillnotbemorethanyourmatch，’shereplieddecidedly，`becausehewillnotbehelpedinresistingyoubytheimpenetrablewickednessoftheCount。’

`Whathasledyoutothatconclusion？’Iasked，insomesurprise。

`MyownknowledgeofSirPercival’sobstinacyandimpatienceoftheCount’scontrol，’sheanswered。`Ibelievehewillinsistonmeetingyousingle-handed——justasheinsistedatfirstonactingforhimselfatBlackwaterPark。ThetimeforsuspectingtheCount’sinterferencewillbethetimewhenyouhaveSirPercivalatyourmercy。Hisowninterestswillthenbedirectlythreatened，andhewillact，Walter，toterriblepurposeinhisowndefence。’

`Wemaydeprivehimofhisweaponsbeforehand，’Isaid。`SomeoftheparticularsIhaveheardfromMrsClementsmayyetbeturnedtoaccountagainsthim，andothermeansofstrengtheningthecasemaybeatourdisposal。TherearepassagesinMrsMichelson’snarrativewhichshowthattheCountfounditnecessarytoplacehimselfincommunicationwithMrFairlie，andtheremaybecircumstanceswhichcompromisehiminthatproceeding。WhileIamaway，Marian，writetoMrFairlieandsaythatyouwantananswerdescribingexactlywhatpassedbetweentheCountandhimself，andinformingyoualsoofanyparticularsthatmayhavecometohisknowledgeatthesametimeinconnectionwithhisniece。Tellhimthatthestatementyourequestwill，soonerorlater，beinsistedon，ifheshowsanyreluctancetofurnishyouwithitofhisownaccord。’

`Thelettershallbewritten，Walter。ButareyoureallydeterminedtogotoWelmingham？’

`Absolutelydetermined。Iwilldevotethenexttwodaystoearningwhatwewantfortheweektocome，andonthethirddayIgotoHampshire。’

WhenthethirddaycameIwasreadyformyjourney。

AsitwaspossiblethatImightbeabsentforsomelittletime，IarrangedwithMarianthatweweretocorrespondeveryday——ofcourseaddressingeachotherbyassumednames，forcaution’ssake。AslongasIheardfromherregularly，Ishouldassumethatnothingwaswrong。Butifthemorningcameandbroughtmenoletter，myreturntoLondonwouldtakeplace，asamatterofcourse，bythefirsttrain。IcontrivedtoreconcileLauratomydeparturebytellingherthatIwasgoingtothecountrytofindnewpurchasersforherdrawingsandformine，andIleftheroccupiedandhappy。Marianfollowedmedownstairstothestreetdoor。

`Rememberwhatanxiousheartsyouleavehere，’shewhispered，aswestoodtogetherinthepassage。`Rememberallthehopesthathangonyoursafereturn。Ifstrangethingshappentoyouonthisjourney——ifyouandSirPercivalmeet——’

`Whatmakesyouthinkweshallmeet？’Iasked。

`Idon’tknow——IhavefearsandfanciesthatIcannotaccountfor。Laughatthem，Walter，ifyoulike——but，forGod’ssake，keepyourtemperifyoucomeincontactwiththatman！’

`Neverfear，Marian！Ianswerformyself-control。’

Withthosewordsweparted。

Iwalkedbrisklytothestation。Therewasaglowofhopeinme。Therewasagrowingconvictioninmymindthatmyjourneythistimewouldnotbetakeninvain。Itwasafine，clear，coldmorning。Mynerveswerefirmlystrung，andIfeltallthestrengthofmyresolutionstirringinmevigorouslyfromheadtofoot。

AsIcrossedtherailwayplatform，andlookedrightandleftamongthepeoplecongregatedonit，tosearchforanyfacesamongthemthatIknew，thedoubtoccurredtomewhetheritmightnothavebeentomyadvantageifIhadadoptedadisguisebeforesettingoutforHampshire。Buttherewassomethingsorepellenttomeintheidea——somethingsomeanlylikethecommonherdofspiesandinformersinthemereactofadoptingadisguise——thatIdismissedthequestionfromconsiderationalmostassoonasithadriseninmymind。Evenasamerematterofexpediencytheproceedingwasdoubtfulintheextreme。IfItriedtheexperimentathomethelandlordofthehousewouldsoonerorlaterdiscoverme，andwouldhavehissuspicionsarousedimmediately。IfItrieditawayfromhomethesamepersonsmightseeme，bythecommonestaccident，withthedisguiseandwithoutit，andIshouldinthatwaybeinvitingthenoticeanddistrustwhichitwasmymostpressinginteresttoavoid。InmyowncharacterIhadactedthusfar——andinmyowncharacterIwasresolvedtocontinuetotheend。

ThetrainleftmeatWelminghamearlyintheafternoon。

IsthereanywildernessofsandinthedesertsofArabia，isthereanyprospectofdesolationamongtheruinsofPalestine，whichcanrivaltherepellingeffectontheeye，andthedepressinginfluenceonthemind，ofanEnglishcountrytowninthefirststageofitsexistence，andinthetransitionstateofitsprosperity？IaskedmyselfthatquestionasIpassedthroughthecleandesolation，theneatugliness，theprimtorPorofthestreetsofWelmingham。Andthetradesmenwhostaredaftermefromtheirlonelyshops——thetreesthatdroopedhelplessintheiraridexileofunfinishedcrescentsandsquares——thedeadhouse-carcassesthatwaitedinvainforthevivifyinghumanelementtoanimatethemwiththebreathoflife——everycreaturethatIsaw，everyobjectthatIpassed，seemedtoanswerwithoneaccord:ThedesertsofArabiaareinnocentofourciviliseddesolation——theruinsofPalestineareincapableofourmoderngloom！

IinquiredmywaytothequarterofthetowninwhichMrsCathericklived，andonreachingitfoundmyselfinasquareofsmallhouses，onestoryhigh。Therewasabarelittleplotofgrassinthemiddle，protectedbyacheapwirefence。Anelderlynursemaidandtwochildrenwerestandinginacorneroftheenclosure，lookingataleangoattetheredtothegrass。Twofoot-passengersweretalkingtogetherononesideofthepavementbeforethehouses，andanidlelittleboywasleadinganidlelittledogalongbyastringontheother。Iheardthedulltinklingofapianoatadistance，accompaniedbytheintermittentknockingofahammernearerathand。ThesewereallthesightsandsoundsoflifethatencounteredmewhenIenteredthesquare。

IwalkedatoncetothedoorofNumberThirteen——thenumberofMrsCatherick’shouse——andknocked，withoutwaitingtoconsiderbeforehandhowImightbestpresentmyselfwhenIgotin。ThefirstnecessitywastoseeMrsCatherick。Icouldthenjudge，frommyownobservation，ofthesafestandeasiestmannerofapproachingtheobjectofmyvisit。

Thedoorwasopenedbyamelancholymiddle-agedwomanservant。Igavehermycard，andaskedifIcouldseeMrsCatherick。Thecardwastakenintothefrontparlour，andtheservantreturnedwithamessagerequestingmetomentionwhatmybusinesswas。

`Say，ifyouplease，thatmybusinessrelatestoMrsCatherick’sdaughter，’Ireplied。ThiswasthebestpretextIcouldthinkof，onthespurofthemoment，toaccountformyvisit。

Theservantagainretiredtotheparlour，againreturned，andthistimebeggedme，withalookofgloomyamazement，towalkin。

Ienteredalittleroom，withaflaringpaperofthelargestpatternonthewalls。Chairs，tables，chiffonier，andsofa，allgleamedwiththeglutinousbrightnessofcheapupholstery。Onthelargesttable，inthemiddleoftheroom，stoodasmartBible，placedexactlyinthecentreonaredandyellowwoollenmat；andatthesideofthetablenearesttothewindow，withalittleknitting-basketonherlap，andawheezing，blear-eyedoldspanielcrouchedatherfeet，theresatanelderlywoman，wearingablacknetcapandablacksilkgown，andhavingslate-colouredmittensonherhands。Heriron-greyhairhunginheavybandsoneithersideofherface——herdarkeyeslookedstraightforward，withahard，defiant，implacablestare。Shehadfullsquarecheeks，along，firmchin，andthick，sensual，colourlesslips。Herfigurewasstoutandsturdy，andhermanneraggressivelyself-possessed。ThiswasMrsCatherick。

`Youhavecometospeaktomeaboutmydaughter，’shesaid，beforeIcouldutterawordonmyside。`Besogoodastomentionwhatyouhavetosay。’

Thetoneofhervoicewasashard，asdefiant，asimplacableastheexpressionofhereyes。Shepointedtoachair，andlookedmealloverattentively，fromheadtofoot，asIsatdowninit。Isawthatmyonlychancewiththiswomanwastospeaktoherinherowntone，andtomeether，attheoutsetofourinterview，onherownground。

`Youareaware，’Isaid，`thatyourdaughterhasbeenlost？’

`Iamperfectlyawareofit。’

`Haveyoufeltanyapprehensionthatthemisfortuneofherlossmightbefollowedbythemisfortuneofherdeath？’

`Yes。Haveyoucomeheretotellmesheisdead？’

`Ihave。’

`Why？’

Sheputthatextraordinaryquestionwithouttheslightestchangeinhervoice，herface，orhermaimer。ShecouldnothaveappearedmoreperfectlyunconcernedifIhadtoldherofthedeathofthegoatintheenclosureoutside。

`Why？’Irepeated。`DoyouaskwhyIcomeheretotellyouofyourdaughter’sdeath？’

`Yes。Whatinteresthaveyouinme，orinher？Howdoyoucometoknowanythingaboutmydaughter？’

`Inthisway。ImetheronthenightwhensheescapedfromtheAsylum，andIassistedherinreachingaplaceofsafety。’

`Youdidverywrong。’

`Iamsorrytohearhermothersayso。’

`Hermotherdoessayso。Howdoyouknowsheisdead？’

`IamnotatlibertytosayhowIknowit-butIdoknowit。’

`Areyouatlibertytosayhowyoufoundoutmyaddress？’

`Certainly。IgotyouraddressfromMrsClements。’

`MrsClementsisafoolishwoman。Didshetellyoutocomehere？’

`Shedidnot。’

`Then，Iaskyouagain，whydidyoucome？’

Asshewasdeterminedtohaveheranswer，Igaveittoherintheplainestpossibleform。

`Icame，’Isaid，`becauseIthoughtAnneCatherick’smothermighthavesomenaturalinterestinknowingwhethershewasaliveordead。’

`Justso，’saidMrsCatherick，withadditionalself-possession。`Hadyounoothermotive？’

Ihesitated。Therightanswertothatquestionwasnoteasytofindatamoment’snotice。

`Ifyouhavenoothermotive，’shewenton，deliberatelytakingoffherslate-colouredmittens，androllingthemup，`Ihaveonlytothankyouforyourvisit，andtosaythatIwillnotdetainyouhereanylonger。Yourinformationwouldbemoresatisfactoryifyouwerewillingtoexplainhowyoubecamepossessedofit。However，itjustifiesme，Isuppose，ingoingintomourning。Thereisnotmuchalterationnecessaryinmydress，asyousee。WhenIhavechangedmymittens，Ishallbeallinblack。’

Shesearchedinthepocketofhergown，drewoutapairofblacklacemittens，putthemonwiththestoniestandsteadiestcomposure，andthenquietlycrossedherhandsinherlap。

`Iwishyougoodmorning，’shesaid。

Thecoolcontemptofhermannerirritatedmeintodirectlyavowingthatthepurposeofmyvisithadnotbeenansweredyet。

`Ihaveanothermotiveincominghere，’Isaid。

`Ah！Ithoughtso，’remarkedMrsCatherick。

`Yourdaughter’sdeath——’

`Whatdidshedieof？’

`Ofdiseaseoftheheart。’

`Yes。Goon。’

`Yourdaughter’sdeathhasbeenmadethepretextforinflictingseriousinjuryonapersonwhoisverydeartome。Twomenhavebeenconcerned，tomycertainknowledge，indoingthatwrong。OneofthemisSirPercivalGlyde。’

`Indeed！’

Ilookedattentivelytoseeifsheflinchedatthesuddenmentionofthatname。Notamuscleofherstirred——thehard，defiant，implacablestareinhereyesneverwaveredforaninstant。

`Youmaywonder，’Iwenton，`howtheeventofyourdaughter’sdeathcanhavebeenmadethemeansofinflictinginjuryonanotherperson。’

`No。’saidMrsCatherick；`Idon’twonderatall。Thisappearstobeyouraffair。Youareinterestedinmyaffairs。Iamnotinterestedinyours。’

`Youmayask，then，’Ipersisted，`whyImentionthematterinyourpresence。’

`Yes，Idoaskthat。’

`ImentionitbecauseIamdeterminedtobringSirPercivalGlydetoaccountforthewickednesshehascommitted。’

`WhathaveItodowithyourdetermination？’

`Youshallhear。TherearecertaineventsinSirPercival’spastlifewhichitisnecessaryformypurposetobefullyacquaintedwith。Youknowthem——andforthatreasonIcometoyou。’

`Whateventsdoyoumean？’

`EventsthatoccurredatOldWelminghamwhenyourhusbandwasparish-clerkatthatplace，andbeforethetimewhenyourdaughterwasborn。’

Ihadreachedthewomanatlastthroughthebarrierofimpenetrablereservethatshehadtriedtosetupbetweenus。Isawhertempersmoulderinginhereyes——asplainlyasIsawherhandsgrowrestless，thenunclaspthemselves，andbeginmechanicallysmoothingherdressoverherknees。

`Whatdoyouknowofthoseevents？’sheasked。

`AllthatMrsClementscouldtellme，’Ianswered。

Therewasamomentaryflushonherfirmsquareface，amomentarystillnessinherrestlesshands，whichseemedtobetokenacomingoutburstofangerthatmightthrowheroffherguard。Butno——shemasteredtherisingirritation，leanedbackinherchair，crossedherarmsonherbroadbosom，andwithasmileofgrimsarcasmonherthicklips，lookedatmeassteadilyasever。

`Ah！Ibegintounderstanditallnow，’shesaid，hertamedanddisciplinedangeronlyexpressingitselfintheelaboratemockeryofhertoneandmanner。`YouhavegotagrudgeofyourownagainstSirPercivalGlyde，andImusthelpyoutowreakit。Imusttellyouthis，that，andtheotheraboutSirPercivalandmyself，mustI？Yes，indeed？Youhavebeenpryingintomyprivateaffairs。Youthinkyouhavefoundalostwomantodealwith，wholiveshereonsufferance，andwhowilldoanythingyouaskforfearyoumayinjureherintheopinionsofthetown’speople。Iseethroughyouandyourpreciousspeculation——Ido！anditamusesme。Ha！ha！’

Shestoppedforamoment，herarmstightenedoverherbosom，andshelaughedtoherself——ahard，harsh，angrylaugh。

`Youdon’tknowhowIhavelivedinthisplace，andwhatIhavedoneinthisplace，MrWhat’s-your-name，’shewenton。`I’lltellyou，beforeIringthebellandhaveyoushownout。Icamehereawrongedwoman——Icamehererobbedofmycharacteranddeterminedtoclaimitback。I’vebeenyearsandyearsaboutIt——andIhaveclaimeditback。Ihavematchedtherespectablepeoplefairlyandopenlyontheirownground。Iftheysayanythingagainstmenowtheymustsayitinsecret——theycan’tsayit，theydaren’tsayit，openly。Istandhighenoughinthistowntobeoutofyourreach。Theclergymanbowstome。Aha！youdidn’tbargainforthatwhenyoucamehere。Gotothechurchandinquireaboutme——youwillfindMrsCatherickhashersittingliketherestofthem，andpaystherentonthedayit’sdue。Gotothetown-hall。There’sapetitionlyingthere——apetitionoftherespectableinhabitantsagainstallowingacircustocomeandperformhereandcorruptourmorals——yes！ourmorals。Isignedthatpetitionthismorning。Gotothebookseller’sshop。Theclergyman’sWednesdayeveningLecturesonJustificationbyFaitharepublishingtherebysubscription——I’mdownonthelist。Thedoctor’swifeonlyputashillingintheplateatourlastcharitysermon——Iputhalf-a-crown。MrChurchwardenSowardheldthePlate，andbowedtome。TenyearsagohetoldPigrumthechemistIoughttobewhippedoutofthetownatthecart’stail。Isyourmotheralive？HasshegotabetterBibleonhertablethanIhavegotonmine？Doesshestandbetterwithhertrades-peoplethanIdowithmine？Hasshealwayslivedwithinherincome？Ihavealwayslivedwithinmine。Ah！thereistheclergymancomingalongthesquare。Look，MrWhat’s-your-name——look，ifyouplease！’

Shestartedupwiththeactivityofayoungwoman，wenttothewindow，waitedtilltheclergymanpassed，andbowedtohimsolemnly。Theclergymanceremoniouslyraisedhishat，andwalkedon。MrsCatherickreturnedtoherchair，andlookedatmewithagrimmersarcasmthanever。

`There！’shesaid。`Whatdoyouthinkofthatforawomanwithalostcharacter？Howdoesyourspeculationlooknow？’

Thesingularmannerinwhichshehadchosentoassertherself，theextraordinarypracticalvindicationofherpositioninthetownwhichshehadjustoffered，hadsoperplexedmethatIlistenedtoherinsilentsurprise。Iwasnotthelessresolved，however，tomakeanotherefforttothrowheroffherguard。Ifthewoman’sfiercetemperoncegotbeyondhercontrol，andonceflamedoutonme，shemightyetsaythewordswhichwouldputtheclueinmyhands。

`Howdoesyourspeculationlooknow？’sherepeated。

`ExactlyasitlookedwhenIfirstcamein，’Ianswered。`Idon’tdoubtthepositionyouhavegainedinthetown，andIdon’twishtoassailitevenifIcould。IcameherebecauseSirPercivalGlydeis，tomycertainknowledge，yourenemy，aswellasmine。IfIhaveagrudgeagainsthim，youhaveagrudgeagainsthimtoo。Youmaydenyitifyoulike，youmaydistrustmeasmuchasyouplease，youmaybeasangryasyouwill——but，ofallthewomeninEngland，you，ifyouhaveanysenseofinjury，arethewomanwhooughttohelpmetocrushthatman。’

`Crushhimforyourself，’shesaid；`thencomebackhere，andseewhatIsaytoyou。’

Shespokethosewordsasshehadnotspokenyet，quickly，fiercely，vindictively。Ihadstirredinitslairtheserpent-hatredofyears，butonlyforamoment。LikealurkingreptileitleapedupatmeassheeagerlybentforwardtowardstheplaceinwhichIwassitting。Likealurkingreptileitdroppedoutofsightagainassheinstantlyresumedherformerpositioninthechair。

`Youwon’ttrustme？’Isaid。

`No。’

`Youareafraid？’

`DoIlookasifIwas？’

`YouareafraidofSirPercivalGlyde。’

`AmI？’

Hercolourwasrising，andherhandswereatworkagainsmoothinghergown。Ipressedthepointfartherandfartherhome，Iwentonwithoutallowingheramomentofdelay。

`SirPercivalhasahighpositionintheworld，’Isaid；`itwouldbenowonderifyouwereafraidofhim。SirPercivalisapowerfulman，abaronet，thepossessorofafineestate，thedescendantofagreatfamily——’

Sheamazedmebeyondexpressionbysuddenlyburstingoutlaughing。

`Yes，’sherepeated，intonesofthebitterest，steadiestcontempt。`Abaronet，thepossessorofafineestate，thedescendantofagreatfamily。Yes，indeed！agreatfamily——especiallybythemother’sside。’

Therewasnotimetoreflectonthewordsthathadjustescapedher，therewasonlytimetofeelthattheywerewellworththinkingoverthemomentIleftthehouse。

`Iamnotheretodisputewithyouaboutfamilyquestions，’Isaid。`IknownothingofSirPercival’smother——’

`AndyouknowaslittleofSirPercivalhimself，’sheinterposedsharply，

`Iadviseyounottobetoosureofthat，’Irejoined。`Iknowsomethingsabouthim，andIsuspectmanymore。’

`Whatdoyoususpect？’

`I’lltellyouwhatIdon’tsuspect。Idon’tsuspecthimofbeingAnne’sfather。’

Shestartedtoherfeet，andcamecloseuptomewithalookoffury。

`HowdareyoutalktomeaboutAnne’sfather！Howdareyousaywhowasherfather，orwhowasn’t！’shebrokeout，herfacequivering，hervoicetremblingwithpassion。

`ThesecretbetweenyouandSirPercivalisnotthatsecret，’Ipersisted。`ThemysterywhichdarkensSirPercival’slifewasnotbornwithyourdaughter’sbirth，andhasnotdiedwithyourdaughter’sdeath。’

Shedrewbackastep。`Go！’shesaid，andpointedsternlytothedoor。

`Therewasnothoughtofthechildinyourheartorinhis，’Iwenton，determinedtopressherbacktoherlastdefences。`Therewasnobondofguiltylovebetweenyouandhimwhenyouheldthosestolenmeetings，whenyourhusbandfoundyouwhisperingtogetherunderthevestryofthechurch。’

Herpointinghandinstantlydroppedtoherside，andthedeepflushofangerfadedfromherfacewhileIspoke。Isawthechangepassoverher——Isawthathard，firm，fearless，self-possessedwomanquailunderaterrorwhichherutmostresolutionwasnotstrongenoughtoresistwhenIsaidthosefivelastwords，`thevestryofthechurch。’

Foraminuteormorewestoodlookingateachotherinsilence。Ispokefirst。

`Doyoustillrefusetotrustme？’Iasked。

Shecouldnotcallthecolourthathadleftitbacktoherface，butshehadsteadiedhervoice，shehadrecoveredthedefiantself-possessionofhermannerwhensheansweredme。

`Idorefuse，’shesaid。

`Doyoustilltellmetogo？’

`Yes。Go——andnevercomeback。’

Iwalkedtothedoor，waitedamomentbeforeIopenedit，andturnedroundtolookatheragain。

`ImayhavenewstobrineyouofSirPercivalwhichyoudon’texpect，’Isaid，`andinthatcaseIshallcomeback。’

`ThereisnonewsofSirPercivalthatIdon’texpect，except——’

Shestopped，herpalefacedarkened，andshestolebackwithaquiet，stealthy，cat-likesteptoherchair。

`Exceptthenewsofhisdeath，’shesaid，sittingdownagain，withthemockeryofasmilejusthoveringonhercruellips，andthefurtivelightofhatredlurkingdeepinhersteadyeyes。

AsIopenedthedooroftheroomtogoout，shelookedroundatmequickly。Thecruelsmileslowlywidenedherlips——sheeyedme，withastrangestealthyinterest，fromheadtofoot——anunutterableexpectationshoweditselfwickedlyalloverherface。Wasshespeculating，inthesecrecyofherownheart，onmyyouthandstrength，ontheforceofmysenseofinjuryandthelimitsofmyself-control，andwassheconsideringthelengthstowhichtheymightcarryme，ifSirPercivalandIeverchancedtomeet？Thebaredoubtthatitmightbesodrovemefromherpresence，andsilencedeventhecommonformsoffarewellonmylips。Withoutawordmore，onmysideoronhers，Ilefttheroom。

AsIopenedtheouterdoor，Isawthesameclergymanwhohadalreadypassedthehouseonce，abouttopassitagain，onhiswaybackthroughthesquare。Iwaitedonthedoor-steptolethimgoby，andlookedround，asIdidso，attheparlourwindow。

MrsCatherickhadheardhisfootstepsapproaching，inthesilenceofthatlonelyplace，andshewasonherfeetatthewindowagain，waitingforhim。NotallthestrengthofalltheterriblepassionsIhadrousedinthatwoman’sheart，couldloosenherdesperateholdontheonefragmentofsocialconsiderationwhichyearsofresoluteefforthadjustdraggedwithinhergrasp。Thereshewasagain，notaminuteafterIhadlefther，placedpurposelyinapositionwhichmadeitamatterofcommoncourtesyonthepartoftheclergymantobowtoherforasecondtime。Heraisedhishatoncemore。Isawthehardghastlyfacebehindthewindowsoften，andlightupwithgratifiedpride——Isawtheheadwiththegrimblackcapbendceremoniouslyinreturn。Theclergymanhadbowedtoher，andinmypresence，twiceinoneday！