\"IdidallIcouldtopleadforthehelplessones，\"heresumed。\"Iwentroundamongtheholdersofthelandtosayawordforthetillersoftheland。\'Thesepatientpeopledon\'twantmuch\'Isaid；\'inthenameofChrist，givethemenoughtoliveon！\'PoliticalEconomyshriekedatthehorridproposal；theLawsofSupplyandDemandveiledtheirmajesticfacesindismay。Starvationwagesweretherightwages，Iwastold。Andwhy？Becausethelaborerwasobligedtoacceptthem！Idetermined，sofarasonemancoulddoit，thatthelaborershouldnotbeobligedtoacceptthem。Icollectedmyownresources——Iwrotetomyfriends——andIremovedsomeofthepoorfellowstopartsofEnglandwheretheirworkwasbetterpaid。Suchwastheconductwhichmadetheneighborhoodtoohottoholdme。Soletitbe！Imeantogoon。IamknowninLondon；Icanraisesubscriptions。ThevileLawsofSupplyandDemandshallfindlaborscarceinthatagriculturaldistrict；andpitilessPoliticalEconomyshallspendafewextrashillingsonthepoor，ascertainlyasIamthatRadical，Communist，andIncendiary——JulianGray！\"
Herose——makingalittlegestureofapologyforthewarmthwithwhichhehadspoken——andtookaturnintheroom。Firedbyhisenthusiasm，Mercyfollowedhim。Herpursewasinherhand，whenheturnedandfacedher。
\"Prayletmeoffermylittletribute——suchasitis！\"shesaid，eagerly。
Amomentaryflushspreadoverhispalecheeksashelookedatthebeautifulcompassionatefacepleadingwithhim。
\"No！no！\"hesaid，smiling；\"thoughIamaparson，Idon\'tcarrythebegging-boxeverywhere。\"Mercyattemptedtopressthepurseonhim。Thequainthumorbegantotwinkleagaininhiseyesasheabruptlydrewbackfromit。\"Don\'ttemptme！\"hesaid。\"Thefrailestofallhumancreaturesisaclergymantemptedbyasubscription。\"Mercypersisted，andconquered；shemadehimprovethetruthofhisownprofoundobservationofclericalhumannaturebytakingapieceofmoneyfromthepurse。\"IfImusttakeit——Imust！\"heremarked。\"Thankyouforsettingthegoodexample！thankyouforgivingthetimelyhelp！WhatnameshallIputdownonmylist？\"
Mercy\'seyeslookedconfusedlyawayfromhim。\"Noname，\"shesaid，inalowvoice。\"Mysubscriptionisanonymous。\"
Asshereplied，thelibrarydooropened。Toherinfiniterelief——toJulian\'ssecretdisappointment——LadyJanetRoyandHoraceHolmcroftenteredtheroomtogether。
\"Julian！\"exclaimedLadyJanet，holdingupherhandsinastonishment。
Hekissedhisauntonthecheek。\"Yourladyshipislookingcharmingly。\"HegavehishandtoHorace。Horacetookit，andpassedontoMercy。Theywalkedawaytogetherslowlytotheotherendoftheroom。Julianseizedonthechancewhichlefthimfreetospeakprivatelytohisaunt。
\"Icameinthroughtheconservatory，\"hesaid。\"AndIfoundthatyoungladyintheroom。Whoisshe？\"
\"Areyouverymuchinterestedinher？\"askedLadyJanet，inhergravelyironicalway。
Julianansweredinoneexpressiveword。\"Indescribably！\"
LadyJanetcalledtoMercytojoinher。
\"Mydear，\"shesaid，\"letmeformallypresentmynephewtoyou。Julian，thisisMissGraceRoseberry——\"Shesuddenlycheckedherself。Theinstantshepronouncedthename，Julianstartedasifitwasasurprisetohim。\"Whatisit？\"sheasked，sharply。
\"Nothing，\"heanswered，bowingtoMercy，withamarkedabsenceofhisformereaseofmanner。Shereturnedthecourtesyalittlerestrainedlyonherside。She，too，hadseenhimstartwhenLadyJanetmentionedthenamebywhichshewasknown。Thestartmeantsomething。Whatcoulditbe？Whydidheturnaside，afterbowingtoher，andaddresshimselftoHorace，withanabsentlookinhisface，asifhisthoughtswerefarawayfromhiswords？Acompletechangehadcomeoverhim；anditdatedfromthemomentwhenhisaunthadpronouncedthenamethatwasnothername——thenamethatshehadstolen！
LadyJanetclaimedJulian\'sattention，andleftHoracefreetoreturntoMercy。\"Yourroomisreadyforyou，\"shesaid。\"Youwillstayhere，ofcourse？\"Julianacceptedtheinvitation——stillwiththeairofamanwhosemindwaspreoccupied。Insteadoflookingathisauntwhenhemadehisreply，helookedroundatMercywithatroubledcuriosityinhisface，verystrangetosee。LadyJanettappedhimimpatientlyontheshoulder。\"Iexpectpeopletolookatmewhenpeoplespeaktome，\"shesaid。\"Whatareyoustaringatmyadopteddaughterfor？\"
\"Youradopteddaughter？\"Julianrepeated——lookingathisauntthistime，andlookingveryearnestly。
\"Certainly！AsColonelRoseberry\'sdaughter，sheisconnectedwithmebymarriagealready。DidyouthinkIhadpickedupafoundling？\"
Julian\'sfacecleared；helookedrelieved。\"IhadforgottentheColonel，\"heanswered。\"Ofcoursetheyoungladyisrelatedtous，asyousay。\"
\"Charmed，Iamsure，tohavesatisfiedyouthatGraceisnotanimpostor，\"saidLadyJanet，withsatiricalhumility。ShetookJulian\'sarmanddrewhimoutofhearingofHoraceandMercy。\"Aboutthatletterofyours？\"sheproceeded。\"Thereisonelineinitthatrousesmycuriosity。Whoisthemysterious\'lady\'whomyouwishtopresenttome？\"
Julianstarted，andchangedcolor。
\"Ican\'ttellyounow，\"hesaid，inawhisper。
\"Whynot？\"
ToLadyJanet\'sunutterableastonishment，insteadofreplying，Julianlookedroundatheradopteddaughteroncemore。
\"Whathasshegottodowithit？\"askedtheoldlady，outofallpatiencewithhim。
\"Itisimpossibleformetotellyou，\"heanswered，gravely，\"whileMissRoseberryisintheroom。\"
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter9CHAPTERIX。
NEWSFROMMANNHEIM。
LADYJANET\'Scuriositywasbythistimethoroughlyaroused。Summonedtoexplainwhothenamelessladymentionedinhislettercouldpossiblybe，Julianhadlookedatheradopteddaughter。Askednexttoexplainwhatheradopteddaughterhadgottodowithit，hehaddeclaredthathecouldnotanswerwhileMissRoseberrywasintheroom。
Whatdidhemean？LadyJanetdeterminedtofindout。
\"Ihateallmysteries，\"shesaidtoJulian。\"Andasforsecrets，Iconsiderthemtobeoneoftheformsofill-breeding。Peopleinourrankoflifeoughttobeabovewhisperingincorners。Ifyoumusthaveyourmystery，Icanofferyouacornerinthelibrary。Comewithme。\"
Julianfollowedhisauntveryreluctantly。Whateverthemysterymightbe，hewasplainlyembarrassedbybeingcalledupontorevealitatamoment\'snotice。LadyJanetsettledherselfinherchair，preparedtoquestionandcross-questionhernephew，whenanobstacleappearedattheotherendofthelibrary，intheshapeofaman-servantwithamessage。OneofLadyJanet\'sneighborshadcalledbyappointmenttotakehertothemeetingofacertaincommitteewhichassembledthatday。Theservantannouncedthattheneighbor——anelderlylady——wasthenwaitinginhercarriageatthedoor。
LadyJanet\'sreadyinventionsettheobstacleasidewithoutamoment\'sdelay。Shedirectedtheservanttoshowhervisitorintothedrawing-room，andtosaythatshewasunexpectedlyengaged，butthatMissRoseberrywouldseetheladyimmediately。ShethenturnedtoJulian，andsaid，withhermostsatiricalemphasisoftoneandmanner：\"WoulditbeanadditionalconvenienceifMissRoseberrywasnotonlyoutoftheroombeforeyoudiscloseyoursecret，butoutofthehouse？\"
Juliangravelyanswered：\"ItmaypossiblybequiteaswellifMissRoseberryisoutofthehouse。\"
LadyJanetledthewaybacktothedining-room。
\"MydearGrace，\"shesaid，\"youlookedflushedandfeverishwhenIsawyouasleeponthesofaalittlewhilesince。Itwilldoyounoharmtohaveadriveinthefreshair。Ourfriendhascalledtotakemetothecommitteemeeting。IhavesenttotellherthatIamengaged——andIshallbemuchobligedifyouwillgoinmyplace。\"
Mercylookedalittlealarmed。\"DoesyourladyshipmeanthecommitteemeetingoftheSamaritanConvalescentHome？Themembers，asIunderstandit，aretodecideto-daywhichoftheplansforthenewbuildingtheyaretoadopt。Icannotsurelypresumetovoteinyourplace？\"
\"Youcanvote，mydearchild，justaswellasIcan，\"repliedtheoldlady。\"Architectureisoneofthelostarts。Youknownothingaboutit；Iknownothingaboutit；thearchitectsthemselvesknownothingaboutit。Oneplanis，nodoubt，justasbadastheother。Vote，asIshouldvote，withthemajority。OraspoordearDr。Johnsonsaid，\'Shoutwiththeloudestmob。\'Awaywithyou——anddon\'tkeepthecommitteewaiting。\"
HoracehastenedtoopenthedoorforMercy。
\"Howlongshallyoubeaway？\"hewhispered，confidentially。\"Ihadathousandthingstosaytoyou，andtheyhaveinterruptedus。\"
\"Ishallbebackinanhour。\"
\"Weshallhavetheroomtoourselvesbythattime。Comeherewhenyoureturn。Youwillfindmewaitingforyou。\"
Mercypressedhishandsignificantlyandwentout。LadyJanetturnedtoJulian，whohadthusfarremainedinthebackground，still，toallappearance，asunwillingasevertoenlightenhisaunt。
\"Well？\"shesaid。\"Whatistyingyourtonguenow？Graceisoutoftheroom；whywon\'tyoubegin？IsHoraceintheway？\"
\"Notintheleast。Iamonlyalittleuneasy——\"
\"Uneasyaboutwhat？\"
\"Iamafraidyouhaveputthatcharmingcreaturetosomeinconvenienceinsendingherawayjustatthistime\"
Horacelookedupsuddenly，withaflushonhisface。
\"Whenyousay\'thatcharmingcreature，\'\"heasked，sharply，\"IsupposeyoumeanMissRoseberry？\"
\"Certainly，\"answeredJulian。\"Whynot？\"
LadyJanetinterposed。\"Gently，Julian，\"shesaid。\"Gracehasonlybeenintroducedtoyouhithertointhecharacterofmyadopteddaughter——\"
\"Anditseemstobehightime，\"Horaceadded，haughtily，\"thatIshouldpresenthernextinthecharacterofmyengagedwife。\"
JulianlookedatHoraceasifhecouldhardlycredittheevidenceofhisownears。\"Yourwife！\"heexclaimed，withanirrepressibleoutburstofdisappointmentandsurprise。
\"Yes。Mywife，\"returnedHorace。\"Wearetobemarriedinafortnight。MayIask，\"headded，withangryhumility，\"ifyoudisapproveofthemarriage？\"
LadyJanetinterposedoncemore。\"Nonsense，Horace，\"shesaid。\"Juliancongratulatesyou，ofcourse。\"
Juliancoldlyandabsentlyechoedthewords。\"Oh，yes！Icongratulateyou，ofcourse。\"
LadyJanetreturnedtothemainobjectoftheinterview。
\"Nowwethoroughlyunderstandoneanother，\"shesaid，\"letusspeakofaladywhohasdroppedoutoftheconversationforthelastminuteortwo。Imean，Julian，themysteriousladyofyourletter。Wearealone，asyoudesired。Lifttheveil，myreverendnephew，whichhidesherfrommortaleyes！Blush，ifyoulike——andcan。IsshethefutureMrs。JulianGray？\"
\"Sheisaperfectstrangertome，\"Juliananswered，quietly。
\"Aperfectstranger！Youwrotemewordyouwereinterestedinher。\"
\"Iaminterestedinher。And，whatismore，youareinterestedinher，too。\"
LadyJanet\'sfingersdrummedimpatientlyonthetable。\"HaveInotwarnedyou，Julian，thatIhatemysteries？Willyou，orwillyounot，explainyourself？\"
Beforeitwaspossibletoanswer，Horacerosefromhischair。\"PerhapsIamintheway？\"hesaid。
Juliansignedtohimtositdownagain。
\"IhavealreadytoldLadyJanetthatyouarenotintheway，\"heanswered。\"Inowtellyou——asMissRoseberry\'sfuturehusband——thatyou，too，haveaninterestinhearingwhatIhavetosay。\"
Horaceresumedhisseatwithanairofsuspicioussurprise。JulianaddressedhimselftoLadyJanet。
\"Youhaveoftenheardmespeak，\"hebegan，\"ofmyoldfriendandschool-fellow，JohnCressingham？\"
\"Yes。TheEnglishconsulatMannheim？\"
\"Thesame。WhenIreturnedfromthecountryIfoundamongmyotherlettersalongletterfromtheconsul。Ihavebroughtitwithme，andIproposetoreadcertainpassagesfromit，whichtellaverystrangestorymoreplainlyandmorecrediblythanIcantellitinmyownwords。\"
\"Willitbeverylong？\"inquiredLadyJanet，lookingwithsomealarmatthecloselywrittensheetsofpaperwhichhernephewspreadopenbeforehim。
Horacefollowedwithaquestiononhisside。
\"YouaresureIaminterestedinit？\"heasked。\"TheconsulatMannheimisatotalstrangertome。\"
\"Ianswerforit，\"repliedJulian，gravely，\"neithermyaunt\'spatiencenoryours，Horace，willbethrownawayifyouwillfavormebylisteningattentivelytowhatIamabouttoread。\"
Withthosewordshebeganhisfirstextractfromtheconsul\'sletter。
***\"\'Mymemoryisabadonefordates。ButfullthreemonthsmusthavepassedsinceinformationwassenttomeofanEnglishpatient，receivedatthehospitalhere，whosecaseI，asEnglishconsul，mightfeelaninterestininvestigating。
\"\'Iwentthesamedaytothehospital，andwastakentothebedside。
\"\'Thepatientwasawoman——young，andwheninhealth，Ishouldthink，verypretty。WhenIfirstsawhershelooked，tomyuninstructedeye，likeadeadwoman。Inoticedthatherheadhadabandageoverit，andIaskedwhatwasthenatureoftheinjurythatshehadreceived。Theanswerinformedmethatthepoorcreaturehadbeenpresent，nobodyknewwhyorwherefore，ataskirmishornightattackbetweentheGermansandtheFrench，andthattheinjurytoherheadhadbeeninflictedbyafragmentofaGermanshell。\'\"
Horace——thusfarleaningbackcarelesslyinhischair——suddenlyraisedhimselfandexclaimed，\"Goodheavens！canthisbethewomanIsawlaidoutfordeadintheFrenchcottage？\"
\"Itisimpossibleformetosay，\"repliedJulian。\"Listentotherestofit。Theconsul\'slettermayansweryourquestion。\"
Hewentonwithhisreading：
\"\'Thewoundedwomanhadbeenreporteddead，andhadbeenleftbytheFrenchintheirretreat，atthetimewhentheGermanforcestookpossessionoftheenemy\'sposition。ShewasfoundonabedinacottagebythedirectoroftheGermanambulance——\"
\"IgnatiusWetzel？\"criedHorace。
\"IgnatiusWetzel，\"repeatedJulian，lookingattheletter。
\"Itisthesame！\"saidHorace。\"LadyJanet，wearereallyinterestedinthis。YouremembermytellingyouhowIfirstmetwithGrace？Andyouhaveheardmoreaboutitsince，nodoubt，fromGraceherself？\"
\"Shehasahorrorofreferringtothatpartofherjourneyhome，\"repliedLadyJanet。\"Shementionedherhavingbeenstoppedonthefrontier，andherfindingherselfaccidentallyinthecompanyofanotherEnglishwoman，aperfectstrangertoher。Inaturallyaskedquestionsonmyside，andwasshockedtohearthatshehadseenthewomankilledbyaGermanshellalmostcloseatherside。NeithershenorIhavehadanyrelishforreturningtothesubjectsince。Youwerequiteright，Julian，toavoidspeakingofitwhileshewasintheroom。Iunderstanditallnow。Grace，Isuppose，mentionedmynametoherfellow-traveler。Thewomanis，nodoubt，inwantofassistance，andsheappliestomethroughyou。Iwillhelpher；butshemustnotcomehereuntilIhavepreparedGraceforseeingheragain，alivingwoman。Forthepresentthereisnoreasonwhytheyshouldmeet。\"
\"Iamnotsureaboutthat，\"saidJulian，inlowtones，withoutlookingupathisaunt。
\"Whatdoyoumean？Isthemysterynotatanendyet？\"
\"Themysteryhasnotevenbegunyet。Letmyfriendtheconsulproceed。\"
Julianreturnedforthesecondtimetohisextractfromtheletter：
\"\'Afteracarefulexaminationofthesupposedcorpse，theGermansurgeonarrivedattheconclusionthatacaseofsuspendedanimationhadinthehurryoftheFrenchretreatbeenmistakenforacaseofdeath。Feelingaprofessionalinterestinthesubject，hedecidedonputtinghisopiniontothetest。Heoperatedonthepatientwithcompletesuccess。Afterperformingtheoperationhekeptherforsomedaysunderhisowncare，andthentransferredhertothenearesthospital——thehospitalatMannheim。Hewasobligedtoreturntohisdutiesasarmysurgeon，andhelefthispatientintheconditioninwhichIsawher，insensibleonthebed。Neitherhenorthehospitalauthoritiesknewanythingwhateveraboutthewoman。Nopaperswerefoundonher。Allthedoctorscoulddo，whenIaskedthemforinformationwithaviewtocommunicatingwithherfriends，wastoshowmeherlinenmarkedwithher，name。Ileftthehospitalaftertakingdownthenameinmypocket-book。Itwas\"MercyMerrick。\"\'\"
LadyJanetproducedherpocket-book。\"Letmetakethenamedowntoo，\"shesaid。\"Ineverhearditbefore，andImightotherwiseforgetit。Goon，Julian。\"
Julianadvancedtohissecondextractfromtheconsul\'sletter：
\"\'Underthesecircumstances，Icouldonlywaittohearfromthehospitalwhenthepatientwassufficientlyrecoveredtobeabletospeaktome。Someweekspassedwithoutmyreceivinganycommunicationfromthedoctors。OncallingtomakeinquiriesIwasinformedthatfeverhadsetin，andthatthepoorcreature\'sconditionnowalternatedbetweenexhaustionanddelirium。Inherdeliriousmomentsthenameofyouraunt，LadyJanetRoy，frequentlyescapedher。Otherwiseherwanderingswereforthemostpartquiteunintelligibletothepeopleatherbedside。Ithoughtonceortwiceofwritingtoyou，andofbeggingyoutospeaktoLadyJanet。Butasthedoctorsinformedmethatthechancesoflifeordeathwereatthistimealmostequallybalanced，Idecidedtowaituntiltimeshoulddeterminewhetheritwasnecessarytotroubleyouornot。\'\"
\"Youknowbest，Julian，\"saidLadyJanet。\"ButIownIdon\'tquiteseeinwhatwayIaminterestedinthispartofthestory。\"
\"JustwhatIwasgoingtosay，\"addedHorace。\"Itisverysad，nodoubt。Butwhathavewetodowithit？\"
\"Letmereadmythirdextract，\"Juliananswered，\"andyouwillsee。\"
Heturnedtothethirdextract，andreadasfollows：
\"\'AtlastIreceivedamessagefromthehospitalinformingmethatMercyMerrickwasoutofdanger，andthatshewascapablethoughstillveryweakofansweringanyquestionswhichImightthinkitdesirabletoputtoher。Onreachingthehospital，Iwasrequested，rathertomysurprise，topaymyfirstvisittotheheadphysicianinhisprivateroom。\"Ithinkitright，\"saidthisgentleman，\"towarnyou，beforeyouseethepatient，tobeverycarefulhowyouspeaktoher，andnottoirritateherbyshowinganysurpriseorexpressinganydoubtsifshetalkstoyouinanextravagantmanner。Wedifferinopinionaboutherhere。Someofusmyselfamongthenumberdoubtwhethertherecoveryofhermindhasaccompaniedtherecoveryofherbodilypowers。Withoutpronouncinghertobemad——sheisperfectlygentleandharmless——weareneverthelessofopinionthatsheissufferingunderaspeciesofinsanedelusion。BearinmindthecautionwhichIhavegivenyou——andnowgoandjudgeforyourself。\"Iobeyed，insomelittleperplexityandsurprise。Thesufferer，whenIapproachedherbed，lookedsadlyweakandworn；but，sofarasIcouldjudge，seemedtobeinfullpossessionofherself。Hertoneandmannerwereunquestionablythetoneandmannerofalady。Afterbrieflyintroducingmyself，IassuredherthatIshouldbeglad，bothofficiallyandpersonally，ifIcouldbeofanyassistancetoher。InsayingthesetriflingwordsIhappenedtoaddressherbythenameIhadseenmarkedonherclothes。Theinstantthewords\"MissMerrick\"passedmylipsawild，vindictiveexpressionappearedinhereyes。Sheexclaimedangrily，\"Don\'tcallmebythathatefulname！It\'snotmyname。AllthepeopleherepersecutemebycallingmeMercyMerrick。AndwhenIamangrywiththemtheyshowmetheclothes。SaywhatImay，theypersistinbelievingtheyaremyclothes。Don\'tyoudothesame，ifyouwanttobefriendswithme。\"Rememberingwhatthephysicianhadsaidtome，Imadethenecessaryexcusesandsucceededinsoothingher。Withoutrevertingtotheirritatingtopicofthename，Imerelyinquiredwhatherplanswere，andassuredherthatshemightcommandmyservicesifsherequiredthem。\"Whydoyouwanttoknowwhatmyplansare？\"sheasked，suspiciously。IremindedherinreplythatIheldthepositionofEnglishconsul，andthatmyobjectwas，ifpossible，tobeofsomeassistancetoher。\"Youcanbeofthegreatestassistancetome，\"shesaid，eagerly。\"FindMercyMerrick！\"Isawthevindictivelookcomebackintohereyes，andanangryflushrisingonherwhitecheeks。Abstainingfromshowinganysurprise，IaskedherwhoMercyMerrickwas。\"Avilewoman，byherownconfession，\"wasthequickreply。\"HowamItofindher？\"Iinquirednext。\"Lookforawomaninablackdress，withtheRedGenevaCrossonhershoulder；sheisanurseintheFrenchambulance。\"\"Whathasshedone？\"\"Ihavelostmypapers；Ihavelostmyownclothes；MercyMerrickhastakenthem。\"\"HowdoyouknowthatMercyMerrickhastakenthem？\"\"Nobodyelsecouldhavetakenthem——that\'showIknowit。Doyoubelievemeornot？\"Sheasbeginningtoexciteherselfagain；IassuredherthatIwouldatoncesendtomakeinquiriesafterMercyMerrick。Sheturnedroundcontentedonthepillow。\"There\'sagoodman！\"shesaid。\"Comebackandtellmewhenyouhavecaughther。\"SuchwasmyfirstinterviewwiththeEnglishpatientatthehospitalatMannheim。ItisneedlesstosaythatIdoubtedtheexistenceoftheabsentpersondescribedasanurse。However，itwaspossibletomakeinquiriesbyapplyingtothesurgeon，IgnatiusWetzel，whosewhereaboutswasknowntohisfriendsinMannheim。Iwrotetohim，andreceivedhisanswerinduetime。AfterthenightattackoftheGermanshadmadethemmastersoftheFrenchposition，hehadenteredthecottageoccupiedbytheFrenchambulance。HehadfoundthewoundedFrenchmenleftbehind，buthadseennosuchpersoninattendanceonthemasthenurseintheblackdresswiththeredcrossonhershoulder。TheonlylivingwomanintheplacewasayoungEnglishlady，inagraytravelingcloak，whohadbeenstoppedonthefrontier，andwhowasforwardedonherwayhomebythewarcorrespondentofanEnglishjournal。\'\"
\"ThatwasGrace，\"saidLadyJanet。
\"AndIwasthewarcorrespondent，\"addedHorace。
\"Afewwordsmore，\"saidJulian，\"andyouwillunderstandmyobjectinclaimingyourattention。\"
Hereturnedtotheletterforthelasttime，andconcludedhisextractsfromitasfollows：
\"\'Insteadofattendingatthehospitalmyself，Icommunicatedbyletterthefailureofmyattempttodiscoverthemissingnurse。ForsomelittletimeafterwardIheardnomoreofthesickwoman，whomIshallstillcallMercyMerrick。ItwasonlyyesterdaythatIreceivedanothersummonstovisitthepatient。Shehadbythistimesufficientlyrecoveredtoclaimherdischarge，andshehadannouncedherintentionofreturningforthwithtoEngland。Theheadphysician，feelingasenseofresponsibility，hadsentforme。Itwasimpossibletodetainheronthegroundthatshewasnotfittobetrustedbyherselfatlarge，inconsequenceofthedifferenceofopinionamongthedoctorsonthecase。Allthatcouldbedonewastogivemeduenotice，andtoleavethematterinmyhands。Onseeingherforthesecondtime，Ifoundhersullenandreserved。Sheopenlyattributedmyinabilitytofindthenursetowantofzealforherinterestsonmypart。Ihad，onmyside，noauthoritywhatevertodetainher。Icouldonlyinquirewhethershehadmoneyenoughtopayhertravelingexpenses。Herreplyinformedmethatthechaplainofthehospitalhadmentionedherforlornsituationinthetown，andthattheEnglishresidentshadsubscribedasmallsumofmoneytoenablehertoreturntoherowncountry。Satisfiedonthishead，IaskednextifshehadfriendstogotoinEngland。\"Ihaveonefriend，\"sheanswered，\"whoisahostinherself——LadyJanetRoy。\"YoumayimaginemysurprisewhenIheardthis。Ifounditquiteuselesstomakeanyfurtherinquiriesastohowshecametoknowyouraunt，whetheryourauntexpectedher，andsoon。Myquestionsevidentlyoffendedher；theywerereceivedinsulkysilence。Underthesecircumstances，wellknowingthatIcantrustimplicitlytoyourhumanesympathyformisfortune，Ihavedecidedaftercarefulreflectiontoinsurethepoorcreature\'ssafetywhenshearrivesinLondonbygivingheralettertoyou。Youwillhearwhatshesays，andyouwillbebetterabletodiscoverthanIamwhethershereallyhasanyclaimonLadyJanetRoy。Onelastwordofinformation，whichitmaybenecessarytoadd，andIshallclosethisinordinatelylongletter。AtmyfirstinterviewwithherIabstained，asIhavealreadytoldyou，fromirritatingherbyanyinquiriesonthesubjectofhername。Onthissecondoccasion，however，Idecidedonputtingthequestion。\'\"
Ashereadthoselastwords，Julianbecameawareofasuddenmovementonthepartofhisaunt。LadyJanethadrisensoftlyfromherchairandhadpassedbehindhimwiththepurposeofreadingtheconsul\'sletterforherselfoverhernephew\'sshoulder。JuliandetectedtheactionjustintimetofrustrateLadyJanet\'sintentionbyplacinghishandoverthelasttwolinesoftheletter。
\"Whatdoyoudothatfor？\"inquiredhisaunt，sharply。
\"Youarewelcome，LadyJanet，toreadthecloseoftheletterforyourself，\"Julianreplied。\"ButbeforeyoudosoIamanxioustoprepareyouforaverygreatsurprise。Composeyourselfandletmereadonslowly，withyoureyeonme，untilIuncoverthelasttwowordswhichclosemyfriend\'sletter。\"
Hereadtheendoftheletter，ashehadproposed，intheseterms：
\"\'Ilookedthewomanstraightintheface，andIsaidtoher，\"Youhavedeniedthatthenamemarkedontheclotheswhichyouworewhenyoucameherewasyourname。IfyouarenotMercyMerrick，whoareyou？\"Sheanswered，instantly，\"Mynameis——\"\'\"
Julianremovedhishandfromthepage。LadyJanetlookedatthenexttwowords，andstartedbackwithaloudcryofastonishment，whichbroughtHoraceinstantlytohisfeet。
\"Tellme，oneofyou！\"hecried。\"Whatnamedidshegive？\"
Juliantoldhim。
\"GRACEROSEBERRY。\"
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter10CHAPTERX。
ACOUNCILOFTHREE。FORamomentHoracestoodthunderstruck，lookinginblankastonishmentatLadyJanet。Hisfirstwords，assoonashehadrecoveredhimself，wereaddressedtoJulian。
\"Isthisajoke？\"heasked，sternly。\"Ifitis，Iforonedon\'tseethehumorofit。\"
Julianpointedtothecloselywrittenpagesoftheconsul\'sletter。\"Amanwritesinearnest，\"hesaid，\"whenhewritesatsuchlengthasthis。ThewomanseriouslygavethenameofGraceRoseberry，andwhensheleftMannheimshetraveledtoEnglandfortheexpresspurposeofpresentingherselftoLadyJanetRoy。\"Heturnedtohisaunt。\"Yousawmestart，\"hewenton，\"whenyoufirstmentionedMissRoseberry\'snameinmyhearing。Nowyouknowwhy。\"HeaddressedhimselfoncemoretoHorace。\"Youheardmesaythatyou，asMissRoseberry\'sfuturehusband，hadaninterestinbeingpresentatmyinterviewwithLadyJanet。Nowyouknowwhy。\"
\"Thewomanisplainlymad，\"saidLadyJanet。\"Butitiscertainlyastartlingformofmadnesswhenonefirsthearsofit。Ofcoursewemustkeepthematter，forthepresentatleast，asecretfromGrace。\"
\"Therecanbenodoubt，\"Horaceagreed，\"thatGracemustbekeptinthedark，inherpresentstateofhealth。Theservantshadbetterbewarnedbeforehand，incaseofthisadventuressormadwoman，whichevershemaybe，attemptingtomakeherwayintothehouse。\"
\"Itshallbedoneimmediately，\"saidLadyJanet。\"WhatsurprisesmeJulianringthebell，ifyouplease，isthatyoushoulddescribeyourselfinyourletterasfeelinganinterestinthisperson。\"
Juliananswered——withoutringingthebell。
\"Iammoreinterestedthanever，\"hesaid，\"nowIfindthatMissRoseberryherselfisyourguestatMablethorpeHouse。\"
\'Youwerealwaysperverse，Julian，asachild，inyourlikingsanddislikings，\"LadyJanetrejoined。\"Whydon\'tyouringthebell？\"
\"Foronegoodreason，mydearaunt。Idon\'twishtohearyoutellyourservantstoclosethedooronthisfriendlesscreature。\"
LadyJanetcastalookathernephewwhichplainlyexpressedthatshethoughthehadtakenalibertywithher。
\"Youdon\'texpectmetoseethewoman？\"sheasked，inatoneofcoldsurprise。
\"Ihopeyouwillnotrefusetoseeher，\"Juliananswered，quietly。\"Iwasoutwhenshecalled。Imusthearwhatshehastosay——andIshouldinfinitelypreferhearingitinyourpresence。WhenIgotyourreplytomyletter，permittingmetopresenthertoyou，Iwrotetoherimmediately，appointingameetinghere。\"
LadyJanetliftedherbrightblackeyesinmuteexpostulationtothecarvedCupidsandwreathsonthedining-roomceiling。
\"WhenamItohavethehonorofthelady\'svisit？\"sheinquired，withironicalresignation。
\"To-day，\"answeredhernephew，withimpenetrablepatience。
\"Atwhathour？\"
Juliancomposedlyconsultedhiswatch。\"Sheistenminutesafterhertime，\"hesaid，andputhiswatchbackinhispocketagain。
Atthesamemomenttheservantappeared，andadvancedtoJulian，carryingavisitingcardonhislittlesilvertray。
\"Aladytoseeyou，sir。\"
Juliantookthecard，and，bowing，handedittohisaunt。
\"Heresheis，\"hesaid，justasquietlyasever。
LadyJanetlookedatthecard，andtosseditindignantlybacktohernephew。\"MissRoseberry！\"sheexclaimed。\"Printed——actuallyprintedonhercard！Julian，evenMYpatiencehasitslimits。Irefusetoseeher！\"
Theservantwasstillwaiting——notlikeahumanbeingwhotookaninterestintheproceedings，butasbecameaperfectlybredfootmanlikeanarticleoffurnitureartfullyconstructedtocomeandgoatthewordofcommand。Juliangavethewordofcommand，addressingtheadmirablyconstructedautomatonbythenameof\"James。\"
\"Whereistheladynow？\"heasked。
\"Inthebreakfast-room，sir。\"
\"Leaveherthere，ifyouplease，andwaitoutsidewithinhearingofthebell。\"
Thelegsofthefurniture-footmanacted，andtookhimnoiselesslyoutoftheroom。Julianturnedtohisaunt。
\"Forgiveme，\"hesaid，\"forventuringtogivethemanhisordersinyourpresence。Iamveryanxiousthatyoushouldnotdecidehastily。Surelyweoughttohearwhatthisladyhastosay？\"
Horacedissentedwidelyfromhisfriend\'sopinion。\"It\'saninsulttoGrace，\"hebrokeout，warmly，\"tohearwhatshehastosay！\"
LadyJanetnoddedherheadinhighapproval。\"Ithinkso，too，\"saidherladyship，crossingherhandsomeoldhandsresolutelyonherlap。
JulianappliedhimselftoansweringHoracefirst。
\"Pardonme，\"hesaid。\"IhavenointentionofpresumingtoreflectonMissRoseberry，orofbringingherintothematteratall——Theconsul\'sletter，\"hewenton，speakingtohisaunt，\"mentions，ifyouremember，thatthemedicalauthoritiesofMannheimweredividedinopinionontheirpatient\'scase。Someofthem——thephysician-in-chiefbeingamongthenumber——believethattherecoveryofhermindhasnotaccompaniedtherecoveryofherbody。\"
\"Inotherwords，\"LadyJanetremarked，\"amadwomanisinmyhouse，andIamexpectedtoreceiveher！\"
\"Don\'tletusexaggerate，\"saidJulian，gently。\"Itcanservenogoodinterest，inthisseriousmatter，toexaggerateanything。Theconsulassuresus，ontheauthorityofthedoctor，thatsheisperfectlygentleandharmless。Ifsheisreallythevictimofamentaldelusion，thepoorcreatureissurelyanobjectofcompassion，andsheoughttobeplacedunderpropercare。Askyourownkindheart，mydearaunt，ifitwouldnotbedownrightcrueltytoturnthisforlornwomanadriftintheworldwithoutmakingsomeinquiryfirst。\"
LadyJanet\'sinbredsenseofjusticeadmittednotoverwillingly——thereasonablenessaswellasthehumanityoftheviewexpressedinthosewords。\"Thereissometruthinthat，Julian，\"shesaid，shiftingherpositionuneasilyinherchair，andlookingatHorace。\"Don\'tyouthinkso，too？\"sheadded。
\"Ican\'tsayIdo，\"answeredHorace，inthepositivetoneofamanwhoseobstinacyisproofagainsteveryformofappealthatcanbeaddressedtohim。
ThepatienceofJulianwasfirmenoughtobeamatchfortheobstinacyofHorace。\"Atanyrate，\"heresumed，withundiminishedgoodtemper，\"weareallthreeequallyinterestedinsettingthismatteratrest。Iputittoyou，LadyJanet，ifwearenotfavored，atthisluckymoment，withtheveryopportunitythatwewant？MissRoseberryisnotonlyoutoftheroom，butoutofthehouse。Ifweletthischanceslip，whocansaywhatawkwardaccidentmaynothappeninthecourseofthenextfewdays？\"
\"Letthewomancomein，\"criedLadyJanet，decidingheadlong，withhercustomaryimpatienceofalldelay。\"Atonce，Julian——beforeGracecancomeback。Willyouringthebellthistime？\"
ThistimeJulianrangit。\"MayIgivethemanhisorders？\"herespectfullyinquiredofhisaunt。
\"Givehimanythingyoulike，andhavedonewithit！\"retortedtheirritableoldlady，gettingbrisklyonherfeet，andtakingaturnintheroomtocomposeherself。
Theservantwithdrew，withorderstoshowthevisitorin。
Horacecrossedtheroomatthesametime——apparentlywiththeintentionofleavingitbythedoorattheoppositeend。
\"Youarenotgoingaway？\"exclaimedLadyJanet。
\"Iseenouseinmyremaininghere，\"repliedHorace，notverygraciously。
\"Inthatcase，\"retortedLadyJanet，\"remainherebecauseIwishit。\"
\"Certainly——ifyouwishit。Onlyremember，\"headded，moreobstinatelythanever，\"thatIdifferentirelyfromJulian\'sview。Inmyopinionthewomanhasnoclaimonus。\"
ApassingmovementofirritationescapedJulianforthefirsttime。\"Don\'tbehard，Horace，\"hesaid，sharply。\"Allwomenhaveaclaimonus。\"
Theyhadunconsciouslygatheredtogether，intheheatofthelittledebate，turningtheirbacksonthelibrarydoor。AtthelastwordsofthereproofadministeredbyJuliantoHorace，theirattentionwasrecalledtopassingeventsbytheslightnoiseproducedbytheopeningandclosingofthedoor。Withoneaccordthethreeturnedandlookedinthedirectionfromwhichthesoundshadcome。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter11CHAPTERXI。
THEDEADALIVE。
JUSTinsidethedoorthereappearedthefigureofasmallwomandressedinplainandpoorblackgarments。Shesilentlyliftedherblacknetveilanddisclosedadull，pale，worn，wearyface。Theforeheadwaslowandbroad；theeyeswereunusuallyfarapart；thelowerfeatureswereremarkablysmallanddelicate。InhealthastheconsulatMannheimhadremarkedthiswomanmusthavepossessed，ifnotabsolutebeauty，atleastrareattractionspeculiarlyherown。Asitwasnow，suffering——sullen，silent，self-containedsuffering——hadmarreditsbeauty。Attentionandevencuriosityitmightstillrouse。Admirationorinterestitcouldexcitenolonger。
Thesmall，thin，blackfigurestoodimmovablyinsidethedoor。Thedull，worn，whitefacelookedsilentlyatthethreepersonsintheroom。
Thethreepersonsintheroom，ontheirside，stoodforamomentwithoutmoving，andlookedsilentlyatthestrangeronthethreshold。Therewassomethingeitherinthewomanherself，orinthesuddenandstealthymannerofherappearanceintheroom，whichfroze，asifwiththetouchofaninvisiblecoldhand，thesympathiesofallthree。Accustomedtotheworld，habituallyattheireaseineverysocialemergency，theywerenowsilencedforthefirsttimeintheirlivesbythefirstserioussenseofembarrassmentwhichtheyhadfeltsincetheywerechildreninthepresenceofastranger。
HadtheappearanceofthetrueGraceRoseberryarousedintheirmindsasuspicionofthewomanwhohadstolenhername，andtakenherplaceinthehouse？
NotsomuchastheshadowofasuspicionofMercywasatthebottomofthestrangesenseofuneasinesswhichhadnowdeprivedthemalikeoftheirhabitualcourtesyandtheirhabitualpresenceofmind。Itwasaspracticallyimpossibleforanyoneofthethreetodoubttheidentityoftheadopteddaughterofthehouseasitwouldbeforyouwhoreadtheselinestodoubttheidentityofthenearestanddearestrelativeyouhaveintheworld。CircumstanceshadfortifiedMercybehindthestrongestofallnaturalrights——therightoffirstpossession。C！circumstanceshadarmedherwiththemostirresistibleofallnaturalforces——theforceofpreviousassociationandprevioushabit。Notbysomuchasahair-breadthwasthepositionofthefalseGraceRoseberryshakenbythefirstappearanceofthetrueGraceRoseberrywithinthedoorsofMablethorpeHouse。LadyJanetfeltsuddenlyrepelled，withoutknowingwhy。JulianandHoracefeltsuddenlyrepelled，withoutknowingwhy。Askedtodescribetheirownsensationsatthemoment，theywouldhaveshakentheirheadsindespair，andwouldhaveansweredinthosewords。Thevaguepresentimentofsomemisfortunetocomehadenteredtheroomwiththeentranceofthewomaninblack。Butitmovedinvisibly；anditspokeasallpresentimentsspeak，intheUnknownTongue。
Amomentpassed。Thecracklingofthefireandthetickingoftheclockweretheonlysoundsaudibleintheroom。
Thevoiceofthevisitor——hard，clear，andquiet——wasthefirstvoicethatbrokethesilence。
\"Mr。JulianGray？\"shesaid，lookinginterrogativelyfromoneofthetwogentlementotheother。
Julianadvancedafewsteps，instantlyrecoveringhisself-possession。\"IamsorryIwasnotathome，\"hesaid，\"whenyoucalledwithyourletterfromtheconsul。Praytakeachair。\"
Bywayofsettingtheexample，LadyJanetseatedherselfatsomelittledistance，withHoraceinattendancestandingnear。Shebowedtothestrangerwithstudiouspoliteness，butwithoututteringaword，beforeshesettledherselfinherchair。\"Iamobligedtolistentothisperson，\"thoughttheoldlady。\"ButIamnotobligedtospeaktoher。ThatisJulian\'sbusiness——notmine。Don\'tstand，Horace！Youfidgetme。Sitdown。\"Armedbeforehandinherpolicyofsilence，LadyJanetfoldedherhandsomehandsasusual，andwaitedfortheproceedingstobegin，likeajudgeonthebench。
\"Willyoutakeachair？\"Julianrepeated，observingthatthevisitorappearedneithertoheednortohearhisfirstwordsofwelcometoher。
Atthissecondappealshespoketohim。\"IsthatLadyJanetRoy？\"sheasked，withhereyesfixedonthemistressofthehouse。
Juliananswered，anddrewbacktowatchtheresult。
Thewomaninthepoorblackgarmentschangedherpositionforthefirsttime。ShemovedslowlyacrosstheroomtotheplaceatwhichLadyJanetwassitting，andaddressedherrespectfullywithperfectself-possessionofmanner。Herwholedemeanor，fromthemomentwhenshehadappearedatthedoor，hadexpressed——atonceplainlyandbecomingly——confidenceinthereceptionthatawaitedher。
\"Almostthelastwordsmyfathersaidtomeonhisdeath-bed，\"shebegan，\"werewords，madam，whichtoldmetoexpectprotectionandkindnessfromyou。\"
ItwasnotLadyJanet\'sbusinesstospeak。Shelistenedwiththeblandestattention。Shewaitedwiththemostexasperatingsilencetohearmore。
GraceRoseberrydrewbackastep——notintimidated——onlymortifiedandsurprised。\"Wasmyfatherwrong？\"sheasked，withasimpledignityoftoneandmannerwhichforcedLadyJanettoabandonherpolicyofsilence，inspiteofherself。
\"Whowasyourfather？\"sheasked，coldly。
GraceRoseberryansweredthequestioninatoneofsternsurprise。
\"Hastheservantnotgivenyoumycard？\"shesaid。\"Don\'tyouknowmyname？\"
\"Whichofyournames？\"rejoinedLadyJanet。
\"Idon\'tunderstandyourladyship。\"
\"Iwillmakemyselfunderstood。YouaskedmeifIknewyourname。Iaskyou，inreturn，whichnameitis？Thenameonyourcardis\'MissRoseberry。\'Thenamemarkedonyourclothes，whenyouwereinthehospital，was\'MercyMerrick。\'\"
Theself-possessionwhichGracehadmaintainedfromthemomentwhenshehadenteredthedining-room，seemednow，forthefirsttime，tobeonthepointoffailingher。Sheturned，andlookedappealinglyatJulian，whohadthusfarkepthisplaceapart，listeningattentively。
\"Surely，\"shesaid，\"yourfriend，theconsul，hastoldyouinhisletteraboutthemarkontheclothes？\"
SomethingofthegirlishhesitationandtimiditywhichhadmarkedherdemeanoratherinterviewwithMercyintheFrenchcottagere-appearedinhertoneandmannerasshespokethosewords。Thechanges——mostlychangesfortheworse——wroughtinherbythesufferingthroughwhichshehadpassedsincethattimewerenowforthemomenteffaced。AllthatwasleftofthebetterandsimplersideofhercharacterasserteditselfinherbriefappealtoJulian。Shehadhithertorepelledhim。Hebegantofeelacertaincompassionateinterestinhernow。
\"Theconsulhasinformedmeofwhatyousaidtohim，\"heanswered，kindly。\"But，ifyouwilltakemyadvice，IrecommendyoutotellyourstorytoLadyJanetinyourownwords。\"
GraceagainaddressedherselfwithsubmissivereluctancetoLadyJanet。
\"Theclothesyourladyshipspeaksof，\"shesaid，\"weretheclothesofanotherwoman。Therainwaspouringwhenthesoldiersdetainedmeonthefrontier。Ihadbeenexposedforhourstotheweather——Iwaswettotheskin。Theclothesmarked\'MercyMerrick\'weretheclotheslenttomebyMercyMerrickherselfwhilemyownthingsweredrying。Iwasstruckbytheshellinthoseclothes。Iwascarriedawayinsensibleinthoseclothesaftertheoperationhadbeenperformedonme。\"
LadyJanetlistenedtoperfection——anddidnomore。SheturnedconfidentiallytoHorace，andsaidtohim，inhergracefullyironicalway：\"Sheisreadywithherexplanation。\"
Horaceansweredinthesametone：\"Agreatdealtooready。\"
Gracelookedfromoneofthemtotheother。Afaintflushofcolorshoweditselfinherfaceforthefirsttime。
\"AmItounderstand，\"sheasked，withproudcomposure，\"thatyoudon\'tbelieveme？\"
LadyJanetmaintainedherpolicyofsilence。ShewavedonehandcourteouslytowardJulian，asiftosay，\"Addressyourinquiriestothegentlemanwhointroducesyou。\"Julian，noticingthegesture，andobservingtherisingcolorinGrace\'scheeks，interfereddirectlyintheinterestsofpeace\"LadyJanetaskedyouaquestionjustnow，\"hesaid；\"LadyJanetinquiredwhoyourfatherwas。\"
\"MyfatherwasthelateColonelRoseberry。\"
LadyJanetmadeanotherconfidentialremarktoHorace。\"Herassuranceamazesme！\"sheexclaimed。
Julianinterposedbeforehisauntcouldaddawordmore。\"Prayletushearher，\"hesaid，inatoneofentreatywhichhadsomethingoftheimperativeinitthistime。HeturnedtoGrace。\"Haveyouanyprooftoproduce，\"headded，inhisgentlervoice，\"whichwillsatisfyusthatyouareColonelRoseberry\'sdaughter？\"
Gracelookedathimindignantly。\"Proof！\"sherepeated。\"Ismywordnotenough？\"
Juliankepthistemperperfectly。\"Pardonme，\"herejoined，\"youforgetthatyouandLadyJanetmeetnowforthefirsttime。Trytoputyourselfinmyaunt\'splace。HowisshetoknowthatyouarethelateColonelRoseberry\'sdaughter？\"
Grace\'sheadsunkonherbreast；shedroppedintothenearestchair。Theexpressionofherfacechangedinstantlyfromangertodiscouragement。\"Ah，\"sheexclaimed，bitterly，\"ifIonlyhadthelettersthathavebeenstolenfromme！\"
\"Letters，\"askedJulian，\"introducingyoutoLadyJanet？\"
\"Yes。\"SheturnedsuddenlytoLadyJanet。\"LetmetellyouhowIlostthem，\"shesaid，inthefirsttonesofentreatywhichhadescapedheryet。
LadyJanethesitated。Itwasnotinhergenerousnaturetoresisttheappealthathadjustbeenmadetoher。ThesympathiesofHoracewerefarlesseasilyreached。Helightlylaunchedanewshaftofsatire——intendedfortheprivateamusementofLadyJanet。\"Anotherexplanation！\"heexclaimed，withalookofcomicresignation。
Julianoverheardthewords。HislargelustrouseyesfixedthemselvesonHoracewithalookofunmeasuredcontempt。
\"Theleastyoucando，\"hesaid，sternly，\"isnottoirritateher。Itissoeasytoirritateher！\"HeaddressedhimselfagaintoGrace，endeavoringtohelpherthroughherdifficultyinanewway。\"Nevermindexplainingyourselfforthemoment，\"hesaid。\"Intheabsenceofyourletters，haveyouanyoneinLondonwhocanspeaktoyouridentity？\"Graceshookherheadsadly。\"IhavenofriendsinLondon，\"sheanswered。
ItwasimpossibleforLadyJanet——whohadneverinherlifeheardofanybodywithoutfriendsinLondon——topassthisoverwithoutnotice。\"NofriendsinLondon！\"sherepeated，turningtoHorace。
Horaceshotanothershaftoflightsatire。\"Ofcoursenot！\"herejoined。
Gracesawthemcomparingnotes。\"MyfriendsareinCanada，\"shebrokeout，impetuously。\"Plentyoffriendswhocouldspeakforme，ifIcouldonlybringthemhere。\"
Asaplaceofreference——mentionedinthecapitalcityofEngland——Canada，thereisnodenyingit，isopentoobjectiononthegroundofdistance。Horacewasreadywithanothershot。\"Farenoughoff，certainly，\"hesaid。
\"Farenoughoff，asyousay，\"LadyJanetagreed。
OncemoreJulian\'sinexhaustiblekindnessstrovetoobtainahearingforthestrangerwhohadbeenconfidedtohiscare。\"Alittlepatience，LadyJanet，\"hepleaded。\"Alittleconsideration，Horace，forafriendlesswoman。\"
\"Thankyou，sir，\"saidGrace。\"Itisverykindofyoutotryandhelpme，butitisuseless。Theywon\'tevenlistentome。\"Sheattemptedtorisefromherchairasshepronouncedthelastwords。Juliangentlylaidhishandonhershoulderandobligedhertoresumeherseat。
\"Iwilllistentoyou，\"hesaid。\"Youreferredmejustnowtotheconsul\'sletter。Theconsultellsmeyoususpectedsomeoneoftakingyourpapersandyourclothes。\"
\"Idon\'tsuspect，\"wasthequickreply；\"Iamcertain！ItellyoupositivelyMercyMerrickwasthethief。ShewasalonewithmewhenIwasstruckdownbytheshell。ShewastheonlypersonwhoknewthatIhadlettersofintroductionaboutme。Sheconfessedtomyfacethatshehadbeenabadwoman——shehadbeeninaprison——shehadcomeoutofarefuge——\"
Julianstoppedhertherewithoneplainquestion，whichthrewadoubtonthewholestory。
\"TheconsultellsmeyouaskedhimtosearchforMercyMerrick，\"hesaid。\"Isitnottruethathecausedinquiriestobemade，andthatnotraceofanysuchpersonwastobeheardof？\"
\"Theconsultooknopainstofindher，\"Graceanswered，angrily。\"Hewas，likeeverybodyelse，inaconspiracytoneglectandmisjudgeme。\"
LadyJanetandHoraceexchangedlooks。ThistimeitwasimpossibleforJuliantoblamethem。Thefurtherthestranger\'snarrativeadvanced，thelessworthyofseriousattentionhefeltittobe。Thelongershespoke，themoredisadvantageouslyshechallengedcomparisonwiththeabsentwoman，whosenameshesoobstinatelyandsoaudaciouslypersistedinassumingasherown。
\"Grantingallthatyouhavesaid，\"Julianresumed，withalasteffortofpatience，\"whatusecouldMercyMerrickmakeofyourlettersandyourclothes？\"
\"Whatuse？\"repeatedGrace，amazedathisnotseeingthepositionasshesawit。\"Myclothesweremarkedwithmyname。Oneofmypaperswasaletterfrommyfather，introducingmetoLadyJanet。Awomanoutofarefugewouldbequitecapableofpresentingherselfhereinmyplace。\"
Spokenentirelyatrandom，spokenwithoutsomuchasafragmentofevidencetosupportthem，thoselastwordsstillhadtheireffect。TheycastareflectiononLadyJanet\'sadopteddaughterwhichwastoooutrageoustobeborne。LadyJanetroseinstantly。\"Givemeyourarm，Horace，\"shesaid，turningtoleavetheroom。\"Ihaveheardenough。\"
Horacerespectfullyofferedhisarm。\"Yourladyshipisquiteright，\"heanswered。\"Amoremonstrousstoryneverwasinvented。\"
Hespoke，inthewarmthofhisindignation，loudenoughforGracetohearhim。\"Whatistheremonstrousinit？\"sheasked，advancingasteptowardhim，defiantly。
Juliancheckedher。Hetoo——thoughhehadonlyonceseenMercy——feltanangrysenseoftheinsultofferedtothebeautifulcreaturewhohadinterestedhimathisfirstsightofher。\"Silence！\"hesaid，speakingsternlytoGraceforthefirsttime。\"Youareoffending——justlyoffending——LadyJanet。Youaretalkingworsethanabsurdly——youaretalkingoffensively——whenyouspeakofanotherwomanpresentingherselfhereinyourplace。\"
Grace\'sbloodwasup。StungbyJulian\'sreproof，sheturnedonhimalookwhichwasalmostalookoffury。
\"Areyouaclergyman？Areyouaneducatedman？\"sheasked。\"Haveyouneverreadofcasesoffalsepersonation，innewspapersandbooks？IblindlyconfidedinMercyMerrickbeforeIfoundoutwhathercharacterreallywas。Sheleftthecottage——Iknowit，fromthesurgeonwhobroughtmetolifeagain——firmlypersuadedthattheshellhadkilledme。Mypapersandmyclothesdisappearedatthesametime。Istherenothingsuspiciousinthesecircumstances？TherewerepeopleattheHospitalwhothoughtthemhighlysuspicious——peoplewhowarnedmethatImightfindanimpostorinmyplace。\"Shesuddenlypaused。Therustlingsoundofasilkdresshadcaughtherear。LadyJanetwasleavingtheroom，withHorace，bywayoftheconservatory。Withalastdesperateeffortofresolution，Gracesprungforwardandplacedherselfinfrontofthem。
\"Oneword，LadyJanet，beforeyouturnyourbackonme，\"shesaid，firmly。\"Oneword，andIwillbecontent。HasColonelRoseberry\'sletterfounditswaytothishouseornot？Ifithas，didawomanbringittoyou？\"
LadyJanetlooked——asonlyagreatladycanlook，whenapersonofinferiorrankhaspresumedtofailinrespecttowardher。
\"Youaresurelynotaware，\"shesaid，withicycomposure，\"thatthesequestionsareaninsulttoMe？\"
\"Andworsethananinsult，\"Horaceadded，warmly，\"toGrace！\"
Thelittleresoluteblackfigurestillbarringthewaytotheconservatorywassuddenlyshakenfromheadtofoot。Thewoman\'seyestraveledbackwardandforwardbetweenLadyJanetandHoracewiththelightofanewsuspicioninthem。
\"Grace！\"sheexclaimed。\"WhatGrace？That\'smyname。LadyJanet，youhavegottheletter！Thewomanishere！\"
LadyJanetdroppedHorace\'sarm，andretracedherstepstotheplaceatwhichhernephewwasstanding。
\"Julian，\"shesaid。\"Youforceme，forthefirsttimeinmylife，toremindyouoftherespectthatisduetomeinmyownhouse。Sendthatwomanaway。\"
Withoutwaitingtobeanswered，sheturnedbackagain，andoncemoretookHorace\'sarm。
\"Standback，ifyouplease，\"shesaid，quietly，toGrace。
Graceheldherground。
\"Thewomanishere！\"sherepeated。\"Confrontmewithher——andthensendmeaway，ifyoulike。\"
Julianadvanced，andfirmlytookherbythearm。\"YouforgetwhatisduetoLadyJanet，\"hesaid，drawingheraside。\"Youforgetwhatisduetoyourself。\"
Withadesperateeffort，Gracebrokeawayfromhim，andstoppedLadyJanetonthethresholdoftheconservatorydoor。
\"Justice！\"shecried，shakingherclinchedhandwithhystericalfrenzyintheair。\"Iclaimmyrighttomeetthatwomanfacetoface！Whereisshe？Confrontmewithher！Confrontmewithher！\"
Whilethosewildwordswerepouringfromherlips，therumblingofcarriagewheelsbecameaudibleonthedriveinfrontofthehouse。Intheall-absorbingagitationofthemoment，thesoundofthewheelsfollowedbytheopeningofthehousedoorpassedunnoticedbythepersonsinthedining-room。Horace\'svoicewasstillraisedinangryprotestagainsttheinsultofferedtoLadyJanet；LadyJanetherselfleavinghimforthesecondtimewasvehementlyringingthebelltosummontheservants；Julianhadoncemoretakentheinfuriatedwomanbythearmsandwastryingvainlytocomposeher——whenthelibrarydoorwasopenedquietlybyayoungladywearingamantleandabonnet。MercyMerricktruetotheappointmentwhichshehadmadewithHoraceenteredtheroom。
ThefirsteyesthatdiscoveredherpresenceonthesceneweretheeyesofGraceRoseberry。StartingviolentlyinJulian\'sgrasp，shepointedtowardthelibrarydoor。\"Ah！\"shecried，withashriekofvindictivedelight。\"Theresheis！\"
Mercyturnedasthesoundofthescreamrangthroughtheroom，andmet——restingonherinsavagetriumph——thelivinggazeofthewomanwhoseidentityshehadstolen，whosebodyshehadleftlaidoutfordead。Ontheinstantofthatterriblediscovery——withhereyesfixedhelplesslyonthefierceeyesthathadfoundher——shedroppedsenselessonthefloor。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter12CHAPTERXII。
EXITJULIAN。
JULIANhappenedtobestandingnearesttoMercy。Hewasthefirstathersidewhenshefell。
Inthecryofalarmwhichburstfromhim，asheraisedherforamomentinhisarms，intheexpressionofhiseyeswhenhelookedatherdeath-likeface，thereescapedtheplain——tooplain——confessionoftheinterestwhichhefeltinher，oftheadmirationwhichshehadarousedinhim。Horacedetectedit。TherewasthequicksuspicionofjealousyinthemovementbywhichhejoinedJulian；therewasthereadyresentmentofjealousyinthetoneinwhichhepronouncedthewords，\"Leavehertome。\"Julianresignedherinsilence。AfaintflushappearedonhispalefaceashedrewbackwhileHoracecarriedhertothesofa。Hiseyessunktotheground；heseemedtobemeditatingself-reproachfullyonthetoneinwhichhisfriendhadspokentohim。Afterhavingbeenthefirsttotakeanactivepartinmeetingthecalamitythathadhappened，hewasnow，toallappearance，insensibletoeverythingthatwaspassingintheroom。
Atouchonhisshoulderrousedhim。
Heturnedandlookedround。Thewomanwhohaddonethemischief——thestrangerinthepoorblackgarments——wasstandingbehindhim。Shepointedtotheprostratefigureonthesofa，withamercilesssmile。
\"Youwantedaproofjustnow，\"shesaid。\"Thereitis！\"
Horaceheardher。HesuddenlyleftthesofaandjoinedJulian。Hisface，naturallyruddy，waspalewithsuppressedfury。
\"Takethatwretchaway！\"hesaid。\"Instantly！orIwon\'tanswerforwhatImaydo。\"
ThosewordsrecalledJuliantohimself。Helookedroundtheroom。LadyJanetandthehousekeeperweretogether，inattendanceontheswooningwoman。Thestartledservantswerecongregatedinthelibrarydoorway。Oneofthemofferedtoruntothenearestdoctor；anotheraskedifheshouldfetchthepolice。Juliansilencedthembyagesture，andturnedtoHorace。\"Composeyourself，\"hesaid。\"Leavemetoremoveherquietlyfromthehouse。\"HetookGracebythehandashespoke。Shehesitated，andtriedtoreleaseherself。Julianpointedtothegroupatthesofa，andtotheservantslookingon。\"Youhavemadeanenemyofeveryoneinthisroom，\"hesaid，\"andyouhavenotafriendinLondon。Doyouwishtomakeanenemyofme？Herheaddrooped；shemadenoreply；shewaited，dumblyobedienttothefirmerwillthanherown。Julianorderedtheservantscrowdingtogetherinthedoorwaytowithdraw。Hefollowedthemintothelibrary，leadingGraceafterhimbythehand。Beforeclosingthedoorhepaused，andlookedbackintothedining-room。
\"Issherecovering？\"heasked，afteramoment\'shesitation。
LadyJanet\'svoiceansweredhim。\"Notyet。\"
\"ShallIsendforthenearestdoctor？\"
Horaceinterposed。HedeclinedtoletJulianassociatehimself，eveninthatindirectmanner，withMercy\'srecovery。
\"Ifthedoctoriswanted，\"hesaid，\"Iwillgoforhimmyself。\"
Julianclosedthelibrarydoor。HeabsentlyreleasedGrace；hemechanicallypointedtoachair。Shesatdowninsilentsurprise，followinghimwithhereyesashewalkedslowlytoandfrointheroom。
Forthemomenthismindwasfarawayfromher，andfromallthathadhappenedsinceherappearanceinthehouse。ItwasimpossiblethatamanofhisfinenessofperceptioncouldmistakethemeaningofHorace\'sconducttowardhim。Hewasquestioninghisownheart，onthesubjectofMercy，sternlyandunreservedlyasitwashishabittodo。\"Afteronlyonceseeingher，\"hethought，\"hassheproducedsuchanimpressiononmethatHoracecandiscoverit，beforeIhaveevensuspecteditmyself？CanthetimehavecomealreadywhenIoweittomyfriendtoseehernomore？\"Hestoppedirritablyinhiswalk。Asamandevotedtoaseriouscallinginlife，therewassomethingthatwoundedhisself-respectinthebaresuspicionthathecouldbeguiltyofthepurelysentimentalextravagancecalled\"loveatfirstsight。\"
HehadpausedexactlyoppositetothechairinwhichGracewasseated。Wearyofthesilence，sheseizedtheopportunityofspeakingtohim。
\"Ihavecomeherewithyouasyouwished，\"shesaid。\"Areyougoingtohelpme？AmItocountonyouasmyfriend？\"
Helookedathervacantly。Itcosthimaneffortbeforehecouldgivehertheattentionthatshehadclaimed。
\"Youhavebeenhardonme，\"Gracewenton。\"Butyoushowedmesomekindnessatfirst；youtriedtomakethemgivemeafairhearing。Iaskyou，asajustman，doyoudoubtnowthatthewomanonthesofainthenextroomisanimpostorwhohastakenmyplace？CantherebeanyplainerconfessionthatsheisMercyMerrickthantheconfessionshehasmade？Yousawit；theysawit。Shefaintedatthesightofme。\"
Juliancrossedtheroom——stillwithoutansweringher——andrangthebell。Whentheservantappeared，hetoldthemantofetchacab。
Gracerosefromherchair。\"Whatisthecabfor？\"sheasked，sharply。
\"Foryouandforme，\"Julianreplied。\"Iamgoingtotakeyoubacktoyourlodgings。\"
\"Irefusetogo。Myplaceisinthishouse。NeitherLadyJanetnoryoucangetovertheplainfacts。AllIaskedwastobeconfrontedwithher。Andwhatdidshedowhenshecameintotheroom？Shefaintedatthesightofme。\"
Reiteratingheronetriumphantassertion，shefixedhereyesonJulianwithalookwhichsaidplainly：Answerthatifyoucan。Inmercytoher，Juliananswereditonthespot。
\"AsfarasIunderstand，\"hesaid，\"youappeartotakeitforgrantedthatnoinnocentwomanwouldhavefaintedonfirstseeingyou。Ihavesomethingtotellyouwhichwillalteryouropinion。OnherarrivalinEnglandthisladyinformedmyauntthatshehadmetwithyouaccidentallyontheFrenchfrontier，andthatshehadseenyousofarassheknewstruckdeadathersidebyashell。Rememberthat，andrecallwhathappenedjustnow。Withoutawordtowarnherofyourrestorationtolife，shefindsherselfsuddenlyfacetofacewithyou，alivingwoman——andthisatatimewhenitiseasyforanyonewholooksathertoseethatsheisindelicatehealth。Whatistherewonderful，whatisthereunaccountable，inherfaintingundersuchcircumstancesasthese？\"
Thequestionwasplainlyput。Wherewastheanswertoit？
Therewasnoanswertoit。Mercy\'swiselycandidstatementofthemannerinwhichshehadfirstmetwithGrace，andoftheaccidentwhichhadfollowedhadservedMercy\'spurposebuttoowell。Itwassimplyimpossibleforpersonsacquaintedwiththatstatementtoattachaguiltymeaningtotheswoon。ThefalseGraceRoseberrywasstillasfarbeyondthereachofsuspicionasever，andthetrueGracewasquickenoughtoseeit。Shesankintothechairfromwhichshehadrisen；herhandsfellinhopelessdespaironherlap。
\"Everythingisagainstme，\"shesaid。\"Thetruthitselfturnsliar，andtakesherside。\"Shepaused，andralliedhersinkingcourage。\"No！\"shecried，resolutely，\"Iwon\'tsubmittohavemynameandmyplacetakenfrommebyavileadventuress！Saywhatyoulike，Iinsistonexposingher；Iwon\'tleavethehouse！\"
Theservantenteredtheroom，andannouncedthatthecabwasatthedoor。
GraceturnedtoJulianwithadefiantwaveofherhand。\"Don\'tletmedetainyou，\"shesaid。\"IseeIhaveneitheradvicenorhelptoexpectfromMr。JulianGray。\"
Julianbeckonedtotheservanttofollowhimintoacorneroftheroom。
\"Doyouknowifthedoctorhasbeensentfor？\"heasked。
\"Ibelievenot，sir。Itissaidintheservants\'hallthatthedoctorisnotwanted。\"
Julianwastooanxioustobesatisfiedwithareportfromtheservants\'hall。Hehastilywroteonaslipofpaper：\"Hassherecovered？\"andgavethenotetotheman，withdirectionstotakeittoLadyJanet。
\"DidyouhearwhatIsaid？\"Graceinquired，whilethemessengerwasabsentinthediningroom。
\"Iwillansweryoudirectly，\"saidJulian。
Theservantappearedagainashespoke，withsomelinesinpencilwrittenbyLadyJanetonthebackofJulian\'snote。\"ThankGod，wehaverevivedher。Inafewminuteswehopetobeabletotakehertoherroom。\"
ThenearestwaytoMercy\'sroomwasthroughthelibrary。Grace\'simmediateremovalhadnowbecomeanecessitywhichwasnottobetrifledwith。JulianaddressedhimselftomeetingthedifficultytheinstanthewasleftalonewithGrace。
\"Listentome，\"hesaid。\"Thecabiswaiting，andIhavemylastwordstosaytoyou。Youarenowthankstotheconsul\'srecommendationinmycare。Decideatoncewhetheryouwillremainundermycharge，orwhetheryouwilltransferyourselftothechargeofthepolice。\"
Gracestarted。\"Whatdoyoumean？\"sheasked，angrily。
\"Ifyouwishtoremainundermycharge，\"Julianproceeded，\"youwillaccompanymeatoncetothecab。InthatcaseIwillundertaketogiveyouanopportunityoftellingyourstorytomyownlawyer。HewillbeafitterpersontoadviseyouthanIam。Nothingwillinducewetobelievethattheladywhomyouhaveaccusedhascommitted，oriscapableofcommitting，suchafraudasyouchargeherwith。Youwillhearwhatthelawyerthinks，ifyoucomewithme。Ifyourefuse，Ishallhavenochoicebuttosendintothenextroom，andtellthemthatyouarestillhere。Theresultwillbethatyouwillfindyourselfinchargeofthepolice。Takewhichcourseyoulike：Iwillgiveyouaminutetodecidein。Andrememberthis——ifIappeartoexpressmyselfharshly，itisyourconductwhichforcesmetospeakout。Imeankindlytowardyou；Iamadvisingyouhonestlyforyourgood。\"
Hetookouthiswatchtocounttheminute。