Gracestoleonefurtiveglanceathissteady，resoluteface。ShewasperfectlyunmovedbythemanlyconsiderationforherwhichJulian\'slastwordshadexpressed。Allsheunderstoodwasthathewasnotamantobetrifledwith。Futureopportunitieswouldofferthemselvesofreturningsecretlytothehouse。Shedeterminedtoyield——anddeceivehim。
\"Iamreadytogo，\"shesaid，risingwithdoggedsubmission。\"Yourturnnow，\"shemutteredtoherself，assheturnedtothelooking-glasstoarrangehershawl。\"Myturnwillcome。\"
Julianadvancedtowardher，asiftoofferherhisarm，andcheckedhimself。Firmlypersuadedashewasthathermindwasderanged——readilyasheadmittedthatsheclaimed，invirtueofheraffliction，everyindulgencethathecouldextendtoher——therewassomethingrepellenttohimatthatmomentinthebareideaoftouchingher。Theimageofthebeautifulcreaturewhowastheobjectofhermonstrousaccusation——theimageofMercyasshelayhelplessforamomentinhisarms——wasvividinhismindwhileheopenedthedoorthatledintothehall，anddrewbacktoletGracepassoutbeforehim。Helefttheservanttohelpherintothecab。ThemanrespectfullyaddressedhimashetookhisseatoppositetoGrace。
\"Iamorderedtosaythatyourroomisready，sir，andthatherladyshipexpectsyoutodinner。\"
Absorbedintheeventswhichhadfollowedhisaunt\'sinvitation，JulianhadforgottenhisengagementtostayatMablethorpeHouse。Couldhereturn，knowinghisownheartashenowknewit？Couldhehonorablyremain，perhapsforweekstogether，inMercy\'ssociety，consciousashenowwasoftheimpressionwhichshehadproducedonhim？No。Theonehonorablecoursethathecouldtakewastofindanexcuseforwithdrawingfromhisengagement。\"Begherladyshipnottowaitdinnerforme，\"hesaid。\"Iwillwriteandmakemyapologies。\"Thecabdroveoff。Thewonderingservantwaitedonthedoorstep，lookingafterit。\"Iwouldn\'tstandinMr。Julian\'sshoesforsomething，\"hethought，withhismindrunningonthedifficultiesoftheyoungclergyman\'sposition。\"Theresheisalongwithhiminthecab。Whatishegoingtodowithherafterthat？\"
Julianhimself，ifithadbeenputtohimatthemoment，couldnothaveansweredthequestion——
LadyJanet\'sanxietywasfarfrombeingrelievedwhenMercyhadbeenrestoredtohersensesandconductedtoherownroom。
Mercy\'smindremainedinaconditionofunreasoningalarm，whichitwasimpossibletoremove。Overandoveragainshewastoldthatthewomanwhohadterrifiedherhadleftthehouse，andwouldneverbepermittedtoenteritmore；overandoveragainshewasassuredthatthestranger\'sfranticassertionswereregardedbyeverybodyaboutherasunworthyofamoment\'sseriousattention。Shepersistedindoubtingwhethertheyweretellingherthetruth。Ashockingdistrustofherfriendsseemedtopossessher。SheshrunkwhenLadyJanetapproachedthebedside。SheshudderedwhenLadyJanetkissedher。SheflatlyrefusedtoletHoraceseeher。SheaskedthestrangestquestionsaboutJulianGray，andshookherheadsuspiciouslywhentheytoldherthathewasabsentfromthehouse。Atintervalsshehidherfaceinthebedclothesandmurmuredtoherselfpiteously，\"Oh，whatshallIdo？WhatshallIdo？\"Atothertimesheronepetitionwastobeleftalone。\"Iwantnobodyinmyroom\"——thatwashersullencry——\"nobodyinmyroom。\"
Theeveningadvanced，andbroughtwithitnochangeforthebetter。LadyJanet，bytheadviceofHorace，sentforherownmedicaladviser。
Thedoctorshookhishead。Thesymptoms，hesaid，indicatedaseriousshocktothenervoussystem。Hewroteasedativeprescription；andhegavewithahappychoiceoflanguagesomesoundandsafeadvice。Itamountedbrieflytothis：\"Takeheraway，andtrythesea-side。\"LadyJanet\'scustomaryenergyactedontheadvice，withoutamoment\'sneedlessdelay。Shegavethenecessarydirectionsforpackingthetrunksovernight，anddecidedonleavingMablethorpeHousewithMercythenextmorning。
ShortlyafterthedoctorhadtakenhisdeparturealetterfromJulian，addressedtoLadyJanet，wasdeliveredbyprivatemessenger。
Beginningwiththenecessaryapologiesforthewriter\'sabsence，theletterproceededintheseterms：
\"BeforeIpermittedmycompaniontoseethelawyer，Ifeltthenecessityofconsultinghimastomypresentpositiontowardherfirst。
\"Itoldhim——whatIthinkitonlyrighttorepeattoyou——thatIdonotfeeljustifiedinactingonmyownopinionthathermindisderanged。InthecaseofthisfriendlesswomanIwantmedicalauthority，and，moreeventhanthat，Iwantsomepositiveproof，tosatisfymyconscienceaswellastoconfirmmyview。
\"Findingmeobstinateonthispoint，thelawyerundertooktoconsultaphysicianaccustomedtothetreatmentoftheinsane，onmybehalf。
\"Aftersendingamessageandreceivingtheanswer，hesaid，\'Bringtheladyhere——inhalfanhour；sheshalltellherstorytothedoctorinsteadoftellingittome。\'Theproposalratherstaggeredme；Iaskedhowitwaspossibletoinducehertodothat。Helaughed，andanswered，\'Ishallpresentthedoctorasmyseniorpartner；myseniorpartnerwillbetheverymantoadviseher。\'YouknowthatIhatealldeception，evenwheretheendinviewappearstojustifyit。Onthisoccasion，however，therewasnootheralternativethantoletthelawyertakehisowncourse，ortoruntheriskofadelaywhichmightbefollowedbyseriousresults。
\"Iwaitedinaroombymyselffeelingveryuneasy，Iownuntilthedoctorjoinedme，aftertheinterviewwasover。
\"Hisopinionis，briefly，this：
\"Aftercarefulexaminationoftheunfortunatecreature，hethinksthatthereareunmistakablysymptomsofmentalaberration。Buthowfarthemischiefhasgone，andwhetherhercaseis，orisnot，sufficientlygravetorenderactualrestraintnecessary，hecannotpositivelysay，inourpresentstateofignoranceastofacts。
\"\'Thusfar，\'heobserved，\'weknownothingofthatpartofherdelusionwhichrelatestoMercyMerrick。Thesolutionofthedifficulty，inthiscase，istobefoundthere。IentirelyagreewiththeladythattheinquiriesoftheconsulatMannheimarefarfrombeingconclusive。Furnishmewithsatisfactoryevidenceeitherthatthereis，orisnot，suchapersonreallyinexistenceasMercyMerrick，andIwillgiveyouapositiveopiniononthecasewheneveryouchoosetoaskforit。\'
\"ThosewordshavedecidedmeonstartingfortheContinentandrenewingthesearchforMercyMerrick。
\"MyfriendthelawyerwondersjocoselywhetherIaminmyrightsenses。HisadviceisthatIshouldapplytothenearestmagistrate，andrelieveyouandmyselfofallfurthertroubleinthatway。
\"Perhapsyouagreewithhim？Mydearauntasyouhaveoftensaid，Idonothinglikeotherpeople。Iaminterestedinthiscase。Icannotabandonaforlornwomanwhohasbeenconfidedtometothetendermerciesofstrangers，solongasthereisanyhopeofmymakingdiscoverieswhichmaybeinstrumentalinrestoringhertoherself——perhaps，also，inrestoringhertoherfriends。
\"Istartbythemail-trainofto-night。MyplanistogofirsttoMannheimandconsultwiththeconsulandthehospitaldoctors；thentofindmywaytotheGermansurgeonandtoquestionhim；and，thatdone，tomakethelastandhardesteffortofall——theefforttotracetheFrenchambulanceandtopenetratethemysteryofMercyMerrick。
\"ImmediatelyonmyreturnIwillwaitonyou，andtellyouwhatIhaveaccomplished，orhowIhavefailed。
\"Inthemeanwhile，praybeundernoalarmaboutthereappearanceofthisunhappywomanatyourhouse。SheisfullyoccupiedinwritingatmysuggestiontoherfriendsinCanada；andsheisunderthecareofthelandladyatherlodgings——anexperiencedandtrustworthyperson，whohassatisfiedthedoctoraswellasmyselfofherfitnessforthechargethatshehasundertaken。
\"PraymentionthistoMissRoseberrywheneveryouthinkitdesirable，withtherespectfulexpressionofmysympathy，andofmybestwishesforherspeedyrestorationtohealth。Andoncemoreforgivemeforfailing，understressofnecessity，toenjoythehospitalityofMablethorpeHouse。\"
LadyJanetclosedJulian\'sletter，feelingfarfromsatisfiedwithit。Shesatforawhile，ponderingoverwhathernephewhadwrittentoher。
\"Oneoftwothings，\"thoughtthequick-wittedoldlady。\"Eitherthelawyerisright，andJulianisafitcompanionforthemadwomanwhomhehastakenunderhischarge，orhehassomesecondmotiveforthisabsurdjourneyofhiswhichhehascarefullyabstainedfrommentioninginhisletter。Whatcanthemotivebe？\"
Atintervalsduringthenightthatquestionrecurredtoherladyshipagainandagain。Theutmostexerciseofheringenuityfailingtoanswerit，heroneresourceleftwastowaitpatientlyforJulian\'sreturn，and，inherownfavoritephrase，to\"haveitoutofhim\"then。
ThenextmorningLadyJanetandheradopteddaughterleftMablethorpeHouseforBrighton；HoracewhohadbeggedtobeallowedtoaccompanythembeingsentencedtoremaininLondonbyMercy\'sexpressdesire。Why——nobodycouldguess；andMercyrefusedtosay。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter13CHAPTERXIII。
ENTERJULIAN。
AWEEKhaspassed。Thesceneopensagaininthedining-roomatMablethorpeHouse。
Thehospitabletablebearsoncemoreitsburdenofgoodthingsforlunch。ButonthisoccasionLadyJanetsitsalone。Herattentionisdividedbetweenreadinghernewspaperandfeedinghercat。Thecatisasleekandsplendidcreature。Hecarriesanerecttail。Herollsluxuriouslyonthesoftcarpet。Heapproacheshismistressinaseriesofcoquettishcurves。Hesmellswithdaintyhesitationatthechoicestmorselsthatcanbeofferedtohim。Themusicalmonotonyofhispurringfallssoothinglyonherladyship\'sear。Shestopsinthemiddleofaleadingarticleandlookswithacarewornfaceatthehappycat。\"Uponmyhonor，\"criesLadyJanet，thinking，inherinveteratelyironicalmanner，ofthecaresthattroubleher，\"allthingsconsidered，Tom，IwishIwasYou！\"
Thecatstarts——notathismistress\'scomplimentaryapostrophe，butataknockatthedoor，whichfollowscloseuponit。LadyJanetsays，carelesslyenough，\"Comein；\"looksroundlistlesslytoseewhoitis；andstarts，likethecat，whenthedooropensanddiscloses——JulianGray！
\"You——oryourghost？\"sheexclaims。
ShehasnoticedalreadythatJulianispalerthanusual，andthatthereissomethinginhismanneratonceuneasyandsubdued——highlyuncharacteristicofhimatothertimes。Hetakesaseatbyherside，andkissesherhand。But——forthefirsttimeinhisaunt\'sexperienceofhim——herefusesthegoodthingsontheluncheontable，andhehasnothingtosaytothecat！ThatneglectedanimaltakesrefugeonLadyJanet\'slap。LadyJanet，withhereyesfixedexpectantlyonhernephewdeterminingto\"haveitoutofhim\"atthefirstopportunity，waitstohearwhathehastosayforhimself。Julianhasnoalternativebuttobreakthesilence，andtellhisstoryashebestmay。
\"IgotbackfromtheContinentlastnight，\"hebegan。\"AndIcomehere，asIpromised，toreportmyselfonmyreturn。Howdoesyourladyshipdo？HowisMissRoseberry？\"
LadyJanetlaidanindicativefingeronthelacepelerinewhichornamentedtheupperpartofherdress。\"Hereistheoldlady，well，\"sheanswered——andpointednexttotheroomabovethem。\"Andthere，\"sheadded，\"istheyounglady，ill。Isanythingthematterwithyou，Julian？\"
\"PerhapsIamalittletiredaftermyjourney。Nevermindme。IsMissRoseberrystillsufferingfromtheshock？\"
\"Whatelseshouldshebesufferingfrom？Iwillneverforgiveyou，Julian，forbringingthatcrazyimpostorintomyhouse。\"
\"Mydearaunt，whenIwastheinnocentmeansofbringingherhereIhadnoideathatsuchapersonasMissRoseberrywasinexistence。NobodylamentswhathashappenedmoresincerelythanIdo。Haveyouhadmedicaladvice？\"
\"Itookhertothesea-sideaweeksincebymedicaladvice。\"
\"Hasthechangeofairdonehernogood？\"
\"Nonewhatever。Ifanything，thechangeofairhasmadeherworse。Sometimesshesitsforhourstogether，aspaleasdeath，withoutlookingatanything，andwithoututteringaword。Sometimesshebrightensup，andseemsasifshewaseagertosaysomething；andthenHeavenonlyknowswhy，checksherselfsuddenlyasifshewasafraidtospeak。Icouldsupportthat。Butwhatcutsmetotheheart，Julian，is，thatshedoesnotappeartotrustmeandtolovemeasshedid。Sheseemstobedoubtfulofme；sheseemstobefrightenedofme。IfIdidnotknowthatitwassimplyimpossiblethatsuchathingcouldbe，Ishouldreallythinkshesuspectedmeofbelievingwhatthatwretchsaidofher。Inonewordandbetweenourselves，Ibegintofearshewillnevergetoverthefrightwhichcausedthatfainting-fit。Thereisseriousmischiefsomewhere；and，tryasImaytodiscoverit，itismischiefbeyondmyfinding。\"
\"Canthedoctordonothing？\"
LadyJanet\'sbrightblackeyesansweredbeforesherepliedinwords，withalookofsupremecontempt。
\"Thedoctor！\"sherepeated，disdainfully。\"IbroughtGracebacklastnightinsheerdespair，andIsentforthedoctorthismorning。Heisattheheadofhisprofession；heissaidtobemakingtenthousandayear；andheknowsnomoreaboutitthanIdo。Iamquiteserious。Thegreatphysicianhasjustgoneawaywithtwoguineasinhispocket。Oneguinea，foradvisingmetokeepherquiet；anotherguineafortellingmetotrusttotime。Doyouwonderhowhegetsonatthisrate？Mydearboy，theyallgetoninthesameway。Themedicalprofessionthrivesontwoincurablediseasesinthesemoderndays——aHe-diseaseandaShe-disease。She-disease——nervousdepression；He-disease——suppressedgout。Remedies，oneguinea，ifyougotothedoctor；twoguineasifthedoctorgoestoyou。Imighthaveboughtanewbonnet，\"criedherladyship，indignantly，\"withthemoneyIhavegiventothatman！Letuschangethesubject。IlosemytemperwhenIthinkofit。Besides，Iwanttoknowsomething。Whydidyougoabroad？\"
AtthatplainquestionJulianlookedunaffectedlysurprised。\"Iwrotetoexplain，\"hesaid。\"Haveyounotreceivedmyletter？\"
\"Oh，Igotyourletter。Itwaslongenough，inallconscience；and，longasitwas，itdidn\'ttellmetheonethingIwantedtoknow。\"
\"Whatisthe\'onething\'？\"
LadyJanet\'sreplypointed——nottoopalpablyatfirst——atthatsecondmotiveforJulian\'sjourneywhichshehadsuspectedJulianofconcealingfromher。
\"Iwanttoknow，\"shesaid，\"whyyoutroubledyourselftomakeyourinquiriesontheContinentinperson？Youknowwheremyoldcourieristobefound。Youhaveyourselfpronouncedhimtobethemostintelligentandtrustworthyofmen。Answermehonestly——couldyounothavesenthiminyourplace？\"
\"Imighthavesenthim，\"Julianadmitted，alittlereluctantly。
\"Youmighthavesentthecourier——andyouwereunderanengagementtostayhereasmyguest。Answermehonestlyoncemore。Whydidyougoaway？\"
Julianhesitated。LadyJanetpausedforhisreply，withtheairofawomenwhowaspreparedtowaitifnecessaryfortherestoftheafternoon。
\"Ihadareasonofmyownforgoing，\"Juliansaidatlast。
\"Yes？\"rejoinedLadyJanet，preparedtowaitifnecessarytillthenextmorning。
\"Areason，\"Julianresumed，\"whichIwouldrathernotmention。\"
\"Oh！\"saidLadyJanet。\"Anothermystery——eh？Andanotherwomanatthebottomofit，nodoubt。Thankyou——thatwilldo——Iamsufficientlyanswered。Nowonder，asaclergyman，thatyoulookalittleconfused。Thereis，perhaps，acertaingrace，underthecircumstances，inlookingconfused。Wewillchangethesubjectagain。Youstayhere，ofcourse，nowyouhavecomeback？\"
Oncemorethefamouspulpitoratorseemedtofindhimselfintheinconceivablepredicamentofnotknowingwhattosay。OncemoreLadyJanetlookedresignedtowaitifnecessaryuntilthemiddleofnextweek。
Juliantookrefugeinananswerworthyofthemostcommonplacemanonthefaceofthecivilizedearth。
\"Ibegyourladyshiptoacceptmythanksandmyexcuses，\"hesaid。
LadyJanet\'smany-ringedfingers，mechanicallystrokingthecatinherlap，begantostrokehimthewrongway。
LadyJanet\'sinexhaustiblepatienceshowedsignsoffailingheratlast。
\"Mightycivil，Iamsure，\"shesaid。\"Makeitcomplete。Say，Mr。JulianGraypresentshiscomplimentstoLadyJanetRoy，andregretsthatapreviousengagement——Julian！\"exclaimedtheoldlady，suddenlypushingthecatoffherlap，andflingingherlastpretenseofgoodtempertothewinds——\"Julian，Iamnottobetrifledwith！Thereisbutoneexplanationofyourconduct——youareevidentlyavoidingmyhouse。Istheresomebodyyoudislikeinit？Isitme？\"
Julianintimatedbyagesturethathisaunt\'slastquestionwasabsurd。Themuch-injuredcatelevatedhisback，wavedhistailslowly，walkedtothefireplace，andhonoredtherugbytakingaseatonit。
LadyJanetpersisted。\"IsitGraceRoseberry？\"sheaskednext。
EvenJulian\'spatiencebegantoshowsignsofyielding。Hismannerassumedasuddendecision，hisvoiceroseatonelouder。
\"Youinsistonknowing？\"hesaid。\"ItisMissRoseberry。\"
\"Youdon\'tlikeher？\"criedLadyJanet，withasuddenburstofangrysurprise。
Julianbrokeout，onhisside：\"IfIseeanymoreofher，\"heanswered，therarecolormountingpassionatelyinhischeeks，\"Ishallbetheunhappiestmanliving。IfIseeanymoreofher，Ishallbefalsetomyoldfriend，whoistomarryher。Keepusapart。Ifyouhaveanyregardformypeaceofmind，keepusapart。\"
Unutterableamazementexpresseditselfinhisaunt\'sliftedhands。Ungovernablecuriosityuttereditselfinhisaunt\'snextwords。
\"Youdon\'tmeantotellmeyouareinlovewithGrace？\"
Juliansprungrestlesslytohisfeet，anddisturbedthecatatthefireplace。Thecatlefttheroom。
\"Idon\'tknowwhattotellyou，\"hesaid；\"Ican\'trealizeittomyself。Nootherwomanhaseverrousedthefeelinginmewhichthiswomanseemstohavecalledtolifeinaninstant。InthehopeofforgettingherIbrokemyengagementhere；Ipurposelyseizedtheopportunityofmakingthoseinquiriesabroad。Quiteuseless。Ithinkofher，morning，noon，andnight。Iseeherandhearher，atthismoment，asplainlyasIseeandhearyou。Shehasmadeherselfapartofmyself。Idon\'tunderstandmylifewithouther。Mypowerofwillseemstobegone。Isaidtomyselfthismorning，\'Iwillwritetomyaunt；Iwon\'tgobacktoMablethorpeHouse。\'HereIaminMablethorpeHouse，withameansubterfugetojustifymetomyownconscience。\'Ioweittomyaunttocallonmyaunt。\'ThatiswhatIsaidtomyselfonthewayhere；andIwassecretlyhopingeverystepofthewaythatshewouldcomeintotheroomwhenIgothere。Iamhopingitnow。AndsheisengagedtoHoraceHolmcroft——tomyoldestfriend，tomybestfriend！AmIaninfernalrascal？oramIaweakfool？Godknows——Idon\'t。Keepmysecret，aunt。Iamheartilyashamedofmyself；IusedtothinkIwasmadeofbetterstuffthanthis。Don\'tsayawordtoHorace。Imust，andwill，conquerit。Letmego。\"
Hesnatcheduphishat。LadyJanet，risingwiththeactivityofayoungwoman，pursuedhimacrosstheroom，andstoppedhimatthedoor。
\"No，\"answeredtheresoluteoldlady，\"Iwon\'tletyougo。Comebackwithme。\"
Asshesaidthosewordsshenoticedwithacertainfondpridethebrilliantcolormountinginhischeeks——theflashingbrightnesswhichlentanaddedlustertohiseyes。Hehadnever，tohermind，lookedsohandsomebefore。Shetookhisarm，andledhimtothechairswhichtheyhadjustleft。Itwasshocking，itwaswrongshementallyadmittedtolookonMercy，underthecircumstances，withanyothereyethantheeyeofabrotherorafriend。Inaclergymanperhapsdoublyshocking，doublywrong。But，withallherrespectforthevestedinterestsofHorace，LadyJanetcouldnotblameJulian。Worsestill，shewasprivatelyconsciousthathehad，somehoworother，risen，ratherthanfallen，inherestimationwithinthelastminuteortwo。Whocoulddenythatheradopteddaughterwasacharmingcreature？Whocouldwonderifamanofrefinedtastesadmiredher？Uponthewhole，herladyshiphumanelydecidedthathernephewwasrathertobepitiedthanblamed。WhatdaughterofEvenomatterwhethershewasseventeenorseventycouldhavehonestlyarrivedatanyotherconclusion？Dowhatamanmay——lethimcommitanythinghelikes，fromanerrortoacrime——solongasthereisawomanatthebottomofit，thereisaninexhaustiblefundofpardonforhimineveryotherwoman\'sheart。\"Sitdown，\"saidLadyJanet，smilinginspiteofherself；\"anddon\'ttalkinthathorriblewayagain。Aman，Julian——especiallyafamousmanlikeyou——oughttoknowhowtocontrolhimself。\"
Julianburstoutlaughingbitterly。
\"Sendupstairsformyself-control，\"hesaid。\"It\'sinherpossession——notinmine。Goodmorning，aunt。\"
Herosefromhischair。LadyJanetinstantlypushedhimbackintoit。
\"Iinsistonyourstayinghere，\"shesaid，\"ifitisonlyforafewminuteslonger。Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou。\"
\"DoesitrefertoMissRoseberry？\"
\"ItreferstothehatefulwomanwhofrightenedMissRoseberry。Nowareyousatisfied？\"
Julianbowed，andsettledhimselfinhischair。
\"Idon\'tmuchliketoacknowledgeit，\"hisauntwenton。\"ButIwantyoutounderstandthatIhavesomethingreallyserioustospeakabout，foronceinaway。Julian！thatwretchnotonlyfrightensGrace——sheactuallyfrightensme。\"
\"Frightensyou？Sheisquiteharmless，poorthing。\"
\"\'Poorthing\'！\"repeatedLadyJanet。\"Didyousay\'poorthing\'？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Isitpossiblethatyoupityher？\"
\"Fromthebottomofmyheart。\"
Theoldlady\'stempergavewayagainatthatreply。\"Ihateamanwhocan\'thateanybody！\"sheburstout。\"IfyouhadbeenanancientRoman，Julian，IbelieveyouwouldhavepitiedNerohimself。\"
Juliancordiallyagreedwithher。\"IbelieveIshould，\"hesaid，quietly。\"Allsinners，mydearaunt，aremoreorlessmiserablesinners。Neromusthavebeenoneofthewretchedestofmankind。\"
\"Wretched！\"exclaimedLadyJanet。\"Nerowretched！Amanwhocommittedrobbery，arsonandmurdertohisownviolinaccompaniment——onlywretched！Whatnext，Iwonder？WhenmodernphilanthropybeginstoapologizeforNero，modernphilanthropyhasarrivedataprettypassindeed！WeshallhearnextthatBloodyQueenMarywasasplayfulasakitten；andifpoordearHenrytheEighthcarriedanythingtoanextreme，itwasthepracticeofthedomesticvirtues。Ah，howIhatecant！Whatwerewetalkingaboutjustnow？Youwanderfromthesubject，Julian；youarewhatIcallbird-witted。IprotestIforgetwhatIwantedtosaytoyou。No，Iwon\'tberemindedofit。Imaybeanoldwoman，butIamnotinmydotageyet！Whydoyousittherestaring？Haveyounothingtosayforyourself？Ofallthepeopleintheworld，haveyoulosttheuseofyourtongue？\"
Julian\'sexcellenttemperandaccurateknowledgeofhisaunt\'scharacterexactlyfittedhimtocalmtherisingstorm。HecontrivedtoleadLadyJanetinsensiblybacktothelostsubjectbydexterousreferencetoanarrativewhichhehadthusfarleftuntold——thenarrativeofhisadventuresontheContinent。
\"Ihaveagreatdealtosay，aunt，\"hereplied。\"Ihavenotyettoldyouofmydiscoveriesabroad。\"
LadyJanetinstantlytookthebait。
\"Iknewtherewassomethingforgotten，\"shesaid。\"Youhavebeenallthistimeinthehouse，andyouhavetoldmenothing。Begindirectly。\"
PatientJulianbegan。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter14CHAPTERXIV。
COMINGEVENTSCASTTHEIRSHADOWSBEFORE。
\"IWENTfirsttoMannheim，LadyJanet，asItoldyouIshouldinmyletter，andIheardallthattheconsulandthehospitaldoctorscouldtellme。Nonewfactoftheslightestimportanceturnedup。IgotmydirectionsforfindingtheGermansurgeon，andIsetforthtotrywhatIcouldmakenextofthemanwhoperformedtheoperation。Onthequestionofhispatient\'sidentityhehadasaperfectstrangertohernothingtotellme。Onthequestionofhermentalcondition，however，hemadeaveryimportantstatement。Heownedtomethathehadoperatedonanotherpersoninjuredbyashell-woundontheheadatthebattleofSolferino，andthatthepatientrecoveringalsointhiscaserecovered——mad。Thatisaremarkableadmission；don\'tyouthinkso？\"
LadyJanet\'stemperhadhardlybeenallowedtimeenoughtosubsidetoitscustomarylevel。
\"Veryremarkable，Idaresay，\"sheanswered，\"topeoplewhofeelanydoubtofthispitiableladyofyoursbeingmad。Ifeelnodoubt——and，thusfar，Ifindyouraccountofyourself，Julian，tiresomeintheextreme。Goontotheend。DidyoulayyourhandonMercyMerrick？\"
\"No。\"
\"Didyouhearanythingofher？\"
\"Nothing。Difficultiesbesetmeoneveryside。TheFrenchambulancehadsharedinthedisastersofFrance——itwasbrokenup。ThewoundedFrenchmenwereprisonerssomewhereinGermany，nobodyknewwhere。TheFrenchsurgeonhadbeenkilledinaction。Hisassistantswerescattered——mostlikelyinhiding。Ibegantodespairofmakinganydiscovery，whenaccidentthrewinmywaytwoPrussiansoldierswhohadbeenintheFrenchcottage。TheyconfirmedwhattheGermansurgeontoldtheconsul，andwhatHoracehimselftoldme——namely，thatnonurseinablackdresswastobeseenintheplace。Iftherehadbeensuchaperson，shewouldcertainlythePrussiansinformmehavebeenfoundinattendanceontheinjuredFrenchmen。ThecrossoftheGenevaConventionwouldhavebeenamplysufficienttoprotecther：nowomanwearingthatbadgeofhonorwouldhavedisgracedherselfbyabandoningthewoundedmenbeforetheGermansenteredtheplace。\"
\"Inshort，\"interposedLadyJanet，\"thereisnosuchpersonasMercyMerrick。\"
\"Icandrawnootherconclusion，\"saidJulian，\"unlesstheEnglishdoctor\'sideaistherightone。AfterhearingwhatIhavejusttoldyou，hethinksthewomanherselfisMercyMerrick。\"
LadyJanetheldupherhandasasignthatshehadanobjectiontomakehere。
\"Youandthedoctorseemtohavesettledeverythingtoyourentiresatisfactiononbothsides，\"shesaid。\"Butthereisonedifficultythatyouhaveneitherofyouaccountedforyet。\"
\"Whatisit，aunt？\"
\"Youtalkgliblyenough，Julian，aboutthiswoman\'smadassertionthatGraceisthemissingnurse，andthatsheisGrace。Butyouhavenotexplainedyethowtheideafirstgotintoherhead；and，morethanthat，howitisthatsheisacquaintedwithmynameandaddress，andperfectlyfamiliarwithGrace\'spapersandGrace\'saffairs。Thesethingsareapuzzletoapersonofmyaverageintelligence。Canyourcleverfriend，thedoctor，accountforthem？\"
\"ShallItellyouwhathesaidwhenIsawhimthismorning？\"
\"Willittakelong？\"
\"Itwilltakeaboutaminute。\"
\"Youagreeablysurpriseme。Goon。\"
\"YouwanttoknowhowshegainedherknowledgeofyournameandofMissRoseberry\'saffairs，\"Julianresumed。\"Thedoctorsaysinoneoftwoways。EitherMissRoseberrymusthavespokenofyouandofherownaffairswhilesheandthestrangerweretogetherintheFrenchcottage，orthestrangermusthaveobtainedaccessprivatelytoMissRoseberry\'spapers。Doyouagreesofar？\"
LadyJanetbegantofeelinterestedforthefirsttime。
\"Perfectly，\"shesaid。\"IhavenodoubtGracerashlytalkedofmatterswhichanolderandwiserpersonwouldhavekepttoherself。\"
\"Verygood。Doyoualsoagreethatthelastideainthewoman\'smindwhenshewasstruckbytheshellmighthavebeenquiteprobablytheideaofMissRoseberry\'sidentityandMissRoseberry\'saffairs？Youthinkitlikelyenough？Well，whathappensafterthat？Thewoundedwomanisbroughttolifebyanoperation，andshebecomesdeliriousinthehospitalatMannheim。DuringherdeliriumtheideaofMissRoseberry\'sidentityfermentsinherbrain，andassumesitspresentpervertedform。Inthatformitstillremains。Asanecessaryconsequence，shepersistsinreversingthetwoidentities。ShesayssheisMissRoseberry，anddeclaresMissRoseberrytobeMercyMerrick。Thereisthedoctor\'sexplanation。Whatdoyouthinkofit？\"
\"Veryingenious，Idaresay。Thedoctordoesn\'tquitesatisfyme，however，forallthat。Ithink——\"
WhatLadyJanetthoughtwasnotdestinedtobeexpressed。Shesuddenlycheckedherself，andheldupherhandforthesecondtime。
\"Anotherobjection？\"inquiredJulian。
\"Holdyourtongue！\"criedtheoldlady。\"IfyousayawordmoreIshallloseitagain。\"
\"Losewhat，aunt？\"
\"WhatIwantedtosaytoyouagesago。Ihavegotitbackagain——itbeginswithaquestion。Nomoreofthedoctor——Ihavehadenoughofhim！Whereisshe——yourpitiablelady，mycrazywretch——whereisshenow？StillinLondon？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Andstillatlarge？\"
\"Stillwiththelandlady，atherlodgings。\"
\"Verywell。Nowanswermethis！Whatistopreventherfrommakinganotherattempttoforceherwayorstealherwayintomyhouse？HowamItoprotectGrace，howamItoprotectmyself，ifshecomeshereagain？\"
\"Isthatreallywhatyouwishedtospeaktomeabout？\"
\"That，andnothingelse。\"
Theywerebothtoodeeplyinterestedinthesubjectoftheirconversationtolooktowardtheconservatory，andtonoticetheappearanceatthatmomentofadistantgentlemanamongtheplantsandflowers，whohadmadehiswayinfromthegardenoutside。AdvancingnoiselesslyonthesoftIndianmatting，thegentlemanerelongrevealedhimselfundertheformandfeaturesofHoraceHolmcroft。Beforeenteringthedining-roomhepaused，fixinghiseyesinquisitivelyonthebackofLadyJanet\'svisitor——thebackbeingallthathecouldseeinthepositionhethenoccupied。Afterapauseofaninstantthevisitorspoke，andfurtheruncertaintywasatonceatanend。Horace，nevertheless，madenomovementtoentertheroom。HehadhisownjealousdistrustofwhatJulianmightbetemptedtosayataprivateinterviewwithhisaunt；andhewaitedalittlelongeronthechancethathisdoubtsmightbeverified。
\"NeitheryounorMissRoseberryneedanyprotectionfromthepoordeludedcreature，\"Julianwenton。\"Ihavegainedgreatinfluenceoverher——andIhavesatisfiedherthatitisuselesstopresentherselfhereagain。\"
\"Ibegyourpardon，\"interposedHorace，speakingfromtheconservatorydoor。\"Youhavedonenothingofthesort。\"
HehadheardenoughtosatisfyhimthatthetalkwasnottakingthedirectionwhichhisSuspicionshadanticipated。And，asanadditionalincentivetoshowhimself，ahappychancehadnowofferedhimtheopportunityofputtingJulianinthewrong。
\"Goodheavens，Horace！\"exclaimedLadyJanet。\"Wheredidyoucomefrom？Andwhatdoyoumean？\"
\"IheardatthelodgethatyourladyshipandGracehadreturnedlastnight。AndIcameinatoncewithouttroublingtheservants，bytheshortestway。\"HeturnedtoJuliannext。\"Thewomanyouwerespeakingofjustnow，\"heproceeded，\"hasbeenhereagainalready——inLadyJanet\'sabsence。\"
LadyJanetimmediatelylookedathernephew。Julianreassuredherbyagesture。
\"Impossible，\"hesaid。\"Theremustbesomemistake。\"
\"Thereisnomistake，\"Horacerejoined。\"IamrepeatingwhatIhavejustheardfromthelodge-keeperhimself。HehesitatedtomentionittoLadyJanetforfearofalarmingher。Onlythreedayssincethispersonhadtheaudacitytoaskhimforherladyship\'saddressatthesea-side。Ofcourseherefusedtogiveit。\"
\"Youhearthat，Julian？\"saidLadyJanet。
NosignsofangerormortificationescapedJulian。Theexpressioninhisfaceatthatmomentwasanexpressionofsinceredistress。
\'Praydon\'talarmyourself，\"hesaidtohisaunt，inhisquietesttones。\"IfsheattemptstoannoyyouorMissRoseberryagain，Ihaveitinmypowertostopherinstantly。\"
\"How？\"askedLadyJanet。
\"How，indeed！\"echoedHorace。\"Ifwegiveherinchargetothepolice，weshallbecomethesubjectofapublicscandal。\"
\"Ihavemanagedtoavoidalldangerofscandal，\"Juliananswered；theexpressionofdistressinhisfacebecomingmoreandmoremarkedwhilehespoke。\"BeforeIcalledhereto-dayIhadaprivateconsultationwiththemagistrateofthedistrict，andIhavemadecertainarrangementsatthepolicestationcloseby。Onreceiptofmycard，anexperiencedman，inplainclothes，willpresenthimselfatanyaddressthatIindicate，andwilltakeherquietlyaway。Themagistratewillhearthechargeinhisprivateroom，andwillexaminetheevidencewhichIcanproduce，showingthatsheisnotaccountableforheractions。Thepropermedicalofficerwillreportofficiallyonthecase，andthelawwillplaceherunderthenecessaryrestraint。\"
LadyJanetandHoracelookedateachotherinamazement。Julianwas，intheiropinion，thelastmanonearthtotakethecourse——atoncesensibleandsevere——whichJulianhadactuallyadopted。LadyJanetinsistedonanexplanation。
\"WhydoIhearofthisnowforthefirsttime？\"sheasked。\"Whydidyounottellmeyouhadtakentheseprecautionsbefore？\"
Julianansweredfranklyandsadly。
\"BecauseIhoped，aunt，thattherewouldbenonecessityforproceedingtoextremities。YounowforcemetoacknowledgethatthelawyerandthedoctorbothofwhomIhaveseenthismorningthink，asyoudo，thatsheisnottobetrusted。ItwasattheirsuggestionentirelythatIwenttothemagistrate。Theyputittomewhethertheresultofmyinquiriesabroad——unsatisfactoryasitmayhavebeeninotherrespects——didnotstrengthentheconclusionthatthepoorwoman\'smindisderanged。Ifeltcompelledincommonhonestytoadmitthatitwasso。Havingownedthis，Iwasboundtotakesuchprecautionsasthelawyerandthedoctorthoughtnecessary。Ihavedonemyduty——sorelyagainstmyownwill。Itisweakofme，Idaresay；butIcannotbearthethoughtoftreatingthisafflictedcreatureharshly。Herdelusionissohopeless！hersituationissuchapitiableone！\"
Hisvoicefaltered。Heturnedawayabruptlyandtookuphishat。LadyJanetfollowedhim，andspoketohimatthedoor。Horacesmiledsatirically，andwenttowarmhimselfatthefire。
\"Areyougoingaway，Julian？\"
\"Iamonlygoingtothelodge-keeper。Iwanttogivehimawordofwarningincaseofhisseeingheragain。\"
\"Youwillcomebackhere？\"LadyJanetloweredhervoicetoawhisper。\"Thereisreallyareason，Julian，foryournotleavingthehousenow。\"
\"Ipromisenottogoaway，aunt，untilIhaveprovidedforyoursecurity。Ifyou，oryouradopteddaughter，arealarmedbyanotherintrusion，Igiveyoumywordofhonormycardshallgotothepolicestation，howeverpainfullyImayfeelitmyself。\"He，too，loweredhisvoiceatthenextwords\"Inthemeantime，rememberwhatIconfessedtoyouwhilewewerealone。Formysake，letmeseeaslittleofMissRoseberryaspossible。ShallIfindyouinthisroomwhenIcomeback？\"
\"Yes。\"
\"Alone？\"
Helaidastrongemphasis，oflookaswellasoftone，onthatoneword。LadyJanetunderstoodwhattheemphasismeant。
\"Areyoureally，\"shewhispered，\"asmuchinlovewithGraceasthat？\"
Julianlaidonehandonhisaunt\'sarm，andpointedwiththeothertoHorace——standingwithhisbacktothem，warminghisfeetonthefender。
\"Well？\"saidLadyJanet。
\"Well，\"saidJulian，withasmileonhislipandatearinhiseye，\"IneverenviedanymanasIenvyhim！\"
Withthosewordshelefttheroom。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter15CHAPTERXV。
AWOMAN\'SREMORSE。
HAVINGwarmedhisfeettohisownentiresatisfaction，Horaceturnedroundfromthefireplace，anddiscoveredthatheandLadyJanetwerealone。
\"CanIseeGrace？\"heasked。
Theeasytoneinwhichheputthequestion——atone，asitwere，ofproprietorshipin\"Grace\"——jarredonLadyJanetatthemoment。ForthefirsttimeinherlifeshefoundherselfcomparingHoracewithJulian——toHorace\'sdisadvantage。Hewasrich；hewasagentlemanofancientlineage；heboreanunblemishedcharacter。Butwhohadthestrongbrain？whohadthegreatheart？WhichwastheManofthetwo？
\"Nobodycanseeher，\"answeredLadyJanet。\"Notevenyou！\"
Thetoneofthereplywassharp，withadashofironyinit。Butwhereisthemodernyoungman，possessedofhealthandanindependentincome，whoiscapableofunderstandingthatironycanbepresumptuousenoughtoaddressitselftohim？Horacewithperfectpolitenessdeclinedtoconsiderhimselfanswered。
\"DoesyourladyshipmeanthatMissRoseberryisinbed？\"heasked。
\"ImeanthatMissRoseberryisinherroom。ImeanthatIhavetwicetriedtopersuadeMissRoseberrytodressandcomedownstairs，andtriedinvain。ImeanthatwhatMissRoseberryrefusestodoforMe，sheisnotlikelytodoforYou——\"
HowmanymoremeaningsofherownLadyJanetmighthavegoneonenumerating，itisnoteasytocalculate。Atherthirdsentenceasoundinthelibrarycaughtherearthroughtheincompletelycloseddoorandsuspendedthenextwordsonherlips。Horacehearditalso。Itwastherustlingsoundtravelingnearerandneareroverthelibrarycarpetofasilkendress。
Intheintervalwhileacomingeventremainsinastateofuncertainty，whatisittheinevitabletendencyofeveryEnglishmanunderthirtytodo？Hisinevitabletendencyistoasksomebodytobetontheevent。Hecannomoreresistitthanhecanresistliftinghisstickorhisumbrella，intheabsenceofagun，andpretendingtoshootifabirdfliesbyhimwhileheisoutforawalk。
\"WhatwillyourladyshipbetthatthisisnotGrace？\"criedHorace。
Herladyshiptooknonoticeoftheproposal；herattentionremainedfixedonthelibrarydoor。Therustlingsoundstoppedforamoment。Thedoorwassoftlypushedopen。ThefalseGraceRoseberryenteredtheroom。
Horaceadvancedtomeether，openedhislipstospeak，andstopped——struckdumbbythechangeinhisaffiancedwifesincehehadseenherlast。Someterribleoppressionseemedtohavecrushedher。Itwasasifshehadactuallyshrunkinheightaswellasinsubstance。Shewalkedmoreslowlythanusual；shespokemorerarelythanusual，andinalowertone。TothosewhohadseenherbeforethefatalvisitofthestrangerfromMannheim，itwasthewreckofthewomanthatnowappearedinsteadofthewomanherself。Andyettherewastheoldcharmstillsurvivingthroughitall；thegrandeuroftheheadandeyes，thedelicatesymmetryofthefeatures，theunsoughtgraceofeverymovement——inaword，theunconquerablebeautywhichsufferingcannotdestroy，andwhichtimeitselfispowerlesstowearout。LadyJanetadvanced，andtookherwithheartykindnessbybothhands。
\"Mydearchild，welcomeamongusagain！Youhavecomedownstairstopleaseme？\"
Shebentherheadinsilentacknowledgmentthatitwasso。LadyJanetpointedtoHorace：\"Hereissomebodywhohasbeenlongingtoseeyou，Grace。\"
Sheneverlookedup；shestoodsubmissive，hereyesfixedonalittlebasketofcoloredwoolswhichhungonherarm。\"Thankyou，LadyJanet，\"shesaid，faintly。\"Thankyou，Horace。\"
Horaceplacedherarminhis，andledhertothesofa。Sheshiveredasshetookherseat，andlookedroundher。Itwasthefirsttimeshehadseenthedining-roomsincethedaywhenshehadfoundherselffacetofacewiththedead-alive。
\"Whydoyoucomehere，mylove？\"askedLadyJanet。\"Thedrawing-roomwouldhavebeenawarmerandapleasanterplaceforyou。\"
\"Isawacarriageatthefrontdoor。Iwasafraidofmeetingwithvisitorsinthedrawing-room。\"
Asshemadethatreply，theservantcamein，andannouncedthevisitors\'names。LadyJanetsighedwearily。\"Imustgoandgetridofthem，\"shesaid，resigningherselftocircumstances。\"Whatwillyoudo，Grace？\"
\"Iwillstayhere，ifyouplease。\"
\"Iwillkeephercompany，\"addedHorace。
LadyJanethesitated。Shehadpromisedtoseehernephewinthedining-roomonhisreturntothehouse——andtoseehimalone。Wouldtherebetimeenoughtogetridofthevisitorsandtoestablishheradopteddaughterintheemptydrawing-roombeforeJulianappeared？Itwastenminutes\'walktothelodge，andhehadtomakethegate-keeperunderstandhisinstructions。LadyJanetdecidedthatshehadtimeenoughatherdisposal。ShenoddedkindlytoMercy，andleftheralonewithherlover。
Horaceseatedhimselfinthevacantplaceonthesofa。SofarasitwasinhisnaturetodevotehimselftoanyonehewasdevotedtoMercy。\"Iamgrievedtoseehowyouhavesuffered，\"hesaid，withhonestdistressinhisfaceashelookedather。\"Trytoforgetwhathashappened。\"
\"Iamtryingtoforget。Doyouthinkofitmuch？\"
\"Mydarling，itistoocontemptibletobethoughtof。\"
Sheplacedherwork-basketonherlap。Herwastedfingersbeganabsentlysortingthewoolsinside。
\"HaveyouseenMr。JulianGray？\"sheasked，suddenly。
\"Yes。\"
\"Whatdoeshesayaboutit？\"ShelookedatHoraceforthefirsttime，steadilyscrutinizinghisface。Horacetookrefugeinprevarication。
\"Ireallyhaven\'taskedforJulian\'sopinion，\"hesaid。
Shelookeddownagain，withasigh，atthebasketonherlap——consideredalittle——andtriedhimoncemore。
\"WhyhasMr。JulianGraynotbeenhereforawholeweek？\"shewenton。\"Theservantssayhehasbeenabroad。Isthattrue？\"
Itwasuselesstodenyit。Horaceadmittedthattheservantswereright。
Herfingers，suddenlystoppedattheirrestlessworkamongthewools；herbreathquickenedperceptibly。WhathadJulianGraybeendoingabroad？Hadhebeenmakinginquiries？Didhealone，ofallthepeoplewhosawthatterriblemeeting，suspecther？Yes！Hiswasthefinerintelligence；hiswasaclergyman\'saLondonclergyman\'sexperienceoffraudsanddeceptions，andofthewomenwhowereguiltyofthem。Notadoubtofitnow！Juliansuspectedher。
\"Whendoeshecomeback？\"sheasked，intonessolowthatHoracecouldbarelyhearher。
\"Hehascomebackalready。Hereturnedlastnight。\"
Afaintshadeofcolorstoleslowlyoverthepallorofherface。Shesuddenlyputherbasketaway，andclaspedherhandstogethertoquietthetremblingofthem，beforesheaskedhernextquestion。
\"Whereis——\"Shepausedtosteadyhervoice。\"Whereistheperson，\"sheresumed，\"whocamehereandfrightenedme？\"
Horacehastenedtore-assureher。\"Thepersonwillnotcomeagain，\"hesaid。\"Don\'ttalkofher！Don\'tthinkofher！\"
Sheshookherhead。\"ThereissomethingIwanttoknow，\"shepersisted。\"HowdidMr。JulianGraybecomeacquaintedwithher？\"
Thiswaseasilyanswered。HoracementionedtheconsulatMannheim，andtheletterofintroduction。Shelistenedeagerly，andsaidhernextwordsinalouder，firmertone。
\"Shewasquiteastranger，then，toMr。JulianGray——beforethat？\"
\"Quiteastranger，\"Horacereplied。\"Nomorequestions——notanotherwordabouther，Grace！Iforbidthesubject。Come，myownlove！\"hesaid，takingherhandandbendingoverhertenderly，\"rallyyourspirits！Weareyoung——weloveeachother——nowisourtimetobehappy！\"
Herhandturnedsuddenlycold，andtrembledinhis。Herheadsankwithahelplesswearinessonherbreast。Horaceroseinalarm。
\"Youarecold——youarefaint，\"hesaid。\"Letmegetyouaglassofwine！——letmemendthefire！\"
Thedecanterswerestillontheluncheon-table。Horaceinsistedonherdrinkingsomeport-wine。Shebarelytookhalfthecontentsofthewine-glass。Eventhatlittletoldonhersensitiveorganization；itrousedhersinkingenergiesofbodyandmind。Afterwatchingheranxiously，withoutattractinghernotice，Horaceleftheragaintoattendtothefireattheotherendoftheroom。Hereyesfollowedhimslowlywithahardandtearlessdespair。\"Rallyyourspirits，\"sherepeatedtoherselfinawhisper。\"Myspirits！OGod！\"Shelookedroundherattheluxuryandbeautyoftheroom，asthoselookwhotaketheirleaveoffamiliarscenes。Themomentafter，hereyessank，andrestedontherichdressthatsheworeagiftfromLadyJanet。Shethoughtofthepast；shethoughtofthefuture。WasthetimenearwhenshewouldbebackagainintheRefuge，orbackagaininthestreets？——shewhohadbeenLadyJanet\'sadopteddaughter，andHoraceHolmcroft\'sbetrothedwife！Asuddenfrenzyofrecklessnessseizedonherasshethoughtofthecomingend。Horacewasright！Whynotrallyherspirits？Whynotmakethemostofhertime？Thelasthoursofherlifeinthathousewereathand。Whynotenjoyherstolenpositionwhileshecould？\"Adventuress！\"whisperedthemockingspiritwithinher，\"betruetoyourcharacter。Awaywithyourremorse！Remorseistheluxuryofanhonestwoman。\"Shecaughtupherbasketofwools，inspiredbyanewidea。\"Ringthebell！\"shecriedouttoHoraceatthefire-place。
Helookedroundinwonder。Thesoundofhervoicewassocompletelyalteredthathealmostfanciedtheremusthavebeenanotherwomanintheroom。
\"Ringthebell！\"sherepeated。\"Ihaveleftmyworkupstairs。Ifyouwantmetobeingoodspirits，Imusthavemywork。\"
Stilllookingather，Horaceputhishandmechanicallytothebellandrang。Oneofthemen-servantscamein。
\"Goupstairsandaskmymaidformywork，\"shesaid，sharply。Eventhemanwastakenbysurprise：itwasherhabittospeaktotheservantswithagentlenessandconsiderationwhichhadlongsincewonalltheirhearts。\"Doyouhearme？\"sheasked，impatiently。Theservantbowed，andwentoutonhiserrand。SheturnedtoHoracewithflashingeyesandfeveredcheeks。
\"Whatacomfortitis，\"shesaid，\"tobelongtotheupperclasses！Apoorwomanhasnomaidtodressher，andnofootmantosendupstairs。Islifeworthhaving，Horace，onlessthanfivethousandayear？\"
Theservantreturnedwithastripofembroidery。Shetookitwithaninsolentgrace，andtoldhimtobringherafootstool。Themanobeyed。Shetossedtheembroideryawayfromheronthesofa。\"Onsecondthoughts，Idon\'tcareaboutmywork，\"shesaid。\"Takeitupstairsagain。\"Theperfectlytrainedservant，marvelingprivately，obeyedoncemore。Horace，insilentastonishment，advancedtothesofatoobservehermorenearly。\"Howgraveyoulook！\"sheexclaimed，withanairofflippantunconcern。\"Youdon\'tapproveofmysittingidle，perhaps？Anythingtopleaseyou！Ihaven\'tgottogoupanddownstairs。Ringthebellagain。\"
\"MydearGrace，\"Horaceremonstrated，gravely，\"youarequitemistaken。Inevereventhoughtofyourwork。\"
\"Nevermind；it\'sinconsistenttosendformywork，andthensenditawayagain。Ringthebell。\"
Horacelookedatherwithoutmoving。\"Grace，\"hesaid，\"whathascometoyou？\"
\"HowshouldIknow？\"sheretorted，carelessly。\"Didn\'tyoutellmetorallymyspirits？Willyouringthebell，ormustI？\"
Horacesubmitted。Hefrownedashewalkedbacktothebell。Hewasoneofthemanypeoplewhoinstinctivelyresentanythingthatisnewtothem。Thisstrangeoutbreakwasquitenewtohim。Forthefirsttimeinhislifehefeltsympathyforaservant，whenthemuch-enduringmanappearedoncemore。
\"Bringmyworkback；Ihavechangedmymind。\"Withthatbriefexplanationshereclinedluxuriouslyonthesoftsofa-cushions，swingingoneofherballsofwooltoandfroaboveherhead，andlookingatitlazilyasshelayback。\"Ihavearemarktomake，Horace，\"shewenton，whenthedoorhadclosedonhermessenger。\"Itisonlypeopleinourrankoflifewhogetgoodservants。Didyounotice？Nothingupsetsthatman\'stemper。Aservantinapoorfamilyshouldhavebeenimpudent；amaid-of-all-workwouldhavewonderedwhenIwasgoingtoknowmyownmind。\"Themanreturnedwiththeembroidery。Thistimeshereceivedhimgraciously；shedismissedhimwithherthanks。\"Haveyouseenyourmotherlately，Horace？\"sheasked，suddenlysittingupandbusyingherselfwithherwork。
\"Isawheryesterday，\"Horaceanswered。
\"Sheunderstands，Ihope，thatIamnotwellenoughtocallonher？Sheisnotoffendedwithme？\"
Horacerecoveredhisserenity。ThedeferencetohismotherimpliedinMercy\'squestionsgentlyflatteredhisself-esteem。Heresumedhisplaceonthesofa。
\"Offendedwithyou！\"heanswered，smiling。\"MydearGrace，shesendsyouherlove。And，morethanthat，shehasaweddingpresentforyou。\"
Mercybecameabsorbedinherwork；shestoopedcloseovertheembroidery——soclosethatHoracecouldnotseeherface。\"Doyouknowwhatthepresentis？\"sheasked，inloweredtones，speakingabsently。
\"No。Ionlyknowitiswaitingforyou。ShallIgoandgetitto-day？\"
Sheneitheracceptednorrefusedtheproposal——shewentonwithherworkmoreindustriouslythanever。
\"Thereisplentyoftime，\"Horacepersisted。\"Icangobeforedinner。\"
Stillshetooknonotice：stillsheneverlookedup。\"Yourmotherisverykindtome，\"shesaid，abruptly。\"Iwasafraid，atonetime，thatshewouldthinkmehardlygoodenoughtobeyourwife。\"
Horacelaughedindulgently：hisself-esteemwasmoregentlyflatteredthanever。
\"Absurd！\"heexclaimed。\"Mydarling，youareconnectedwithLadyJanetRoy。Yourfamilyisalmostasgoodasours。\"
\"Almost？\"sherepeated。\"Onlyalmost？\"
ThemomentarylevityofexpressionvanishedfromHorace\'sface。ThefamilyquestionwasfartooseriousaquestiontobelightlytreatedAbecomingshadowofsolemnitystoleoverhismanner。HelookedasifitwasSunday，andhewasjuststeppingintochurch。
\"InOURfamily，\"hesaid，\"wetraceback——bymyfather，totheSaxons；bymymother，totheNormans。LadyJanet\'sfamilyisanoldfamily——onhersideonly。\"
Mercydroppedherembroidery，andlookedHoracefullintheface。She，too，attachednocommonimportancetowhatshehadnexttosay。
\"IfIhadnotbeenconnectedwithLadyJanet，\"shebegan，\"wouldyoueverhavethoughtofmarryingme？\"
\"Mylove！whatistheuseofasking？YouareconnectedwithLadyJanet。\"
Sherefusedtolethimescapeansweringherinthatway。
\"SupposeIhadnotbeenconnectedwithLadyJanet？\"shepersisted。\"SupposeIhadonlybeenagoodgirl，withnothingbutmyownmeritstospeakforme。Whatwouldyourmotherhavesaidthen？\"
Horacestillparriedthequestion——onlytofindthepointofitpressedhomeonhimoncemore。
\"Whydoyouask？\"hesaid。
\"Iasktobeanswered，\"sherejoined。\"Wouldyourmotherhavelikedyoutomarryapoorgirl，ofnofamily——withnothingbutherownvirtuestospeakforher？\"
Horacewasfairlypressedbacktothewall。
\"Ifyoumustknow，\"hereplied，\"mymotherwouldhaverefusedtosanctionsuchamarriageasthat。\"
\"Nomatterhowgoodthegirlmighthavebeen？\"
Therewassomethingdefiant——almostthreatening——inhertone。Horacewasannoyed——andheshoweditwhenhespoke。
\"Mymotherwouldhaverespectedthegirl，withoutceasingtorespectherself，\"hesaid。\"Mymotherwouldhaverememberedwhatwasduetothefamilyname。\"
\"Andshewouldhavesaid，No？\"
\"Shewouldhavesaid，No。\"
\"Ah！\"
TherewasanundertoneofangrycontemptintheexclamationwhichmadeHoracestart。\"Whatisthematter？\"heasked。
\"Nothing，\"sheanswered，andtookupherembroideryagain。Therehesatatherside，anxiouslylookingather——hishopeinthefuturecenteredinhismarriage！Inaweekmore，ifshechose，shemightenterthatancientfamilyofwhichhehadspokensoproudly，ashiswife。\"Oh！\"shethought，\"ifIdidn\'tlovehim！ifIhadonlyhismercilessmothertothinkof！\"
Uneasilyconsciousofsomeestrangementbetweenthem，Horacespokeagain。\"SurelyIhavenotoffendedyou？\"hesaid。
Sheturnedtowardhimoncemore。Theworkdroppedunheededonherlap。Hergrandeyessoftenedintotenderness。Asmiletrembledsadlyonherdelicatelips。Shelaidonehandcaressinglyonhisshoulder。Allthebeautyofhervoicelentitscharmtothenextwordsthatshesaidtohim。Thewoman\'shearthungeredinitsmiseryforthecomfortthatcouldonlycomefromhislips。
\"Youwouldhavelovedme，Horace——withoutstoppingtothinkofthefamilyname？\"
Thefamilynameagain！Howstrangelyshepersistedincomingbacktothat！Horacelookedatherwithoutanswering，tryingvainlytofathomwhatwaspassinginhermind。
Shetookhishand，andwrungithard——asifshewouldwringtheansweroutofhiminthatway。
\"Youwouldhavelovedme？\"sherepeated。
Thedoublespellofhervoiceandhertouchwasonhim。Heanswered，warmly，\"Underanycircumstances！underanyname！\"
Sheputonearmroundhisneck，andfixedhereyesonhis。\"Isthattrue？\"sheasked。
\"Trueastheheavenaboveus！\"
Shedrankinthosefewcommonplacewordswithagreedydelight。Sheforcedhimtorepeattheminanewform。
\"NomatterwhoImighthavebeen？Formyselfalone？\"
\"Foryourselfalone。\"
Shethrewbotharmsroundhim，andlaidherheadpassionatelyonhisbreast。\"Iloveyou！Iloveyou！！Iloveyou！！！\"Hervoicerosewithhystericalvehemenceateachrepetitionofthewords——thensuddenlysanktoalowhoarsecryofrageanddespair。Thesenseofhertruepositiontowardhimrevealeditselfinallitshorrorastheconfessionofherloveescapedherlips。Herarmsdroppedfromhim；sheflungherselfbackonthesofa-cushions，hidingherfaceinherhands。\"Oh，leaveme！\"shemoaned，faintly。\"Go！go！\"
Horacetriedtowindhisarmroundher，andraiseher。Shestartedtoherfeet，andwavedhimbackfromherwithawildactionofherhands，asifshewasfrightenedofhim。\"Theweddingpresent！\"shecried，seizingthefirstpretextthatoccurredtoher。\"Youofferedtobringmeyourmother\'spresent。Iamdyingtoseewhatitis。Goandgetit！\"
Horacetriedtocomposeher。Hemightaswellhavetriedtocomposethewindsandthesea。
\"Go！\"sherepeated，pressingoneclinchedhandonherbosom。\"Iamnotwell。Talkingexcitesme——Iamhysterical；Ishallbebetteralone。Getmethepresent。Go！\"
\"ShallIsendLadyJanet？ShallIringforyourmaid？\"
\"Sendfornobody！ringfornobody！Ifyouloveme——leavemeherebymyself！leavemeinstantly！\"
\"IshallseeyouwhenIcomeback？\"
\"Yes！yes！\"
Therewasnoalternativebuttoobeyher。Unwillinglyandforebodingly，Horacelefttheroom。
Shedrewadeepbreathofrelief，anddroppedintothenearestchair。IfHoracehadstayedamomentlonger——shefeltit，sheknewit——herheadwouldhavegivenway；shewouldhaveburstoutbeforehimwiththeterribletruth。\"Oh！\"shethought，pressinghercoldhandsonherburningeyes，\"ifIcouldonlycry，nowthereisnobodytoseeme！\"
Theroomwasempty：shehadeveryreasonforconcludingthatshewasalone。Andyetatthatverymomenttherewereearsthatlistened——therewereeyeswaitingtoseeher。
Littlebylittlethedoorbehindherwhichfacedthelibraryandledintothebilliard-roomwasopenednoiselesslyfromwithout，byaninchatatime。Astheopeningwasenlargedahandinablackglove，anarminablacksleeve，appeared，guidingthemovementofthedoor。Anintervalofamomentpassed，andthewornwhitefaceofGraceRoseberryshoweditselfstealthily，lookingintothedining-room。
HereyesbrightenedwithvindictivepleasureastheydiscoveredMercysittingaloneatthefurtherendoftheroom。Inchbyinchsheopenedthedoormorewidely，tookonestepforward，andcheckedherself。Asound，justaudibleatthefarendoftheconservatory，hadcaughtherear。
Shelistened——satisfiedherselfthatshewasnotmistaken——anddrawingbackwithafrownofdispleasure，softlyclosedthedooragain，soastohideherselffromview。Thesoundthathaddisturbedherwasthedistantmurmurofmen\'svoicesapparentlytwoinnumbertalkingtogetherinloweredtones，atthegardenentrancetotheconservatory。
Whowerethemen？andwhatwouldtheydonext？Theymightdooneoftwothings：theymightenterthedrawing-room，ortheymightwithdrawagainbywayofthegarden。Kneelingbehindthedoor，withherearatthekey-hole，GraceRoseberrywaitedtheevent。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter16CHAPTERXVI。
THEYMEETAGAIN。
ABSORBEDinherself，Mercyfailedtonoticetheopeningdoorortohearthemurmurofvoicesintheconservatory。
Theoneterriblenecessitywhichhadbeenpresenttohermindatintervalsforaweekpastwasconfrontingheratthatmoment。SheowedtoGraceRoseberrythetardyjusticeofowningthetruth。Thelongerherconfessionwasdelayed，themorecruellyshewasinjuringthewomanwhomshehadrobbedofheridentity——thefriendlesswomanwhohadneitherwitnessesnorpaperstoproduce，whowaspowerlesstorightherownwrong。Keenlyasshefeltthis，Mercyfailed，nevertheless，toconquerthehorrorthatshookherwhenshethoughtoftheimpendingavowal。Dayfollowedday，andstillsheshrankfromtheunendurableordealofconfession——asshewasshrinkingfromitnow！
Wasitfearforherselfthatclosedherlips？
Shetrembled——asanyhumanbeinginherplacemusthavetrembled——atthebareideaoffindingherselfthrownbackagainontheworld，whichhadnoplaceinitandnohopeinitforher。Butshecouldhaveovercomethatterror——shecouldhaveresignedherselftothatdoom。
No！itwasnotthefearoftheconfessionitself，orthefearoftheconsequenceswhichmustfollowit，thatstillheldhersilent。ThehorrorthatdauntedherwasthehorrorofowningtoHoraceandtoLadyJanetthatshehadcheatedthemoutoftheirlove。
EverydayLadyJanetwaskinderandkinder。EverydayHoracewasfonderandfonderofher。HowcouldsheconfesstoLadyJanet？howcouldsheowntoHoracethatshehadimposeduponhim？\"Ican\'tdoit。Theyaresogoodtome——Ican\'tdoit！\"Inthathopelesswayithadendedduringthesevendaysthathadgoneby。Inthathopelesswayitendedagainnow。
Themurmurofthetwovoicesatthefurtherendoftheconservatoryceased。Thebilliard-roomdooropenedagainslowly，byaninchatatime。
Mercystillkeptherplace，unconsciousoftheeventsthatwerepassingroundher。Sinkingunderthehardstresslaidonit，hermindhaddriftedlittlebylittleintoanewtrainofthought。Forthefirsttimeshefoundthecouragetoquestionthefutureinanewway。Supposingherconfessiontohavebeenmade，orsupposingthewomanwhomshehadpersonatedtohavediscoveredthemeansofexposingthefraud，whatadvantage，shenowaskedherself，wouldMissRoseberryderivefromMercyMerrick\'sdisgrace？
CouldLadyJanettransfertothewomanwhowasreallyherrelativebymarriagetheaffectionwhichshehadgiventothewomanwhohadpretendedtobeherrelative？No！AlltherightintheworldwouldnotputthetrueGraceintothefalseGrace\'svacantplace。ThequalitiesbywhichMercyhadwonLadyJanet\'slovewerethequalitieswhichwereMercy\'swon。LadyJanetcoulddorigidjustice——butherswasnotthehearttogiveitselftoastrangerandtogiveitselfunreservedlyasecondtime。GraceRoseberrywouldbeformallyacknowledged——andthereitwouldend。
Wastherehopeinthisnewview？
Yes！Therewasthefalsehopeofmakingtheinevitableatonementbysomeothermeansthanbytheconfessionofthefraud。
WhathadGraceRoseberryactuallylostbythewrongdonetoher？ShehadlostthesalaryofLadyJanet\'s\"companionandreader。\"Saythatshewantedmoney，MercyhadhersavingsfromthegenerousallowancemadetoherbyLadyJanet；Mercycouldoffermoney。Orsaythatshewantedemployment，Mercy\'sinterestwithLadyJanetcouldofferemployment，couldofferanythingGracemightaskfor，ifshewouldonlycometoterms。
Invigoratedbythenewhope，Mercyroseexcitedly，wearyofinactionintheemptyroom。She，whobutafewminutessincehadshudderedatthethoughtoftheirmeetingagain，wasnoweagertodeviseameansoffindingherwayprivatelytoaninterviewwithGrace。Itshouldbedonewithoutlossoftime——onthatveryday，ifpossible；bythenextdayatlatest。Shelookedroundhermechanically，ponderinghowtoreachtheendinview。Hereyesrestedbychanceonthedoorofthebilliard-room。
Wasitfancy？ordidshereallyseethedoorfirstopenalittle，thensuddenlyandsoftlycloseagain？
Wasitfancy？ordidshereallyhear，atthesamemoment，asoundbehindherasofpersonsspeakingintheconservatory？
Shepaused；and，lookingbackinthatdirection，listenedintently。Thesound——ifshehadreallyheardit——wasnolongeraudible。Sheadvancedtowardthebilliard-roomtosetherfirstdoubtatrest。Shestretchedoutherhandtoopenthedoor，whenthevoicesrecognizablenowasthevoicesoftwomencaughtherearoncemore。
Thistimeshewasabletodistinguishthewordsthatwerespoken。
\"Anyfurtherorders，sir？\"inquiredoneofthemen。
\"Nothingmore，\"repliedtheother。