Atlastthetroublesomedeceasedwasgotintotheground，tobeburiednomore，andthestatelystalkerstalkedbackbeforethesolitarydressmaker，asifshewereboundinhonourtohavenonotionofthewayhome。ThoseFuries，theconventionalities，beingthusappeased，helefther。
\'Imusthaveaveryshortcry，godmother，beforeIcheerupforgood，\'saidthelittlecreature，comingin。\'Becauseafterallachildisachild，youknow。\'
Itwasalongercrythanmighthavebeenexpected。Howbeit，itworeitselfoutinashadowycorner，andthenthedressmakercameforth，andwashedherface，andmadethetea。\'Youwouldn\'tmindmycuttingoutsomethingwhileweareattea，wouldyou?\'sheaskedherJewishfriend，withacoaxingair。
\'Cinderella，dearchild，\'theoldmanexpostulated，\'willyouneverrest?\'
\'Oh！It\'snotwork，cuttingoutapatternisn\'t，\'saidMissJenny，withherbusylittlescissorsalreadysnippingatsomepaper。\'Thetruthis，godmother，IwanttofixitwhileIhaveitcorrectinmymind。\'
\'Haveyouseenitto-daythen?\'askedRiah。
\'Yes，godmother。Sawitjustnow。It\'sasurplice，that\'swhatitis。
Thingourclergymenwear，youknow，\'explainedMissJenny，inconsiderationofhisprofessinganotherfaith。
\'Andwhathaveyoutodowiththat，Jenny?\'
\'Why，godmother，\'repliedthedressmaker，\'youmustknowthatweProfessorswholiveuponourtasteandinvention，areobligedtokeepoureyesalwaysopen。AndyouknowalreadythatIhavemanyextraexpensestomeetjustnow。So，itcameintomyheadwhileIwasweepingatmypoorboy\'sgrave，thatsomethinginmywaymightbedonewithaclergyman。\'
\'Whatcanbedone?\'askedtheoldman。
\'Notafuneral，neverfear！\'returnedMissJenny，anticipatinghisobjectionwithanod。\'Thepublicdon\'tliketobemademelancholy，Iknowverywell。Iamseldomcalledupontoputmyyoungfriendsintomourning；notintorealmourning，thatis；Courtmourningtheyareratherproudof。Butadollclergyman，mydear，——glossyblackcurlsandwhiskers——unitingtwoofmyyoungfriendsinmatrimony，\'saidMissJenny，shakingherforefinger，\'isquiteanotheraffair。Ifyoudon\'tseethosethreeatthealtarinBondStreet，inajiffy，myname\'sJackRobinson！\'
Withherexpertlittlewaysinsharpaction，shehadgotadollintowhitey-brownpaperorders，beforethemealwasover，andwasdisplayingitfortheedificationoftheJewishmind，whenaknockwasheardatthestreet-door。Riahwenttoopenit，andpresentlycameback，usheringin，withthegraveandcourteousairthatsatsowelluponhim，agentleman。
Thegentlemanwasastrangertothedressmaker；buteveninthemomentofhiscastinghiseyesuponher，therewassomethinginhismannerwhichbroughttoherremembranceMrEugeneWrayburn。
\'Pardonme，\'saidthegentleman。\'Youarethedolls\'dressmaker?\'
\'Iamthedolls\'dressmaker，sir。\'
\'LizzieHexam\'sfriend?\'
\'Yes，sir，\'repliedMissJenny，instantlyonthedefensive。\'AndLizzieHexam\'sfriend。\'
\'Hereisanotefromher，entreatingyoutoaccedetotherequestofMrMortimerLightwood，thebearer。MrRiahchancestoknowthatIamMrMortimerLightwood，andwilltellyouso。\'
Riahbenthisheadincorroboration。
\'Willyoureadthenote?\'
\'It\'sveryshort，\'saidJenny，withalookofwonder，whenshehadreadit。
\'Therewasnotimetomakeitlonger。Timewassoveryprecious。
MydearfriendMrEugeneWrayburnisdying。\'
Thedressmakerclaspedherhands，andutteredalittlepiteouscry。
\'Isdying，\'repeatedLightwood，withemotion，\'atsomedistancefromhere。Heissinkingunderinjuriesreceivedatthehandsofavillainwhoattackedhiminthedark。Icomestraightfromhisbedside。Heisalmostalwaysinsensible。Inashortrestlessintervalofsensibility，orpartialsensibility，Imadeoutthatheaskedforyoutobebroughttositbyhim。Hardlyrelyingonmyowninterpretationoftheindistinctsoundshemade，IcausedLizzietohearthem。Wewerebothsurethatheaskedforyou。\'
Thedressmaker，withherhandsstillclasped，lookedaffrightedlyfromtheonetotheotherofhertwocompanions。
\'Ifyoudelay，hemaydiewithhisrequestungratified，withhislastwish——intrustedtome——wehavelongbeenmuchmorethanbrothers——unfulfilled。Ishallbreakdown，ifItrytosaymore。
Inafewmomentstheblackbonnetandthecrutch-stickwereonduty，thegoodJewwasleftinpossessionofthehouse，andthedolls\'dressmaker，sidebysideinachaisewithMortimerLightwood，waspostingoutoftown。
Chapter10
THEDOLLS\'DRESSMAKERDISCOVERSAWORD
Adarkenedandhushedroom；theriveroutsidethewindowsflowingontothevastocean；afigureonthebed，swathedandbandagedandbound，lyinghelplessonitsback，withitstwouselessarmsinsplintsatitssides。Onlytwodaysofusagesofamiliarizedthelittledressmakerwiththisscene，thatitheldtheplaceoccupiedtwodaysagobytherecollectionsofyears。
Hehadscarcelymovedsinceherarrival。Sometimeshiseyeswereopen，sometimesclosed。Whentheywereopen，therewasnomeaningintheirunwinkingstareatonespotstraightbeforethem，unlessforamomentthebrowknittedintoafaintexpressionofanger，orsurprise。Then，MortimerLightwoodwouldspeaktohim，andonoccasionshewouldbesofarrousedastomakeanattempttopronouncehisfriend\'sname。But，inaninstantconsciousnesswasgoneagain，andnospiritofEugenewasinEugene\'scrushedouterform。
TheyprovidedJennywithmaterialsforplyingherwork，andshehadalittletableplacedatthefootofhisbed。Sittingthere，withherrichshowerofhairfallingoverthechair-back，theyhopedshemightattracthisnotice。Withthesameobject，shewouldsing，justaboveherbreath，whenheopenedhiseyes，orshesawhisbrowknitintothatfaintexpression，soevanescentthatitwaslikeashapemadeinwater。Butasyethehadnotheeded。The\'they\'
herementionedwerethemedicalattendant；Lizzie，whowasthereinallherintervalsofrest；andLightwood，whoneverlefthim。
Thetwodaysbecamethree，andthethreedaysbecamefour。Atlength，quiteunexpectedly，hesaidsomethinginawhisper。
\'Whatwasit，mydearEugene?\'
\'Willyou，Mortimer——\'
\'WillI——?——
\'Sendforher?\'
\'Mydearfellow，sheishere。\'
Quiteunconsciousofthelongblank，hesupposedthattheywerestillspeakingtogether。
Thelittledressmakerstoodupatthefootofthebed，humminghersong，andnoddedtohimbrightly。\'Ican\'tshakehands，Jenny，\'
saidEugene，withsomethingofhisoldlook；\'butIamverygladtoseeyou。\'
Mortimerrepeatedthistoher，foritcouldonlybemadeoutbybendingoverhimandcloselywatchinghisattemptstosayit。Inalittlewhile，headded:
\'Askherifshehasseenthechildren。\'
Mortimercouldnotunderstandthis，neithercouldJennyherself，untilheadded:
\'Askherifshehassmelttheflowers。\'
\'Oh！Iknow！\'criedJenny。\'Iunderstandhimnow！\'Then，Lightwoodyieldedhisplacetoherquickapproach，andshesaid，bendingoverthebed，withthatbetterlook:\'Youmeanmylongbrightslantingrowsofchildren，whousedtobringmeeaseandrest?Youmeanthechildrenwhousedtotakemeup，andmakemelight?\'
Eugenesmiled，\'Yes。\'
\'IhavenotseenthemsinceIsawyou。Ineverseethemnow，butI
amhardlyeverinpainnow。\'
\'Itwasaprettyfancy，\'saidEugene。
\'ButIhaveheardmybirdssing，\'criedthelittlecreature，\'andI
havesmeltmyflowers。Yes，indeedIhave！AndbothweremostbeautifulandmostDivine！\'
\'Stayandhelptonurseme，\'saidEugene，quietly。\'Ishouldlikeyoutohavethefancyhere，beforeIdie。\'
Shetouchedhislipswithherhand，andshadedhereyeswiththatsamehandasshewentbacktoherworkandherlittlelowsong。
Heheardthesongwithevidentpleasure，untilshealloweditgraduallytosinkawayintosilence。
\'Mortimer。\'
\'MydearEugene。\'
\'Ifyoucangivemeanythingtokeepmehereforonlyafewminutes——\'
Tokeepyouhere，Eugene?\'
\'TopreventmywanderingawayIdon\'tknowwhere——forIbegintobesensiblethatIhavejustcomeback，andthatIshalllosemyselfagain——doso，dearboy！\'
Mortimergavehimsuchstimulantsascouldbegivenhimwithsafetytheywerealwaysathand，ready，andbendingoverhimoncemore，wasabouttocautionhim，whenhesaid:
\'Don\'ttellmenottospeak，forImustspeak。IfyouknewtheharassinganxietythatgnawsandwearsmewhenIamwanderinginthoseplaces——wherearethoseendlessplaces，Mortimer?Theymustbeatanimmensedistance！\'
Hesawinhisfriend\'sfacethathewaslosinghimself；forheaddedafteramoment:\'Don\'tbeafraid——Iamnotgoneyet。Whatwasit?\'
\'Youwantedtotellmesomething，Eugene。Mypoordearfellow，youwantedtosaysomethingtoyouroldfriend——tothefriendwhohasalwayslovedyou，admiredyou，imitatedyou，foundedhimselfuponyou，beennothingwithoutyou，andwho，Godknows，wouldbehereinyourplaceifhecould！\'
\'Tut，tut！\'saidEugenewithatenderglanceastheotherputhishandbeforehisface。\'Iamnotworthit。IacknowledgethatIlikeit，dearboy，butIamnotworthit。Thisattack，mydearMortimer；
thismurder——\'
Hisfriendleanedoverhimwithrenewedattention，saying:\'YouandIsuspectsomeone。\'
\'Morethansuspect。But，Mortimer，whileIliehere，andwhenIlieherenolonger，Itrusttoyouthattheperpetratorisneverbroughttojustice。\'
\'Eugene?\'
\'Herinnocentreputationwouldberuined，myfriend。Shewouldbepunished，nothe。Ihavewrongedherenoughinfact；Ihavewrongedherstillmoreinintention。Yourecollectwhatpavementissaidtobemadeofgoodintentions。Itismadeofbadintentionstoo。Mortimer，Iamlyingonit，andIknow！\'
\'Becomforted，mydearEugene。\'
\'Iwill，whenyouhavepromisedme。DearMortimer，themanmustneverbepursued。Ifheshouldbeaccused，youmustkeephimsilentandsavehim。Don\'tthinkofavengingme；thinkonlyofhushingthestoryandprotectingher。Youcanconfusethecase，andturnasidethecircumstances。ListentowhatIsaytoyou。Itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。Doyouhearme?
Twice；itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。Doyouhearme?Threetimes；itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。\'
Hestopped，exhausted。Hisspeechhadbeenwhispered，broken，andindistinct；butbyagreatefforthehadmadeitplainenoughtobeunmistakeable。
\'Dearfellow，Iamwanderingaway。Staymeforanothermoment，ifyoucan。\'
Lightwoodliftedhisheadattheneck，andputawine-glasstohislips。Herallied。
\'Idon\'tknowhowlongagoitwasdone，whetherweeks，days，orhours。Nomatter。Thereisinquiryonfoot，andpursuit。Say！Istherenot?\'
\'Yes。\'
\'Checkit；divertit！Don\'tletherbebroughtinquestion。Shieldher。Theguiltyman，broughttojustice，wouldpoisonhername。
Lettheguiltymangounpunished。Lizzieandmyreparationbeforeall！Promiseme！\'
\'Eugene，Ido。Ipromiseyou！\'
Intheactofturninghiseyesgratefullytowardshisfriend，hewanderedaway。Hiseyesstoodstill，andsettledintothatformerintentunmeaningstare。
Hoursandhours，daysandnights，heremainedinthissamecondition。Thereweretimeswhenhewouldcalmlyspeaktohisfriendafteralongperiodofunconsciousness，andwouldsayhewasbetter，andwouldaskforsomething。Beforeitcouldhegivenhim，hewouldbegoneagain。
Thedolls\'dressmaker，allsoftenedcompassionnow，watchedhimwithanearnestnessthatneverrelaxed。Shewouldregularlychangetheice，orthecoolingspirit，onhishead，andwouldkeepherearatthepillowbetweenwhiles，listeningforanyfaintwordsthatfellfromhiminhiswanderings。Itwasamazingthroughhowmanyhoursatatimeshewouldremainbesidehim，inacrouchingattitude，attentivetohisslightestmoan。Ashecouldnotmoveahand，hecouldmakenosignofdistress；but，throughthisclosewatchingifthroughnosecretsympathyorpowerthelittlecreatureattainedanunderstandingofhimthatLightwooddidnotpossess。Mortimerwouldoftenturntoher，asifshewereaninterpreterbetweenthissentientworldandtheinsensibleman；andshewouldchangethedressingofawound，oreasealigature，orturnhisface，oralterthepressureofthebedclothesonhim，withanabsolutecertaintyofdoingright。Thenaturallightnessanddelicacyoftouchwhichhadbecomeveryrefinedbypracticeinherminiaturework，nodoubtwasinvolvedinthis；butherperceptionwasatleastasfine。
Theoneword，Lizzie，hemutteredmillionsoftimes。Inacertainphaseofhisdistressfulstate，whichwastheworsttothosewhotendedhim，hewouldrollhisheaduponthepillow，incessantlyrepeatingthenameinahurriedandimpatientmanner，withthemiseryofadisturbedmind，andthemonotonyofamachine。
Equally，whenhelaystillandstaring，hewouldrepeatitforhourswithoutcessation，butthen，alwaysinatoneofsubduedwarningandhorror。Herpresenceandhertouchuponhisbreastorfacewouldoftenstopthis，andthentheylearnedtoexpectthathewouldforsometimeremainstill，withhiseyesclosed，andthathewouldbeconsciousonopeningthem。But，theheavydisappointmentoftheirhope——revivedbythewelcomesilenceoftheroom——was，thathisspiritwouldglideawayagainandbelost，inthemomentoftheirjoythatitwasthere。
Thisfrequentrisingofadrowningmanfromthedeep，tosinkagain，wasdreadfultothebeholders。But，graduallythechangestoleuponhimthatitbecamedreadfultohimself。Hisdesiretoimpartsomethingthatwasonhismind，hisunspeakableyearningtohavespeechwithhisfriendandmakeacommunicationtohim，sotroubledhimwhenherecoveredconsciousness，thatitstermwastherebyshortened。Asthemanrisingfromthedeepwoulddisappearthesoonerforfightingwiththewater，soheinhisdesperatestrugglewentdownagain。
Oneafternoonwhenhehadbeenlyingstill，andLizzie，unrecognized，hadjuststolenoutoftheroomtopursueheroccupation，heutteredLightwood\'sname。
\'MydearEugene，Iamhere。\'
\'Howlongisthistolast，Mortimer?\'
Lightwoodshookhishead。\'Still，Eugene，youarenoworsethanyouwere。\'
\'ButIknowthere\'snohope。YetIprayitmaylastlongenoughforyoutodomeonelastservice，andformetodoonelastaction。
Keepmehereafewmoments，Mortimer。Try，try！\'
Hisfriendgavehimwhataidhecould，andencouragedhimtobelievethathewasmorecomposed，thougheventhenhiseyeswerelosingtheexpressiontheysorarelyrecovered。
\'Holdmehere，dearfellow，ifyoucan。Stopmywanderingaway。
Iamgoing！\'
\'Notyet，notyet。Tellme，dearEugene，whatisitIshalldo?\'
\'Keepmehereforonlyasingleminute。Iamgoingawayagain。
Don\'tletmego。Hearmespeakfirst。Stopme——stopme！\'
\'MypoorEugene，trytobecalm。\'
\'Idotry。Itrysohard。Ifyouonlyknewhowhard！Don\'tletmewandertillIhavespoken。Givemealittlemorewine。\'
Lightwoodcomplied。Eugene，withamostpatheticstruggleagainsttheunconsciousnessthatwascomingoverhim，andwithalookofappealthataffectedhisfriendprofoundly，said:
\'YoucanleavemewithJenny，whileyouspeaktoherandtellherwhatIbeseechofher。YoucanleavemewithJenny，whileyouaregone。There\'snotmuchforyoutodo。Youwon\'tbelongaway。\'
\'No，no，no。ButtellmewhatitisthatIshalldo，Eugene！\'
\'Iamgoing！Youcan\'tholdme。\'
\'Tellmeinaword，Eugene！\'
Hiseyeswerefixedagain，andtheonlywordthatcamefromhislipswasthewordmillionsoftimesrepeated。Lizzie，Lizzie，Lizzie。
But，thewatchfullittledressmakerhadbeenvigilantaseverinherwatch，andshenowcameupandtouchedLightwood\'sarmashelookeddownathisfriend，despairingly。
\'Hush！\'shesaid，withherfingeronherlips。\'Hiseyesareclosing。
He\'llbeconsciouswhenhenextopensthem。ShallIgiveyoualeadingwordtosaytohim?\'
\'OJenny，ifyoucouldonlygivemetherightword！\'
\'Ican。Stoopdown。\'
Hestooped，andshewhisperedinhisear。Shewhisperedinhisearoneshortwordofasinglesyllable。Lightwoodstarted，andlookedather。
\'Tryit，\'saidthelittlecreature，withanexcitedandexultantface。
Shethenbentovertheunconsciousman，and，forthefirsttime，kissedhimonthecheek，andkissedthepoormaimedhandthatwasnearesttoher。Then，shewithdrewtothefootofthebed。
Sometwohoursafterwards，MortimerLightwoodsawhisconsciousnesscomeback，andinstantly，butverytranquilly，bentoverhim。
\'Don\'tspeak，Eugene。Donomorethanlookatme，andlistentome。YoufollowwhatIsay。\'
Hemovedhisheadinassent。
\'Iamgoingonfromthepointwherewebrokeoff。Isthewordweshouldsoonhavecometo——isit——Wife?\'
\'OGodblessyou，Mortimer！\'
\'Hush！Don\'tbeagitated。Don\'tspeak。Hearme，dearEugene。
Yourmindwillbemoreatpeace，lyinghere，ifyoumakeLizzieyourwife。Youwishmetospeaktoher，andtellherso，andentreathertobeyourwife。Youaskhertokneelatthisbedsideandbemarriedtoyou，thatyourreparationmaybecomplete。Isthatso?\'
\'Yes。Godblessyou！Yes。\'
\'Itshallbedone，Eugene。Trustittome。Ishallhavetogoawayforsomefewhours，togiveeffecttoyourwishes。Youseethisisunavoidable?\'
\'Dearfriend，Isaidso。\'
\'True。ButIhadnotthecluethen。HowdoyouthinkIgotit?\'
Glancingwistfullyaround，EugenesawMissJennyatthefootofthebed，lookingathimwithherelbowsonthebed，andherheaduponherhands。Therewasatraceofhiswhimsicalairuponhim，ashetriedtosmileather。
\'Yesindeed，\'saidLightwood，\'thediscoverywashers。ObservemydearEugene；whileIamawayyouwillknowthatIhavedischargedmytrustwithLizzie，byfindingherhere，inmypresentplaceatyourbedside，toleaveyounomore。AfinalwordbeforeI
go。Thisistherightcourseofatrueman，Eugene。AndIsolemnlybelieve，withallmysoul，thatifProvidenceshouldmercifullyrestoreyoutous，youwillbeblessedwithanoblewifeinthepreserverofyourlife，whomyouwilldearlylove。\'
\'Amen。Iamsureofthat。ButIshallnotcomethroughit，Mortimer。\'
\'Youwillnotbethelesshopefulorlessstrong，forthis，Eugene。\'
\'No。Touchmyfacewithyours，incaseIshouldnotholdouttillyoucomeback。Iloveyou，Mortimer。Don\'tbeuneasyformewhileyouaregone。Ifmydearbravegirlwilltakeme，IfeelpersuadedthatIshalllivelongenoughtobemarried，dearfellow。\'
MissJennygaveupaltogetheronthispartingtakingplacebetweenthefriends，andsittingwithherbacktowardsthebedinthebowermadebyherbrighthair，weptheartily，thoughnoiselessly。
MortimerLightwoodwassoongone。Astheeveninglightlengthenedtheheavyreflectionsofthetreesintheriver，anotherfigurecamewithasoftstepintothesickroom。
\'Isheconscious?\'askedthelittledressmaker，asthefiguretookitsstationbythepillow。For，Jennyhadgivenplacetoitimmediately，andcouldnotseethesufferer\'sface，inthedarkroom，fromhernewandremovedposition。
\'Heisconscious，Jenny，\'murmuredEugeneforhimself。\'Heknowshiswife。\'
Chapter11
EFFECTISGIVENTOTHEDOLLS\'DRESSMAKER\'SDISCOVERY
MrsJohnRokesmithsatatneedleworkinherneatlittleroom，besideabasketofneatlittlearticlesofclothing，whichpresentedsomuchoftheappearanceofbeinginthedolls\'dressmaker\'swayofbusiness，thatonemighthavesupposedshewasgoingtosetupinoppositiontoMissWren。WhethertheCompleteBritishFamilyHousewifehadimpartedsagecounselanentthem，didnotappear，butprobablynot，asthatcloudyoraclewasnowherevisible。Forcertain，however，MrsJohnRokesmithstitchedatthemwithsodexterousahand，thatshemusthavetakenlessonsofsomebody。
Loveisinallthingsamostwonderfulteacher，andperhapslovefromapictorialpointofview，withnothingonbutathimble，hadbeenteachingthisbranchofneedleworktoMrsJohnRokesmith。
ItwasnearJohn\'stimeforcominghome，butasMrsJohnwasdesiroustofinishaspecialtriumphofherskillbeforedinner，shedidnotgoouttomeethim。Placidly，thoughratherconsequentiallysmiling，shesatstitchingawaywitharegularsound，likeasortofdimpledlittlecharmingDresden-chinaclockbytheverybestmaker。
Aknockatthedoor，andaringatthebell。NotJohn；orBellawouldhaveflownouttomeethim。Thenwho，ifnotJohn?Bellawasaskingherselfthequestion，whenthatflutteringlittlefoolofaservantflutteredin，saying，\'MrLightwood！\'
Ohgoodgracious！
Bellahadbuttimetothrowahandkerchiefoverthebasket，whenMrLightwoodmadehisbow。TherewassomethingamisswithMrLightwood，forhewasstrangelygraveandlookedill。
WithabriefreferencetothehappytimewhenithadbeenhisprivilegetoknowMrsRokesmithasMissWilfer，MrLightwoodexplainedwhatwasamisswithhimandwhyhecame。HecamebearingLizzieHexam\'searnesthopethatMrsJohnRokesmithwouldseehermarried。
Bellawassoflutteredbytherequest，andbytheshortnarrativehehadfeelinglygivenher，thatthereneverwasamoretimelysmelling-bottlethanJohn\'sknock。\'Myhusband，\'saidBella；\'I\'llbringhimin。\'
But，thatturnedouttobemoreeasilysaidthandone；for，theinstantshementionedMrLightwood\'sname，Johnstopped，withhishanduponthelockoftheroomdoor。
\'Comeupstairs，mydarling。\'
Bellawasamazedbytheflushinhisface，andbyhissuddenturningaway。\'Whatcanitmean?\'shethought，assheaccompaniedhimupstairs。
\'Now，mylife，\'saidJohn，takingheronhisknee，\'tellmeallaboutit。\'
Allverywelltosay，\'Tellmeallaboutit；\'butJohnwasverymuchconfused。Hisattentionevidentlytrailedoff，nowandthen，evenwhileBellatoldhimallaboutit。YetsheknewthathetookagreatinterestinLizzieandherfortunes。Whatcoulditmean?
\'Youwillcometothismarriagewithme，Johndear?\'
\'N——no，mylove；Ican\'tdothat。\'
\'Youcan\'tdothat，John?\'
\'No，mydear，it\'squiteoutofthequestion。Nottobethoughtof。\'
\'AmItogoalone，John?\'
\'No，mydear，youwillgowithMrLightwood。\'
\'Don\'tyouthinkit\'stimewewentdowntoMrLightwood，Johndear?\'Bellainsinuated。
\'Mydarling，it\'salmosttimeyouwent，butImustaskyoutoexcusemetohimaltogether。\'
\'Younevermean，Johndear，thatyouarenotgoingtoseehim?
Why，heknowsyouhavecomehome。Itoldhimso。\'
\'That\'salittleunfortunate，butitcan\'tbehelped。Unfortunateorfortunate，Ipositivelycannotseehim，mylove。\'
Bellacastaboutinhermindwhatcouldbehisreasonforthisunaccountablebehaviour；asshesatonhiskneelookingathiminastonishmentandpoutingalittle。Aweakreasonpresenteditself。
\'Johndear，younevercanbejealousofMrLightwood?\'
\'Why，mypreciouschild，\'returnedherhusband，laughingoutright:
\'howcouldIbejealousofhim?WhyshouldIbejealousofhim?\'
\'Because，youknow，John，\'pursuedBella，poutingalittlemore，\'thoughhedidratheradmiremeonce，itwasnotmyfault。\'
\'ItwasyourfaultthatIadmiredyou，\'returnedherhusband，withalookofprideinher，\'andwhynotyourfaultthatheadmiredyou?
But，Ijealousonthataccount?Why，Imustgodistractedforlife，ifIturnedjealousofeveryonewhousedtofindmywifebeautifulandwinning！\'
\'Iamhalfangrywithyou，Johndear，\'saidBella，laughingalittle，\'andhalfpleasedwithyou；becauseyouaresuchastupidoldfellow，andyetyousaynicethings，asifyoumeantthem。Don\'tbemysterious，sir。WhatharmdoyouknowofMrLightwood?\'
\'None，mylove。\'
\'Whathasheeverdonetoyou，John?\'
\'Hehasneverdoneanythingtome，mydear。IknownomoreagainsthimthanIknowagainstMrWrayburn；hehasneverdoneanythingtome；neitherhasMrWrayburn。AndyetIhaveexactlythesameobjectiontobothofthem。\'
\'Oh，John！\'retortedBella，asifsheweregivinghimupforabadjob，assheusedtogiveupherself。\'Youarenothingbetterthanasphinx！Andamarriedsphinxisn\'ta——isn\'taniceconfidentialhusband，\'saidBella，inatoneofinjury。
\'Bella，mylife，\'saidJohnRokesmith，touchinghercheek，withagravesmile，asshecastdownhereyesandpoutedagain；\'lookatme。Iwanttospeaktoyou。\'
\'Inearnest，BlueBeardofthesecretchamber?\'askedBella，clearingherprettyface。
\'Inearnest。AndIconfesstothesecretchamber。Don\'tyourememberthatyouaskedmenottodeclarewhatIthoughtofyourhigherqualitiesuntilyouhadbeentried?\'
\'Yes，Johndear。AndIfullymeantit，andIfullymeanit。\'
\'Thetimewillcome，mydarling——Iamnoprophet，butIsayso，——
whenyouWILLbetried。Thetimewillcome，Ithink，whenyouwillundergoatrialthroughwhichyouwillneverpassquitetriumphantlyforme，unlessyoucanputperfectfaithinme。\'
\'Thenyoumaybesureofme，Johndear，forIcanputperfectfaithinyou，andIdo，andIalways，alwayswill。Don\'tjudgemebyalittlethinglikethis，John。Inlittlethings，Iamalittlethingmyself——Ialwayswas。Butingreatthings，Ihopenot；Idon\'tmeantoboast，Johndear，butIhopenot！\'
Hewasevenbetterconvincedofthetruthofwhatshesaidthanshewas，ashefeltherlovingarmsabouthim。IftheGoldenDustman\'sricheshadbeenhistostake，hewouldhavestakedthemtothelastfarthingonthefidelitythroughgoodandevilofheraffectionateandtrustingheart。
\'Now，I\'llgodownto，andgoawaywith，MrLightwood，\'saidBella，springingup。\'YouarethemostcreasingandtumblingClumsy-Bootsofapacker，John，thateverwas；butifyou\'requitegood，andwillpromisenevertodosoanymorethoughIdon\'tknowwhatyouhavedone！youmaypackmealittlebagforanight，whileIgetmybonneton。\'
Hegailycomplied，andshetiedherdimpledchinup，andshookherheadintoherbonnet，andpulledoutthebowsofherbonnet-
strings，andgothergloveson，fingerbyfinger，andfinallygotthemonherlittleplumphands，andbadehimgood-byeandwentdown。MrLightwood\'simpatiencewasmuchrelievedwhenhefoundherdressedfordeparture。
\'MrRokesmithgoeswithus?\'hesaid，hesitating，withalooktowardsthedoor。
\'Oh，Iforgot！\'repliedBella。\'Hisbestcompliments。Hisfaceisswollentothesizeoftwofaces，andheistogotobeddirectly，poorfellow，towaitforthedoctor，whoiscomingtolancehim。\'
\'Itiscurious，\'observedLightwood，\'thatIhaveneveryetseenMrRokesmith，thoughwehavebeenengagedinthesameaffairs。\'
\'Really?\'saidtheunblushingBella。
\'Ibegintothink，\'observedLightwood，\'thatInevershallseehim。\'
\'Thesethingshappensooddlysometimes，\'saidBellawithasteadycountenance，\'thatthereseemsakindoffatalityinthem。ButIamquiteready，MrLightwood。\'
Theystarteddirectly，inalittlecarriagethatLightwoodhadbroughtwithhimfromnever-to-be-forgottenGreenwich；andfromGreenwichtheystarteddirectlyforLondon；andinLondontheywaitedatarailwaystationuntilsuchtimeastheReverendFrankMilvey，andMargarettahiswife，withwhomMortimerLightwoodhadbeenalreadyinconference，shouldcomeandjointhem。
Thatworthycoupleweredelayedbyaportentousoldparishionerofthefemalegender，whowasoneoftheplaguesoftheirlives，andwithwhomtheyborewithmostexemplarysweetnessandgood-
humour，notwithstandingherhavinganinfectionofabsurdityabouther，thatcommunicateditselftoeverythingwithwhich，andeverybodywithwhom，shecameincontact。ShewasamemberoftheReverendFrank\'scongregation，andmadeapointofdistinguishingherselfinthatbody，byconspicuouslyweepingateverything，howevercheering，saidbytheReverendFrankinhispublicministration；alsobyapplyingtoherselfthevariouslamentationsofDavid，andcomplaininginapersonallyinjuredmannermuchinarrearoftheclerkandtherestoftherespondents
thatherenemieswerediggingpit-fallsabouther，andbreakingherwithrodsofiron。Indeed，thisoldwidowdischargedherselfofthatportionoftheMorningandEveningServiceasifshewerelodgingacomplaintonoathandapplyingforawarrantbeforeamagistrate。
Butthiswasnothermostinconvenientcharacteristic，forthattooktheformofanimpression，usuallyrecurringininclementweatherandataboutdaybreak，thatshehadsomethingonhermindandstoodinimmediateneedoftheReverendFranktocomeandtakeitoff。Manyatimehadthatkindcreaturegotup，andgoneouttoMrsSprodgkinsuchwasthedisciple\'sname，suppressingastrongsenseofhercomicalitybyhisstrongsenseofduty，andperfectlyknowingthatnothingbutacoldwouldcomeofit。
However，beyondthemselves，theReverendFrankMilveyandMrsMilveyseldomhintedthatMrsSprodgkinwashardlyworththetroubleshegave；butbothmadethebestofher，astheydidofalltheirtroubles。
Thisveryexactingmemberofthefoldappearedtobeendowedwithasixthsense，inregardofknowingwhentheReverendFrankMilveyleastdesiredhercompany，andwithpromptitudeappearinginhislittlehall。Consequently，whentheReverendFrankhadwillinglyengagedthatheandhiswifewouldaccompanyLightwoodback，hesaid，asamatterofcourse:\'Wemustmakehastetogetout，Margaretta，mydear，orweshallbedescendedonbyMrsSprodgkin。\'TowhichMrsMilveyreplied，inherpleasantlyemphaticway，\'OhYES，forsheISsuchamarplot，Frank，andDOESworryso！\'Wordsthatwerescarcelyutteredwhentheirthemewasannouncedasinfaithfulattendancebelow，desiringcounselonaspiritualmatter。ThepointsonwhichMrsSprodkginsoughtelucidationbeingseldomofapressingnatureasWhobegatWhom，orsomeinformationconcerningtheAmorites，MrsMilveyonthisspecialoccasionresortedtothedeviceofbuyingheroffwithapresentofteaandsugar，andaloafandbutter。ThesegiftsMrsSprodgkinaccepted，butstillinsistedondutifullyremaininginthehall，tocurtseytotheReverendFrankashecameforth。Who，incautiouslysayinginhisgenialmanner，\'Well，Sally，thereyouare！\'involvedhimselfinadiscursiveaddressfromMrsSprodgkin，revolvingaroundtheresultthatsheregardedteaandsugarinthelightofmyrrhandfrankincense，andconsideredbreadandbutteridenticalwithlocustsandwildhoney。
Havingcommunicatedthisedifyingpieceofinformation，MrsSprodgkinwasleftstillunadjournedinthehall，andMrandMrsMilveyhurriedinaheatedconditiontotherailwaystation。AllofwhichishererecordedtothehonourofthatgoodChristianpair，representativesofhundredsofothergoodChristianpairsasconscientiousandasuseful，whomergethesmallnessoftheirworkinitsgreatness，andfeelinnodangeroflosingdignitywhentheyadaptthemselvestoincomprehensiblehumbugs。
\'Detainedatthelastmomentbyonewhohadaclaimuponme，\'
wastheReverendFrank\'sapologytoLightwood，takingnothoughtofhimself。TowhichMrsMilveyadded，takingthoughtforhim，likethechampioninglittlewifeshewas；\'Ohyes，detainedatthelastmoment。ButAStotheclaim，Frank，IMUSTsaythatIDO
thinkyouareOVER-consideratesometimes，andallowTHATtobeaLITTLEabused。\'
Bellafeltconscious，inspiteofherlatepledgeforherself，thatherhusband\'sabsencewouldgivedisagreeableoccasionforsurprisetotheMilveys。NorcouldsheappearquiteathereasewhenMrsMilveyasked:
\'HOWisMrRokesmith，andIShegonebeforeus，orDOEShefollowus?\'
Itbecomingnecessary，uponthis，tosendhimtobedagainandholdhiminwaitingtobelancedagain，Belladidit。Butnothalfaswellonthesecondoccasionasonthefirst；for，atwice-toldwhiteoneseemsalmosttobecomeablackone，whenyouarenotusedtoit\'OhDEAR！\'saidMrsMilvey，\'IamSOsorry！MrRokesmithtookSUCHaninterestinLizzieHexam，whenweweretherebefore。
AndifwehadONLYknownofhisface，weCOULDhavegivenhimsomethingthatwouldhavekeptitdownlongenoughforsoSHORTapurpose。\'
Bywayofmakingthewhiteonewhiter，Bellahastenedtostipulatethathewasnotinpain。MrsMilveywasSOgladofit。
\'Idon\'tknowHOWitis，\'saidMrsMilvey，\'andIamSUREyoudon\'t，Frank，buttheclergyandtheirwivesseemtoCAUSE
swelledfaces。WheneverItakenoticeofachildintheschool，itseemstomeasifitsfaceswelledINSTANTLY。FrankNEVER
makesacquaintancewithanewoldwoman，butshegetstheface-
ache。Andanotherthingis，weDOmakethepoorchildrensniffso。Idon\'tknowHOWwedoit，andIshouldbesogladnotto；buttheMOREwetakenoticeofthem，theMOREtheysniff。Justastheydowhenthetextisgivenout——Frank，that\'saschoolmaster。I
haveseenhimsomewhere。\'
Thereferencewastoayoungmanofreservedappearance，inacoatandwaistcoatofblack，andpantaloonsofpepperandsalt。Hehadcomeintotheofficeofthestation，fromitsinterior，inanunsettledway，immediatelyafterLightwoodhadgoneouttothetrain；andhehadbeenhurriedlyreadingtheprintedhillsandnoticesonthewall。Hehadhadawanderinginterestinwhatwassaidamongthepeoplewaitingthereandpassingtoandfro。Hehaddrawnnearer，ataboutthetimewhenMrsMilveymentionedLizzieHexam，andhadremainednear，since:thoughalwaysglancingtowardsthedoorbywhichLightwoodhadgoneout。Hestoodwithhisbacktowardsthem，andhisglovedhandsclaspedbehindhim。Therewasnowsoevidentafalteringuponhim，expressiveofindecisionwhetherornoheshouldexpresshishavingheardhimselfreferredto，thatMrMilveyspoketohim。
\'Icannotrecallyourname，\'hesaid，\'butIremembertohaveseenyouinyourschool。\'
\'MynameisBradleyHeadstone，sir，\'hereplied，backingintoamoreretiredplace。
\'Ioughttohaverememberedit，\'saidMrMilvey，givinghimhishand。\'Ihopeyouarewell?Alittleoverworked，Iamafraid?\'
\'Yes，Iamoverworkedjustatpresent，sir。\'
\'Hadnoplayinyourlastholidaytime?\'
\'No，sir。\'
\'Allworkandnoplay，MrHeadstone，willnotmakedulness，inyourcase，Idaresay；butitwillmakedyspepsia，ifyoudon\'ttakecare。\'
\'Iwillendeavourtotakecare，sir。MightIbegleavetospeaktoyou，outside，amoment?\'
\'Byallmeans。\'
Itwasevening，andtheofficewaswelllighted。Theschoolmaster，whohadneverremittedhiswatchonLightwood\'sdoor，nowmovedbyanotherdoortoacornerwithout，wheretherewasmoreshadowthanlight；andsaid，pluckingathisgloves:
\'Oneofyourladies，sir，mentionedwithinmyhearinganamethatI
amacquaintedwith；Imaysay，wellacquaintedwith。Thenameofthesisterofanoldpupilofmine。Hewasmypupilforalongtime，andhasgotonandgoneupwardrapidly。ThenameofHexam。
ThenameofLizzieHexam。\'Heseemedtobeashyman，strugglingagainstnervousness，andspokeinaveryconstrainedway。Thebreakhesetbetweenhislasttwosentenceswasquiteembarrassingtohishearer。
\'Yes，\'repliedMrMilvey。\'Wearegoingdowntoseeher。\'
\'Igatheredasmuch，sir。Ihopethereisnothingamisswiththesisterofmyoldpupil?Ihopenobereavementhasbefallenher。I
hopesheisinnoaffliction?Haslostno——relation?\'
MrMilveythoughtthisamanwithaveryoddmanner，andadarkdownwardlook；butheansweredinhisusualopenway。
\'Iamgladtotellyou，MrHeadstone，thatthesisterofyouroldpupilhasnotsustainedanysuchloss。YouthoughtImightbegoingdowntoburysomeone?\'
\'Thatmayhavebeentheconnexionofideas，sir，withyourclericalcharacter，butIwasnotconsciousofit——Thenyouarenot，sir?\'
Amanwithaveryoddmannerindeed，andwithalurkinglookthatwasquiteoppressive。
\'No。Infact，\'saidMrMilvey，\'sinceyouaresointerestedinthesisterofyouroldpupil，ImayaswelltellyouthatIamgoingdowntomarryher。\'
Theschoolmasterstartedback。
\'Nottomarryher，myself，\'saidMrMilvey，withasmile，\'becauseI
haveawifealready。Toperformthemarriageserviceatherwedding。\'
BradleyHeadstonecaughtholdofapillarbehindhim。IfMrMilveyknewanashyfacewhenhesawit，hesawitthen。
\'Youarequiteill，MrHeadstone！\'
\'Itisnotmuch，sir。Itwillpassoververysoon。Iamaccustomedtobeseizedwithgiddiness。Don\'tletmedetainyou，sir；Istandinneedofnoassistance，Ithankyou。Muchobligedbyyoursparingmetheseminutesofyourtime。\'
AsMrMilvey，whohadnomoreminutestospare，madeasuitablereplyandturnedbackintotheoffice，heobservedtheschoolmastertoleanagainstthepillarwithhishatinhishand，andtopullathisneckclothasifheweretryingtotearitoff。TheReverendFrankaccordinglydirectedthenoticeofoneoftheattendantstohim，bysaying:\'Thereisapersonoutsidewhoseemstobereallyill，andtorequiresomehelp，thoughhesayshedoesnot。\'
Lightwoodhadbythistimesecuredtheirplaces，andthedeparture-
bellwasabouttoberung。Theytooktheirseats，andwerebeginningtomoveoutofthestation，whenthesameattendantcamerunningalongtheplatform，lookingintoallthecarriages。
\'Oh！Youarehere，sir！\'hesaid，springingonthestep，andholdingthewindow-framebyhiselbow，asthecarriagemoved。\'Thatpersonyoupointedouttomeisinafit。\'
\'Iinferfromwhathetoldmethatheissubjecttosuchattacks。Hewillcometo，intheair，inalittlewhile。\'
Hewastookverybadtobesure，andwasbitingandknockingabouthimthemansaidfuriously。Wouldthegentlemangivehimhiscard，ashehadseenhimfirst?Thegentlemandidso，withtheexplanationthatheknewnomoreofthemanattackedthanthathewasamanofaveryrespectableoccupation，whohadsaidhewasoutofhealth，ashisappearancewouldofitselfhaveindicated。
Theattendantreceivedthecard，watchedhisopportunityforslidingdown，sliddown，andsoitended。
Then，thetrainrattledamongthehouse-tops，andamongtheraggedsidesofhousestorndowntomakewayforit，andovertheswarmingstreets，andunderthefruitfulearth，untilitshotacrosstheriver:burstingoverthequietsurfacelikeabomb-shell，andgoneagainasifithadexplodedintherushofsmokeandsteamandglare。Alittlemore，andagainitroaredacrosstheriver，agreatrocket:spurningthewateryturningsanddoublingswithineffablecontempt，andgoingstraighttoitsend，asFatherTimegoestohis。Towhomitisnomatterwhatlivingwatersrunhighorlow，reflecttheheavenlylightsanddarknesses，producetheirlittlegrowthofweedsandflowers，turnhere，turnthere，arenoisyorstill，aretroubledoratrest，fortheircoursehasonesuretermination，thoughtheirsourcesanddevicesaremany。
Then，acarriageridesucceeded，nearthesolemnriver，stealingawaybynight，asallthingsstealaway，bynightandbyday，soquietlyyieldingtotheattractionoftheloadstonerockofEternity；
andthenearertheydrewtothechamberwhereEugenelay，themoretheyfearedthattheymightfindhiswanderingsdone。Atlasttheysawitsdimlightshiningout，anditgavethemhope:thoughLightwoodfalteredashethought:\'Ifheweregone，shewouldstillbesittingbyhim。\'
Buthelayquiet，halfinstupor，halfinsleep。Bella，enteringwitharaisedadmonitoryfinger，kissedLizziesoftly，butsaidnotaword。
Neitherdidanyofthemspeak，butallsatdownatthefootofthebed，silentlywaiting。Andnow，inthisnight-watch，minglingwiththeflowoftheriverandwiththerushofthetrain，camethequestionsintoBella\'smindagain:WhatcouldbeinthedepthsofthatmysteryofJohn\'s?WhywasitthathehadneverbeenseenbyMrLightwood，whomhestillavoided?Whenwouldthattrialcome，throughwhichherfaithin，andherdutyto，herdearhusband，wastocarryher，renderinghimtriumphant?For，thathadbeenhisterm。Herpassingthroughthetrialwastomakethemanshelovedwithallherheart，triumphant。TermnottosinkoutofsightinBella\'sbreast。
Faroninthenight，Eugeneopenedhiseyes。Hewassensible，andsaidatonce:\'Howdoesthetimego?HasourMortimercomeback?\'
Lightwoodwasthereimmediately，toanswerforhimself。\'Yes，Eugene，andallisready。\'
\'Dearboy！\'returnedEugenewithasmile，\'weboththankyouheartily。Lizzie，tellthemhowwelcometheyare，andthatIwouldbeeloquentifIcould。\'
\'Thereisnoneed，\'saidMrMilvey。\'Weknowit。Areyoubetter，MrWrayburn?\'
\'Iammuchhappier，\'saidEugene。
\'Muchbettertoo，Ihope?\'
EugeneturnedhiseyestowardsLizzie，asiftospareher，andanswerednothingThen，theyallstoodaroundthebed，andMrMilvey，openinghisbook，begantheservice；sorarelyassociatedwiththeshadowofdeath；soinseparableinthemindfromaflushoflifeandgaietyandhopeandhealthandjoy。Bellathoughthowdifferentfromherownsunnylittlewedding，andwept。MrsMilveyoverflowedwithpity，andwepttoo。Thedolls\'dressmaker，withherhandsbeforeherface，weptinhergoldenbower。Readinginalowclearvoice，andbendingoverEugene，whokepthiseyesuponhim，MrMilveydidhisofficewithsuitablesimplicity。Asthebridegroomcouldnotmovehishand，theytouchedhisfingerswiththering，andsoputitonthebride。Whenthetwoplightedtheirtroth，shelaidherhandonhisandkeptitthere。Whentheceremonywasdone，andalltherestdepartedfromtheroom，shedrewherarmunderhishead，andlaidherownheaddownuponthepillowbyhisside。
\'Undrawthecurtains，mydeargirl，\'saidEugene，afterawhile，\'andletusseeourwedding-day。\'
Thesunwasrising，andhisfirstraysstruckintotheroom，asshecameback，andputherlipstohis。\'Iblesstheday！\'saidEugene。
\'Iblesstheday！\'saidLizzie。
\'Youhavemadeapoormarriageofit，mysweetwife，\'saidEugene。\'Ashatteredgracelessfellow，stretchedathislengthhere，andnexttonothingforyouwhenyouareayoungwidow。\'
\'IhavemadethemarriagethatIwouldhavegivenalltheworldtodaretohopefor，\'shereplied。
\'Youhavethrownyourselfaway，\'saidEugene，shakinghishead。
\'Butyouhavefollowedthetreasureofyourheart。Myjustificationis，thatyouhadthrownthatawayfirst，deargirl！\'
\'No。Ihadgivenittoyou。\'
\'Thesamething，mypoorLizzie！\'
\'Hush！hush！Averydifferentthing。\'
Thereweretearsinhiseyes，andshebesoughthimtoclosethem。
\'No，\'saidEugene，againshakinghishead；\'letmelookatyou，Lizzie，whileIcan。Youbravedevotedgirl！Youheroine！\'
Herowneyesfilledunderhispraises。Andwhenhemusteredstrengthtomovehiswoundedheadaverylittleway，andlayitonherbosom，thetearsofbothfell。
\'Lizzie，\'saidEugene，afterasilence:\'whenyouseemewanderingawayfromthisrefugethatIhavesoilldeserved，speaktomebymyname，andIthinkIshallcomeback。\'
\'Yes，dearEugene。\'
\'There！\'heexclaimed，smiling。\'Ishouldhavegonethen，butforthat！\'
Alittlewhileafterwards，whenheappearedtobesinkingintoinsensibility，shesaid，inacalmlovingvoice:\'Eugene，mydearhusband！\'Heimmediatelyanswered:\'Thereagain！Youseehowyoucanrecallme！\'Andafterwards，whenhecouldnotspeak，hestillansweredbyaslightmovementofhisheaduponherbosom。
Thesunwashighinthesky，whenshegentlydisengagedherselftogivehimthestimulantsandnourishmentherequired。Theutterhelplessnessofthewreckofhimthatlaycastashorethere，nowalarmedher，buthehimselfappearedalittlemorehopeful。
\'Ah，mybelovedLizzie！\'hesaid，faintly。\'HowshallIeverpayallIoweyou，ifIrecover！\'
\'Don\'tbeashamedofme，\'shereplied，\'andyouwillhavemorethanpaidall。\'
\'Itwouldrequirealife，Lizzie，topayall；morethanalife。\'
\'Liveforthat，then；liveforme，Eugene；livetoseehowhardIwilltrytoimprovemyself，andnevertodiscredityou。\'
\'Mydarlinggirl，\'hereplied，rallyingmoreofhisoldmannerthanhehadeveryetgottogether。\'Onthecontrary，IhavebeenthinkingwhetheritisnotthebestthingIcando，todie。\'
\'Thebestthingyoucando，toleavemewithabrokenheart?\'
\'Idon\'tmeanthat，mydeargirl。Iwasnotthinkingofthat。WhatI
wasthinkingofwasthis。Outofyourcompassionforme，inthismaimedandbrokenstate，youmakesomuchofme——youthinksowellofme——youlovemesodearly。\'
\'HeavenknowsIloveyoudearly！\'
\'AndHeavenknowsIprizeit！Well。IfIlive，you\'llfindmeout。\'
\'Ishallfindoutthatmyhusbandhasamineofpurposeandenergy，andwillturnittothebestaccount?\'
\'Ihopeso，dearestLizzie，\'saidEugene，wistfully，andyetsomewhatwhimsically。\'Ihopeso。ButIcan\'tsummonthevanitytothinkso。HowcanIthinkso，lookingbackonsuchatrifilingwastedyouthasmine！Ihumblyhopeit；butIdaren\'tbelieveit。
ThereisasharpmisgivinginmyconsciencethatifIweretolive，I
shoulddisappointyourgoodopinionandmyown——andthatIoughttodie，mydear！\'
Chapter12
THEPASSINGSHADOW
Thewindsandtidesroseandfellacertainnumberoftimes，theearthmovedroundthesunacertainnumberoftimes，theshipupontheoceanmadehervoyagesafely，andbroughtababy-Bellahome。ThenwhosoblestandhappyasMrsJohnRokesmith，savingandexceptingMrJohnRokesmith！
\'WouldyounotliketoberichNOW，mydarling?\'
\'Howcanyouaskmesuchaquestion，Johndear?AmInotrich?\'
ThesewereamongthefirstwordsspokennearthebabyBellaasshelayasleep。Shesoonprovedtobeababyofwonderfulintelligence，evincingthestrongestobjectiontohergrandmother\'ssociety，andbeinginvariablyseizedwithapainfulacidityofthestomachwhenthatdignifiedladyhonouredherwithanyattention。
ItwascharmingtoseeBellacontemplatingthisbaby，andfindingoutherowndimplesinthattinyreflection，asifshewerelookingintheglasswithoutpersonalvanity。Hercherubicfatherjustlyremarkedtoherhusbandthatthebabyseemedtomakeheryoungerthanbefore，remindinghimofthedayswhenshehadapetdollandusedtotalktoitasshecarrieditabout。Theworldmighthavebeenchallengedtoproduceanotherbabywhohadsuchastoreofpleasantnonsensesaidandsungtoit，asBellasaidandsungtothisbaby；orwhowasdressedandundressedasofteninfour-and-twentyhoursasBelladressedandundressedthisbaby；orwhowasheldbehinddoorsandpokedouttostopitsfather\'swaywhenhecamehome，asthisbabywas；or，inaword，whodidhalfthenumberofbabythings，throughthelivelyinventionofagayandproudyoungmother，thatthisinexhaustiblebabydid。
Theinexhaustiblebabywastwoorthreemonthsold，whenBellabegantonoticeaclouduponherhusband\'sbrow。Watchingit，shesawagatheringanddeepeninganxietythere，whichcausedhergreatdisquiet。Morethanonce，sheawokehimmutteringinhissleep；and，thoughhemutterednothingworsethanherownname，itwasplaintoherthathisrestlessnessoriginatedinsomeloadofcare。Therefore，Bellaatlengthputinherclaimtodividethisload，andhearherhalfofit。
\'Youknow，Johndear，\'shesaid，cheerilyrevertingtotheirformerconversation，\'thatIhopeImaysafelybetrustedingreatthings。
Anditsurelycannotbealittlethingthatcausesyousomuchuneasiness。It\'sveryconsiderateofyoutotrytohidefrommethatyouareuncomfortableaboutsomething，butit\'squiteimpossibletobedone，Johnlove。\'
\'IadmitthatIamratheruneasy，myown。\'
\'Thenpleasetotellmewhatabout，sir。\'
Butno，heevadedthat。\'Nevermind！\'thoughtBella，resolutely。
\'Johnrequiresmetoputperfectfaithinhim，andheshallnotbedisappointed。\'
ShewentuptoLondononeday，tomeethim，inorderthattheymightmakesomepurchases。Shefoundhimwaitingforheratherjourney\'send，andtheywalkedawaytogetherthroughthestreets。
Hewasingayspirits，thoughstillharpingonthatnotionoftheirbeingrich；andhesaid，nowletthemmakebelievethatyonderfinecarriagewastheirs，andthatitwaswaitingtotakethemhometoafinehousetheyhad；whatwouldBella，inthatcase，bestliketofindinthehouse?Well！Belladidn\'tknow:alreadyhavingeverythingshewanted，shecouldn\'tsay。But，bydegreesshewasledontoconfessthatshewouldliketohavefortheinexhaustiblebabysuchanurseryasneverwasseen。Itwastobe\'averyrainbowforcolours\'，asshewasquitesurebabynoticedcolours；
andthestaircasewastobeadornedwiththemostexquisiteflowers，asshewasabsolutelycertainbabynoticedflowers；andtherewastobeanaviarysomewhere，oftheloveliestlittlebirds，astherewasnotthesmallestdoubtintheworldthatbabynoticedbirds。Wastherenothingelse?No，Johndear。Thepredilectionsoftheinexhaustiblebabybeingprovidedfor，Bellacouldthinkofnothingelse。
Theywerechattingoninthisway，andJohnhadsuggested，\'Nojewelsforyourownwear，forinstance?\'andBellahadrepliedlaughing。O！ifhecametothat，yes，theremightbeabeautifulivorycaseofjewelsonherdressing-table；whenthesepictureswereinamomentdarkenedandblottedout。
Theyturnedacorner，andmetMrLightwood。
HestoppedasifhewerepetrifiedbythesightofBella\'shusband，whointhesamemomenthadchangedcolour。
\'MrLightwoodandIhavemetbefore，\'hesaid。
\'Metbefore，John?\'Bellarepeatedinatoneofwonder。\'MrLightwoodtoldmehehadneverseenyou。\'
\'IdidnotthenknowthatIhad，\'saidLightwood，discomposedonheraccount。IbelievedthatIhadonlyheardof——MrRokesmith。\'
Withanemphasisonthename。
\'WhenMrLightwoodsawme，mylove，\'observedherhusband，notavoidinghiseye，butlookingathim，\'mynamewasJuliusHandford。\'
JuliusHandford！ThenamethatBellahadsooftenseeninoldnewspapers，whenshewasaninmateofMrBoffin\'shouse！JuliusHandford，whohadbeenpubliclyentreatedtoappear，andforintelligenceofwhomarewardhadbeenpubliclyoffered！
\'Iwouldhaveavoidedmentioningitinyourpresence，\'saidLightwoodtoBella，delicately；\'butsinceyourhusbandmentionsithimself，Imustconfirmhisstrangeadmission。IsawhimasMrJuliusHandford，andIafterwardsunquestionablytohisknowledgetookgreatpainstotracehimout。\'
\'Quitetrue。Butitwasnotmyobjectormyinterest，\'saidRokesmith，quietly，\'tobetracedout。\'
Bellalookedfromtheonetotheother，inamazement。
\'MrLightwood，\'pursuedherhusband，\'aschancehasbroughtusfacetofaceatlast——whichisnottobewonderedat，forthewonderis，that，inspiteofallmypainstothecontrary，chancehasnotconfrontedustogethersooner——Ihaveonlytoremindyouthatyouhavebeenatmyhouse，andtoaddthatIhavenotchangedmyresidence。\'
\'Sir\'returnedLightwood，withameaningglancetowardsBella，\'mypositionisatrulypainfulone。Ihopethatnocomplicityinaverydarktransactionmayattachtoyou，butyoucannotfailtoknowthatyourownextraordinaryconducthaslaidyouundersuspicion。\'
\'Iknowithas，\'wasallthereply。
\'Myprofessionalduty，\'saidLightwoodhesitating，withanotherglancetowardsBella，\'isgreatlyatvariancewithmypersonalinclination；butIdoubt，MrHandford，orMrRokesmith，whetherI
amjustifiedintakingleaveofyouhere，withyourwholecourseunexplained。\'
Bellacaughtherhusbandbythehand。
\'Don\'tbealarmed，mydarling。MrLightwoodwillfindthatheisquitejustifiedintakingleaveofmehere。Atallevents，\'addedRokesmith，\'hewillfindthatImeantotakeleaveofhimhere。\'
\'Ithink，sir，\'saidLightwood，\'youcanscarcelydenythatwhenI
cametoyourhouseontheoccasiontowhichyouhavereferred，youavoidedmeofasetpurpose。\'
\'MrLightwood，IassureyouIhavenodispositiontodenyit，orintentiontodenyit。Ishouldhavecontinuedtoavoidyou，inpursuanceofthesamesetpurpose，forashorttimelonger，ifwehadnotmetnow。Iamgoingstraighthome，andshallremainathometo-morrowuntilnoon。Hereafter，Ihopewemaybebetteracquainted。Good-day。\'
Lightwoodstoodirresolute，butBella\'shusbandpassedhiminthesteadiestmanner，withBellaonhisarm；andtheywenthomewithoutencounteringanyfurtherremonstranceormolestationfromanyone。
Whentheyhaddinedandwerealone，JohnRokesmithsaidtohiswife，whohadpreservedhercheerfulness:\'Andyoudon\'taskme，mydear，whyIborethatname?\'
\'No，Johnlove。Ishoulddearlyliketoknow，ofcourse；\'whichheranxiousfaceconfirmed；\'butIwaituntilyoucantellmeofyourownfreewill。YouaskedmeifIcouldhaveperfectfaithinyou，andIsaidyes，andImeantit。\'
ItdidnotescapeBella\'snoticethathebegantolooktriumphant。
Shewantednostrengtheninginherfirmness；butifshehadhadneedofany，shewouldhavederiveditfromhiskindlingface。
\'Youcannothavebeenprepared，mydearest，forsuchadiscoveryasthatthismysteriousMrHandfordwasidenticalwithyourhusband?\'
\'No，Johndear，ofcoursenot。Butyoutoldmetopreparetobetried，andIpreparedmyself。\'
Hedrewhertonestleclosertohim，andtoldheritwouldsoonbeover，andthetruthwouldsoonappear。\'Andnow，\'hewenton，\'laystress，mydear，onthesewordsthatIamgoingtoadd。Istandinnokindofperil，andIcanbypossibilitybehurtatnoone\'shand。\'
\'Youarequite，quitesureofthat，Johndear?\'
\'Notahairofmyhead！Moreover，Ihavedonenowrong，andhaveinjurednoman。ShallIswearit?\'
\'No，John！\'criedBella，layingherhanduponhislips，withaproudlook。\'Nevertome！\'
\'Butcircumstances，\'hewenton\'——Ican，andIwill，dispersetheminamoment——havesurroundedmewithoneofthestrangestsuspicionseverknown。YouheardMrLightwoodspeakofadarktransaction?\'
\'Yes，John。\'
\'Youarepreparedtohearexplicitlywhathemeant?\'
\'Yes，John。\'
\'Mylife，hemeantthemurderofJohnHarmon，yourallottedhusband。\'
Withafastpalpitatingheart，Bellagraspedhimbythearm。\'Youcannotbesuspected，John?\'
\'Dearlove，Icanbe——forIam！\'
Therewassilencebetweenthem，asshesatlookinginhisface，withthecolourquitegonefromherownfaceandlips。\'Howdarethey！\'shecriedatlength，inaburstofgenerousindignation。\'Mybelovedhusband，howdarethey！\'
Hecaughtherinhisarmsassheopenedhers，andheldhertohisheart。\'Evenknowingthis，youcantrustme，Bella?\'
\'Icantrustyou，Johndear，withallmysoul。IfIcouldnottrustyou，Ishouldfalldeadatyourfeet。\'
Thekindlingtriumphinhisfacewasbrightindeed，ashelookedupandrapturouslyexclaimed，whathadhedonetodeservetheblessingofthisdearconfidingcreature\'sheart！Againsheputherhanduponhislips，saying，\'Hush！\'andthentoldhim，inherownlittlenaturalpatheticway，thatifalltheworldwereagainsthim，shewouldbeforhim；thatifalltheworldrepudiatedhim，shewouldbelievehim；thatifhewereinfamousinothereyes，hewouldbehonouredinhers；andthat，undertheworstunmeritedsuspicion，shecoulddevoteherlifetoconsolinghim，andimpartingherownfaithinhimtotheirlittlechild。
Atwilightcalmofhappinessthensucceedingtotheirradiantnoon，theyremainedatpeace，untilastrangevoiceintheroomstartledthemboth。Theroombeingbythattimedark，thevoicesaid，\'Don\'tlettheladybealarmedbymystrikingalight，\'andimmediatelyamatchrattled，andglimmeredinahand。ThehandandthematchandthevoicewerethenseenbyJohnRokesmithtobelongtoMrInspector，oncemeditativelyactiveinthischronicle。
\'Itaketheliberty，\'saidMrInspector，inabusiness-likemanner，\'tobringmyselftotherecollectionofMrJuliusHandford，whogavemehisnameandaddressdownatourplaceaconsiderabletimeago。Wouldtheladyobjecttomylightingthepairofcandlesonthechimneypiece，tothrowafurtherlightuponthesubject?No?
Thankyou，ma\'am。Now，welookcheerful。\'
MrInspector，inadark-bluebuttoned-upfrockcoatandpantaloons，presentedaserviceable，half-pay，RoyalArmskindofappearance，asheappliedhispockethandkerchieftohisnoseandbowedtothelady。
\'Youfavouredme，MrHandford，\'saidMrInspector，\'bywritingdownyournameandaddress，andIproducethepieceofpaperonwhichyouwroteit。Comparingthesamewiththewritingonthefly-leafofthisbookonthetable——andasweetprettyvolumeitis——I
findthewritingoftheentry，\'MrsJohnRokesmith。Fromherhusbandonherbirthday“——andverygratifyingtothefeelingssuchmemorialsare——tocorrespondexactly。CanIhaveawordwithyou?\'
\'Certainly。Here，ifyouplease，\'wasthereply。
\'Why，\'retortedMrInspector，againusinghispockethandkerchief，\'thoughthere\'snothingfortheladytobeatallalarmedat，still，ladiesareapttotakealarmatmattersofbusiness——beingofthatfragilesexthatthey\'renotaccustomedtothemwhennotofastrictlydomesticcharacter——andIdogenerallymakeitaruletoproposeretirementfromthepresenceofladies，beforeenteringuponbusinesstopics。Orperhaps，\'MrInspectorhinted，\'iftheladywastostepup-stairs，andtakealookatbabynow！\'
\'MrsRokesmith，\'——herhusbandwasbeginning；whenMrInspector，regardingthewordsasanintroduction，said，\'HappyIamsure，tohavethehonour。\'Andbowed，withgallantry。
\'MrsRokesmith，\'resumedherhusband，\'issatisfiedthatshecanhavenoreasonforbeingalarmed，whateverthebusinessis。\'
\'Really?Isthatso?\'saidMrInspector。\'Butit\'sasextoliveandlearnfrom，andthere\'snothingaladycan\'taccomplishwhensheoncefullygiveshermindtoit。It\'sthecasewithmyownwife。
Well，ma\'am，thisgoodgentlemanofyourshasgivenrisetoaratherlargeamountoftroublewhichmighthavebeenavoidedifhehadcomeforwardandexplainedhimself。Wellyousee！HeDIDN\'Tcomeforwardandexplainhimself。Consequently，nowthatwemeet，himandme，you\'llsay——andsayright——thatthere\'snothingtobealarmedat，inmyproposingtohimTOcomeforward——or，puttingthesamemeaninginanotherform，tocomealongwithme——andexplainhimself。\'
WhenMrInspectorputitinthatotherform，\'tocomealongwithme，\'therewasarelishingrollinhisvoice，andhiseyebeamedwithanofficiallustre。
\'Doyouproposetotakemeintocustody?\'inquiredJohnRokesmith，verycoolly。
\'Whyargue?\'returnedMrInspectorinacomfortablesortofremonstrance；\'ain\'titenoughthatIproposethatyoushallcomealongwithme?\'
\'Forwhatreason?\'
Lordblessmysoulandbody！\'returnedMrInspector，\'Iwonderatitinamanofyoureducation。Whyargue?\'
\'Whatdoyouchargeagainstme?\'
\'Iwonderatyoubeforealady，\'saidMrInspector，shakinghisheadreproachfully:\'Iwonder，broughtupasyouhavebeen，youhaven\'tamoredelicatemind！Ichargeyou，then，withbeingsomewayconcernedintheHarmonMurder。Idon\'tsaywhetherbefore，orin，orafter，thefact。Idon\'tsaywhetherwithhavingsomeknowledgeofitthathasn\'tcomeout。\'
\'Youdon\'tsurpriseme。Iforesawyourvisitthisafternoon。\'
\'Don\'t！\'saidMrInspector。\'Why，whyargue?It\'smydutytoinformyouthatwhateveryousay，willbeusedagainstyou。\'
\'Idon\'tthinkitwill。\'
\'ButItellyouitwill，\'saidMrInspector。\'Now，havingreceivedthecaution，doyoustillsaythatyouforesawmyvisitthisafternoon?\'
\'Yes。AndIwillsaysomethingmore，ifyouwillstepwithmeintothenextroom。\'
WithareassuringkissonthelipsofthefrightenedBella，herhusbandtowhomMrInspectorobliginglyofferedhisarm，tookupacandle，andwithdrewwiththatgentleman。Theywereafullhalf-hourinconference。Whentheyreturned，MrInspectorlookedconsiderablyastonished。
\'Ihaveinvitedthisworthyofficer，mydear，\'saidJohn，\'tomakeashortexcursionwithmeinwhichyoushallbeasharer。Hewilltakesomethingtoeatanddrink，Idaresay，onyourinvitation，whileyouaregettingyourbonneton。\'
MrInspectordeclinedeating，butassentedtotheproposalofaglassofbrandyandwater。Mixingthiscold，andpensivelyconsumingit，hebrokeatintervalsintosuchsoliloquiesasthatheneverdidknowsuchamove，thatheneverhadbeensogravelled，andthatwhatagamewasthistotrythesortofstuffaman\'sopinionofhimselfwasmadeof！Concurrentlywiththesecomments，hemorethanonceburstoutalaughing，withthehalf-
enjoyingandhalf-piquedairofaman，whohadgivenupagoodconundrum，aftermuchguessing，andbeentoldtheanswer。Bellawassotimidofhim，thatshenotedthesethingsinahalf-
shrinking，half-perceptiveway，andsimilarlynotedthattherewasagreatchangeinhismannertowardsJohn。Thatcoming-along-
with-himdeportmentwasnowlostinlongmusinglooksatJohnandatherselfandsometimesinslowheavyrubsofhishandacrosshisforehead，asifhewereironingcutthecreaseswhichhisdeepponderingmadethere。Hehadhadsomecoughingandwhistlingsatellitessecretlygravitatingtowardshimaboutthepremises，buttheywerenowdismissed，andheeyedJohnasifhehadmeanttodohimapublicservice，buthadunfortunatelybeenanticipated。WhetherBellamighthavenotedanythingmore，ifshehadbeenlessafraidofhim，shecouldnotdetermine；butitwasallinexplicabletoher，andnotthefaintestflashoftherealstateofthecasebrokeinuponhermind。MrInspector\'sincreasednoticeofherselfandknowingwayofraisinghiseyebrowswhentheireyesbyanychancemet，asifheputthequestion\'Don\'tyousee?\'
augmentedhertimidity，and，consequently，herperplexity。Forallthesereasons，whenheandsheandJohn，attowardsnineo\'clockofawintereveningwenttoLondon，andbegandrivingfromLondonBridge，amonglow-lyingwater-sidewharvesanddocksandstrangeplaces，Bellawasinthestateofadreamer；perfectlyunabletoaccountforherbeingthere，perfectlyunabletoforecastwhatwouldhappennext，orwhithershewasgoing，orwhy；certainofnothingintheimmediatepresent，butthatsheconfidedinJohn，andthatJohnseemedsomehowtobegettingmoretriumphant。
Butwhatacertaintywasthat！
Theyalightedatlastatthecornerofacourt，wheretherewasabuildingwithabrightlampandwicketgate。Itsorderlyappearancewasveryunlikethatofthesurroundingneighbourhood，andwasexplainedbytheinscriptionPOLICESTATION。
\'Wearenotgoinginhere，John?\'saidBella，clingingtohim。
\'Yes，mydear；butofourownaccord。Weshallcomeoutagainaseasily，neverfear。\'
Thewhitewashedroomwaspurewhiteasofold，themethodicalbook-keepingwasinpeacefulprogressasofold，andsomedistanthowlerwasbangingagainstacelldoorasofold。Thesanctuarywasnotapermanentabiding-place，butakindofcriminalPickford\'s。Thelowerpassionsandviceswereregularlytickedoffinthebooks，warehousedinthecells，cartedawayasperaccompanyinginvoice，andleftlittlemarkuponit。
MrInspectorplacedtwochairsforhisvisitors，beforethefire，andcommunedinalowvoicewithabrotherofhisorderalsoofahalf-pay，andRoyalArmsaspect，who，judgedonlybyhisoccupationatthemoment，mighthavebeenawriting-master，settingcopies。Theirconferencedone，MrInspectorreturnedtothefireplace，and，havingobservedthathewouldsteproundtotheFellowshipsandseehowmattersstood，wentout。Hesooncamebackagain，saying，\'Nothingcouldbebetter，forthey\'reatsupperwithMissAbbeyinthebar；\'andthentheyallthreewentouttogether。
Still，asinadream，Bellafoundherselfenteringasnugold-
fashionedpublic-house，andfoundherselfsmuggledintoalittlethree-corneredroomnearlyoppositethebarofthatestablishment。
MrInspectorachievedthesmugglingofherselfandJohnintothisqueerroom，calledCosyinaninscriptiononthedoor，byenteringinthenarrowpassagefirstinorder，andsuddenlyturningrounduponthemwithextendedarms，asiftheyhadbeentwosheep。Theroomwaslightedfortheirreception。
\'Now，\'saidMrInspectortoJohn，turningthegaslower；\'I\'llmixwith\'eminacasualway，andwhenIsayIdentification，perhapsyou\'llshowyourself。\'
Johnnodded，andMrInspectorwentalonetothehalf-doorofthebar。FromthedimdoorwayofCosy，withinwhichBellaandherhusbandstood，theycouldseeacomfortablelittlepartyofthreepersonssittingatsupperinthebar，andcouldheareverythingthatwassaid。
ThethreepersonswereMissAbbeyandtwomaleguests。Towhomcollectively，MrInspectorremarkedthattheweatherwasgettingsharpforthetimeofyear。
\'Itneedbesharptosuityourwits，sir，\'saidMissAbbey。\'Whathaveyougotinhandnow?\'
\'Thankingyouforyourcompliment:notmuch，MissAbbey，\'wasMrInspector\'srejoinder。
\'WhohaveyougotinCosy?\'askedMissAbbey。
\'Onlyagentlemanandhiswife，Miss。\'
\'Andwhoarethey?Ifonemayaskitwithoutdetrimenttoyourdeepplansintheinterestsofthehonestpublic?\'saidMissAbbey，proudofMrInspectorasanadministrativegenius。
\'Theyarestrangersinthispartofthetown，MissAbbey。TheyarewaitingtillIshallwantthegentlemantoshowhimselfsomewhere，forhalfamoment。\'
\'Whilethey\'rewaiting，\'saidMissAbbey，\'couldn\'tyoujoinus?\'
MrInspectorimmediatelyslippedintothebar，andsatdownatthesideofthehalf-door，withhisbacktowardsthepassage，anddirectlyfacingthetwoguests。\'Idon\'ttakemysuppertilllaterinthenight，\'saidhe，\'andthereforeIwon\'tdisturbthecompactnessofthetable。ButI\'lltakeaglassofflip，ifthat\'sflipinthejuginthefender。\'
\'That\'sflip，\'repliedMissAbbey，\'andit\'smymaking，andifevenyoucanfindoutbetter，Ishallbegladtoknowwhere。\'Fillinghim，withhospitablehands，asteamingtumbler，MissAbbeyreplacedthejugbythefire；thecompanynothavingyetarrivedattheflip-stageoftheirsupper，butbeingasyetskirmishingwithstrongale。
\'Ah——h！\'criedMrInspector。\'That\'sthesmack！There\'snotaDetectiveintheForce，MissAbbey，thatcouldfindoutbetterstuffthanthat。\'
\'Gladtohearyousayso，\'rejoinedMissAbbey。\'Yououghttoknow，ifanybodydoes。\'
\'MrJobPotterson，\'MrInspectorcontinued，\'Idrinkyourhealth。
MrJacobKibble，Idrinkyours。Hopeyouhavemadeaprosperousvoyagehome，gentlemenboth。\'
MrKibble，anunctuousbroadmanoffewwordsandmanymouthfuls，said，morebrieflythanpointedly，raisinghisaletohislips:\'Sametoyou。\'MrJobPotterson，asemi-seafaringmanofobligingdemeanour，said，\'Thankyou，sir。\'
\'Lordblessmysoulandbody！\'criedMrInspector。\'Talkoftrades，MissAbbey，andthewaytheysettheirmarksonmen\'asubjectwhichnobodyhadapproached；\'whowouldn\'tknowyourbrothertobeaSteward！There\'sabrightandreadytwinkleinhiseye，there\'saneatnessinhisaction，there\'sasmartnessinhisfigure，there\'sanairofreliabilityabouthimincaseyouwantedabasin，whichpointsoutthesteward！AndMrKibble；ain\'thePassenger，allover?Whilethere\'sthatmercantilecutuponhimwhichwouldmakeyouhappytogivehimcreditforfivehundredpound，don\'tyouseethesaltseashiningonhimtoo?\'
\'YOUdo，Idaresay，\'returnedMissAbbey，\'butIdon\'t。Andasforstewarding，Ithinkit\'stimemybrothergavethatup，andtookhisHouseinhandonhissister\'sretiring。TheHousewillgotopiecesifhedon\'t。Iwouldn\'tsellitforanymoneythatcouldbetoldout，toapersonthatIcouldn\'tdependupontobeaLawtothePorters，asIhavebeen。\'
\'Thereyou\'reright，Miss，\'saidMrInspector。\'Abetterkepthouseisnotknowntoourmen。WhatdoIsay?Halfsowellakepthouseisnotknowntoourmen。ShowtheForcetheSixJollyFellowshipPorters，andtheForce——toaconstable——willshowyouapieceofperfection，MrKibble。\'
Thatgentleman，withaveryseriousshakeofhishead，subscribedthearticle。
\'AndtalkofTimeslippingbyyou，asifitwasananimalatrusticsportswithitstailsoaped，\'saidMrInspectoragain，asubjectwhichnobodyhadapproached；\'why，wellyoumay。Wellyoumay。Howhasitslippedbyus，sincethetimewhenMrJobPottersonherepresent，MrJacobKibbleherepresent，andanOfficeroftheForceherepresent，firstcametogetheronamatterofIdentification！\'
Bella\'shusbandsteppedsoftlytothehalf-doorofthebar，andstoodthere。
\'HowhasTimeslippedbyus，\'MrInspectorwentonslowly，withhiseyesnarrowlyobservantofthetwoguests，\'sincewethreeverymen，atanInquestinthisveryhouse——MrKibble?Takenill，sir?\'