CHAPTERXVI。
FOREBODINGS。
Faust。Ifheavenwasmadeforman，\'twasmadeforme。
GoodAngel。Faustus，repent；yetheavenwillpitythee。
BadAngel。Thouartaspirit，Godcannotpitythee。
Faust。BeIadevil，yetGodmaypityme。
BadAngel。Toolate。
GoodAngel。NevertoolateifFaustuswillrepent。
BadAngel。Ifthourepent，devilswillteartheeinpieces。
OldMan。Iseeanangelhovero\'erthyhead，Andwithavialfullofpreciousgrace，Offerstopourthesameintothysoul。
MARLOWE——DoctorFaustus。
Mr。Appleditchhadhadsomebusiness-misfortunes，notofaheavynature，butsufficienttocastagloomoverthehouseinDervishTown，andespeciallyoverthefaceofhisspouse，whohadsetherheartonanewcarpetforherdrawing-room，andfearedsheoughtnottoprocureitnow。Itiswonderfulhowconscientioussomepeoplearetowardstheirbalanceatthebanker\'s。Howthedrawing-room，however，couldcometowantanewcarpetissomethingmysterious，exceptthereisapeculiarpowerofdecayinherentinthingsdeprivedofuse。Theseinfluencesoperating，however，shebegantothinkthatthetwoscionsofgrocerywerenotdrawingnineshillings\'worthaweekofthesapofdivinity。ThisshehintedtoMr。Appleditch。ItwasresolvedtogiveHughwarning。
Asitwouldinvolvesomeawkwardnesstostatereasons，Mrs。
Appleditchresolvedtoquarrelwithhim，astheeasiestwayofprefacinghisdischarge。Itwasthewayshetookwithhermaids-of-all-work；foritwasgrandinitself，andalwaysleftherwithacomfortablefeelingofinjureddignity。
Asapreliminarycourse，shebegantotreathimwithstilllesspolitenessthanbefore。Hughwassocarelessofherbehaviour，thatthismadenoimpressionuponhim。Buthecametounderstanditallafterwards，fromputtingtogethertheremarksofthechildren，andthepartialcommunicationsofMr。AppleditchtoMissTalbot，whichthatgoodladyinnocentlyimpartedtoherlodger。
Atlength，oneday，shecameintotheroomwhereHughwasmorebusyinteachingthanhispupilswereinlearning，andseatedherselfbythefiretowatchforanopportunity。Thiswassoonfound。Fortheboys，renderedstillmoreinattentivebythepresenceoftheirmother，couldnotbeinducedtofixtheleastthoughtuponthematterinhand；sothatHughwascompelledtogooverthesamethingagainandagain，withoutsuccess。Atlasthesaid：
“Iamafraid，Mrs。Appleditch，Imustaskyoutointerfere，forI
cannotgetanyattentionfromtheboysto-day。“
“Andhowcoulditbeotherwise，Mr。Sutherland，whenyoukeepwearingthemoutwithgoingoverandoverthesamething，tilltheyaresickofit？Whydon\'tyougoon？”
“HowcanIgoonwhentheyhavenotlearnedthethingtheyareat？
Thatwouldbetobuildthechimneysbeforethewalls。“
“Itisveryeasytobewitty，sir；butIbegyouwillbehavemorerespectfullytomeinthepresenceofmychildren，innocentlambs！”
Lookingroundatthemoment，Hughcaughtinhisfacewhattheelderlambhadintendedforhisback，agrimacehideousenoughtohaveprocuredhiminstantpromotioninthekingdomofapes。Themothersawittoo，andadded：
“Youseeyoucannotmakethemrespectyou。Really，Mr。Sutherland！”
Hughwasabouttoreply，totheeffectthatitwasuseless，insuchcircumstances，toattemptteachingthematall，someutteranceofwhichsortwaswatchedforastheoccasionforhisinstantdismission；butatthatverymomentacarriageandpairpulledsharplyupatthedoor，withmorethantheusualamountofquadrupedation，andmotherandsonsdartedsimultaneouslytothewindow。
“My！”criedJohnnie，“whatarumgo！Isn\'tthatajollycarriage，Peetie？”
“Papa\'sboughtacarriage！”shoutedPeetie。
“Bequiet，children，“saidtheirmother，asshesawafootmangetdownandapproachthedoor。
“Lookatthatbuffer，“saidJohnnie。“Docomeandseethisgrandfootman，Mr。Sutherland。He\'ssuchagentleman！”
Aboxontheearfromhismothersilencedhim。Theservantenteringwithsomeperturbationamomentafter，addressedhermistress，forshedarednotaddressanyoneelsewhileshewasintheroom：
“Please\'m，thecarriageisastin\'afterMr。Sutherland。“
“Mr。Sutherland？”
“Yes\'m。“
TheladyturnedtoMr。Sutherland，who，althoughsurprisedaswell，wasnotinclinedtoshowhissurprisetoMrs。Appleditch。
“Ididnotknowyouhadcarriage-friends，Mr。Sutherland，“saidshe，withatossofherhead。
“NeitherdidI，“answeredHugh。“ButIwillgoandseewhoitis。“
Whenhereachedthestreet，hefoundHarryonthepavement，whohavinggotoutofthecarriage，andnothavingbeenaskedintothehouse，wasunabletostandstillforimpatience。Assoonashesawhistutor，heboundedtohim，andthrewhisarmsroundhisneck，standingastheywereintheopenstreet。Tearsofdelightfilledhiseyes。
“Come，come，come，“saidHarry；“weallwantyou。“
“Whowantsme？”
“Mrs。EltonandEuphraandme。Come，getin。“
“AndhepulledHughtowardsthecarriage。
“Icannotgowithyounow。Ihavepupilshere。“
Harry\'sfacefell。
“Whenwillyoucome？”
“Inhalf-an-hour。“
“Hurrah！Ishallbebackexactlyinhalf-an-hourthen。Dobeready，please，Mr。Sutherland。“
“Iwill。“
Harryjumpedintothecarriage，tellingthecoachmantodrivewherehepleased，andbebackatthesameplaceinhalf-an-hour。Hughreturnedintothehouse。
Asmaybesupposed，Margaretwasthemeansofthishappymeeting。
AlthoughshesawplainlyenoughthatEuphrawouldliketoseeHugh，shedidnotforsometimemakeuphermindtosendforhim。Thecircumstanceswhichmadeherresolvetodosowerethese。
ForsomedaysEuphraseemedtobegraduallyregainingherhealthandcomposureofmind。Oneevening，afteralongertalkthanusual，Margarethadleftherinbed，andhadgonetoherownroom。Shewasjustpreparingtogetintobedherself，whenaknockatherdoorstartledher，andgoingtoit，shesawEuphrastandingthere，paleasdeath，withnothingonbuthernightgown，notwithstandingthebittercoldofanearlyandseverefrost。Shethoughtatfirstshemustbewalkinginhersleep，butthescaredintelligenceofheropeneyes，soonsatisfiedherthatitwasnotso。
“Whatisthematter，dearMissCameron？”shesaid，ascalmlyasshecould。
“Heiscoming。Hewantsme。Ifhecallsme，Imustgo。“
“No，youshallnotgo，“rejoinedMargaret，firmly。
“Imust，Imust，“answeredEuphra，wringingherhands。
“Docomein，“saidMargaret，“youmustnotstandthereinthecold。“
“Letmegetintoyourbed。“
“Betterletmegowithyoutoyours。Thatwillbemorecomfortableforyou。“
“Oh！yes；pleasedo。“
MargaretthrewashawlroundEuphra，andwentbackwithhertoherroom。
“Hewantsme。Hewantsme。Hewillcallmesoon，“saidEuphra，inanagonisedwhisper，assoonasthedoorwasshut。“WhatshallI
do！”
“Cometobedfirst，andwewilltalkaboutitthere。“
Assoonastheywereinbed，MargaretputherarmroundEuphra，whowastremblingwithcoldandfear，andsaid：
“Hasthismananyrighttocallyou？”
“No，no，“answeredEuphra，vehemently。
“Thendon\'tgo。“
“ButIamafraidofhim。“
“DefyhiminGod\'sname。“
“Butbesidesthefear，thereissomethingthatIcan\'tdescribe，thatalwayskeepstellingme——no，nottellingme，pushingme——no，drawingme，asifIcouldnotrestamomenttillIgo。Icannotdescribeit。Ihatetogo，andyetIfeelthatifIwerecoldinmygrave，Imustriseandgoifhecalledme。IwishIcouldtellyouwhatitislike。ItisasifsomedemonwereshakingmysoultillI
yieldedandwent。Oh！don\'tdespiseme。Ican\'thelpit。“
“Mydarling，Idon\'t，Ican\'tdespiseyou。Youshallnotgotohim。“
“ButImust，“answeredshe，withadespairingfaintnessmoreconvincingthananyvehemence；andthenbegantoweepwithaslow，hopelessweeping，liketherainofaNovembereve。
Margaretgotoutofbed。Euphrathoughtshewasoffended。Startingup，sheclaspedherhands，andsaid：
“OhMargaret！Iwon\'tcry。Don\'tleaveme。Don\'tleaveme。“
Sheentreatedlikeachiddenchild。
“No，no，Ididn\'tmeantoleaveyouforamoment。Liedownagain，dear，andcryasmuchasyoulike。IamgoingtoreadalittlebitoutoftheNewTestamenttoyou。“
“IamafraidIcan\'tlistentoit。“
“Nevermind。Don\'ttry。Iwanttoreadit。“
MargaretgotaNewTestament，andreadpartofthatchapterofSt。
John\'sGospelwhichspeaksabouthumanlabourandthebreadoflife。
Shestoppedatthesewords：
“ForIcamedownfromheaven，nottodomineownwill，butthewillofhimthatsentme。“
Euphra\'stearshadceased。ThesoundofMargaret\'svoice，which，ifitlostinsweetnessbybecomingmoreScotchwhenshereadtheGospel，yetgainedtherebyinpathos，andthepoweroftheblessedwordsthemselves，hadsoothedthetroubledspiritalittle，andshelayquiet。
“Thecountisnotagoodman，MissCameron？”
“Youknowheisnot，Margaret。Heistheworstmanalive。“
“ThenitcannotbeGod\'swillthatyoushouldgotohim。“
“ButonedoesmanythingsthatarenotGod\'swill。“
“ButitisGod\'swillthatyoushouldnotgotohim。“
Euphralaysilentforafewmoments。Suddenlysheexclaimed：
“ThenImustnotgotohim，“——gotoutofbed，threwherselfonherkneesbythebedside，andholdingupherclaspedhands，said，inlowtonesthatsoundedasifforcedfromherbyagony：
“Iwon\'t！Iwon\'t！OGod，Iwillnot。Helpme，helpme！”
Margaretkneltbesideher，andputherarmroundher。Euphraspokenomore，butremainedkneeling，withherextendedarmsandclaspedhandslyingonthebed，andherheadlaidbetweenthem。AtlengthMargaretgrewalarmed，andlookedather。Butshefoundthatshewasinasweetsleep。Shegentlydisengagedherself，andcoveringherupsoftandwarm，lefthertosleepoutherGod-sentsleepundisturbed，whileshesatbeside，andwatchedforherwaking。
Shesleptthusforanhour。Thenliftingherhead，andseeingMargaret，sherosequietly，asiffromherprayers，andsaidwithasmile：
“Margaret，IwasdreamingthatIhadamother。“
“Soyouhave，somewhere。“
“Yes，soIhave，somewhere，“sherepeated，andcreptintobedlikeachild，laydown，andwasasleepagaininamoment。
Margaretwatchedherforanotherhour，andthenseeingnosignsofrestlessness，butthatonthecontraryhersleepwasprofound，laydownbesideher，andsoonsharedinthatreposewhichtowearywomenandmenisGod\'sbestgift。
Sheroseatherusualhourthenextday，andwasdressedbeforeEuphraawoke。ItwasacoldgreyDecembermorning，withthehoar-frostlyingthickontheroofsofthehouses。EuphraopenedhereyeswhileMargaretwasbusylightingthefire。Seeingthatshewasthere，sheclosedthemagain，andfelloncemorefastasleep。
Beforeshewokeagain，Margarethadsometeareadyforher；aftertakingwhich，shefeltabletogetup。SheroselookingmorebrightandhopefulthanMargarethadseenherbefore。
ButMargaret，whowatchedherintentlythroughtheday，sawachangecomeoverhercheer。Herfacegrewpaleandtroubled。Nowandthenhereyeswerefixedonvacancy；andagainshewouldlookatMargaretwithawoebegoneexpressionofcountenance；butpresently，asifrecollectingherself，wouldsmileandlookcheerfulforamoment。
Margaretsawthattheconflictwascomingon，ifnotalreadybegun——thatatleastitsshadowwasuponher；andthinkingthatifshecouldhaveatalkwithHughaboutwhathehadbeendoing，itwouldcomfortheralittle，anddivertherthoughtsfromherself，evenifnofartherormorepleasantlythantothecount，sheletHarryknowHugh\'saddress，asgiveninthelettertoherfather。
Shewascertainthat，ifHarrysucceededinfindinghim，nothingmorewasnecessarytoinsurehisbeingbroughttoMrs。Elton\'s。Aswehaveseen，HarryhadtracedhimtoBuccleuchTerrace。
Hughre-enteredthehouseinthesamemindinwhichhehadgoneout；
namely，thatafterMrs。Appleditch\'sbehaviourtohimbeforehispupils，hecouldnotremaintheirtutoranylonger，howevergreathisneedmightbeofthepittancehereceivedforhisservices。
ButalthoughMrs。Appleditch\'sfirstfeelinghadbeenjealousyofHugh\'sacquaintancewith“carriage-people，“thetoadyismwhichissoessentialanelementofsuchjealousy，hadbythistimerevived；andwhenHughwasproceedingtofinishthelessonhehadbegun，intendingittobehislast，shesaid：
“Whydidn\'tyouaskyourfriendintothedrawing-room，Mr。
Sutherland？”
“Goodgracious！Thedrawing-room！”thoughtHugh——butanswered：“Hewillfetchmewhenthelessonisover。“
“Iamsure，sir，anyfriendsofyoursthatliketocalluponyouhere，willbeverywelcome。Itwillbemoreagreeabletoyoutoreceivethemhere，ofcourse；foryouraccommodationatpoorMissTalbot\'sishardlysuitableforsuchvisitors。“
“Iamsorrytosay，however，“answeredHugh，“thatafterthewayyouhavespokentometo-day，inthepresenceofmypupils，Icannotcontinuemyrelationtothemanylonger。“
“Ho！ho！”resnortedthelady，indignationandscornminglingwithmortification；“ourgrandvisitorshavesetourbacksup。Verywell，Mr。Sutherland，youwillobligemebyleavingthehouseatonce。Don\'ttroubleyourself，pray，tofinishthelesson。Iwillpayyouforitallthesame。Anythingtogetridofamanwhoinsultsmebeforetheveryfacesofmyinnocentlambs！Andpleasetoremember，“sheadded，asshepulledoutherpurse，whileHughwascollectingsomebookshehadlenttheboys，“thatwhenyouwerestarving，myhusbandandItookyouinandgaveyouemploymentoutofcharity——purecharity，Mr。Sutherland。Hereisyourmoney。“
“Goodmorning，Mrs。Appleditch，“saidHugh；andwalkedoutwithhisbooksunderhisarm，leavingherwiththemoneyinherhand。
Hehadtoknockhisfeetonthepavementinfrontofthehouse，tokeepthemfromfreezing，forhalf-an-hour，beforethecarriagearrivedtotakehimaway。Assoonasitcameup，hejumpedintoit，andwascarriedoffintriumphbyHarry。
Mrs。Eltonreceivedhimkindly。Euphraheldoutherhandwithaslightblush，andthequietfamiliarityofanoldfriend。Hughcouldalmosthavefalleninlovewithheragain，fromcompassionforherpale，wornface，andsubduedexpression。
Mrs。Eltonwentoutinthecarriagealmostdirectly，andEuphrabeggedHarrytoleavethemalone，asshehadsomethingtotalktoMr。Sutherlandabout。
“HaveyoufoundanytraceofCountHalkar，Hugh？”shesaid，themomenttheywerebythemselves。
“IamverysorrytosayIhavenot。Ihavedonemybest。“
“Iamquitesureofthat——Ijustwantedtotellyou，that，fromcertainindicationswhichnoonecouldunderstandsowellasmyself，Ithinkyouwillhavemorechanceoffindinghimnow。“
“Iamdelightedtohearit，“respondedHugh。“IfIonlyhadhim！”
Euphrasighed，paused，andthensaid：
“ButIamnotsureofit。IthinkheisinLondon；buthemaybeinBohemia，foranythingIknow。Ishall，however，inallprobability，knowmoreabouthimwithinafewdays。“
HughresolvedtogoatoncetoFalconer，andcommunicatetohimwhatEuphrahadtoldhim。Buthesaidnothingtoherastothemeansbywhichhehadtriedtodiscoverthecount；foralthoughhefeltsurethathehaddonerightintellingFalconerallaboutit，hewasafraidlestEuphra，notknowingwhatsortofamanhewas，mightnotlikeit。Euphra，onherpart，didnotmentionMargaret\'sname；forshehadbeggedhernottodoso。
“Youwilltellmewhenyouknowyourself？”
“Perhaps——Iwill，ifIcan。Idowishyoucouldgetthering。I
haveapainfulfeelingthatitgiveshimpoweroverme。“
“Thatcanonlybeanervousfancy，surely，“Hughventuredtosay。
“Perhapsitis。Idon\'tknow。But，still，withoutthat，thereareplentyofreasonsforwishingtorecoverit。Hewillputittoabaduse，ifhecan。Butforyoursake，especially，Iwishwecouldgetit。“
“Thankyou。Youwerealwayskind。“
“No，“shereplied，withoutliftinghereyes；“Ibroughtitalluponyou。“
“Butyoucouldnothelpit。“
“Notatthemoment。Butallthatledtoitwasmyfault。“
Shepaused；thensuddenlyresumed：
“Iwillconfess——Doyouknowwhatgaverisetothereportsofthehousebeinghaunted？”
“No。“
“Itwasmewanderingaboutitatnight，lookingforthatveryring，togivetothecount。Itwasshameful。ButIdid。Thosereportspreventedmefrombeingfoundout。ButIhopenotmanyghostsaresomiserableasIwas——YouremembermyspeakingtoyouofMr。
Arnold\'sjewels？”
“Yes，perfectly。“
“Iwantedtofindout，throughyou，wheretheringwas。ButIhadnointentionofinvolvingyou。“
“Iamsureyouhadnot。“
“Don\'tbetoosureofanythingaboutme。Idon\'tknowwhatImighthavebeenledtodo。ButIamverysorry。Doforgiveme。“
“IcannotallowthatIhaveanythingtoforgive。Buttellme，Euphra，wereyouthecreature，inwhitethatIsawintheGhost\'sWalkonenight？Idon\'tmeanthelasttime。“
“Verylikely，“sheanswered，bendingherheadyetlower，withasigh。
“Thenwhowasthecreatureinblackthatmetyou？Andwhatbecameofyouthen？”
“Didyouseeher？”rejoinedEuphra，turningpalerstill。“Ifaintedatsightofher。Itookherforthenunthathangsinthathorridroom。“
“SodidI，“saidHugh。“Butyoucouldnothavelainlong；forIwentuptothespotwhereyouvanished，andfoundnothing。“
“IsupposeIgotintotheshrubberybeforeIfell。Orthecountdraggedmein——Butwasthatreallyaghost？Ifeelnowasifitwasagoodmessenger，whetherghostornot，cometowarnme，ifI
hadhadthecouragetolisten。IwishIhadtakenthewarning。“
Theytalkedabouttheseandotherthings，tillMrs。Elton，whohadmadeHughpromisetostaytolunch，returned。Whentheywereseatedattable，thekind-heartedwomansaid：
“Now，Mr。Sutherland，whenwillyoubeginagainwithHarry？”
“Idonotquiteunderstandyou，“answeredHugh。
“Ofcourseyouwillcomeandgivehimlessons，poorboy。Hewillbebroken-heartedifyoudon\'t。“
“IwishIcould。ButIcannot——atleastyet；forIknowhisfatherwasdissatisfiedwithme。ThatwasoneofthereasonsthatmadehimsendHarrytoLondon。“
Harrylookedwretchedlydisappointed，butsaidnothing。
“Ineverheardhimsayanythingofthesort。“
“Iamsureofit，though。Iamverysorryhehasmistakenme；buthewillknowmebettersomeday。“
“Iwilltakealltheresponsibility，“persistedMrs。Elton。
“Butunfortunatelytheresponsibilitystickstoofastforyoutotakeit。IcannotgetridofmyshareifIwould。“
“Youaretooparticular。IamsureMr。Arnoldnevercouldhavemeantthat。Thisismyhousetoo。“
“ButHarryishisboy。Ifyouwillletmecomeandseehimsometimes，Ishallbeverythankful，though。Imaybeusefultohimwithoutgivinghimlessons。“
“Thankyou，“saidHarrywithdelight。
“Well，well！IsupposeyouaresomuchinrequestinLondonthatyouwon\'tmisshimforapupil。“
“Onthecontrary，Ihavenotasingleengagement。Ifyoucouldfindmeone，Ishouldbeexceedinglyobligedtoyou。“
“Dear！dear！dear！”saidMrs。Elton。“ThenyoushallhaveHarry。“
“Oh！yes；pleasetakeme，“saidHarry，beseechingly。
“No，Icannot。Imustnot。“
Mrs。Eltonrangthebell。
“James，tellthecoachmanIwantthecarriageinanhour。“
Mrs。Eltonwasassubmissivetohercoachmanasladieswhohavecarriagesgenerallyare，andwouldnothavedreamedoforderingthehorsesoutsosoonagainforherself；butsheforgoteverythingelsewhenafriendwasinneedofhelp，andbecameperfectlypachydermatoustotheoffendedlooksorindignanthintsofthatimportantfunctionary。
WithinafewminutesafterHughtookhisleave，Mrs。Eltonwasonherwaytorepeatavisitshehadalreadypaidthesamemorning，andtomakeseveralothercalls，withtheexpressobjectoffindingpupilsforHugh。Butinthisshewasnotsosuccessfulasshehadexpected。Infact，noonewhomshecouldthinkof，wantedsuchservicesatpresent。Shereturnedhomequitedown-hearted，andallbutconvincedthatnothingcouldbedonebeforetheapproachoftheLondonseason。
CHAPTERXVII。
STRIFE。
They\'llturnmeinyourarms，Janet，Anadderandasnake；
Buthaudmefast，letmenotpass，Ginyewouldbemymaik。
They\'llturnmeinyourarms，Janet，Anadderandanaske；
They\'llturnmeinyourarms，Janet，Abalethatburnsfast。
They\'llshapemeinyourarms，Janet，Adove，butandaswan；
Andlast，they\'llshapemeinyourarmsAmother-nakedman：
Castyourgreenmantleoverme——
AndsaeshallIbewan。
ScotchBallad：Tamlane。
AssoonasHughhadleftthehouse，MargarethastenedtoEuphra。
Shefoundherinherownroom，alittlemorecheerful，butstillstrangelydepressed。Thisappearanceincreasedtowardstheevening，tillherlooksbecamequitehaggard，revealinganinwardconflictofgrowingagony。Margaretremainedwithher。
Justbeforedinner，theupstairsbell，whosesummonsMargaretwasaccustomedtoobey，rang，andshewentdown。Mrs。Eltondetainedherforafewminutes。Themomentshewasatliberty，sheflewtoEuphra\'sroombythebackstaircase。But，assheascended，shewashorrifiedtomeetEuphra，inacloakandthickveil，creepingdownthestairslikeathief。Withoutsayingaword，thestronggirlliftedherinherarmsasifshehadbeenachild，andcarriedherbacktoherroom。Euphraneitherstrugglednorspoke。Margaretlaidheronhercouch，andsatdownbesideher。Shelaywithoutmoving，and，althoughwideawake，gavenoothersignofexistencethananoccasionallowmoan，thatseemedtocomefromaheartpressedalmosttodeath。
Havinglainthusforanhour，shebrokethesilence。
“Margaret，doyoudespisemedreadfully？”
“No，notintheleast。“
“YetyoufoundmegoingtodowhatIknewwaswrong。“
“YouhadnotmadeyourselfstrongbythinkingaboutthewillofGod。
Hadyou，dear？”
“No。Iwilltellyouhowitwas。Ihadbeentormentedwiththeinclinationtogotohim，andhadbeenresistingittillIwaswornout，andcouldhardlybearitmore。Suddenlyallgrewcalmwithinme，andIseemedtohateCountHalkarnolonger。Ithoughtwithmyselfhoweasyitwouldbetoputastoptothisdreadfultorment，justbyyieldingtoit——onlythisonce。IthoughtIshouldthenbestrongertoresistthenexttime；forthiswaswearingmeoutso，thatImustyieldthenexttime，ifIpersistednow。Butwhatseemedtojustifyme，wasthethoughtthatsoIshouldfindoutwherehewas，andbeabletotellHugh；andthenhewouldgettheringforme，and，perhapsthatwoulddeliverme。Butitwasverywrongofme。IforgotallaboutthewillofGod。Iwillnotgoagain，Margaret。DoyouthinkImaytryagaintofighthim？”
“Thatisjustwhatyoumustdo。AllthatGodrequiresofyouis，totryagain。God\'schildmustbefree。Dotry，dearMissCameron。“
“IthinkIcould，ifyouwouldcallmeEuphra。Youaresostrong，andpure，andgood，Margaret！IwishIhadneverhadanythoughtsbutsuchasyouhave，youbeautifulcreature！Oh，howgladIamthatyoufoundme！Dowatchmealways。“
“IwillcallyouEuphra。Iwillbeyoursister-servant——anythingyoulike，ifyouwillonlytryagain。“
“Thankyou，withallmytroubledheart，dearMargaret。Iwillindeedtryagain。“
Shesprangfromthecouchinasuddenagony，andgraspingMargaretbythearm，lookedatherwithsuchaterror-strickenface，thatshebegantofearshewaslosingherreason。
“Margaret，“shesaid，asifwiththevoiceasofonejustraisedfromthedead，speakingwithallthecharneldampsinherthroat，“coulditbethatIaminlovewithhimstill？”
Margaretshuddered，butdidnotloseherself-possession。
“No，no，Euphra，darling。Youwerehauntedwithhim，andsotiredthatyouwerenotabletohatehimanylonger。Thenyoubegantogivewaytohim。Thatwasall。Therewasnoloveinthat。“
Euphra\'sgrasprelaxed。
“Doyouthinkso？”
“Yes。“
Apausefollowed。
“DoyouthinkGodcarestohavemedohiswill？Isitanythingtohim？”
“Iamsureofit。Whydidhemakeyouelse？Butitisnotforthesakeofbeingobeyedthathecaresforit，butforthesakeofservingyouandmakingyoublessedwithhisblessedness。Hedoesnotthinkabouthimself，butaboutyou。“
“Oh，dear！oh，dear！Imustnotgo。“
“Letmereadtoyouagain，Eupra。“
“Yes，pleasedo，Margaret。“
ShereadthefortiethchapterofIsaiah，oneofherfather\'sfavouritechapters，whereallthestrengthandknowledgeofGodareurgedtoaheight，thattheymayfallinoverwhelmingprofusionuponthewantsandfearsandunbeliefofhischildren。Howshouldhethatcalleththestarsbytheirnamesforgethispeople？
Whilesheread，thecloudmeltedawayfromEuphra\'sface；asweetsleepfollowed；andtheparoxysmwasoverforthetime。
WasEuphrainsane？andwerethesethefirstaccessesofdailyfitsofmadness，whichhadbeengrowingandapproachingforwhocouldtellhowlong？
Evenifsheweremad，orgoingmad，wasnotthistherightwaytotreather？IwonderhowoftenthespiritualcureoffaithintheSonofMan，theGreatHealer，hasbeentriedonthosepossessedwithourmoderndemons。Isitprovedthatinsanityhasitsorigininthephysicaldisorderwhich，itisnowsaid，canbeshowntoaccompanyitinvariably？Letitbeso：ityetappearstomethatifthephysicianwould，liketheSonofManhimself，descendasitwereintothedisorganizedworldinwhichtheconsciousnessofhispatientexists，andreceivingasfactallthatherevealstohimofitscondition——forfactitis，ofaveryrealsort——introduce，byallthemeansthatsympathycansuggest，theonecentralcureforevil，spiritualandmaterial，namely，thetruthoftheSonofMan，thevisionoftheperfectfriendandhelper，withtherevelationofthepromisedlibertyofobedience——ifhedidthis，itseemstomethatcuresmightstillbewroughtasmarvellousasthoseoftheancienttime。
Itseemstome，too，thatthatcanbebutanimperfectreligion，asitwouldbeapoorsalvation，fromwhichonecornerofdarknessmayhideus；fromwhoseblessedhealthandfreedomadisorderedbrainmaysnatchus；makingushopelessoutcasts，tillfirstthephysician，thestudentofphysicallaws，shallinterfereandrestoreustoasoundmind，orthegreatGod\'s-angelDeathcrumblethesoul-oppressingbrain，withitsthousandphantomsofpainandfearandhorror，intoafilmofdustinthehollowofthedesertedskull。
HughrepairedimmediatelytoFalconer\'schambers，wherehewasmorelikelytofindhimduringthedaythanintheevening。Hewasathome。HetoldhimofhisinterviewwithEuphra，andherfeelingthatthecountwasnotfaroff。
“Doyouthinktherecanbeanythinginit？”askedhe，whenhehadfinishedhisrelation。
“Ithinkverylikely，“answeredhisfriend。“Iwillbemoreontheoutlookthanever。Itmay，afterall，bethroughtheladyherselfthatweshallfindthevillain。Ifsheweretofallintooneofhertrances，now，Ithinkitalmostcertainshewouldgotohim。Sheoughttobecarefullywatchedandfollowed，ifthatshouldtakeplace。Letmeknowallthatyoulearnabouther。Goandseeheragainto-morrow，thatwemaybekeptinformedofherexperiences，sofarasshethinkspropertotellthem。“
“Iwill，“saidHugh，andtookhisleave。
ButMargaret，whoknewEuphra\'scondition，bothspiritualandphysical，betterthananyother，hadfardifferentobjectsforher，throughmeansoftheunholyattractionwhichthecountexercisedoverher，thanthediscoveryofthestolenring。Shewasdeterminedthatneithersleepingnorwakingshouldshefollowhiscall，ordancetohispiping。Sheshouldresisttothelast，inthenameofGod，andsoredeemherlostwillfromthepowerofthisdevil，towhomshehadfoolishlysoldit。
Thenextday，thestruggleevidentlycontinued；andithadsuchaneffectonEuphra，thatMargaretcouldnothelpfeelingveryanxiousabouttheresultasregardedherhealth，evenifsheshouldbevictoriousinthecontest。ButnotforonemomentdidMargaretquail；forshefeltconvinced，comeofitwhatmight，thattheonlyhopeforEuphralayinresistance。Death，tohermind，wassimplynothinginthebalancewithslaveryofsuchasort。
Once——butevidentlyinafitofabsence——Euphrarose，wenttothedoor，andopenedit。Butsheinstantlydashedittoagain，andwalkingslowlyback，resumedherseatonthecouch。Margaretcametoherfromtheothersideofthebed，whereshehadbeenworkingbythewindow，forthelastquarterofanhour，forthesakeofthewaninglight。
“Whatisit，dear？”shesaid。
“Oh，Margaret！areyouthere？Ididnotknowyouwereintheroom。
IfoundmyselfatthedoorbeforeIknewwhatIwasdoing。“
“Butyoucamebackofyourselfthistime。“
“YesIdid。ButIstillfeelinclinedtogo。“
“Thereisnosininthat，solongasyoudonotencouragethefeeling，oryieldtoit。“
“Ihateit。“
“Youwillsoonbefreefromit。Keeponcourageously，dearsister。
Youwillbeinlibertyandjoysoon。“
“Godgrantit。“
“Hewill，Euphra。Iamsurehewill。“
“Iamsureyouknow，oryouwouldnotsayit。“
Aknockcametothestreetdoor。Euphrastarted，andsatintheattitudeofafearfullistener。Amessagewaspresentlybroughther，thatMr。Sutherlandwasinthedrawing-room，andwishedtoseeher。
Euphraroseimmediately，andwenttohim。Margaret，whodidnotquitefeelthatshecouldbetrustedyet，removedtoaroombehindthedrawing-room，whenceshecouldseeEuphraifshepassedtogodownstairs。
HughaskedherifshecouldtellhimanythingmoreaboutCountHalkar。
“Only，“sheanswered，“thatIamstillsurerofhisbeingnearme。“
“Howdoyouknowit？”
“Ineednotmindtellingyou，forIhavetoldyoubeforethathehasakindofsupernaturalpoweroverme。Iknowitbyhisdrawingmetowardshim。ItistrueImightfeelitjustthesamewhetherhewasinAmericaorinLondon；butIdonotthinkhewouldcaretodoit，ifheweresofaroff。Iknowhimwellenoughtoknowthathewouldnotwishformeexceptforsomeimmediateadvantagetohimself。“
“Butwhatistheuseofhisdoingso，whenyoudon\'tknowwhereheistobefound。“
“Ishouldgostraighttohim，withoutknowingwhereIwasgoing。“
Hughroseinhaste。
“Putonyourbonnetandcloak，andcomewithme。Iwilltakecareofyou。Leadmetohim，andtheringshallsoonbeinyourhandsagain。“
Euphrahesitated，halfrose，butsatdownimmediately。
“No，no！Notforworlds，“shesaid。“Donottemptme。Imustnot——Idarenot——Iwillnotgo。“
“ButIshallbewithyou。Iwilltakecareofyou。Don\'tyouthinkIamable，Euphra？”
“Oh，yes！quiteable。ButImustnotgoanywhereatthatman\'sbidding。“
“Butitwon\'tbeathisbidding：itwillbeatmine。“
“Ah！thataltersthecaserather，doesitnot？IwonderwhatMargaretwouldsay。“
“Margaret！WhatMargaret？”saidHugh。
“Oh！mynewmaid，“answeredEuphra，recollectingherself。
“Notbeingwellatpresent，sheismynurse。“
“Weshalltakeacabassoonaswegettothecorner。“
“Idon\'tthinkthecountwouldbeabletoguidethehorse，“saidEuphra，withasmile。“Imustwalk。ButIshouldliketogo。I
will。Itwouldbesuchavictorytocatchhiminhisowntoils。“
Sheroseandranupstairs。Inafewminutesshecamedownagain，cloakedandveiled。ButMargaretmetherasshedescended，andleadingherintothebackdrawing-room，said：
“Areyougoing，Euphra？”
“Yes；butIamgoingwithMr。Sutherland，“answeredEuphra，inadefensivetone。“Itistopleasehim，andnottoobeythecount。“
“AreyousureitisalltopleaseMr。Sutherland？Ifitwere，I
don\'tthinkyouwouldbeabletoguidehimright。Isitnottogetridofyoursufferingbyyieldingtotemptation，Euphra？Atallevents，ifyougo，evenshouldMr。Sutherlandbesuccessfulwithhim，youwillneverfeelthatyouhaveovercomehim，orhe，thathehaslostyou。Hewillstillholdyoufast。Don\'tgo。Iamsureyouaredeceivingyourself。“
Euphrastoodforamomentandpoutedlikeanaughtychild。ThensuddenlythrowingherarmsaboutMargaret\'sneck，shekissedher，andsaid：
“Iwon\'tgo，Margaret。Here，takemythingsupstairsforme。“
Shethrewoffherbonnetandcloak，andrejoinedHughinthedrawing-room。
“Ican\'tgo，“shesaid。“Imustnotgo。Ishouldbeyieldingtohim，anditwouldmakeaslaveofmeallmylife。“
“Itisouronlychanceforthering，“saidHugh。
AgainEuphrahesitatedandwavered；butagainsheconquered。
“Icannothelpit，“shesaid。“Iwouldrathernothavetheringthango——ifyouwillforgiveme。“
“Oh，Euphra！”repliedHugh。“Youknowitisnotformyself。“
“Idoknowit。Youwon\'tmindthenifIdon\'tgo？”
“Certainlynot，ifyouhavemadeupyourmind。Youmusthaveagoodreasonforit。“
“IndeedIhave。“Andevenalreadyshefeltthatresistancebroughtitsownreward。
Hughwentalmostimmediately，inordertomakehisreporttoFalconer，withwhomhehadanappointmentforthepurpose。
“Sheisquiteright，“saidFalconer。“Idonotthink，intherelationinwhichshestandstohim，thatshecouldsafelydootherwise。Butitseemstomeverylikelythatthiswillturnoutwellforourplans，too。Letherpersist，andinallprobabilityhewillnotonlyhavetoresignherperforce，butwillsofarmakehimselfsubjecttoherinturn，astoseekherwhowillnotgotohim。Hewillpulluponhisownropetillheisdrawntothespotwherehehasfixedit。Whatremainsforyouandmetodo，istokeepaclosewatchonthehouseandneighbourhood。Mostlikelyweshallfindthevillainbeforelong。“
“Doyoureallythinkso？”
“Thewholeaffairismysterious，andhastodowithlawswithwhichwearemostimperfectlyacquainted；butthisseemstomeapresumptionworthactingupon。Istherenooneinthehouseonwhomyoucoulddependforassistance——forinformation，atleast？”
“Yes。ThereisthesameoldservantthatMrs。EltonhadwithheratArnstead。Heisasteadyoldfellow，andhasbeenveryfriendlywithme。“
“Well，whatIwouldadviseis，thatyoushouldfindyourselfquartersasnearthespotaspossible；and，besideskeepingasmuchofapersonalguarduponthehouseasyoucan，engagetheservantyoumentiontoletyouknow，themomentthecountmakeshisappearance。Itwillprobablybetowardsnightwhenhecalls，forsuchamanmayhavereasonsaswellasinstinctstomakehimlovethedarknessratherthanthelight。Youhadbettergoatonce；andwhenyouhavefoundaplace，leaveorsendtheaddressheretome，andtowardsnight-fallIwilljoinyou。Butwemayhavetowatchforseveraldays。Wemustnotbetoosanguine。“
Almostwithoutaword，HughwenttodoasFalconersaid。Theonlyplacehecouldfindsuitable，wasapublic-houseatthecornerofabackstreet，wherethemen-servantsoftheneighbourhoodusedtoresort。Hesucceededinsecuringaprivateroominit，foraweek，andimmediatelysentFalconerwordofhislocality。HethencalledasecondtimeatMrs。Elton\'s，andaskedtoseethebutler。Whenhecame：
“Irwan，“saidhe，“hasHerrvonFunkelsteincalledhereto-day？”
“No，sir，hehasnot。“
“Youwouldknowhim，wouldyounot？”
“Yes，sir；perfectly。“
“Well，ifheshouldcallto-night，orto-morrow，oranytimewithinthenextfewdays，letmeknowthemomentheisinthehouse。YouwillfindmeattheGoldenStaff，roundthecorner。ItisoftheutmostimportancethatIshouldseehimatonce。Butdonotlethimknowthatanyonewantstoseehim。Youshallnotrepenthelpingmeinthisaffair。IknowIcantrustyou。“
Hughhadfixedhimwithhiseyes，beforehebegantoexplainhiswishes。Hehadfoundoutthatthiswasthebestwayofsecuringattentionfrominferiornatures，andthatitwasespeciallynecessarywithLondonservants；fortheirsuperciliousnessiscowedbyit，andthesuperiorwillbroughttobearupontheirs。Itistheonlywayamanwithoutacarriagehastocommandattentionfromsuch。Irwanwasnotoneofthissort。Hewasacountryservant，foronedifference。ButHughmadehisaddressasimpressiveaspossible。
“Iwillwithpleasure，sir，“answeredIrwan，andHughfelttolerablysureofhim。
Falconercame。Theyorderedsomesupper，andsattilleleveno\'clock。Therebeingthennochanceofasummons，theywentouttogether。Passingthehouse，theysawlightinoneupperwindowonly。Thatlightwouldburnthereallnight，foritwasinEuphra\'sroom。Theywenton，HughaccompanyingFalconerinoneofhismidnightwalksthroughLondon，ashehaddonerepeatedlybefore。
>FromsuchcompanionshipandthescenestowhichFalconerintroducedhim，hehadgatheredthisfruit，thathebegantobelieveinGodforthesakeofthewretchedmenandwomenhesawintheworld。Atfirstitwashisownpainatthesightofsuchmiserythatdrovehim，forconsolation，tohopeinGod；so，atfirst，itwasforhisownsake。Butashesawmoreofthem，andgrewtolovethemmore，hefeltthattheonlyhopeforthemlayintheloveofGod；andhehopedinGodforthem。HesawtoothataGodnotbothhumanlyandabsolutelydivine，aGodlessthanthatGodshadowedforthintheRedeemerofmen，wouldnotdo。ButthinkingaboutGodthus，andhopinginhimforhisbrothersandsisters，hebegantoloveGod。
Then，lastofall，thathemightseeinhimonetowhomhecouldabandoneverything，thathemightseehimperfectandallinallandashemustbe——forthesakeofGodhimself，hebelievedinhimastheSaviourofthesehissinfulandsufferingkin。
Asearlyaswasatallexcusable，thefollowingmorning，hecalledonEuphra。Thebutlersaidthatshehadnotcomedownyet，buthewouldsenduphisname。AmessagewasbroughtbackthatMissCameronwassorrynottoseehim，butshehadhadabadnight，andwasquiteunabletogetup。Irwanrepliedtohisinquiry，thatthecounthadnotcalled。HughwithdrewtotheGoldenStaff。
Abadnightithadbeenindeed。AsEuphrasleptwellthefirstpartofit，andhadnoattacksuchasshehadhaduponboththeprecedingnights，Margarethadhopedtheworstwasover。Stillshelaidherselfonlywithinthethresholdofsleepreadytowakeattheleastmotion。
InthemiddleofthenightshefeltEuphramove。Shelaystilltoseewhatshewoulddo。Euphraslippedoutofbed，andpartlydressedherself；thenwenttoherwardrobe，andputonacloakwithalargehood，whichshedrewoverherhead。Margaretlaywithadreadfulachingatherheart。Euphrawenttowardsthedoor。
Margaretcalledher，butshemadenoanswer。Margaretflewtothedoor，andreacheditbeforeher。Then，toherintensedelight，shesawthatEuphra\'seyeswereclosed。Justasshelaidherhandonthedoor，Margarettookhergentlyinherarms。
“Letmego，letmego！”Euphraalmostscreamed。Thensuddenlyopeninghereyes，shestaredatMargaretinabewilderedfashion，likeonewakingfromthedead。
“Euphra！dearEuphra！”saidMargaret。
“Oh，Margaret！isitreallyyou？”exclaimedEuphra，flingingherarmsabouther。“Oh，Iamglad。Ah！youseewhatImusthavebeenabout。IsupposeIknewwhenIwasdoingit，butIdon\'tknownow。
Ihaveforgottenallaboutit。Ohdear！ohdear！Ithoughtitwouldcometothis。“
“Cometobed，dear。Youcouldn\'thelpit。Itwasnotyourself。
Thereisnotmorethanhalfofyouawake，whenyouwalkinyoursleep。“
Theywenttobed。EuphracreptclosetoMargaret，andcriedherselfasleepagain。Thenextdayshehadabadhead-ache。Thiswithheralwaysfollowedsomnambulation。Shedidnotgetupallthatday。
WhenHughcalledagainintheevening，heheardshewasbetter，butstillinbed。
FalconerjoinedHughattheGoldenStaff，atnight；buttheyhadnobettersuccessthanbefore。Falconerwentoutalone，forHughwantedtokeephimselffresh。Thoughverystrong，hewasyoungerandlesshardenedthanFalconer，whocouldstandanincredibleamountoflabourandlackofsleep。Hughwouldhavegivenwayunderthehalf。
CHAPTERXVIII。
VICTORY
Omyadmiredmistress，quenchnotoutTheholyfireswithinyou，thoughtemptationsShowerdownuponyou：claspthinearmouron；
Fightwell，andthoushaltsee，afterthesewars，Thyheadwearsunbeams，andthyfeettouchstars。
MASSINGER——TheVirginMartyr。
ButHughcouldsleepnomorethanifhehadbeenoutwithFalconer。
Hewasasrestlessasawildbeastinacage。Somethingwouldnotlethimbeatpeace。Soherose，dressed，andwentout。Assoonasheturnedthecorner，hecouldseeMrs。Elton\'shouse。Itwasvisiblebothbyintermittentmoonlightabove，andbyflickeringgaslightbelow，forthewindblewratherstrong。Therewassnowintheair，heknew。Thelighttheyhadobservedlastnight，wasburningnow。Amomentservedtomaketheseobservations；andthenHugh\'seyeswerearrestedbythesightofsomethingelse——amanwalkingupanddownthepavementinfrontofMrs。Elton\'shouse。Heinstantlysteppedintotheshadowofaporchtowatchhim。Thefiguremightbethecount\'s；itmightnot；hecouldnotbesure。
Everynowandthenthemanlookeduptothewindows。Atlengthhestoppedrightunderthelightedone，andlookedup。Hughwasonthepointofglidingout，thathemightgetasnearhimaspossiblebeforerushingonhim，when，atthemoment，tohisgreatmortification，apolicemanemergedfromsomemysteriouscorner，andthefigureinstantlyvanishedinanother。Hughdidnotpursuehim；
becauseitwouldbetosetallonasinglechance，andthatapoorone；forifthecount，shoulditbehe，succeededinescaping，hewouldnotreturntoaspotwhichheknewtobewatched。Hugh，therefore，withdrewoncemoreunderaporch，andwaited。But，whatevermightbethecause，themanmadehisappearancenomore。
Hughcontrivedtokeepwatchfortwohours，inspiteofsuspiciouspolicemen。Hesleptlateintothefollowingmorning。
CallingatMrs。Elton\'s，helearnedthatthecounthadnotbeenthere；thatMissCameronhadbeenveryillallnight；butthatshewasratherbettersincethemorning。
Thatnight，asthepreceding，Margarethadawakedsuddenly。Euphrawasnotinthebedbesideher。Shestartedupinanagonyofterror；butitwassoonallayed，thoughnotremoved。ShesawEuphraonherkneesatthefootofthebed，anold-fashionedfour-postone。
Shehadherarmstwinedroundoneofthebed-posts，andherheadthrownback，asifsomeonewerepullingherbackwardsbyherhair，whichfelloverhernight-dresstothefloorinthick，blackmasses。
Hereyeswereclosed；herfacewasdeath-like，almostlivid；andthecolddewsoftorturewererollingdownfrombrowtochin。Herlipsweremovingconvulsively，withnowandthentheappearanceofanattemptatarticulation，asiftheyweresetinmotionbyanagonyofinwardprayer。Margaret，unabletomove，watchedherwithanxioussympathyandfearfulexpectation。Howlongthislastedshecouldnottell，butitseemedalongtime。AtlengthMargaretrose，andlongingtohavesomeshareinthestruggle，howeversmall，wentsoftly，andstoodbehindher，shadowingherfromafeeblerayofmoonlightwhich，throughawind-rentcloud，hadstolenintotheroom，andlayuponherupturnedface。Theresheliftedupherheartinprayer。InamomentafterthetensionofEuphra\'scountenancerelaxedalittle；composureslowlyfollowed；herheadgraduallyrose，sothatMargaretcouldseeherfacenolonger；then，asgradually，droopedforward。Nextherarmsuntwinedthemselvesfromthebed-post，andherhandsclaspedthemselvestogether。Shelookedlikeoneprayingintheintensesilenceofabsorbingdevotion。
Margaretstoodstillasastatue。
InspeakingaboutitafterwardstoHugh，Margarettoldhimthatshedistinctlyrememberedhearing，whileshestood，themeasuredstepsofapolicemanpassthehouseonthepavementbelow。
InafewminutesEuphrabowedherheadyetlower，andthenrosetoherfeet。SheturnedroundtowardsMargaret，asifsheknewshewasthere。ToMargaret\'sastonishment，hereyeswerewideopen。Shesmiledamostchild-like，peaceful，happysmile，andsaid：
“Itisover，Margaret，alloveratlast。Thankyou，withmywholeheart。Godhashelpedme。“
Atthatmoment，themoonshoneoutfull，andherfaceappearedinitslightlikethefaceofanangel。Margaretlookedonherwithawe。Fear，distress，anddoubthadvanished，andshewasalreadybeautifulliketheblessed。Margaretgotahandkerchief，andwipedthecolddampsfromherface。Thenshehelpedherintobed，whereshefellasleepalmostinstantly，andsleptlikeachild。Nowandthenshemoaned；butwhenMargaretlookedather，shesawthesmilestilluponhercountenance。
Shewokeweakandworn，buthappy。
“Ishallnottroubleyouto-day，Margaret，dear，“saidshe。“Ishallnotgetupyet，butyouwillnotneedtowatchme。Agreatchangehaspasseduponme。Iamfree。Ihaveovercomehim。Hemaydoashepleasesnow。Idonotcare。Idefyhim。Igotuplastnightinmysleep，butIrememberallaboutit；and，althoughIwasasleep，andfeltpowerlesslikeacorpse，Iresistedhim，evenwhenI
thoughthewasdraggingmeawaybybodilyforce。AndIresistedhim，tillheleftmealone。ThankGod！”
Ithadbeenaterriblestruggle，butshehadovercome。Norwasthisall：shewouldnomoreleadtwolives，thewakingandthesleeping。
Herwakingwillandconsciencehadassertedthemselvesinhersleepingacts；andthememoryofthesomnambulistlivedstillinthewakingwoman。Hencehertwoliveswereblendedintoonelife；andshewasnomoretwo，butone。Thisindicatedamightygrowthofindividualbeing。
“Iwokewithoutterror，“shewentontosay。“Ialwaysusedtowakefromsuchasleepinanagonyofunknownfear。IdonotthinkI
shalleverwalkinmysleepagain。“
Isnotsalvationtheunitingofallournatureintooneharmoniouswhole——Godfirstinus，ourselveslast，andallindueorderbetween？SomethingverymuchanalogoustothechangeinEuphratakesplaceinamanwhenhefirstlearnsthathisbeliefsmustbecomeacts；thathisreligiouslifeandhishumanlifeareone；
thathemustdothethingthatheadmires。TheIdealistheonlyabsoluteReal；anditmustbecometheRealintheindividuallifeaswell，howeverimpossibletheymaycountitwhonevertryit，orwhodonottrustinGodtoeffectit，whentheyfindthemselvesbaffledintheattempt。
Intheafternoon，Euphrafellasleep，andwhenshewoke，seemedbetter。ShesaidtoMargaret：
“Canitbethatitwasalladream，Margaret？Imeanmyassociationwiththatdreadfulman。Ifeelasifitwereonlysomehorriddream，andthatIcouldneverhavehadanythingtodowithhim。I
mayhavebeenoutofmymind，youknow，andhavetoldyouthingswhichIbelievedfirmlyenoughthen，butwhichneverreallytookplace。Itcouldnothavebeenme，Margaret，couldit？”
“Notyourreal，true，bestself，dear。“
“Ihavebeenadreadfulcreature，Margaret。ButIfeelthatallthathasmeltedawayfromme，andgonebehindthesunset，whichwillforeverstand，inallitsgloryandloveliness，betweenmeandit，animpassablerampartofdefence。“
Herwordssoundedstrangeandexcited，buthereyeandherpulsewerecalm。
“Howcouldheeverhavehadthathatefulpoweroverme？”
“Don\'tthinkanymoreabouthim，dear，butenjoytherestGodhasgivenyou。“
“Iwill，Iwill。“
Atthatmoment，amaidcametothedoor，withFunkelstein\'scardforMissCameron。
“Verywell，“saidMargaret；“askhimtowait。IwilltellMissCameron。Shemaywishtosendhimamessage。Youmaygo。“
ShetoldEuphrathatthecountwasinthehouse。Euphrashowednosurprise，nofear，noannoyance。
“Willyouseehimforme，Margaret，ifyoudon\'tmind；andtellhimfromme，thatIdefyhim；thatIdonothatehim，onlybecauseI
despiseandforgethim；thatIchallengehimtodohisworst。“
Shehadforgottenallaboutthering。ButMargarethadnot。
“Iwill，“saidshe，andlefttheroom。
Onherwaydown，shewentintothedrawing-room，andrangthebell。
“SendMr。Irwantomehere，please。ItisforMissCameron。“
Themanwent，butpresentlyreturned，sayingthatthebutlerhadjuststeppedout。
“Verywell。Youwilldojustaswell。Whenthegentlemanleaveswhoiscallingnow，youmustfollowhim。Takeacab，ifnecessary，andfollowhimeverywhere，tillyoufindwherehestopsforthenight。Watchtheplace，andsendmewordwhereyouare。Butdon\'tlethimknow。Putonplainclothes，please，asfastasyoucan。“
“Yes，Miss，directly。“
TheservantsallcalledMargaret，Miss。
Shelingeredyetalittle，togivethemantime。Shewasnotatallsatisfiedwithherplan，butshecouldthinkofnothingbetter。
Happily，itwasnotnecessary。IrwanhadrunasfastashisoldlegswouldcarryhimtotheGoldenStaff。Hughreceivedthenewswithdelight。Hisheartseemedtoleapintohisthroat，andhefeltjustashedid，when，deer-stalkingforthefirsttime，hetriedtotakeaimatagreatredstag。
“Ishallwaitforhimoutsidethedoor。Wemusthavenonoiseinthehouse。Heisathief，orworse，Irwan。“
“Goodgracious！Andthere\'stheplatealllaidoutfordinneronthesideboard！”exclaimedIrwan，andhurriedofffasterthanhehadcome。
ButHughwasstandingatthedoorlongbeforeIrwangotuptoit。
HadMargaretknownwhowaswatchingoutside，itwouldhavebeenawonderfulrelieftoher。
Sheenteredthedining-room，wherethecountstoodimpatient。Headvancedquickly，actingonhisexpectationofEuphra，butseeinghismistake，stopped，andbowedpolitely。MargarettoldhimthatMissCameronwasill，andgavehimhermessage，wordforword。Thecountturnedpalewithmortificationandrage。Hebithislip，madenoreply，andwalkedoutintothehall，whereIrwanstoodwiththehandleofthedoorinhishand，impatienttoopenit。Nosoonerwasheoutofthehouse，thanHughspranguponhim；butthecount，whohadbeenperfectlyuponhisguard，eludedhim，anddartedoffdownthestreet。Hughpursuedatfullspeed，mortifiedathisescape。
Hehadnofearatfirstofovertakinghim，forhehadfoundfewmenhisequalsinspeedandendurance；buthesoonsaw，tohisdismay，thatthecountwasincreasingthedistancebetweenthem，andfearedthat，byasuddenturnintosomelabyrinth，hemightescapehimaltogether。TheypassedtheGoldenStaffatfullspeed，andatthenextcornerHughdiscoveredwhatgavethecounttheadvantage：itwashisagilityandrecklessnessinturningcorners。But，likethesorcerer\'simpunity，theyfailedhimatlast；for，atthenextturn，heranfulluponFalconer，whostaggeredback，whilethecountreeledandfell。Hughwasuponhiminamoment。“Help！”roaredthecount，foralastchancefromthesympathiesofagatheringcrowd。