Buttheveryintensityofhispurposebecamealmostasubstituteforactioninit。Whilehewasyetuninformedofthetraitor\'sretreat，itservedtodiverthismindfromhisowncalamity，andtoentertainitwithanotherprospect。Thebrotherandsisterofhisfalsefavouritehadnosuchrelief；everythingintheirhistory，pastandpresent，gavehisdelinquencyamoreafflictingmeaningtothem。
Thesistermayhavesometimessadlythoughtthatifshehadremainedwithhim，thecompanionandfriendshehadbeenonce，hemighthaveescapedthecrimeintowhichhehadfallen。Ifsheeverthoughtso，itwasstillwithoutregretforwhatshehaddone，withouttheleastdoubtofherduty，withoutanypricingandenhancingofherself-devotion。Butwhenthispossibilitypresenteditselftotheerringandrepentantbrother，asitsometimesdid，itsmoteuponhisheartwithsuchakeen，reproachfultouchashecouldhardlybear。Noideaofretortuponhiscruelbrothercameintohismind。
Newaccusationofhimself，freshinwardlamentingsoverhisownunworthiness，andtheruininwhichitwasatoncehisconsolationandhisself-reproachthathedidnotstandalone，werethesolekindofreflectionstowhichthediscoverygaveriseinhim。
Itwasontheverysamedaywhoseeveningsetuponthelastchapter，andwhenMr。Dombey\'sworldwasbusiestwiththeelopementofhiswife，thatthewindowoftheroominwhichthebrotherandsistersatattheirearlybreakfast，wasdarkenedbytheunexpectedshadowofamancomingtothelittleporch：whichmanwasPerchtheMessenger。
`I\'vesteppedoverfromBallsPondataearlyhour，\'saidMr。
Perch，confidentiallylookinginattheroomdoor，andstoppingonthemattowipehisshoesallround，whichhadnomuduponthem，`agreeabletomyinstructionslastnight。Theywas，tobesureandbringanotetoyou，Mr。Carker，beforeyouwentoutinthemorning。Ishouldhavebeenhereagoodhourandahalfago，\'saidMr。Perch，meekly，`butforthestateofhealthMrs。P。，whoIthoughtIshouldhavelostinthenight，Idoassureyou，fivedistincttimes。\'
`Isyourwifesoill？\'askedHarriet。
`Why，yousee，\'saidMr。Perch，firstturningroundtoshutthedoorcarefully，`shetakeswhathashappenedinourHousesomuchtoheart，Miss。Hernervesissoverydelicate，yousee，andsoonunstrung。Notbutwhatthestrongestnerveshadgoodneedtobeshook，I\'msure。Youfeelitverymuchyourself，nodoubts。\'
Harrietrepressedasigh，andglancedatherbrother。
`I\'msureIfeelitmyself，inmyhumbleway，\'Mr。Perchwentontosay，withashakeofhishead，`inamannerIcouldn\'thavebelievedifIhadn\'tbeencalledupontoundergo。Ithasalmosttheeffectofdrinkuponme。IliterallyfeelseverymorningasifIhadbeentakingmorethanwasgoodformeover-night。\'
Mr。Perch\'sappearancecorroboratedthisrecitalofhissymptoms。
Therewasanairoffeverishlassitudeaboutit，thatseemedreferabletodrams；and，which，infact，mightnodoubthavebeentracedtothosenumerousdiscoveriesofhimselfinthebarsofpublic-houses，beingtreatedandquestioned，whichhewasinthedailyhabitofmaking。
`ThereforeIcanjudge，\'saidMr。Perch，shakinghisheadagain，andspeakinginasilverymurmur，`ofthefeelingsofsuchasisatallpeculiarlysitiwatedinthismostpainfulrewelation。\'
HereMr。Perchwaitedtobeconfidedin；andreceivingnoconfidence，coughedbehindhishand。Thisleadingtonothing，hecoughedbehindhishat；andthatleadingtonothing，heputhishatonthegroundandsoughtinhisbreastpocketfortheletter。
`IfIrightlyrecollect，therewasnoanswer，\'saidMr。Perch，withanaffablesmile；`butperhapsyou\'llbesogoodascastyoureyeoverit，Sir。\'
JohnCarkerbroketheseal，whichwasMr。Dombey\'s，andpossessinghimselfofthecontents，whichwereverybrief，replied，`No。Noanswerisexpected。\'
`ThenIshallwishyougoodmorning，Miss，\'saidPerch，takingasteptowardthedoor，`andhoping，I\'msure，thatyou\'llnotpermityourselftobemorereducedinmindthanyoucanhelp，bythelatepainfulrewelation。
ThePapers，\'saidMr。Perch，takingtwostepsbackagain，andcomprehensivelyaddressingboththebrotherandsisterinawhisperofincreasedmystery，`ismoreeagerfornewsofitthanyou\'dsupposepossible。OneoftheSundayones，inabluecloakandawhitehat，thathadpreviouslyofferedfortobribeme——needIsaywithwhatsuccess？——wasdodgingaboutourcourtlastnightaslateastwentyminutesaftereighto\'clock。Iseehimmyself，withhiseyeatthecounting-housekeyhole，whichbeingpatentisimpervious。
Anotherone，\'saidMr。Perch，`withmilintaryfrogs，isintheparlouroftheKing\'sArmsalltheblessedday。Ihappened，lastweek，toletalittleobserwationfallthere，andnextmorning，whichwasSunday，Iseeitworkedupinprint，inamostsurprisingmanner。\'
Mr。Perchresortedtohisbreastpocket，asiftoproducetheparagraph，butreceivingnoencouragement，pulledouthisbeavergloves，pickeduphishat，andtookhisleave；andbeforeitwashighnoon，Mr。
PerchhadrelatedtoseveralselectaudiencesattheKing\'sArmsandelsewhere，howMissCarker，burstingintotears，hadcaughthimbybothhands，andsaid，`Oh！deardearPerch，thesightofyouisallthecomfortIhave\'left！\'andhowMr。JohnCarkerandsaid，inanawfulvoice，`Perch，I
disownhim。Neverletmehearhimmentionedasabrothermore！\'
`DearJohn，\'saidHarriet，whentheywereleftalone，andhadremainedsilentforsomefewmoments。`Therearebadtidingsinthatletter。\'
`Yes。Butnothingunexpected，\'hereplied。`Isawthewriteryesterday。\'
`Thewriter？\'
`Mr。Dombey。Hepassedtwicethroughthecounting-housewhileIwasthere。Ihadbeenabletoavoidhimbefore，butofcoursecouldnothopetodothatlong。Iknowhownaturalitwasthatheshouldregardmypresenceassomethingoffensive；Ifeltitmustbeso，myself。\'
`Hedidnotsayso？\'
`No；hesaidnothing：butIsawthathisglancerestedonmeforamoment，andIwaspreparedforwhatwouldhappen——forwhathashappened。Iamdismissed！\'
Shelookedaslittleshockedandashopefulasshecould，butitwasdistressingnews，formanyreasons。
`“Ineednottellyou，“\'saidJohnCarker，readingtheletter，`“whyyournamewouldhenceforthhaveanunnaturalsound，inhoweverremoteaconnexionwithmine，orwhythedailysightofanyonewhobearsit，wouldbeunendurabletome。Ihavetonotifythecessationofallengagementsbetweenus，fromthisdate，andtorequestthatnorenewalofanycommunicationwithme，ormyestablishment，beeverattemptedbyyou。“——Enclosedisanequivalentinmoneytoagenerouslylongnotice，andthisismydischarge。
Heavenknows，Harriet，itisalenientandconsiderateone，whenwerememberall！\'
`Ifitbelenientandconsideratetopunishyouatall，John，forthemisdeedofanother，\'sherepliedgently，`yes\'。
`Wehavebeenanill-omenedracetohim，\'saidJohnCarker。`Hehasreasontoshrinkfromthesoundofourname，andtothinkthatthereissomethingcursedandwickedinourblood。Ishouldalmostthinkittoo，Harriet，butforyou。\'
`Brother，don\'tspeaklikethis。Ifyouhaveanyspecialreason，asyousayyouhave，andthinkyouhave——thoughIsay，No！——toloveme，sparemethehearingofsuchwildmadwords！\'
Hecoveredhisfacewithbothhishands；butsoonpermittedher，comingnearhim，totakeoneinherown。
`Aftersomanyyears，thispartingisamelancholything，Iknow，\'
saidhissister，`andthecauseofitisdreadfultousboth。Wehavetolive，too，andmustlookaboutusforthemeans。Well，well！Wecandoso，undismayed。Itisourpride，notourtrouble，tostrive，John，andtostrivetogether！\'
Asmileplayedonherlips，asshekissedhischeek，andentreatedhimtobeofgoodcheer。
`Oh，dearestsister！Tied，ofyourownnoblewill，toaruinedman！whosereputationisblighted；whohasnofriendhimself，andhasdriveneveryfriendofyoursaway！\'
`John！\'shelaidherhandhastilyuponhislips，`formysake！Inremembranceofourlongcompanionship！\'Hewassilent。`Nowletmetellyou，dear，\'quietlysittingbyhisside，`Ihave，asyouhave，expectedthis；andwhenIhavebeenthinkingofit，andfearingthatitwouldhappen，andpreparingmyselfforit，aswellasIcould，Ihaveresolvedtotellyou，ifitshouldbeso，thatIhavekeptasecretfromyou，andthatwehaveafriend。\'
`What\'sourfriend\'sname，Harriet？\'heansweredwithasorrowfulsmile。
`Indeed，Idon\'tknow，butheoncemadeaveryearnestprotestationtomeofhisfriendshipandhiswishtoserveus：andtothisdayIbelievehim。\'
`Harriet！\'exclaimedherwonderingbrother，`wheredoesthisfriendlive？\'
`NeitherdoIknowthat，\'shereturned。`Butheknowsusboth，andourhistory——allourlittlehistory，John。Thatisthereasonwhy，athisownsuggestion，Ihavekeptthesecretofhiscominghere，fromyou，lesthisacquaintancewithitshoulddistressyou。\'
`Here！Hashebeenhere，Harriet？\'
`Here，inthisroom。Once。\'
`Whatkindofman？\'
`Notyoung。“Grey-headed，“ashesaid，“andfastgrowinggreyer。“
Butgenerous，andfrank，andgood，Iamsure。\'
`Andonlyseenonce，Harriet？\'
`Inthisroomonlyonce，\'saidhissister，withtheslightestandmosttransientglowuponhercheek；`butwhenhere，heentreatedmetosufferhimtoseemeonceaweekashepassedby，intokenofourbeingwell，andcontinuingtoneednothingathishands。ForItoldhim，whenheprofferedusanyservicehecouldrender——whichwastheobjectofhisvisit——thatweneedednothing。\'
`Andonceaweek\'
`Onceeveryweeksincethen，andalwaysonthesameday，andatthesamehour，hehasgonepast；alwaysonfoot；alwaysgoinginthesamedirection——towardsLondon；andneverpausinglongerthantobowtome，andwavehishandcheerfully，asakindguardianmight。Hemadethatpromisewhenheproposedthesecuriousinterviews，andhaskeptitsofaithfullyandpleasantly，thatifIeverfeltanytriflinguneasinessabouttheminthebeginningwhichIdon\'tthinkIdid，John；hismannerwassoplainandtrueitverysoonvanished，andleftmequitegladwhenthedaywascoming。LastMonday——thefirstsincethisterribleevent——hedidnotgoby；andIhavewonderedwhetherhisabsencecanhavebeeninanywayconnectedwithwhathashappened。\'
`How？\'inquiredherbrother。
`Idon\'tknowhow。Ihaveonlyspeculatedonthecoincidence；
Ihavenottriedtoaccountforit。Ifeelsurehewillreturn。Whenhedoes，dearJohn，letmetellhimthatIhaveatlastspokentoyou，andletmebringyoutogether。Hewillcertainlyhelpustoanewlivelihood。
Hisentreatywasthathemightdosomethingtosmoothmylifeandyours；
andIgavehimmypromisethatifweeverwantedafriend，Iwouldrememberhim。Thenhisnamewastobenosecret。\'
`Harriet，\'saidherbrother，whohadlistenedwithcloseattention，`describehisgentlemantome。Isurelyoughttoknowonewhoknowsmesowell。\'
Hissisterpainted，asvividlyasshecould，thefeatures，stature，anddressofhervisitor；butJohnCarker，eitherfromhavingnoknowledgeoftheoriginal，orfromsomefaultinherdescription，orfromsomeabstractionofhisthoughtsashewalkedtoandfro，pondering，couldnotrecognisetheportraitshepresentedtohim。
However，itwasagreedbetweenthemthatheshouldseetheoriginalwhenhenextappeared。Thisconcluded，thesisterappliedherself，withalessanxiousbreast，toherdomesticoccupations；andthegrey-hairedman，lateJuniorofDombey\'s，devotedthefirstdayofhisunwontedlibertytoworkinginthegarden。
Itwasquitelateatnight，andthebrotherwasreadingaloudwhilethesisterpliedherneedle，whentheywereinterruptedbyaknockingatthedoor。Intheatmosphereofvagueanxietyanddreadthatloweredabouttheminconnexionwiththeirfugitivebrother，thissound，unusualthere，becamealmostalarming。Thebrothergoingtothedoor，thesistersatandlistenedtimidly。Someonespoketohim，andherepliedandseemedsurprised；andafterafewwords，thetwoapproachedtogether。
`Harriet，\'saidherbrother，lightingintheirlatevisitor，andspeakinginalowvoice，`Mr。Morfin——thegentlemansolonginDombey\'sHousewithJames。\'
Hissisterstartedback，asifaghosthadentered。Inthedoorwaystoodtheunknownfriend，withthedarkhairsprinkledwithgrey，theruddyface，thebroadclearbrow，andhazeleyes，whosesecretshehadkeptsolong！
`John！\'shesaid，half-breathless。`ItisthegentlemanItoldyouof，to-day！\'
`Thegentleman，MissHarriet，\'saidthevisitor，comingin——forhehadstoppedamomentinthedoorway——`isgreatlyrelievedtohearyousaythat：hehasbeendevisingwaysandmeans，allthewayhere，ofexplaininghimself，andhasbeensatisfiedwithnone。Mr。John，Iamnotquiteastrangerhere。Youwerestrickenwithastonishmentwhenyousawmeatyourdoorjustnow。Iobserveyouaremoreastonishedatpresent。Well！That\'sreasonableenoughunderexistingcircumstances。Ifwewerenotsuchcreaturesofhabitasweare，weshouldn\'thavereasontobeastonishedhalfsooften。\'
Bythistime，hehadgreetedHarrietwiththatagreeableminglingofcordialityandrespectwhichsherecollectedsowell，andhadsatdownnearher，pulledoffhisgloves，andthrownthemintohishatuponthetable。
`There\'snothingastonishing，\'hesaid，`inmyhavingconceivedadesiretoseeyoursister，Mr。John，orinmyhavinggratifieditinmyownway。Astotheregularityofmyvisitssincewhichshemayhavementionedtoyou，thereisnothingextraordinaryinthat。Theysoongrewintoahabit；andwearecreaturesofhabit——creaturesofhabit！\'
Puttinghishandsintohispockets，andleaningbackinhischair，helookedatthebrotherandsisterasifitwereinterestingtohimtoseethemtogether；andwentontosay，withakingofirritablethoughtfulness：
`It\'sthissamehabitthatconfirmssomeofus，whoarecapableofbetterthings，inLucifer\'sownprideandstubbornness——thatconfirmsanddeepensothersofusinvillany——moreofusinindifference——thathardensusfromdaytoday，accordingtothetemperofourclay，likeimages，andleavesusassusceptibleasimagestonewimpressionsandconvictions。Youshalljudgeofitsinfluenceonme，John。FormoreyearsthanIneedname，I
hadmysmall，andexactlydefinedshare，inthemanagementofDombey\'sHouse，andsawyourbrotherwhohasprovedhimselfascoundrel！Yoursisterwillforgivemybeingobligedtomentionitextendingandextendinghisinfluence，untilthebusinessanditsownerwerehisfootball；andsawyoutoilingatyourobscuredeskeveryday；andwasquitecontenttobeaslittletroubledasImightbe，outofmyownstripofduty，andtoleteverythingaboutmegoon，daybyday，unquestioned，likeagreatmachine——thatwasitshabitandmine——andtotakeitallforgranted，andconsideritallright。MyWednesdaynightscameregularlyround，ourquartettepartiescameregularlyoff，myvioloncellowasingoodtune，andtherewasnothingwronginmyworld——orifanythingnotmuch——orlittleormuch，itwasnoaffairofmine。\'
`IcananswerforyourbeingmorerespectedandbelovedduringallthattimethananybodyintheHouse，Sir，\'saidJohnCarker。
`Pooh！Good-naturedandeasyenough，Idaresay，\'returnedtheother，`ahabitIhad。ItsuitedtheManager；itsuitedthemanhemanaged：
itsuitedmebestofall。Ididwhatwasallottedtometodo，madenocourttoeitherofthem，andwasgladtooccupyastationinwhichnonewasrequired。SoIshouldhavegoneontillnow，butthatmyroomhadathinwall。YoucantellyoursisterthatitwasdividedfromtheManager\'sroombyawainscotpartition。\'
`Theywereadjoiningrooms；hadbeenone，perhaps，originally；
andwereseparated，asMr。Morfinsays，\'saidherbrother，lookingbacktohimfortheresumptionofhisexplanation。
`Ihavewhistled，hummedtunes，goneaccuratelythroughthewholeofBeethoven\'sSonatainB，tolethimknowthatIwaswithinhearing，\'
saidMr。Morfin；`butheneverheededme。IthappenedseldomenoughthatIwaswithinhearingofanythingofaprivatenature，certainly。ButwhenIwas，andcouldn\'totherwiseavoidknowingsomethingofit，Iwalkedout。
Iwalkedoutonce，John，duringaconversationbetweentwobrothers，towhich，inthebeginning，youngWalterGaywasaparty。ButIoverheardsomeofitbeforeIlefttheroom。Yourememberitsufficiently，perhaps，totellyoursisterwhatitsnaturewas？\'
`Itreferred，Harriet，\'saidherbrotherinalowvoice，`tothepast，andtoourrelativepositionsintheHouse。\'
`Itsmatterwasnotnewtome，butwaspresentedinanewaspect。
Itshookmeinmyhabit——thehabitofnine-tenthsoftheworld——ofbelievingthatallwasrightaboutme，becauseIwasusedtoit，\'saidtheirvisitor；
`andinducedmetorecallthehistoryofthetwobrothers，andtoponderonit。IthinkitwasalmostthefirsttimeinmylifewhenIfellintothistrainofreflection——howwillmanythingsthatarefamiliar，andquitemattersofcoursetousnow，lookwhenwecometoseethemfromthatnewanddistantpointofviewwhichwemustalltakeup，onedayorother？
Iwassomethinglessgoodnatured，asthephrasegoes，afterthatmorning，lesseasyandcomplacentaltogether。\'
Hesatforaminuteorso，drummingwithonehandonthetable；
andresumedinahurry，asifhewereanxioustogetridofhisconfession。
`BeforeIknewwhattodo，orwhetherIcoulddoanything，therewasasecondconversationbetweenthesametwobrothers，inwhichtheirsisterwasmentioned。Ihadnoscruplesofconscienceinsufferingallthewaifsandstraysofthatconversationtofloattomeasfreelyastheywould。Iconsideredthemminebyright。Afterthat，Icameheretoseethesisterformyself。ThefirsttimeIstoppedatthegardengate，Imadeapretextofinquiringintothecharacterofapoorneighbour；butIwanderedoutofthattract，andIthinkMissHarrietmistrustedme。ThesecondtimeIaskedleavetocomein；camein；andsaidwhatIwishedtosay。YoursistershowedmereasonswhichIdarednotdispute，forreceivingnoassistancefrommethen；butIestablishedameansofcommunicationbetweenus，whichremainedunbrokenuntilwithinthesefewdays，whenIwasprevented，byimportantmattersthathavelatelydevolveduponme，frommaintainingthem。\'
`HowlittleIhavesuspectedthis，\'saidJohnCarker，`whenI
haveseenyoueveryday，Sir！IfHarrietcouldhaveguessedyourname——\'
`Why，totellyouthetruth，John，\'interposedthevisitor，`I
keptittomyselffortworeasons。Idon\'tknowthatthefirstmighthavebeenbindingalone；butonehasnobusinesstotakecreditforgoodintentions，andImadeupmymind，atallevents，nottodisclosemyselfuntilIshouldbeabletodoyousomerealserviceorother。Mysecondreasonwas，thatIalwayshopedtheremightbesomelingeringpossibilityofyourbrother\'srelentingtowardsyouboth；andinthatcase，Ifeltthatwheretherewasthechanceofamanofhissuspicious，watchfulcharacter，discoveringthatyouhadbeensecretlybefriendedbyme，therewasthechanceofanewandfatalcauseofdivision。Iresolved，tobesure，attheriskofturninghisdispleasureagainstmyself——whichwouldhavebeennomatter——towatchmyopportunityofservingyouwiththeheadoftheHouse；butthedistractionsofdeath，courtship，marriage，anddomesticunhappiness，haveleftusnoheadbutyourbrotherforthislong，longtime。Anditwouldhavebeenbetterforus，\'saidthevisitor，droppinghisvoice，`tohavebeenalifelesstrunk。\'
Heseemedconsciousthattheselatterwordshadescapedhimagainsthiswill，andstretchingoutahandtothebrother，andahandtothesister，continued：
`AllIcoulddesiretosay，andmore，Ihavenowsaid。AllImeangoesbeyondwords，asIhopeyouunderstandandbelieve。Thetimehascome，John——thoughmostunfortunatelyandunhappilycome——whenImayhelpyouwithoutinterferingwiththatredeemingstruggle，whichhaslastedthroughsomanyyears；sinceyouweredischargedfromitto-daybynoactofyourown。Itislate；Ineedsaynomoreto-night。Youwillguardthetreasureyouhavehere，withoutadviceorreminderfromme。\'
Withthesewordsherosetogo。
`Butgoyoufirst，John，\'hesaidgood-humouredly，`withalight，withoutsayingwhatyouwanttosay，whateverthatmaybe；\'JohnCarker\'sheartwasfull，andhewouldhaverelieveditinspeech，ifhecould；`andletmehaveawordwithyoursister。Wehavetalkedalonebefore，andinthisroomtoo；thoughitlooksmorenaturalwithyouhere。\'
Followinghimoutwithhiseyes，heturnedkindlytoHarriet，andsaidinalowervoice，andwithanalteredandgravermanner：
`Youwishtoaskmesomethingofthemanwhosesisteritisyourmisfortunetobe。\'
`Idreadtoask，\'saidHarriet。
`Youhavelookedsoearnestlyatmemorethanonce，\'rejoinedthevisitor，`thatIthinkIcandivineyourquestion。Hashetakenmoney？
Isitthat？\'
`Yes。\'
`Hehasnot。\'
`IthankHeaven！\'saidHarriet。`ForthesakeofJohn。\'
`Thathehasabusedhistrustinmanyways，\'saidMr。Morfin；
`thathehasoftenerdealtandspeculatedtoadvantageforhimself，thanfortheHouseherepresented；thathehasledtheHouseon，toprodigiousventures，oftenresultinginenormouslosses；thathehasalwayspamperedthevanityandambitionofhisemployer，whenitwashisdutytohaveheldthemincheck，andshown，asitwasinhispowertodo，towhattheytendedhereorother；willnot，perhaps，surpriseyounow。Undertakingshavebeenenteredon，toswellthereputationofthehouseforvastresources，andtoexhibititinmagnificentcontrasttoothermerchants\'houses，ofwhichitrequiresasteadyheadtocontemplatethepossibly——afewdisastrouschangesofaffairsmightrenderthemtheprobably——ruinousconsequences。
InthemidstofthemanytransactionsoftheHouse，inmostpartsoftheworld：agreatlabyrinthofwhichonlyhehasheldtheclue：hehashadtheopportunity，andheseemstohaveusedit，ofkeepingthevariousresultsafloat，whenascertained，andsubstitutingestimatesandgeneralitiesforfacts。Butlatterly——youfollowme，MissHarriet？\'
`Perfectly，perfectly，\'sheanswered，withherfrightenedfacefixedonhis。`Praytellmealltheworstatonce。\'
`Latterly，heappearstohavedevotedthegreatestpainstomakingtheseresultssoplainandclear，thatreferencetotheprivatebooksenablesonetograspthem，numerousandvaryingastheyare，withextraordinaryease。Asifhehadresolvedtoshowhisemployeratonebroadviewwhathasbeenbroughtuponhimbyministrationtohisrulingpassion！Thatithasbeenhisconstantpracticetoministertothatpassionbasely，andtoflatteritcorruptly，isindubitable。Inthat，hiscriminality，asitisconnectedwiththeaffairsoftheHouse，chieflyconsists。\'
`Oneotherwordbeforeyouleaveme，dearSir，\'saidHarriet。
`Thereisnodangerinallthis？\'
`Howdanger？\'hereturned，withalittlehesitation。
`TothecreditoftheHouse？\'
`Icannothelpansweringyouplainly，andtrustingyoucompletely，\'
saidMr。Morfin，afteramoment\'ssurveyofherface。
`Youmay。Indeedyoumay！\'
`IamsureImay。DangertotheHouse\'scredit？No；none。Theremaybedifficulty，greaterorlessdifficulty，butnodanger，unless——unless，indeed——theheadoftheHouse，unabletobringhismindtothereductionofitsenterprises，andpositivelyrefusingtobelievethatitis，orcanbe，inanypositionbutthepositioninwhichhehasalwaysrepresentedittohimself，shouldurgeitbeyonditsstrength。Thenitwouldtotter。\'
`Butthereisnoapprehensionofthat？\'saidHarriet。
`Thereshallbenohalf-confidence，\'hereplied，shakingherhand，`betweenus。Mr。Dombeyisunapproachablebyanyone，andhisstateofmindishaughty，rash，unreasonable，andungovernable，now。Butheisdisturbedandagitatednowbeyondallcommonbounds，anditmaypass。Younowknowall，bothworstandbest。Nomoreto-night，andgoodnight！\'
Withthathekissedherhand，and，passingouttothedoorwhereherbrotherstoodawaitinghiscoming，puthimcheerfullyasidewhenheessayedtospeak；toldhimthat，astheywouldseeeachothersoonandoften，hemightspeakatanothertime，ifhewould，buttherewasnoleisureforitthen；andwentawayataroundpace，inorderthatnowordofgratitudemightfollowhim。
Thebrotherandsistersatconversingbythefireside，untilitwasalmostday；madesleeplessbythisglimpseofthenewworldthatopenedbeforethem，andfeelingliketwopeopleshipwreckedlongago，uponasolitarycoast，towhomashiphadcomeatlast，whentheywereoldinresignation，andhadlostallthoughtofanyotherhome。Butanotheranddifferentkindofdisquietudekeptthemwakingtoo。Thedarknessoutofwhichthislighthadbrokenonthemgatheredaround；andtheshadowoftheirguiltybrotherwasinthehousewherehisfoothadnevertrod。
Norwasittobedrivenout，nordiditfadebeforethesun。Nextmorningitwasthere；atnoon；atnight。Darkestandmostdistinctatnight，asisnowtobetold。
JohnCarkerhadgoneout，inpursuanceofaletterofappointmentfromtheirfriend，andHarrietwasleftinthehousealone。Shehadbeenalonesomehouses。Adull，graveevening，andadeepeningtwilight，werenotfavourabletotheremovaloftheoppressiononherspirits。Theideaofthisbrother，longunseenandunknown，flittedaboutherinfrightfulshapes。Hewasdead，dying，callingtoher，staringather，frowningonher。Thepicturesinhermindweresoobtrusiveandexactthat，asthetwilightdeepened，shedreadedtoraiseherheadandlookatthedarkcornersoftheroom，lesthiswraith，theoffspringofherexcitedimagination，shouldbewaitingthere，tostartleher。Onceshehadsuchafancyofhisbeinginthenextroom，hiding——thoughsheknewquitewellwhatadistemperedfancyitwas，andhadnobeliefinit——thatsheforcedherselftogothere，forherownconviction。Butinvain。Theroomresumeditsshadowyterrors，themomentsheleftit；andshehadnomorepowertodivestherselfofthesevagueimpressionsofdread，thaniftheyhadbeenstonegiants，rootedinthesolidearth。
Itwasalmostdark，andshewassittingnearthewindow，withherheaduponherhand，lookingdown，when，sensibleofasuddenincreaseinthegloomoftheapartment，sheraisedhereyes，andutteredaninvoluntarycry。Closetotheglass，apalescaredfacegazedin；vacantly，foraninstant，assearchingforanobject；thentheeyesrestedonherself，andlightedup。
`Letmein！Letmein！Iwanttospeaktoyou！\'andthehandrattledontheglass。
Sherecognisedimmediatelythewomanwiththelongdarkhair，towhomshehadgivenwarmth，food，andshelter，onewetnight。Naturallyafraidofher，rememberingherviolentbehaviour，Harriet，retreatingalittlefromthewindow，stoodundecidedandalarmed。
`Letmein！Letmespeaktoyou！Iamthankful——quiet——humble——anythingyoulike。Butletmespeaktoyou。\'
Thevehementmanneroftheentreaty，theearnestexpressionoftheface，thetremblingofthetwohandsthatwereraisedimploringly，acertaindreadandterrorinthevoiceakintoherownconditionatthemoment，prevailedwithHarriet。Shehastenedtothedoorandopenedit。
`MayIcomein，orshallIspeakhere？\'saidthewoman，catchingatherhand。
`Whatisitthatyouwant？Whatisitthatyouhavetosay？\'
`Notmuch，butletmesayitout，orIshallneversayit。Iamtemptednowtogoaway。Thereseemtobehandsdraggingmefromthedoor。
Letmecomein，ifyoucantrustmeforthisonce！\'
Herenergyagainprevailed，andtheypassedintothefirelightofthelittlekitchen，whereshehadbeforesat，andate，anddriedherclothes。
`Sitthere，\'saidAlice，kneelingdownbesideher，`andlookatme。Yourememberme？\'
`Ido。\'
`YourememberwhatItoldyouIhadbeen，andwhereIcamefrom，raggedandlame，withthefiercewindandweatherbeatingonmyhead？\'
`Yes。\'
`YouknowhowIcamebackthatnight，andthrewyourmoneyinthedirt，andcursedyouandyourrace。Now，seemehere，uponmyknees。
AmIlessearnestnow，thanIwasthen？\'
`Ifwhatyouask，\'saidHarriet，gently，`isforgiveness——\'
`Butit\'snot！\'returnedtheother，withaproud，fiercelook。
`WhatIaskistobebelieved。NowyoushalljudgeifIamworthyofbelief，bothasIwas，andasIam。\'
Stilluponherknees，andwithhereyesuponthefire，andthefireshiningonherruinedbeautyandherwildblackhair，onelongtreesofwhichshepulledoverhershoulder，andwoundaboutherhand，andthoughtfullybitandtorewhilespeaking，shewenton：
`WhenIwasyoungandpretty，andthis，\'pluckingcontemptuouslyatthehairsheheld，`wasonlyhandleddelicately，andcouldn\'tbeadmiredenough，mymother，whohadnotbeenverymindfulofmeasachild，foundoutmymerits，andwasfondofme，andproudofme。Shewascovetousandpoor，andthoughttomakeasortofpropertyofme。Nogreatladyeverthoughtthatofadaughteryet，I\'msure，oractedasifshedid——it\'sneverdone，weallknow——andthatshowsthattheonlyinstancesofmothersbringinguptheirdaughterswrong，andevilcomingofit，areamongsuchmiserablefolksasus。\'
Lookingatthefire，asifshewereforgetful，forthemoment，ofhavinganyauditor，shecontinuedinadreamywayasshewoundthelongtressofhairtightroundandroundherhand。
`Whatcameofthat，Ineedn\'tsay。Wretchedmarriagesdon\'tcomeofsuchthings，inourdegree；onlywretchednessandruin。Wretchednessandruincameonme——cameonme。\'
Raisinghereyesswiftlyfromtheirmoodygazeuponthefire，toHarriet\'sface，shesaid：
`Iamwastingtime，andthereisnonetospare；yetifIhadn\'tthoughtofall，Ishouldn\'tbeherenow。Wretchednessandruincameonme，Isay。Iwasmadeashort-livedtoy，andflungasidemorecruellyandcarelesslythanevensuchthingsare。Bywhosehanddoyouthink？\'
`Whydoyouaskme？\'saidHarriet。
`Whydoyoutremble？\'rejoinedAlice，withaneagerlook。`HisusagemadeaDevilofme。Isunkinwretchednessandruin，lowerandloweryet。Iwasconcernedinarobbery——ineverypartofitbutthegains——andwasfoundout，andsenttobetried，withoutafriend，withoutapenny。
ThoughIwasbutagirl，IwouldhavegonetoDeath，soonerthanaskhimforaword，ifawordofhiscouldhavesavedme。Iwould！Toanydeaththatcouldhavebeeninvented。Butmymother，covetousalways，senttohiminmyname，toldthetruestoryofmycase，andhumblyprayedandpetitionedforasmalllastgift——fornotsomanypoundsasIhavefingersonthishand。Whowasit，doyouthink，whosnappedhisfingersatmeinmymisery，lying，ashebelieved，athisfeet，andleftmewithouteventhispoorsignofremembrance；wellsatisfiedthatIshouldbesentabroad，beyondthereachoffurthertroubletohim，andshoulddie，androtthere？Whowasthis，doyouthink？\'
`Whydoyouaskme？\'repeatedHarriet。
`Whydoyoutremble？\'saidAlice，layingherhanduponherarm，andlookinginherface，`butthattheanswerisonyourlips！ItwasyourbrotherJames。\'
Harriettrembledmoreandmore，butdidnotaverthereyesfromtheeagerlookthatrestedonthem。
`WhenIknewyouwerehissister——whichwasonthatnight——Icameback，wearyandlame，tospurnyourgift。IfeltthatnightasifIcouldhavetravelled，wearyandlame，overthewholeworld，tostabhim，ifI
couldhavefoundhiminalonelyplacewithnoonenear。DoyoubelievethatIwasearnestinallthat？\'
`Ido！GoodHeaven，whyareyoucomeagain？\'
`Sincethen，\'saidAlice，withthesamegraspofherarm，andthesamelookinherface，`Ihaveseenhim！Ihavefollowedhimwithmyeyes，inthebroadday。Ifanysparkofmyresentmentslumberedinmybosom，itsprungintoablazewhenmyeyesrestedonhim。Youknowhehaswrongedaproudman，andmadehimhisdeadlyenemy。WhatifIhadgiveninformationofhimtothatman？\'
`Information！\'repeatedHarriet。
`WhatifIhadfoundoutonewhoknewyourbrother\'ssecret；whoknewthemannerofhisflight；whoknewwhereheandthecompanionofhisflightweregone？WhatifIhadmadehimutterallhisknowledge，wordbyword，beforehisenemy，concealedtohearit？WhatifIhadsatbyatthetime，lookingintothisenemy\'sface，andseeingitchangetillitwasscarcelyhuman？WhatifIhadseenhimrushaway，mad，inpursuit？
WhatifIknew，now，thathewasonhisroad，morefiendthanman，andmust，insomanyhours，comeupwithhim？\'
`Removeyourhand！\'saidHarriet，recoiling。`Goaway！Yourtouchisdreadfultome！\'
`Ihavedonethis，\'pursuedtheother，withhereagerlook，regardlessoftheinterruption。`DoIspeakandlookasifIreallyhad？DoyoubelievewhatIamsaying？\'
`IfearImust。Letmyarmgo！\'
`Notyet。Amomentmore。Youcanthinkwhatmyrevengefulpurposemusthavebeen，tolastsolong，andurgemetodothis？\'
`Dreadful！\'saidHarriet。
`Thenwhenyouseemenow，\'saidAlicehoarsely，`hereagain，kneelingquietlyontheground，withmytouchuponyourarm，withmyeyesuponyourface，youmaybelievethatthereisnocommonearnestnessinwhatIsay，andthatnocommonstrugglehasbeenbattlinginmybreast。Iamashamedtospeakthewords，butIrelent。Idespisemyself；Ihavefoughtwithmyselfallday，andalllastnight；butIrelenttowardshimwithoutreason，andwishtorepairwhatIhavedone，ifitispossible。Iwouldn\'thavethemcometogetherwhilehispursuerissoblindandheadlong。Ifyouhadseenhimashewentoutlastnight，youwouldknowthedangerbetter。\'
`Howshallitbeprevented？\'WhatcanIdo？\'criedHarriet。
`Allnightlong，\'pursuedtheother，hurriedly，`Ihaddreamsofhim——andyetIdidn\'tsleep——inhisblood。Allday，Ihavehadhimnearme。\'
`WhatcanIdo？\'criedHarriet，shudderingatthesewords。
`Ifthereisanyonewho\'llwrite，orsend，orgotohim，letthemlosenotime。HeisatDijon。Doyouknowthename，andwhereitis？\'
`Yes。\'
`Warnhimthatthemanhehasmadehisenemyisinafrenzy，andthathedoesn\'tknowhimifhemakeslightofhisapproach。Tellhimthatheisontheroad——Iknowheis！——andhurryingon。Urgehimtogetawaywhilethereistime——ifthereistime——andnottomeethimyet。
Amonthorsowillmakeyearsofdifference。Letthemnotencounter，throughme。Anywherebutthere！Anytimebutnow！Lethisfoefollowhim，andfindhimforhimself，butnotthroughme！Thereisenoughuponmyheadwithout。\'
Thefireceasedtobereflectedinherjetblackhair，upliftedface，andeagereyes；herhandwasgonefromHarriet\'sarm；andtheplacewhereshehadbeenwasempty。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter54[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIVTheFugitivesTHEtime，anhourshortofmidnight；theplace，aFrenchapartment，comprisingsomehalf-dozenrooms；——adullcoldhallorcorridor，adining-roomadrawing-room，abed-chamber，andaninnerdrawing-room，orboudoir，smallerandmoreretiredthantherest。Alltheseshutinbyonelargepairofdoorsonthemainstaircase，buteachroomprovidedwithtwoorthreepairsofdoorsofitsown，establishingseveralmeansofcommunicationwiththeremainingportionoftheapartment，orwithcertainsmallpassageswithinthewall，leading，asisnotunusualinsuchhouses，tosomebackstairswithanobscureoutletbelow。ThewholesituatedonthefirstfloorofsolargeanHotel，thatitdidnotabsorboneentirerowofwindowsupononesideofthesquarecourt-yardinthecentre，uponwhichthewholefoursidesofthemansionlooked。
Anairofsplendour，sufficientlyfadedtobemelancholy，andsufficientlydazzlingtoclogandembarrassthedetailsoflifewithashowofstate，reignedintheserooms。Thewallsandceilingsweregildedandpainted；thefloorswerewaxedandpolished；crimsondraperyhunginfestoonsfromwindow，door，andmirror；candelabra，gnarledandintertwisted，likethebranchesoftrees，orhornsofanimals，stuckoutfromthepanelsofthewall。Butintheday-time，whenthelattice-blindsnowcloselyshutwereopened，andthelightletin，traceswerediscernibleamongthisfinery，ofwearandtearanddust，ofsunanddampandsmoke，andlengthenedintervalsofwantofuseandhabitation，whensuchshowsandtoysoflifeseemsensitivelikelife，andwasteasmenshutupinprisondo。Evennight，andclustersofburningcandles，couldnotwhollyeffacethem，thoughthegeneralglitterthrewthemintheshade。
Theglitterofbrighttapers，andtheirreflectioninlooking-glasses，scrapsofgildingandgaycolours，wereconfined，onthisnight，tooneroom——thatsmallerroomwithintherest，justnowenumerated。Seenfromthehall，wherealampwasfeeblyburning，throughthedarkperspectiveofopendoors，itlookedasshiningandpreciousasagem。Intheheartofitsradiancesatabeautifulwoman——Edith。
Shewasalone。Thesamedefiant，scornfulwomanstill。Thecheekalittleworn，theeyealittlelargerinappearance，andmorelustrous，butthehaughtybearingjustthesame。Noshameuponherbrow；nolaterepentancebendingherdisdainfulneck。Imperiousandstatelyyet，andyetregardlessofherselfandofallelse，shesatwithherdarkeyescastdown，waitingforsomeone。
Nobook，nowork，nooccupationofanykindbutherownthought，beguiledthetardytime。Somepurpose，strongenoughtofillupanypause，possessedher。Withherlipspressedtogether，andquiveringifforamomentshereleasedthemfromhercontrol；withhernostrilinflated；herhandsclaspedinoneanother；andherpurposeswellinginherbreast；shesat，andwaited。
Atthesoundofakeyintheouterdoor，andafootstepinthehall，shestartedup，andcried`Who\'sthat？\'TheanswerwasinFrench，andtwomencameinwithjinglingtrays，tomakepreparationforsupper。
`Whohadbadethemtodoso？\'sheasked。
`Monsieurhadcommandedit，whenitwashispleasuretotaketheapartment。Monsieurhadsaid，whenhestayedthereforanhour，enroute，andlefttheletterforMadame——Madamehadreceiveditsurely？\'
`Yes。\'
`Athousandpardons！Thesuddenapprehensionthatitmighthavebeenforgottenhadstruckhim；\'abaldman，withalargebeardfromaneighbouringrestaurant：`withdespair！Monsieurhadsaidthatsupperwastobereadyatthathour：alsothathehadforewarnedMadameofthecommandshehadgiven，inhisletter。MonsieurhaddonetheGoldenHeadthehonourtorequestthatthesuppershouldbechoiceanddelicate。MonsieurwouldfindthathisconfidenceintheGoldenHeadwasnotmisplaced。\'
Edithsaidnomore，butlookedonthoughtfullywhiletheypreparedthetablefortwopersons，andsetthewineuponit。Shearosebeforetheyhadfinished，andtakingalamp，passedintothebed-chamberandintothedrawing-room，whereshehurriedlybutnarrowlyexaminedallthedoors；
particularlyoneintheformerroomthatopenedonthepassageinthewall。
Fromthisshetookthekey，andputitontheouterside。Shethencameback。
Themen——thesecondofwhomwasadark，bilioussubject，inajacket，closeshaved，andwithablackheadofhairclosecropped——hadcompletedtheirpreparationofthetable，andwerestandinglookingatit。Hewhohadspokenbefore，inquiredwhetherMadamethoughtitwouldbelongbeforeMonsieurarrived？
`Shecouldn\'tsay。Itwasallone。\'
`Pardon！Therewasthesupper！Itshouldbeeatenontheinstant。
MonsieurwhospokeFrenchlikeanAngel——oraFrenchman——itwasallthesamehadspokenwithgreatemphasisofhispunctuality。ButtheEnglishnationhadsograndageniusforpunctuality。Ah！whatnoise！GreatHeaven，herewasMonsieur。Beholdhim！\'
Ineffect，Monsieur，admittedbytheotherofthetwo，came，withhisgleamingteeth，throughthedarkrooms，likeamouth；andarrivinginthatsanctuaryoflightandcolour，afigureatfulllength，embracedMadame，andaddressedherintheFrenchtongueashischarmingwife。
`MyGod！Madameisgoingtofaint。Madameisovercomewithjoy！\'
Thebaldmanwiththebeardobservedit，andcriedout。
Madamehadonlyshrunkandshivered。Beforethewordswerespoken，shewasstandingwithherhanduponthevelvetbackofagreatchair；herfiguredrawnuptoitsfullheight，andherfaceimmoveable。
`FrancoishasflownovertotheGoldenHeadforsupper。Hefliesontheseoccasionslikeanangelorabird。ThebaggageofMonsieurisinhisroom。Allisarranged。Thesupperwillbeherethismoment。\'
Thesefactsthebaldmannotifiedwithbowsandsmiles，andpresentlythesuppercame。
Thehotdisheswereonachafing-dish；thecoldalreadysetforth，withthechangeofserviceonasideboard。Monsieurwassatisfiedwiththisarrangement。Thesuppertablebeingsmall，itpleasedhimverywell。
Letthemsetthechafing-dishuponthefloor，andgo。Hewouldremovethedisheswithhisownhands。
`Pardon！\'saidthebaldman，politely。`Itwasimpossible！\'
Monsieurwasofanotheropinion。Herequirednofurtherattendancethatnight。
`ButMadame\'thebaldmanhinted。
`Madame，\'repliedMonsieur，`hadherownmaid。Itwasenough。\'
`Amillionpardons！No！Madamehadnomaid！\'
`Icameherealone，\'saidEdith。`Itwasmychoicetodoso。I
amwellusedtotravelling；Iwantnoattendance。Theyneedsendnobodytome。\'
Monsieuraccordingly，perseveringinhisfirstproposedimpossibility，proceededtofollowthetwoattendantstotheouterdoor，andsecureitafterthemforthenight。Thebaldmanturningroundtobow，ashewentout，observedthatMadamestillstoodwithherhanduponthevelvetbackofthegreatchair，andthatherfacewasquiteregardlessofhim，thoughshewaslookingstraightbeforeher。
AsthesoundofCarker\'sfasteningthedoorresoundedthroughtheintermediaterooms，andseemedtocomehushedandstifledintothatlastdistantone，thesoundoftheCathedralclockstrikingtwelvemingledwithit，inEdith\'sears。Sheheardhimpause，asifheheardittooandlistened；andthencamebacktowardsher，layingalongtrainoffootstepsthroughthesilence，andshuttingallthedoorsbehindhimashecamealong。
Herhand，foramoment，leftthevelvetchairtobringaknifewithinherreachuponthetable；thenshestoodasshehadstoodbefore。
`Howstrangetocomeherebyyourself，mylove！\'hesaidasheentered。
`What？\'shereturned。
Hertonewassoharsh；thequickturnofherheadsofierce；herattitudesorepellent；andherfrownsoblack；thathestood，withthelampinhishand，lookingather，asifshehadstruckhimmotionless。
`Isay，\'heatlengthrepeated，puttingdownthelamp，andsmilinghismostcourtlysmile，`howstrangetocomeherealone！Itwasunnecessarycautionsurely，andmighthavedefeateditself。YouweretohaveengagedanattendantatHavreorRouen，andhavehadabundanceoftimeforthepurpose，thoughyouhadbeenthemostcapriciousanddifficultasyouarethemostbeautiful，myloveofwomen。\'
Hereyesgleamedstrangelyonhim，butshestoodwithherhandrestingonthechair，andsaidnotaword。
`Ihavenever，\'resumedCarker，`seenyoulooksohandsome，asyoudoto-night。EventhepictureIhavecarriedinmymindduringthiscruelprobation，andwhichIhavecontemplatednightandday，isexceededbythereality。\'
Notaword。Notalook。Hereyescompletelyhiddenbytheirdroopinglashes，butherheadheldup。
`Hard，unrelentingtermstheywere！\'saidCarker，withasmile，`buttheyareallfulfilledandpassed，andmakethepresentmoredeliciousandmoresafe。Sicilyshallbetheplaceofourretreat。Intheidlestandeasiestpartoftheworld，mysoul，we\'llbothseekcompensationforoldslavery。\'
Hewascominggailytowardsher，when，inaninstant，shecaughttheknifeupfromthetable，andstartedonepaceback。
`Standstill\'shesaid，`orIshallmurderyou！\'
Thesuddenchangeinher，thetoweringfuryandintenseabhorrencesparklinginhereyesandlightingupherbrow，madehimstopasifafirehadstoppedhim。
`Standstill！\'shesaid，`comenonearerme，uponyourlife！\'
Theybothstoodlookingateachother。Rageandastonishmentwereinhisface，buthecontrolledthemandsaidlightly，`Come，come！Tush，wearealone，andoutofeverybody\'ssightandhearing。Doyouthinktofrightenmewiththesetricksofvirtue？\'
`Doyouthinktofrightenme，\'sheansweredfiercely，`fromanypurposethatIhave，andanycourseIamresolvedupon，byremindingmeofthesolitudeofthisplace，andtherebeingnohelpnear？Me，whoamherealone，designedly？IfIfearedyou，shouldInothaveavoidedyou？
IfIfearedyou，shouldIbehere，inthedeadofnight，tellingyoutoyourfacewhatIamgoingtotell？\'
`Andwhatisthat，\'hesaid，`youhandsomeshrew？Handsomerso，thananyotherwomaninherbesthumour？\'
`Itellyounothing，\'shereturned，`untilyougobacktothatchair——exceptthis，onceagain——Don\'tcomenearme！Notastepnearer。
Itellyou，ifyoudo，asheavenseesus，Ishallmurderyou！\'
`Doyoumistakemeforyourhusband？\'heretorted，withagrin。
Disdainingtoreply，shestretchedherarmout，pointingtothechair。Hebithislip，frowned，laughed，andsatdowninit，withabaffled，irresolute，impatientair，hewasunabletoconceal；andbitinghisnailnervously，andlookingathersideways，withbitterdiscomfiture，evenwhilehefeignedtobeamusedbyhercaprice。
Sheputtheknifedownuponthetable，andtouchingherbosomwithherhand，said：
`Ihavesomethinglyingherethatisnolovetrinket；andsoonerthanendureyourtouchoncemore，Iwoulduseitonyou——andyouknowit，whileIspeak——withlessreluctancethanIwouldonanyothercreepingthingthatlives。\'
Heaffectedtolaughjestingly，andentreatedhertoactherplayoutquickly，forthesupperwasgrowingcold。Butthesecretlookwithwhichheregardedher，wasmoresullenandlowering，andhestruckhisfootonceuponthefloorwithamutteredoath。
`Howmanytimes，\'saidEdith，bendingherdarkestglanceuponhim，`hasyourboldknaveryassailedmewithoutrageandinsult？Howmanytimesinyoursmoothmanner，andmockingwordsandlooks，haveIbeentwittedwithmycourtshipandmymarriage？Howmanytimeshaveyoulaidbaremywoundofloveforthatsweet，injuredgirl，andlaceratedit？Howoftenhaveyoufannedthefireonwhich，fortwoyears，Ihavewrithed；andtemptedmetotakeadesperaterevenge，whenithasmosttorturedme？
`Ihavenodoubt，Ma\'am，\'hereplied，`thatyouhavekeptagoodaccount，andthatit\'sprettyaccurate。Come，Edith。Toyourhusband，poorwretch，thiswaswellenough——\'
`Why，if，\'shesaid，surveyinghimwithahaughtycontemptanddisgust，thatheshrunkunder，lethimbraveitashewould，`ifallmyotherreasonsfordespisinghimcouldhavebeenblownawaylikefeathers，hishavingyouforhiscounsellorandfavourite，wouldhavealmostbeenenoughtoholdtheirplace。\'
`Isthatareasonwhyyouhaverunawaywithme？\'heaskedher，tauntingly。
`Yes，andwhywearefacetofaceforthelasttime。Wretch！Wemeetto-night，andpartto-night。FornotonemomentafterIhaveceasedtospeak，willIstayhere！\'
Heturneduponherwithhisugliestlook，andgripedthetablewithhishand；butneitherrose，norotherwiseansweredorthreatenedher。
`Iamawoman，\'shesaid，confrontinghimsteadfastly，`whofromherverychildhoodhasbeenshamedandsteeled。Ihavebeenofferedandrejected，putupandappraised，untilmyverysoulhassickened。Ihavenothadanaccomplishmentorgracethatmighthavebeenaresourcetome，butithasbeenparadedandvendedtoenhancemyvalue，asifthecommoncrierhadcalleditthroughthestreets。Mypoor，proudfriends，havelookedonandapproved；andeverytiebetweenushasbeendeadenedinmybreast。
ThereisnotoneofthemforwhomIcare，asIcouldcareforapetdog。
Istandaloneintheworld，rememberingwellwhatahollowworldithasbeentome，andwhatahollowpartofitIhavebeenmyself。Youknowthis，andyouknowthatmyfamewithitisworthlesstome。\'
`Yes；Iimaginedthat，\'hesaid。
`Andcalculatedonit，\'sherejoined，`andsopursuedme。Growntooindifferentforanyoppositionbutindifference，tothedailyworkingofthehandsthathadmouldedmetothis；andknowingthatmymarriagewouldatleastpreventtheirhawkingofmeupanddown；Isufferedmyselftobesoldasinfamouslyasanywomanwithahalterroundherneckissoldinanymarket-place。Youknowthat。\'
`Yes，\'hesaid，showingallhisteeth。`Iknowthat。\'
`Andcalculatedonit，\'sherejoinedoncemore，`andsopursuedme。Frommymarriageday，Ifoundmyselfexposedtosuchnewshame——tosuchsolicitationandpursuitexpressedasclearlyasifithadbeenwritteninthecoarsestwords，andthrustintomyhandateveryturnfromonemeanvillain，thatIfeltasifIhadneverknownhumiliationtillthattime。Thisshamemyhusbandfixeduponme；hemmedmeroundwith，himself；
steepedmein，withhisownhands，andofhisownact，repeatedhundredsoftimes。Andthus——forcedbythetwofromeverypointofrestIhad——forcedbythetwotoyieldupthelastretreatofloveandgentlenesswithinme，ortobeanewmisfortuneonitsinnocentobject——drivenfromeachtoeach，andbesetbyonewhenIescapedtheother——myangerrosealmosttodistractionagainstboth。Idonotknowagainstwhichitrosehigher——themasterortheman！\'
Hewatchedherclosely，asshestoodbeforehimintheverytriumphofherindignantbeauty。Shewasresolute，hesaw；undauntable；withnomorefearofhimthanofaworm。
`WhatshouldIsayofhonourorofchastitytoyou！\'shewenton。`Whatmeaningwouldithavetoyou；whatmeaningwouldithavefromme！ButifItellyouthatthelightesttouchofyourhandmakesmybloodcoldwithantipathy；thatfromthehourwhenIfirstsawandhatedyou，tonow，whenmyinstinctiverepugnanceisenhancedbyeveryminute\'sknowledgeofyouIhavesincehad，youhavebeenaloathsomecreaturetomewhichhasnotitslikeonearth；howthen？\'
Heansweredwithafaintlaugh，`Aye！Howthen，myqueen？\'
`Onthatnight，when，emboldenedbythesceneyouhadassistedat，youdaredcometomyroomandspeaktome，\'shesaid，`whatpassed？\'
Heshruggedhisshoulders，andlaughedagain。
`Whatpassed？\'shesaid。
`Yourmemoryissodistinct，\'hereturned，`thatIhavenodoubtyoucanrecallit。\'
`Ican，\'shesaid。`Hearit！Proposingthen，thisflight——notthisflight，buttheflightyouthoughtit——youtoldmethatinthehavinggivenyouthatmeeting，andleavingyoutobediscoveredthere，ifyousothoughtfit；andinthehavingsufferedyoutobealonewithmemanytimesbefore，——andhavingmadetheopportunities，yousaid，——andinthehavingopenlyavowedtoyouthatIhadnofeelingformyhusbandbutaversion，andnocareformyself——Iwaslost；Ihadgivenyouthepowertotraducemyname；andIlived，invirtuousreputation，atthepleasureofyourbreath。\'
`Allstratagemsinlove——\'heinterrupted，smiling。`Theoldadage——\'
`Onthatnight，\'saidEdith，`andthenthestrugglethatIlonghadhadwithsomethingthatwasnotrespectformygoodfame——thatwasIknownotwhat——perhapstheclingingtothatlastretreat——wasended。
Onthenight，andthen，Iturnedfromeverythingbutpassionandresentment。
Istruckablowthatlaidyourloftymasterinthedust，andsetyouthere，beforeme，lookingatmenow，andknowingwhatImean。\'
Hesprungupfromhischairwithagreatoath。Sheputherhandintoherbosom，andnotafingertrembled，notahairuponherheadwasstirred。Hestoodstill：shetoo：thetableandchairbetweenthem。
`WhenIforgetthatthismanputhislipstominethatnight，andheldmeinhisarmsashehasdoneagainto-night，\'saidEdith，pointingathim；`whenIforgetthetaintofhiskissuponmycheek——thecheekthatFlorencewouldhavelaidherguiltlessfaceagainst——whenIforgetmymeetingwithher，whilethattaintwashotuponme，andinwhatafloodtheknowledgerusheduponmewhenIsawher，thatinreleasingherfromthepersecutionIhadcausedbymylove，Ibroughtashameanddegradationonhernamethroughmine，andinalltimetocomeshouldbethesolitaryfigurerepresentinginhermindherfirstavoidanceofaguiltycreature——then，Husband，fromwhomIstanddivorcedhenceforth，Iwillforgettheselasttwoyears，andundowhatIhavedone，andundeceiveyou！\'
Herflashingeyes，upliftedforamoment，lightedagainonCarker，andsheheldsomelettersoutinherlefthand。
`Seethese！\'shesaid，contemptuously。`Youhaveaddressedthesetomeinthefalsenameyougoby；onehere，someelsewhereonmyroad。
Thesealsareunbroken。Takethemback！\'
Shecrunchedtheminherhand，andtossedthemtohisfeet。Andasshelookeduponhimnow，asmilewasonherface。
`Wemeetandpartto-night，\'shesaid。`YouhavefallenonSiciliandaysandsensualrest，toosoon。Youmighthavecajoled，andfawned，andplayedyourtraitor\'spart，alittlelonger，andgrownricher。Youpurchaseyourvoluptuousretirementdear！\'
`Edith！\'heretorted，menacingherwithhishand。`Sitdown！Havedonewiththis！Whatdevilpossessesyou？\'
`TheirnameisLegion，\'shereplied，uprearingherproudformasifshewouldhavecrushedhim；`youandyourmasterhaveraisedtheminafruitfulhouse，andtheyshalltearyouboth。Falsetohim，falsetohisinnocentchild，falseeverywayandeverywhere，goforthandboastofme，andgnashyourteethforoncetoknowthatyouarelying！\'
Hestoodbeforehermutteringandmenacing，andscowlingroundasifforsomethingthatwouldhelphimtoconquerher；butwiththesameindomitablespiritsheopposedhim，withoutfaltering。
`Ineveryvauntyoumake，\'shesaid，`Ihavemytriumph。IsingleoutinyouthemeanestmanIknow，theparasiteandtooloftheproudtyrant，thathiswoundmaygothedeeperandmayranklemore。Boast，andrevengemeonhim！Youknowhowyoucamehereto-night；youknowhowyoustandcoweringthere；youseeyourselfincoloursquiteasdespicable，ifnotasodious，asthoseinwhichIseeyou。Boastthen，andrevengemeonyourself。\'
Thefoamwasonhislips；thewetstoodonhisforehead。Ifshewouldhavefalteredonceforonlyonehalf-moment，hewouldhavepinionedher；butshewasasfirmasrock，andhersearchingeyesneverlefthim。
`Wedon\'tpartso，\'hesaid。`DoyouthinkIamdrivelling，toletyougoinyoumadtemper？\'
`Doyouthink，\'sheanswered，`thatIamtobestayed？\'
`I\'lltry，mydear，\'hesaidwithaferociousgestureofhishead。
`God\'smercyonyou，ifyoutrybycomingnearme！shereplied。
`Andwhat，\'hesaid，`iftherearenoneofthesesameboastsandvauntsonmypart？WhatifIweretoturntoo？Come！\'andhisteethfairlyshoneagain。`Wemustmakeatreatyofthis，orImaytakesomeunexpectedcourse。Sitdown，sitdown！\'
`Toolate！\'shecried，witheyesthatseemedtosparklefire。
`Ihavethrownmyfameandgoodnametothewinds！Ihaveresolvedtobeartheshamethatwillattachtome——resolvedtoknowthatitattachesfalsely——thatyouknowittoo——andthathedoesnot，nevercan，andnevershall。I\'lldie，andmakenosign。ForthisIamherealonewithyou，atthedeadofnight。ForthisIhavemetyouhere，inafalsename，asyourwife。Forthis，Ihavebeenseenherebythosemen，andlefthere。Nothingcansaveyounow。\'
Hewouldhavesoldhissoultoroother，inherbeauty，tothefloor，andmakeherarmsdropathersides，andhaveherathismercy。
Buthecouldnotlookather，andnotbeafraidofher。Hesawastrengthwithinherthatwasresistless。Hesawthatshewasdesperate，andthatherunquenchablehatredofhimwouldstopatnothing。Hiseyesfollowedthehandthatwasputwithsuchruggeduncongenialpurposeintoherwhitebosom，andhethoughtthatifitstruckathim，andfailed，itwouldstrikethere，justassoon。
Hedidnotventure，therefore，toadvancetowardsher：butthedoorbywhichhehadenteredwasbehindhim，andhesteppedbacktolockit。
`Lastly，takemywarning！Looktoyourself！\'shesaid，andsmiledagain。`Youhavebeenbetrayed，asallbetrayersare。Ithasbeenmadeknownthatyouareinthisplace，orweretobe，orhavebeen。IfIlive，Isawmyhusbandinacarriageinthestreetto-night！\'
`Strumpet，it\'sfalse！\'criedCarker。
Atthemoment，thebellrangloudlyinthehall。Heturnedwhite，assheheldherhanduplikeanenchantress，atwhoseinvocationthesoundhadcome。
`Hark！doyouhearit？\'
Hesethisbackagainstthedoor；forhesawachangeinher，andfanciedshewascomingontopasshim。But，inamoment，shewasgonethroughtheoppositedoorscommunicatingwiththebed-chamber，andtheyshutuponher。
Onceturned，oncechangedinherinflexibleunyieldinglook，hefeltthathecouldcopewithher。Hethoughtasuddenterror，occasionedbythisnight-alarm，hadsubduedher；notthelessreadily，forheroverwroughtcondition。Throwingopenthedoors，hefollowed，almostinstantly。
Buttheroomwasdark；andasshemadenoanswertohiscall，hewasfaintogobackforthelamp。Hehelditup，andlookedroundeverywhere，expectingtoseehercrouchinginsomecorner；buttheroomwasempty。
So，intothedrawing-roomanddining-roomhewent，insuccession，withtheuncertainstepsofamaninastrangeplace；lookingfearfullyabout，andpryingbehindscreensandcouches；butshewasnotthere。No，norinthehall，whichwassobarethathecouldseethat，ataglance。
Allthistime，theringingatthebellwasconstantlyrenewed；
andthosewithoutwerebeatingatthedoor。Heputhislampdownatadistance，andgoingnearit，listened。Therewereseveralvoicestalkingtogether：
atleasttwooftheminEnglish；andthoughthedoorwasthick，andtherewasgreatconfusion，heknewoneofthesetoowelltodoubtwhosevoiceitwas。
Hetookuphislampagain，andcamebackquicklythroughalltherooms，stoppingashequittedeach，andlookingroundforher，withthelightraisedabovehishead。Hewasstandingthusinthebed-chamber，whenthedoor，leadingtothelittlepassageinthewall，caughthiseye。Hewenttoit，andfounditfastenedontheotherside；butshehaddroppedaveilingoingthrough，andshutitinthedoor。
Allthistimethepeopleonthestairswereringingatthebell，andknockingwiththeirhandsandfeet。
Hewasnotacoward：butthesesounds；whathadgonebefore；thestrangenessoftheplace，whichhadconfusedhim，eveninhisreturnfromthehall；thefrustrationofhisschemesfor，strangetosay，hewouldhavebeenmuchbolder，iftheyhadsucceeded；theunseasonabletime；therecollectionofhavingnooneneartowhomhecouldappealforanyfriendlyoffice；aboveall，thesuddensense，whichmadeevenhisheartbeatlikelead，thatthemanwhoseconfidencehehadoutraged，andwhomhehadsotreacherouslydeceived，wastheretorecogniseandchallengehimwithhismaskpluckedoffhisface；struckapanicthroughhim。Hetriedthedoorinwhichtheveilwasshut，butcouldn\'tforceit。Heopenedoneofthewindows，andlookeddownthroughthelatticeoftheblind，intothecourt-yard；
butitwasahighleap，andthestoneswerepitiless。