Thenshebegantolaugh。Itseemedalittleuncannytome，andIlistenedtoherbreathlessly。Ididnotquitelikeit，andthoughtitbetternottokeephermindonthesubject，sowedriftedontoanothersubject，andLucywaslikeheroldselfagain。
Whenwegothomethefreshbreezehadbracedherup，andherpalecheekswerereallymorerosy。Hermotherrejoicedwhenshesawher，andweallspentaveryhappyeveningtogether。
19August——Joy，joy，joy！Althoughnotalljoy。Atlast，newsofJonathan。
Thedearfellowhasbeenill，thatiswhyhedidnotwrite。
Iamnotafraidtothinkitortosayit，nowthatIknow。
Mr。Hawkinssentmeontheletter，andwrotehimself，ohsokindly。
IamtoleaveinthemorningandgoovertoJonathan，andtohelptonursehimifnecessary，andtobringhimhome。Mr。Hawkinssaysitwouldnotbeabadthingifweweretobemarriedoutthere。
IhavecriedoverthegoodSister\'slettertillIcanfeelitwetagainstmybosom，whereitlies。ItisofJonathan，andmustbenearmyheart，forheisinmyheart。Myjourneyisallmappedout，andmyluggageready。
Iamonlytakingonechangeofdress。LucywillbringmytrunktoLondonandkeepittillIsendforit，foritmaybethat……Imustwritenomore。ImustkeepittosaytoJonathan，myhusband。
Theletterthathehasseenandtouchedmustcomfortmetillwemeet。
LETTER，SISTERAGATHA，HOSPITALOFST。JOSEPHANDSTE。
MARYBUDA-PESTH，TOMISSWILLHELMINAMURRAY
12August，“DearMadam。
“IwritebydesireofMr。JonathanHarker，whoishimselfnotstrongenoughtowrite，thoughprogressingwell，thankstoGodandSt。JosephandSte。Mary。Hehasbeenunderourcarefornearlysixweeks，sufferingfromaviolentbrainfever。
Hewishesmetoconveyhislove，andtosaythatbythispostIwriteforhimtoMr。PeterHawkins，Exeter，tosay，withhisdutifulrespects，thatheissorryforhisdelay，andthatallofhisworkiscompleted。Hewillrequiresomefewweeks\'
restinoursanatoriuminthehills，butwillthenreturn。
Hewishesmetosaythathehasnotsufficientmoneywithhim，andthathewouldliketopayforhisstayinghere，sothatotherswhoneedshallnotbewantingforbelp。
Believeme，Yours，withsympathyandallblessings。SisterAgatha“
“P。S——Mypatientbeingasleep，Iopenthistoletyouknowsomethingmore。
Hehastoldmeallaboutyou，andthatyouareshortlytobehiswife。
Allblessingstoyouboth！Hehashadsomefearfulshock，sosaysourdoctor，andinhisdeliriumhisravingshavebeendreadful，ofwolvesandpoisonandblood，ofghostsanddemons，andIfeartosayofwhat。Becarefulofhimalwaysthattheremaybenothingtoexcitehimofthiskindforalongtimetocome。Thetracesofsuchanillnessashisdonotlightlydieaway。
Weshouldhavewrittenlongago，butweknewnothingofhisfriends，andtherewasnothingonhim，nothingthatanyonecouldunderstand。
HecameinthetrainfromKlausenburg，andtheguardwastoldbythestationmastertherethatherushedintothestationshoutingforaticketforhome。
SeeingfromhisviolentdemeanorthathewasEnglish，theygavehimaticketforthefurtheststationonthewaythitherthatthetrainreached。
“Beassuredthatheiswellcaredfor。Hehaswonallheartsbyhissweetnessandgentleness。Heistrulygettingonwell，andIhavenodoubtwillinafewweeksbeallhimself。
Butbecarefulofhimforsafety\'ssake。Thereare，IprayGodandSt。JosephandSte。Mary，many，many，happyyearsforyouboth。“
DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY
19Agust——StrangeandsuddenchangeinRenfieldlastnight。
Abouteighto\'clockhebegantogetexcitedandsniffaboutasadogdoeswhensetting。Theattendantwasstruckbyhismanner，andknowingmyinterestinhim，encouragedhimtotalk。
Heisusuallyrespectfultotheattendantandattimesservile，buttonight，themantellsme，hewasquitehaughty。
Wouldnotcondescendtotalkwithhimatall。
Allhewouldsaywas，“Idon\'twanttotalktoyou。Youdon\'tcountnow。
Themasterisathand。“
Theattendantthinksitissomesuddenformofreligiousmaniawhichhasseizedhim。Ifso，wemustlookoutforsqualls，forastrongmanwithhomicidalandreligiousmaniaatoncemightbedangerous。
Thecombinationisadreadfulone。
AtNineo\'clockIvisitedhimmyself。Hisattitudetomewasthesameasthattotheattendant。Inhissublimeself-feelingthedifferencebetweenmyselfandtheattendantseemedtohimasnothing。Itlookslikereligiousmania，andhewillsoonthinkthathehimselfisGod。
TheseinfinitesimaldistinctionsbetweenmanandmanaretoopaltryforanOmnipotentBeing。Howthesemadmengivethemselvesaway！
TherealGodtakethheedlestasparrowfall。ButtheGodcreatedfromhumanvanityseesnodifferencebetweenaneagleandasparrow。
Oh，ifmenonlyknew！
ForhalfanhourormoreRenfieldkeptgettingexcitedingreaterandgreaterdegree。Ididnotpretendtobewatchinghim，butIkeptstrictobservationallthesame。Allatoncethatshiftylookcameintohiseyeswhichwealwaysseewhenamadmanhasseizedanidea，andwithittheshiftymovementoftheheadandbackwhichasylumattendantscometoknowsowell。
Hebecamequitequiet，andwentandsatontheedgeofhisbedresignedly，andlookedintospacewithlack-lustereyes。
IthoughtIwouldfindoutifhisapathywererealoronlyassumed，andtriedtoleadhimtotalkofhispets，athemewhichhadneverfailedtoexcitehisattention。
Atfirsthemadenoreply，butatlengthsaidtestily，“Botherthemall！
Idon\'tcareapinaboutthem。“
“What“Isaid。“Youdon\'tmeantotellmeyoudon\'tcareaboutspiders？”
Spidersatpresentarehishobbyandthenotebookisfillingupwithcolumnsofsmallfigures。
Tothisheansweredenigmatically，“TheBridemaidensrejoicetheeyesthatwaitthecomingofthebride。Butwhenthebridedrawethnigh，thenthemaidensshinenottotheeyesthatarefilled。“
Hewouldnotexplainhimself，butremainedobstinatelyseatedonhisbedallthetimeIremainedwithhim。
Iamwearytonightandlowinspirits。IcannotbutthinkofLucy，andhowdifferentthingsmighthavebeen。
IfIdon\'tsleepatonce，chloral，themodernMorpheus！
Imustbecarefulnottoletitgrowintoahabit。
No，Ishalltakenonetonight！IhavethoughtofLucy，andIshallnotdishonourherbymixingthetwo。Ifneedby，tonightshallbesleepless。
Later——GladImadetheresolution，gladderthatIkepttoit。
Ihadlaintossingabout，andhadheardtheclockstrikeonlytwice，whenthenightwatchmancametome，sentupfromtheward，tosaythatRenfieldhadescaped。Ithrewonmyclothesandrandownatonce。
Mypatientistoodangerousapersontoberoamingabout。
Thoseideasofhismightworkoutdangerouslywithstrangers。
Theattendantwaswaitingforme。Hesaidhehadseenhimnottenminutesbefore，seeminglyasleepinhisbed，whenhehadlookedthroughtheobservationtrapinthedoor。Hisattentionwascalledbythesoundofthewindowbeingwrenchedout。
Heranbackandsawhisfeetdisappearthroughthewindow，andhadatoncesentupforme。Hewasonlyinhisnightgear，andcannotbefaroff。
Theattendantthoughtitwouldbemoreusefultowatchwhereheshouldgothantofollowhim，ashemightlosesightofhimwhilstgettingoutofthebuildingbythedoor。
Heisabulkyman，andcouldn\'tgetthroughthewindow。
Iamthin，so，withhisaid，Igotout，butfeetforemost，andaswewereonlyafewfeetabovegroundlandedunhurt。
Theattendanttoldmethepatienthadgonetotheleft，andhadtakenastraightline，soIranasquicklyasIcould。
AsIgotthroughthebeltoftreesIsawawhitefigurescalethehighwallwhichseparatesourgroundsfromthoseofthedesertedhouse。
Iranbackatonce，toldthewatchmantogetthreeorfourmenimmediatelyandfollowmeintothegroundsofCarfax，incaseourfriendmightbedangerous。
Igotaladdermyself，andcrossingthewall，droppeddownontheotherside。
IcouldseeRenfield\'sfigurejustdisappearingbehindtheangleofthehouse，soIranafterhim。OnthefarsideofthehouseIfoundhimpressedcloseagainsttheoldiron-boundoakdoorofthechapel。
Hewastalking，apparentlytosomeone，butIwasafraidtogonearenoughtohearwhathewassaying，lestImightfrightenhim，andheshouldrunoff。
Chasinganerrantswarmofbeesisnothingtofollowinganakedlunatic，whenthefitofescapingisuponhim！
Afterafewminutes，however，Icouldseethathedidnottakenoteofanythingaroundhim，andsoventuredtodrawnearertohim，themoresoasmymenhadnowcrossedthewallandwereclosinghimin。
Iheardhimsay……
“Iamheretodoyourbidding，Master。Iamyourslave，andyouwillrewardme，forIshallbefaithful。Ihaveworshippedyoulongandafaroff。
Nowthatyouarenear，Iawaityourcommands，andyouwillnotpassmeby，willyou，dearMaster，inyourdistributionofgoodthings？”
Heisaselfisholdbeggaranyhow。HethinksoftheloavesandfishesevenwhenhebelieveshisisinarealPresence。
Hismaniasmakeastartlingcombination。Whenweclosedinonhimhefoughtlikeatiger。Heisimmenselystrong，forhewasmorelikeawildbeastthanaman。
Ineversawalunaticinsuchaparoxysmofragebefore，andIhopeIshallnotagain。Itisamercythatwehavefoundouthisstrengthandhisdangeringoodtime。
Withstrengthanddeterminationlikehis，hemighthavedonewildworkbeforehewascaged。
Heissafenow，atanyrate。JackSheppardhimselfcouldn\'tgetfreefromthestraitwaistcoatthatkeepshimrestrained，andhe\'schainedtothewallinthepaddedroom。
Hiscriesareattimesawful，butthesilencesthatfollowaremoredeadlystill，forhemeansmurderineveryturnandmovement。
Justnowhespokecoherentwordsforthefirsttime。
“Ishallbepatient，Master。Itiscoming，coming，coming！”
SoItookthehint，andcametoo。Iwastooexcitedtosleep，butthisdiaryhasquietedme，andIfeelIshallgetsomesleeptonight。
CHAPTER9
LETTER，MINAHARKERTOLUCYWESTENRA
Buda-Pesth，24August。
“MydearestLucy，“IknowyouwillbeanxioustohearallthathashappenedsincewepartedattherailwaystationatWhitby。
“Well，mydear，IgottoHullallright，andcaughttheboattoHamburg，andthenthetrainonhere。IfeelthatIcanhardlyrecallanythingofthejourney，exceptthatIknewIwascomingtoJonathan，andthatasIshouldhavetodosomenursing，IhadbettergetallthesleepIcould。
Ifoundmydearone，oh，sothinandpaleandweak-looking。Alltheresolutionhasgoneoutofhisdeareyes，andthatquietdignitywhichItoldyouwasinhisfacehasvanished。
Heisonlyawreckofhimself，andhedoesnotrememberanythingthathashappenedtohimforalongtimepast。
Atleast，hewantsmetobelieveso，andIshallneverask。
“Hehashadsometerribleshock，andIfearitmighttaxhispoorbrainifheweretotrytorecallit。
SisterAgatha，whoisagoodcreatureandabornnurse，tellsmethathewantedhertotellmewhattheywere，butshewouldonlycrossherself，andsayshewouldnevertell。
ThattheravingsofthesickwerethesecretsofGod，andthatifanursethroughhervocationshouldhearthem，sheshouldrespecthertrust……
“Sheisasweet，goodsoul，andthenextday，whenshesawIwastroubled，sheopenedupthesubjectmypoordearravedabout，added，`Icantellyouthismuch，mydear。
Thatitwasnotaboutanythingwhichhehasdonewronghimself，andyou，ashiswifetobe，havenocausetobeconcerned。
Hehasnotforgottenyouorwhatheowestoyou。
Hisfearwasofgreatandterriblethings，whichnomortalcantreatof。\'
“IdobelievethedearsoulthoughtImightbejealouslestmypoordearshouldhavefalleninlovewithanyothergirl。
TheideaofmybeingjealousaboutJonathan！Andyet，mydear，letmewhisper，IfeltathrillofjoythroughmewhenIknewthatnootherwomanwasacausefortrouble。Iamnowsittingbyhisbedside，whereIcanseehisfacewhilehesleeps。
Heiswaking！
“Whenhewokeheaskedmeforhiscoat，ashewantedtogetsomethingfromthepocket。IaskedSisterAgatha，andshebroughtallhisthings。
Isawamongstthemwashisnotebook，andwaswasgoingtoaskhimtoletmelookatit，forIknewthatImightfindsomecluetohistrouble，butIsupposehemusthaveseenmywishinmyeyes，forhesentmeovertothewindow，sayinghewantedtobequitealoneforamoment。
“Thenhecalledmeback，andhesaidtomeverysolemnly，`Wilhelmina\'，Iknewthenthathewasindeadlyearnest，forhehasnevercalledmebythatnamesinceheaskedmetomarryhim，`Youknow，dear，myideasofthetrustbetweenhusbandandwife。
Thereshouldbenosecret，noconcealment。Ihavehadagreatshock，andwhenItrytothinkofwhatitisIfeelmyheadspinround，andIdonotknowifitwasrealofthedreamingofamadman。
YouknowIhadbrainfever，andthatistobemad。
Thesecretishere，andIdonotwanttoknowit。
Iwanttotakeupmylifehere，withourmarriage。\'For，mydear，wehaddecidedtobemarriedassoonastheformalitiesarecomplete。
`Areyouwilling，Wilhelmina，tosharemyignorance？
Hereisthebook。Takeitandkeepit，readitifyouwill，butneverletmeknowunless，indeed，somesolemndutyshouldcomeuponmetogobacktothebitterhours，asleeporawake，saneormad，recordedhere。\'Hefellbackexhausted，andIputthebookunderhispillow，andkissedhim。
haveaskedSisterAgathatobegtheSuperiortoletourweddingbethisafternoon，andamwaitingherreply……“
“ShehascomeandtoldmethattheChaplainoftheEnglishmissionchurchhasbeensentfor。Wearetobemarriedinanhour，orassoonafterasJonathanawakes。“
“Lucy，thetimehascomeandgone。Ifeelverysolemn，butvery，veryhappy。Jonathanwokealittleafterthehour，andallwasready，andhesatupinbed，proppedupwithpillows。
Heansweredhis`Iwill\'firmlyandstrong。Icouldhardlyspeak。
Myheartwassofullthateventhosewordsseemedtochokeme。
“Thedearsistersweresokind。Please，God，Ishallnever，neverforgetthem，northegraveandsweetresponsibilitiesI
havetakenuponme。Imusttellyouofmyweddingpresent。
Whenthechaplainandthesistershadleftmealonewithmyhusband——
oh，Lucy，itisthefirsttimeIhavewrittenthewords`myhusband\'——
leftmealonewithmyhusband，Itookthebookfromunderhispillow，andwrappeditupinwhitepaper，andtieditwithalittlebitofpaleblueribbonwhichwasroundmyneck，andsealeditovertheknotwithsealingwax，andformysealIusedmyweddingring。
ThenIkisseditandshowedittomyhusband，andtoldhimthatIwouldkeepitso，andthenitwouldbeanoutwardandvisiblesignforusallourlivesthatwetrustedeachother，thatIwouldneveropenitunlessitwereforhisowndearsakeorforthesakeofsomesternduty。Thenhetookmyhandinhis，andoh，Lucy，itwasthefirsttimehetookhiswifes\'hand，andsaidthatitwasthedearestthinginallthewideworld，andthathewouldgothroughallthepastagaintowinit，ifneedbe。
Thepoordearmeanttohavesaidapartofthepast，buthecannotthinkoftimeyet，andIshallnotwonderifatfirsthemixesupnotonlythemonth，buttheyear。
“Well，mydear，couldIsay？IcouldonlytellhimthatIwasthehappiestwomaninallthewideworld，andthatIhadnothingtogivehimexceptmyself，mylife，andmytrust，andthatwiththesewentmyloveanddutyforallthedaysofmylife。And，mydear，whenhekissedme，anddrewmetohimwithhispoorweakhands，itwaslikeasolemnpledgebetweenus。
“Lucydear，doyouknowwhyItellyouallthis？Itisnotonlybecauseitisallsweettome，butbecauseyouhavebeen，andare，verydeartome。
Itwasmyprivilegetobeyourfriendandguidewhenyoucamefromtheschoolroomtopreparefortheworldoflife。Iwantyoutoseenow，andwiththeeyesofaveryhappywife，whitherdutyhasledme，sothatinyourownmarriedlifeyoutoomaybeallhappy，asIam。
Mydear，pleaseAlmightyGod，yourlifemaybeallitpromises，alongdayofsunshine，withnoharshwind，noforgettingduty，nodistrust。
Imustnotwishyounopain，forthatcanneverbe，butIdohopeyouwillbealwaysashappyasIamnow。Goodbye，mydear。
Ishallpostthisatonce，andperhaps，writeyouverysoonagain。
Imuststop，forJonathaniswaking。Imustattendmyhusband！
“Yourever-loving“MinaHarker。“
LETTER，LUCYWESTENRATOMINAHARKER。
Whitby，30August。
“MydearestMina，“Oceansofloveandmillionsofkisses，andmayyousoonbeinyourownhomewithyourhusband。Iwishyouwerecominghomesoonenoughtostaywithushere。ThestrongairwouldsoonrestoreJonathan。Ithasquiterestoredme。Ihaveanappetitelikeacormorant，amfulloflife，andsleepwell。YouwillbegladtoknowthatIhavequitegivenupwalkinginmysleep。
IthinkIhavenotstirredoutofmybedforaweek，thatiswhenIoncegotintoitatnight。ArthursaysIamgettingfat。
Bytheway，IforgottotellyouthatArthurishere。
Wehavesuchwalksanddrives，andrides，androwing，andtennis，andfishingtogether，andIlovehimmorethanever。
Hetellsmethathelovesmemore，butIdoubtthat，foratfirsthetoldmethathecouldn\'tlovememorethanhedidthen。
Butthisisnonsense。Thereheis，callingtome。
Sonomorejustatpresentfromyourloving，“Lucy。
“P。S——Mothersendsherlove。Sheseemsbetter，poordear。
“P。P。S——Wearetobemarriedon28September。“
DR。SEWARDSDIARY
20August——ThecaseofRenfieldgrowsevenmoreinteresting。
Hehasnowsofarquietedthattherearespellsofcessationfromhispassion。Forthefirstweekafterhisattackhewasperpetuallyviolent。Thenonenight，justasthemoonrose，hegrewquiet，andkeptmurmuringtohimself。“NowIcanwait。
NowIcanwait。“
Theattendantcametotellme，soIrandownatoncetohavealookathim。
Hewasstillinthestraitwaistcoatandinthepaddedroom，butthesuffusedlookhadgonefromhisface，andhiseyeshadsomethingoftheiroldpleading。Imightalmostsay，cringing，softness。Iwassatisfiedwithhispresentcondition，anddirectedhimtoberelieved。
Theattendantshesitated，butfinallycarriedoutmywisheswithoutprotest。
Itwasastrangethingthatthepatienthadhumourenoughtoseetheirdistrust，for，comingclosetome，hesaidinawhisper，allthewhilelookingfurtivelyatthem，“TheythinkIcouldhurtyou！
Fancymehurtingyou！Thefools！”
Itwassoothing，somehow，tothefeelingstofindmyselfdisassociatedeveninthemindofthispoormadmanfromtheothers，butallthesameIdonotfollowhisthought。
AmItotakeitthatIhaveanythingincommonwithhim，sothatweare，asitwere，tostandtogether。OrhashetogainfrommesomegoodsostupendousthatmywellbeingisneedfultoHim？
Imustfindoutlateron。Tonighthewillnotspeak。
Eventheofferofakittenorevenafull-growncatwillnottempthim。
Hewillonlysay，“Idon\'ttakeanystockincats。
Ihavemoretothinkofnow，andIcanwait。Icanwait。“
AfterawhileIlefthim。Theattendanttellsmethathewasquietuntiljustbeforedawn，andthatthenhebegantogetuneasy，andatlengthviolent，untilatlasthefellintoaparoxysmwhichexhaustedhimsothatheswoonedintoasortofcoma……Threenightshasthesamethinghappened，violentalldaythenquietfrommoonrisetosunrise。IwishIcouldgetsomecluetothecause。
Itwouldalmostseemasiftherewassomeinfluencewhichcameandwent。
Happythought！Weshalltonightplaysanewitsagainstmadones。
Heescapedbeforewithoutourhelp。Tonightheshallescapewithit。
Weshallgivehimachance，andhavethemenreadytofollowincasetheyarerequired。
23August——“Theexpectedalwayshappens。“HowwellDisraeliknewlife。
Ourbirdwhenhefoundthecageopenwouldnotfly，soalloursubtlearrangementswerefornought。Atanyrate，wehaveprovedonething，thatthespellsofquietnesslastareasonabletime。
Weshallinfuturebeabletoeasehisbondsforafewhourseachday。
Ihavegivenorderstothenightattendantmerelytoshuthiminthepaddedroom，whenonceheisquiet，untilthehourbeforesunrise。
Thepoorsoul\'sbodywillenjoythereliefevenifhismindcannotappreciateit。Hark！Theunexpectedagain！Iamcalled。
Thepatienthasoncemoreescaped。
Later——Anothernightadventure。Renfieldartfullywaiteduntiltheattendantwasenteringtheroomtoinspect。
Thenhedashedoutpasthimandflewdownthepassage。
Isentwordfortheattendantstofollow。Againhewentintothegroundsofthedesertedhouse，andwefoundhiminthesameplace，pressedagainsttheoldchapeldoor。
Whenhesawmehebecamefurious，andhadnottheattendantsseizedhimintime，hewouldhavetriedtokillme。
Aswesereholdinghimastrangethinghappened。
Hesuddenlyredoubledhisefforts，andthenassuddenlygrewcalm。
Ilookedroundinstinctively，butcouldseenothing。
ThenIcaughtthepatient\'seyeandfollowedit，butcouldtracenothingasitlookedintothemoonlightsky，exceptabigbat，whichwasflappingitssilentandghostlywaytothewest。
Batsusuallywheelabout，butthisoneseemedtogostraighton，asifitknewwhereitwasboundfororhadsomeintentionofitsown。
Thepatientgrewcalmereveryinstant，andpresentlysaid，“Youneedn\'ttieme。Ishallgoquietly！”Withouttrouble，wecamebacktothehouse。Ifeelthereissomethingominousinhiscalm，andshallnotforgetthisnight。
LUCYWESTENRA\'SDIARY
Hillingham，24August——ImustimitateMina，andkeepwritingthingsdown。
Thenwecanhavelongtalkswhenwedomeet。Iwonderwhenitwillbe。Iwishshewerewithmeagain，forIfeelsounhappy。
LastnightIseemedtobedreamingagainjustasIwasatWhitby。
Perhapsitisthechangeofair，orgettinghomeagain。
Itisalldarkandhorridtome，forIcanremembernothing。
ButIamfullofvaguefear，andIfeelsoweakandwornout。
WhenArthurcametolunchhelookedquitegrievedwhenhesawme，andIhadn\'tthespirittotrytobecheerful。IwonderifIcouldsleepinmother\'sroomtonight。Ishallmakeanexcusetotry。
25August——Anotherbadnight。Motherdidnotseemtotaketomyproposal。
Sheseemsnottoowellherself，anddoubtlessshefearstoworryme。
Itriedtokeepawake，andsucceededforawhile，butwhentheclockstrucktwelveitwakedmefromadoze，soImusthavebeenfallingasleep。
Therewasasortofscratchingorflappingatthewindow，butIdidnotmindit，andasIremembernomore，IsupposeImusthavefallenasleep。
Morebaddreams。IwishIcouldrememberthem。ThismorningIamhorriblyweak。Myfaceisghastlypale，andmythroatpainsme。
Itmustbesomethingwrongwithmylungs，forIdon\'tseemtobegettingairenough。IshalltrytocheerupwhenArthurcomes，orelseIknowhewillbemiserabletoseemeso。
LETTER，ARTHURTODR。SEWARD
“AlbemarleHotel，31August“MydearJack，“Iwantyoutodomeafavour。Lucyisill，thatisshehasnospecialdisease，butshelooksawful，andisgettingworseeveryday。Ihaveaskedherifthereisanycause，Inotdaretoaskhermother，fortodisturbthepoorlady\'smindaboutherdaughterinherpresentstateofhealthwouldbefatal。
Mrs。Westenrahasconfidedtomethatherdoomisspoken，diseaseoftheheart，thoughpoorLucydoesnotknowityet。
Iamsurethatthereissomethingpreyingonmydeargirl\'smind。
IamalmostdistractedwhenIthinkofher。Tolookathergivesmeapang。ItoldherIshouldaskyoutoseeher，andthoughshedemurredatfirst，Iknowwhy，oldfellow，shefinallyconsented。
Itwillbeapainfultaskforyou，Iknow，oldfriend，butitisforhersake，andImustnothesitatetoask，oryoutoact。
YouaretocometolunchatHillinghamtomorrow，twoo\'clock，soasnottoarouseanysuspicioninMrs。Westenra，andafterlunchLucywilltakeanopportunityofbeingalonewithyou。
Iamfilledwithanxiety，andwanttoconsultwithyoualoneassoonasIcanafteryouhaveseenher。Donotfail！
“Arthur。“
TELEGRAM，ARTHURHOLMWOODTOSEWARD
1September“Amsummonedtoseemyfather，whoisworse。Amwriting。
Writemefullybytonight\'sposttoRing。Wiremeifnecessary。“
LETTERFROMDR。SEWARDTOARTHURHOLMWOOD
2September“Mydearoldfellow，“WithregardtoMissWestenra\'shealthIhastentoletyouknowatoncethatinmyopinionthereisnotanyfunctaldisturbanceoranymaladythatIknowof。Atthesametime，Iamnotbyanymeanssatisfiedwithherappearance。
SheiswoefullydifferentfromwhatshewaswhenIsawherlast。
OfcourseyoumustbearinmindthatIdidnothavefullopportunityofexaminationsuchasIshouldwish。Ourveryfriendshipmakesalittledifficultywhichnotevenmedicalscienceorcustomcanbridgeover。Ihadbettertellyouexactlywhathappened，leavingyoutodraw，inameasure，yourownconclusions。
IshallthensaywhatIhavedoneandproposedoing。
“IfoundMissWestenrainseeminglygayspirits。Hermotherwaspresent，andinafewsecondsImadeupmymindthatshewastryingallsheknewtomisleadhermotherandpreventherfrombeinganxious。
Ihavenodoubtsheguesses，ifshedoesnotknow，whatneedofcautionthereis。
“Welunchedalone，andasweallexertedourselvestobecheerful，wegot，assomekindofrewardforourlabours，somerealcheerfulnessamongstus。
ThenMrs。Westenrawenttoliedown，andLucywasleftwithme。
Wewentintoherboudoir，andtillwegottherehergaietyremained，fortheservantswerecomingandgoing。
“Assoonasthedoorwasclosed，however，themaskfellfromherface，andshesankdownintoachairwithagreatsigh，andhidhereyeswithherhand。
WhenIsawthatherhighspiritshadfailed，Iatoncetookadvantageofherreactiontomakeadiagnosis。
“Shesaidtomeverysweetly，`IcannottellyouhowIloathetalkingaboutmyself。\'Iremindedherthatadoctor\'sconfidencewassacred，butthatyouweregrievouslyanxiousabouther。
Shecaughtontomymeaningatonce，andsettledthatmatterinaword。
`TellArthureverythingyouchoose。Idonotcareformyself，butforhim！\'SoIamquitefree。
“Icouldeasilyseethatshewassomewhatbloodless，butIcouldnotseetheusualanemicsigns，andbythechance，Iwasabletotesttheactualqualityofherblood，forinopeningawindowwhichwasstiffacordgaveway，andshecutherhandslightlywithbrokenglass。
Itwasaslightmatterinitself，butitgavemeanevidentchance，andIsecuredafewdropsofthebloodandhaveanalysedthem。
“Thequalitativeanalysisgiveaquitenormalcondition，andshows，Ishouldinfer，initselfavigorousstateofhealth。
InotherphysicalmattersIwasquitesatisfiedthatthereisnoneedforanxiety，butastheremustbeacausesomewhere，Ihavecometotheconclusionthatitmustbesomethingmental。
“Shecomplainsofdifficultybreathingsatisfactorilyattimes，andofheavy，lethargicsleep，withdreamsthatfrightenher，butregardingwhichshecanremembernothing。Shesaysthatasachild，sheusedtowalkinhersleep，andthatwheninWhitbythehabitcameback，andthatonceshewalkedoutinthenightandwenttoEastCliff，whereMissMurrayfoundher。
Butsheassuresmethatoflatethehabithasnotreturned。
“Iamindoubt，andsohavedonethebestthingIknowof。
Ihavewrittentomyoldfriendandmaster，ProfessorVanHelsing，ofAmsterdam，whoknowsasmuchaboutobscurediseasesasanyoneintheworld。Ihaveaskedhimtocomeover，andasyoutoldmethatallthingsweretobeatyourcharge，IhavementionedtohimwhoyouareandyourrelationstoMissWestenra。
This，mydearfellow，isinobediencetoyourwishes，forI
amonlytooproudandhappytodoanythingIcanforher。
“VanHelsingwould，Iknow，doanythingformeforapersonalreason，sonomatteronwhatgroundhecomes，wemustaccepthiswishes。
Heisaseeminglyarbitraryman，thisisbecauseheknowswhatheistalkingaboutbetterthananyoneelse。Heisaphilosopherandametaphysician，andoneofthemostadvancedscientistsofhisday，andhehas，Ibelieve，anabsolutelyopenmind。This，withanironnerve，atemperoftheice-brook，andindomitableresolution，self-command，andtolerationexaltedfromvirtuestoblessings，andthekindliestandtruestheartthatbeats，theseformhisequipmentforthenobleworkthatheisdoingformankind，workbothintheoryandpractice，forhisviewsareaswideashisall-embracingsympathy。
ItellyouthesefactsthatyoumayknowwhyIhavesuchconfidenceinhim。
Ihaveaskedhimtocomeatonce。IshallseeMissWestenratomorrowagain。
SheistomeetmeattheStores，sothatImaynotalarmhermotherbytooearlyarepetitionofmycall。
“Yoursalways。“
JohnSewardLETTER，ABRAHAMVANHELSING，MD，DPh，D。LiT，ETC，ETC，TODR。SEWARD
2September。
“MygoodFriend，“WhenIreceivedyourletterIamalreadycomingtoyou。BygoodfortuneI
canleavejustatonce，withoutwrongtoanyofthosewhohavetrustedme。
Werefortuneother，thenitwerebadforthosewhohavetrusted，forIcometomyfriendwhenhecallmetoaidthoseheholdsdear。
Tellyourfriendthatwhenthattimeyousuckfrommywoundsoswiftlythepoisonofthegangrenefromthatknifethatourotherfriend，toonervous，letslip，youdidmoreforhimwhenhewantsmyaidsandyoucallforthemthanallhisgreatfortunecoulddo。Butitispleasureaddedtodoforhim，yourfriend，itistoyouthatIcome。Havenearathand，andpleaseitsoarrangethatwemayseetheyoungladynottoolateontomorrow，foritislikelythatImayhavetoreturnherethatnight。
ButifneedbeIshallcomeagaininthreedays，andstaylongerifitmust。
Tillthengoodbye，myfriendJohn。
“VanHelsing。“
LETTER，DR。SEWARDTOHON。ARTHURHOLMWOOD
3September“MydearArt，“VanHelsinghascomeandgone。HecameonwithmetoHillingham，andfoundthat，byLucy\'sdiscretion，hermotherwaslunchingout，sothatwewerealonewithher。
“VanHelsingmadeaverycarefulexaminationofthepatient。
Heistoreporttome，andIshalladviseyou，forofcourseIwasnotpresentallthetime。Heis，Ifear，muchconcerned，butsayshemustthink。WhenItoldhimofourfriendshipandhowyoutrusttomeinthematter，hesaid，`Youmusttellhimallyouthink。
TellhimhimwhatIthink，ifyoucanguessit，ifyouwill。Nay，Iamnotjesting。Thisisnojest，butlifeanddeath，perhapsmore。\'
Iaskedwhathemeantbythat，forhewasveryserious。
Thiswaswhenwehadcomebacktotown，andhewashavingacupofteabeforestartingonhisreturntoAmsterdam。Hewouldnotgivemeanyfurtherclue。Youmustnotbeangrywithme，Art，becausehisveryreticencemeansthatallhisbrainsareworkingforhergood。
Hewillspeakplainlyenoughwhenthetimecomes，besure。
SoItoldhimIwouldsimplywriteanaccountofourvisit，justasifI
weredoingadescriptivespecialarticleforTHEDAILYTELEGRAPH。
Heseemednottonotice，butremarkedthatthesmutsofLondonwerenotquitesobadastheyusedtobewhenhewasastudenthere。
Iamtogethisreporttomorrowifhecanpossiblymakeit。
InanycaseIamtohavealetter。
“Well，astothevisit，LucywasmorecheerfulthanonthedayIfirstsawher，andcertainlylookedbetter。
Shehadlostsomethingoftheghastlylookthatsoupsetyou，andherbreathingwasnormal。ShewasverysweettotheProfessorasshealwaysis，andtriedtomakehimfeelatease，thoughI
couldseethepoorgirlwasmakingahardstruggleforit。
“IbelieveVanHelsingsawit，too，forIsawthequicklookunderhisbushybrowsthatIknewofold。ThenhebegantochatofallthingsexceptourselvesanddiseasesandwithsuchaninfinitegenialitythatIcouldseepoorLucy\'spretenseofanimationmergeintoreality。
Then，withoutanyseemingchange，hebroughttheconversationgentlyroundtohisvisit，andsauvelysaid，“`Mydearyoungmiss，Ihavethesogreatpleasurebecauseyouaresomuchbeloved。Thatismuch，mydear，evenweretherethatwhichI
donotsee。Theytoldmeyouweredowninthespirit，andthatyouwereofaghastlypale。TothemIsay“Pouf！”\'Andhesnappedhisfingersatmeandwenton。`ButyouandIshallshowthemhowwrongtheyare。
Howcanhe\'，andhepointedatmewiththesamelookandgestureasthatwithwhichhepointedmeoutinhisclass，on，orratherafter，aparticularoccasionwhichheneverfailstoremindmeof，`knowanythingofayoungladies？Hehashismadmentoplaywith，andtobringthembacktohappiness，andtothosethatlovethem。
Itismuchtodo，and，oh，buttherearerewardsinthatwecanbestowsuchhappiness。Buttheyoungladies！Hehasnowifenordaughter，andtheyoungdonottellthemselvestotheyoung，buttotheold，likeme，whohaveknownsomanysorrowsandthecausesofthem。
So，mydear，wewillsendhimawaytosmokethecigaretteinthegarden，whilesyouandIhavelittletalkalltoourselves。\'
Itookthehint，andstrolledabout，andpresentlytheprofessorcametothewindowandcalledmein。Helookedgrave，butsaid，`Ihavemadecarefulexamination，butthereisnofunctionalcause。
WithyouIagreethattherehasbeenmuchbloodlost，ithasbeenbutisnot。Buttheconditionsofherareinnowayanemic。
Ihaveaskedhertosendmehermaid，thatImayaskjustoneortwoquestions，thatsoImaynotchancetomissnothing。
Iknowwellwhatshewillsay。Andyetthereiscause。
Thereisalwayscauseforeverything。Imustgobackhomeandthink。
Youmustsendmethetelegrameveryday，andiftherebecauseI
shallcomeagain。Thedisease，fornottobewellisadisease，interestme，andthesweet，youngdear，sheinterestmetoo。
Shecharmme，andforher，ifnotforyouordisease，Icome。\'
“AsItellyou，hewouldnotsayawordmore，evenwhenwewerealone。
Andsonow，Art，youknowallIknow。Ishallkeepsternwatch。
Itrustyourpoorfatherisrallying。Itmustbeaterriblethingtoyou，mydearoldfellow，tobeplacedinsuchapositionbetweentwopeoplewhoarebothsodeartoyou。Iknowyourideaofdutytoyourfather，andyouarerighttosticktoit。
Butifneedbe，IshallsendyouwordtocomeatoncetoLucy，sodonotbeover-anxiousunlessyouhearfromme。“
DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY
4September——Zoophagouspatientstillkeepsupourinterestinhim。
Hehadonlyoneoutburstandthatwasyesterdayatanunusualtime。
Justbeforethestrokeofnoonhebegantogrowrestless。
Theattendantknewthesymptoms，andatoncesummonedaid。
Fortunatelythemencameatarun，andwerejustintime，foratthestrokeofnoonhebecamesoviolentthatittookalltheirstrengthtoholdhim。
Inaboutfiveminutes，however，hebegantogetmorequiet，andfinallysankintoasortofmelancholy，inwhichstatehehasremaineduptonow。Theattendanttellsmethathisscreamswhilstintheparoxysmwerereallyappalling。IfoundmyhandsfullwhenIgotin，attendingtosomeoftheotherpatientswhowerefrightenedbyhim。Indeed，Icanquiteunderstandtheeffect，forthesoundsdisturbedevenme，thoughIwassomedistanceaway。
Itisnowafterthedinnerhouroftheasylum，andasyetmypatientsitsinacornerbrooding，withadull，sullen，woe-begonelookinhisface，whichseemsrathertoindicatethantoshowsomethingdirectly。
Icannotquiteunderstandit。
Later——Anotherchangeinmypatient。Atfiveo\'clockIlookedinonhim，andfoundhimseeminglyashappyandcontentedasheusedtobe。
Hewascatchingfliesandeatingthem，andwaskeepingnoteofhiscapturebymakingnailmarksontheedgeofthedoorbetweentheridgesofpadding。
Whenhesawme，hecameoverandapologizedforhisbadconduct，andaskedmeinaveryhumble，cringingwaytobeledbacktohisownroom，andtohavehisnotebookagain。Ithoughtitwelltohumourhim，soheisbackinhisroomwiththewindowopen。Hehasthesugarofhisteaspreadoutonthewindowsill，andisreapingquiteaharvestofflies。
Heisnotnoweatingthem，butputtingthemintoabox，asofold，andisalreadyexaminingthecornersofhisroomtofindaspider。
Itriedtogethimtotalkaboutthepastfewdays，foranycluetohisthoughtswouldbeofimmensehelptome，buthewouldnotrise。
Foramomentortwohelookedverysad，andsaidinasortoffarawayvoice，asthoughsayingitrathertohimselfthantome。
“Allover！Allover！Hehasdesertedme。NohopeformenowunlessI
doitmyself！”Thensuddenlyturningtomeinaresoluteway，hesaid，“Doctor，won\'tyoubeverygoodtomeandletmehavealittlemoresugar？
Ithinkitwouldbeverygoodforme。“
“Andtheflies？”Isaid。
“Yes！Theflieslikeit，too，andIliketheflies，thereforeIlikeit。“Andtherearepeoplewhoknowsolittleastothinkthatmadmendonotargue。
Iprocuredhimadoublesupply，andlefthimashappyamanas，Isuppose，anyintheworld。IwishIcouldfathomhismind。
Midnight——Anotherchangeinhim。IhadbeentoseeMissWestenra，whomIfoundmuchbetter，andhadjustreturned，andwasstandingatourowngatelookingatthesunset，whenoncemoreIheardhimyelling。
Ashisroomisonthissideofthehouse，Icouldhearitbetterthaninthemorning。ItwasashocktometoturnfromthewonderfulsmokybeautyofasunsetoverLondon，withitsluridlightsandinkyshadowsandallthemarvelloustintsthatcomeonfoulcloudsevenasonfoulwater，andtorealizeallthegrimsternnessofmyowncoldstonebuilding，withitswealthofbreathingmisery，andmyowndesolatehearttoendureitall。Ireachedhimjustasthesunwasgoingdown，andfromhiswindowsawthereddiscsink。
Asitsankhebecamelessandlessfrenzied，andjustasitdippedheslidfromthehandsthatheldhim，aninertmass，onthefloor。
Itiswonderful，however，whatintellectualrecuperativepowerlunaticshave，forwithinafewminuteshestoodupquitecalmlyandlookedaroundhim。Isignalledtotheattendantsnottoholdhim，forIwasanxioustoseewhathewoulddo。
Hewentstraightovertothewindowandbrushedoutthecrumbsofsugar。
Thenhetookhisflybox，andemptieditoutside，andthrewawaythebox。
Thenheshutthewindow，andcrossingover，satdownonhisbed。
Allthissurprisedme，soIaskedhim，“Areyougoingtokeepfliesanymore？”
“No，“saidhe。“Iamsickofallthatrubbish！”
Hecertainlyisawonderfullyinterestingstudy。
IwishIcouldgetsomeglimpseofhismindorofthecauseofhissuddenpassion。Stop。Theremaybeaclueafterall，ifwecanfindwhytodayhisparoxysmscameonathighnoonandatsunset。
Canitbethatthereisamaligninfluenceofthesunatperiodswhichaffectscertainnatures，asattimesthemoondoesothers？
Weshallsee。
TELEGRAM。SEWARD，LONDON，TOVANHELSING，AMSTERDAM
“4September——Patientstillbettertoday。“
TELEGRAM，SEWARD，LONDON，TOVANHELSING，AMSTERDAM
“5September——Patientgreatlyimproved。Goodappetite，sleepsnaturally，goodspirits，colorcomingback。“
TELEGRAM，SEWARD，LONDON，TOVANHELSING，AMSTERDAM
“6September——Terriblechangefortheworse。Comeatonce。
Donotloseanhour。IholdovertelegramtoHolmwoodtillhaveseenyou。“
CHAPTER10
LETTER，DR。SEWARDTOHON。ARTHURHOLMWOOD
6September“MydearArt，“Mynewstodayisnotsogood。Lucythismorninghadgonebackabit。
Thereis，however，onegoodthingwhichhasarisenfromit。
Mrs。WestenrawasnaturallyanxiousconcerningLucy，andhasconsultedmeprofessionallyabouther。Itookadvantageoftheopportunity，andtoldherthatmyoldmaster，VanHelsing，thegreatspecialist，wascomingtostaywithme，andthatIwouldputherinhischargeconjointlywithmyself。Sonowwecancomeandgowithoutalarmingherunduly，forashocktoherwouldmeansuddendeath，andthis，inLucy\'sweakcondition，mightbedisastroustoher。
Wearehedgedinwithdifficulties，allofus，mypoorfellow，but，pleaseGod，weshallcomethroughthemallright。
IfanyneedIshallwrite，sothat，ifyoudonothearfromme，takeitforgrantedthatIamsimplywaitingfornews，Inhaste，“Yoursever，“
JohnSewardDR。SEWARD\'SDIARY
7September——ThefirstthingVanHelsingsaidtomewhenwemetatLiverpoolStreetwas，“Haveyousaidanythingtoouryoungfriend，toloverofher？”
“No，“Isaid。“IwaitedtillIhadseenyou，asIsaidinmytelegram。
Iwrotehimalettersimplytellinghimthatyouwerecoming，asMissWestenrawasnotsowell，andthatIshouldlethimknowifneedbe。“
“Right，myfriend，“hesaid。“Quiteright！Betterhenotknowasyet。
Perhapshewillneverknow。Iprayso，butifitbeneeded，thenheshallknowall。And，mygoodfriendJohn，letmecautionyou。
Youdealwiththemadmen。Allmenaremadinsomewayortheother，andinasmuchasyoudealdiscreetlywithyourmadmen，sodealwithGod\'smadmentoo，therestoftheworld。
Youtellnotyourmadmenwhatyoudonorwhyyoudoit。Youtellthemnotwhatyouthink。Soyoushallkeepknowledgeinitsplace，whereitmayrest，whereitmaygatheritskindarounditandbreed。
YouandIshallkeepasyetwhatweknowhere，andhere。“
Hetouchedmeontheheartandontheforehead，andthentouchedhimselfthesameway。“Ihaveformyselfthoughtsatthepresent。
LaterIshallunfoldtoyou。“
“Whynotnow？”Iasked。“Itmaydosomegood。
Wemayarriveatsomedecision。“Helookedatmeandsaid，“MyfriendJohn，whenthecornisgrown，evenbeforeithasripened，whilethemilkofitsmotherearthisinhim，andthesunshinehasnotyetbeguntopainthimwithhisgold，thehusbandmanhepulltheearandrubhimbetweenhisroughhands，andblowawaythegreenchaff，andsaytoyou，\'Look！
He\'sgoodcorn，hewillmakeagoodcropwhenthetimecomes。\'
“
Ididnotseetheapplicationandtoldhimso。Forreplyhereachedoverandtookmyearinhishandandpulleditplayfully，asheusedlongagotodoatlectures，andsaid，“Thegoodhusbandmantellyousothenbecauseheknows，butnottillthen。
Butyoudonotfindthegoodhusbandmandiguphisplantedcorntoseeifhegrow。Thatisforthechildrenwhoplayathusbandry，andnotforthosewhotakeitasoftheworkoftheirlife。
Seeyounow，friendJohn？Ihavesownmycorn，andNaturehasherworktodoinmakingitsprout，ifhesproutatall，there\'ssomepromise，andIwaittilltheearbeginstoswell。“
Hebrokeoff，forheevidentlysawthatIunderstood。
Thenhewentongravely，“Youwerealwaysacarefulstudent，andyourcasebookwasevermorefullthantherest。
AndItrustthatgoodhabithavenotfail。Remember，myfriend，thatknowledgeisstrongerthanmemory，andweshouldnottrusttheweaker。Evenifyouhavenotkeptthegoodpractice，letmetellyouthatthiscaseofourdearmissisonethatmaybe，mind，Isaymaybe，ofsuchinteresttousandothersthatalltherestmaynotmakehimkickthebeam，asyourpeoplesay。
Takethengoodnoteofit。Nothingistoosmall。
Icounselyou，putdowninrecordevenyourdoubtsandsurmises。
Hereafteritmaybeofinteresttoyoutoseehowtrueyouguess。
Welearnfromfailure，notfromsuccess！”
WhenIdescribedLucy\'ssymptoms，thesameasbefore，butinfinitelymoremarked，helookedverygrave，butsaidnothing。
Hetookwithhimabaginwhichweremanyinstrumentsanddrugs，“theghastlyparaphernaliaofourbeneficialtrade，“
asheoncecalled，inoneofhislectures，theequipmentofaprofessorofthehealingcraft。
Whenwewereshownin，Mrs。Westenrametus。Shewasalarmed，butnotnearlysomuchasIexpectedtofindher。Natureinoneofherbeneficientmoodshasordainedthatevendeathhassomeantidotetoitsownterrors。Here，inacasewhereanyshockmayprovefatal，mattersaresoorderedthat，fromsomecauseorother，thethingsnotpersonal，eventheterriblechangeinherdaughtertowhomsheissoattached，donotseemtoreachher。
ItissomethinglikethewaydameNaturegathersroundaforeignbodyanenvelopeofsomeinsensitivetissuewhichcanprotectfromevilthatwhichitwouldotherwiseharmbycontact。
Ifthisbeanorderedselfishness，thenweshouldpausebeforewecondemnanyonefortheviceofegoism，fortheremaybedeeperrootforitscausesthanwehaveknowledgeof。
Iusedmyknowledgeofthisphaseofspiritualpathology，andsetdownarulethatsheshouldnotbepresentwithLucy，orthinkofherillnessmorethanwasabsolutelyrequired。
Sheassentedreadily，soreadilythatIsawagainthehandofNaturefightingforlife。VanHelsingandIwereshownuptoLucy\'sroom。IfIwasshockedwhenIsawheryesterday，IwashorrifiedwhenIsawhertoday。
Shewasghastly，chalkilypale。Theredseemedtohavegoneevenfromherlipsandgums，andthebonesofherfacestoodoutprominently。
Herbreathingwaspainfultoseeorhear。VanHelsing\'sfacegrewsetasmarble，andhiseyebrowsconvergedtilltheyalmosttouchedoverhisnose。
Lucylaymotionless，anddidnotseemtohavestrengthtospeak，soforawhilewewereallsilent。ThenVanHelsingbeckonedtome，andwewentgentlyoutoftheroom。Theinstantwehadclosedthedoorhesteppedquicklyalongthepassagetothenextdoor，whichwasopen。
Thenhepulledmequicklyinwithhimandclosedthedoor。
“Mygod！”hesaid。“Thisisdreadful。Thereisnottimetobelost。
Shewilldieforsheerwantofbloodtokeeptheheart\'sactionasitshouldbe。Theremustbeatransfusionofbloodatonce。
Isityouorme？”
“Iamyoungerandstronger，Professor。Itmustbeme。“
“Thengetreadyatonce。Iwillbringupmybag。
Iamprepared。“
Iwentdownstairswithhim，andasweweregoingtherewasaknockatthehalldoor。Whenwereachedthehall，themaidhadjustopenedthedoor，andArthurwassteppingquicklyin。
Herusheduptome，sayinginaneagerwhisper，“Jack，Iwassoanxious。Ireadbetweenthelinesofyourletter，andhavebeeninanagony。Thedadwasbetter，soIrandownheretoseeformyself。IsnotthatgentlemanDr。VanHelsing？
Iamsothankfultoyou，sir，forcoming。“
WhenfirsttheProfessor\'seyehadlituponhim，hehadbeenangryathisinterruptionatsuchatime，butnow，ashetookinhisstalwartproportionsandrecognizedthestrongyoungmanhoodwhichseemedtoemanatefromhim，hiseyesgleamed。
Withoutapausehesaidtohimasheheldouthishand，“Sir，youhavecomeintime。Youaretheloverofourdearmiss。
Sheisbad，very，verybad。Nay，mychild，donotgolikethat。“Forhesuddenlygrewpaleandsatdowninachairalmostfainting。
“Youaretohelpher。Youcandomorethananythatlive，andyourcourageisyourbesthelp。“
“WhatcanIdo？”askedArthurhoarsely。“Tellme，andIshalldoit。
Mylifeishers\'andIwouldgivethelastdropofbloodinmybodyforher。“
TheProfessorhasastronglyhumorousside，andIcouldfromoldknowledgedetectatraceofitsorigininhisanswer。
“Myyoungsir，Idonotasksomuchasthat，notthelast！”
“WhatshallIdo？”Therewasfireinhiseyes，andhisopennostrilsquiveredwithintent。VanHelsingslappedhimontheshoulder。
“Come！”hesaid。“Youareaman，anditisamanwewant。
Youarebetterthanme，betterthanmyfriendJohn。“
Arthurlookedbewildered，andtheProfessorwentonbyexplaininginakindlyway。
“Youngmissisbad，verybad。Shewantsblood，andbloodshemusthaveordie。MyfriendJohnandIhaveconsulted，andweareabouttoperformwhatwecalltransfusionofblood，totransferfromfullveinsofonetotheemptyveinswhichpineforhim。
Johnwastogivehisblood，asheisthemoreyoungandstrongthanme。“——HereArthurtookmyhandandwrungithardinsilence——“Butnowyouarehere，youaremoregoodthanus，oldoryoung，whotoilmuchintheworldofthought。
Ournervesarenotsocalmandourbloodsobrightthanyours！”
Arthurturnedtohimandsaid，“IfyouonlyknewhowgladlyIwoulddieforheryouwouldunderstand……“Hestoppedwithasortofchokeinhisvoice。
“Goodboy！”saidVanHelsing。“Inthenot-so-far-offyouwillbehappythatyouhavedoneallforheryoulove。
Comenowandbesilent。Youshallkissheroncebeforeitisdone，butthenyoumustgo，andyoumustleaveatmysign。
SaynowordtoMadame。Youknowhowitiswithher。
Theremustbenoshock，anyknowledgeofthiswouldbeone。Come！”
WeallwentuptoLucy\'sroom。Arthurbydirectionremainedoutside。
Lucyturnedherheadandlookedatus，butsaidnothing。
Shewasnotasleep，butshewassimplytooweaktomaketheeffort。
Hereyesspoketous，thatwasall。
VanHelsingtooksomethingsfromhisbagandlaidthemonalittletableoutofsight。Thenhemixedanarcotic，andcomingovertothebed，saidcheerily，“Now，littlemiss，hereisyourmedicine。
Drinkitoff，likeagoodchild。See，Iliftyousothattoswallowiseasy。Yes。“Shehadmadetheeffortwithsuccess。
Itastonishedmehowlongthedrugtooktoact。
This，infact，markedtheextentofherweakness。Thetimeseemedendlessuntilsleepbegantoflickerinhereyelids。
Atlast，however，thenarcoticbegantomanifestitspotency，andshefellintoadeepsleep。WhentheProfessorwassatisfied，hecalledArthurintotheroom，andbadehimstripoffhiscoat。
Thenheadded，“YoumaytakethatonelittlekisswhilesIbringoverthetable。FriendJohn，helptome！”
Soneitherofuslookedwhilsthebentoverher。
VanHelsing，turningtome，said，“Heissoyoungandstrong，andofbloodsopurethatweneednotdefibrinateit。“
Thenwithswiftness，butwithabsolutemethod，VanHelsingperformedtheoperation。Asthetransfusionwenton，somethinglikelifeseemedtocomebacktopoorLucy\'scheeks，andthroughArthur\'sgrowingpallorthejoyofhisfaceseemedabsolutelytoshine。
AfterabitIbegantogrowanxious，forthelossofbloodwastellingonArthur，strongmanashewas。ItgavemeanideaofwhataterriblestrainLucy\'ssystemmusthaveundergonethatwhatweakenedArthuronlypartiallyrestoredher。
ButtheProfessor\'sfacewasset，andhestoodwatchinhand，andwithhiseyesfixednowonthepatientandnowonArthur。
Icouldhearmyownheartbeat。Presently，hesaidinasoftvoice，“Donotstiraninstant。Itisenough。Youattendhim。
Iwilllooktoher。“