Wealldinedtogether，andIcouldseethatpoorArtwastryingtomakethebestofthings。VanHelsinghadbeensilentalldinnertime，butwhenwehadlitourcigarshesaid，“Lord……，butArthurinterruptedhim。
“No，no，notthat，forGod\'ssake！Notyetatanyrate。
Forgiveme，sir。Ididnotmeantospeakoffensively。
Itisonlybecausemylossissorecent。“
TheProfessoransweredverysweetly，“IonlyusedthatnamebecauseIwasindoubt。Imustnotcallyou`Mr。\'andIhavegrowntoloveyou，yes，mydearboy，toloveyou，asArthur。“
Arthurheldouthishand，andtooktheoldman\'swarmly。
“Callmewhatyouwill，“hesaid。“IhopeImayalwayshavethetitleofafriend。AndletmesaythatIamatalossforwordstothankyouforyourgoodnesstomypoordear。“
Hepausedamoment，andwenton，“IknowthatsheunderstoodyourgoodnessevenbetterthanIdo。AndifIwasrudeorinanywaywantingatthattimeyouactedso，youremember，“——
theProfessornodded——“Youmustforgiveme。“
Heansweredwithagravekindness，“Iknowitwashardforyoutoquitetrustmethen，fortotrustsuchviolenceneedstounderstand，andItakeitthatyoudonot，thatyoucannot，trustmenow，foryoudonotyetunderstand。AndtheremaybemoretimeswhenIshallwantyoutotrustwhenyoucannot，andmaynot，andmustnotyetunderstand。
Butthetimewillcomewhenyourtrustshallbewholeandcompleteinme，andwhenyoushallunderstandasthoughthesunlighthimselfshonethrough。
Thenyoushallblessmefromfirsttolastforyourownsake，andforthesakeofothers，andforherdearsaketowhomIsworetoprotect。“
“Andindeed，indeed，sir，“saidArthurwarmly。“Ishallinallwaystrustyou。Iknowandbelieveyouhaveaverynobleheart，andyouareJack\'sfriend，andyouwerehers。
Youshalldowhatyoulike。“
TheProfessorclearedhisthroatacoupleoftimes，asthoughabouttospeak，andfinallysaid，“MayIaskyousomethingnow？”
“Certainly。“
“YouknowthatMrs。Westenraleftyouallherproperty？”
“No，poordear。Ineverthoughtofit。“
“Andasitisallyours，youhavearighttodealwithitasyouwill。
IwantyoutogivemepermissiontoreadallMissLucy\'spapersandletters。
Believeme，itisnoidlecuriosity。Ihaveamotiveofwhich，besure，shewouldhaveapproved。Ihavethemallhere。Itookthembeforeweknewthatallwasyours，sothatnostrangehandmighttouchthem，nostrangeeyelookthroughwordsintohersoul。Ishallkeepthem，ifImay。Evenyoumaynotseethemyet，butIshallkeepthemsafe。
Nowordshallbelost，andinthegoodtimeIshallgivethembacktoyou。
ItisahardthingthatIask，butyouwilldoit，willyounot，forLucy\'ssake？”
Arthurspokeoutheartily，likehisoldself，“Dr。VanHelsing，youmaydowhatyouwill。IfeelthatinsayingthisIamdoingwhatmydearonewouldhaveapproved。Ishallnottroubleyouwithquestionstillthetimecomes。“
TheoldProfessorstoodupashesaidsolemnly，“Andyouareright。
Therewillbepainforusall，butitwillnotbeallpain，norwillthispainbethelast。Weandyoutoo，youmostofall，dearboy，willhavetopassthroughthebitterwaterbeforewereachthesweet。
Butwemustbebraveofheartandunselfish，anddoourduty，andallwillbewell！”
IsleptonasofainArthur\'sroomthatnight。VanHelsingdidnotgotobedatall。Hewenttoandfro，asifpatrolingthehouse，andwasneveroutofsightoftheroomwhereLucylayinhercoffin，strewnwiththewildgarlicflowers，whichsentthroughtheodoroflilyandrose，aheavy，overpoweringsmellintothenight。
MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL
22September——InthetraintoExeter。Jonathansleeping。
Itseemsonlyyesterdaythatthelastentrywasmade，andyethowmuchbetweenthen，inWhitbyandalltheworldbeforeme，Jonathanawayandnonewsofhim，andnow，marriedtoJonathan，Jonathanasolicitor，apartner，rich，masterofhisbusiness，Mr。Hawkinsdeadandburied，andJonathanwithanotherattackthatmayharmhim。Somedayhemayaskmeaboutit。
Downitallgoes。Iamrustyinmyshorthand，seewhatunexpectedprosperitydoesforus，soitmaybeaswelltofreshenitupagainwithanexerciseanyhow。
Theservicewasverysimpleandverysolemn。Therewereonlyourselvesandtheservantsthere，oneortwooldfriendsofhisfromExeter，hisLondonagent，andagentlemanrepresentingSirJohnPaxton，thePresidentoftheIncorporatedLawSociety。
JonathanandIstoodhandinhand，andwefeltthatourbestanddearestfriendwasgonefromus。
Wecamebacktotownquietly，takingabustoHydeParkCorner。
JonathanthoughtitwouldinterestmetogointotheRowforawhile，sowesatdown。Buttherewereveryfewpeoplethere，anditwassad-lookinganddesolatetoseesomanyemptychairs。
Itmadeusthinkoftheemptychairathome。SowegotupandwalkeddownPiccadilly。Jonathanwasholdingmebythearm，thewayheusedtointheolddaysbeforeIwenttoschool。
Ifeltitveryimproper，foryoucan\'tgoonforsomeyearsteachingetiquetteanddecorumtoothergirlswithoutthepedantryofitbitingintoyourselfabit。ButitwasJonathan，andhewasmyhusband，andwedidn\'tknowanybodywhosawus，andwedidn\'tcareiftheydid，soonwewalked。
Iwaslookingataverybeautifulgirl，inabigcart-wheelhat，sittinginavictoriaoutsideGuiliano\'s，whenIfeltJonathanclutchmyarmsotightthathehurtme，andhesaidunderhisbreath，“MyGod！”
IamalwaysanxiousaboutJonathan，forIfearthatsomenervousfitmayupsethimagain。SoIturnedtohimquickly，andaskedhimwhatitwasthatdisturbedhim。
Hewasverypale，andhiseyesseemedbulgingoutas，halfinterrorandhalfinamazement，hegazedatatall，thinman，withabeakynoseandblackmoustacheandpointedbeard，whowasalsoobservingtheprettygirl。Hewaslookingathersohardthathedidnotseeeitherofus，andsoIhadagoodviewofhim。
Hisfacewasnotagoodface。Itwashard，andcruel，andsensual，andbigwhiteteeth，thatlookedallthewhiterbecausehislipsweresored，werepointedlikeananimal\'s。
Jonathankeptstaringathim，tillIwasafraidhewouldnotice。
Ifearedhemighttakeitill，helookedsofierceandnasty。
IaskedJonathanwhyhewasdisturbed，andheanswered，evidentlythinkingthatIknewasmuchaboutitashedid，“Doyouseewhoitis？”
“No，dear，“Isaid。“Idon\'tknowhim，whoisit？”
Hisanswerseemedtoshockandthrillme，foritwassaidasifhedidnotknowthatitwasme，Mina，towhomhewasspeaking。
“Itisthemanhimself！”
Thepoordearwasevidentlyterrifiedatsomething，verygreatlyterrified。
Idobelievethatifhehadnothadmetoleanonandtosupporthimhewouldhavesunkdown。Hekeptstaring。Amancameoutoftheshopwithasmallparcel，andgaveittothelady，whothendroveoff。
Thedarkmankepthiseyesfixedonher，andwhenthecarriagemovedupPiccadillyhefollowedinthesamedirection，andhailedahansom。
Jonathankeptlookingafterhim，andsaid，asiftohimself，“IbelieveitistheCount，buthehasgrownyoung。MyGod，ifthisbeso！Oh，myGod！MyGod！IfonlyIknew！IfonlyIknew！”
HewasdistressinghimselfsomuchthatIfearedtokeephismindonthesubjectbyaskinghimanyquestions，soIremainedsilent。
Idrewawayquietly，andhe，holdingmyarm，cameeasily。
Wewalkedalittlefurther，andthenwentinandsatforawhileintheGreenPark。Itwasahotdayforautumn，andtherewasacomfortableseatinashadyplace。
Afterafewminutes\'staringatnothing，Jonathan\'seyesclosed，andhewentquicklyintoasleep，withhisheadonmyshoulder。
Ithoughtitwasthebestthingforhim，sodidnotdisturbhim。
Inabouttwentyminuteshewokeup，andsaidtomequitecheerfully，“Why，Mina，haveIbeenasleep！Oh，doforgivemeforbeingsorude。
Come，andwe\'llhaveacupofteasomewhere。“
Hehadevidentlyforgottenallaboutthedarkstranger，asinhisillnesshehadforgottenallthatthisepisodehadremindedhimof。Idon\'tlikethislapsingintoforgetfulness。
Itmaymakeorcontinuesomeinjurytothebrain。
Imustnotaskhim，forfearIshalldomoreharmthangood，butImustsomehowlearnthefactsofhisjourneyabroad。
Thetimeiscome，Ifear，whenImustopentheparcel，andknowwhatiswritten。Oh，Jonathan，youwill，Iknow，forgivemeifIdowrong，butitisforyourowndearsake。
Later——Asadhomecomingineveryway，thehouseemptyofthedearsoulwhowassogoodtous。Jonathanstillpaleanddizzyunderaslightrelapseofhismalady，andnowatelegramfromVanHelsing，whoeverhemaybe。
“YouwillbegrievedtohearthatMrs。Westenradiedfivedaysago，andthatLucydiedthedaybeforeyesterday。
Theywerebothburiedtoday。“
Oh，whatawealthofsorrowinafewwords！PoorMrs。Westenra！
PoorLucy！Gone，gone，nevertoreturntous！Andpoor，poorArthur，tohavelostsuchasweetnessoutofhislife！
Godhelpusalltobearourtroubles。
DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY-CONT。
22September——Itisallover。ArthurhasgonebacktoRing，andhastakenQuinceyMorriswithhim。WhatafinefellowisQuincey！IbelieveinmyheartofheartsthathesufferedasmuchaboutLucy\'sdeathasanyofus，butheborehimselfthroughitlikeamoralViking。IfAmericacangoonbreedingmenlikethat，shewillbeapowerintheworldindeed。
VanHelsingislyingdown，havingarestpreparatorytohisjourney。
HegoestoAmsterdamtonight，butsayshereturnstomorrownight，thatheonlywantstomakesomearrangementswhichcanonlybemadepersonally。Heistostopwithmethen，ifhecan。
HesayshehasworktodoinLondonwhichmaytakehimsometime。
Pooroldfellow！Ifearthatthestrainofthepastweekhasbrokendownevenhisironstrength。Allthetimeoftheburialhewas，Icouldsee，puttingsometerriblerestraintonhimself。
Whenitwasallover，wewerestandingbesideArthur，who，poorfellow，wasspeakingofhispartintheoperationwherehisbloodhadbeentransfusedtohisLucy\'sveins。
IcouldseeVanHelsing\'sfacegrowwhiteandpurplebyturns。
Arthurwassayingthathefeltsincethenasiftheytwohadbeenreallymarried，andthatshewashiswifeinthesightofGod。
Noneofussaidawordoftheotheroperations，andnoneofusevershall。ArthurandQuinceywentawaytogethertothestation，andVanHelsingandIcameonhere。
Themomentwewerealoneinthecarriagehegavewaytoaregularfitofhysterics。Hehasdeniedtomesincethatitwashysterics，andinsistedthatitwasonlyhissenseofhumorassertingitselfunderveryterribleconditions。
Helaughedtillhecried，andIhadtodrawdowntheblindslestanyoneshouldseeusandmisjudge。Andthenhecried，tillhelaughedagain，andlaughedandcriedtogether，justasawomandoes。Itriedtobesternwithhim，asoneistoawomanunderthecircumstances，butithadnoeffect。
Menandwomenaresodifferentinmanifestationsofnervousstrengthorweakness！ThenwhenhisfacegrewgraveandsternagainIaskedhimwhyhismirth，andwhyatsuchatime。
Hisreplywasinawaycharacteristicofhim，foritwaslogicalandforcefulandmysterious。Hesaid，“Ah，youdon\'tcomprehend，friendJohn。DonotthinkthatIamnotsad，thoughIlaugh。See，Ihavecriedevenwhenthelaughdidchokeme。ButnomorethinkthatIamallsorrywhenIcry，forthelaughhecomejustthesame。Keepitalwayswithyouthatlaughterwhoknockatyourdoorandsay，`MayIcomein？\'
isnottruelaughter。No！Heisaking，andhecomewhenandhowhelike。Heasknoperson，hechoosenotimeofsuitability。
Hesay，`Iamhere。\'Behold，inexampleIgrievemyheartoutforthatsosweetyounggirl。Igivemybloodforher，thoughIamoldandworn。Igivemytime，myskill，mysleep。
Iletmyothersuffererswantthatshemayhaveall。
AndyetIcanlaughatherverygrave，laughwhentheclayfromthespadeofthesextondropuponhercoffinandsay`Thud，thud！\'
tomyheart，tillitsendbackthebloodfrommycheek。
Myheartbleedforthatpoorboy，thatdearboy，sooftheageofmineownboyhadIbeensoblessedthathelive，andwithhishairandeyesthesame。
“There，youknownowwhyIlovehimso。Andyetwhenhesaythingsthattouchmyhusband-hearttothequick，andmakemyfather-heartyearntohimastonootherman，notevenyou，friendJohn，forwearemorelevelinexperiencesthanfatherandson，yetevenatsuchamomentKingLaughhecometomeandshoutandbellowinmyear，`HereIam！
HereIam！\'tillthebloodcomedancebackandbringsomeofthesunshinethathecarrywithhimtomycheek。
Oh，friendJohn，itisastrangeworld，asadworld，aworldfullofmiseries，andwoes，andtroubles。AndyetwhenKingLaughcome，hemakethemalldancetothetuneheplay。
Bleedinghearts，anddrybonesofthechurchyard，andtearsthatburnastheyfall，alldancetogethertothemusicthathemakewiththatsmilelessmouthofhim。Andbelieveme，friendJohn，thatheisgoodtocome，andkind。Ah，wemenandwomenarelikeropesdrawntightwithstrainthatpullusdifferentways。
Thentearscome，andliketherainontheropes，theybraceusup，untilperhapsthestrainbecometoogreat，andwebreak。
ButKingLaughhecomelikethesunshine，andheeaseoffthestrainagain，andwebeartogoonwithourlabor，whatitmaybe。“
Ididnotliketowoundhimbypretendingnottoseehisidea，butasIdidnotyetunderstandthecauseofhislaughter，Iaskedhim。
Asheansweredmehisfacegrewstern，andhesaidinquiteadifferenttone，“Oh，itwasthegrimironyofitall，thissolovelyladygarlandedwithflowers，thatlookedsofairaslife，tillonebyonewewonderedifsheweretrulydead，shelaidinthatsofinemarblehouseinthatlonelychurchyard，whererestsomanyofherkin，laidtherewiththemotherwholovedher，andwhomsheloved，andthatsacredbellgoing“Toll！Toll！Toll！\'sosadandslow，andthoseholymen，withthewhitegarmentsoftheangel，pretendingtoreadbooks，andyetallthetimetheireyesneveronthepage，andallofuswiththebowedhead。Andallforwhat？
Sheisdead，so！Isitnot？”
“Well，forthelifeofme，Professor，“Isaid，“Ican\'tseeanythingtolaughatinallthat。Why，yourexpressionmakesitaharderpuzzlethanbefore。Buteveniftheburialservicewascomic，whataboutpoorArtandhistrouble？
Whyhisheartwassimplybreaking。“
“Justso。Saidhenotthatthetransfusionofhisbloodtoherveinshadmadehertrulyhisbride？”
“Yes，anditwasasweetandcomfortingideaforhim。“
“Quiteso。Buttherewasadifficulty，friendJohn。
Ifsothat，thenwhatabouttheothers？Ho，ho！Thenthissosweetmaidisapolyandrist，andme，withmypoorwifedeadtome，butalivebyChurch\'slaw，thoughnowits，allgone，evenI，whoamfaithfulhusbandtothisnow-no-wife，ambigamist。“
“Idon\'tseewherethejokecomesinthereeither！”Isaid，andI
didnotfeelparticularlypleasedwithhimforsayingsuchthings。
Helaidhishandonmyarm，andsaid，“FriendJohn，forgivemeifIpain。Ishowednotmyfeelingtootherswhenitwouldwound，butonlytoyou，myoldfriend，whomIcantrust。
IfyoucouldhavelookedintomyheartthenwhenIwanttolaugh，ifyoucouldhavedonesowhenthelaugharrived，ifyoucoulddosonow，whenKingLaughhavepackuphiscrown，andallthatistohim，forhegofar，farawayfromme，andforalong，longtime，maybeyouwouldperhapspitymethemostofall。“
Iwastouchedbythetendernessofhistone，andaskedwhy。
“BecauseIknow！”
Andnowweareallscattered，andformanyalongdaylonelinesswillsitoverourroofswithbroodingwings。Lucyliesinthetombofherkin，alordlydeathhouseinalonelychurchyard，awayfromteemingLondon，wheretheairisfresh，andthesunrisesoverHampsteadHill，andwherewildflowersgrowoftheirownaccord。
SoIcanfinishthisdiary，andGodonlyknowsifIshalleverbeginanother。
IfIdo，orifIevenopenthisagain，itwillbetodealwithdifferentpeopleanddifferentthemes，forhereattheend，wheretheromanceofmylifeistold，ereIgobacktotakeupthethreadofmylife-work，Isaysadlyandwithouthope，“FINIS“。
THEWESTMINSTERGAZETTE，25SEPTEMBERAHAMPSTEADMYSTERY
TheneighborhoodofHampsteadisjustatpresentexercisedwithaseriesofeventswhichseemtorunonlinesparalleltothoseofwhatwasknowntothewritersofheadlinesand“TheKensingtonHorror，“or“TheStabbingWoman，“
or“TheWomaninBlack。“DuringthepasttwoorthreedaysseveralcaseshaveoccurredofyoungchildrenstrayingfromhomeorneglectingtoreturnfromtheirplayingontheHeath。
Inallthesecasesthechildrenweretooyoungtogiveanyproperlyintelligibleaccountofthemselves，buttheconsensusoftheirexcusesisthattheyhadbeenwitha“blooferlady。“
Ithasalwaysbeenlateintheeveningwhentheyhavebeenmissed，andontwooccasionsthechildrenhavenotbeenfounduntilearlyinthefollowingmorning。
Itisgenerallysupposedintheneighborhoodthat，asthefirstchildmissedgaveashisreasonforbeingawaythata“blooferlady“hadaskedhimtocomeforawalk，theothershadpickedupthephraseanduseditasoccasionserved。
Thisisthemorenaturalasthefavoritegameofthelittleonesatpresentisluringeachotherawaybywiles。
Acorrespondentwritesusthattoseesomeofthetinytotspretendingtobethe“blooferlady“issupremelyfunny。
Someofourcaricaturistsmight，hesays，takealessonintheironyofgrotesquebycomparingtherealityandthepicture。
Itisonlyinaccordancewithgeneralprinciplesofhumannaturethatthe“blooferlady“shouldbethepopularroleatthesealfrescoperformances。OurcorrespondentnaivelysaysthatevenEllenTerrycouldnotbesowinninglyattractiveassomeofthesegrubby-facedlittlechildrenpretend，andevenimaginethemselves，tobe。
Thereis，however，possiblyaserioussidetothequestion，forsomeofthechildren，indeedallwhohavebeenmissedatnight，havebeenslightlytornorwoundedinthethroat。
Thewoundsseemsuchasmightbemadebyaratorasmalldog，andalthoughofnotmuchimportanceindividually，wouldtendtoshowthatwhateveranimalinflictsthemhasasystemormethodofitsown。Thepoliceofthedivisionhavebeeninstructedtokeepasharplookoutforstrayingchildren，especiallywhenveryyoung，inandaroundHampsteadHeath，andforanystraydogwhichmaybeabout。
THEWESTMINSTERGAZETTE，25SEPTEMBEREXTRASPECIAL
THEHAMPSTEADHORROR
ANOTHERCHILDINJURED
THE“BLOOFERLADY“
Wehavejustreceivedintelligencethatanotherchild，missedlastnight，wasonlydiscoveredlateinthemorningunderafurzebushattheShooter\'sHillsideofHampsteadHeath，whichisperhaps，lessfrequentedthantheotherparts。
Ithasthesametinywoundinthethroatashasbeennoticedinothercases。Itwasterriblyweak，andlookedquiteemaciated。
Ittoo，whenpartiallyrestored，hadthecommonstorytotellofbeingluredawaybythe“blooferlady“。
CHAPTER14
MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL
23September——Jonathanisbetterafterabadnight。
Iamsogladthathehasplentyofworktodo，forthatkeepshismindofftheterriblethings，andoh，Iamrejoicedthatheisnotnowweigheddownwiththeresponsibilityofhisnewposition。
Iknewhewouldbetruetohimself，andnowhowproudIamtoseemyJonathanrisingtotheheightofhisadvancementandkeepingpaceinallwayswiththedutiesthatcomeuponhim。Hewillbeawayalldaytilllate，forhesaidhecouldnotlunchathome。
Myhouseholdworkisdone，soIshalltakehisforeignjournal，andlockmyselfupinmyroomandreadit。
24September——Ihadn\'tthehearttowritelastnight，thatterriblerecordofJonathan\'supsetmeso。Poordear！
Howhemusthavesuffered，whetheritbetrueoronlyimagination。
Iwonderifthereisanytruthinitatall。Didhegethisbrainfever，andthenwriteallthoseterriblethings，orhadhesomecauseforitall？IsupposeIshallneverknow，forIdarenotopenthesubjecttohim。Andyetthatmanwesawyesterday！Heseemedquitecertainofhim，poorfellow！
Isupposeitwasthefuneralupsethimandsenthismindbackonsometrainofthought。
Hebelievesitallhimself。Irememberhowonourweddingdayhesaid“Unlesssomesolemndutycomeuponmetogobacktothebitterhours，asleeporawake，madorsane……“Thereseemstobethroughitallsomethreadofcontinuity。
ThatfearfulCountwascomingtoLondon。Ifitshouldbe，andhecametoLondon，withitsteemingmillions……Theremaybeasolemnduty，andifitcomewemustnotshrinkfromit。
Ishallbeprepared。Ishallgetmytypewriterthisveryhourandbegintranscribing。Thenweshallbereadyforothereyesifrequired。Andifitbewanted，then，perhaps，ifIamready，poorJonathanmaynotbeupset，forIcanspeakforhimandneverlethimbetroubledorworriedwithitatall。
IfeverJonathanquitegetsoverthenervousnesshemaywanttotellmeofitall，andIcanaskhimquestionsandfindoutthings，andseehowImaycomforthim。
LETTER，VANHELSINGTOMRS。HARKER
24SeptemberConfidence
“DearMadam，“Iprayyoutopardonmywriting，inthatIamsofarfriendasthatIsenttoyousadnewsofMissLucyWestenra\'sdeath。
BythekindnessofLordGodalming，Iamempoweredtoreadherlettersandpapers，forIamdeeplyconcernedaboutcertainmattersvitallyimportant。InthemIfindsomelettersfromyou，whichshowhowgreatfriendsyouwereandhowyouloveher。
Oh，MadamMina，bythatlove，Iimploreyou，helpme。
Itisforothers\'goodthatIask，toredressgreatwrong，andtoliftmuchandterribletroubles，thatmaybemoregreatthanyoucanknow。MayitbethatIseeyou？Youcantrustme。
IamfriendofDr。JohnSewardandofLordGodalmingthatwasArthurofMissLucy。Imustkeepitprivateforthepresentfromall。IshouldcometoExetertoseeyouatonceifyoutellmeIamprivilegetocome，andwhereandwhen。
Iimploreyourpardon，Madam。IhavereadyourletterstopoorLucy，andknowhowgoodyouareandhowyourhusbandsuffer。
SoIprayyou，ifitmaybe，enlightenhimnot，leastitmayharm。
Againyourpardon，andforgiveme。
“VANHELSING“
TELEGRAM，MRS。HARKERTOVANHELSING
25September——Cometodaybyquarterpasttentrainifyoucancatchit。
Canseeyouanytimeyoucall。“WILHELMINAHARKER“
MINAHARKER\'SJOURNAL
25September——IcannothelpfeelingterriblyexcitedasthetimedrawsnearforthevisitofDr。VanHelsing，forsomehowIexpectthatitwillthrowsomelightuponJonathan\'ssadexperience，andasheattendedpoordearLucyinherlastillness，hecantellmeallabouther。Thatisthereasonofhiscoming。
ItisconcerningLucyandhersleep-walking，andnotaboutJonathan。
ThenIshallneverknowtherealtruthnow！HowsillyIam。
Thatawfuljournalgetsholdofmyimaginationandtingeseverythingwithsomethingofitsowncolor。OfcourseitisaboutLucy。Thathabitcamebacktothepoordear，andthatawfulnightonthecliffmusthavemadeherill。
Ihadalmostforgotteninmyownaffairshowillshewasafterwards。
Shemusthavetoldhimofhersleep-walkingadventureonthecliff，andthatIknewallaboutit，andnowhewantsmetotellhimwhatIknow，sothathemayunderstand。
IhopeIdidrightinnotsayinganythingofittoMrs。Westenra。
Ishouldneverforgivemyselfifanyactofmine，wereitevenanegativeone，broughtharmonpoordearLucy。
Ihopetoo，Dr。VanHelsingwillnotblameme。
IhavehadsomuchtroubleandanxietyoflatethatIfeelI
cannotbearmorejustatpresent。
Isupposeacrydoesusallgoodattimes，clearstheairasotherraindoes。Perhapsitwasreadingthejournalyesterdaythatupsetme，andthenJonathanwentawaythismorningtostayawayfrommeawholedayandnight，thefirsttimewehavebeenpartedsinceourmarriage。Idohopethedearfellowwilltakecareofhimself，andthatnothingwilloccurtoupsethim。
Itistwoo\'clock，andthedoctorwillbeheresoonnow。
IshallsaynothingofJonathan\'sjournalunlessheasksme。
IamsogladIhavetypewrittenoutmyownjournal，sothat，incaseheasksaboutLucy，Icanhandittohim。
Itwillsavemuchquestioning。
Later——Hehascomeandgone。Oh，whatastrangemeeting，andhowitallmakesmyheadwhirlround。Ifeellikeoneinadream。Canitbeallpossible，orevenapartofit？
IfIhadnotreadJonathan\'sjournalfirst，Ishouldneverhaveacceptedevenapossibility。Poor，poor，dearJonathan！
Howhemusthavesuffered。PleasethegoodGod，allthismaynotupsethimagain。Ishalltrytosavehimfromit。
Butitmaybeevenaconsolationandahelptohim，terriblethoughitbeandawfulinitsconsequences，toknowforcertainthathiseyesandearsandbraindidnotdeceivehim，andthatitisalltrue。Itmaybethatitisthedoubtwhichhauntshim，thatwhenthedoubtisremoved，nomatterwhich，wakingordreaming，mayprovethetruth，hewillbemoresatisfiedandbetterabletobeartheshock。
Dr。VanHelsingmustbeagoodmanaswellasacleveroneifheisArthur\'sfriendandDr。Seward\'s，andiftheybroughthimallthewayfromHollandtolookafterLucy。Ifeelfromhavingseenhimthatheisgoodandkindandofanoblenature。
WhenhecomestomorrowIshallaskhimaboutJonathan。Andthen，pleaseGod，allthissorrowandanxietymayleadtoagoodend。
IusedtothinkIwouldliketopracticeinterviewing。
Jonathan\'sfriendon“TheExeterNews“toldhimthatmemoryiseverythinginsuchwork，thatyoumustbeabletoputdownexactlyalmosteverywordspoken，evenifyouhadtorefinesomeofitafterwards。Herewasarareinterview。
Ishalltrytorecorditverbatim。
Itwashalf-pasttwoo\'clockwhentheknockcame。
Itookmycourageadeuxmainsandwaited。InafewminutesMaryopenedthedoor，andannounced“Dr。VanHelsing“。
Iroseandbowed，andhecametowardsme，amanofmediumweight，stronglybuilt，withhisshoulderssetbackoverabroad，deepchestandaneckwellbalancedonthetrunkastheheadisontheneck。
Thepoiseoftheheadstrikesmeatonceasindicativeofthoughtandpower。
Theheadisnoble，well-sized，broad，andlargebehindtheears。
Theface，clean-shaven，showsahard，squarechin，alargeresolute，mobilemouth，agood-sizednose，ratherstraight，butwithquick，sensitivenostrils，thatseemtobroadenasthebigbushybrowscomedownandthemouthtightens。Theforeheadisbroadandfine，risingatfirstalmoststraightandthenslopingbackabovetwobumpsorridgeswideapart，suchaforeheadthatthereddishhaircannotpossiblytumbleoverit，butfallsnaturallybackandtothesides。Big，darkblueeyesaresetwidelyapart，andarequickandtenderorsternwiththeman\'smoods。
Hesaidtome，“Mrs。Harker，isitnot？”Ibowedassent。
“ThatwasMissMinaMurray？”AgainIassented。
“ItisMinaMurraythatIcametoseethatwasfriendofthatpoordearchildLucyWestenra。MadamMina，itisonaccountofthedeadthatIcome。“
“Sir，“Isaid，“youcouldhavenobetterclaimonmethanthatyouwereafriendandhelperofLucyWestenra。“AndIheldoutmyhand。
Hetookitandsaidtenderly，“Oh，MadamMina，Iknowthatthefriendofthatpoorlittlegirlmustbegood，butIhadyettolearn……“Hefinishedhisspeechwithacourtlybow。
Iaskedhimwhatitwasthathewantedtoseemeabout，soheatoncebegan。
“IhavereadyourletterstoMissLucy。Forgiveme，butI
hadtobegintoinquiresomewhere，andtherewasnonetoask。
IknowthatyouwerewithheratWhitby。Shesometimeskeptadiary，youneednotlooksurprised，MadamMina。
Itwasbegunafteryouhadleft，andwasanimitationofyou，andinthatdiaryshetracesbyinferencecertainthingstoasleep-walkinginwhichsheputsdownthatyousavedher。
IngreatperplexitythenIcometoyou，andaskyououtofyoursomuchkindnesstotellmeallofitthatyoucanremember。“
“Icantellyou，Ithink，Dr。VanHelsing，allaboutit。“
“Ah，thenyouhavegoodmemoryforfacts，fordetails？
Itisnotalwayssowithyoungladies。“
“No，doctor，butIwroteitalldownatthetime。
Icanshowittoyouifyoulike。“
“Oh，MadamMina，Iwellbegrateful。Youwilldomemuchfavor。“
Icouldnotresistthetemptationofmystifyinghimabit，Isupposeitissometasteoftheoriginalapplethatremainsstillinourmouths，soIhandedhimtheshorthanddiary。
Hetookitwithagratefulbow，andsaid，“MayIreadit？”
“Ifyouwish，“IansweredasdemurelyasIcould。
Heopenedit，andforaninstanthisfacefell。
Thenhestoodupandbowed。
“Oh，yousocleverwoman！”hesaid。“IknewlongthatMr。Jonathanwasamanofmuchthankfulness，butsee，hiswifehaveallthegoodthings。
Andwillyounotsomuchhonormeandsohelpmeastoreaditforme？Alas！Iknownottheshorthand。“
Bythistimemylittlejokewasover，andIwasalmostashamed。
SoItookthetypewrittencopyfrommyworkbasketandhandedittohim。
“Forgiveme，“Isaid。“Icouldnothelpit，butIhadbeenthinkingthatitwasofdearLucythatyouwishedtoask，andsothatyoumightnothavetimetowait，notonmyaccount，butbecauseIknowyourtimemustbeprecious，Ihavewrittenitoutonthetypewriterforyou。“
Hetookitandhiseyesglistened。“Youaresogood，“hesaid。
“AndmayIreaditnow？ImaywanttoaskyousomethingswhenIhaveread。“
“Byallmeans，“Isaid。“readitoverwhilstIorderlunch，andthenyoucanaskmequestionswhilstweeat。“
Hebowedandsettledhimselfinachairwithhisbacktothelight，andbecamesoabsorbedinthepapers，whilstIwenttoseeafterlunchchieflyinorderthathemightnotbedisturbed。
WhenIcameback，Ifoundhimwalkinghurriedlyupanddowntheroom，hisfaceallablazewithexcitement。
Herusheduptomeandtookmebybothhands。
“Oh，MadamMina，“hesaid，“howcanIsaywhatIowetoyou？Thispaperisassunshine。Itopensthegatetome。Iamdazed，Iamdazzled，withsomuchlight，andyetcloudsrollinbehindthelighteverytime。
Butthatyoudonot，cannotcomprehend。Oh，butIamgratefultoyou，yousocleverwoman。Madame，“hesaidthisverysolemnly，“ifeverAbrahamVanHelsingcandoanythingforyouoryours，Itrustyouwillletmeknow。
ItwillbepleasureanddelightifImayserveyouasafriend，asafriend，butallIhaveeverlearned，allIcaneverdo，shallbeforyouandthoseyoulove。Therearedarknessesinlife，andtherearelights。
Youareoneofthelights。Youwillhaveahappylifeandagoodlife，andyourhusbandwillbeblessedinyou。“
“But，doctor，youpraisemetoomuch，andyoudonotknowme。“
“Notknowyou，I，whoamold，andwhohavestudiedallmylifemenandwomen，Iwhohavemademyspecialtythebrainandallthatbelongstohimandallthatfollowfromhim！
AndIhavereadyourdiarythatyouhavesogoodlywrittenforme，andwhichbreathesouttruthineveryline。I，whohavereadyoursosweetlettertopoorLucyofyourmarriageandyourtrust，notknowyou！Oh，MadamMina，goodwomentellalltheirlives，andbydayandbyhourandbyminute，suchthingsthatangelscanread。Andwemenwhowishtoknowhaveinussomethingofangels\'eyes。Yourhusbandisnoblenature，andyouarenobletoo，foryoutrust，andtrustcannotbewherethereismeannature。
Andyourhusband，tellmeofhim。Ishequitewell？
Isallthatfevergone，andishestrongandhearty？”
IsawhereanopeningtoaskhimaboutJonathan，soIsaid，“Hewasalmostrecovered，buthehasbeengreatlyupsetbyMr。Hawkinsdeath。“
Heinterrupted，“Oh，yes。Iknow。Iknow。Ihavereadyourlasttwoletters。“
Iwenton，“Isupposethisupsethim，forwhenwewereintownonThursdaylasthehadasortofshock。“
“Ashock，andafterbrainfeversosoon！Thatisnotgood。
Whatkindofshockwasit？”
“Hethoughthesawsomeonewhorecalledsomethingterrible，somethingwhichledtohisbrainfever。“Andherethewholethingseemedtooverwhelmmeinarush。ThepityforJonathan，thehorrorwhichheexperienced，thewholefearfulmysteryofhisdiary，andthefearthathasbeenbroodingovermeeversince，allcameinatumult。
IsupposeIwashysterical，forIthrewmyselfonmykneesandheldupmyhandstohim，andimploredhimtomakemyhusbandwellagain。
Hetookmyhandsandraisedmeup，andmademesitonthesofa，andsatbyme。Heheldmyhandinhis，andsaidtomewith，oh，suchinfinitesweetness，“Mylifeisabarrenandlonelyone，andsofullofworkthatI
havenothadmuchtimeforfriendships，butsinceIhavebeensummonedtoherebymyfriendJohnSewardIhaveknownsomanygoodpeopleandseensuchnobilitythatIfeelmorethanever，andithasgrownwithmyadvancingyears，thelonelinessofmylife。
Believeme，then，thatIcomeherefullofrespectforyou，andyouhavegivenmehope，hope，notinwhatIamseekingof，butthattherearegoodwomenstilllefttomakelifehappy，goodwomen，whoselivesandwhosetruthsmaymakegoodlessonforthechildrenthataretobe。Iamglad，glad，thatI
mayherebeofsomeusetoyou。Forifyourhusbandsuffer，hesufferwithintherangeofmystudyandexperience。
IpromiseyouthatIwillgladlydoallforhimthatIcan，alltomakehislifestrongandmanly，andyourlifeahappyone。
Nowyoumusteat。Youareoverwroughtandperhapsover-anxious。
HusbandJonathanwouldnotliketoseeyousopale，andwhathelikenotwherehelove，isnottohisgood。
Thereforeforhissakeyoumusteatandsmile。YouhavetoldmeaboutLucy，andsonowweshallnotspeakofit，lestitdistress。
IshallstayinExetertonight，forIwanttothinkmuchoverwhatyouhavetoldme，andwhenIhavethoughtIwillaskyouquestions，ifImay。Andthentoo，youwilltellmeofhusbandJonathan\'stroublesofarasyoucan，butnotyet。
Youmusteatnow，afterwardsyoushalltellmeall。“
Afterlunch，whenwewentbacktothedrawingroom，hesaidtome，“Andnowtellmeallabouthim。“
Whenitcametospeakingtothisgreatlearnedman，Ibegantofearthathewouldthinkmeaweakfool，andJonathanamadman，thatjournalisallsostrange，andIhesitatedtogoon。
Buthewassosweetandkind，andhehadpromisedtohelp，andItrustedhim，soIsaid，“Dr。VanHelsing，whatIhavetotellyouissoqueerthatyoumustnotlaughatmeoratmyhusband。
Ihavebeensinceyesterdayinasortoffeverofdoubt。
Youmustbekindtome，andnotthinkmefoolishthatIhaveevenhalfbelievedsomeverystrangethings。“
Hereassuredmebyhismanneraswellashiswordswhenhesaid，“Oh，mydear，ifyouonlyknowhowstrangeisthematterregardingwhichIamhere，itisyouwhowouldlaugh。
Ihavelearnednottothinklittleofanyone\'sbelief，nomatterhowstrangeitmaybe。Ihavetriedtokeepanopenmind，anditisnottheordinarythingsoflifethatcouldcloseit，butthestrangethings，theextraordinarythings，thethingsthatmakeonedoubtiftheybemadorsane。“
“Thankyou，thankyouathousandtimes！Youhavetakenaweightoffmymind。
Ifyouwillletme，Ishallgiveyouapapertoread。Itislong，butIhavetypewrittenitout。ItwilltellyoumytroubleandJonathan\'s。
Itisthecopyofhisjournalwhenabroad，andallthathappened。
Idarenotsayanythingofit。Youwillreadforyourselfandjudge。
AndthenwhenIseeyou，perhaps，youwillbeverykindandtellmewhatyouthink。“
“Ipromise，“hesaidasIgavehimthepapers。“Ishallinthemorning，assoonasIcan，cometoseeyouandyourhusband，ifImay。“
“Jonathanwillbehereathalf-pasteleven，andyoumustcometolunchwithusandseehimthen。Youcouldcatchthequick3：34train，whichwillleaveyouatPaddingtonbeforeeight。“
Hewassurprisedatmyknowledgeofthetrainsoffhand，buthedoesnotknowthatIhavemadeupallthetrainstoandfromExeter，sothatImayhelpJonathanincaseheisinahurry。
Sohetookthepaperswithhimandwentaway，andIsitherethinking，thinkingIdon\'tknowwhat。
LETTERbyhand，VANHELSINGTOMRS。HARKER
25September，6o\'clock“DearMadamMina，“Ihavereadyourhusband\'ssowonderfuldiary。Youmaysleepwithoutdoubt。
Strangeandterribleasitis，itistrue！Iwillpledgemylifeonit。
Itmaybeworseforothers，butforhimandyouthereisnodread。
Heisanoblefellow，andletmetellyoufromexperienceofmen，thatonewhowoulddoashedidingoingdownthatwallandtothatroom，aye，andgoingasecondtime，isnotonetobeinjuredinpermanencebyashock。
Hisbrainandhisheartareallright，thisIswear，beforeIhaveevenseenhim，sobeatrest。Ishallhavemuchtoaskhimofotherthings。
IamblessedthattodayIcometoseeyou，forIhavelearnallatoncesomuchthatagainIamdazzled，dazzledmorethanever，andImustthink。
“Yoursthemostfaithful，“AbrahamVanHelsing。“
LETTER，MRS。HARKERTOVANHELSING
25September，6：30P。M。
“MydearDr。VanHelsing，“Athousandthanksforyourkindletter，whichhastakenagreatweightoffmymind。Andyet，ifitbetrue，whatterriblethingsthereareintheworld，andwhatanawfulthingifthatman，thatmonster，bereallyinLondon！Ifeartothink。
Ihavethismoment，whilstwriting，hadawirefromJonathan，sayingthatheleavesbythe6：25tonightfromLauncestonandwillbehereat10：18，sothatIshallhavenofeartonight。
Willyou，therefore，insteadoflunchingwithus，pleasecometobreakfastateighto\'clock，ifthisbenottooearlyforyou？
Youcangetaway，ifyouareinahurry，bythe10：30train，whichwillbringyoutoPaddingtonby2：35。Donotanswerthis，asIshalltakeitthat，ifIdonothear，youwillcometobreakfast。
“Believeme，“Yourfaithfulandgratefulfriend，“MinaHarker。“
JONATHANHARKER\'SJOURNAL
26September——Ithoughtnevertowriteinthisdiaryagain，butthetimehascome。WhenIgothomelastnightMinahadsupperready，andwhenwehadsuppedshetoldmeofVanHelsing\'svisit，andofherhavinggivenhimthetwodiariescopiedout，andofhowanxiousshehasbeenaboutme。
Sheshowedmeinthedoctor\'sletterthatallIwrotedownwastrue。
Itseemstohavemadeanewmanofme。Itwasthedoubtastotherealityofthewholethingthatknockedmeover。
Ifeltimpotent，andinthedark，anddistrustful。
But，nowthatIknow，Iamnotafraid，evenoftheCount。
Hehassucceededafterall，then，inhisdesigningettingtoLondon，anditwasheIsaw。Hehasgotyounger，andhow？
VanHelsingisthemantounmaskhimandhunthimout，ifheisanythinglikewhatMinasays。Wesatlate，andtalkeditover。
Minaisdressing，andIshallcallatthehotelinafewminutesandbringhimover。
Hewas，Ithink，surprisedtoseeme。WhenIcameintotheroomwheehewas，andintroducedmyself，hetookmebytheshoulder，andturnedmyfaceroundtothelight，andsaid，afterasharpscrutiny，“ButMadamMinatoldmeyouwereill，thatyouhadhadashock。“
Itwassofunnytohearmywifecalled`MadamMina\'bythiskindly，strong-facedoldman。Ismiled，andsaid，“Iwasill，Ihavehadashock，butyouhavecuredmealready。“
“Andhow？”
“ByyourlettertoMinalastnight。Iwasindoubt，andtheneverythingtookahueofunreality，andIdidnotknowwhattotrust，eventheevidenceofmyownsenses。Notknowingwhattotrust，Ididnotknowwhattodo，andsohadonlytokeeponworkinginwhathadhithertobeenthegrooveofmylife。Thegrooveceasedtoavailme，andImistrustedmyself。
Doctor，youdon\'tknowwhatitistodoubteverything，evenyourself。
No，youdon\'t，youcouldn\'twitheyebrowslikeyours。“
Heseemedpleased，andlaughedashesaid，“So！Youareaphysiognomist。
Ilearnmoreherewitheachhour。Iamwithsomuchpleasurecomingtoyoutobreakfast，and，oh，sir，youwillpardonpraisefromanoldman，butyouareblessedinyourwife。“
IwouldlistentohimgoonpraisingMinaforaday，soIsimplynoddedandstoodsilent。
“SheisoneofGod\'swomen，fashionedbyHisownhandtoshowusmenandotherwomenthatthereisaheavenwherewecanenter，andthatitslightcanbehereonearth。
Sotrue，sosweet，sonoble，solittleanegoist，andthat，letmetellyou，ismuchinthisage，soscepticalandselfish。
Andyou，sir……IhavereadalltheletterstopoorMissLucy，andsomeofthemspeakofyou，soIknowyousincesomedaysfromtheknowingofothers，butIhaveseenyourtrueselfsincelastnight。Youwillgivemeyourhand，willyounot？
Andletusbefriendsforallourlives。“
Weshookhands，andhewassoearnestandsokindthatitmademequitechoky。
“andnow，“hesaid，“mayIaskyouforsomemorehelp？
Ihaveagreattasktodo，andatthebeginningitistoknow。
Youcanhelpmehere。CanyoutellmewhatwentbeforeyourgoingtoTransylvania？LateronImayaskmorehelp，andofadifferentkind，butatfirstthiswilldo。“
“Lookhere，Sir，“Isaid，“doeswhatyouhavetodoconcerntheCount？”
“Itdoes，“hesaidsolemnly。“
“ThenIamwithyouheartandsoul。Asyougobythe10：30train，youwillnothavetimetoreadthem，butIshallgetthebundleofpapers。
Youcantakethemwithyouandreadtheminthetrain。“
AfterbreakfastIsawhimtothestation。Whenwewerepartinghesaid，“PerhapsyouwillcometotownifIsendforyou，andtakeMadamMinatoo。“
“Weshallbothcomewhenyouwill，“Isaid。
IhadgothimthemorningpapersandtheLondonpapersofthepreviousnight，andwhileweweretalkingatthecarriagewindow，waitingforthetraintostart，hewasturningthemover。
Hiseyessuddenlyseemedtocatchsomethinginoneofthem，“TheWestminsterGazette“，Iknewitbythecolor，andhegrewquitewhite。Hereadsomethingintently，groaningtohimself，“MeinGott！MeinGott！Sosoon！
Sosoon！”Idonotthinkherememberedmeatthemoment。
Justthenthewhistleblew，andthetrainmovedoff。
Thisrecalledhimtohimself，andheleanedoutofthewindowandwavedhishand，callingout，“LovetoMadamMina。
IshallwritesosoonaseverIcan。“
DR。SEWARD\'SDIARY
26September——Trulythereisnosuchthingasfinality。
NotaweeksinceIsaid“Finis，“andyethereIamstartingfreshagain，orrathergoingonwiththerecord。
UntilthisafternoonIhadnocausetothinkofwhatisdone。
Renfieldhadbecome，toallintents，assaneasheeverwas。
Hewasalreadywellaheadwithhisflybusiness，andhehadjuststartedinthespiderlinealso，sohehadnotbeenofanytroubletome。IhadaletterfromArthur，writtenonSunday，andfromitIgatherthatheisbearingupwonderfullywell。
QuinceyMorrisiswithhim，andthatismuchofahelp，forhehimselfisabubblingwellofgoodspirits。
Quinceywrotemealinetoo，andfromhimIhearthatArthurisbeginningtorecoversomethingofhisoldbuoyancy，soastothemallmymindisatrest。Asformyself，IwassettlingdowntomyworkwiththeenthusiasmwhichIusedtohaveforit，sothatImightfairlyhavesaidthatthewoundwhichpoorLucyleftonmewasbecomingcicatrised。
Everythingis，however，nowreopened，andwhatistobetheendGodonlyknows。IhaveanideathatVanHelsingthinksheknows，too，buthewillonlyletoutenoughatatimetowhetcuriosity。
HewenttoExeteryesterday，andstayedthereallnight。
Todayhecameback，andalmostboundedintotheroomatabouthalf-pastfiveo\'clock，andthrustlastnight\'s“WestminsterGazette“
intomyhand。
“Whatdoyouthinkofthat？”heaskedashestoodbackandfoldedhisarms。
Ilookedoverthepaper，forIreallydidnotknowwhathemeant，buthetookitfrommeandpointedoutaparagraphaboutchildrenbeingdecoyedawayatHampstead。Itdidnotconveymuchtome，untilIreachedapassagewhereitdescribedsmallpuncturewoundsontheirthroats。
Anideastruckme，andIlookedup。
“Well？”hesaid。
“ItislikepoorLucy\'s。“
“Andwhatdoyoumakeofit？”
“Simplythatthereissomecauseincommon。Whateveritwasthatinjuredherhasinjuredthem。“Ididnotquiteunderstandhisanswer。
“Thatistrueindirectly，butnotdirectly。“
“Howdoyoumean，Professor？”Iasked。Iwasalittleinclinedtotakehisseriousnesslightly，for，afterall，fourdaysofrestandfreedomfromburning，harrowing，anxietydoeshelptorestoreone\'sspirits，butwhenIsawhisface，itsoberedme。
Never，eveninthemidstofourdespairaboutpoorLucy，hadhelookedmorestern。
“Tellme！”Isaid。“Icanhazardnoopinion。Idonotknowwhattothink，andIhavenodataonwhichtofoundaconjecture。“
“Doyoumeantotellme，friendJohn，thatyouhavenosuspicionastowhatpoorLucydiedof，notafterallthehintsgiven，notonlybyevents，butbyme？”
“Ofnervousprostrationfollowingagreatlossorwasteofblood。“
“Andhowwasthebloodlostorwasted？”Ishookmyhead。
Hesteppedoverandsatdownbesideme，andwenton，“Youareacleverman，friendJohn。Youreasonwell，andyourwitisbold，butyouaretooprejudiced。Youdonotletyoureyesseenoryourearshear，andthatwhichisoutsideyourdailylifeisnotofaccounttoyou。
Doyounotthinkthattherearethingswhichyoucannotunderstand，andyetwhichare，thatsomepeopleseethingsthatotherscannot？
Buttherearethingsoldandnewwhichmustnotbecontemplatedbymen\'seyes，becausetheyknow，orthinktheyknow，somethingswhichothermenhavetoldthem。Ah，itisthefaultofoursciencethatitwantstoexplainall，andifitexplainnot，thenitsaysthereisnothingtoexplain。
Butyetweseearounduseverydaythegrowthofnewbeliefs，whichthinkthemselvesnew，andwhichareyetbuttheold，whichpretendtobeyoung，likethefineladiesattheopera。Isupposenowyoudonotbelieveincorporealtransference。No？Norinmaterialization。No？Norinastralbodies。No？Norinthereadingofthought。No？Norinhypnotism……“
“Yes，“Isaid。“Charcothasprovedthatprettywell。“
Hesmiledashewenton，“Thenyouaresatisfiedastoit。Yes？Andofcoursethenyouunderstandhowitact，andcanfollowthemindofthegreatCharcot，alasthatheisnomore，intotheverysoulofthepatientthatheinfluence。No？Then，friendJohn，amItotakeitthatyousimplyacceptfact，andaresatisfiedtoletfrompremisetoconclusionbeablank？No？Thentellme，forIamastudentofthebrain，howyouaccepthypnotismandrejectthethoughtreading。Letmetellyou，myfriend，thattherearethingsdonetodayinelectricalsciencewhichwouldhavebeendeemedunholybytheverymanwhodiscoveredelectricity，whowouldthemselvesnotsolongbeforebeenburnedaswizards。
Therearealwaysmysteriesinlife。WhywasitthatMethuselahlivedninehundredyears，and`OldParr\'onehundredandsixty-nine，andyetthatpoorLucy，withfourmen\'sbloodinherpoorveins，couldnotliveevenoneday？For，hadsheliveonemoreday，wecouldsaveher。Doyouknowallthemysteryoflifeanddeath？
Doyouknowthealtogetherofcomparativeanatomyandcansaywhereforethequalitiesofbrutesareinsomemen，andnotinothers？
Canyoutellmewhy，whenotherspidersdiesmallandsoon，thatonegreatspiderlivedforcenturiesinthetoweroftheoldSpanishchurchandgrewandgrew，till，ondescending，hecoulddrinktheoilofallthechurchlamps？CanyoutellmewhyinthePampas，ayandelsewhere，therearebatsthatcomeoutatnightandopentheveinsofcattleandhorsesandsuckdrytheirveins，howinsomeislandsoftheWesternseastherearebatswhichhangonthetreesallday，andthosewhohaveseendescribeaslikegiantnutsorpods，andthatwhenthesailorssleeponthedeck，becausethatitishot，flitdownonthemandthen，andtheninthemorningarefounddeadmen，whiteasevenMissLucywas？”
“GoodGod，Professor！”Isaid，startingup。“DoyoumeantotellmethatLucywasbittenbysuchabat，andthatsuchathingishereinLondoninthenineteenthcentury？”
Hewavedhishandforsilence，andwenton，“Canyoutellmewhythetortoiselivesmorelongthangenerationsofmen，whytheelephantgoesonandontillhehaveseesdynasties，andwhytheparrotneverdieonlyofbiteofcatofdogorothercomplaint？Canyoutellmewhymenbelieveinallagesandplacesthattherearemenandwomenwhocannotdie？
Weallknow，becausesciencehasvouchedforthefact，thattherehavebeentoadsshutupinrocksforthousandsofyears，shutinonesosmallholethatonlyholdhimsincetheyouthoftheworld。
CanyoutellmehowtheIndianfakircanmakehimselftodieandhavebeenburied，andhisgravesealedandcornsowedonit，andthecornreapedandbecutandsownandreapedandcutagain，andthenmencomeandtakeawaytheunbrokensealandthattherelietheIndianfakir，notdead，butthatriseupandwalkamongstthemasbefore？”
HereIinterruptedhim。Iwasgettingbewildered。
Hesocrowdedonmymindhislistofnature\'seccentricitiesandpossibleimpossibilitiesthatmyimaginationwasgettingfired。
Ihadadimideathathewasteachingmesomelesson，aslongagoheusedtodoinhisstudyatAmsterdam。
Butheusedthemtotellmethething，sothatIcouldhavetheobjectofthoughtinmindallthetime。
ButnowIwaswithouthishelp，yetIwantedtofollowhim，soIsaid，“Professor，letmebeyourpetstudentagain。Tellmethethesis，sothatImayapplyyourknowledgeasyougoon。
AtpresentIamgoinginmymindfrompointtopointasamadman，andnotasaneone，followsanidea。
Ifeellikeanovicelumberingthroughaboginamidst，jumpingfromonetussocktoanotherinthemereblindefforttomoveonwithoutknowingwhereIamgoing。“
“Thatisagoodimage，“hesaid。“Well，Ishalltellyou。
Mythesisisthis，Iwantyoutobelieve。“
“Tobelievewhat？”
“Tobelieveinthingsthatyoucannot。Letmeillustrate。
IheardonceofanAmericanwhosodefinedfaith，`thatfacultywhichenablesustobelievethingswhichweknowtobeuntrue。\'
Forone，Ifollowthatman。Hemeantthatweshallhaveanopenmind，andnotletalittlebitoftruthchecktherushofthebigtruth，likeasmallrockdoesarailwaytruck。
Wegetthesmalltruthfirst。Good！Wekeephim，andwevaluehim，butallthesamewemustnotlethimthinkhimselfallthetruthintheuniverse。“
“Thenyouwantmenottoletsomepreviousconvictioninurethereceptivityofmymindwithregardtosomestrangematter。
DoIreadyourlessonaright？”
“Ah，youaremyfavoritepupilstill。Itisworthtoteachyou。Nowthatyouarewillingtounderstand，youhavetakenthefirststeptounderstand。
Youthinkthenthatthosesosmallholesinthechildren\'sthroatsweremadebythesamethatmadetheholesinMissLucy？”
“Isupposeso。“
Hestoodupandsaidsolemnly，“Thenyouarewrong。Oh，woulditwereso！
Butalas！No。Itisworse，far，farworse。“
“InGod\'sname，ProfessorVanHelsing，whatdoyoumean？”Icried。
Hethrewhimselfwithadespairinggestureintoachair，andplacedhiselbowsonthetable，coveringhisfacewithhishandsashespoke。
“TheyweremadebyMissLucy！”