THISisthestoryofwhataWoman’spatiencecanendure，andwhataMan’sresolutioncanachieve。
IfthemachineryoftheLawcouldbedependedontofathomeverycaseofsuspicion，andtoconducteveryprocessofinquiry，withmoderateassistanceonlyfromthelubricatinginfluencesofoilofgold，theeventswhichfillthesepagesmighthaveclaimedtheirshareofthepublicattentioninaCourtofJustice。
ButtheLawisstill，incertaininevitablecases，thepre-engagedservantofthelongpurse；andthestoryislefttobetold，forthefirsttime，inthisplace。AstheJudgemightoncehaveheardit，sotheReadershallhearitnow。Nocircumstanceofimportance，fromthebeginningtotheendofthedisclosure，shallberelatedonhearsayevidence。WhenthewriteroftheseintroductorylinesWalterHartrightbynamehappenstobemorecloselyconnectedthanotherswiththeincidentstoberecorded，hewillbethenarrator。Whennot，hewillretirefromthepositionofnarrator；andhistaskwillbecontinued，fromthepointatwhichhehasleftitoff，byotherpersonswhocanspeaktothecircumstancesundernoticefromtheirownknowledge，justasclearlyandpositivelyashehasspokenbeforethem。
Thus，thestoryherepresentedwillbetoldbymorethanonepen，asthestoryofanoffenceagainstthelawsistoldinCourtbymorethanonewitness——withthesameobjectinbothcases，topresentthetruthalwaysinitsmostdirectandmostintelligibleaspect；andtotracethecourseofonecompleteseriesofevents，bymakingthepersonswhohavebeenmostcloselyconnectedwiththem，ateachsuccessivestage，relatetheirownexperience，wordforword。
LetWalterHartright，teacherofdrawing，agedtwenty-eightyears，beheardfirst。
THESTORYBEGUNBYWALTERHARTRIGHTofClement’sinn，TeacherofDrawing
ItwasthelastdayofJuly。Thelonghotsummerwasdrawingtoaclose；andwe，thewearypilgrimsoftheLondonpavement，werebeginningtothinkofthecloud-shadowsonthecorn-fields，andtheautumnbreezesonthesea-shore。
Formyownpoorpart，thefadingsummerleftmeoutofhealth，outofspirits，and，ifthetruthmustbetold，outofmoneyaswell。DuringthepastyearIhadnotmanagedmyprofessionalresourcesascarefullyasusual；andmyextravagancenowlimitedmetotheprospectofspendingtheautumneconomicallybetweenmymother’scottageatHampsteadandmyownchambersintown。
Theevening，Iremember，wasstillandcloudy；theLondonairwasatitsheaviest；thedistanthumofthestreet-trafficwasatitsfaintest；thesmallpulseofthelifewithinme，andthegreatheartofthecityaroundme，seemedtobesinkinginunison，languidlyandmorelanguidly，withthesinkingsun。IrousedmyselffromthebookwhichIwasdreamingoverratherthanreading，andleftmychamberstomeetthecoolnightairinthesuburbs。ItwasoneofthetwoeveningsineveryweekWhichIwasaccustomedtospendwithmymotherandmysister。SoIturnedmystepsnorthwardinthedirectionofHampstead。
EventswhichIhaveyettorelatemakeitnecessarytomentioninthisplacethatmyfatherhadbeendeadsomeyearsattheperiodofwhichIamnowwriting；andthatmysisterSarahandIwerethesolesurvivorsofafamilyoffivechildren。Myfatherwasadrawing-masterbeforeme。Hisexertionshadmadehimhighlysuccessfulinhisprofession；andhisaffectionateanxietytoprovideforthefutureofthosewhoweredependentonhislabourshadimpelledhim，fromthetimeofhismarriage，todevotetotheinsuringofhislifeamuchlargerportionofhisincomethanmostmenconsideritnecessarytosetasideforthatpurpose。Thankstohisadmirableprudenceandself-denialmymotherandsisterwereleft，afterhisdeath，asindependentoftheworldastheyhadbeenduringhislifetime。Isucceededtohisconnection，andhadeveryreasontofeelgratefulfortheprospectthatawaitedmeatmystartinginlife。
Thequiettwilightwasstilltremblingonthetopmostridgesoftheheath；andtheviewofLondonbelowmehadsunkintoablackgulfintheshadowofthecloudynight，whenIstoodbeforethegateofmymother’scottage。Ihadhardlyrungthebellbeforethehousedoorwasopenedviolently；myworthyItalianfriend，ProfessorPesca，appearedintheservant’splace；anddartedoutjoyouslytoreceiveme，withashrillforeignparodyonanEnglishcheer。
Onhisownaccount，and，Imustbeallowedtoadd，onminealso，theProfessormeritsthehonourofaformalintroduction。Accidenthasmadehimthestarting-pointofthestrangefamilystorywhichitisthepurposeofthesepagestounfold。
IhadfirstbecomeacquaintedwithmyItalianfriendbymeetinghimatcertaingreathouseswherehetaughthisownlanguageandItaughtdrawing。AllIthenknewofthehistoryofhislifewas，thathehadonceheldasituationintheUniversityofPadua；thathehadleftItalyforpoliticalreasonsthenatureofwhichheuniformlydeclinedtomentiontoanyone；andthathehadbeenformanyyearsrespectablyestablishedinLondonasateacheroflanguages。
Withoutbeingactuallyadwarf——forhewasperfectlywellproportionedfromheadtofoot——Pescawas，Ithink，thesmallesthumanbeingIeversawoutofashow-room。Remarkableanywhere，byhispersonalappearance，hewasstillfurtherdistinguishedamongtherankandfileofmankindbytheharmlesseccentricityofhischaracter。Therulingideaofhislifeappearedtobe，thathewasboundtoshowhisgratitudetothecountrywhichhadaffordedhimanasylumandameansofsubsistencebydoinghisutmosttoturnhimselfintoanEnglishman。Notcontentwithpayingthenationingeneralthecomplimentofinvariablycarryinganumbrella，andinvariablywearinggaitersandawhitehat，theProfessorfurtheraspiredtobecomeanEnglishmaninhishabitsandamusements，aswellasinhispersonalappearance。Findingusdistinguished，asanation，byourloveofathleticexercises，thelittleman，intheinnocenceofhisheart，devotedhimselfimpromptutoallourEnglishsportsandpastimeswheneverhehadtheopportunityofjoiningthem；firmlypersuadedthathecouldadoptournationalamusementsofthefieldbyaneffortofwillpreciselyashehadadoptedournationalgaitersandournationalwhitehat。
Ihadseenhimriskhislimbsblindlyatafox-huntandinacricket-field；andsoonafterwardsIsawhimriskhislife，justasblindly，intheseaatBrighton。
Wehadmetthereaccidentally，andwerebathingtogether。Ifwehadbeenengagedinanyexercisepeculiartomyownnationlshould，ofcourse，havelookedafterPescacarefully；butasforeignersaregenerallyquiteaswellabletotakecareofthemselvesinthewaterasEnglishmen，itneveroccurredtomethattheartofswimmingmightmerelyaddonemoretothelistofmanlyexerciseswhichtheprofessorbelievedthathecouldlearnimpromptu。Soonafterwehadbothstruckoutfromshore，Istopped，findingmyfrienddidnotgainonme，andturnedroundtolookforhim。Tomyhorrorandamazement，Isawnothingbetweenmeandthebeachbuttwolittlewhitearmswhichstruggledforaninstantabovethesurfaceofthewater，andthendisappearedfromview。WhenIdivedforhim，thepoorlittlemanwaslyingquietlycoiledupatthebottom，inahollowofshingle，lookingbymanydegreessmallerthanIhadeverseenhimlookbefore。DuringthefewminutesthatelapsedwhileIwastakinghimin，theairrevivedhim，andheascendedthestepsofthemachinewithmyassistance。Withthepartialrecoveryofhisanimationcamethereturnofhiswonderfuldelusiononthesubjectofswimming。Assoonashischatteringteethwouldlethimspeak，hesmiledvacantly，andsaidhethoughtitmusthavebeentheCramp。
Whenhehadthoroughlyrecoveredhimself，andhadjoinedmeonthebeach，hiswarmSouthernnaturebrokethroughallartificialEnglishrestraintsinamoment。Heoverwhelmedmewiththewildestexpressionsofaffection——exclaimedpassionately，inhisexaggeratedItalianway，thathewouldholdhislifehenceforthatmydisposal——anddeclaredthatheshouldneverbehappyagainuntilhehadfoundanopportunityofprovinghisgratitudebyrenderingmesomeservicewhichImightremember，onmyside，totheendofmydays。
Ididmybesttostopthetorrentofhistearsandprotestationsbypersistingintreatingthewholeadventureasagoodsubjectforajoke；andsucceededatlast，asIimagined，inlesseningPesca’soverwhelmingsenseofobligationtome。LittledidIthinkthen——littledidIthinkafterwardswhenourpleasantholidayhaddrawntoanend——thattheopportunityofservingmeforwhichmygratefulcompanionsoardentlylongedwassoontocome；thathewaseagerlytoseizeitontheinstant；andthatbysodoinghewastoturnthewholecurrentofmyexistenceintoanewchannel，andtoaltermetomyselfalmostpastrecognition。
Yetsoitwas。IfIhadnotdivedforProfessorPescawhenhelayunderwateronhisshinglebed，Ishouldinallhumanprobabilityneverhavebeenconnectedwiththestorywhichthesepageswillrelate——Ishouldnever，perhaps，haveheardeventhenameofthewomanwhohaslivedinallmythoughts，whohaspossessedherselfofallmyenergies，whohasbecometheoneguidinginfluencethatnowdirectsthepurposeofmylife。
Pesca’sfaceandmanner，ontheeveningwhenweconfrontedeachotheratmymother’sgate，weremorethansufficienttoinformmethatsomethingextraordinaryhadhappened。Itwasquiteuseless，however，toaskhimforanimmediateexplanation。Icouldonlyconjecture，whilehewasdraggingmeinbybothhands，thatknowingmyhabitshehadcometothecottagetomakesureofmeetingmethatnight，andthathehadsomenewstotellofanunusuallyagreeablekind。
Webothbouncedintotheparlourinahighlyabruptandundignifiedmanner。Mymothersatbytheopenwindowlaughingandfanningherself。Pescawasoneofherespecialfavourites，andhiswildesteccentricitieswerealwayspardonableinhereyes。Poordearsoul！fromthefirstmomentwhenshefoundoutthatthelittleProfessorwasdeeplyandgratefullyattachedtoherson，sheopenedherhearttohimunreservedly，andtookallhispuzzlingforeignpeculiaritiesforgranted，withoutsomuchasattemptingtounderstandanyoneofthem。
MysisterSarah，withalltheadvantagesofyouth，was，strangelyenough，lesspliable。ShedidfulljusticetoPesca’sexcellentqualitiesofheart；butshecouldnotaccepthimimplicitly，asmymotheracceptedhimformysake。HerinsularnotionsofproprietyroseinperpetualrevoltagainstPesca’sconstitutionalcontemptforappearances；andshewasalwaysmoreorlessundisguisedlyastonishedathermother’sfamiliaritywiththeeccentriclittleforeigner。Ihaveobserved，notonlyinmysister’scase，butintheinstancesofothers，thatweoftheyounggenerationarenothinglikesoheartyandsoimpulsiveassomeofourelders。lconstantlyseeoldpeopleflushedandexcitedbytheprospectofsomeanticipatedpleasurewhichaltogetherfailstorufflethetranquillityoftheirserenegrandchildren。Arewe，Iwonder，quitesuchgenuineboysandgirlsnowasourseniorswereintheirtime？Hasthegreatadvanceineducationtakenrathertoolongastride；andarewe，inthesemoderndays，justtheleasttrifleintheworldtoowellbroughtup？
Withoutattemptingtoanswerthosequestionsdecisively，ImayatleastrecordthatIneversawmymotherandmysistertogetherinPesca’ssociety，withoutfindingmymothermuchtheyoungerwomanofthetwo。Onthisoccasion，forexample，whiletheoldladywaslaughingheartilyovertheboyishmannerinwhichwetumbledintotheparlour，Sarahwasperturbedlypickingupthebrokenpiecesofateacup，whichtheProfessorhadknockedoffthetableinhisprecipitateadvancetomeetmeatthedoor。
`Idon’tknowwhatwouldhavehappened，Walter，’saidmymother，`ifyouhaddelayedmuchlonger。Pescahasbeenhalfmadwithimpatience，andIhavebeenhalfmadwithcuriosity。TheProfessorhasbroughtsomewonderfulnewswithhim，inwhichhesaysyouareconcerned；andhehascruellyrefusedtogiveusthesmallesthintofittillhisfriendWalterappeared。’
’Veryprovoking:itspoilstheSet，’murmuredSarahtoherself，mournfullyabsorbedovertheruinsofthebrokencup。
Whilethesewordswerebeingspoken，Pesca，happilyandfussilyunconsciousoftheirreparablewrongwhichthecrockeryhadsufferedathishands，wasdraggingalargearmchairtotheoppositeendoftheroom，soastocommandusallthree，inthecharacterofapublicspeakeraddressinganaudience。Havingturnedthechairwithitsbacktowardsus，hejumpedintoitonhisknees，andexcitedlyaddressedhissmallcongregationofthreefromanimpromptupulpit。
`Now，mygooddears，’beganPescawhoalwayssaid`gooddears’whenhemeant`worthyfriends’，`listentome。Thetimehascome——Irecitemygoodnews——Ispeakatlast。’
`Hear，hear！’saidmymother，humouringthejoke。
`Thenextthinghewillbreak，mamma，’whisperedSarah，`willbethebackofthebestarmchair。’
`Igobackintomylife，andIaddressmyselftothenoblestofcreatedbeings，’continuedPesca，vehementlyapostrophisingmyunworthyselfoverthetoprailofthechair。`WhofoundmedeadatthebottomoftheseathroughCramp；andwhopulledmeuptothetop；andwhatdidIsaywhenIgotintomyownlifeandmyownclothesagain？’
`Muchmorethanwasatallnecessary，’Iansweredasdoggedlyaspossible；fortheleastencouragementinconnectionwiththissubjectinvariablyletloosetheProfessor’semotionsinafloodoftears。
`lsaid，’persistedPesca，`thatmylifebelongedtomydearfriend，Walter，fortherestofmydays——andsoitdoes。IsaidthatIshouldneverbehappyagaintillIhadfoundtheopportunityofdoingagoodSomethingforWalter——andIhaveneverbeencontentedwithmyselftillthismostblessedday。Now，’criedtheenthusiasticlittlemanatthetopofhisvoice，`theoverflowinghappinessburstsoutofmeateveryporeofmyskin，likeaperspiration；foronmyfaith，andsoul，andhonour，thesomethingisdoneatlast，andtheonlywordtosaynowis——Right-all-right！’
ItmaybenecessarytoexplainherethatPescapridedhimselfonbeingaperfectEnglishmaninhislanguage，aswellasinhisdress，manners，andamusements。Havingpickedupafewofourmostfamiliarcolloquialexpressions，hescatteredthemaboutoverhisconversationwhenevertheyhappenedtooccurtohim，turningthem，inhishighrelishfortheirsoundandhisgeneralignoranceoftheirsense，intocompoundwordsandrepetitionsofhisown，andalwaysrunningthemintoeachother，asiftheyconsistedofonelongsyllable。
`AmongthefineLondonHouseswhereIteachthelanguageofmynativecountry，’saidtheProfessor，rushingintohislong-deferredexplanationwithoutanotherwordofpreface，`thereisone，mightyfine，inthebigplacecalledPortland。Youallknowwherethatis？Yes，yes——course-of-course。Thefinehouse，mygooddears，hasgotinsideitafinefamily。AMamma，fairandfat；threeyoungMisses，fairandfat；twoyoungMisters，fairandfat；andaPapa，thefairestandthefattestofall，whoisamightymerchant，uptohiseyesingold——afinemanonce，butseeingthathehasgotanakedheadandtwochins，finenolongeratthepresenttime。Nowmind！IteachthesublimeDantetotheyoungMisses，andah！——my-soul-bless-my-soul！——itisnotinhumanlanguagetosayhowthesublimeDantepuzzledtheprettyheadsofallthree！Nomatter——allingoodtime——andthemorelessonsthebetterforme。Nowmind！ImaginetoyourselvesthatIamteachingtheyoungMissestoday，asusual。WeareallfourofusdowntogetherintheHellofDante。AttheSeventhCircle——butnomatterforthat:alltheCirclesarealiketothethreeyoungMisses，fairandfat，——attheSeventhCircle，nevertheless，mypupilsarestickingfast；andI，tosetthemgoingagain，recite，explain，andblowmyselfupred-hotwithuselessenthusiasm，when——acreakofbootsinthepassageoutside，andincomesthegoldenPapa，themightymerchantwiththenakedheadandthetwochins——Ha！mygooddears，Iamcloserthanyouthinkfortothebusiness，now。Haveyoubeenpatientsofar？orhaveyousaidtoyourselves，``Deuce-what-the-deuce！Pescaislong-windedtonight？’’’
Wedeclaredthatweweredeeplyinterested。TheProfessorwenton:
`Inhishand，thegoldenPapahasaletter；andafterhehasmadehisexcusefordisturbingusinourInfernalRegionwiththecommonmortalBusinessofthehouse，headdresseshimselftothethreeyoungMisses，andbegins，asyouEnglishbegineverythinginthisblessedworldthatyouhavetosay，withagreatO。``O，mydears，’’saysthemightymerchant，``Ihavegotherealetterfrommyfriend，Mr——’’thenamehasslippedoutofmymind；butnomatter；weshallcomebacktothat；yes，yes——right-all-right。SothePapasays，``Ihavegotaletterfrommyfriend，theMister；andhewantsarecommendfromme，ofadrawing-master，togodowntohishouseinthecountry。’’My-soul-bless-my-soul！whenIheardthegoldenPapasaythosewords，ifIhadbeenbigenoughtoreachuptohim，Ishouldhaveputmyarmsroundhisneck，andpressedhimtomybosominalongandgratefulhug！Asitwas，Ionlybounceduponmychair。Myseatwasonthorns，andmysoulwasonfiretospeak；butIheldmytongue，andletPapagoon。``Perhapsyouknow，’’saysthisgoodmanofmoney，twiddlinghisfriend’sletterthiswayandthat，inhisgoldenfingersandthumbs，``perhapsyouknow，mydears，ofadrawing-masterthatIcanrecommend？’’ThethreeyoungMissesalllookateachother，andthensaywiththeindispensablegreatOtobegin``O，dearno，Papa！ButhereisMrPesca——’’AtthementionofmyselfIcanholdnolonger——thethoughtofyou，mygooddears，mountslikebloodtomyhead——Istartfrommyseat，asifaspikehadgrownupfromthegroundthroughthebottomofmychair——Iaddressmyselftothemightymerchant，andIsayEnglishphrase，``Dearsir，Ihavetheman！Thefirstandforemostdrawing-masteroftheworld！Recommendhimbytheposttonight，andsendhimoff，bagandbaggageEnglishphraseagain——ha！，sendhimoff，bagandbaggage，bythetraintomorrow！’’``Stop，stop，’’saysPapa；``isheaforeigner，oranEnglishman？’’``Englishtotheboneofhishack，’’Ianswer。``Respectable？’’saysPapa。``Sir，’’Isayforthislastquestionofhisoutragesme，andIhavedonebeingfamiliarwithhim——``Sir！theimmortalfireofgeniusburnsinthisEnglishman’sbosom，and，whatismore，hisfatherhaditbeforehim！’’``Nevermind，’’saysthegoldenbarbarianofaPapa，``nevermindabouthisgenius，Mr。Pesca。Wedon’twantgeniusinthiscountry，unlessitisaccompaniedbyrespectability——andthenweareverygladtohaveit，verygladindeed。Canyourfriendproducetestimonials——lettersthatspeaktohischaracter？’’Iwavemyhandnegligently。``Letters？’’Isay。``Ha！my-soul-bless-my-soul！Ishouldthinkso，indeed！Volumesoflettersandportfoliosoftestimonials，ifyoulike！’’``Oneortwowilldo，’’saysthismanofphlegmandmoney。``Lethimsendthemtome，withhisnameandaddress。And——stop，stop，MrPesca——beforeyougotoyourfriend，youhadbettertakeanote。’’``Bank-note！’’Isay，indignantly。``Nobank-note，ifyouplease，tillmybraveEnglishmanhasearneditfirst。’’``Bank-note！’’saysPapa，inagreatsurprise，``whotalkedofbank-note？Imeananoteoftheterms——amemorandumofwhatheisexpectedtodo。Goonwithyourlesson，MrPesca，andIwillgiveyouthenecessaryextractfrommyfriend’sletter。’’Downsitsthemanofmerchandiseandmoneytohispen，ink，andpaper；anddownIgoonceagainintotheHellofDante，withmythreeyoungMissesafterme。Intenminutes’timethenoteiswritten，andthebootsofPapaarecreakingthemselvesawayinthepassageoutside。Fromthatmoment，onmyfaith，andsoul，andhonour，Iknownothingmore！ThegloriousthoughtthatIhavecaughtmyopportunityatlast，andthatmygratefulserviceformydearestfriendintheworldisasgoodasdonealready，fliesupintomyheadandmakesmedrunk。HowIpullmyyoungMissesandmyselfoutofourInfernalRegionagain，howmyotherbusinessisdoneafterwards，howmylittlebitofdinnerslidesitselfdownmythroat，Iknownomorethanamaninthemoon。Enoughforme，thathereIam，withthemightymerchant’snoteinmyhand，aslargeaslife，ashotasfire，andashappyasaking！Ha！ha！ha！right-right-right-all-right！’HeretheProfessorwavedthememorandumoftermsoverhishead，andendedhislongandvolublenarrativewithhisshrillItalianparodyonanEnglishcheer。
Mymotherrosethemomenthehaddone，withflushedcheeksandbrightenedeyes。Shecaughtthelittlemanwarmlybybothhands。
`Mydear，goodPesca，’shesaid，`IneverdoubtedyourtrueaffectionforWalter——butIammorethaneverpersuadedofitnow！’
`IamsureweareverymuchobligedtoProfessorPesca，forWalter’ssake，’addedSarah。Shehalfrose，whileshespoke，asiftoapproachthearmchair，inherturn；but，observingthatPescawasrapturouslykissingmymother’shands，lookedserious，andresumedherseat。`Ifthefamiliarlittlemantreatsmymotherinthatway，howwillhetreatme？’Facessometimestelltruth；andthatwasunquestionablythethoughtinSarah’smind，asshesatdownagain。
AlthoughImyselfwasgratefullysensibleofthekindnessofPesca’smotives，myspiritswerehardlysomuchelevatedastheyoughttohavebeenbytheprospectoffutureemploymentnowplacedbeforeme。WhentheProfessorhadquitedonewithmymother’shand，andwhenIhadwarmlythankedhimforhisinterferenceonmybehalf，Iaskedtobeallowedtolookatthenoteoftermswhichhisrespectablepatronhaddrawnupformyinspection。
Pescahandedmethepaper，withatriumphantflourishofthehand。
`Read！’saidthelittlemanmajestically。`Ipromiseyou，myfriend，thewritingofthegoldenPapaspeakswithatongueoftrumpetsforitself。’
Thenoteoftermswasplain，straightforward，andcomprehensive，atanyrate。Itinformedme，
First，ThatFrederickFairlie，Esquire，ofLimmeridgeHouse，Cumberland，wantedtoengagetheservicesofathoroughlycompetentdrawing-master，foraperiodoffourmonthscertain。
Secondly，Thatthedutieswhichthemasterwasexpectedtoperformwouldbeofatwofoldkind。Hewastosuperintendtheinstructionoftwoyoungladiesintheartofpaintinginwatercolours；andhewastodevotehisleisuretime，afterwards，tothebusinessofrepairingandmountingavaluablecollectionofdrawings，whichhadbeensufferedtofallintoaconditionoftotalneglect。
Thirdly，Thatthetermsofferedtothepersonwhoshouldundertakeandproperlyperformthesedutieswerefourguineasaweek；thathewastoresideatLimmeridgeHouse；andthathewastobetreatedthereonthefootingofagentleman。
Fourthly，andlastly，Thatnopersonneedthinkofapplyingforthissituationunlesshecouldfurnishthemostunexceptionablereferencestocharacterandabilities。ThereferencesweretobesenttoMrFairlie’sfriendinLondon，whowasempoweredtoconcludeallnecessaryarrangements。TheseinstructionswerefollowedbythenameandaddressofPesca’semployerinPortlandPlace——andtherethenote，ormemorandum，ended。
Theprospectwhichthisofferofanengagementheldoutwascertainlyanattractiveone。Theemploymentwaslikelytobebotheasyandagreeable；itwasproposedtomeattheautumntimeoftheyearwhenIwasleastoccupied；andtheterms，judgingbymypersonalexperienceinmyprofession，weresurprisinglyliberal。Iknewthis；IknewthatIoughttoconsidermyselfveryfortunateifIsucceededinsecuringtheofferedemployment——andyet，nosoonerhadIreadthememorandumthanIfeltaninexplicableunwillingnesswithinmetostirinthematter。IhadneverinthewholeofmypreviousexperiencefoundmydutyandmyinclinationsopainfullyandsounaccountablyatvarianceasIfoundthemnow。
`Oh，Walter，yourfatherneverhadsuchachanceasthis！’saidmymother，whenshehadreadthenoteoftermsandhadhandeditbacktome。
`Suchdistinguishedpeopletoknow，’remarkedSarah，straighteningherselfinthechair；`andonsuchgratifyingtermsofequalitytoo！’
`Yes，yes；theterms，ineverysense，aretemptingenough，’Irepliedimpatiently。`ButbeforeIsendinmytestimonials，Ishouldlikealittletimetoconsider——’
`Consider！’exclaimedmymother。`Why，Walter，whatisthematterwithyou？’
`Consider！’echoedmysister。`Whataveryextraordinarythingtosay，underthecircumstances！’
`Consider！’chimedintheProfessor。`Whatistheretoconsiderabout？Answermethis！Haveyounotbeencomplainingofyourhealth，andhaveyounotbeenlongingforwhatyoucallasmackofthecountrybreeze？Well！thereinyourhandisthepaperthatoffersyouperpetualchokingmouthfulsofcountrybreezeforfourmonths’time。Isitnotso？Ha！Again——youwantmoney。Well！Isfourgoldenguineasaweeknothing？My-soul-bless-my-soul！onlygiveittome——andmybootsshallcreaklikethegoldenPapa’s，withasenseoftheoverpoweringrichnessofthemanwhowalksinthem！Fourguineasaweek，and，morethanthat，thecharmingsocietyoftwoyoungmisses！and，morethanthat，yourbed，yourbreakfast，yourdinner，yourgorgingEnglishteasandlunchesanddrinksoffoamingbeer，allfornothing——why，Walter，mydeargoodfriend——deuce-what-the-deuce！——forthefirsttimeinmylifeIhavenoteyesenoughinmyheadtolook，andwonderatyou！’
Neithermymother’sevidentastonishmentatmybehaviour，norPesca’sfervidenumerationoftheadvantagesofferedtomebythenewemployment，hadanyeffectinshakingmyunreasonabledisinclinationtogotoLimmeridgeHouse。AfterstartingallthepettyobjectionsthatIcouldthinkoftogoingtoCumberland，andafterhearingthemanswered，oneafteranother，tomyowncompletediscomfiture，ItriedtosetupalastobstaclebyaskingwhatwastobecomeofmypupilsinLondonwhileIwasteachingMrFairlie’syoungladiestosketchfromnature。Theobviousanswertothiswas，thatthegreaterpartofthemwouldbeawayontheirautumntravels，andthatthefewwhoremainedathomemightbeconfidedtothecareofoneofmybrotherdrawing-masters，whosepupilsIhadoncetakenoffhishandsundersimilarcircumstances。Mysisterremindedmethatthisgentlemanhadexpresslyplacedhisservicesatmydisposal，duringthepresentseason，incaseIwishedtoleavetom；mymotherseriouslyappealedtomenottoletanidlecapricestandinthewayofmyowninterestsandmyownhealth；andPescapiteouslyentreatedthatIwouldnotwoundhimtotheheartbyrejectingthefirstgratefulofferofservicethathehadbeenabletomaketothefriendwhohadsavedhislife。
Theevidentsincerityandaffectionwhichinspiredtheseremonstranceswouldhaveinfluencedanymanwithanatomofgoodfeelinginhiscomposition。ThoughIcouldnotconquermyownunaccountableperversity，Ihadatleastvirtueenoughtobeheartilyashamedofit，andtoendthediscussionpleasantlybygivingway，andpromisingtodoallthatwaswantedofme。
TherestoftheeveningpassedmerrilyenoughinhumorousanticipationsofmycominglifewiththetwoyoungladiesinCumberland。Pesca，inspiredbyournationalgrog，whichappearedtogetintohishead，inthemostmarvellousmanner，fiveminutesafterithadgonedownhisthroat，assertedhisclaimstobeconsideredacompleteEnglishmanbymakingaseriesofspeechesinrapidsuccession，proposingmymother’shealth，mysister’shealth，myhealth，andthehealths，inmass，ofMrFairlieandthetwoyoungMisses，patheticallyreturningthankshimself，immediatelyafterwards，forthewholeparty。`Asecret，Walter，’saidmylittlefriendconfidentially，aswewalkedhometogether。`Iamflushedbytherecollectionofmyowneloquence。Mysoulburstsitselfwithambition。OneofthesedaysIgointoyournobleParliament。ItisthedreamofmywholelifetobeHonourablePesca，M。P。！’
ThenextmorningIsentmytestimonialstotheprofessor’semployerinPortlandPlace。Threedayspassed，andIconcluded，withsecretsatisfaction，thatmypapershadnotbeenfoundsufficientlyexplicit。Onthefourthday，however，ananswercame。ItannouncedthatMrFairlieacceptedmyservices，andrequestedmetostartforCumberlandimmediately。Allthenecessaryinstructionsformyjourneywerecarefullyandclearlyaddedinapostscript。
Imademyarrangements，unwillinglyenough，forleavingLondonearlythenextday。TowardseveningPescalookedin，onhiswaytoadinner-party，tobidmegood-bye。
`Ishalldrymytearsinyourabsence，’saidtheProfessorgaily，`withthisgloriousthought。Itismyauspicioushandthathasgiventhefirstpushtoyourfortuneintheworld。Go，myfriend！WhenyoursunshinesinCumberlandEnglishproverb，inthenameofheavenmakeyourhay。MarryoneofthetwoyoungMisses；becomeHonourableHartright，M。P。；andwhenyouareonthetopoftheladderrememberthatPesca，atthebottom，hasdoneitall！’
Itriedtolaughwithmylittlefriendoverhispartingjest，butmyspiritswerenottobecommanded。Somethingjarredinmealmostpainfullywhilehewasspeakinghislightfarewellwords。
WhenIwasleftaloneagainnothingremainedtobedonebuttowalktotheHampsteadcottageandbidmymotherandSarahgood-bye。
Theheathadbeenpainfullyoppressiveallday，anditwasnowacloseandsultrynight。
Mymotherandsisterhadspokensomanylastwords，andhadbeggedmetowaitanotherfiveminutessomanytimes，thatitwasnearlymidnightwhentheservantlockedthegarden-gatebehindme。IwalkedforwardafewpacesontheshortestwaybacktoLondon，thenstoppedandhesitated。
Themoonwasfullandbroadinthedarkbluestarlesssky，andthebrokengroundoftheheathlookedwildenoughinthemysteriouslighttobehundredsofmilesawayfromthegreatcitythatlaybeneathit。TheideaofdescendinganysoonerthanIcouldhelpintotheheatandgloomofLondonrepelledme。Theprospectofgoingtobedinmyairlesschambers，andtheprospectofgradualsuffocation，seemed，inmypresentrestlessframeofmindandbody，tobeoneandthesamething。IdeterminedtostrollhomeinthepurerairbythemostroundaboutwayIcouldtake；tofollowthewhitewindingpathsacrossthelonelyheath；andtoapproachLondonthroughitsmostopensuburbbystrikingintotheFinchleyRoad，andsogettingback，inthecoolofthenewmorning，bythewesternsideoftheRegent’sPark。
Iwoundmywaydownslowlyovertheheath，enjoyingthedivinestillnessofthescene，andadmiringthesoftalternationsoflightandshadeastheyfollowedeachotheroverthebrokengroundoneverysideofme。SolongasIwasproceedingthroughthisfistandprettiestpartofmynightwalkmymindremainedpassivelyopentotheimpressionsproducedbytheview；andIthoughtbutlittleonanysubject——indeed，sofarasmyownsensationswereconcerned，IcanhardlysaythatIthoughtatall。
ButwhenIhadlefttheheathandhadturnedintotheby-road，wheretherewaslesstosee，theideasnaturallyengenderedbytheapproachingchangeinmyhabitsandoccupationsgraduallydrewmoreandmoreofmyattentionexclusivelytothemselves。BythetimeIhadarrivedattheendoftheroadIhadbecomecompletelyabsorbedinmyownfancifulvisionsofLimmeridgeHouse，ofMrFairlie，andofthetwoladieswhosepracticeintheartofwater-colourpaintingIwassosoontosuperintend。
Ihadnowarrivedatthatparticularpointofmywalkwherefourroadsmet——theroadtoHampstead，alongwhichIhadreturned，theroadtoFinchley，theroadtoWestEnd，andtheroadbacktoLondon。Ihadmechanicallyturnedinthislatterdirection，andwasstrollingalongthelonelyhigh-road——idlywondering，Iremember，whattheCumberlandyoungladieswouldlooklike——when，inonemoment，everydropofbloodinmybodywasbroughttoastopbythetouchofahandlaidlightlyandsuddenlyonmyshoulderfrombehindme。
Iturnedontheinstant，withmyfingerstighteningroundthehandleofmystick。
There，inthemiddleofthebroad，brighthigh-road——there，asIfithadthatmomentsprungoutoftheearthordroppedfromtheheaven——stoodthefigureofasolitaryWoman，dressedfromheadtofootinwhitegarments，herfacebentingraveinquiryonmine，herhandpointingtothedarkcloudoverLondon，asIfacedher。
Iwasfartooseriouslystartledbythesuddennesswithwhichthisextraordinaryapparitionstoodbeforeme，inthedeadofnightandinthatlonelyplace，toaskwhatshewanted。Thestrangewomanspokefirst。
`IsthattheroadtoLondon？’shesaid。
Ilookedattentivelyather，assheputthatsingularquestiontome。Itwasthennearlyoneo’clock。AllIcoulddiscerndistinctlybythemoonlightwasacolourless，youthfulface，meagreandsharptolookataboutthecheeksandchin；large，grave，wistfullyattentiveeyes；nervous，uncertainlips；andlighthairofapale，brownish-yellowhue。Therewasnothingwild，nothingimmodestinhermanner:itwasquietandself-controlled，alittlemelancholyandalittletouchedbysuspicion；notexactlythemannerofalady，and，atthesametime，notthemannerofawomaninthehumblestrankoflife。Thevoice，littleasIhadyetheardofit，hadsomethingcuriouslystillandmechanicalinitstones，andtheutterancewasremarkablyrapid。Sheheldasmallbaginherhand:andherdress——bonnet，shawl，andgownallofwhite——was，sofarasIcouldguess，certainlynotcomposedofverydelicateorveryexpensivematerials。Herfigurewasslight，andratherabovetheaverageheight——hergaitandactionsfreefromtheslightestapproachtoextravagance。ThiswasallthatIcouldobserveofherinthedimlightandundertheperplexinglystrangecircumstancesofourmeeting。Whatsortofawomanshewas，andhowshecametobeoutaloneinthehigh-road，anhouraftermidnight，Ialtogetherfailedtoguess。TheonethingofwhichIfeltcertainwas，thatthegrossestofmankindcouldnothavemisconstruedhermotiveinspeaking，evenatthatsuspiciouslylatehourandinthatsuspiciouslylonelyplace。
`Didyouhearme？’shesaid，stillquietlyandrapidly，andwithouttheleastfretfulnessorimpatience。`IaskedifthatwasthewaytoLondon。’
`Yes，’Ireplied，`thatistheway:itleadstoStJohn’sWoodandtheRegent’sPark。Youmustexcusemynotansweringyoubefore。Iwasratherstartledbyyoursuddenappearanceintheroad；andIam，evennow，quiteunabletoaccountforit。’
`Youdon’tsuspectmeofdoinganythingwrong，doyou？Ihavedonenothingwrong。Ihavemetwithanaccident——Iamveryunfortunateinbeingherealonesolate。Whydoyoususpectmeofdoingwrong？’
Shespokewithunnecessaryearnestnessandagitation，andshrankbackfrommeseveralplaces。Ididmybesttoreassureher。
`Praydon’tsupposethatIhaveanyideaofsuspectingyou，’Isaid，`oranyotherwishthantobeofassistancetoyou，ifIcan。Ionlywonderedatyourappearanceintheroad，becauseitseemedtometobeemptytheinstantbeforeIsawyou。’
Sheturned，andpointedbacktoaplaceatthejunctionoftheroadtoLondonandtheroadtoHampstead，wheretherewasagapinthehedge。
`Iheardyoucoming，’shesaid，`andhidtheretoseewhatsortofmanyouwere，beforeIriskedspeaking。Idoubtedandfearedaboutittillyoupassed；andthenIwasobligedtostealafteryou，andtouchyou。’
Stealaftermeandtouchme？Whynotcalltome？Strange，tosaytheleastofit
`MayItrustyou？’sheasked。`Youdon’tthinktheworseofmebecauseIhavemetwithanaccident？’Shestoppedinconfusion；shiftedherbagfromonehandtotheother；andsighedbitterly。
Thelonelinessandhelplessnessofthewomantouchedme。Thenaturalimpulsetoassistherandtosparehergotthebetterofthejudgment，thecaution，theworldlytact，whichanolder，wiser，andcoldermanmighthavesummonedtohelphiminthisstrangeemergency。
`Youmaytrustmeforanyharmlesspurposes，’Isaid。`Ifittroublesyoutoexplainyourstrangesituationtome，don’tthinkofreturningtothesubjectagain。Ihavenorighttoaskyouforanyexplanations。TellmehowIcanhelpyou；andifIcan，Iwill。’
`Youareverykind，andIamvery，verythankfulltohavemetyou。’ThefirsttouchofwomanlytendernessthatIhadheardfromhertrembledinhervoiceasshesaidthewords:butnotearsglistenedinthoselarge，wistfullyattentiveeyesofhers，whichwerestillfixedonme，`IhaveonlybeeninLondononcebefore，’shewenton，moreandmorerapidly，`andIknownothingaboutthatsideofit，yonder。CanISetafly，oracarriageofanykind？Isittoolate？Idon’tknow。Ifyoucouldshowmewheretogetafly——andifyouwillonlypromisenottointerferewithme，andtoletmeleaveyou，whenandhowIplease——IhaveafriendinLondonwhowillbegladtoreceiveme——Iwantnothingelse——willyoupromise？’
Shelookedanxiouslyupanddowntheroad；shiftedherbagagainfromonehandtotheother；repeatedthewords，`Willyoupromise？’andlookedhardinmyface，withapleadingfearandconfusionthatittroubledmetosee。
WhatcouldIdo？Herewasastrangerutterlyandhelplesslyatmymercy——andthatstrangeraforlornwoman。Nohousewasnear；noonewaspassingwhomIcouldconsult；andnoearthlyrightexistedonmyparttogivemeapowerofcontroloverher，evenifIhadknownhowtoexerciseit。Itracetheselines，self-distrustfully，withtheshadowsofaftereventsdarkeningtheverypaperIwriteon；andstillIsay，whatcouldIdo？
WhatIdiddo，wastotryandgaintimebyquestioningher。
`AreyousurethatyourfriendinLondonwillreceiveyouatsuchalatehourasthis？’Isaid。
`Quitesure。OnlysayyouwillletmeleaveyouwhenandhowIplease——onlysayyouwon’tinterferewithme。Willyoupromise？’
Assherepeatedthewordsforthethirdtime，shecarneclosetomeandlaidherhand，withasuddengentlestealthiness，onmybosom——athinhand；acoldhandwhenIremoveditwithmineevenonthatsultrynight。RememberthatIwasyoung；rememberthatthehandwhichtouchedmewasawoman’s。
`Willyoupromise？’
`Yes。’
Oneword！Thelittlefamiliarwordthatisoneverybody’slips，everyhourintheday。Ohme！andItremble，now，whenIwriteit。
WesetourfacestowardsLondon，andwalkedontogetherinthefirststillhourofthenewday——I，andthiswoman，whosename，whosecharacter，whosestory，whoseobjectsinlife，whoseverypresencebymyside，atthatmoment，werefathomlessmysteriestome。Itwaslikeadream。WasIWalterHartright？Wasthisthewell-known，uneventfulroad，whereholidaypeoplestrolledonSundays？HadIreallyleft，littlemorethananhoursince，thequiet，decent，conventionallydomesticatmosphereofmymother’scottage？Iwastoobewildered——tooconsciousalsoofavaguesenseofsomethinglikeself-reproach——tospeaktomystrangecompanionforsomeminutes。Itwashervoiceagainthatfirstbrokethesilencebetweenus。
`Iwanttoaskyousomething，’shesaidsuddenly。`DoyouknowmanypeopleinLondon？’
`Yes，agreatmany。’
`Manymenofrankandtitle？’Therewasanunmistakabletoneofsuspicioninthestrangequestion。Ihesitatedaboutansweringit。
`Some，’Isaid，afteramoment’ssilence。
`Many’——shecametoafullstop，andlookedmesearchinglyintheface——`manymenoftherankofBaronet？’
Toomuchastonishedtoreply，Iquestionedherinmyturn。
`Whydoyouask？’
`BecauseIhope，formyownsake，thereisoneBaronetthatyoudon’tknow。’
`Willyoutellmehisname？’
`Ican’t——Idaren’t——IforgetmyselfwhenImentionit。’Shespokeloudlyandalmostfiercely，raisedherclenchedhandintheair，andshookitpassionately；then，onasudden，controlledherselfagain，andadded，intonesloweredtoawhisper，`Tellmewhichofthemyouknow。’
Icouldhardlyrefusetohumourherinsuchatrifle，andImentionedthreenames。Two，thenamesoffathersoffamilieswhosedaughtersItaught；one，thenameofabachelorwhohadoncetakenmeacruiseinhisyacht，tomakesketchesforhim。
`Ah！youdon’tknowhim，’shesaid，withasighofrelief。`Areyouamanofrankandtitleyourself？’
`Farfromit。Iamonlyadrawing-master。’
Asthereplypassedmylips——alittlebitterly，perhaps——shetookmyarmwiththeabruptnesswhichcharacterisedallheractions。
`Notamanofrankandtitle，’sherepeatedtoherself。`ThankGod！Imaytrusthim。’
Ihadhithertocontrivedtomastermycuriosityoutofconsiderationformycompanion；butitgotthebetterofmenow。
`Iamafraidyouhaveseriousreasontocomplainofsomemanofrankandtitle？’Isaid。`Iamafraidthebaronet，whosenameyouareunwillingtomentiontome，hasdoneyousomegrievouswrong？Ishethecauseofyourbeingouthereatthisstrangetimeofnight？’
`Don’taskme:don’tmakemetalkofit，’sheanswered。`I’mnotfitnow。Ihavebeencruellyusedandcruellywronged。Youwillbekinderthanever，ifyouwillwalkonfast，andnotspeaktome。Isadlywanttoquietmyself，ifIcan。’
Wemovedforwardagainataquickpace；andforhalfanhour，atleast，notawordpassedoneitherside。Fromtimetotime，beingforbiddentomakeanymoreinquiries，Istolealookatherface。Itwasalwaysthesame；thelipscloseshut，thebrowfrowning，theeyeslookingstraightforward，eagerlyandyetabsently。Wehadreachedthefirsthouses，andwerecloseonthenewWesleyancollege，beforehersetfeaturesrelaxed，andshespokeoncemore。
`DoyouliveinLondon？’shesaid。
`Yes。’AsIanswered，itstruckmethatshemighthaveformedsomeintentionofappealingtomeforassistanceoradvice，andthatIoughttospareherapossibledisappointmentbywarmingherofmyapproachingabsencefromhome。SoIadded，`ButtomorrowIshallbeawayfromLondonforsometime。Iamgoingintothecountry。’
`Where？’sheasked。`Northorsouth？’
`North——toCumberland。’
`Cumberland！’sherepeatedthewordtenderly。`Ah！IwishIwasgoingtheretoo。IwasoncehappyinCumberland。’
Itriedagaintolifttheveilthathungbetweenthiswomanandme。
`Perhapsyouwereborn，’Isaid，`inthebeautifulLakecountry。’
`No，’sheanswered。`IwasborninHampshire；butIoncewenttoschoolforalittlewhileinCumberland。Lakes？Idon’trememberanylakes。It’sLimmeridgevillage，andLimmeridgeHouse，Ishouldliketoseeagain。’
Itwasmyturnnowtostopsuddenly。Intheexcitedstateofmycuriosity，atthatmoment，thechancereferencetoMrFairlie’splaceofresidence，onthelipsofmystrangecompanion，staggeredmewithastonishment。
`Didyouhearanybodycallingafterus？’sheasked，lookingupanddowntheroadaffrightedly，theinstantIstopped。
`No，no。IwasonlystruckbythenameofLimmeridgeHouse。IhearditmentionedbysomeCumberlandpeopleafewdayssince。’
`Ah！notmypeople。MrsFairlieisdead；andherhusbandisdead；andtheirlittlegirlmaybemarriedandgoneawaybythistime。Ican’tsaywholivesatLimmeridgenow。Ifanymoreareleftthereofthatname，IonlyknowIlovethemforMrsFairlie’ssake。’
Sheseemedabouttosaymore；butwhileshewasspeaking，wecamewithinviewoftheturnpike，atthetopoftheAvenueRoad。Herhandtightenedroundmyarm，andshelookedanxiouslyatthegatebeforeus。
`Istheturnpikemanlookingout？’sheasked。
Hewasnotlookingout；nooneelsewasneartheplacewhenwepassedthroughthegate。Thesightofthegas-lampsandhousesseemedtoagitateher，andtomakeherimpatient。
`ThisisLondon，’shesaid。`DoyouseeanycarriageIcanget？Iamtiredandfrightened。Iwanttoshutmyselfinandbedrivenaway。’
Iexplainedtoherthatwemustwalkalittlefurthertogettoacab-stand，unlesswewerefortunateenoughtomeetwithanemptyvehicle；andthentriedtoresumethesubjectofCumberland。Itwasuseless。Thatideaofshuttingherselfin，andbeingdrivenaway，hadnowgotfullpossessionofhermind。Shecouldthinkandtalkofnothingelse。
WehadhardlyproceededathirdofthewaydowntheAvenueRoadwhenIsawacabdrawupatahouseafewdoorsbelowus，ontheoppositesideoftheway。Agentlemangotoutandlethimselfinatthegardendoor。Ihailedthecab，asthedrivermountedtheboxagain。Whenwecrossedtheroad，mycompanion’simpatienceincreasedtosuchanextentthatshealmostforcedmetorun。
`It’ssolate，’shesaid。`Iamonlyinahurrybecauseit’ssolate。’
`Ican’ttakeyou，sir，ifyou’renotgoingtowardsTottenhamCourtRoad，’saidthedrivercivilly，whenIopenedthecabdoor。`Myhorseisdeadbeat，andIcan’tgethimnofurtherthanthestable。’
`Yes，yes。Thatwilldoforme。I’mgoingthatway——I’mgoingthatway。’Shespokewithbreathlesseagerness，andpressedbymeintothecab。
IhadassuredmyselfthatthemanwassoberaswellascivilbeforeIletherenterthevehicle。Andnow，whenshewasseatedinside，Ientreatedhertoletmeseehersetdownsafelyatherdestination。
`No，no，no，’shesaidvehemently。`I’mquitesafe，andquitehappynow。Ifyouareagentleman，rememberyourpromise。LethimdriveontillIstophim。Thankyou——oh！thankyou，thankyou！’
Myhandwasonthecabdoor。Shecaughtitinhers，kissedit，andpusheditaway。Thecabdroveoffatthesamemoment——Istartedintotheroad，withsomevagueideaofstoppingitagain，Ihardlyknewwhy——hesitatedfromdreadoffrighteninganddistressingher——called，atlast，butnotloudlyenoughtoattractthedriver’sattention。Thesoundofthewheelsgrewfainterinthedistance——thecabmeltedintotheblackshadowsontheroad——thewomaninwhitewasgone。
Tenminutesormorehadpassed。Iwasstillonthesamesideoftheway；nowmechanicallywalkingforwardafewpaces；nowstoppingagainabsently。AtonemomentIfoundmyselfdoubtingtherealityofmyownadventure；atanotherIwasperplexedanddistressedbyanuneasysenseofhavingdonewrong，whichyetleftmeconfusedlyignorantofhowIcouldhavedoneright。IhardlyknewwhereIwasgoing，orwhatImeanttodonext；Iwasconsciousofnothingbuttheconfusionofmyownthoughts，whenIwasabruptlyrecalledtomyself——awakened，Imightalmostsay——bythesoundofrapidlyapproachingwheelsclosebehindme。
Iwasonthedarksideoftheroad，inthethickshadowofsomegardentrees，whenIstoppedtolookround。Ontheoppositeandlightersideoftheway，ashortdistancebelowme，apolicemanwasstrollingalonginthedirectionoftheRegent’sPark。
Thecarriagepassedme——anopenchaisedrivenbytwomen。
`Stop！’criedone。`There’sapoliceman。Let’saskhim-’
Thehorsewasinstantlypulledup，afewyardsbeyondthedarkplacewhereIstood。
`Policeman！’criedthefirstspeaker。`Haveyouseenawomanpassthisway？’
`Whatsortofwoman，sir？’
`Awomaninalavender-colouredgown——’
`No，no，’interposedthesecondman。`Theclotheswegaveherwerefoundonherbed。Shemusthavegoneawayintheclothessheworewhenshecametous。Inwhite，policeman。Awomaninwhite。’
`Ihaven’tseenher，sir。’
`Ifyouoranyofyourmenmeetwiththewoman，stopher，andsendherincarefulkeepingtothataddress。I’llpayallexpenses，andafairrewardintothebargain。’
Thepolicemanlookedatthecardthatwashandeddowntohim。
`Whyarewetostopher，sir？Whathasshedone？’
`Done！ShehasescapedfrommyAsylum。Don’tforget；awomaninwhite。Driveon。’
`ShehasescapedfrommyAsylum！’
Icannotsaywithtruththattheterribleinferencewhichthesewordssuggestedflasheduponmelikeanewrevelation。Someofthestrangequestionsputtomebythewomaninwhite，aftermyill-consideredpromisetoleaveherfreetoactasshepleased，hadsuggestedtheconclusioneitherthatshewasnaturallyflightyandunsettled，orthatsomerecentshockofterrorhaddisturbedthebalanceofherfaculties。ButtheideaofabsoluteinsanitywhichweallassociatewiththeverynameofanAsylum，had，Icanhonestlydeclare，neveroccurredtome，inconnectionwithher。Ihadseennothing，inherlanguageorheractions，tojustifyitatthetime；andevenwiththenewlightthrownonherbythewordswhichthestrangerhadaddressedtothepoliceman，Icouldseenothingtojustifyitnow。
WhathadIdone？Assistedthevictimofthemosthorribleofallfalseimprisonmentstoescape；orcastlooseonthewideworldofLondonanunfortunatecreature，whoseactionsitwasmyduty，andeveryman’sduty，mercifullytocontrol？Iturnedsickatheartwhenthequestionoccurredtome，andwhenIfeltself-reproachfullythatitwasaskedtoolate。
Inthedisturbedstateofmymind，itwasuselesstothinkofgoingtobed，whenIatlastgotbacktomychambersinClement’sInn。BeforemanyhourselapseditwouldbenecessarytostartonmyjourneytoCumberland。Isatdownandtried，firsttosketch，thentoread——butthewomaninwhitegotbetweenmeandmypencil，betweenmeandmybook。Hadtheforlorncreaturecometoanyharm？Thatwasmyfirstthought，thoughIshrankselfishlyfromconfrontingit。Otherthoughtsfollowed，onwhichitwaslessharrowingtodwell。Wherehadshestoppedthecab？Whathadbecomeofhernow？Hadshebeentracedandcapturedbythemeninthechaise？Orwasshestillcapableofcontrollingherownactions；andwerewetwofollowingourwidelypartedroadstowardsonepointinthemysteriousfuture，atwhichweweretomeetoncemore？
Itwasareliefwhenthehourcametolockmydoor，tohidfarewelltoLondonpursuits，Londonpupils，andLondonfriends，andtobeinmovementagaintowardsnewinterestsandanewlife。Eventhehustleandconfusionattherailwayterminus，sowearisomeandbewilderingatothertimes，rousedmeanddidmegood。
MytravellinginstructionsdirectedmetogotoCarlisle，andthentodivergebyabranchrailwaywhichraninthedirectionofthecoast。Asamisfortunetobeginwith，ourenginebrokedownbetweenLancasterandCarlisle。Thedelayoccasionedbythisaccidentcausedmetobetoolateforthebranchtrain，bywhichIwastohavegoneonimmediately。Ihadtowaitsomehours；andwhenalatertrainfinallydepositedmeattheneareststationtoLimmeridgeHouse，itwaspastten，andthenightwassodarkthatIcouldhardlyseemywaytothepony-chaisewhichMrFairliehadorderedtobeinwaitingforme。
Thedriverwasevidentlydiscomposedbythelatenessofmyarrival。HewasinthatstateofhighlyrespectfulsulkinesswhichispeculiartoEnglishservants。Wedroveawayslowlythroughthedarknessinperfectsilence-Theroadswerehad，andthedenseobscurityofthenightincreasedthedifficultyofgettingoverthegroundquickly。Itwas，bymywatch，nearlyanhourandahalffromthetimeofourleavingthestationbeforeIheardthesoundoftheseainthedistance，andthecrunchofourwheelsonasmoothgraveldrive。Wehadpassedonegatebeforeenteringthedrive，andwepassedanotherbeforewedrewupatthehouse。Iwasreceivedbyasolemnman-servantoutoflivery，wasinformedthatthefamilyhadretiredforthenight，andwasthenledintoalargeandloftyroomwheremysupperwasawaitingme，inaforlornmanner，atoneextremityofalonesomemahoganywildernessofdining-table。
Iwastootiredandoutofspiritstoeatordrinkmuch，especiallywiththesolemnservantwaitingonmeaselaboratelyasifasmalldinnerpartyhadarrivedatthehouseinsteadofasolitaryman。InaquarterofanhourIwasreadytobetakenuptomybedchamber。Thesolemnservantconductedmeintoaprettilyfurnishedroom——said，`Breakfastatnineo’clock，sir’——lookedallroundhimtoseethateverythingwasinitsproperplace，andnoiselesslywithdrew。
`WhatshallIseeinmydreamstonight？’Ithoughttomyself，asIputoutthecandle；`thewomaninwhite？ortheunknowninhabitantsofthisCumberlandmansion？’Itwasastrangesensationtobesleepinginthehouse，likeafriendofthefamily，andyetnottoknowoneoftheinmates，evenbysight！
WhenIrosethenextmorninganddrewupmyblind，theseaopenedbeforemejoyouslyunderthebroadAugustsunlight，andthedistantcoastofScotlandfringedthehorizonwithitslinesofmeltingblue。
Theviewwassuchasurprise，andsuchachangetome，aftermywearyLondonexperienceofbrickandmortarlandscape，thatIseemedtoburstintoanewlifeandanewsetofthoughtsthemomentIlookedatit。Aconfusedsensationofhavingsuddenlylostmyfamiliaritywiththepast，withoutacquiringanyadditionalclearnessofideainreferencetothepresentorthefuture，tookpossessionofmymind。Circumstancesthatwerebutafewdaysoldfadedbackinmymemory，asiftheyhadhappenedmonthsandmonthssince。Pesca’squaintannouncementofthemeansbywhichhehadprocuredmemypresentemployment；thefarewelleveningIhadpassedwithmymotherandsister；evenmymysteriousadventureonthewayhomefromHampstead——hadallbecomelikeeventswhichmighthaveoccurredatsomeformerepochofmyexistence。Althoughthewomaninwhitewasstillinmymind，theimageofherseemedtohavegrowndullandfaintalready。
Alittlebeforenineo’clock，Idescendedtotheground-floorofthehouse。Thesolemnman-servantofthenightbeforemetmewanderingamongthepassages，andcompassionatelyshowedmethewaytothebreakfast-room。
Myfirstglanceroundme，asthemanopenedthedoor，disclosedawell-furnishedbreakfast-table，standinginthemiddleofalongroom，withmanywindowsinit。Ilookedfromthetabletothewindowfarthestfromme，andsawaladystandingatit，withherbackturnedtowardsme。Theinstantmyeyesrestedonher，Iwasstruckbytherarebeautyofherform，andbytheunaffectedgraceofherattitude。Herfigurewastall，yetnottootall；comelyandwell-developed，yetnotfat；herheadsetonhershoulderswithaneasy，pliantfirmness；herwaist，perfectionintheeyesofaman，foritoccupieditsnaturalplace，itfilledoutitsnaturalcircle，itwasvisiblyanddelightfullyundeformedbystays。Shehadnotheardmyentranceintotheroom；andIallowedmyselftheluxuryofadmiringherforafewmoments，beforeImovedoneofthechairsnearme，astheleastembarrassingmeansofattractingherattention。Sheturnedtowardsmeimmediately。Theeasyeleganceofeverymovementofherlimbsandbodyassoonasshebegantoadvancefromthefarendoftheroom，setmeinaflutterofexpectationtoseeherfaceclearly。Sheleftthewindow——andIsaidtomyself，Theladyisdark。Shemovedforwardafewsteps——andIsaidtomyself，Theladyisyoung。Sheapproachednearer——andIsaidtomyselfwithasenseofsurprisewhichwordsfailmetoexpress，Theladyisugly！
Neverwastheoldconventionalmaxim，thatNaturecannoterr，moreflatlycontradicted——neverwasthefairpromiseofalovelyfiguremorestrangelyandstartlinglybeliedbythefaceandheadthatcrownedit。Thelady’scomplexionwasalmostswarthy，andthedarkdownonherupperlipwasalmostamoustache。Shehadalarge，firm，masculinemouthandjaw；prominent，piercing，resolutebrowneyes；andthick，coal-blackhair，growingunusuallylowdownonherforehead。Herexpression——brightfrank，andintelligent——appeared，whileshewassilent，tobealtogetherwantinginthosefeminineattractionsofgentlenessandpliability，withoutwhichthebeautyofthehandsomestwomanaliveisbeautyincomplete。Toseesuchafaceasthissetonshouldersthatasculptorwouldhavelongedtomodel——tobecharmedbythemodestgracesofactionthroughwhichthesymmetricallimbsbetrayedtheirbeautywhentheymoved，andthentobealmostrepelledbythemasculineformandmasculinelookofthefeaturesinwhichtheperfectlyshapedfigureended——wastofeelasensationoddlyakintothehelplessdiscomfortfamiliartousallinsleep，whenwerecogniseyetcannotreconciletheanomaliesandcontradictionsofadream。
`MrHartright？’saidtheladyinterrogatively，herdarkfacelightingupwithasmile，andsofteningandgrowingwomanlythemomentshebegantospeak。`Weresignedallhopeofyoulastnight，andwenttobedasusual。Acceptmyapologiesforourapparentwantofattention；andallowmetointroducemyselfasoneofyourpupils。Shallweshakehands？Isupposewemustcometoitsoonerorlater——andwhynotsooner？’
Theseoddwordsofwelcomewerespokeninaclear，ringing，pleasantvoice。Theofferedhand——ratherlarge，butbeautifullyformed——wasgiventomewiththeeasy，unaffectedself-relianceofahighly-bredwoman。Wesatdowntogetheratthebreakfast-tableinascordialandcustomaryamannerasifwehadknowneachotherforyears，andhadmetatLimmeridgeHousetotalkoveroldtimesbypreviousappointment。
`Ihopeyoucomeheregood-humouredlydeterminedtomakethehistofyourposition，’continuedthelady。`Youwillhavetobeginthismorningbyputtingupwithnoothercompanyatbreakfastthanmine。Mysisterisinherownroom，nursingthatessentiallyfemininemalady，aslightheadache；andheroldgoverness，MrsVesey，ischaritablyattendingonherwithrestorativetea。Myuncle，MrFairlie，neverjoinsusatanyofourmeals:heisaninvalid，andkeepsbachelorstateinhisownapartments。Thereisnobodyelseinthehousebutme。Twoyoungladieshavebeenstayinghere，buttheywentawayyesterday，indespair；andnowonder。AllthroughtheirvisitinconsequenceofMrfairlie’sinvalidconditionweproducednosuchconvenienceinthehouseasaflirtable，danceable，small-talkablecreatureofthemalesex；andtheconsequencewas，wedidnothingbutquarrel，especiallyatdinner-time。Howcanyouexpectfourwomentodinetogetheraloneeveryday，andnotquarrel？Wearesuchfools，wecan’tentertaineachotherattable。YouseeIdon’tthinkmuchofmyownsex，MrHartright——whichwillyouhave，teaorcoffee？——nowomandoesthinkmuchofherownsex，althoughfewofthemconfessitasfreelyasIdo。Dearme，youlookpuzzled。Why？Areyouwonderingwhatyouwillhaveforbreakfast？orareyousurprisedatmycarelesswayoftalking？lnthefirstcase，Iadviseyou，asafriend，tohavenothingtodowiththatcoldhamatyourelbow，andtowaittilltheomelettecomesin。Inthesecondcase，Iwillgiveyousometeatocomposeyourspirits，anddoallawomancanwhichisverylittle，by-the-byetoholdmytongue。’
Shehandedmemycupoftea，laughinggaily。Herlightflowoftalk，andherlivelyfamiliarityofmannerwithatotalstranger，wereaccompaniedbyanunaffectednaturalnessandaneasyinbornconfidenceinherselfandherposition，whichwouldhavesecuredhertherespectofthemostaudaciousmanbreathing。Whileitwasimpossibletobeformalandreservedinhercompany，itwasmorethanimpossibletotakethefaintestvestigeofalibertywithher，eveninthought。Ifeltthisinstinctively，evenwhileIcaughttheinfectionofherownbrightgaietyofspirits——evenwhileIdidmybesttoanswerherinherownfrank，livelyway。
`Yes，yes，’shesaid，whenIhadsuggestedtheonlyexplanationIcouldoffer，toaccountformyperplexedlooks，`Iunderstand。Youaresuchaperfectstrangerinthehouse，thatyouarepuzzledbymyfamiliarreferencestotheworthyinhabitants。Naturalenough:Ioughttohavethoughtofitbefore。Atanyrate，Icansetitrightnow。SupposeIbeginwithmyself，soastogetdonewiththatpartofthesubjectassoonaspossible？MynameisMarianHalcombe；andIamasinaccurateaswomenusuallyare，incallingMrfairliemyuncle，andMissFairliemysister。Mymotherwastwicemarried:thefirsttimetoMrHalcombe，myfather；thesecondtimetoMrFairlie，myhalf-sister’sfather。Exceptthatwearebothorphans，weareineveryrespectasunlikeeachotheraspossible。Myfatherwasapoorman，andMissFairlie’sfatherwasarichman。Ihavegotnothing，andshehasafortune。Iamdarkandugly，andsheisfairandpretty。Everybodythinksmecrabbedandoddwithperfectjustice；andeverybodythinkshersweet-temperedandcharmingwithmorejusticestill。Inshort，sheisanangel；andIam——Trysomeofthatmarmalade，MrHartright，andfinishthesentence，inthenameoffemalepropriety，foryourself。WhatamItotellyouaboutMrFairlie？Uponmyhonour，Ihardlyknow。Heissuretosendforyouafterbreakfast，andyoucanstudyhimforyourself。Inthemeantime，Imayinformyou，first，thatheisthelateMrFairlie’syoungerbrother；secondly，thatheisasingleman；andthirdly，thatheisMissFairlie’sguardian。Iwon’tlivewithouther，andshecan’tlivewithoutme；andthatishowIcometobeatLimmeridgeHouse。MysisterandIarehonestlyfondofeachother；which，youwillsay，isperfectlyunaccountable，underthecircumstances，andIquiteagreewithyou——butsoitis。Youmustpleasebothofus，MrHartright，orpleaseneitherofus:and，whatisstillmoretrying，youwillbethrownentirelyuponoursociety。MrsVeseyisanexcellentperson，whopossessesallthecardinalvirtues，andcountsfornothing；andMrFairlieistoogreataninvalidtobeacompanionforanybody。Idon’tknowwhatisthematterwithhim，andthedoctorsdon’tknowwhatisthematterwithhim，andhedoesn’tknowhimselfwhatisthematterwithhim。Weallsayit’sonthenerves，andwenoneofusknowwhatwemeanwhenwesayit。However，Iadviseyoutohumourhislittlepeculiarities，whenyouseehimtoday。Admirehiscollectionofcoins，prints，andwater-colourdrawings，andyouwillwinhisheart。Uponmyword，ifyoucanbecontentedwithaquietcountrylife，Idon’tseewhyyoushouldnotgetonverywellhere。frombreakfasttolunch，Mrfairlie’sdrawingswilloccupyyou。Afterlunch，MissFairlieandIshoulderoursketch-books，andgoouttomisrepresentNature，underyourdirections。Drawingisherfavouritewhim，mind，notmine。Womencan’tdraw——theirmindsaretooflighty，andtheireyesaretooinattentive。Nomatter——mysisterlikesit；soIwastepaintandspoilTaper，forhersake，ascomposedlyasanywomaninEngland。Asfortheevenings，Ithinkwecanhelpyouthroughthem。MissFairlieplaysdelightfully。Formyownpoorpart，Idon’tknowonenoteofmusicfromtheother；butIcanmatchyouatchess，backgammon，écarté，andwiththeinevitablefemaledrawbacksevenatbilliardsaswell。Whatdoyouthinkoftheprogramme？Canyoureconcileyourselftoourquiet，regularlife？ordoyoumeantoberestless，andsecretlythirstforchangeandadventure，inthehumdrumatmosphereofLimmeridgeHouse？’
Shehadrunonthusfar，inhergracefullybanteringway，withnootherinterruptionsonmypartthantheunimportantreplieswhichpolitenessrequiredofme。Theturnoftheexpression，however，inherlastquestion，orrathertheonechanceword，`adventure，’lightlyasitfellfromherlips，recalledmythoughtstomymeetingwiththewomaninwhite，andurgedmetodiscovertheconnectionwhichthestranger’sownreferencetoMrsFairlieinformedmemustoncehaveexistedbetweenthenamelessfugitivefromtheAsylum，andtheformermistressofLunmeridgeHouse。
`EvenifIwerethemostrestlessofmankind，’Isaid，`Ishouldbeinnodangerofthirstingafteradventuresforsometimetocome。TheverynightbeforeIarrivedatthishouse，Imetwithanadventure；andthewonderandexcitementofit，Icanassureyou，MissHalcombe，willlastmeforthewholetermofmystayinCumberland，ifnotforamuchlongerperiod。’
`Youdon’tsayso，MrHartright！MayIhearit？’
`Youhaveaclaimtohearit。Thechiefpersonintheadventurewasatotalstrangertome，andmayperhapsbeatotalstrangertoyou；butshecertainlymentionedthenameofthelateMrsFairlieintermsofthesincerestgratitudeandregard。’
`Mentionedmymother’sname！Youinterestmeindescribably。Praygoon。’
IatoncerelatedthecircumstancesunderwhichIhadmetthewomaninwhite，exactlyastheyhadoccurred；andIrepeatedwhatshehadsaidtomeaboutMrsFairlieandLimmeridgeHouse，wordforword。
MissHalcombe’sbrightresoluteeyeslookedeagerlyintomine，fromthebeginningofthenarrativetotheend。Herfaceexpressedvividinterestandastonishment，butnothingmore。ShewasevidentlyasfarfromknowingofanycluetothemysteryasIwasmyself。
`Areyouquitesureofthosewordsreferringtomymother？’sheasked。
`Quitesure，’Ireplied。`Whoevershemaybe，thewomanwasonceatschoolinthevillageofLimmeridge，wastreatedwithespecialkindnessbyMrsFairlie，and，ingratefulremembranceofthatkindness，feelsanaffectionateinterestinallsurvivingmembersofthefamily。SheknewthatMrsFairlieandherhusbandwerebothdead；andshespokeofMissFairlieasiftheyhadknowneachotherwhentheywerechildren。’
`Yousaid，Ithink，thatshedeniedbelongingtothisplace？’
`Yes，shetoldmeshecamefromHampshire。’
`Andyouentirelyfailedtofindouthername？’
`Entirely。’
`Verystrange。Ithinkyouwerequitejustified，MrHartright，ingivingthepoorcreatureherliberty，forsheseemstohavedonenothinginyourpresencetoshowherselfunfittoenjoyit。ButIwishyouhadbeenalittlemoreresoluteaboutfindingouthername。Wemustreallyclearupthismystery，insomeway。YouhadbetternotspeakofityettoMrFairlie，ortomysister。Theyarebothofthem，Iamcertain，quiteasignorantofwhothewomanis，andofwhatherpasthistoryinconnectionwithuscanbe，asIammyself。Buttheyarealso，inwidelydifferentways，rathernervousandsensitive；andyouwouldonlyfidgetoneandalarmtheothertonopurpose。Asformyself，Iamallaflamewithcuriosity，andIdevotemywholeenergiestothebusinessofdiscoveryfromthismoment。Whenmymothercamehere，afterhersecondmarriage，shecertainlyestablishedthevillageschooljustasitexistsatthepresenttime。Buttheoldteachersarealldead，orgoneelsewhere:andnoenlightenmentistobehopedforfromthatquarter。TheonlyotheralternativeIcanthinkof——’
Atthispointwewereinterruptedbytheentranceoftheservant，withamessagefromMrFairlie，intimatingthathewouldbegladtoseeme，assoonasIhaddonebreakfast。
`Waitinthehall，’saidMissHalcombe，answeringtheservantforme，inherquick，readyway。`MrHartrightwillcomeoutdirectly。Iwasabouttosay，’shewenton，addressingmeagain，`thatmysisterandIhavealargecollectionofmymother’sletters，addressedtomyfatherandtohers。Intheabsenceofanyothermeansofgettinginformation，Iwillpassthemorninginlookingovermymother’scorrespondencewithMrFairlie。HewasfondofLondon，andwasconstantlyawayfromhiscountryhome；andshewasaccustomed，atsuchtimes，towriteandreporttohimhowthingswentonatLimmeridge。Herlettersarefullofreferencestotheschoolinwhichshetooksostronganinterest；andIthinkitmorethanlikelythatImayhavediscoveredsomethingwhenwemeetagain。Theluncheonhouristwo，MrHartright。Ishallhavethepleasureofintroducingyoutomysisterbythattime，andwewilloccupytheafternoonindrivingroundtheneighbourhoodandshowingyouallourpetpointsofview。Tilltwoo’clock，then，farewell。’
Shenoddedtomewiththelivelygrace，thedelightfulrefinementoffamiliarity，whichcharacterisedallthatShedidandallthatshesaid；anddisappearedbyadooratthelowerendoftheroom。Assoonasshehadleftme，Iturnedmystepstowardsthehall，andfollowedtheservant，onmyway，forthefirsttime，tothepresenceofMrFairlie。