"Everyright。Itistheonlymarkofesteem，worthanything，Icanshowyou。"
　　Shehandedhimtheletter，andburiedherownfaceinherhands。
　　Hereadit，andactedthedeepestemotion。
　　Hehandeditback，withoutaword。
　　CHAPTERXXVIII。
　　FromthistimeFalconwasalwayswelcomeatKentVilla。Hefascinatedeverybodyinthehouse。HerenewedhisacquaintancewithMr。Lusignan，andgotaskedtostayaweekinthehouse。HeshowedRosaandherfatherthediamonds，and，thetruthmustbeowned，theymadeRosa'seyessparkleforthefirsttimethiseighteenmonths。Heinsinuatedratherthandeclaredhisenormouswealth。
　　Inreplytotheoldman'seagerquestions，asthelargediamondslayglitteringonthetable，andpointedeveryword，hesaidthatafewofhisHottentotshadfoundtheseforhim；hehadmadethemdigonadiamondiferouspartofhisestate，justbywayoftestingthematter；andthiswastheresult；this，andamuchlargerstone，forwhichhehadreceivedeightthousandpoundsfromPosno。
　　"IfIwasayoungman，"saidLusignan，"Iwouldgooutdirectly，anddigonyourestate。"
　　"Iwouldnotletyoudoanythingsopaltry，"said"leMenteur。"
　　"Why，mydearsir，therearenofortunestobemadebygrubbingfordiamonds；thefortunesaremadeoutofthediamonds，butnotinthatway。Now，Ihavethirtythousandacres，andamjustconcludingabargainforthirtythousandmore，onwhichIhappentoknowtherearediamondsinaslycorner。Well，ofmythirtythousandtriedacres，ahundredonlyarediamondiferous。ButI
　　havefourthousandthirty-footclaimsleasedattenshillingspermonth。Countthatup。"
　　"Why，itistwenty-fourthousandpoundsayear。"
　　"Excuseme:youmustdeductathousandayearfortheexpensesofcollection。Butthisisonlyonephaseofthebusiness。Ihavealargeinnuponeachofthethreegreatroutesfromthediamondstothecoast；andtheseinnsaresuppliedwiththeproduceofmyownfarms。Marktheeffectofthediamondsonproperty。Mysixtythousandacres，whicharenotdiamondiferous，willverysoonbeworthasmuchassixtythousandEnglishacres，saytwopoundstheacreperannum。Thatisunderthemark，becauseinAfricathelandisnotburdenedwithpoor-rates，tithes，andalltheotheriniquitiesthatcrushtheEnglishland-owner，asIknowtomycost。
　　Butthatisnotall，sir。Wouldyoubelieveit?evenafterthediamondsweredeclared，thepeopleouttherehadsolittleforesightthattheyallowedmetobuylandallroundPortElizabeth，Natal，andCapeTown，thethreeportsthroughwhichtheworldgetatthediamonds，andthediamondsgetattheworld。I
　　havegotagirdleoflandroundthosethreeoutlets，boughtbytheacre；intwoyearsIshallsellitbytheyard。Believeme，sir，Englishfortunes，eventhelargest，aremerechild'splay，comparedwiththecolossalwealthamancanaccumulate，ifhelooksbeyondthesegreatdiscoveriestotheirconsequences，andletsothersgrubforhim。Butwhatistheuseofitalltome?"saidthisBohemian，withasigh。"Ihavenotasteforluxuries；noloveofdisplay。I
　　havenotevencharitytodispenseonalargescale；fortherearenodeservingpooroutthere；andthepovertythatspringsfromvice，thatIneverwillencourage。"
　　Johnheardnearlyallthis，andtookitintothekitchen；andhenceforthAdorationwastheonlywordforthisprinceofmen，thisrarecombinationoftheAdonisandthemillionnaire。
　　HeseldomheldsuchdiscoursesbeforeRosa；buttalkedherfatherintoanimpressionofhisboundlesswealth，andhalfreconciledhimtoRosa'srefusalofLordTadcaster，sinceherewasanoldsuitor，who，doubtless，withalittleencouragement，wouldsooncomeonagain。
　　Underthisimpression，Mr。LusignangaveFalconmorethanalittleencouragement，and，asRosadidnotresist，hebecameaconstantvisitoratthevilla，andwasalwaystherefromSaturdaytoMonday。
　　Heexertedallhisartofpleasing，andhesucceeded。HewaswelcometoRosa，andshemadenosecretofit。
　　Emilythrewherselfinhisway，andhadmanyaslytalkwithhim，whilehewaspretendingtobeengagedwithyoungChristie。Heflatteredher，andmadehersweetonhim，butwastoomuchinlovewithRosa，afterhisfashion，toflirtseriouslywithher。Hethoughthemightwantherservices:soheworkeduponherafterthisfashion；askedherifshewouldliketokeepaninn。
　　"Wouldn'tIjust?"saidshefrankly。
　　Thenhetoldherthat，ifallwenttohiswishinEngland，sheshouldbelandladyofoneofhisinnsintheCapeColony。"Andyouwillgetagoodhusbandouttheredirectly，"saidhe。"Beautyisaveryuncommonthinginthoseparts。ButIshallaskyoutomarrysomebodywhocanhelpyouinthebusiness——ornottomarryatall。"
　　"IwishIhadtheinn，"saidEmily。"Husbandsaresoongotwhenagirlhasn'therfaceonlytolookto。"
　　"Well，Ipromiseyoutheinn，"saidhe，"andagoodoutfitofclothes，andmoneyinbothpockets，ifyouwilldomeagoodturnhereinEngland。"
　　"ThatIwould，sir。But，laws，whatcanapoorgirllikemedoforarichgentlemanlikeyou?"
　　"Canyoukeepasecret，Emily?"
　　"Nobodybetter。Youtryme，sir。"
　　Helookedatherwell；sawshewasoneofthosewhocouldkeepasecret，ifshechose，andheresolvedtoriskit。
　　"Emily，mygirl，"saidhesadly，"Iamanunhappyman。"
　　"You，sir!Why，youdidn'toughttobe。"
　　"Iamthen。Iaminlove；andcannotwinher。"
　　Thenhetoldthegirlaprettytendertale，thathehadlovedMrs。
　　StaineswhenshewasMissLusignan，hadthoughthimselfbelovedinturn，butwasrejected；andnow，thoughshewasawidow，hehadnotthecouragetocourther，herheartwasinthegrave。Hespokeinsuchabrokenvoicethatthegirl'sgood-naturefoughtagainstherlittlepiqueatfindinghowlittlehewassmittenwithHER，andFalconsoonfoundmeanstoarrayhercupidityonthesideofhergood-nature。Hegaveherafive-poundnotetobuygloves，andpromisedherafortune，andsheundertooktobesecretasthegrave，andsaycertainthingsadroitlytoMrs。Staines。
　　Accordingly，thisyoungwomanomittednoopportunityofdroppingawordinfavorofFalcon。Foronething，shesaidtoMrs。Staines，"Mr。Falconmustbeveryfondofchildren，ma'am。Why，heworshipsMasterChristie。"
　　"Indeed!Ihavenotobservedthat。"
　　"Why，no，ma'am。Heisrathershyoverit；butwhenheseesusalone，heissuretocometous，andsay，'Letmelookatmychild，nurse；'andhedoseemfittoeathim。Onsthesaystome，'Thisboyismyheir，nurse。'Whatdidhemeanbythat，ma'am?"
　　"Idon'tknow。"
　　"Isheanykintoyou，ma'am?"
　　"Nonewhatever。Youmusthavemisunderstoodhim。Youshouldnotrepeatallthatpeoplesay。"
　　"No，ma'am；onlyIdidthinkitsoodd。Poorgentleman，Idon'tthinkheishappy，forallhismoney。"
　　"Heistoogoodtobeunhappyallhislife。"
　　"SoIthink，ma'am。"
　　Theseconversationswerealwaysshort，forRosa，thoughshewastookindandgentletosnubthegirl，wasalsotoodelicatetogivetheleastencouragementtohergossip。
　　ButRosa'swasamindthatcouldbeworkedupon，andtheseshortbutrepeatedeulogieswerenotaltogetherwithouteffect。
　　AtlasttheinsidiousFalcon，bynotmakinghisapproachesinawaytoalarmher，acquiredherfriendshipaswellashergratitude；
　　and，inshort，shegotusedtohimandlikedhim。Notbeingboundbyanylimitoffactwhatever，heentertainedher，andtookheroutofherselfalittlebyextemporaneouspictures；hetoldherallhisthrillingadventuresbyfloodandfield，notoneofwhichhadeveroccurred，yethemadethemallsoundliketruth；heinventedstrangecharacters，andsetthemtalking；hewentaftergreatwhales，andharpoonedone，whichslappedhisboatintofragmentswithonestrokeofitstail；thendied，andhehungonbytheharpoonprotrudingfromthecarcasstillashipcameandpickedhimup。HeshotalionthatwascarryingoffhisfavoriteHottentot。
　　Heencounteredanother，woundedhimwithbothbarrels，wasseized，anddraggedalongtheground，andgavehimselfupforlost，butkeptfiringhisrevolverdownthemonster'sthroattillatlasthesickenedhim，andsoescapedoutofdeath'smaw；hedidNOTsayhowhehadfiredintheair，andriddenfourteenmilesonend，atthebaresightofalion'scub；but，tocompensatethatonereserve，plungedintoaragingtorrentandsavedadrowningwomanbyherlonghair，whichhecaughtinhisteeth；herodearaceonanostrichagainstafriendonazebra，whichwentfaster，butthrewhisrider，andscreamedwithrageatnotbeingabletoeathim；he，Falcon，havingdeclinedtorununlesshisfriend'szebrawasmuzzled。Hefedthehungry，clothedthenaked，andshotawildelephantintheeye；andallthisheenlivenedwithpictorialdescriptionsofnomeanbeauty，andaslikeSouthAfricaasifithadbeenfeuGeorgeRobinsadvertisingthatcontinentforsale。
　　Inshort，neverwasthereamorevolubleandinterestingliarbywordofmouth，andneverwasthereamoreagreeablecreatureinterposedbetweenabereavedwidowandherdailygriefandregrets。Hedivertedhermindfromherself，anddidhergood。
　　Atlast，suchwasthecharmofinfinitelying，shemissedhimonthedayshedidnotcome，andwasbrighterwhenhedidcomeandlie。
　　Thingswentsmoothly，andsopleasantly，thathewouldgladlyhaveprolongedthisformofcourtshipforamonthortwolonger，soonerthanriskaprematuredeclaration。Butmorethanonecausedrovehimtoaboldercourse；hispassion，whichincreasedinviolencebycontactwithitsbeautifulobject，andalsoagreatuneasinesshefeltatnothearingfromPhoebe。Thissilencewasominous。Heandshekneweachother，andwhattheotherwascapableof。Heknewshewasthewomantocrosstheseasafterhim，ifStainesleftthediggings，andanyexplanationtookplacethatmightpointtohiswhereabouts。
　　Thesedoublecausesprecipitatedmatters，andatlasthebegantothrowmoredevotionintohismanner；andhavingsopreparedherforafewdays，hetookhisopportunityandsaid，oneday，"Wearebothunhappy。Givemetherighttoconsoleyou。"
　　Shecoloredhigh，andsaid，"Youhaveconsoledmemorethanalltheworld。Butthereisalimit；alwayswillbe。"
　　Onelessadroitwouldhavebroughthertothepoint；butthisartistonlysighed，andletthearrowrankle。Bythismeansheout-fencedher；fornowshehadlistenedtoadeclarationandnotstoppeditshort。
　　Heplayedmelancholyforadayortwo，andthenhetriedheranotherway。Hesaid，"Ipromisedyourdyinghusbandtobeyourprotector，andafathertohischild。Iseebutonewaytokeepmyword，andthatgivesmecouragetospeak——withoutthatInevercould。Rosa，Ilovedyouyearsago，Iamunmarriedforyoursake。
　　Letmebeyourhusband，andafathertoyourchild。"
　　Rosashookherhead。"ICOULDnotmarryagain。Iesteemyou，Iamverygratefultoyou:andIknowIbehavedilltoyoubefore。IfI
　　couldmarryagain，itwouldbeyou。ButIcannot。Oh，never!never!"
　　"Thenwebotharetobeunhappyallourdays。"
　　"Ishall，asIoughttobe。Youwillnot，Ihope。Ishallmissyousadly；but，forallthat，Iadviseyoutoleaveme。Youwillcarrymyeverlastinggratitude，gowhereyouwill；thatandmyesteemareallIhavetogive。"
　　"Iwillgo，"saidhe；"andIhopehewhoisgonewillforgivemywantofcourage。"
　　"Hewhoisgonetookmypromisenevertomarryagain。"
　　"Dyingmenseeclearer。Iamsurehewished——nomatter；itistoodelicate。"Hekissedherhandandwentout，apictureofdejection。
　　Mrs。Stainesshedatearforhim。
　　Nothingwasheardofhimforseveraldays；andRosapitiedhimmoreandmore，andfeltacertaindiscontentwithherself，anddoubtwhethershehaddoneright。
　　Matterswereinthisstate，whenonemorningEmilycamescreaminginfromthegarden，"Thechild!——MasterChristie!——Whereishe?——
　　Whereishe?"
　　Thehousewasalarmed。Thegardensearched，theadjoiningpaddock。
　　Thechildwasgone。
　　Emilywasexamined，andowned，withmanysobsandhystericalcries，thatshehadputhimdowninthesummer-houseforaminute，whileshewenttoaskthegardenerforsomebalm，balmteabeingafavoritedrinkofhers。"ButtherewasnobodynearthatIsaw，"
　　shesobbed。
　　Furtherinquiryproved，however，thatatallgypsywomanhadbeenseenprowlingaboutthatmorning；andsuspicioninstantlyfastenedonher。Servantsweresentoutrightandleft；butnothingdiscovered；andtheagonizedmother，terrifiedoutofherwits，hadFalcontelegraphedtoimmediately。
　　Hecamegallopingdownthatveryevening，andheardthestory。HegallopedintoGravesend，andafterseeingthepolice，sentwordoutheshouldadvertise。HeplacardedGravesendwithbills，offeringarewardofathousandpounds，thechildtobebroughttohim，andnoquestionsasked。
　　Meantimethepoliceandmanyoftheneighboringgentrycameaboutthemiserablemotherwiththeirvagueideas。
　　DowncomesFalconagainnextday；tellswhathehasdone，andtreatsthemallwithcontempt。"Don'tyoubeafraid，Mrs。
　　Staines，"saidhe。"Youwillgethimback。Ihavetakenthesureway。Thissortofroguesdarenotgonearthepolice，andthepolicecan'tfindthem。Youhavenoenemies；itisonlysomewomanthathasfanciedabeautifulchild。Well，shecanhavethembythescore，forathousandpounds。"
　　Hewastheonlyonewitharealidea；thewomansawit，andclungtohim。Heleftlateatnight。
　　Nextmorningoutcametheadvertisements，andhesentherahandfulbyspecialmessenger。Hiszealandactivitykeptherbereavedheartfromutterdespair。
　　Ateleventhatnightcameatelegraph:——
　　"Ihavegothim。Comingdownbyspecialtrain。"
　　Thenwhataburstofjoyandgratitude!Theverywallsofthehouseseemedtoringwithitasaharpringswithmusic。Aspecialtrain，too!hewouldnotletthemotheryearnallnight。
　　Atoneinthemorninghedroveupwiththechildandahirednurse。
　　Imaginethescene!Themother'sscreamsofjoy，herfuriouskisses，hercooing，hertears，andallthemiraclesofnatureatsuchatime。Theservantsallmingledwiththeiremployersinthegeneralrapture，andEmily，whowaspaleasdeath，criedandsobbed，andsaid，"Oh，ma'am，I'llneverlethimoutofmysightagain，no，notforoneminute。"Falconmadeherasignal，andwentout。Shemethiminthegarden。
　　Shewasmuchagitated，andcried，"Oh，youdidwelltobringhimto-day。Icouldnothavekeptitanotherhour。I'mawretch。"
　　"Youareagoodkindgirl；andhere'sthefiftypoundsIpromisedyou。"
　　"Well，andIhaveearnedit。"
　　"Ofcourseyouhave。Meetmeinthegardento-morrowmorning，andI'llshowyouyouhavedoneakindthingtoyourmistress，aswellasme。Andasforthefiftypounds，thatisNOTHING；doyouhear?
　　itisnothingatall，comparedwithwhatIwilldoforyou，ifyouwillbetruetome，andholdyourtongue。"
　　"Oh!asforthat，mytongueshan'tbetrayyou，norshameME。Youareagentleman，andIdothinkyouloveher，orIwouldnothelpyou。"
　　Soshesalvedhernursemaid'sconscience——withthehelpofthefiftypounds。
　　Themotherwaslefttoherrapturethatnight。InthemorningFalcontoldhistale。
　　"AttwoP。M。amanhadcalledonhim，andhadproducedoneofhisadvertisements，andhadaskedhimifthatwasallsquare——nobobbiesonthelurk。'Allsquare，myfinefellow。''Well，'saidhe，'Isupposeyouareagentleman。''Iamofthatopiniontoo。'
　　'Well，sir，'sayshe，'IknowapartyashasFOUNDayounggentascomeswerrynighyouradvertisement。''Itwillbeaveryluckyfindtothatparty，'Isaid，'ifheisonthesquare。''Oh，WEarealwaysonthesquare，whenthebluntisputdown。''Thebluntforthechild，whenyoulike，andwhereyoulike，'saidI。'Youaretherightsort，'saidhe。'Iam，'repliedI。'Willyoucomeandseeifitisallright?'saidhe。'Inaminute，'saidI。Steppedintomybedroom，andloadedmysix-shooter。"
　　"Whatisthat?"saidLusignan。
　　"Arevolverwithsixbarrels:bytheby，theverysameIkilledthelionwith。Ugh!Ineverthinkofthatscenewithoutfeelingalittlequiver；andmynervesareprettygood，too。Well，hetookmeintoanawfulpartofthetown，downafilthyclose，intosomeboozingken——Ibegpardon，somethieves'public-house。"
　　"Oh，mydearfriend，"saidRosa，"wereyounotfrightened?"
　　"ShallItellyouthetruth，orplaythehero?IthinkI'lltellYOUthetruth。Ifeltalittlefrightened，lesttheyshouldgetmymoneyandmylife，withoutmygettingmygodson:thatiswhatI
　　callhimnow。Well，twouglydogscamein，andsaid，'Letusseetheflimsies，beforeyouseethekid。'
　　"'Thatisrathersharppractice，Ithink，'saidI；'however，here'stheswag，andhere'sthewatch-dog。'SoIputdownthenotes，andmyhandoverthemwithmyrevolvercocked，andreadytofire。"
　　"Yes，yes，"saidRosapantingly。"Ah，youwereamatchforthem。"
　　"Well，Mrs。Staines，ifIwaswritingyouanovel，IsupposeI
　　shouldtellyoutheroguesrecoiled；butthetruthistheyonlylaughed，andwerequitepleased。'Swell'sinearnest，'saidone，'Jem，showthekid。'Jemwhistled，andincameagreattallblackgypsywoman，withthedarling。Myheartwasinmymouth，butI
　　wouldnotletthemseeit。Isaid，'Itisallright。Takehalfthenoteshere，andhalfatthedoor。'Theyagreed，andthenIdiditquick，walkedtothedoor，tookthechild，gavethemtheoddnotes，andmadeoffasfastasIcould，hiredanurseatthehospital——andtherestyouknow。"
　　"Papa，"saidRosa，withenthusiasm，"thereisbutonemaninEnglandwhowouldhavegotmebackmychild，andthisishe。"
　　Whentheywerealone，Falcontoldhershehadsaidwordsthatgladdenedhisveryheart。"YouadmitIcancarryoutonehalfofhiswishes?"saidhe。
　　Mrs。Stainessaid"Yes，"thencoloredhigh；then，toturnitoff，said，"ButIcannotallowyoutolosethatlargesumofmoney。Youmustletmerepayyou。"
　　"Largesumofmoney!"saidhe。"Itisnomoretomethansixpencetomostpeople。Idon'tknowwhattodowithmymoney；andInevershallknow，unlessyouwillmakeasacrificeofyourownfeelingstothewishesofthedead。OMrs。Staines——Rosa，doprayconsiderthatamanofthatwisdomseesthefuture，andgiveswiseadvice。
　　SureamIthat，ifyoucouldovercomeyournaturalrepugnancetoasecondmarriage，itwouldbethebestthingforyourlittleboy——I
　　lovehimalreadyasifheweremyown——andintimewouldbringyoupeaceandcomfort，andsomeday，yearshence，evenhappiness。Youaremyonlylove；yetIshouldneverhavecometoyouagainifHE
　　hadnotsentme。Doconsiderhowstrangeitallis，andwhatitpointsto，anddon'tletmehavethemiseryoflosingyouagain，whenyoucandonobetternow，alas!thanrewardmyfidelity。"
　　Shewasmuchmovedatthisartfulappeal，andsaid，"IfIwassureIwasobeyinghiswill。ButhowcanIfeelthat，whenwebothpromisednevertowedagain?"
　　"Aman'sdyingwordsaremoresacredthananyother。Youhavehisletter。"
　　"Yes，buthedoesnotsay'marryagain。'"
　　"Thatiswhathemeant，though。"
　　"Howcanyousaythat?Howcanyouknow?"
　　"BecauseIputthewordshesaidtometogetherwiththatshortlinetoyou。Mind，Idon'tsaythathedidnotexaggeratemypoormerits；onthecontrary，Ithinkhedid。ButIdeclaretoyouthathedidhopeIshouldtakecareofyouandyourchild。Rightorwrong，itwashiswish，sopraydonotdeceiveyourselfonthatpoint。"
　　Thismademoreimpressiononherthananythingelsehecouldsay，andshesaid，"Ipromiseyouonething，Iwillnevermarryanymanbutyou。"
　　Insteadofpressingherfurther，asaninferiorartistwould，hebrokeintoraptures，kissedherhandtenderly，andwasinsuchhighspirits，andsovolubleallday，thatshesmiledsweetlyonhim，andthoughttoherself，"Poorsoul!howhappyIcouldmakehimwithaword!"
　　Ashewasalwayswatchingherface——apracticehecarriedfurtherthananypersonliving——hedivinedthatsentiment，andwroughtuponitso，thatatlasthetormentedherintosayingshewouldmarryhimSOMEDAY。
　　Whenhehadbroughthertothat，heragedinwardlytothinkhehadnottwoyearstoworkin；foritwasevidentshewouldmarryhimintime。Butno，ithadtakenhimmorethanfourmonths，closesiege，tobringhertothat。NowordfromPhoebe。Anominousdreadhungoverhisownsoul。Hiswifewouldbeuponhim，or，worsestill，herbrotherDick，whoheknewwouldbeathimtoamummyonthespot；or，worstofall，thehusbandofRosaStaines，whowouldkillhim，orflinghimintoaprison。HeMUSTmakeapush。
　　Inthisemergencyheusedhisally，Mr。Lusignan；hetoldhimMrs。
　　Staineshadpromisedtomarryhim，butatsomedistantdate。Thiswouldnotdo；hemustlookafterhisenormousinterestsinthecolony，andhewassomuchinlovehecouldnotleaveher。
　　TheoldgentlemanwasdesperatelyfondofFalcon，andbentonthematch，andheactuallyconsentedtogivehisdaughterwhatFalconcalledalittlepush。
　　Thelittlepushwasaverygreatone，Ithink。
　　ItconsistedindirectingtheclergymantocallinchurchthebannsofmarriagebetweenReginaldFalconandRosaStaines。
　　Theywerebothinchurchtogetherwhenthiswasdone。Rosaallbutscreamed，andthenturnedredasfireandwhiteasaghost，byturns。Sheneverstoodupagainalltheservice；andingoinghomerefusedFalcon'sarm，andwalkedswiftlyhomebyherself。Notthatshehadtheslightestintentionofpassingthismonstrousthingbyinsilence。Onthecontrary，herwrathwasboilingover，andsohotthatsheknewsheshouldmakeasceneinthestreetifshesaidawordthere。
　　OnceinsidethehousesheturnedonFalcon，withawhitecheekandaflashingeye，andsaid，"Followme，sir，ifyouplease。"Sheledthewaytoherfather'sstudy。"Papa，"saidshe，"Ithrowmyselfonyourprotection。Mr。Falconhasaffrontedme。"
　　"Oh，Rosa!"criedFalcon，affectingutterdismay。
　　"Publicly——publicly:hehashadthebannsofmarriagecriedinthechurch，withoutmypermission。"
　　"Don'traiseyourvoicesoloud，child。Allthehousewillhearyou。"
　　"Ichooseallthehousetohearme。Iwillnotendureit。Iwillnevermarryyounow——never!"
　　"Rosa，mychild，"saidLusignan，"youneednotscoldpoorFalcon，forIamtheculprit。ItwasIwhoorderedthebannstobecried。"
　　"Oh!papa，youhadnorighttodosuchathingasthat。"
　　"IthinkIhad。Iexercisedparentalauthorityforonce，andforyourgood，andforthegoodofatrueandfaithfulloverofyours，whomyoujiltedonce，andnowyoutriflewithhisaffectionandhisinterests。Helovesyoutoowelltoleaveyou；yetyouknowhisvastestatesandinterestsrequiresupervision。"
　　"Thatforhisvastestates!"saidRosacontemptuously。"Iamnottobedriventothealtarlikethis，whenmyheartisinthegrave。
　　Don'tyoudoitagain，papa，orI'llgetupandforbidthebanns；
　　affrontforaffront。"
　　"Ishouldliketoseethat，"saidtheoldgentlemandryly。
　　Rosavouchsafednoreply，butsweptoutoftheroom，withburningcheeksandglitteringeyes，andwasnotseenallday，wouldnotdinewiththem，inspiteofthreehumble，deprecatingnotesFalconsenther。
　　"Letthespitefulcatalone，"saidoldLusignan。"YouandIwilldinetogetherinpeaceandquiet。"
　　Itwasadulldinner；butFalcontookadvantageoftheopportunity，impregnatedthefatherwithhisviews，andgothimtopromisetohavethebannscriednextSunday。Heconsented。
　　RosalearnednextSundaymorningthatthiswastobedone，andhercouragefailedher。Shedidnotgotochurchatall。
　　Shecriedagreatdeal，andsubmittedtoviolence，asyourtruewomenaretooapttodo。Theyhadcompromisedher，andsoconqueredher。Thepermanentfeelingsofgratitudeandesteemcausedareactionafterherpassion，andshegaveupopenresistanceashopeless。
　　Falconrenewedhisvisits，andwasreceivedwiththemeresullenlanguorofawomanwhohasgivenin。
　　Thebannswerecriedathirdtime。
　　ThenthepatientRosaboughtlaudanumenoughtoreunitehertoherChristopher，inspiteofthemall；andhavingprovidedherselfwiththisresource，becamemorecheerful，andevenkindandcaressing。
　　Shedeclinedtonamethedayatpresent，andthatwasawkward。
　　Neverthelesstheconspiratorsfeltsuretheyshouldtireheroutintodoingthat，beforelong；fortheysawtheirwayclear，andshewasperplexedintheextreme。
　　Inherperplexity，sheusedtotalktoacertainbeautifulstarshecalledherChristopher。Shelovedtofancyhewasnowaninhabitantofthatbrightstar；andoftenonaclearnightshewouldlookup，andbegforguidancefromthisstar。ThisI
　　considerfoolish:butthenIamoldandsceptical；shewasstillyoungandinnocent，andsorelypuzzledtoknowherhusband'srealwill。
　　Idon'tsupposethestarhadanythingtodowithit，exceptasafocusofherthoughts；butonefinenight，afteralonginspectionofChristopher'sstar，shedreamedadream。Shethoughtthatalovelywedding-dresshungoverachair，thatacrownofdiamondsaslargeasalmondssparkledreadyforheronthedressing-table，andshewasundoingherblackgown，andabouttotakeitoff，whensuddenlythediamondsbegantopale，andthewhitesatindresstomeltaway，andinitsplacethereroseapalefaceandalongbeard，andChristopherStainesstoodbeforeher，andsaidquietly，"Isthishowyoukeepyourvow?"Thenhesankslowly，andthewhitedresswasblack，andthediamondswerejet；andsheawoke，withhisgentlewordsofremonstranceandhisverytonesringinginherear。
　　Thisdream，co-operatingwithherpreviousagitationandmisgivings，shookherverymuch；shedidnotcomedown-stairstillneardinner-time；andbothherfatherandFalcon，whocameasamatterofcoursetospendhisSunday，werestruckwithherappearance。Shewaspale，gloomy，morose，andhadanairofdesperationabouther。
　　Falconwouldnotseeit；heknewthatitissafesttolethersexalonewhentheylooklikethat；andthenthestormsometimessubsidesofitself。
　　Afterdinner，Rosaretiredearly；andsoonshewasheardwalkingrapidlyupanddownthedressing-room。
　　Thiswasquiteunusual，andmadeanoise。
　　PapaLusignanthoughtitinconsiderate；andafterawhile，remarkinggentlythathewasnotparticularlyfondofsound，heproposedtheyshouldsmokethepipeofpeaceonthelawn。
　　Theydidso；butafterawhile，findingthatFalconwasnotsmoking，hesaid，"Don'tletmedetainyou。Rosaisalone。"
　　Falcontookthehint，andwenttothedrawing-room。Rosamethimonthestairs，withascarfoverhershoulders。"Imustspeaktopapa，"saidshe。"Whereishe?"
　　"Heisonthelawn，dearRosa，"saidFalcon，inhismostdulcettones。Hewassureofhisally，andverygladtousehimasabuffertoreceivethefirstshock。
　　Sohewentintothedrawing-room，whereallthelightswereburning，andquietlytookupabook。Buthedidnotreadaline；
　　hewastoooccupiedintryingtoreadhisownfuture。
　　Themeanvillain，whoisincapableofremorse，is，ofallmen，mostcapableoffear。Hisvillanyhad，toallappearance，reachedthegoal；forhefeltsurethatallRosa'sstruggleswould，soonerorlater，succumbtohersenseofgratitudeandhisstrongwillandpatienttemper。Butwhenthevictorywaswon，whatalife!Hemustflywithhertosomeforeigncountry，pursuedfrompillartopostbyanenragedhusband，andbytheoffendedlaw。Andifheescapedthevindictivefoeayearortwo，howcouldheescapethatotherenemyheknew，anddreaded——poverty?Heforesawheshouldcometohatethewomanhewasabouttowrong，andshewouldinstantlyrevengeherself，bymakinghimanexileand，soonorlate，aprisoner，orapauper。
　　Whilethesemisgivingsbattledwithhisbasebutardentpassion，strangethingsweregoingonoutofdoors——buttheywillbebestrelatedinanothersequenceofevents，towhichindeedtheyfairlybelong。
　　CHAPTERXXIX。
　　StainesandMrs。FalconlandedatPlymouth，andwentuptotownbythesametrain。TheypartedinLondon，StainestogodowntoGravesend，Mrs。Falcontovisitherhusband'soldhaunts，andseeifshecouldfindhim。
　　Shedidnotfindhim；butsheheardofhim，andlearnedthathealwayswentdowntoGravesendfromSaturdaytillMonday。
　　NotwithstandingallshehadsaidtoStaines，theactualinformationstartledher，andgaveheraturn。Shewasobligedtositdown，forherkneesseemedtogiveway。Itwasbutamomentaryweakness。
　　Shewasnowawifeandamother，andhadherrights。Shesaidtoherself，"Myroguehasturnedthatpoorwoman'sheadlongbeforethis，nodoubt。ButIshallgodownandjustbringhimawaybytheear。"
　　Foronceherbitterindignationoverpoweredeveryothersentiment，andshelostnotime，butlateasitwaswentdowntoGravesend，orderedaprivatesitting-roomandbedroomforthenight，andtookaflytoKentVilla。
　　ButChristopherStaineshadthestartofher。HehadalreadygonedowntoGravesendwithhiscarpet-bag，leftitattheinn，andwalkedtoKentVillathatlovelysummernight，thehappiesthusbandinEngland。
　　HishearthadneverforoneinstantbeendisturbedbyMrs。Falcon'smonstroussuspicion；helookedonherasamonomaniac；asensiblewomaninsaneononepoint，herhusband。
　　Whenhereachedthevilla，however，hethoughtitprudenttomakesurethatFalconhadcometoEnglandatall，anddischargedhiscommission。Hewouldnotruntherisk，smallashethoughtit，ofpouncingunexpectedonhisRosa，beingtakenforaghost，andterrifyingher，orexcitinghertomadness。
　　NowthepremisesofKentVillawereadmirablyadaptedtowhattheycallinwarareconnaissance。ThelawnwasstuddedwithlaurestinasandothershrubsthathadgrownmagnificentlyinthatKentishair。
　　Staineshadnosoonersethisfootonthelawn，thanheheardvoices；hecrepttowardsthemfrombushtobush；andstandinginimpenetrableshade，hesawintheclearmoonlighttwofigures——
　　Mr。LusignanandReginaldFalcon。
　　Thesetwodroppedoutonlyawordortwoatintervals；butwhattheydidsaystruckStainesasodd。Foronething，Lusignanremarked，"IsupposeyouwillwanttogobacktotheCape。Suchenormousestatesasyourswillwantlookingafter。"
　　"Enormousestates!"saidStainestohimself。"Thentheymusthavegrownveryfastinafewmonths。"
　　"Oh，yes，"saidFalcon；"butIthinkofshowingheralittleofEuropefirst。"
　　Stainesthoughtthisstillmoremysterious；hewaitedtohearmore，butthesucceedingremarkswereofanordinarykind。
　　Henoticed，however，thatFalconspokeofhiswifebyherChristianname，andthatneitherpartymentionedChristopherStaines。Heseemedquiteoutoftheirlittleworld。
　　Hebegantofeelastrangechillcreepdownhim。
　　PresentlyFalconwentofftojoinRosa；andStainesthoughtitwasquitetimetoasktheoldgentlemanwhetherFalconhadexecutedhiscommission，ornot。
　　Hewasonlyhesitatinghowtodoit，notlikingtopounceinthedarkonamanwhoabhorredeverythinglikeexcitement，whenRosaherselfcameflyingoutingreatagitation。
　　Oh!thethrillhefeltatthesightofher!Withallhisself-
　　possession，hewouldhavesprungforwardandtakenherinhisarmswithamightycryoflove，ifshehadnotimmediatelyspokenwordsthatrootedhimtothespotwithhorror。Butshecamewiththewordsinherverymouth；"Papa，IamcometotellyouIcannot，andwillnot，marryMr。Falcon。"
　　"Oh，yes，youwill，mydear。"
　　"Never!I'lldiesooner。Notthatyouwillcareforthat。ItellyouIsawmyChristopherlastnight——inadream。Hehadabeard；
　　butIsawhim，oh，soplain；andhesaid，'Isthisthewayyoukeepyourpromise?'Thatisenoughforme。Ihaveprayed，againandagain，tohisstar，forlight。Iamsoperplexedandharassedbyyouall，andyoumakemebelievewhatyoulike。Well，Ihavehadarevelation。Itisnotmypoorlostdarling'swishIshouldwedagain。Idon'tbelieveMr。Falconanymore。Ihearnothingbutliesbyday。Thetruthcomestomybedsideatnight。Iwillnotmarrythisman。"
　　"Consider，Rosa，yourcreditispledged。Youmustnotbealwaysjiltinghimheartlessly。Dreams!nonsense。There——Ilovepeace。
　　Itisnouseyourstormingatme；ravetothemoonandthestars，ifyoulike，andwhenyouhavedone，dopraycomein，andbehavelikearationalwoman，whohaspledgedherfaithtoanhonorableman，andamanofvastestates——amanthatnursedyourhusbandinhislastillness，foundyourchild，atagreatexpense，whenyouhadlosthim，andmeritseternalgratitude，noteternaljilting。I
　　havenopatiencewithyou。"
　　Theoldgentlemanretiredinhighdudgeon。
　　Stainesstoodintheblackshadeofhiscedar-tree，rootedtothegroundbythisrevelationofmalevillanyandfemalecredulity。
　　Hedidnotknowwhatonearthtodo。HewantedtokillFalcon，butnottoterrifyhisownwifetodeath。Itwasnowtooclearshethoughthewasdead。
　　Rosawatchedherfather'sretiringfigureoutofsight。"Verywell，"saidshe，clenchingherteeth；thensuddenlysheturned，andlookeduptoheaven。"Doyouhear?"saidshe，"myChristie'sstar?
　　Iamapoorperplexedcreature。Iaskedyouforasign，andthatverynightIsawhiminadream。WhyshouldImarryoutofgratitude?WhyshouldImarryoneman，whenIloveanother?Whatdoesitmatterhisbeingdead?Ilovehimtoowelltobewifetoanylivingman。Theypersuademe，theycoaxme，theypullme，theypushme。Iseetheywillmakeme。ButIwilloutwitthem。See——
　　see!"andsheheldupalittlephialinthemoonlight。"Thisshallcuttheknotforme；thisshallkeepmetruetomyChristie，andsavemefrombreakingpromisesIoughtnevertohavemade。ThisshallunitemeoncemorewithhimIkilled，andloved。"
　　Shemeantshewouldkillherselfthenightbeforethewedding，whichperhapsshewouldnot，andperhapsshewould。Whocantell?
　　Theweakareviolent。ButChristopher，seeingthepoisonsonearherlips，wasperplexed，tooktwostrides，wrencheditoutofherhand，withasnarlofrage，andinstantlyplungedintotheshadeagain。
　　Rosautteredashriek，andflewintothehouse。
　　Thefarthershegot，themoreterrifiedshebecame，andsoonChristopherheardherscreaminginthedrawing-roominanalarmingway。Theywerelikethescreamsoftheinsane。
　　Hegotterriblyanxious，andfollowedher。Allthedoorswereopen。
　　Ashewentup-stairs，heheardhercry，"Hisghost!hisghost!I
　　haveseenhisghost!No，no。Ifeelhishanduponmyarmnow。A
　　beard!andsohehadinthedream!Heisalive。Mydarlingisalive。Youhavedeceivedme。Youareanimpostor——avillain。Outofthehousethismoment，orheshallkillyou。"
　　"Areyoumad?"criedFalcon。"Howcanhebealive，whenIsawhimdead?"
　　Thiswastoomuch。Stainesgavethedoorablowwithhisarm，andstrodeintotheapartment，lookingwhiteandtremendous。