Theearlwassilentforalongwhile。Itwasasifheponderedhowheshouldanswer，orwhetherheshouldansweratall。Atlast，inalowvoice，afainttingereddeninghisface，hiseyesaverted，heexplained。Itshamedhimsotodo，yetmusthesatisfythatcravingofweakwindstounburden，toseekreliefinconfession。"MineisthecaseofCraggs，thesecretaryofstate，"hesaid。"AndCraggs，you'llremember，shothimself。"
"MyGod，"saidMr。Caryll，andopenedwidehiseyes。"Didyou-？"Hepaused，notknowingwhateuphemismtosupplyforthethinghislordshipmusthavedone。
Hislordshiplookedup，sneeringalmostinself-derision。"I
did，"heanswered。"Totellyouall-Iacceptedtwentythousandpounds'worthofSouthSeastockwhenthecompanywasfirstformed，forwhichIdidnotpayotherthanbylendingtheschemethesupportofmynameatatimewhensuchsupportwasneeded。Iwasoftheministry，then，youwillremember。"
Mr。Caryllconsideredhimagain，andwonderedamomentattheconfession，tillheunderstoodbyintuitionthatthematteranditsconsequencesweresodeeplypreyingupontheman'smindthathecouldnotrefrainfromgivingventtohisfears。
Presently"Andnowyouknow，"hislordshipadded，"whymyhopesareallinKingJames。Ruinstaresmeintheface。Ruinandshame。
ThisforlornStuarthopeistheonlyhoperemainingme。
Therefore，amIeagertoembraceit。Ihavemadeallplaintoyou。Youshouldunderstandnow。"
"Yetnotquiteall。Youdidthisthing。Buttheinspectionofthecompany'sbooksispast。Thedangerofdiscovery，atleast，isaverted。Orisitthatyourconsciencecompelsyoutomakerestitution？"
Hislordshipstaredandgaped。"Doyousupposememad？"heinquired，quiteseriously。"Pho！Otherswereoverlookedatthetime。WedidnotallgothewayofCraggsandAislabieandtheirfellow-sufferers。Stanhopewasassailedafterward，thoughhewasinnocent。Thatfilthyfellow，theDukeofWharton，frombeinganemptyfopturnedhimselfonasuddenintoaCrownattorneytoprosecutethepeculators。Itwasaneasyroadtofameforhim，andthefoolhadagiftofeloquence。Stanhope'sdeathisonhisconscience-orwouldbeifbehadone。Thatwassixmonthsago。WhenhediscoveredhiserrorinthecaseofStanhopeandsawthefatalconsequencesithad，heceasedhisdirtylawyer'swork。ButhehadgoodgroundsuponwhichtosuspectothersashighlyplacedasStanhope，andhadhefollowedhissuspicionshemighthaveturnedthemintocertaintiesanddiscoveredevidence。Asitwas，heletthematterlie，contentwiththeexecutionhehaddone，andtheesteemintowhichhehadsosuddenlyhoistedhimself-thedamnedprofligate！"
Mr。Caryllletpass，astypical，theludicrouswantoflogicinOstermore'sstricturesofhisGraceofWharton，andtheapplicationbyhimtothedukeofopprobrioustermsthatwerenowhitlessapplicabletohimself。
"Then，thatbeingso，whatcauseforthesealarmssomesixmonthslater？"
"Because，"answeredhislordshipinasuddenburstofpassionthatbroughthimtohisfeet，empurpledhisfaceandswelledtheveinsofhisforehead，"becauseIamcursedwiththefilthiestfellowinEnglandformyson。"
Hesaiditwiththeairofonewhothrowsafloodoflightwheredarknesshasbeenhitherto，whosuppliesthekeythatmustresolveataturnawholesituation。ButMr。Caryllblinkedfoolishly。
"Mywitsareverydull，Ifear，"saidhe。"Istillcannotunderstand。"
"ThenI'llmakeitallcleartoyou，"saidhislordship。
Leducappearedatthearborentrance。
"Whatnow？"askedMr。Caryll。
"Herladyshipisapproaching，sir，"answeredLeducthevigilant。
CHAPTERXIV
LADYOSTERMORE
LordOstermoreandMr。Carylllookedacrossthelawntowardsthehouse，butfailedtoseeanysignofherladyship'sapproach。
Mr。Caryllraisedquestioningeyestohisservant'sstolidface，andinthatmomentcaughtthefaintestrustleofagownbehindthearbor。Hehalf-turnedtomylord，andnoddedslightlyinthedirectionofthesound，asmiletwistinghislips。WithagesturehedismissedLeduc，whoreturnedtotheneighborhoodofthepond。
Hislordshipfrowned，angeredbytheinterruption。Then："Ifyourladyshipwillcomeinside，"saidhe，"youwillhearbetterandwithgreatercomfort。"
"Nottospeakofdignity，"saidMr。Caryll。
Thestiffgownrustledagain，thistimewithoutstealth。Thecountessappeared，nowhitabashed。Mr。Caryllrosepolitely。
"Yousitwithspiestoguardyourapproaches，"saidshe。
"Asaprecautionagainstspies，"washislordship'scurtanswer。
Shemeasuredhimwithacooleye。"Whatis'tyehide？"sheaskedhim。
"Myshame，"heansweredreadily。Thenafteramoment'spause，heroseandofferedherhisseat。"Sinceyouhavethrustyourselfinwhereyouwerenotbidden，youmayhearandwelcome，ma'am，"saidhe。"Itmayhelpyoutounderstandwhatyoutermmyinjusticetomyson。"
"Arethesematterswherewithtoimportuneastranger-aguest？"
"IamproposingtosayinyourpresencewhatIwasabouttosayinyourabsence，"saidhe，withoutansweringherquestion。
"Beseated，ma'am。"
Shesniffed，closedherfanwithaclatter，andsatdown。Mr。
Caryllresumedhislongchair，andhislordshiptookthestool。
"Iamtold，"thelatterresumedpresently，recapitulatinginpartforherladyship'sbetterunderstanding，"thathisGraceofWhartonisintendingtoreopentheSouthSeascandal，assoonashecanfindevidencethatIwasoneofthosewhoprofitedbythecompany'scharter。"
"Profited？"sheechoed，betweenscornandbitteramusement。
"Profited，didyesay？Ithinkyourdotageissurelyuponyou-youthathavesunknighallyourfortuneandallthatyouhadwithmeinthisthievingventure-d'yetalkofprofits？"
"AtthecommencementIdidprofit，asdidmanyothers。HadI
beencontentwithmygains，hadIbeenlessofatrustingfool，ithadbeenwell。Iwasdazzled，maybe，bytheglareofsomuchgold。Ineededmore；andsoIlostall。Thatisevilenough。Butthereisworse。ImaybecalledupontomakerestitutionofwhatIhadfromthecompanywithoutpayingforit-Imaygiveallthat'sleftmeandbarelycovertheamount，andImaystarveandbedamnedthereafter。"
Herladyship'sfacewasghastly。Horrorstaredfromherpaleeyes。Shehadknown，fromthebeginning，ofthattwentythousandpounds'worthofstock，andshehadhad-withhislordship-heranxiousmomentswhenthedisclosureswerebeingmadesixmonthsagothathadbroughttheCraggses，Aislabieandahalf-dozenotherstoshameandruin。
Hislordshiplookedatheramoment。"Andifthisshipwreckcomes，asitnowthreatens，"hecontinued，"itismysonI
shallhavetothankfor't。"
Shefoundvoicetoask："Howso？"couragetoputthequestionscornfully。"IsitnotratherRotherbyyouhavetothankthatthedisclosuresdidnotcomesixmonthsago？WhatwasitsavedyoubutthefriendshiphisGraceofWhartonhadforCharles？"
"Why，then，"stormedhislordship，"didhenotseeto'tthathepreservedthatfriendship？ItbutneededabehaviorofasmuchdecencyandhonorasWhartonexactsinhisassociates-
andtheLordknowshowmuchthatis！"hesneered。"Asitis，hehasgoneevenlowerthanthatabandonedscourer；solowthateventhisrakehelldukemustbecomehisenemyforhisowncredit'ssake。Heattemptsmock-marriageswithladiesofquality；andheattemptsmurderbystabbingthroughthebackagentlemanwhohassparedhisworthlesslife。NoteventhepresidentoftheHellFireClubcancountenancethesethings，strongstomachthoughhehaveforvillainy。ItissomethingtohavecontrivedtocomesolowthatevenhisGraceofWhartonmustturnuponhim，andswearhisruin。Andsothathemayruinhim，hisgraceisdeterminedtoruinme。Nowyouunderstand，madam-andyou，Mr。Caryll。"
Mr。Caryllunderstood。Heunderstoodevenmorethanhislordshipmeanthimtounderstand；morethanhislordshipunderstood，himself。So，too，didherladyship，ifwemayjudgefromthereplyshemadehim。
"Youfool，"sherailed。"Youvain，blind，selfishfool！ToblameRotherbyforthis。RathershouldRotherby，blameyouthatbyyourdamneddishonestyhavesetaweaponagainsthiminhisenemy'shands。"
"Madam！"heroared，empurpling，andcomingheavilytohisfeet。"DoyouknowwhoIam？"
"Ay-andwhatyouare，whichissomethingyouwillneverknow。God！Wasthereeversoself-centeredafool？
Compassionateme，Heaven！"Sherose，too，andturnedtoMr。
Caryll。"You，sir，"shesaidtohim，"youhavebeendraggedintothis，Iknownotwhy。"
Shebrokeoffsuddenly，lookingathim，hereyesapairofgimletsnowforpenetration。"Whyhaveyoubeendraggedintoit？"shedemanded。"Whatishere？Idemandtoknow。Whathelpdoesmylordexpectfromyouthathetellsyouthis？Doeshe-"Shepausedaninstant，acunningsmilebreakingoverherwrinkled，paintedface。"Doesheproposetosellhimselftothekingoverthewater，andareyouasecretagentcometodothebuying？Isthattheanswertothisriddle？"
Mr。Caryll，imperturbableoutwardly，butveryillateasewithin，smiledandwavedthedelicatehandthatappearedthroughtheheavyruffleathiswrist。"Madam，indeed-ah-
yourladyshipgoesveryfast。Youleapsoatconclusionsforwhichnogroundscanexist。Hislordshipissooverwrought-
aswellhemaybe，alas！-thathecaresnotbeforewhomhespeaks。Isitnotplainlyso？"
Shesmiledverysourly。"Youareaverymasterofevasion，sir。ButyourevasiongivesmetheanswerthatIlack-thatandhislordship'sface。Idrewmybowataventure；yetlook，sir，andtellme，hasmyquarrelmisseditsmark？"
And，indeed，thesuddenfearandconsternationwrittenonmylord'sfacewassoplainthatallmightreadit。Hewas-asMr。Caryllhadremarkedonthefirstoccasionthattheymet-
theworstdissemblerthateversethandtoaconspiracy。Hebetrayedhimselfateverystep，ifnotpositively，byincautiouswords，whythenbytheutterlackofcontrolhehaduponhiscountenance。
Hemadenowawildattempttobluster。"Lies！Lies！"heprotested。"Yourladyship'sa-dreaming。ShouldIbemakingbadworsebyplottingatmytimeoflife？ShouldI？WhatcanKingJamesavailme，indeed？"
"'TiswhatIwillaskRotherbytohelpmetodiscover，"sheinformedhim。
"Rotherby？"hecried。"Wouldyoutellthatvillainwhatyoususpect？Wouldyouarmhimwithanotherweaponformyundoing？"
"Ha！"saidshe。"Youadmitsomuch，then？"Andshelaugheddisdainfully。Thenwithasuddensternness，asuddennobilityalmostinthemotherhoodwhichsheputforward-"Rotherbyismyson，"shesaid，"andI'llnothavemysonthevictimofyourfolliesaswellasofyourinjustice。Wemaycurbtheoneandtheotheryet，mylord。"
Andshesweptout，fangoingbrisklyinonehand，herlongebonycaneswingingasbrisklyintheother。
"OGod！"groanedOstermore，andsatdownheavily。
Mr。Caryllhelpedhimselfcopiouslytosnuff。"Ithink，"saidhe，hisvoicesocoolthatithadanalmostsoothinginfluence，"Ithinkyourlordshiphasnowanotherreasonwhyyoushouldgonofurtherinthismatter。"
"ButifIdonot-whatotherhopeshaveI？Damnme！I'maruinedmaneitherway。"
"Nay，nay，"Mr。Caryllremindedhim。"Assumingeventhatyouarecorrectlyinformed，andthathisGraceofWhartonisdeterminedtomoveagainstyou，itisnottobedependedthathewillsucceedincollectingsuchevidenceashemustneed。
Atthisdatemuchoftheevidencethatmayoncehavebeenavailablewillhavebeendissipated。Youarerashtodespairsosoon。"
"Thereisthat，"hislordshipadmittedthoughtfully，alittlehopefully，even；"thereisthat。"Andwiththeresilienceofhisnature-ofmenwhoformopinionsonslightgrounds，and，therefore，arereadytochangethemupongroundsasslight-
"I'faith！Imayhavebeenrunningtomeetmytrouble。'Tisbutarumor，afterall，thatWhartonisformischief，and-asyousay-aslikeasnotthere'llbenoevidencebynow……
Therewaslittleenoughatthetime。
"Still，I'llmakedoublysure。MylettertoKingJamescandonoharm。We'lltalkofitagain，whenyouareincasetotravel。"
ItpassedthroughMr。Caryll'smindatthemomentthatLadyOstermoreandhersonmightbetweenthembrewsuchmischiefasmightseriouslyhinderhimfromtravelling，andhewasverynearthetruth。ForalreadyherladyshipwasclosetedwithRotherbyinherboudoir。
Theviscountwasdressedfortravelling，intentuponwithdrawingtothecountry，forhewaswell-informedalreadyofthefeelingofthetownconcerninghim，andhadnomindtobravetheslightsandcold-shoulderingsthatwouldawaithimdidhepenetratetoanyofthehauntsofpeopleofqualityandfashion。Hestoodbeforehismothernow，atall，lankfigure，hisblackfaceverygloomy，hissensuallipsthrustforwardinasullenpout。She，inagiltarm-chairbeforehertoilet-table，wastellinghimthestoryofwhathadpassed，hisfather'sfearofruinanddisgrace。HesworebetweenhisteethwhenheheardthatthedangerthreatenedfromtheDukeofWharton。
"Andyourfather'sdestitutionmeansourdestitution-yoursandmine；forhisgamblingschemeshaveconsumedmyportionlongsince。"
Helaughedandshrugged。"ImarvelIshouldconcernmyself，"
saidhe。"Whatcanitavailmetosavetheragsthatarelefthimofhisfortune？He'sswornIshallnevertouchapennythathemaydiepossessedof。"
"Butthere'stheentail，"sheremindedhim。"Ifrestitutionisdemanded，theCrownwillnotrespectit。'Twillbeanothersoptothrowthewhiningcursthatwerecrippledbythebubble，andwhothreatentodisturbthecountryiftheyarenotappeased。IfWhartoncarriesoutthisexposure，we'rebeggars-utterbeggars，thatmayaskanalmstoquiethunger。"
"'TisWharton'spresenthateofme，"saidhethoughtfully，andswore。"Thedamnedpuppy！He'dmakeasacrificeofmeuponthealtarofrespectability，justashemadeasacrificeoftheSouthSeabubblers。Whatelsewasthestinkingrakehellseekingbuttoputhimselfrightagainintheeyesofatownthatwasnauseatedwithhimandhisexcesses？Theself-seekingtoadthatmakesvirtuehisprofession-thevirtueofothers-andprofligacyhisrecreation！"Hesmotefistintopalm。"There'sawaytosilencehim。"
"Ah？"shelookedupquickly，hopefully。
"Afootorsoofsteel，"Rotherbyexplained，andstruckthehiltofhissword。"Imightpickaquarrelwithhim。'Twouldnotbedifficult。Comeuponhimunawares，say，andstrikehim。Thatshouldforceafight。"
"Tusk，fool！He'sallempanopliedinvirtuewhereyouareconcerned。He'dusethematterofyouraffairwithCaryllasareasonnottomeetyou，whateveryoumightdo，andhe'dsethisgroomstopunishanyindignityyoumightputuponhim。"
"Hedurstnot。"
"Pooh！ThetownwouldallapprovehiminitsinceyourrunningCaryllthroughtheback。Whatafoolyouwere，Charles。"
Heturnedaway，hanginghishead，fullconscious，andwithnolittlebitterness，ofhowgreathadbeenhisfolly。
"Salvationmaylieforyouinthesamesourcethathasbroughtyoutothepresentpass-thismanCaryll，"saidthecountesspresently。"IsuspecthimmorethaneverofbeingaJacobiteagent。"
"Iknowhimtobesuch。"
"Youknowit？"
"Allbut；andGreenisassuredofit，too。"Heproceededtotellherwhatheknew。"EversinceGreenmetCaryllatMaidstonehashesuspectedhim，yetbutthatIkepthimtothetaskhewouldhaveabandonedit。He'sinmypaynowasmuchasinLordCarteret's，andifhecanrunCarylltoearthhereceiveshiswagesfrombothsides。"
"Well-well？Whathashediscovered？Anything？"
"Alittle。ThisCaryllfrequentedregularlythehouseofoneEverard，whocametotownaweekafterCaryll'sownarrival。
ThisEverard-SirRichardEverardisknowntobeaJacobite。
HeisthePretender'sParisagent。Theywouldhavelaidhimbytheheelsbefore，butthatbyprecipitancytheyfearedtoruintheirchancesofdiscoveringthebusinessthatmayhavebroughthimover。Theyaregivinghimropeatpresent。
Meanwhile，bymycursedfolly，Caryll'svisitstohimwereinterrupted。Buttherehasbeencorrespondencebetweenthem。"
"Iknow，"saidherladyship。"Aletterwasdeliveredhimjustnow。Itriedtosmokehimconcerningit。Buthe'stooastute。"
"Astuteornot，"repliedherson，"onceheleavesStrettonHouseitshouldnotbelongerehebetrayshimselfandgivesuscausetolayhimbytheheels。Buthowwillthathelpus？"
"Doyouaskhow？Why，ifthereisaplot，andwecandiscoverit，wemightmaketermswiththesecretaryofstatetoavoidanydisclosureWhartonmayintendconcerningtheSouthSeamatter。"
"ButthatwouldbetodiscovermyfatherforaJacobite！Whatadvantageshouldwederivefromthat？'Twouldbeasbadast'othermatter。"
"Letmedie，butye'reaslow-wittedclod，Charles。D'yethinkwecanfindnowaytodisclosetheplotandMr。Caryll-
andEverard，too，ifyouchoose-withoutincludingyourfather？Mylordistimidlycautious，andyoumaydependhe'llnothaveputhimselfintheirhandstoanyextentjustyet。"
Theviscountpacedthechamberslowlyinlongstrides，headbentinthought，handsclaspedbehindhim。"Itwillneedconsideration，"saidhe。"Butitmayserve，andIcancountuponGreen。HeissatisfiedthatCaryllbefooledhimatMaidstone，andthathekeptthepapershecarrieddespitethethoroughnessofGreen'sinvestigations。Moreover，hewashandledwithsomeroughnessbyCaryll。Forthatandtheothermatterheasksredress-thirstsforit。He'saverywillingtool，asIhavefound。"
"Thenseethatyouusehimadroitlytoyourwork，"saidhismother。"Bestnotleavetownatpresent，Charles。"
"Why，no，"saidhe。"I'llfindmealodgingsomewhereathand，sincemyfondsireisdeterminedIshallpollutenolongerthesacrosanctityofhisdwelling。PerhapswhenIhavepulledhimoutofthisquicksand，hewilldeigntomitigatethebitternessofhisfeelingsforme。Though，faith，Ifindlifeendurablewithouttheaffectionheshouldhaveconsecratedtome。"
"Ay，"shesaid，lookingupathim。"Youarehisson；toomuchhisson，Ifear。'Tiswhyhedislikesyousointensely。Heseesinyouthefaultstowhichheisblindinhimself。"
"Sweetmother！"saidhislordship，bowing。
Shescowledathim。Shecoulddealinironyherself-andlovedto-butshedetestedtohaveitdealttoher。
Hebowedagain；gainedthedoor，andwouldhavepassedoutbutthatshedetainedhim。
"'Tisapity，onsomescores，todisposesoutterlyofthisCaryll，"shesaid。"Thepestilentcoxcombhashisuses，andhisuses，likeadversity's，aresweet。"
Hepausedtoquestionherwithhiseyes。
"HemighthavemadeahusbandforHortensia，andridmeofthecompanyofthatwhite-facedchangeling。"
"Mightheso？"quoththeviscount，faceandvoice，expressionless。
"Theyweremadeforeachother，"herladyshipopined。
"Weretheyso？"
"Ay-werethey。Andfaiththey'vediscoveredit。Iwouldyouhadseentheturtlesinthearboranhourago，whenI
surprisedthem。"
Hislordshipattemptedasmile，butachievednothingmorethanawryfaceandachangeofcolor。Hismother'seyes，observingthesesigns，grewonasuddenstartled。
"Why，fool，"quothshe，"doyouholdtherestill？Artnotyetcuredofthatfolly？"
"Whatfolly，ma'am？"
"Thisfollythatalreadyhascostyousomuch。'Sdeath！AsI'mawoman，ifyou'dsomuchfeelingforthegirl，Imarvelyedidnotmarryherhonestlyandinearnestwhenthechancewasyours。"
Thepallorofhisfaceincreased。Heclenchedhishands。"I
marvelmyselfthatIdidnot，"heansweredpassionately-andwentout，slammingthedoorafterhim，andleavingherladyshipagapeandangry。
CHAPTERXV
LOVEANDRAGE
LordRotherby，descendingfromthatinterviewwithhismother，espiedHortensiacrossingthehallbelow。Forgettinghisdignity，hequickenedhismovements，andtooktheremainderofthestairstwoatastride。But，then，hislordshipwasexcitedandangry，andconsiderationsofdignitydidnotobtainwithhimatthetime。Forthatmatter，theyseldomdid。
"Hortensia！Hortensia！"hecalledtoher，andathiscallshepaused。
Notonceduringthemonththatwaspast-andduringwhichhehad，forthemostpart，kepthisroom，toallintentsaprisoner-hadsheexchangedsomuchasawordwithhim。
Thus，notseeinghim，shehadbeenable，toanextent，toexcludehimfromherthoughts，which，naturallyenough，werereluctanttoentertainhimfortheirguest。
Hercalm，asshepausednowinacquiescencetohisbidding，wassuchthatitalmostsurprisedherself。Shehadlovedhimonce-orthoughtso，alittlemonthago-andatasingleblowhehadslainthatlove。Nowlovesoslainhasatrickofresurrectingintheguiseofhate；andso，shehadthoughtatfirsthadbeenthecasewithher。Butthismomentprovedtohernowthatherlovewasdead，indeed，sinceofhererstwhileaffectionnotevenarecoiltohateremained。Dislikeshemayhavefelt；butitwasthatcolddislikethatbreedsadeadlyindifference，andseeksnoactiveexpression，askingnomorethantheavoidanceofitsobject。
Hercalm，reflectedinherfaceofabeautyalmostspiritual，ineverysteadylineofherslight，gracefulfigure，gavehimpauseamoment，andhishotglancefellabashedbeforethechillindifferencethatmethimfromthosebrowneyes。
Amanofdeepersensibilities，ofkeenerperceptions，wouldhavebowedandgonehisway。Butthenamanofdeepersensibilitieswouldneverhavesoughtthisinterviewthattheviscountwasnowseeking。Therefore，itwasbutnaturalthatheshouldrecoverswiftlyfromhismomentaryhalt，andstepasidetothrowopenthedoorofalittleroomontherightofthehall。Bowingslightly，heinvitedhertoenter。
"GrantmeamomentereIgo，Hortensia，"hesaid`betweencommandandexhortation。
Shestoodcogitatinghimaninstant，withnooutwardsignofwhatmightbepassinginhermind；thensheslightlyinclinedherhead，andwentforwardashebadeher。
Itwasasunnyroom，gaywithlightcoloranddaintyfurnishings，havinglongwindow-doorsthatopenedtothegarden。AnAubussoncarpetofpalestgreen，withafestoonpatternofpinkroses，coveredtwo-thirdsoftheblocked，polishedfloor。Theempanelledwallswerewhite，withhereagiltmirror，flankedoneithersidebyagirandoleinormolu。
Aspinetstoodopeninmid-chamber，anduponitweresheetsofmusic，afewbooksandabowlofemerald-greenware，chargednowwithroses，whosefragrancelayheavyontheair。Thereweretwoorthreesmalltablesofverydainty，fragilemake，andthechairswereindelicately-tintedtapestryillustratingthefablesofLaFontaine。
ItwasanapartmentlookeduponbyHortensiaasherownwithdrawing-room，setapartforherownuse，andasthatthehousehold-herveryladyshipincluded-hadeverrecognizedit。
Hislordshipclosedthedoorwithcare。Hortensiatookherseatuponthelongstoolthatstoodatthespinet，herbacktotheinstrument，andwithhandsidleinherlap-thesamecoldreserveuponhercountenance-sheawaitedhiscommunication。
Headvanceduntilhewasclosebesideher，andstoodleaninganelbowonthecornerofthespinet，alongandnotungracefulfigure，withtheblackcurlsofhisfull-bottomedwigfallingabouthisswarthy，big-featuredface。
"Ihavebutmyfarewellstomake，Hortensia，"saidhe。"IamleavingStrettonHouse，to-day，atlast。"
"Iamglad，"saidshe，inaformal，levelvoice，"thatthingsshouldhavefallenoutsoastoleaveyoufreetogoyourways。"
"Youareglad，"heanswered，frowningslightly，andleaningfarthertowardsher。"Ay，andwhyareyouglad？Why？YouaregladforMr。Caryll'ssake。Doyoudenyit？"
Shelookedupathimquitecalmandfearlessly。"Iamgladforyourownsake，too。"
Hisdarkbroodingeyeslookeddeepintohers，which，didnotfalterunderhisinsistentgaze。"AmItobelieveyou？"heinquired。
"Whynot？Idonotwishyourdeath。"
"Notmydeath-butmyabsence？"hesneered。"Youwishforthat，doyounot？Youwouldprefermegone？Myroomisbetterthanmycompanyjustnow？'Tiswhatyouthink，eh？"
"Ihavenotthoughtofitatall，"sheansweredhimwithapitilessfrankness。
Helaughed，softandwickedly。"Isitsoveryhopeless，then？
Youhavenotthoughtofitatallbywhichyoumeanthatyouhavenotthoughtofmeatall。"
"Is'tnotbestso？Youhavegivenmenocausetothinkofyoutoyouradvantage。Iamthereforekindtoexcludeyoufrommythoughts。"
"Kind？"hemockedher。"Youthinkitkindtoputmefromyourmind-Iwholoveyou，Hortensia！"
Sheroseupontheinstant，hercheekswarmingfaintly。"Mylord，"saidshe，"Ithinkthereisnomoretobesaidbetweenus。"
"Ah，butthereis，"hecried。"Adealmoreyet。"Andhelefthisplacebythespinettocomeandstandimmediatelybeforeher，barringherpassagetothedoor。"NotonlytosayfarewellwasitthatIdesiredtospeakwithyoualonehere。"
Hisvoicesoftenedamazingly。"IwantyourpardonereIgo。
IwantyoutosaythatyouforgivemethevilethingIwouldhavedone，Hortensia。"Contritionquiveredinhisloweredvoice。Hebentakneetoher，andheldouthishand。"Iwillnotriseuntilyouspeakmypardon，child。"
"Why，ifthatbeall，Ipardonyouveryreadily，"sheanswered，stillbetrayingnoemotion。
Hefrowned。"Tooreadily！"hecried。"Tooreadilyforsincerity。Iwillnottakeitso。"
"Indeed，mylord，forapenitent，youareverydifficulttoplease。Ipardonyouwithallmyheart。"
"Youaresincere？"hecried，andsoughttotakeherhands；butshewhippedthemawayandbehindher。"Youbearmenoill-will？"
Sheconsideredhimnowwithacalm，criticalgaze，beforewhichhewasforcedtolowerhisboldeyes。"WhyshouldI
bearyouanill-will？"sheaskedhim。
"ForthethingIdid-thethingIsoughttodo。"
"Iwonderdoyouknowallthatyoudid？"sheaskedhim，musingly。"ShallItellyou，mylord？Youcuredmeofafolly。Ihadbeenblind，andyoumademesee。Ihadfoolishlythoughttoescapeoneevil，andyoumademerealizethatIwasrushingintoaworse。Yousavedmefrommyself。
Youmayhavemademesufferthen；butitwasahealinghurtyoudealtme。AndshouldIbearyouanill-willforthat？"
Hehadrisenfromhisknee。Hestoodapart，ponderingherfromunderbentbrowswitheyesthatwerefullofangryfire。
"Idonotthink，"sheended，"thatthereneedsmorebetweenus。Ihaveunderstoodyou，sir，sincethatadayatMaidstone-Ithinkwewerestrangersuntilthen；andperhapsnowyoumaybegintounderstandme。Fareyouwell，mylord。"
Shemadeshifttogo，buthebarredherpassagenowinearnest，hishandsclenchedbesidehiminwitnessoftheviolencehedidhimselftokeepthemthere。"Notyet，"hesaid，inadeep，concentratedvoice。"Notyet。Ididyouawrong，Iknow。Andwhatyousay-cruelasitis-isnomorethanIdeserve。ButIdesiretomakeamends。Iloveyou，Hortensia，anddesiretomakeamends。"
Shesmiledwistfully。"'Tisoverlatetotalkofthat。"
"Why？"hedemandedfiercely，andcaughtherarms，holdinghertherebeforehim。"Whyisitoverlate？"
"Suffermetogo，"shecommanded，ratherthanbegged，andmadetofreeherselfofhisgrasp。
"Iwantyoutobemywife，Hortensia-myweddedwife。"
Shelookedathim，andlaughed；acoldlaugh，disdainful，yetnotbitter。"Youwantedthatbefore，mylord；yetyouneglectedtheopportunitymyfollygaveyou。Ithankyou-
you，afterGod-forthatsameneglect。"
"Ah，donotsaythat！"hebegged，averysuppliantagain。"Donotsaythat！Child，Iloveyou。Doyouunderstand？"
"Whocouldfailtounderstand，aftertheabundantproofyouhaveaffordedmeofyoursincerityandyourdevotion？"
"Doyourallyme？"hedemanded，lettingthroughaflashoftheangerthatwasmountinginhim。"AmIsopoorathingthatyouwhetyourlittlewituponme？"
"Mylord，youarepainingme。Whatcanyoulooktogainbythis？Suffermetogo。"
Amomentyethestood，holdingherwristsandlookingdownintohereyeswithamixtureofpleadingandferocityinhis。
Thenhemadeasoundinhisthroat，andcaughtherbodilytohim；hisarms，lacedabouther，heldherboundandcrushedagainsthim。Hisdark，flushedfacehoveredaboveherown。
Feartookheratlast。Itmountedandgrewtohorror。"Letmego，mylord，"shebesoughthim，hervoicetrembling。"Oh，letmego！"
"Iloveyou，Hortensia！Ineedyou！"hecried，asifwrungbypain，andthenhotuponherbrowandcheeksandlipshiskissesfell，andshameturnedhertofirefromheadtofootasshefoughthelplesslywithinhiscrushinggrasp。
"Youdog！"shepanted，andwrithingharder，wrenchedfreeahandandarm。Blindlyshebeatupwardsintothatevilsatyr'sface。"Youbeast！Youtoad！Youcoward！"
Theyfellapart，eachpanting；sheleaningfaintagainstthespinet，herbosomgalloping；hemutteringoathsdecentandother-forintheupwardthrustingofherlittlehandoneofitsfingershadproddedataneye，andthepainofit-whichhadcausedhimtorelaxhisholdofher-strippedwhatlittleveneerremainedupontheman'struenature。
"Willyougo？"sheaskedhimfuriously，outragedbythevilenessofhisravings。"Willyougo，ormustIsummonhelp？"
Hestoodlookingather，straighteninghiswig，whichhadbecomedisarrangedinthestruggle，andforcinghimselftoanoutwardcalm。"So，"hesaid。"Youscornme？Youwillnotmarryme？Yourealisethechance，eh？Andwhy？Why？"
"IsupposeitisbecauseIamblindtothehonorofthealliance，"shecontrolledherselftoanswerhim。"Willyougo？"
Hedidnotmove。"Yetyoulovedmeonce-"
"'Tisalie！"sheblazed。"IthoughtIdid-tomyundyingshame。Nomorethanthat，mylord-asI'veasoultobesaved。"
"YoulovedMe，"heinsisted。"AndyouwouldlovemestillbutforthisdamnedCaryll-thisFrenchcoxcomb，whohascrawledintoyourregardliketheslimy，creepingthingheis。"
"Itsortswellwithyourways，mylord，thatyou，couldsaythesethingsbehindhisback。Youarepracticedatstabbingmenbehind。"
Thegibe，withallthehurtful，stingingqualitythatonlytruthpossesses，struckhisangerfromhim，leavinghimlimpandpale。Thenherecovered。
"Doyouknowwhoheis-whatheis？"heasked。"Iwilltellyou。He'saspy-adamnedJacobitespy，whomawordfrommewillhang。"
Hereyeslashedhimwithherscorn。"IwereafooldidI
believeyou，"washercontemptuousanswer。
"Askhim，"hesaid，andlaughed。Heturnedandstrodetothedoor。Pausedthere，sardonic，lookingback。"Ishallbequitswithyou，ma'am。Quits！I'llhangthisprettyturtleofyoursatTyburn。Tellhimsofromme。"
Hewrenchedthedooropen，andwentoutonthat，leavinghercoldandsickwithdread。
Wasitbutanidlethreattoterrorizeher？Wasitbutthat？
HerimpulsewastoseekMr。Caryllupontheinstantthatshemightaskhimandallayherfears。Butwhatrighthadshe？
Uponwhatgroundscouldshesetaquestionuponsosecretamatter？Sheconceivedhimraisinghisbrowsinthatsuperciliouswayofhis，andlookingheroverfromheadtotoeasthoughseekingacluetothenatureofthisquaintthingthataskedhimquestions。Shepicturedhissmileandthejestwithwhichhewouldsetasideherinquiry。Sheimagined，indeed，justwhatshebelievedwouldhappendidsheaskhim；
whichwaspreciselywhatwouldnothavehappened。Imaginingthus，sheheldherpeace，andnursedhersecretdread。Andonthefollowingday，hisweaknesssofarovercomeastoleavehimnoexcusetolingeratStrettonHouse，Mr。CarylltookhisdepartureandreturnedtohislodginginOldPalaceYard。
OnemoretreasonableinterviewhadhewithLordOstermoreinthelibraryerehedeparted。Hislordshipitwaswhoreopenedagainthequestion，torepeatmuchofwhathehadsaidinthearboronthepreviousday，andMr。Caryllrepliedwithmuchthesameargumentsinfavorofprocrastinationthathehadalreadyemployed。
"Wait，atleast，"hebegged，"untilIhavebeenabroadadayortwo，andfeltfor。myselfhowthewindIssetting。"
"'Tisaprodigiouslydangerousdocument，"hedeclared。"I
scarceseetheneedforsomuchdetail。"
"Howcanitsetbutoneway？"
"'TisaquestionIshallbeinbettercasetoanswerwhenI
havehadanopportunityofjudging。Meanwhile，beassuredI
shallnotsailforFrancewithoutadvisingyou。Timeenoughthentogivemeyourlettershouldyoustillbeofthesamemind。"
"Beitso，"saidtheearl。"Whenallissaid，theletterwillbesaferhere，meantime，thaninyourpocket。"Andhetappedthesecretaire。"ButseewhatIhavewrithismajesty，andtellmeshouldIalteraught。"
Hetookoutadrawerontheright-tookitoutbodily-thenintroducedhishandintotheopening，runningitalongtheinnersideofthedeskuntil，nodoubt，hetouchedaspring；
forsuddenlyasmalltrapwasopened。Fromthiscavityhefishedouttwodocuments-onetheflimsytissueonwhichKingJames'laterwaspenned；theotheronheaviermaterialLordOstermore'sreply。Hespreadthelatterbeforehim，andhandedittoMr。Caryll，whorananeyeoverit。
Itwasinditedwithstupid，characteristicincaution；
concealmentwasneveronceresortedto；everywhereexpressionsofthefrankestwereemployed，andeverylinebreathedthefullmeasureofhislordship'streasonandbetraystheexistenceofaplot。
Mr。Caryllreturnedit。Hiscountenancewasgrave。
"Idesirehismajestytoknowhowwhole-heartedlyIbelongtohim。"
"'Twerebestdestroyed，Ithink。Youcanwriteanotherwhenthetimecomestodispatchit。"
ButOstermorewasneveronetotakesensibleadvice。"Pooh！
'Twillbesafeinhere。'Tisasecretknowntonone。"Hedroppedit，togetherwithKingJames'letter，backintotherecess，snappeddownthetrap，andreplacedthedrawer。
WhereuponMr。Carylltookhisleave，promisingtoadvisehislordshipofwhateverhemightglean，andsodepartedfromStrettonHouse。
MyLordRotherby，meanwhile，wasverydiligentinthebusinessuponwhichhewasintent。HehadreceivedinhisinterviewwithHortensiaanaddedspurtosuchactionasmightbescathefultoMr。Caryll。HislordshipwaslodgedinPortugalRow，withinastone'sthrowofhisfather'shouse，andthere，onthatsameeveningofhismovingthither，hehadMr。Greentoseehim，desiringnews。
Mr。Greenhadlittletoimpart，butstronghopeofmuchtobegarneredpresently。Hislittleeyestwinkling，hischubbyfacesuffusedinsmiles，asthoughitwereanexcellentjesttobehuntingknowledgethatshouldhangaman，thespyassuredLordRotherbythattherewaslittledoubtMr。Caryllcouldbeimplicatedassoonashewasaboutagain。
"Andthat'sthereason-afteryourlordship'sownexpresswishes-whysofarIhaveletSirRichardEverardbe。ItmaycometotroubleformewithmyLordCarteretshoulditbesmokedthatIhavebeensilentonthematterswithinmyknowledge。But-"
"Oh，aplagueonthat！"saidhislordship。"You'llbewellpaidforyourserviceswhenyou'verenderedthem。And，meanwhile，IunderstandthatnotanothersoulinLondon-thatis，onthesideofthegovernment-isawareofSirRichard'spresenceintown。Sowhereisyourdanger？"
"True，"saidMr。Green，plumphandcaressingplumperchin。
"Haditnotbeenso，Ishouldhavebeenforcedtoapplytothesecretaryforawarrantbeforethis。"
"Thenyou'llwait，"saidhislordship，"andyou'llactasI
maydirectyou。Itwillbetoyourcreditintheend。WaituntilCaryllhasenmeshedhimselfbyfrequentvisitstoSirRichard's。Thengetyourwarrant-whenIgivetheword-andexecuteitonefinenightwhenCaryllhappenstobeclosetedwithEverard。Whetherwecangetfurtherevidenceagainsthimornot，thatcircumstanceofhisbeingfoundwiththePretender'sagentshouldgosomewaytowardshanginghim。Therestwemustsupply。"
Mr。Greensmiledseraphically。"Ecod！I'dgivemyearstohavetheslipperyfellowsafe。Codso！Iwould。HebubbledmeatMaidstone，andIlimpedafortnightfromthekickhegaveme。"
"Heshalldoalittlemorekicking-withbothfeet，"saidhislordshipwithunction。
CHAPTERXVI
MR。GREENEXECUTESHISWARRANT
Fivedayslater，Mr。Caryll-whoserecoveryhadsofarprogressedthathemightnowbesaidtobehisownmanagain-
camebrisklyupfromCharingCrossoneeveningatdusk，tothehouseatthecornerofMaidenLanewhereSirRichardEverardwaslodged。HeobservedthreeorfourfellowsloungingaboutthecornerofChandosstreetandBedfordstreet，butitdidnotoccurtohimthatfromthatpointtheycouldcommandSirRichard'sdoor-northatsuchcouldbetheirobject-until，asheswungsharplyroundthecorner，hehurtledviolentlyintoamanwhowasmovingintheoppositedirectionwithoutlookingwhitherhewasgoing。Themansteppedquicklyasidewithamurmuredwordofapology，togiveMr。Caryllthewallthathemightpasson。ButMr。Caryllpaused。
"Ah，Mr。Green！"saidheverypleasantly。"Howd'ye？Haveyebeensearchingfolkoflate？"
Mr。Greenendeavoredtodissemblehisstartledexpressioninagrinthatrevealedhiswhiteteeth。"Yecan'tforgivemethatblunder，Mr。Caryll，"saidhe。
Mr。Caryllsmiledfondlyuponhim。"FromyourmannerItakeitthatonyoursideyoupracticeamoreChristianvirtue。Itisplainthatyouforgivemethesequel。"
Mr。Greenshruggedandspreadhishands。"Youwereintheright，sir；youwereintheright，"heexplained。"Thosearetherisksamanofmycallingmustrun。Imustsufferformyblunders。"
Mr。Caryllcontinuedtosmile。Butthatthelightwasfailing，thespymighthaveobservedacertainhardeninginthelinesofhismouth。"Hereisaveryhumblemood，"saidhe。"Itislikethecrouchbeforethespring。Inwhomdoyoudesigntoplantyourclaws？-yoursandyourfriendsyonder。"
Andhepointedwithhiscaneacrossthestreettowardstheloungershehadobserved。
"Myfriends？"quothMr。Green，inavoiceofdisgust。"Nay，yourhonor！Nofriendsofmine，ecod！Indeed，no！"
"No？Iamatfault，then。Yettheylookasiftheymightbebumbailiffs。'Tisthekindyeherdwith，is'tnot？Giveyougood-even，Mr。Green。"Andhewenton，coolandunconcerned，andturnedinthroughthenarrowdoorwaybytheglover'sshoptomountthestairstoSirRichard'slodging。
Mr。Greenstoodstilltowatchhimgo。Thenhesworethroughhisteeth，andbeckonedoneofthosewhoseacquaintancehehaddisclaimed。
"'Tislikehim，ecod！tohavegoneininspiteofseeingmeandyou！He'scool！Damnedcool！Buthe'llbecooleryet，codso！"Then，brisklyquestioninghissatellite："IsSirRichardwithin，Jerry？"
"Ay，"answeredJerry-arough，heavily-builttatterdemalion。
"He'sbeentherethesetwohours。"
"'Tisourchancetonab'emboth，then-ourlastchance，maybe。
Thegameisup。Thatfinegentlemanhassmokedit。"Hewasangrybeyondmeasure。Theirplanswerefarfromripe，andyettodelaylongernowthattheirvigilancewasdetectedwas，perhaps，toallowSirRichardtoslipthroughtheirfingers，aswellastheother。"Haveyeyourbarkers？"heaskedharshly。
Jerrytappedaheavilybulgingpocket，andwinked。Mr。Greenthrusthisthree-corneredhata-cockoveroneeye，andwithhishandsbehindthetailsofhiscoat，stoodpondering。"Ay，poxon't！"hegrumbled。"Itmustbedoneto-night。Idursn'tdelaylonger。We'llgivethegentlementimetosettlecomfortably；thenupwegotomakethingsmerryfor'em。"Andhebeckonedtheothersacross。
MeanwhileMr。Caryllhadgoneupwithconsiderablemisgivings。
ThelastletterhehadreceivedfromSirRichard-thatdayatStrettonHouse-hadbeentoapprisehimthathisadoptivefatherwasonthepointofleavingtownbutthathewouldbereturnedwithintheweek。ThebusinessthathadtakenhimhadbeenagainconcernedwithAtterburytheobstinate。UponanothervainendeavortodissuadethebishopfromaschemehiskingdidnotapprovehadSirRichardjourneyedtoRochester。
Hehadhadhispainsfornothing。Atterburyhadkepthimthere，entertaininghim，andseekinginhisturntoengulftheagentinthebusinessthatwastoward-businesswhichwasultimatelytosuckdownAtterburyandhisassociates。SirRichard，however，wasveryfirm。AndwhenatlastheleftRochestertoreturntotownandhisadoptiveson，acoolnessmarkedthepartingofthosetwoadherentsoftheStuartdynasty。
ReturnedtoLondon-whencehisabsencehadbeenmarkedwithalarmbyMr。Green-SirRichardhadsentamessagetoMr。
Caryll，andthelattermadehastetoansweritinperson。
Hisadoptivefatherreceivedhimwithopenarms，andsuchajoyinhisface，suchalightinhisoldeyesasshouldhavegladdenedhisvisitor，yetonlyservedsaddenhimthemore。
HesighedasSirRichardthrusthimbackthathemightlookathim。
"Ye'repale，boy，"hesaid，"andyelookthinner。"Andwiththathefelltorevilingthedeedthatwasthecauseofthis，RotherbyandthewholebroodofOstermore。
"Letbe，"saidMr。Caryll，ashedroppedintoachair。
"Rotherbyisundergoinghispunishment。Thetownlooksonhimasacut-throatwhohasnarrowlyescapedthegallows。I
marvelthathetarrieshere。AnIwerehe，IthinkI'dtravelforayearortwo。"
"Whatweaknessmadeyousparehimwhenyehadhimatthepointofyoursword？"
"ThatwhichmademeregretthatIhadhimthere；thereflectionthatheismybrother。"
SirRichardlookedathiminsomesurprise。"Ithoughtyouofsternerstuff，Justin，"hesaidpresently，andsighed，passingalongwhitehandacrosshisbonybrow。"IthoughtIhadrearedyoutoafinerstrength。Butthere！WhatofOstermorehimself？"
"Whatofhim？"
"HaveyounottalkedagainwithhimofthematterofgoingovertoKingJames？"
"Towhatend，sincethechanceislost？HisbetrayalnowwouldinvolvethebetrayalofAtterburyandtheothers-forhehasbeenintouchwiththem。"
"Hashethough？Thebishopsaidnaughtofthis。"
"Ihaveitfrommylordhimself-andIknowtheman。Werehetakenthey'dwringoutofhimwhateverhappenedtobeinhim。
Hehasnodiscretion。Indeed，he'sbutaclod，toostupideventobeawareofhisownstupidity。"
"Thenwhatistobedone？"inquiredSirRichard，frowning。
"We'dbestgethometoFranceagain。"
"Andleavemattersthus？"Heconsideredamoment，andshookhishead，smilingbitterly。"Couldthatcontentyou，Justin？
Couldyougoasyouhavecome-takingnomorethanyoubrought；leavingthatmanasyoufoundhim？Couldyou？"
Mr。Carylllookedatthebaronet，andwonderedforamomentwhetherheshouldpersevereintheruleofhislifeanddealquitefranklywithhim，tellinghimpreciselywhathefelt。
Thenherealizedthathewouldnotbeunderstood。HecouldnotcombatthefanaticismthatwasSirRichard'sinthismatter。Ifhetoldhimthetruth；howheloathedthetask；
howherejoicedthatcircumstanceshadnowputitbeyondhisreach-allhewouldachievewouldbetowoundSirRichardinhistenderestplaceandtonopurpose。
"ItisnotamatterofwhatIwould，"heansweredslowly，wearilyalmost。"ItisamatterofwhatImust。HereinEnglandisnomoretobedone。Moreover，there'sdangerforyouinlingering，orI'mmuchmistakenelse。"
"Dangerofwhat？"askedSirRichard，withindifference。
"Youarebeingspiedupon。"
"Pho！Iamaccustomedtoit。Ihavebeenspieduponallmylife。"
"Likeenough。Butthistimethespiesaremessengersfromthesecretaryofstate。Icaughtaglimpseofthemlurkingaboutyourdoorway-threeorfouratleast-andasIenteredIallbutfelloveraMr。Green-amostpertinaciousgentlemanwithwhomIhavealreadysomeacquaintance。HeistheverymanwhosearchedmeatMaidstone；hehaskepthiseyeuponmeeversince，whichhasnottroubledme。Butthatheshouldkeepaneyeonyoumeansthatyouridentityissuspected，andifthatbeso-well，thesoonerweareoutofEnglandthebetterforyourhealth。"
SirRichardshookhisheadcalmly。Thefine-featured，leanoldfaceshowednosignofuneasiness。"Afigforallthat！"
saidhe。"Igonotthus-empty-handedasIcame。Afteralltheseyearsofwaiting"
Aknockfelluponthedoor，andSirRichard'smanentered。
Hisfacewaswhite，hiseyesstartled。
"SirRichard，"heannounced，hisvoiceloweredportentously，"therearesomemenherewhoinsistuponseeingyou。"
Mr。Caryllwheeledinhischair。"Surelytheydidnotaskforhimbyname？"heinquiredinthesamelowkeyemployedbythevalet。
Themannoddedinsilence。Mr。Caryllsworethroughhisteeth。SirRichardrose。
"Iamoccupiedatpresent，"hesaidinacalmvoice。"Icanreceivenobody。Desiretoknowtheirbusiness。Ifitimports，bidthemcomeagainto-morrow。"
"Itisover-urgentforthat，SirRichardEverard，"camethesoftvoiceofMr。Green，whothrusthimselfsuddenlyforwardpasttheservant。Otherfigureswereseenmovingbehindhimintheante-room。
"Sir，"criedSirRichardangrily。"Thisisamostinsolentintrusion。Bentley，showthisfellowthedoor。"
BentleysetahandonMr。Green'sshoulder。Mr。Greennimblytwistedoutofit，andproducedapaper。"Ihavehereawarrantforyourapprehension，SirRichard，frommyLordCarteret，thesecretaryofstate。"
Mr。Carylladvancedmenacinglyuponthetipstaff。Mr。Greensteppedback，andfellintoadefensiveattitude，balancingashortbutformidable-lookinglife-preserver。
"Keepyourdistance，sir，or'twillbetheworseforyou，"hethreatened。"Hi！"hecalled。"Jerry！Beattie！"
Jerry，Beattie，andtwootherruffianscrowdedtothedoorway，butadvancedlittlebeyondthethreshold。Mr。CaryllturnedtoSirRichard。ButMr。Greenwasthefirsttospeak。
"SirRichard，"saidhe，"you'llseethatwearebutinstrumentsofthelaw。Itgrievesmeprofoundlytohaveyouforourobject。Butye'llseethat'tisnoaffairofours，whohavebuttodothedutythatwe'reordered。Ye'llnotgivethesepoorfellowstrouble，Itrust。Ye'llsurrenderquietly。"
SirRichard'sanswerwastopullopenadrawerinthewriting-table，bywhichhewasstanding，andwhipoutapistol。
Whatexactlyhemayhaveintended，hewasnever"allowedtoannounce。Anexplosionshooktheroom，comingfromthedoorway，uponwhichMr。Caryllhadturnedhisshoulder；therewasaspurtofflame，andSirRichardcollapsedforwardontothetable，andslitheredthencetotheground。
"Jerry，takingfrightatthesightofthepistolSirRichardhadproduced，hadforestalledwhathesupposedtobethebaronet'sintentionsbyfiringinstantlyuponhim，withthisdisastrousresult。
Confusionensued。Mr。Caryll，withnomorethoughtforthetipstavesthanhehadforthesmokeinhiseyesorthestenchofpowderinhisnostrils，spedtoSirRichard。Inapassionofgriefandanxiety，heraisedhisadoptivefather，aidedbyBentley，whattimeMr。GreenwasabusingJerry，andJerrywasurginginexculpationhowhehadactedpurelyinMr。Green'sinterest，fearingthatSirRichardmighthavebeenonthepointofshootinghim。
ThespywentforwardtoMr。Caryll。"Iammostprofoundlysorry-"hebegan。
"Takeyoursorrowtohell，"snarledMr。Caryll，hisfacelivid，hiseyesblazinguncannily。"Ibelieveye'vemurderedhim。"
"Ecod！thefoolshallsmartfor'tifSirRicharddies，"
grumbledMr。Green。
"What'sthattome？Youmayhangthemuckworm，andwhatshallthatprofitanyone？WillitrestoremeSirRichard'slife？
Sendoneofyourruffiansforadoctor，man。Andbidhimhasten。"
Mr。Greenobeyedwithalacrity。Apartfromhisregretsatthishappeningforitsownsake，itwouldsuithisinterestsnotatallthatSirRichardshouldperishthus。Meanwhile，withthehelpofthevalet，whowasblubberinglikeachild-
forhehadbeenwithSirRichardforovertenyears，andwasattachedtohimasadogtoitsmaster-theyopenedthewoundedman'ssoddenwaistcoatandshirt，andreachedthehurt，whichwasontherightsideofthebreast。
Betweenthemtheyliftedhimupgently。Mr。Greenwouldhavelentahand，butasnarlfromMr。Carylldrovehimbackinsheerterror，andalonethosetwoborethebaronetintothenextroomandlaidhimonhisbed。Heretheydidthelittlethattheycould；proppinghimupandstemmingthebleeding，whattimetheywaitedthroughwhatseemedacenturyforthedoctor'scoming，Mr。Caryllmad-starkmadforthetime-
withgriefandrage。
Thephysicianarrivedatlast-asmall，bird-likemanunderagreatgrayperiwig，withpointedfeaturesandlittleeyesthatbeamedbrightlybehindhorn-rimmedspectacles。
Intheante-roomhewasmetbyMr。Green，whoininafewwordstoldhimwhathadhappened。Thenthedoctorenteredthebedchamberalone，anddeposinghatandcane，wentforwardtomakehisexamination。
Mr。CaryllandBentleystoodasidetogiveplacetohim。Hestooped，feltthepulse，examinedthelipsofthewound，estimatingthelocalityanddirectionofthebullet，andhismouthmadeacluckingsoundasofdeprecation。
"Verydeplorable，verydeplorable！"hemuttered。"Sohaleaman，too，despitehisyears。Verydeplorable！"Helookedup。
"AJacobite，yesayheis，sir？"
"Willhelive？"inquiredMr。Caryllshortly，bywayofrecallingthemanofmedicinetothefactthatpoliticswasnotthebusinessonwhichhehadbeensummoned。
Thedoctorpursedhislips，andlookedatMr。Carylloverthetopofhisspectacles。"Hewilllive-"，"ThankGod！"breathedMr。Caryll。
"-perhapsanhour，"thedoctorconcluded，andneverknewhownearwasMr。Carylltostrikinghim。Heturnedagaintohispatient，producingaprobe。"Verydeplorable！"Mr。Caryllheardhimmuttering，parrot-like。
Apauseensued，andasilencebrokenonlybyoccasionalcluckingsfromthelittledoctor，andMr。Caryllstoodby，apreytoananguishmorepoignantthanhehadeverknown。Atlasttherewasagroanfromthewoundedman。Mr。Caryllstartedforward。
SirRichard'seyeswereopen，andhewaslookingabouthimatthedoctor，thevalet，and，lastly，athisadoptedson。Hesmiledfaintlyatthelatter。ThenthedoctortouchedMr。
Caryll'ssleeve，anddrewhimaside。
"Icannotreachthebullet，"hesaid。"But'tisnomatterforthat。"Heshookhisheadsolemnly。"Thelunghasbeenpierced。Alittletimenow，and-Icandonothingmore。"
Mr。Caryllnoddedinsilence，hisfacedrawnwithpain。Withagesturehedismissedthedoctor，whowentoutwithBentley。
Whenthevaletreturned，Mr。Caryllwasonhiskneesbesidethebed，SirRichard'shandinhis，andSirRichardwasspeakinginafeeble，hoarsevoice-gaspingandcoughingatintervals。
"Don't-don'tgrieve，Justin，"hewassaying。"Iamanoldman。Mytimemusthavebeenverynear。I-Iamgladthatitisthus。Itismuchbetterthaniftheyhadtakenme。They'dha'shownmenomercy。'Tisswifterthus，and-andeasier。"
SilentlyJustinwrungthehandheheld。
"You'llmissmealittle，Justin，"theoldmanresumedpresently。"Wehavebeengoodfriends，lad-goodfriendsforthirtyyears。"
"Father！"Justincried，asobinhisvoice。
SirRichardsmiled。"IwouldIwereyourfatherinmorethanname，Justin。Hastbeenagoodsontome-nosoncouldhavebeenmorethanyou。"
Bentleydrewnighwithalongglasscontainingacordialthedoctorhadadvised。SirRicharddrankavidly，andsighedcontentwhenhereturnedtheglass。"Howlongyet，Justin？"
heinquired。
"Notlong，father，"wasthegloomyanswer。
"Itiswell。Iamcontent。Iamhappy，Justin。Believeme，Iamhappy。Whathasmylifebeen？Dissipatedinthepursuitofaphantom。"Hespokemusingly，criticallycalm，asonewhoalreadyuponthebrinkofdissolutiontakesalreadybutanimpersonalinterestinthecoursehehasruninlife。
Judgingso，hisjudgmentwasclearerthanithadyetbeen；itgrewsane，andwasfreedatlastfromthehacklesoffanaticism；andtherewassomethingthatesawinitstrueproportions。Hesighedheavily。
"Thisisajudgmentuponme，"hesaidpresently。HeturnedhisgreateyesfulluponJustin，andtheirdancewasinfinitelywistful。"Doyouremember，Justin，thatnightatyourlodging-thatfirstnightonwhichwetalkedhereinLondonofthethingyouwerecometodo-thethingtowhichIurgedyou？
Doyourecallhowyouupbraidedmeforhavingsetyouataskhatwasunworthyandrevolting？"
"Iremember，"answeredJustin，withaninwardshudder，fearfulofwhatmightfollow。
"Oh，youwereright，Justin；right，andIwasentirelywrong-
wickedlywrong。IshouldhaveleftvengeancetoGod。Heiswreakingit。Ostermore'swholelifehasbeenapunishment；
hisendwillbeapunishment。Iunderstanditnow。Wedonowronginlife，Justin，forwhichinthissamelifepaymentisnotexacted。Ostermorehasbeenpaying。Ishouldlavebeencontentwiththat。Afterall，heisyourfatherintheflesh，anditwasnotforyoutoraiseyourhandagainsthim。'Tiswhatyouhavefelt，andIamgladyoushouldhavefeltit，foritprovesyourworthiness。Canyouforgiveme？"
"Nay，nay，father！Speaknotofforgiveness。"
"Ihavesoreneedofit。"
"Ah，butnotfromme；notfromme！WhatisthereIshouldforgive？ThereisadebtbetweenusIhadhopedtorepaysomedaywhenyouweregrowntrulyold。Ihadlookedtotendyouinyouroldage，tobethecomfortofit，andthesupportthatyouweretomyinfancy。"
"Ithadbeensweet，Justin，"sighedSirRichard，smilinguponhisadoptedson，andputtingforthanunsteadyhandtostrokethewhite，drawnface。"Ithadbeensweet。Itissweettohearthatyousoproposed。"
Ashudderconvulsedhim。Hesankbackcoughing，andtherewasfrothandbloodonhislips。ReverentlyJustinwipedthem，andsignedforthecordialtoBentley，whostood，numbed，inthebackground。
"Itistheend，"saidSirRichardfeebly。"Godhasbeengoodtomebeyondmydeserts，andthisisacrowningmercy。
Consider，Justin，itmighthavebeenthegibbetandacrowd-
insteadofthissnugbed，andyouandBentleyhere-justtwogoodfriends。"
Bentley，losingallself-controlatthismentionofhimself，sankweepingtohisknees。SirRichardputoutahand，andtouchedhishead。
"YouwillserveMr。Caryll，Bentley。You'llfindhimagoodmasterifyouareasgoodaservanttohimasyouhavebeentome。"
Thensuddenlyhemadethequickmovementofonewhobethinkshimselfofsomething。HewavedBentleyaway。
"Thereisacaseinthedraweryonder，"hesaid，whentheservantwasbeyondearshot。"Itcontainspapersthatconcernyou-certificatesofyourbirthandofyourmothersdeath。I
broughtthemwithmeasproofsofyouridentity，againstthetimewhenthehourofvengeanceuponOstermoreshouldstrike。
Theytwillservenopurposenow。Burnthem。Theyarebestdestroyed。"
Mr。Caryllnoddedunderstanding，andonSirRichard'sparttherefollowedanotherfightforbreath，anotherattackofcoughing，duringwhichBentleyinstinctivelyapproachedagain。
Whentheparoxysmwaspast，SirRichardturnedoncemoretoJustin，whowasholdinghiminhisarms，upright，toeasehisbreathing。"BegoodtoBentley，"hemurmured，hisvoiceveryfaintandexhaustednow。"Youaremyheir，Justin。AllthatIhave-IsetallinorderereIleftParis。It-itisgrowingdark。Youhavenotsnuffedthecandles，Bentley。
Theyareburningverylow。"
Suddenlyhestartedforward，heldashewasinJustin'sarms。
Hehalf-raisedhisarms，holdingouthishandstowardthefootofthebed。Hiseyesdilated；theexpressionofhislividfacegrewfirstsurprised，thenjoyous-beatific。
"Antoinette！"hecriedinaloudvoice。"Antoi-""
Andthus，abruptly，butingreathappiness，hepassed。