CHAPTERXVII
　　AMIDTHEGRAVES
　　WhattimeSirRichardhadbeendyingintheinnerroom，Mr。
　　GreenandtwoofhisacolyteshadimprovedtheoccasionbymakingathoroughsearchinSirRichard'swriting-tableandathoroughinvestigationofeveryscrapofpaperfoundthere。
　　FromwhichyouwillunderstandhowmuchMr。Greenwasagentlemanwhosetbusinessaboveeveryotherconsideration。
　　ThemanwhohadshotSirRichardhadbeenorderedbyMr。Greentotakehimselfoff，andhadbeenurgedtogodownonhisknees，foronceinaway，andprayHeaventhathisrashnessmightnotbringhimtothegallowsashesorichlydeserved。
　　HisfourthmyrmidonMr。GreenhaddispatchedwithanotetomyLordRotherby，anditwasentirelyupontheanswerheshouldreceivethatitmustdependwhetherheproceededornot，forthwith，totheapprehensionofMr。Caryll。Meanwhilethesearchwentonamain，andwasextendedpresentlytotheverybedroomwherethedeadSirRichardlay。Everynookandcrannywasransacked；theverymattressunderthedeadmanwasremoved，andinvestigated，andevenMr。CaryllandBentleyhadtosubmittobeingsearched。Butitallprovedfruitless。
　　Notalineoftreasonablematterwastobefoundanywhere。TothecertificatesuponMr。Caryllthesearchermadethemistakeofpayingbutlittleheedinviewoftheirnature。
　　Butiftherewerenoproofsofplotsandtreasonabledealings，therewas，atleast，abundantproofofSirRichard'sidentity，andMr。Greenappropriatedtheseagainstanyawkwardinquiriestouchingthemannerinwhichthebaronethadmethisdeath。
　　Ofsuchinquiries，however，therewerenone。ItwasformallysworntoLordCarteretbyGreenandhismenthatthesecretary'smessenger，Jerry-thefellowownednosurname-
　　hadshotSirRichardinself-defence，whenSirRichardhadproducedfirearmsuponbeingarrestedonachargeofhightreason，forwhichtheyheldthesecretary'sownwarrant。
　　AtfirstLordCarteretconsidereditathousandpitiesthattheyshouldnothavecontrivedmattersbettersoastotakeSirRichardalive；butuponreflectionhewascarefulnottoexaggeratetohimselfthelossoccasionedbyhisdeath，forSirRichard，afterall，wasanotoriouslystubbornman，notintheleastlikelytohavemadeanyavowalsworthhaving。Sothathistrial，whilstprobablyresultingsterileofsuchresultsasthegovernmentcoulddesire，wouldhavegivenpublicitytothematterofaplotthatwashatching；andsuchpublicityatatimeofsomuchunrestwasthelastthingthegovernmentdesired。WhereJacobitismwasconcerned，LordCarterethadthewisediscretiontoproceedwiththeextremestcaution。Publicitymightservetofanthesmoulderingembersintoablaze，whereasitwashiscunningaimquietlytostiflethemashecameuponthem。
　　So，uponthewhole，hewasbynomeanssurebutthatJerryhaddonethestatethebestpossibleserviceindisposingthussummarilyofthatnotoriousJacobiteagent，SirRichardEverard。Andhislordshipsawtoitthattherewasnoinquiryandthatnothingfurtherwasheardofthematter。
　　AsforLordRotherby，hadtheaffairtranspiredtwenty-fourhoursearlier，hewouldcertainlyhavereturnedMr。GreenamessagetoeffectthearrestofMr。Carylluponsuspicion。
　　Butasitchanced，hehadthatveryafternoonreceivedavisitfromhismother，whocameingreatexcitementtoinformhimthatshehadforcedfromLordOstermoreanacknowledgmentthathewasplottingwithMr。CarylltogoovertoKingJames。
　　So，beforetheycouldmovefurtheragainstMr。Caryll，itbehoovedthemtoascertainpreciselytowhatextentLordOstermoremightnotbeincriminated，asotherwisethearrestofCaryllmightleadtoexposuresthatwouldruintheearlmorethoroughlythancouldanySouthSeabubblerevelations。
　　Thusherladyshiptoherson。Heturneduponher。
　　"Why，madam，"saidhe，"thesebetheveryargumentsIusedt'otherdaywhenwetalkedofthis；andallyouansweredmethenwastocallmeadull-wittedclod，fornotseeinghowthethingmightbedonewithoutinvolvingmylord。"
　　"Tcha！"snappedherladyship，beatingherknucklesimpatientlywithherfan。"Adull-wittedcloddidIcallyou？'Twasflattery-sheerflattery；forIthinkye'resomethingworse。
　　Fool，canyenotseethedifferencethatliesbetwixtyourdisclosingaplottothesecretaryofstate，andcausingthisCarylltodiscloseit-asmighthappenifhewereseized？
　　Firstdiscovertheplot-findoutinwhatitmayconsist，andthengotoLordCarterettomakeyourterms。"
　　Helookedather，outoftemperbyherrebuke。"Imaybeasdullasyourladyshipsays-butIdonotseeinwhatthepositionnowisdifferentfromwhatitwas。"
　　"Itisn'tdifferent-butwethoughtitwasdifferent，"sheexplainedimpatiently。"Weassumedthatyourfatherwouldnothavebetrayedhimself，countinguponhischaracteristiccaution。Butitseemswearemistook。HehasbetrayedhimselftoCaryll。Andbeforewecanmoveinthismatter，wemusthaveproofsofaplottolaybeforethesecretaryofstate。"
　　LordRotherbyunderstood，andaccountedhimselfbetweenScyllaandCharybdis，andwhenthateveningGreen'smessengerfoundhim，hegnashedhisteethinrageathavingtoallowthischancetopass，atbeingforcedtotemporizeuntilheshouldbelessparlouslysituated。HereturnedMr。GreenanurgentmessagetotakenostepsconcerningMr。Carylluntiltheyshouldhaveconcertedtogether。
　　Mr。Greenwasrelieved。Mr。CaryllarrestedmightstirupmattersagainsttheslayerofSirRichard，andthiswasabusinesswhichMr。Greenhadprevisionenoughtoseehismaster，LordCarteret，wouldprefershouldnotbestirredup。
　　Hehadanotion，fortherest，thatifMr。Caryllwerelefttogohisways，hewouldnotbelikelytogivetroubletouchingthatsamematter。Andhewasrightinthis。Beforehisoverwhelmingsenseofloss，Mr。Caryllhadfewthoughtstobestowuponthemannerinwhichthatlosshadbeensustained。
　　Moreover，ifhehadaquarrelwithanyoneonthataccount，itwaswiththegovernmentwhoserepresentativehadissuedthewarrantforSirRichard'sarrest，andnomorewiththewretchedtipstaffwhohadfiredthepistolthanwiththepistolitself。Bothalikewerebutinstruments，ofslightlydifferentdegreesofinsensibility。
　　Fortwenty-fourhoursMr。Caryll'sgriefwasoverwhelminginitspoignancy。Hissenseofsolitudewasawful。Gonewastheonlylivingmanwhohadstoodtohimforkithandkin。Hewasleftaloneintheworld；utterlyalone。Thatwastheselfishnessofhissorrow-theconsiderationofSirRichard'sdeathasitconcernedhimself。
　　PresentlyanalloyofconsolationwassuppliedbythereflectionofSirRichard'sowncase-asSirRichardhimselfhadstatedituponhisdeathbed。Hislifehadnotbeenhappy；
　　ithadbeenpoisonedbyamonomania，which，likeaworminthebud，hadconsumedthesweetnessofhisexistence。SirRichardwasatrest。Andsincehehadbeendiscovered，thatshotwas，indeed，themostmercifulendthatcouldhavebeenmeasuredouttohim。Thealternativemighthavebeenthegibbetandthegapingcrowd，andamoraltorturetoprecedetheend。
　　Better-athousandtimesbetter-asitwas。
　　SomuchdidallthisweighwithhimthatwhenonthefollowingMondayheaccompaniedthebodytoitsgrave，hefoundhiserstwhilepassionategriefsucceededbyanoddthankfulnessthatthingswereastheywere，althoughitmustbeconfessedthatapangofreturninganguishsmotehimwhenheheardtheearthclatteringdownuponthewoodenboxthatheldallthatremainedofthemanwhohadbeenfather，mother，brotherandallelsetohim。
　　Heturnedawayatlast，andwasleavingthegraveyard，whensomeonetouchedhimonthearm。Itwasatimidtouch。Heturnedsharply，andfoundhimselflookingintothesweetfaceofHortensiaWinthrop，wonderinghowcameshethere。Sheworealong，darkcloakandhood，butherveilwasturnedback。A
　　chairwaswaitingnotfiftypacesfromthemalongthechurchyardwall。
　　"IcamebuttotellyouhowmuchIfeelforyouinthisgreatloss，"shesaid。
　　Helookedatherinamazement。"Howdidyouknow？"heaskedher。
　　"Iguessed，"saidshe。"Iheardthatyouwerewithhimattheend，andIcaughtstraywordsfromherladyshipofwhathadpassed。LordRotherbyhadtheinformationfromthetipstaffwhowenttoarrestSirRichardEverard。Iguessedhewasyour-yourfoster-father，asyoucalledhim；andIcametotellyouhowdeeplyIsorrowforyouinyoursorrow。"
　　Hecaughtherhandsinhisandborethemtohislips，recklessofwhomightseetheact。"Ah，thisissweetandkindinyou，"saidhe。
　　Shedrewhimbackintothechurchyardagain。Alongthewalltherewasanavenueoflimes-acoolandpleasantwalkwhereinidlersloungedonSundaysinsummerafterservice。
　　Thithershedrewhim。Hewentalmostmechanically。Hersympathystirredhissorrowagain，assympathysooftendoes。
　　"Ihaveburiedmyheartyonder，Ithink，"saidhe，withawaveofhishandtowardsthatspotamidthegraveswherethemenweretoilingwiththeirshovels。"Hewastheonlylivingbeingthatlovedme。"
　　"Ah，surelynot，"saidshe，sorrowratherthanreproachinhergentlevoice。
　　"Indeed，yes。Mineisaselfishgrief。ItisformyselfthatIsorrow，formyselfandmyownloneliness。Itisthuswithallofus。Whenwearguethatweweepthedead，itwouldbemoretruetosaythatwebewailtheliving。Forhim-itisbetterasitis。Nodoubtitisbettersoformostmen，whenallissaid，andwedowrongtoweeptheirpassing。"
　　"Donottalkso，"shesaid。"Ithurts。"
　　"Ay-itisthewayoftruthtohurt，whichiswhy，hatingpain，weshuntruthsooften。"Hesighed。"But，oh，itwasgoodinyoutoseekme，tobringmewordwithyourownlipsofyoursweetsympathy。Ifaughtcouldlightenthegloomofmysorrow，surelyitisthat。"
　　Theysteppedalonginsilenceuntiltheycametotheendoftheavenue，andturned。Itwasnoidlesilence：thesilenceoftwobeingswhohavenaughttosay。Itwasagrave，portentoussilence，occasionedbytheunutterablemuchinthemindofone，andbytheother'sapprehensionofit。Atlastshespoke，toaskhimwhathemeanttodo。
　　"IshallreturntoFrance，"hesaid。"IthadperhapsbeenbetterhadInevercrossedtoEngland。"
　　"Icannotthinkso，"shesaid，simply，franklyandwithnotouchofacoquetrythathadbeenharshlyatdiscordwithtimeandplace。
　　Heshotheraswift，sidelongglance；thenstopped，andturned。"Iamgladon't，"saidhe。"'Twillmakemygoingtheeasier。"
　　"Imeannotthat，"shecried，andheldoutherhandstohim。
　　"Imeantnotwhatyouthink-youknow，youknowwhat'twasI
　　meant。Youknow-youmust-whatimpulsebroughtmetoyouinthishour，whenIknewyoumustneedcomfort。Andinreturnhowcruel，wereyounot-totellmethatyonderlayburiedtheonlylivingbeingthat-thatlovedyou？"
　　Hisfingerswereclencheduponherarm。"Don't-don't！"heimploredhoarsely，astrangefireinhiseyes，ahecticflushoneithercheek。"Don't！OrI'llforgetwhatIam，andtakeadvantageofthismidsummerfollythatisuponyou。"
　　"Isitnomorethanfolly，Justin？"sheaskedhim，browneyeslookingupintogray-green。
　　"Ay，somethingmore-starkmadness。Allgreatemotionsare。
　　Itwillpass，andyouwillbethankfulthatIwasmanenough-
　　strongenough-toallowitthechanceofpassing。"
　　Shehungherhead，shakingitsorrowfully。Thenverysoftly：
　　"Isitnomorethanthematterof-ofthat，thatstandsbetweenus？"sheinquired。
　　"Nomorethanthat，"heanswered，"andyetmorethanenough。
　　Ihavenonametoofferanywoman。"
　　"Aname？"sheechoedscornfully。"WhatstoredoyouthinkI
　　laybythat？Whenyoutalkso，youobeysomefoolishprejudice；nomore。"
　　"Obediencetoprejudicesisthewholeartofliving，"heanswered，sighing。
　　Shemadeagestureofimpatience，andwenton。"Justin，yousaidyoulovedme；andwhenyousaidsomuch，yougavemetheright-orsoIunderstoodit-tospeaktoyouasIamdoingnow。Youarealoneintheworld，withoutkithorkin。Theonlyoneyouhad-theonewhorepresentedallforyou-liesburiedthere。Wouldyoureturnthus，lonelyandalone，toFrance？"
　　"Ah，nowIunderstand！"hecried。"NowIunderstand。Pityistheimpulsethathasurgedyou-pityformyloneliness，is'tnot，Hortensia？"
　　"I'llnotdenythatwithoutthepitytheremightnothavebeenthecourage。WhyshouldI-sinceitisapitythatgivesyounooffense，apitythatisrootedfirmlyin-inloveforyou，myJustin？"
　　Hesethishandsuponhershoulders，andwithglowingeyesregardedher。"Ah，sweet！"saidhe，"youmakemevery，veryproud。"
　　Andthenhisarmsdroppedagainlimplytohissides。Hesighed，andshookhisheaddrearily。"Andyet-reflect。
　　WhenIcometobegyourhandinmarriageofyourguardian，whatshallIanswerhimofthequestionshewillaskmeofmyself-touchingmyfamily，myparentageandalltherestthathewillcravetoknow？"
　　Sheobservedthathewasverywhiteagain。"Needyouenterintothat？Amanishimself；nothisfatherorhisfamily。"
　　Andthenshechecked。"Youmakemepleadtoomuch，"shesaid，acrimsonfloodinherfaircheeks。"I'llsaynomorethanI
　　havesaid。AlreadyhaveIsaidmorethanIintended。Andyouhavewantedmercythatyoucoulddrivemetoit。Youknowmymind-my-myinmostheart。YouknowthatIcarenothingforyournamelessness。Itisyourstodecidewhatyouwilldo。
　　Come，now；mychairisstayingforme。"
　　Hebowed；hesoughtagaintoconveysomesenseofhisappreciationofhergreatnobility；thenledherthroughthegateandtoherwaitingchair。
　　"WhateverImaydecide，Hortensia''wasthelastthinghesaidtoher，"andIshalldecideasIaccountbestforyou，ratherthanformyself；andformyselfthereneedsnothoughtorhesitation-whateverImaydecide，believemewhenIsayfrommysoulthatallmylifeshallbethesweeterforthishour。"
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　THEGHOSTOFTHEPAST
　　TemptationhadseizedMr。Caryllinathrottlinggrip，andfortwowholedayshekeptthehouse，shunningallcompanyandwrestlingwiththatsameTemptation。Intheendhetookawhimsicalresolve，entirelyworthyofhimself。
　　HewouldgotoLordOstermoreformallytoaskinmarriagethehandofMistressWinthrop，andhewouldbeentirelyfrankwiththeearl，statinghisexactcondition，butsuppressingthenamesofhisparents。
　　Hewasgreatlytakenwiththenotion。Itwouldcreateasituationironicalbeyondany，grotesquebeyondbelief；anditsdevelopmentshouldbestupendouslyinteresting。Itattractedhimirresistibly。Thatheshouldleaveittohisownfathertosaywhetheramanbornashewasbornmightaspiretomarryhisfather'sward，hadinitsomethingthatsavoredoftragi-comedy。Itwasaprettyproblem，thatoncesetcouldnotbeleftunsolvedbyamanofMr。Caryll'stemperament。And，indeed，nosoonerwastheideaconceivedthanitquickenedintoaresolveuponwhichhesetouttoact。
　　HebadeLeduccallachair，and，dressedinmourning，butwithhishabitualcare，hehadhimselfcarriedtoLincoln'sInnFields。
　　Engrossedashewasinhisownthoughts，hepaidlittleheedtothehumofexcitementaboutthethresholdofStrettonHouse。Withintherailedenclosurethatfrontedthemansiontwocoachesweredrawnup，andalittleknotofidlersstoodbyoneoftheseinbusygossip。
　　Payingnoattentiontothem，Mr。Caryllmountedthesteps，nornoticedthegravityoftheporter'scountenanceashepassedwithin。
　　Inthehallhefoundalittleflockofservantsgatheredtogether，andmutteringamongthemselveslikeconspiratorsinatragedy；andsoengrossedthattheypaidnoheedtohimasheadvanced，noruntilhehadtappedoneofthemontheshoulderwithhiscane-andtappedhimathoughtperemptorily。
　　"Hownow？"saidhe。"Doesnoonewaithere？"
　　Theyfellapartalittle，andstoodatattention，withsomethingcuriousintheirbearing，oneandall。
　　"Myservicetohislordship，andsaythatIdesiretospeakwithhim。"
　　Theylookedatoneanotherinhesitationforamoment；thenHumphries，thebutler，cameforward。"Yourhonor'llnothaveheardthenews？"saidhe，asolemngravityinfaceandtone。
　　"News？"quothMr。Caryllsharply，intriguedbysomuchshowofmystery。"Whatnews？"
　　"Hislordshipisveryill，sir。Hehadaseizurethismorningwhentheycameforhim。"
　　"Aseizure？"saidMr。Caryll。Andthen："Whentheycameforhim？"heechoed，struckbysomethingoddintheman'sutteranceofthosefivewords。"Whenwhocameforhim？"
　　"Themessengers，sir，"repliedthebutlerdejectedly。"Hasyourhonornotheard？"AndseeingtheblanklookonMr。
　　Caryll'sface，heproceededwithoutwaitingforananswer：
　　"HislordshipwasimpeachedyesterdaybyhisGraceofWhartononamatterconcerningtheSouthSeaCompany，andLordCarteret-thesecretaryofstate，yourhonor-sentthismorningtoarresthim。"
　　"'Sdeath！"ejaculatedMr。Caryllinhissurprise，asurprisethatwastemperedwithsomedismay。"Andhehadaseizure，yesay？"
　　"Anapoplexy，yourhonor。Thedoctorsarewithhimnow；SirJames，himself，ishere。They'recuppinghim-soIhearfromMr。Tom，hislordship'sman。I'dha'thoughtyourhonorwouldha'heard。'Tistowntalk，theysay。"
　　Mr。Caryllwouldhavefounditdifficulttohavesaidexactlywhatimpressionthisnewsmadeuponhim。Inthemain，however，hefeareditlefthimcold。
　　"'Tisveryregrettable，"saidhe。Hefellthoughtfulamoment。Then："WillyousendwordtoMistressWinthropthatI
　　amhere，andwouldspeakwithher，Humphries？"
　　HumphriesconductedMr。Carylltothelittlewhiteandgoldwithdrawing-roomthatwasHortensia's。There，inthelittletimethathewaited，herevolvedthesituationasitnowstood，andthetemptationthathadbeenwithhimforthepastthreedaysroseupnowwithagreatervigor。ShouldLordOstermoredie，Temptationargued，heneednolongerhesitate。
　　Hortensiawouldbeasmuchaloneintheworldashewas；
　　worse，forlifeatStrettonHousewithherladyship-fromwhichevenintheearl'slifetimeshehadbeenledtoattempttoescape-mustbeathingunbearable，andwhatalternativecouldhesuggestbutthatsheshouldbecomehiswife？
　　Shecametohimpresently，white-facedandwithstartledeyes。
　　Asshetookhisoutstretchedhands，sheattemptedasmile。
　　"Itiskindinyoutocometomeatsuchatime，"shesaid。
　　"Youmistake，"saidhe，"asisbutnatural。Ihadnotheardwhathadbefallen。Icametoaskyourhandinmarriageofhislordship。"
　　Somefaintcolortingedhercheeks。"Youhaddecided，then？"
　　"Ihaddecidedthathislordshipmustdecide，"heanswered。
　　"Andnow？"
　　"Andnowitseemswemustdecideforourselvesifhislordshipdies。"
　　Hermindswungtothegravermatter。"SirJameshaseveryhope，"shesaid，andaddedmiserably："Iknownotwhichtoprayfor，hisrecoveryorhisdeath。"
　　"Whythat？"
　　"Becauseifhesurviveitmaybeforworse。Thesecretary'sagentisevennowseekingevidenceagainsthimamonghisownpapers。Heisinthelibraryatthismoment，goingthroughhislordship'sdesk。"
　　Mr。Caryllstarted。ThatmentionofOstermore'sdeskbroughtvividlybeforehismindtherecollectionofthesecretdrawerwhereintheearlhadlockedawaytheletterhehadreceivedfromKingJamesandhisownreply，allpackedasitwas，withtreason。Ifthatdrawerwerediscovered，andthosepapersfound，thenwasOstermorelostindeed，anddidhesurvivethisapoplexy，itwouldbetosurrenderhisheaduponthescaffold。
　　Amomentheconsideredthis，dispassionately。Thenitbrokeuponhismindthatwerethistohappen，Ostermore'sbloodwouldindirectlybeuponhisownhead，sinceforthepurposeofbetrayalhadhesoughthimoutwiththatletterfromtheexiledStuart-which，beitremembered，KingJameshimselfhadnolongerwisheddelivered。
　　Itturnedhimcoldwithhorror。Hecouldnotremainidleandletmattersruntheircourse。Hemustavertthesediscoveriesifitlaywithinhispowertodoso，orelsehemustsubmittoalifetimeofremorseshouldOstermoresurvivetobeattaintedoftreason。Hehadmadeanend-adefiniteend-longsinceofhisintentionofworkingOstermore'sruin；hecouldnotstandbynowandseethatruinwroughtasaresultofthelittlethatalreadyhehaddonetowardsencompassingit。
　　"Hispapersmustbesaved，"hesaidshortly。"I'llgotothelibraryatonce。"
　　"Butthesecretary'sagentistherealready，"sherepeated。
　　"'Tisnomatterforthat，"saidhe，movingtowardsthedoor。
　　"Hisdeskcontainsthatwhichwillcosthimhisheadifdiscovered。Iknowit，"heassuredher，andlefthercoldwithfear。
　　"But，then，you-you？"shecried。"IsittruethatyouareaJacobite？"
　　"Trueenough，"heanswered。
　　"LordRotherbyknowsit，"sheinformedhim。"Hetoldmeitwasso。If-ifyouinterfereinthis，it-itmaymeanyourruin。"Shecametohimswiftly，agreatfearwrittenorherwinsomeface。
　　"Sh，"saidhe。"Iamnotconcernedtothinkofthatatpresent。IfLordOstermoreperishesthroughhisconnectionwiththecause，itwillmeanworsethanruinforme-thoughnottheruinthatyouarethinkingof。"
　　"Butwhatcanyoudo？"
　　"ThatIgotolearn。"
　　"Iwillcomewithyou，then。"
　　Hehesitatedamoment，lookingather；thenheopenedthedoor，andhelditforher，followingafter。Heledthewayacrossthehalltothelibrary，andtheywentintogether。
　　LordOstermore'ssecretairestoodopen，andleaningoverit，hisbacktowardsthemwasashort，stiffly-builtmaninasnuff-coloredcoat。Heturnedatthesoundoftheclosingdoor，andrevealedthepleasant，chubbyfaceofMr。Green。
　　"Ha！"saidMr。Caryll。"Mr。Greenagain。Ideclare，sir，ye'vethegiftofubiquity。"
　　Thespystooduptoregardhim，andforallthathisvoiceinclinedtosharpnesswhenhespoke，thehabitualgrinsatlikeamaskuponthemobilefeatures。"Whatd'yeseekhere？"
　　""TiswhatIwasabouttoaskyou-whatyouareseeking；forthatyouseekisplain。IthoughtperhapsImightassistyou。"
　　"Inothingdoubtyoucould，"answeredMr。Greenwithafreshleer，thatcontainedthistimesomethingironic。"Inothingdoubtit！Butbyyourleave，I'llpursuemyquestwithoutyourassistance。"
　　Mr。Caryllcontinued，nevertheless，toadvancetowardshim，MistressHortensiaremaininginthebackground，aquietspectator，betrayingnothingoftheanxietiesbywhichshewasbeingracked。
　　"Ye'remightycurtthismorning，Mr。Green，"saidMr。Caryll，veryairy。"Ye'remightycurt，andye'reentirelywrongsotobe。Youmightfindmeaveryusefulfriend。"
　　"I'vefoundyousobefore，"saidMr。Greensourly。
　　"Ye'veanicesenseofhumor，"saidMr。Caryll，headononeside，contemplatingthespywithadmirationinhisglance。
　　"AndanicersenseofaJacobite，"answeredMr。Green。
　　"Hewillhavethelastword，youperceive，"saidMr。CarylltoHortensia。
　　"Harkee，Mr。Caryll，"quothMr。Green，quitegrimlynow。"I'dha'laidyoubytheheelsamonthormoreago，butforcertainfriendso'minewhohaveotherendstoserve。"
　　"Sir，whatyoutellmeshocksme。Itshakestheveryfoundationsofmyfaithinhumannature。Ihaveesteemedyouanhonestman，Mr。Green，anditseems-onyourownconfessing-thatye'renobetterthanadamnedroguewhoneglectshisdutytothestate。I'veamindtoseeLordCarteret，andtellhimthetruthofthematter。"
　　"Yeshallhaveanopportunitybeforelong，ecod！"saidMr。
　　Green。"Good-morningtoyou！I'veworktodo。"Andheturnedbacktothedesk。
　　"'Tiswastedlabor，"saidMr。Caryll，producinghissnuff-box，andtappingit。"Youmightseekfromnowtillthecrackofdoom，andnotfindwhatyeseek-notthoughyouhackthedesktopieces。Ithasasecret，Mr。Green。I'llmakeabargainwithyouforthatsecret。"
　　Mr。Greenturnedagain，andhisshrewd，brighteyesscannedmorecloselythatleanface，whosekeennesswasalldissemblednowinaneasy，languidsmile。"Abargain？"grumbledthespy。
　　"I'faith，then，thesecret'sworthless。"
　　"Yethinkthat？Pho！'Tisnotlikeyourusualwit，Mr。
　　Green。TheletterthatIcarriedintoEngland，andthatyouwereatsuchsplendidpainstofindatMaidstone，isinhere。"
　　Andhetappedtheveneeredtopofthesecretairewithhisforefinger。"Butye'llnotfinditwithoutmyhelp。Itisconcealedaseffectively-aseffectivelyasitwasuponmypersonwhenyesearchedme。Now，sir，willyetreatwithme？
　　It'llsaveyouaworldoflabor。"
　　Mr。Greenstilllookedathim。Helickedhislipsthoughtfully，cat-like。"Whattermsd'yemake？"heinquired，buthistonewasverycold。HisbusybrainwasendeavoringtoconjecturewhatexactlymightbeMr。Caryll'sobjectinthisfranknesswhichMr。Greenwasnotfoolenoughtobelievesincere。
　　"Ah，"saidMr。Caryll。"ThatismorethemanIknow。"Hetappedhissnuff-box，andinthatmomentmemoryratherthaninspirationshowedhimthethingheneeded。"Didyeeversee`TheConstantCouple，'Mr。Green？"heinquired。
　　"`TheConstantCouple'？"echoedMr。Green，andthoughmystified，hemustairhislittlejest。"Ineversawanycouplethatwasconstant-leastways，notforlong。"
　　"Ha！Ye'rearoguishwag！But`TheConstantCouple'Imeanisaplay。"
　　"Oh，aplay！Ay，ImindmeIsawitsomeyearsago，when'twasfirstacted。Butwhathasthattodowith-"
　　"Ye'llunderstandinamoment，"saidMr。Caryll，withasmilethespydidnotrelish。"D'yerecallaruseofSirHarryWildairstoridhimselfofthecompanyofanintrusiveoldfoolwhowasnotwanted？D'yerememberwhat'twashedid？"
　　Mr。Green，hisheadslightlyononeside，waswatchingMr。
　　Caryllveryclosely，andnotwithoutanxiety。"Idon't，"saidhe，anddroppedahandtothepocketwhereapistollay，thathemightbepreparedforemergencies。"Whatdidhedo？"
　　"I'llshowyou，"saidMr。Caryll。"Hedidthis。"Andwithaswiftupwardmovement，heemptiedhissnuff-boxfullintothefaceofMr。Green。
　　Mr。Greenleaptback，withascreamofpain，handstohiseyes，andquiteunconsciouslysethimselftoplaytothelifethepartoftheintrusiveoldfellowinthecomedy。Dancingwildlyabouttheroom，hiseyessmartingandburningsothathecouldnotopenthem，hebellowedofhell-fireandotherhotthingsofwhichhewasbeingsointenselyreminded。
　　"'Twillpass，"Mr。Caryllconsoledhim。"Alittlewater，andallwillbewellwithyou。"Hesteppedtothedoorasbespoke，andflungitopen。"Ho，there！Whowaits？"hecalled。
　　Twoorthreefootmensprangtoanswerhim。HetookMr。Green，stillblindandvociferous，bytheshoulders，andthrusthimintotheircare。"Thisgentlemanhashadamostunfortunateaccident。Gethimwatertowashhiseyes-warmwater。So！
　　Takehim。'Twillpass，Mr。Green。'Twillsoonpass，Iassureyou。"
　　Heshutthedooruponthem，lockedit，andturnedtoHortensia，smilinggrimly。Thenhecrossedquicklytothedesk，andHortensiafollowedhim。Hesatdown，andpulledoutbodilythebottomdrawerontherightinsideoftheupperpartofthedesk，ashehadseenLordOstermoredothatday，alittleoveraweekago。Hethrusthishandintotheopening，andfeltalongthesidesforsomemomentsinvain。Hewentoverthegroundagainslowly，inchbyinch，exertingconstantpressure，untilhewassuddenlyrewardedbyaclick。Thesmalltrapdiscloseditself。Hepulleditup，andtooksomepapersfromtherecess。Hespreadthembeforehim。Theywerethedocumentshesought-theking'slettertoOstermore，andOstermore'sreply，signedandreadyfordispatch。"Thesemustbeburnt，"hesaid，"andburntatonce，forthatfellowGreenmayreturn，orhemaysendothers。CallHumphries。Getataperfromhim。"
　　Shespedtothedoor，anddidhisbidding。Thenshereturned。
　　Shewasplainlyagitated。"Youmustgoatonce，"shesaid，imploringly。"YoumustreturntoFrancewithoutaninstant'sdelay。"
　　"Why，indeed，itwouldmeanmyruintoremainnow，"headmitted。"Andyet-"Heheldouthishandstoher。
　　"Iwillfollowyou，"shepromisedhim。"Iwillfollowyouassoonashislordshipisrecovered，or-oratpeace。"
　　"Youhavewellconsidered，sweetheart？"heaskedher，holdinghertohim，andlookingdownintohergentleeyes。
　　"Thereisnohappinessformeapartfromyou。"
　　Againhisscruplestookhim。"TellLordOstermore-tellhimall，"hebeggedher。"Beguidedbyhim。Hisdecisionforyouwillrepresentthedecisionoftheworld。"
　　"Whatistheworldtome？Youaretheworldtome，"shecried。
　　Therewasarapuponthedoor。Heputherfromhim，andwenttoopen。ItwasHumphrieswithalightedtaper。Hetookit，thankedthemanwithaword，andshutthedoorinhisface，ignoringthefactthatthefellowwasattemptingtotellhimsomething。
　　Hereturnedtothedesk。"Letusmakequitesurethatthisisall，"hesaid，andheldthetapersothatthelightshoneintotherecess。Itseemedemptyatfirst；then，asthelightpenetratedfarther，hesawsomethingthatshowedwhiteatthebackofthecachette。Hethrustinhishand，anddrewoutasmallpackageboundwitharibbonthatoncemighthavebeengreenbutwasfadednowtoyellow。Hesetitonthedesk，andreturnedtohissearch。Therewasnothingelse。Therecesswasempty。Heclosedthetrapandreplacedthedrawer。Thenhesatdownagain，thetaperathiselbow，MistressWinthroplookingon，facinghimacrossthetopofthesecretaire，andhetookupthepackage。
　　Theribboncameawayeasily，andsomehalf-dozensheetsfelloutandscattereduponthedesk。Theygaveoutacuriousperfume，halfofage，halfofsomeessencewithwhichyearsagotheyhadbeenimbued。SomethingtookMr。Caryllinthethroat，andhecouldneverexplainwhetheritwasthatperfumeorsomepremonitoryemotion，somepropheticapprehensionofwhathewasabouttosee。
　　Heopenedthefirstofthosefoldedsheets，andfoundittobealetterwritteninFrenchandinaninkthathadpaledtoyellowwiththeyearsthatweregonesinceithadbeenpenned。
　　Thefine，pointedwritingwascuriouslyfamiliartoMr。
　　Caryll。Helookedatthesignatureatthebottomofthepage。
　　Itswambeforehiseyes-ANTOINETTE-"Cellequil'adore，Antoinette，"heread，andthewholeworldseemedblottedoutforhim；allconsciousness，hiswholebeing，hiseverysense，seemedconcentratedintohiseyesastheygazeduponthatrelicofadeludedwoman'sdream。
　　Hedidnotread。Itwasnotforhimtocommitthesacrilegeofreadingwhatthatgirlwhohadbeenhismotherhadwrittenthirtyyearsagotothemansheloved-themanwhohadprovedfalseashell。
　　Heturnedtheotherlettersover；openedthemonebyone，tomakesurethattheywereofthesamenatureasthefirst，andwhattimehedidsohefoundhimselfspeculatinguponthestrangenessofOstermore'shavingsotreasuredthem。Perhapshehadthrustthemintothatsecretrecess，andthereforgottenthem；'twasanexplanationthatsortedbetterwithwhatMr。Caryllknewofhisfather，thanthesuppositionthatsodullandpracticalandself-centeredanaturecouldhavebeenirradiatedbyagleamofsuchtendernessasthehoardingofthoselettersmighthaveargued。
　　Hecontinuedtoturnthemover，half-mechanically，forgetfuloftheurgentneedtoburnthetreasonabledocumentshehadsecured，forgetfulofeverything，evenHortensia'spresence。
　　Andmeantimeshewatchedhiminsilence，marvellingatthisdelay，andstillmoreatthegraylookthathadcreptintohisface。
　　"Whathaveyoufound？"sheaskedatlast。
　　"Aghost，"heanswered，andhisvoicehadastrained，metallicring。Heevenventedanoddlaugh。"Abundleofoldlove-letters。"
　　"Fromherladyship？"
　　"Herladyship？"Helookedup，anexpressiononhisfacewhichseemedtoshowthathecouldnotatthemomentthinkwhoherladyshipmightbe。Thenasthepictureofthatbedaubed，bedizenedandharsh-featuredJezebelaroseinhismindtostandbesidethesweetgirl-imageofhismother-asheknewherfromtheportraitthathungatMaligny-helaughedagain。
　　"No，notfromherladyship，"saidhe。"Fromawomanwholovedhimyearsago。"Andheturnedtotheseventhandlastofthosepoorghosts-theseventh，afatefulnumber。
　　Hespreaditbeforehim；frowneddownonitamomentwithasharphissofindrawnbreath。Thenhetwistedoddlyonhischair，andsatboltupright，staringstraightbeforehimwithunseeingeyes。Presentlyhepassedahandacrosshisbrow，andmadeaqueersoundinhisthroat。
　　"Whatisit？"sheasked。
　　Buthedidnotanswer；hewasstaringatthepaperagain。A
　　whilehesatthus；thenwithswiftfeveredfingershetookuponcemoretheotherletters。Heunfoldedone，andbegantoread。Afewlinesheread，andthen-"OGod！"hecried，andflungouthisarmsunderstressof'hisemotions。Oneofthemcaughtthetaperthatstooduponthedesk；andsweptit，extinguished，tothefloor。Heneverheededit，nevergaveathoughttothepurposeforwhichithadbeenfetched，apurposenotyetserved。Herose。Hewaswhiteasthedeadarewhite，andsheobservedthathewastrembling。Hetookupthebundleofoldletters，andthrustthemintoaninsidepocketofhiscoat。
　　"Whatareyoudoing？"shecried，seekingatlasttoarousehimfromthespellunderwhichheappearedtohavefallen。"Thoseletters-"
　　"ImustseeLordOstermore，"heansweredwildly，andmadeforthedoor，reelinglikeadrunkardinhiswalk。
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　THEENDOFLORDOSTERMORE
　　Intheante-roomcommunicatingwithLordOstermore'sbedroomthecountesswasinconsultationwithRotherby，whohadbeensummonedbyhismotherwhenmylordwasstricken。
　　Herladyshipoccupiedthewindow-seat；Rotherbystoodbesideher，leaningslightlyagainsttheframeoftheopenwindow。
　　Theirconversationwasearnestandconductedinalowkey，andonewouldnaturallyhaveconjecturedthatithadforsubjectthedangerousconditionoftheearl。Andsoithad-thedangerousconditionoftheearl'spolitical，ifnotphysical，affairs。Toherladyshipandherson，thematteroftheirownfuturewasofgreatergravitythanthematterofwhetherhislordshiplivedordied-which，whateveritmaybe，isnotunreasonable。Sincetheimpeachmentofmylordandthecomingofthemessengerstoarresthim，thedangerofruinandbeggarywerebecomemoreimminent-indeed，theyimpended，andmeasuresmustbeconcertedtoaverttheseevils。Bycomparisonwiththat，theearl'ssuccumbingorsurvivingwasatrivialmatter；andtheconcerntheyhadmanifestedinSirJames'news-whentheimportant，well-nourishedphysicianwhohadbledhislordshipcametoinformthemthattherewashope-wasoutwardonly，andassumedforpuredecorum'ssake。
　　"Whetherhelivesordies，"saidtheviscountpertinently，afterthedoctorhaddepartedtoreturntohispatient，"themeasurestobetakenarethesame。"Andherepeatedthesubstanceoftheirearlierdiscussionsuponthissametopic。
　　"IfwecanbutsecuretheevidenceofhistreasonwithCaryll，"hewoundup，"IshallbeabletomaketermswithLordCarterettoarresttheproceedingsthegovernmentmayintend，andthusaverttherestitutionitwouldotherwiseenforce。"
　　"Butifheweretodie，"saidherladyship，ascoldly，horriblycalculatingasthoughhewerenoneofhers，"therewouldbeanendtothisdanger。Theycouldnotdemandrestitutionofthedead，norimposefinesuponhim。"
　　Rotherbyshookhishead。"Believenotthat，madam，"saidhe。
　　"Theycandemandrestitutionofhisheirsandimposetheirfinesupontheestate。'TwasdoneinthecaseofChancellorCraggs，thoughheshothimself。"
　　Sheraisedahaggardfacetohis。"AnddoyoudreamthatLordCarteretwouldmaketermswithyou？"
　　"IfIcanshowhim-byactualproof-thataconspiracydoesexist，thattheStuartsupportersareplottingarising。
　　ProofofthatshouldbeofvaluetoLordCarteret，ofsufficientvaluetothegovernmenttowarrantthepaymentofthepaltrypriceIask-thattheimpeachmentagainstmyfatherforhisdealingswiththeSouthSeaCompanyshallnotbeallowed。
　　"Butitmightinvolvetheworsebetrayalofyourfather，Charles，andifheweretolive-"
　　"'Sdeath，mother，whymustyouharponthat？Ia'n'tthefoolyouthinkme，"hecried。"Ishallmakeitafurtherconditionthatmyfatherhaveimmunity。Therewillbenolackofvictimsoncetheplotisdisclosed；andtheymaybeginuponthatcoxcombCaryll-thedamnedmeddlerwhoisatthebottomofallthisgarboil。"
　　Shesatbemused，hereyesuponthesunlitgardensbelow，whereafaintbreezewasstirringtheshrubtops。
　　"Thereis，"shesaidpresently，"asecretdrawersomewhereinhisdesk。Ifhehaspaperstheywill，nodoubt，bethere。
　　Hadyounotbestbemakingsearchforthem？"
　　Hesmileddarkly。"Ihaveseentothatalready，"hereplied。
　　"How？"excitedly。"Youhavegotthepapers？"
　　"No；butIhavesetanexperiencedhandtofindthem，andone，moreover，whohastherightbyvirtueofhiswarrant-themessengerofthesecretaryofstate。"
　　Shesatup，rigid。"'Sdeath！Whatis'tyemean？"
　　"Noneedforalarm，"hereassuredher。"ThisfellowGreenisinmypay，aswellasinthesecretary's，anditwillprofithimmosttokeepfaithwithme。He'saself-seekingdog，contenttorunwiththehareandhuntwiththehounds，sothattherebeprofitinit，andhe'dsacrificehisearstobringMr。Carylltothegallows。Ihavepromisedhimthatandathousandpoundsifwesavetheestatesfromconfiscation。"
　　Shelookedathim，betweenwonderandfear。"Canyetrusthim？"sheaskedbreathlessly。
　　Helaughedsoftlyandconfidently。"Icantrusthimtoearnathousandpounds，"heanswered。"Whenheheardoftheimpeachment，heusedsuchinfluenceashehastobeentrustedwiththearrestofhislordship；andhavingobtainedhiswarrant，hecamefirsttometotellmeofit。Athousandpoundsisthepriceofhim，bodyandsoul。Ibadehimseeknotonlyevidenceofmylord'shavingreceivedthatplagueystock，butalsopapersrelatingtothisJacobiteplotintowhichhislordshiphasbeendrawnbyourfriendCaryll。Heisathisworkatpresent。AndIshallhearfromhimwhenitisaccomplished。"
　　Shenoddedslowly，thoughtfully。"Youhaveverywelldisposed，Charles，"sheapprovedhim。"Ifyourfatherlives，itshouldnotbeadifficultmatter-"
　　Shecheckedsuddenlyandturned，whileRotherby，too，lookedupandsteppedquicklyfromthewindow-embrasurewherehehadstood。
　　Thedoorofthebedroomhadbeensuddenlypulledopen，andSirJamescameout，verypaleanddiscomposed。
　　"Madam-yourladyship-mylord！"hegasped，hismouthworking，hishandswavingfoolishly。
　　Thecountessrosetoconfronthim，tall，severeandharsh。
　　Theviscountscowledaquestion。SirJamesquailedbeforethem，evidentlyinaffliction。
　　"Madam-hislordship，"hesaid，andbyhiseloquentgestureofdejectionannouncedwhathehadsomedifficultyinputtingintowords。
　　Shesteppedforward，andtookhimbythewrist。"Ishedying？"sheinquired。
　　"Havecourage，madam，"thedoctorbesoughther。
　　Theapparentirrelevancyoftherequestatsuchamoment，angeredher。Hermoodwasdangerouslytesty。Andhadthedoctorbutknownit，sympathywasathingshehadnotbornewellthesemanyyears。
　　"Iaskedyouwashedying，"sheremindedhim，withacoldsternnessthatbeatasideallhisattemptsatsubterfuge。
　　"Yourladyship-heisdead，"hefaltered，withloweredeyes。
　　"Dead？"sheechoeddully，andherhandwenttotheregionofherheart，herfaceturnedlividunderitsrouge。"Dead？"shesaidagain，andbehindher，Rotherbyechoedthedreadwordinastuporalmostequaltoherown。Herlipsmovedtospeak，butnowordscame。Shestaggeredwhereshestood，andputherhandtoherbrow。Herson'sarmswerequicklyabouther。Hesupportedhertoachair，whereshesankasifallherjointswereloosened。
　　SirJamesflewforrestoratives；bathedherbrowwithadampenedhandkerchief；heldstrongsaltstohernostrils，andmurmuredwordsoffoolish，banalconsolation，whilstRotherby，inahalf-dreamingcondition，stunnedbythesuddennessoftheblow，stoodbesideher，mechanicallylendinghisassistanceandsupportingher。
　　Graduallyshemasteredheragitation。Itwasoddthatsheshouldfeelsomuchatlosingwhatshevaluedsolittle。
　　Leastways，itwouldhavebeenodd，haditbeenthat。Itwasnot-itwassomethingmore。Intheawful，augustpresenceofdeath，steppedsosuddenlyintotheirmidst，shefeltherselfappalled。
　　FornighuponthirtyyearsshehadbeenboundbylegalandchurchlytiesinalovelessunionwithLordOstermore-
　　marriedforthehandsomeportionthathadbeenhers，aportionwhichhehadgamedawayandsquandereduntil，fortheirstation，theircircumstanceswerenowabsolutelystraitened。
　　Theyhadledaharsh，discordantlife，andthecomingofason，whichshouldhavebridgedthelovelessgulfbetweenthem，seemedbuttohaveservedtodigitwider。Andthesonhadbeenjusttheharsh，unfeelingoffspringthatmightbelookedforfromsuchaunion。Thirtyyearsofslaveryhadbeenherladyship's，andinthosethirtyyearshernaturehadbeensouredandwarped，andwhatinherentsweetnessitmayoncehaveknownhadlongsincebeensmotheredanddestroyed。Shehadnocausetolovethatmanwhohadneverlovedher，neverlovedaughtofhersbeyondherjointure。Andyet，therewasthehabitofthirtyyears。Forthirtyyearstheyhadbeenyoke-fellows，howeverdetestabletheyoke。Butyesterdayhehadbeenaliveandstrong，astupid，querulousthingmaybe，butaliving。Andnowhewassomuchcarrionthatshouldbegiventotheearth。Insomesuchchannelranherladyship'sreflectionsduringthosefewsecondsinwhichshewasrecovering。Foraninstantshewassoftened。Thelong-sincedried-upspringsoftendernessseemedliketopushanewundertheshockofthisevent。Sheputoutahandtotakeherson's。
　　"Charles！"shesaid，andsurprisedhimbythetendernote。
　　Amomentthus；thenshewasherselfagain。"Howdidhedie？"
　　sheaskedthedoctor；andtheabruptnessoftheresumptionofherusualmannerstartledSirJamesmorethanaughtinhisexperienceofsuchscenes。
　　"Itwasmostsudden，madam，"answeredhe。"Ihadthebestgroundsforhope。Iwasbeingpersuadedweshouldsavehim。
　　Andthen，quitesuddenly，withoutaninstant'swarning，hesuccumbed。Hejustheavedasigh，andwasgone。Icouldscarcelybelievemysenses，madam。"
　　Hewouldhaveaddedmoreparticularsofhisfeelingsandemotions-forhewasofthosewhobelievethattheirownimpressionsofaphenomenonarethatphenomenon'smostinterestingmanifestations-butherladyshipwavedhimperemptorilyintosilence。
　　Hedrewback，washinghishandsintheair，anexpressionofpoliteconcernuponhisface。"IsthereaughtelseIcandotobeofservicetoyourladyship？"heinquired，solicitous。
　　"Whatelse？"sheasked，withafullerreturntoheroldself。
　　"Ye'vekilledhim。Whatmoreisthereyoucando？"
　　"Oh，madam-nay，madam！Iammostdeeplygrievedthatmy-my-"
　　"Hislordshipwillwaituponyoutothedoor，"saidshe，designatingherson。
　　Theeminentphysicianeffacedhimselffromherladyship'sattention。Itwashisboastthathecouldtakeahintwhenonewasgivenhim；andsohecould，provideditwerebroadenough，asinthepresentinstance。
　　Hegathereduphishatandgold-headedcane-theunfailinginsigniaofhisorder-andwasgone，swiftlyandsilently。
　　Rotherbyclosedthedoorafterhim，andreturnedslowly，headbowed，tothewindowwherehismotherwasstillseated。Theylookedateachothergravelyforalongmoment。
　　"Thismakesmatterseasierforyou，"shesaidatlength。
　　"Mucheasier。Itdoesnotmatternowhowfarhiscomplicitymaybebetrayedbyhispapers。Iamglad，madam，toseeyousofarrecoveredfromyourweakness。"
　　Sheshivered，asmuchperhapsathistoneasattherecollectionsheevoked。"Youareveryindifferent，Charles，"
　　saidshe。
　　Helookedathersteadily，thenslightlyshrugged。"Whatneedtowearamask？Bah！Didheevergivemecausetofeelforhim？"heasked。"Mother，ifonedayIhaveasonofmyown，I
　　shallseetoitthathelovesme。"
　　"Youwillbehardputtoit，withyournature，Charles，"shetoldhimcritically。Thensherose。"Willyougotohimwithme？"sheasked。
　　Hemadeasiftoacquiesce，thenhalted。"No，"hesaid，andtherewasrepugnanceinhistoneandface。"Not-notnow。"
　　Therecameaknockingatthedoor，rapid，insistent。Gratefulfortheinterruption，Rotherbywenttoopen。
　　Mr。Greenstaggeredforwardwithswolleneyes，hisfaceinflamedwithrage，andwithsomethingelsethatwasnotquiteapparenttoRotherby。
　　"Mylord！"hecriedinaloud，angryvoice。
　　Rotherbycaughthiswristandcheckedhim。"Sh！sir，"hesaidgravely。"Nothere。"Andhepushedhimoutagain，herladyshipfollowingthem。
　　Itwasinthegallery-abovethehall，inwhichtheservantsstillstoodidlyabout-thatMr。Greenspatteredouthiswrathfultaleofwhathadbefalleninthelibrary。
　　Rotherbyshookhimasifhehadbeenarat。"Youcursedfool！"hecried。"Youlefthimthere-atthedesk？"
　　"WhathelphadI？'demandedGreenwithspirit。"Myeyeswereonfire。Icouldn'tsee，andthepainofthemmademehelpless。"
　　"Thenwhydidyenotsendwordtomeatonce，youfool？"
　　"BecauseIwasconcernedonlytostopmyeyesfromburning，"
　　answeredMr。Green，inatoweringrageatfindingreproofwherehehadcomeinquestofsympathy。"Ihavecometoyouatthefirstmoment，damnyou！"heburstout，infullrebellion。"Andyou'llusemecivillynowthatIamcome，or-ecod！-it'llbetheworseforyourlordship。"
　　Rotherbyconsideredhimthroughafaintmistthatragehadsetbeforehiseyes。Tobesospokento-damnedindeed！-byadirtyspy！Hadhebeenalonewiththeman，therecanbelittledoubtbutthathewouldhavejeopardizedhisveryprecariousfuturebykickingMr。Greendownstairs。Buthismothersavedhimfromthatrashness。Itmaybethatshesawsomethingofhisangerinhiskindlingeye，andthoughtitwelltointervene。
　　Shesetahandonhissleeve。"Charles！"shesaidtohiminavoicethatwasdeadcoldwithwarning。
　　Herespondedtoit，andchosediscretion。HelookedGreenover，nevertheless。"IvowI'mverypatientwithyou，"saidhe，andGreenhadthediscretiononhissidetoholdhistongue。"Come，man，whilewestandtalkingherethatknavemaybedestroyingpreciousevidence。"
　　Andhislordshipwentquicklydownthestairs，Mr。Greenfollowingharduponhisheels，andherladyshipbringinguptherear。
　　AtthedoorofthelibraryRotherbycametoahalt，andturnedthehandle。Thedoorwaslocked。Hebeckonedacoupleoffootmenacrossthehall，andbadethembreakitopen。
　　CHAPTERXX
　　Mr。CARYLL'SIDENTITY
　　ImustseeLordOstermore！"hadbeenMr。Caryll'swildcry，ashestrodetothedoor。
　　>Fromtheothersideofittherecameasoundofstepsandvoices。Someonewasturningthehandle。
　　HortensiacaughtMr。Caryllbythesleeve。"Buttheletters！"
　　shecriedfrantically，andpointedtotheincriminatingpaperswhichhehadleft，forgotten，uponthedesk。
　　Hestaredatheramoment，andmemorysweptuponhiminaflood。Hemasteredthewildagitationthathadbeenswayinghim，thrustthepaperthathewascarryingintohispocket，andturnedtogobackforthetreasonableletters。
　　"Thetaper！"heexclaimed，andpointedtotheextinguishedcandleonthefloor。"Whatcanwedo？"
　　Asharpblowfelluponthelockofthedoor。Hestoodstill，lookingoverhisshoulder。
　　"Quick！Makehaste！"Hortensiaadmonishedhiminherexcitement。"Getthem！Concealthem，atleast！Dothebestyoucansincewehavenotthemeanstoburnthem。"
　　Asecondblowwasstruck，succeededinstantlybyathird，andsomethingwasheardtosnap。Thedoorswungopen，andGreenandRotherbysprangintotheroom，abraceoffootmenattheirheels。Theywerefollowedmoreleisurelybythecountess；
　　whilstalittleflockofservantsbroughtuptherear，butcheckeduponthethreshold，andhungtheretowitnesseventsthatheldoutsuchpromiseofbeingunusual。
　　Mr。Caryllsworethroughsetteeth，andmadeadashforthedesk。Buthewastoolatetoaccomplishhisobject。Hishandhadscarcelyclosedupontheletters，whenhewas，himself，seized。RotherbyandGreen，oneithersideofhim，heldhimintheirgrasp，eachwithonehanduponhisshoulderandtheotherathiswrist。Thusstoodhe，powerlessbetweenthem，and，afterthefirstshockofit，coolandmakingnoefforttodisengagehimself。Hisrighthandwastightlyclenchedupontheletters。
　　Rotherbycalledaservantforward。"Takethosepapersfromthethief'shand，"hecommanded。
　　"Stop！"criedMr。Caryll。"LordRotherby，mayIspeakwithyoualonebeforeyougofurtherinamatteryouwillbitterlyregret？"
　　"Takethosepapersfromhim，"Rotherbyrepeated，swearing；andtheservantbenttothetask。ButMr。CaryllsuddenlywrenchedthehandawayfromthefellowandthewristoutofLordRotherby'sgrip。
　　"Amoment，mylord，asyouvalueyourhonorandyourpossessions！"heinsisted。"LetmespeakwithLordOstermorefirst。Takemebeforehim。"
　　"Youarebeforehimnow，"saidRotherby。"Sayon！"
　　"IdemandtoseeLordOstermore。"
　　"IamLordOstermore，"saidRotherby。
　　"You？Sincewhen？"saidMr。Caryll，notevenbeginningtounderstand。
　　"Sincetenminutesago，"wasthecallousanswerthatfirstgavethathouseholdthenewsofmylord'spassing。
　　Therewasamovement，amutteringamongtheservants。OldHumphriesbrokethroughthegroupbythedoor，hisheavychopswhiteandtrembling，andinthatmomentHortensiaturned，awe-stricken，toaskherladyshipwasthistrue。Herladyshipnoddedinsilence。Hortensiacriedout，andsanktoachairasifbeatendownbythenews，whilsttheoldservant，answered，too，withdrew，wringinghishandsandmakingfoolishlaments；andthetearsofthoseweretheonlytearsthatwateredthegraveofJohnCaryll，fifthEarlofOstermore。
　　AsforMr。Caryll，theshockofthatannouncementseemedtocastaspelluponhim。Hestoodstill，limpandalmostnumbed。Oh，thenever-ceasingironyofthings！Thathisfathershouldhavediedatsuchamoment。
　　"Dead？"quothhe。"Dead？Ismylorddead？Theytoldmehewasrecovering。"
　　"Theytoldyoufalse，"answeredRotherby。"Sonow-thosepapers！"
　　Mr。Caryllrelinquishedthem。"Takethem，"hesaid。"Sincethatisso-takethem。"
　　Rotherbyreceivedthemhimself。"Removehissword，"hebadeafootman。
　　Mr。Carylllookedsharplyroundathim。"Mysword？"quothhe。
　　"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？Whatright"
　　"Wemeantokeepyoubyus，sir，"saidMr。Greenonhisotherside，"untilyouhaveexplainedwhatyouweredoingwiththosepapers-whatisyourinterestinthem。"
　　Meanwhileaservanthaddonehislordship'sbidding，andMr。
　　Caryllstoodweaponlessamidhisenemies。Hemasteredhimselfatonce。Hereitwasplainthathemustwalkwithcaution，fortheground，heperceived，wasofasuddengrownmostinsecureandtreacherous。RotherbyandGreeninleague！Itgavehimmatterformuchthought。
　　"There'snottheneedtoholdme，"saidhequietly。"Iamnotlikelytotiremyselfbyviolence。There'sscarcelynecessityforsomuch。"
　　Rotherbylookedupsharply。Thecool，self-possessedtonehadanintimidatingnote。ButMr。Greenlaughedmaliciously，ashecontinuedtomophisstillwateringeyes。HewasacquaintedwithMr。Caryll'smethods，andknewthat，probably，themoreateaseheseemed，thelessateasehewas。
　　Rotherbyspreadthelettersonthedesk，andscannedthemwithaglowingeye，Mr。Greenathiselbowreadingwithhim。Thecountesssweptforwardthatshe，too，mightinspectthisfind。
　　"They'llservetheirturn，"saidherson，andaddedtoCaryll：
　　"Andthey'llhelptohangyou。"
　　"Nodoubtyoufindmementionedinthem，"saidMr。Caryll。
　　"Ay，sir，"snappedGreen，"ifnotbyname，atleastasthemessengerwhoistoexplainthatwhichthewriters-theroyalwriterandtheother-haveoutofprudenceseenfittoexclude。"
　　Hortensialookedupandacrosstheroomatthat，awildfearclutchingatherheart。ButMr。Carylllaughedpleasantly，eyebrowsraisedasifinmildsurprise。"Themostexcellentrelationsappeartoprevailbetweenyou，"saidhe，lookingfromRotherbytoGreen。"Areyou，too，mylord，inthesecretary'spay。"
　　Hislordshipflusheddarkly。"You'llclownittotheend，"hesneered。
　　"Andthat'snonesofaroff，"snarledMr。Green，whosincethepepperingofhiseyes，hadflungasidehisusualcherubicair。
　　"Oh，youmaysneer，sir，"hemockedtheprisoner。"Butwehaveyoufast。Thisletterwasbroughthitherbyyou，andthisonewastohavebeencarriedhencebyyou。"
　　"Thelatter，sir，wasamatterforthefuture，andyoucanhardlyprovewhatamanwilldo；sowe'llletthatpass。Asfortheformer-theletterwhichyousayIbrought-you'llrememberthatyousearchedmeatMaidstone-"
　　"AndIhaveyouradmissionthattheletterwasuponyouatthetime，"roaredthespy，interruptinghim-"youradmissioninthepresenceofthatlady，asshecanbemadetowitness。"
　　MistressWinthroprose。"'Tisalie，"shesaidfirmly。"I
　　cannotbemadetowitness。"
　　Mr。Caryllsmiled，andnoddedacrosstoher。"'Tisvastlykindinyou，MistressWinthrop。Butthegentlemanismistook。"HeturnedtoGreen。"Harkee，sirrahdidIadmitthatIhadcarriedthatletter？"
　　Mr。Greenshrugged。"Youadmittedthatyoucarriedaletter。
　　Whatotherlettershouldithavebeenbutthat？"
　　"Nay，"smiledMr。Caryll。"'Tisnotforyoutoaskme。
　　RatherisitforyoutoprovethattheletterIadmittedhavingcarriedandthatletterareoneandthesame。'Twilltakeadealofproving，Idareswear。"
　　"Ye'llbeforsworn，then，"putinherladyshipsourly。"ForI
　　canwitnesstotheletterthatyoubore。NotonlydidIseeit-aletteronthatsamefinepaper-inmyhusband'shandsonthedayyoucamehereandduringyourvisit，butIhavehislordship'sownwordforitthathewasintheplotandthatyouwerethego-between。"
　　"Ah！"chuckledMr。Green。"Whatnow，sir？Whatnow？Bywhatfreshpieceofacrobaticswillyougetoutofthat？"
　　"Ye'reafool，"saidMr。Caryllwithcalmcontempt，andfetchedouthissnuff-box。"D'yedreamthatonewitnesswillsufficetoestablishsograveacharge？Pah！"Heopenedhissnuff-boxtofinditempty，andviciouslysnappeddownthelidagain。"Pah！"hesaidagain，"ye'vecostmeawholeboxfullofBurgamot。"
　　"Whydidyethrowitinmyface？"demandedMr。Green。"Whatpurposedidyelooktoservebutoneoftreason？Answermethat！"
　　"Ididn'tlikethewayyelookedatme。'Twaswantingrespect，andIbethoughtmeIwouldlessentheimpudenceofyourexpression。Haveyeanyotherfoolishquestionsforme？"
　　AndhelookedagainfromGreentoRotherby，includingbothinhisinquiry。"No？"Herose。"Inthatcase，ifyou'llgivemeleave，and-"
　　"Youdonotleavethishouse，"Rotherbyinformedhim。
　　"Ithinkyoupushhospitalitytoofar。Willyoudesireyourlackeytoreturnmemysword？Ihaveaffairselsewhere。"
　　"Mr。Caryll，Ibegthatyouwillunderstand，"saidhislordship，withacalmthathewasatsomepainstomaintain，"thatyoudonotleavethishousesaveinthecareofthemessengersfromthesecretaryofstate。"
　　Mr。Carylllookedathim，andyawnedinhisface。"Ye'reprodigiouslytiresome，"saidhe，"didyebutknowhowIdetestdisturbances。Whatshallthesecretaryofstaterequireofme？"
　　"He'llrequireyouonachargeofhightreason，"saidMr。
　　Green。
　　"Haveyouawarranttotakeme？"
　　"Ihavenot，but-"
　　"Thenhowdoyoudaredetainme，sir？"demandedMr。Caryllsharply。"D'yethinkIdon'tknowthelaw？"
　　"Ithinkyou'llknowadealmoreofitshortly，"counteredMr。
　　Green。
　　"Meanwhile，sirs，Idepart。Offermeviolenceatyourperil。"
　　Hemovedastep，andthen，atasignfromRotherby，thelackey'shandsfellonhimagain，andforcedhimbackanddownintohischair。
　　"Awaywithyouforthewarrant，"saidRotherbytoGreen。
　　"We'llkeephimheretillyoureturn。"
　　Mr。Greengrinnedattheprisoner，andwasgoneingreathaste。
　　Mr。Caryllloungedbackinhischair，andthrewonelegovertheother。"Ihavealwaysendeavored，"saidhe，"tosufferfoolsasgladlyasaChristianshould。Sosinceyouinsist，I'llbepatientuntilIhavetheearofmyLordCarteret-
　　who，Itakeit，isamanofsense。ButifIwereyou，mylord，andyou，mylady，Ishouldnotinsist。Believeme，you'llcutpoorfigures。Asforyou，mylord，ye'reinnonesuchgoododor，asitis。"