"Letthatbe，"snarledhislordship。
"IfImentionitatall，Ibutdosoinyourlordship'sowninterests。Itwillberememberedthatyeattemptedtomurdermeonce，andthatwillnotbeofanygreathelptosuchaccusationsasyoumaybringagainstme。Besideswhich，thereistheunfortunatecircumstancethatit'swidelyknownye'renotamantobebelieved。"
"Willyoubesilent？"roaredhislordship，inatoweringpassion。
"IfItroublemyselftospeakatall，itisoutofconcernforyourlordship，"Mr。Caryllinsistedsweetly。"Andinyourowninterest，andyourladyship's，too，I'dcounselyoutohearmeamomentwithoutwitnesses。"
Histonewascalculatedlygrave。LordRotherbylookedathim，sneering；notsoherladyship。Lessacquaintedwithhisways，theabsoluteconfidenceandunconcernofhisdemeanorwascausingheruneasiness。Amanwhowasperilouslyentrammelledwouldnotbearhimselfsoeasily，sheopined。Sherose，andcrossedtoherson'sside。
"Whathaveyoutosay？"sheaskedMr。Caryll。
"Nay，madam，"hereplied，"notbeforethese。"Andheindicatedtheservants。
"'Tisbutapretexttohavethemoutoftheroom，"saidRotherby。
Mr。Carylllaughedthenotiontoscorn。"Ifyouthinkthat-
Igiveyoumywordofhonortoattemptnoviolence，nortodepartuntilyoushallgivemeleave，"saidhe。
Rotherby，judgingMr。Caryllbyhisknowledgeofhimself，stillhesitated。Butherladyshiprealized，inspiteofherdetestationoftheman，thathewasnotofthetemperofthosewhosewordistobedoubted。Shesignedtothefootmen。
"Go，"shebadethem。"Waitwithincall。"
Theydeparted，andMr。Caryllremainedseatedforallthatherladyshipwasstanding；itwasasifbythathewishedtoshowhowlittlehewasmindedtomove。
Herladyship'seyefelluponHortensia。"Doyougo，too，child，"shebadeher。
Instead，Hortensiacameforward。"Iwishtoremain，madam，"
shesaid。
"DidIaskyouwhatyouwished？"demandedthecountess。
"Myplaceishere，"Hortensiaexplained。"UnlessMr。Caryllshould，himself，desiremetodepart。"
"Nay，nay，"hecried，andsmileduponherfondly-sofondlythatthecountess'seyesgrewwider。"Withallmyheart，I
desireyoutoremain。ItismostfittingyoushouldhearthatwhichIhavetosay。"
"Whatdoesitmean？"demandedRotherby，thrustinghimselfforward，andscowlingfromonetotheotherofthem。"Whatd'yemean，Hortensia？"
"IamMr。Caryll'sbetrothedwife，"sheansweredquietly。
Rotherby'smouthfellopen，buthemadenosound。Notsoherladyship。Apealofshrilllaughterbrokefromher。"La！
WhatdidItellyou，Charles？"ThentoHortensia："I'msorryforyou，ma'am，"saidshe。"Ithinkye'vebeenathoughttoolonginmakingupyourmind。"Andshelaughedagain。
"LordOstermoreliesabovestairs，"Hortensiaremindedher，andherladyshipwentwhiteatthereminder，theindecencyofherlaughterborneinuponher。
"Wouldyelessonme，girl？"shecried，asmuchtocoverherconfusionastoventherangeratthecauseofit。"Ye'veanodddaring，byGod！Ye'llbewellmatchedwithhisimpudence，there。"
Rotherby，singularlyself-contained，recalledhertotheoccasion。
"Mr。Carylliswaiting，"saidhe，asneerinhisvoice。
"Ah，yes，"shesaid，andflashingalastmalignantglanceuponHortensia，shesanktoachairbesideher，butnottoonearher。
Mr。Caryllsatback，hislegscrossed，hiselbowsonhischair-arms，hisfinger-tipstogether。"ThethingIhavetotellyouisofsomegravity，"heannouncedbywayofpreface。
Rotherbytookaseatbythedesk，hishanduponthetreasonableletters。"Proceed，sir，"hesaid，importantly。
Mr。Caryllnodded，asinacknowledgmentoftheinvitation。
"Iwilladmit，beforegoingfurther，thatinspiteofthecheerfulcountenanceImaintainedbeforeyourlordship'sfriend，thebumbailiff，andyourlackeys，Irecognizethatyouhavemeinaverydangerousposition。"
"Ah！"fromhislordshipinabreathofsatisfaction，and"Ah！"fromHortensiainagaspofapprehension。
Herladyshipretainedastonycountenance，andasilencethatsortedexcellentlywithit。
"Thereis，"Mr。Caryllproceeded，markingoffthepointsonhisfingers，"theincidentatMaidstone；thereisyourladyship'sevidencethatIwasthebearerofjustsuchaletteronthedaythatfirstIcamehere；thereisthedangerouscircumstance-ofwhichMr。Green，Iamsure，willnotfailtomakeadeal-ofmyintimacywithSirRichardEverard，andmyconstantvisitstohislodging，whereIwas，infact，ontheoccasionwhenhemethisdeath；thereisthefactthatIcommitteduponMr。Greenanassaultwithmysnuffboxformotivesthat，afterall，admitofbutoneacceptableexplanation；and，lastly，thereisthecircumstancethat，apparently，ifinterrogated，IcanshownogoodreasonwhyI
shouldbeinEnglandatall，wherenoapparentinteresthascalledmeorkeepsme。
"Now，thesemattersaresotrivialthattakenseparatelytheyhavenovaluewhatever；takenconjointly，theirvalueisnotgreat；theydonotcontainevidenceenoughtojustifythehangingofadog。Andyet，Irealizethatdisturbedasthetimesare，fearfulofseditionasthegovernmentfindsitselfinconsequenceofthemischiefdonetopubliccreditbytheSouthSeadisaster，andreadyastheministryistoseeplotseverywhereandtomakeexamples，pourdiscouragerlesautres，iftheaccusationyouintendislaidagainstme，backedbysuchevidenceasthis，itisnotimpossible-indeed，itisnotimprobable-thatitmay-ah-tendtoshortenmylife。"
"Sir，"sneeredRotherby，"Ideclareyoushouldhavebeenalawyer。Wehaven'tapleaderofsuchpartsandsuchlucidityatthewholebar。"
Mr。Caryllnoddedhisthanks。"Yourpraiseisveryflattering，mylord，"saidhe，withawrysmile，andthenproceeded："ItisbecauseIseemycasetobesoverynearlydesperate，thatIventuretohopeyouwillnotpersevereinthecourseyouareproposingtoadopt。"
LordRotherbylaughednoiselessly。"Canyouurgemeanyreasonswhyweshouldnot？"
"Ifyoucouldurgemeanyreasonswhyyoushould，"saidMr。
Caryll，"nodoubtIshouldbeabletoshowyouunderwhatmisapprehensionsyouarelaboring。"Heshotakeenglanceathislordship，whosefacehadsuddenlygoneblank。Mr。Caryllsmiledquietly。"ThereisinthissomethingthatIdonotunderstand，"heresumed。"Itdoesnotsatisfymetosuppose，asatfirstmightseem，thatyouareactingoutofsheermaliceagainstme。Youhavescarcelycausetodothat，mylord；andyou，mylady，havenone。ThatfoolGreen-patience-heconceivesthathehassufferedatmyhands。ButwithoutyourassistanceMr。Greenwouldbepowerlesstohurtme。
What，then，isitthatismovingyou？"
Hepaused，lookingfromonetotheotherofhisdeclaredenemies。Theyexchangedglances-Hortensiawatchingthem，breathless，herownmindworking，too，uponthisquestionthatMr。Caryllhadset，yetnowherefindingananswer。
"Ihadthought，"saidherladyshipatlast，"thatyoupromisedtotellussomethingthatitwasinourinteresttohear。
Instead，youappeartobeaskingquestions。"
Mr。Caryllshiftedinhischair。Oneglancehegavethecountess，thensmiled。"Ihavesoughtatyourhandsthereasonswhyyoushoulddesiremydeath，"saidheslowly。"Youwithholdthem。Beitso。Itakeitthatyouareashamedofthem；andso，theirnatureisnotdifficulttoconjecture。"
"Sir-"beganRotherby，hotly，half-startingfromhisseat。
"Nay，lethimtrundleon，Charles，"saidhismother。"He'llbethesoonerdone。"
"Instead，"proceededMr。Caryll，asiftherehadbeennointerruption，"Iwillnowurgeyoumyreasonswhyyoushouldnotsoproceed。"
"Ha！"snappedRotherby。"Theywillneedtobevalid。"
Mr。Carylltwistedfartherround，tofacehislordshipmorefully。"Theyareasvalid，"saidheveryimpressively-soimpressivelyandsternlythathishearersfeltthemselvesturningcoldunderhiswords，filledwithsomemysteriousapprehension。"Theyareasvalidasweremyreasonsforholdingmyhandinthefieldoutyonder，whenIhadyouatthemercyofmysword，mylord。Neithermorenorless。Fromthat，youmayjudgethemtobeveryvalid。"
"Butyedon'tnamethem，"saidherladyship，attemptingtoconquerheruneasiness。
"Ishalldoso，"saidhe，andturnedagaintohislordship。
"Ihadnocausetoloveyouthatmorning，noratanytime，mylord；Ihadnocausetothink-asevenyouinyourheartmustrealize，ifsobethatyouhaveaheart，andtheintelligencetoexamineit-Ihadnocausetothink，mylord，thatI
shouldbedoingotherthanagooddeedbylettingdrivemyblade。ThatsuchanopinionwaswellfoundedwasprovenbythethingyoudidwhenIturnedmybackuponyouaftersparingyouruselesslife。"
Rotherbybrokeintempestuously，smitingthedeskbeforehim。
"Ifyouthinktomoveustomercybysuch-"
"Oh，nottomercywouldImoveyou，"saidMr。Caryll，hishandraisedtostaytheother，"nottomercy，buttohorrorofthethingyoucontemplate。"Andthen，inanoddlyimpressivemanner，helaunchedhisthunderbolt。"Know，then，thatifthatmorningIwouldnotspillyourblood，itwasbecauseI
shouldhavebeenspillingthesamebloodthatflowsinmyownveins；itwasbecauseyouaremybrother；becauseyourfatherwasmyfather。Nolessthanthatwasthereasonthatwithheldmyhand。"
Hehadannouncedhisaimofmovingthemtohorror；anditwasplainthathehadnotmissedit，forinfrozenhorrorsattheyall，theireyesuponhim，theircheeksashen，theirmouthsagape-evenHortensia，whofromwhatalreadyMr。Caryllhadtoldher，understoodnowmorethananyofthem。
AfteraspellRotherbyspoke。"Youaremybrother？"hesaid，hisvoicecolorless。"Mybrother？Whatareyousaying？"
Andthenherladyshipfoundhervoice。"Whowasyourmother？"
sheinquired，andherverytonewasaninsult，nottothemanwhosattheresomuchastothememoryofpoorAntoinettedeMaligny。Heflushedtothetemples，thenpaledagain。
"I'llnotnamehertoyourladyship，"saidheat，last，inacold，imperiousvoice。
"I'mgladye'vesomuchdecency，"shecountered。
"Youmistake，Ithink，"saidhe。"'Tisrespectformymotherthatinspiresme。"Andhisgreeneyesflasheduponthepaintedhag。Sheroseupaveryfury。
"Whatareyousaying？"sheshrilled。"D'yehearthefilthyfellow，Rotherby？He'llnotnamethewantoninmypresenceoutofrespectforher。"
"Forshame，madam！Youarespeakingofhismother，"criedHortensia，hotwithindignation。
"Pshaw！'Tisallanimpudentlie-apackoflies！"criedRotherby。"He'scraftyasalltheimpsofhell。"
Mr。Caryllrose。"HereinthesightofGodandbyallthatI
holdmostsacred，IswearthatwhatIhavesaidistrue。I
swearthatLordOstermore-yourfather-wasmyfather。I
wasborninFrance，intheyear1690，asIhavepapersuponmethatwillprove，whichyoumaysee，Rotherby。"
Hislordshiprose。"Producethem，"saidheshortly。
Mr。CarylldrewfromaninnerpocketofhiscoatthesmallleathercasethatSirRichardEverardhadgivenhim。Fromthishetookapaperwhichheunfolded。Itwasacertificateofbaptism，copiedfromtheregisteroftheChurchofSt。
AntoineinParis。
Rotherbyheldouthishandforit。ButMr。Caryllshookhishead。"Standherebesideme，andreadit，"saidhe。
Obeyinghim，Rotherbywentandreadthatauthenticatedcopy，whereinitwasdeclaredthatSirRichardEverardhadbroughttotheChurchofSt。Antoineforbaptismamalechild，whichhehaddeclaredtobethesonofJohnCaryll，ViscountRotherby，andAntoinettedeMaligny，andwhichhadreceivedinbaptismthenameofJustin。
Rotherbydrewawayagain，hisheadsunkonhisbreast。Herladyshipwasseated，hereyesuponherson，herfingersdrummingabsentlyatthearmsofherchair。ThenRotherbyswungroundagain。
"HowdoIknowthatyouarethepersondesignatedthere-thisJustinCaryll？"
"Youdonot；butyoumay。CastyourmindbacktothatnightatWhite'swhenyoupickedyourquarrelwithme，mylord。DoyourememberhowStapletonandCollisspokeupforme，declaredthattheyhadknownmefromboyhoodatOxford，andhadvisitedmeatmychateauinFrance？Whatwasthenameofthatchateau，mylord-doyouremember？"
Rotherbylookedathim，searchinghismemory。Buthedidnotneedtosearchfar。AtfirstglancethenameofMalignyhadseemedfamiliartohim。"ItwasMaligny，"hereplied，"andyet-"
"Ifmoreisneededtoconvinceyou，IcanbringahundredwitnessesfromFrance，whohaveknownmefrominfancy。YoumaytakeitthatIcanestablishmyidentitybeyondalldoubt。"
"Andwhatifyoudo？"demandedherladyshipsuddenly。"Whatifyoudoestablishyouridentityasmylord'sbastard？Whatclaimshallthatbeuponus？"
"That，ma'am，"answeredMr。Caryllverygravely，"Iwaittolearnfrommybrotherhere。"
CHAPTERXXI
THELION'SSKIN
Foraspelltherewasuttersilenceinthatspacious，pillaredchamber。Mr。Caryllandherladyshiphadbothresumedtheirchairs：theformerspuriouslycalm；thelattermakingnoattempttoconcealheragitation。Hortensialeantforward，aneagerspectator，watchingthethreeactorsinthistragicomedy。
AsforRotherby，hestoodwithbentheadandfurrowedbrow。
Itwasforhimtospeak，andyethewasutterlyatalossforwords。Hewasnotmovedatthenewshehadreceived，somuchasdismayed。Itdictatedacoursethatwouldinterferewithallhisplans，andthereforeacourseunthinkable。Soheremainedpuzzledhowtoact，howtodealwiththisunexpectedsituation。
Itwasherladyshipwhowasthefirsttobreakthesilence。
ShehadbeenconsideringMr。Caryllthroughnarrowingeyes，thecornersofhermouthdrawndown。ShehadcaughtthenameofMalignywhenitwasuttered，andoutoftheknowledgewhichhappenedtobehers-thoughMr。Caryllwasignorantofthis-
itsetherthinking。
"IdonotbelievethatyouarethesonofMademoiselledeMaligny，"shesaidatlast。"Ineverheardthatmylordhadason；Icannotbelievetherewassomuchbetweenthem。"
Mr。Caryllstared，startledoutofhishabitualcalm。
Rotherbyturnedtoherwithanexclamationofsurprise。
"How？"hecried。"Youknew，then？Myfatherwas-"
Shelaughedmirthlessly。"Yourfatherwouldhavemarriedherhadhedared，"sheinformedthem。"'Twastobeghisfather'sconsentthathebravedhisbanishmentandcametoEngland。
Buthisfatherwasasheadstrongashimself；heldjustsuchviewsashe，himself，heldlaterwhereyouwereconcerned。Hewouldnothearofthematch。Iwastobehadfortheasking。
Myfatherwasamanwhotradedinhischildren，andhehadofferedme，withajointurethatwasafortune，totheEarlofOstermoreasawifeforhisson。"
Mr。Caryllwaslistening，allears。Somelightwasbeingsheduponmuchthathadlainindarkness。
"Andso，"sheproceeded，"yourgrandfatherconstrainedyourfathertoforgetthewomanhehadleftinFrance，andtomarryme。IknownotwhatsinsIhadcommittedthatIshouldhavebeenvisitedwithsuchapunishment。Butsoitbefell。Yourfatherresisted，dallyingwiththematterforawholeyear。
Thentherewasaduelfought。AcousinofMademoiselledeMaligny'scrossedtoEngland，andforcedaquarreluponyourfather。Theymet，andM。deMalignywaskilled。Thenachangesetininmylord'sbearing，andoneday，amonthorsolater，hegavewaytohisfather'sinsistence，andwewerewed。ButIdonotbelievethatmylordhadleftasoninFrance-Idonotbelievethathadhedoneso，Ishouldnothaveknownit；Idonotbelievethatundersuchcircumstances，unfeelingashewas，hewouldhaveabandonedMademoiselledeMaligny。"
"Youthink，then，"saidRotherby，"thatthismanhasrakedupthisstoryto-"
"Considerwhatyouaresaying，"cutinMr。Caryll，withaflashofscorn。"ShouldIhavecomepreparedwithdocumentsagainstsuchahappeningasthis？"
"Nay，butthedocumentsmighthavebeenintendedforsomeotherpurposehadmylordlived-somepurposeofextortion，"
suggestedherladyship。
"Butconsideragain，madam，thatIamwealthy-farwealthierthanwasevermyLordOstermore，asmyfriendsCollis，Stapletonandmanyanothercanbecalledtoprove。Whatneed，then，hadItoextort？"
"Howcameyoubyyourmeans，beingwhatyousayyouare？"sheaskedhim。
BrieflyhetoldherhowSirRichardEverardhadcaredforhim，forhismother'ssake；endowedhimrichlyuponadoptinghim，andsincemadehimheirtoallhiswealth，whichwasconsiderable。"Andfortherest，madam，andyou，Rotherby，setdoubtsononeside。Yourladyshipsaysthathadmylordhadasonyoumusthaveheardofit。Butmylord，madam，neverknewhehadason。Tellme-canyourecallthedate，themonthatleast，inwhichmylordreturnedtoEngland？"
"Ican，sir。ItwasattheendofAprilof'89。Whatthen？"
Mr。Caryllproducedthecertificateagain。HebeckonedRotherby，andheldthepaperunderhiseyes。"Whatdateisthere-thedateofbirth？"
Rotherbyread："ThethirdofJanuaryof1690。"
Mr。Caryllfoldedthepaperagain。"Thatwillhelpyourladyshiptounderstandhowitmighthappenthatmylordremainedinignoranceofmybirth。"Hesighedashereplacedthecaseinhispocket。"Iwouldhehadknownbeforehedied，"saidhe，almostasifspeakingtohimself。
Andnowherladyshiplosthertemper。ShesawRotherbywavering，anditangeredher；andangered，shecommittedagraveerror。Wisdomlayinmaintainingtheattitudeofrepudiation；itwouldatleasthaveaffordedsomeexcuseforherandRotherby。Instead，shenowrecklesslyflungoffthatarmor，andwentnakeddownintothefray。
"Afigfor'tall！"shecried，andsnappedherfingers。Shehadrisen，andshetoweredthere，aleanandmalevolentfigure，herhead-dressnoddingfoolishly。"Whatdoesitmatterthatyoubewhatyouclaimtobe？Isittoweighwithyou，Rotherby？"
Rotherbyturnedgraveeyesuponher。Hewas，itseemed，notquiterottenthroughandthrough；therewasstillinhim-inthedepthsofhim-acorethatwasinameasuresound；andthatcorewasreached。MostofallhadthestoryweighedwithhimbecauseitaffordedtheonlyexplanationofwhyMr。Caryllhadsparedhislifethatmorningoftheduel。Itwasamatterthathadpuzzledhim，asithadpuzzledallwhohadwitnessedtheaffrontthatledtotheencounter。
Betweenthatandtherest-tosaynothingofthecertificatehehadseen，whichhecouldnotsupposeaforgery-hewasconvincedthatMr。Caryllwasthebrotherthatheclaimedtobe。Hegatheredfromhismother'ssuddenangerthatshe，too，wasconvinced，inspiteofherself，bytheanswersMr。Caryllhadreturnedtoallherargumentsagainsttheidentityheclaimed。
HehatedMr。Caryllnowhitlessforwhathehadlearnt；ifanything，hehatedhimmore。Andyetasenseofdecencyforbadehimfrompersecutinghimnow，ashehadintended，anddeliveringtothehangman。Fromordinarymurder，onceintheheatofpassion-aswehaveseen-hehadnotshrunk。Butfratricideappeared-suchistheeffectofeducation-afar，fargraverthing，eventhoughitshouldbeindirectfratricideofthesortthathehadcontemplatedbeforelearningthatthismanwashisbrother。
Thereseemedtobeoneoftwoonlycourseslefthim：toprovideMr。Caryllwiththemeansofescape，orelsetowithholdsuchevidenceasheintendedtosupplyagainsthim，andtopersuade-tocompel，ifnecessary-hismothertodothesame。Whenallwassaid，hisinterestsneednotsufferverygreatly。Hispositionwouldnotbequitesostrong，perhaps，ifhebutbetrayedaplotwithoutdeliveringupanyoftheplotters；still，hethought，itshouldbestrongenough。Hisfatherdead，outofconsiderationofthesignalloyaltyhisactmustmanifest，hethoughtthegovernmentwouldprovegratefulandforbearfromprosecutingaclaimforrestitutionagainsttheOstermoreestates。
Hehad，then，allbutresolveduponthecleanercourse，when，suddenly，somethingthatinthestressofthemomenthehadgoneneartooverlooking，wasurgeduponhisattention。
Hortensiahadrisenandhadstartedforwardatherladyship'slastwords。Shestoodbeforehislordshipnowwithpleadingeyes，andhandsheldout。"Mylord，"shecried，"youcannotdothisthing！Youcannotdoit！"
Butinsteadofmovinghimtogenerosity，bythoseverywordsshesteeledhisheartagainstit，andprovedtohimthat，afterall，hispotentialitiesforevilwerestrongenoughtoenablehimtodotheverythingshesaidhecouldnot。Hisbrowgrewblackasmidnight；hisdarkeyesrakedherface，andsawtheagonyofapprehensionforherloverwrittenthere。Hedrewbreath，hissingandaudible，glancedonceatCaryll；
then："Amoment！"saidhe。
Hestrodetothedoorandcalledthefootmen，thenturnedagain。
"Mr。Caryll，"hesaidinaformalvoice，"willyougiveyourselfthetroubleofwaitingintheante-room？Ineedtoconsideruponthismatter。"
Mr。Caryll，conceivingthatitwaswithhismotherthatRotherbyintendedtoconsider，roseinstantly。"Iwouldremindyou，Rotherby，thattimeispressing，"saidhe。
"Ishallnotkeepyoulong，"wasRotherby'scoldreply，andMr。Caryllwentout。
"Whatnow，Charles？"askedhismother。"Isthischildtoremain？"
"Itisthechildthatistoremain，"saidhislordship。"Willyourladyshipdomethehonor，too，ofwaitingintheante-room？"andheheldthedoorforher。
"Whatfollyareyouconsidering？"sheasked。
"Yourladyshipiswastingtime，andtime，asMr。Caryllhassaid，ispressing。"
Shecrossedtothedoor，controlledalmostdespiteherselfbythecalmairofpurposethatwasinvestinghim。"Youarenotthinkingof-"
"YoushalllearnverysoonofwhatIamthinking，ma'am。I
begthatyouwillgiveusleave。"
Shepausedalmostuponthethreshold。"Ifyoudoarashness，here，rememberthatIcanstillactwithoutyou，"sheremindedhim。"Youmaychoosetobelievethatthatmanisyourbrother，andso，outofthat，and"-sheaddedwithacruelsneeratHortensia-otherconsiderations，youmayelecttolethimgo。Butrememberthatyoustillhavemetoreckonwith。Whetherheproveofyourbloodornot，hecannotprovehimselfofmine-thankGod！"
Hislordshipbowedinsilence，preservinganunmovedcountenance，whereuponshecursedhimforafool，andpassedout。Heclosedthedoor，andturnedthekey，Hortensiawatchinghiminasortofhorror。"Letmego！"shefoundvoicetocryatlast，andadvancedtowardsthedoorherself。
ButRotherbycametomeether，hisfacewhite，hiseyesglowing。Shefellawaybeforehisopeningarms，andhestoodstill，masteringhimself。
"Thatman，"hesaid，jerkingabackwardthumbatthecloseddoor，"livesordies，goesfreeorhangs，asyoushalldecide，Hortensia。"
Shelookedathim，herfacehaggard，herheartbeatinghighinherthroatasiftosuffocateher。"Whatdoyoumean？"sheasked。
"Youlovehim！"hegrowled。"Pah！Iseeitinyoureyes-inyourtremors-thatyoudo。Itisforhimthatyouareafraid，is'tnot？"
"Whydoyoumockmewithit？"sheinquiredwithdignity。
"Idonotmockyou，Hortensia。Answerme！Isittruethatyoulovehim？"
"Itistrue，"sheansweredsteadily。"Whatis'ttoyou？"
"Everything！"heansweredhotly。"Everything！ItisHeavenandHelltome。Tendaysago，Hortensia，Iaskedyoutomarryme-"
"Nomore，"shebeggedhim，anarmthrownouttostayhim。
"Butthereismore，"heanswered，advancingagain。"ThistimeIcanmaketheoffermoreattractive。Marryme，andCaryllisnotonlyfreetodepart，butnoevidenceshallbelaidagainsthim。IswearitlRefuseme，andhehangsassurely-assurelyasyouandI
talktogetherherethismoment。"
Coldeyesscathedhimwithcontempt。"God！"shecried。"Whatmannerofmonsterareyou，mylord？Tospeakso-tospeakofmarriagetome，andtospeakofhangingamanwhoissontothatsamefatherofyourswholiesabovestairs，notyetturnedcold。Areyouhumanatall？"
"Ay-andinnothingsohumanasinmyloveforyou，Hortensia。"
Sheputherhandstoherface。"Givemepatience！"sheprayed。"Theinsultofitafterwhathaspassed！Letmego，sir；openthatdoor，andletmego。"
Hestoodregardingheramoment，withloweringbrows。Thenheturned，andwentslowlytothedoor。"Hedies，remember！"
saidhe，andthewords，thesinistertoneandthesinisterlookthatwasstampeduponhisface，shatteredherspiritasatablow。
"No，no！"shefaltered，andadvancedasteportwo。"Oh，havepity！"
"Whenyoushowmepity，"heanswered。
Shewasbeaten。"You-yousweartolethimgo-toseehimsafelyoutofEngland-if-ifIconsent？"
Hiseyesblazed。Hecamebackswiftly，andshestood，afrozenthing，passivelyawaitinghim；afrozenthing，shelethimtakeherinhisarms，yieldingherselfinhorrificsurrender。
Heheldhercloseamoment，thebloodsurgingtohisface，andglowingdarklythroughtheswarthyskin。"HaveIconquered，then？"hecried。"You'llmarryme，Hortensia？"
"Atthatprice，"sheansweredpiteously，"atthatprice。"
"Shaltfindmeagentle，lovinghusband，ever。IswearitbeforeHeaven！"hevowed，theardorofhispassionsofteninghisnature，assteelissoftenedinthefire。
"Thenbeitso，"shesaid，andhertonewaslesscold，forshebegantoglow，asitwere，withtheardorofthesacrificethatshewasmaking-begantoexperiencetheexaltedecstasyofmartyrdom。"Savehim，andyoushallfindmeeveradutifulwifetoyou，mylord-adutifulwife。"
"Andloving？"hedemandedgreedily。
"Eventhat。Ipromiseit，"sheanswered。
Withahoarsecry，hestoopedtokissher；then，with，anoath，hechecked，andflungherfromhimsoviolentlythatshehurtledtoachairandsanktoit，overbalanced。"No，"heroared，likeamadthingnow。"Hellanddamnation-no！"
Awildfrenzyofjealousyhadsweptasidehistenderness。Hewassickandfaintwiththepassionofitofthisproofofhowdeeplyshemustlovethatotherman。Hestrovetocontrolhisviolence。Hesnarledather，inhisendeavorstosubduetheanimal，theprimitivecreaturethathewasatheart。"Ifyoucanlovehimsomuchasthat，hehadbetterhang，Ithink。"
Helaughedonahigh，fiercenote。"Youhavespokehissentence，girl！D'yethinkI'dtakeyouso-atsecondhand？
Oh，s'death！Whatd'yedeemme？"
Helaughedagain-inhisthroatnow，aquivering；half-
sobbinglaughofanger-andcrossedtothedoor，hereyesfollowinghim，terrified；hermindunderstandingnothingofthissavage。Heturnedthekey，andflungwidethedoorwithaviolentgesture。"Bringhimin！"heshouted。
Theyentered-Mr。Caryllwiththefootmenathisheels，afrownbetweenhisbrows，hiseyesglancingquicklyandsearchinglyfromRotherbytoHortensia。Afterhimcameherladyship，nolessinquisitiveoflook。Rotherbydismissedthelackeys，andclosedthedooragain。HeflungoutanarmtoindicateHortensia。
"Thislittlefool，"hesaidtoCaryll，"wouldhavemarriedmetosaveyourlife。"
Mr。Caryllraisedhisbrows。Thewordsrelievedhisfears。
"Iamglad，sir，thatyouperceiveshewouldhavebeenafooltodoso。You，Itakeit，havebeenfoolenoughtorefusetheoffer。"
"Yes，youdamnedplay-actor！Yes！"hethundered。"D'yethinkIwantanotherman'scast-offs？"
"Thatisanoverstatement，"saidMr。Caryll。"MistressWinthropisnocast-offofmine。"
"Enoughsaid！"snappedRotherby。Hehadintendedtosaymuch，todosomemightyranting。ButbeforeMr。Caryll'scoldhalf-banteringreductionoffactstotheirtruevalues，hefelthimselfrobbedofwords。"Youhang！"heendedshortly。
"Ye'resureofthat？"questionedMr。Caryll。
"IwouldIwereassureofHeaven。"
"Ithinkyoumaybe-justaboutassure，"Mr。Caryllrejoined，entirelyunperturbed，andhesaunteredforwardtowardsHortensia。Rotherbyandhismotherwatchedhim，exchangingglances。
ThenRotherbyshruggedandsneered。"'Tishisbluster，"saidhe。"He'llbeafarceurtotheend。Idoubthe'shalf-witted。"
Mr。Caryllneverheededhim。HewasbendingbesideHortensia。
Hetookherhand，andboreittohislips。"Sweet，"hemurmured，"'twasatreasonthatyouintended。Haveyou，then，nofaithinme？Courage，sweetheart，theycannothurtme。"
Sheclutchedhishands，andlookedupintohiseyes。"Youbutsaythattocomfortme！"shecried。
"Notso，"heansweredgravely。"Itellyounomorethanwhatistrue。Theythinktheyholdme。Theywillcheat，andlieandswearfalselytotheendthattheymaydestroyme。Buttheyshallhavetheirpainsfornothing。"
"Ay-dependuponthat，"Rotherbymockedhim。"Dependuponit-tothegallows。"
MrCaryll'scuriouseyessmileduponhisbrother，buthislipswerecontemptuous。"Iamofyourownblood，Rotherby-yourbrother，"hesaidagain，"andoncealreadyoutofthatconsiderationIhavesparedyourlife-becauseIwouldnothaveabrother'sblooduponmyhands。"Hesighed，andcontinued："Ihadhopedthatyouhadenoughhumanitytodothesame。Ideplorethatyoushouldlackit；butIdeploreitforyourownsake，because，afterall，youaremybrother。Apartfromthat，itmattersnothingtome。"
"WillitmatternothingwhenyouareprovedaJacobitespy？"
criedherladyship，enragedbeyondendurancebythiscalmscornofthem。"Willitmatternothingwhenitisprovedthatyoucarriedthatletter，andwouldhavecarriedthatother-
thatyouwereempoweredtotreatinyourexiledmaster'sname？
Willthatmatternothing？"
Helookedatheraninstant，then，asifutterlydisdainingtoanswerher，heturnedagaintoRotherby。"Iwereafoolandblind，didInotseetothebottomofthisturbidlittlepuddleuponwhichyouthinktofloatyourargosies。Youaresellingme。Youaretomakeabargainwiththegovernmenttoforbeartheconfiscationsyourfatherhasincurredoutofconsiderationoftheserviceyoucanrenderbydisclosingthisplot，andyouwouldthrowmeinassomethingtangible-inearnestoftheothersthatmayfollow。HaveIsoundedthedepthsofyourintent？"
"Andifyouhave-whatthen？"demandedsullenRotherby。
"This，mylord，"answeredMr。Caryll，andhequoted："`Themanthatoncedidsellthelion'sskinwhilethebeastlived，waskilledwithhuntinghim。Rememberthat！"'
Theylookedathim，impressedbytheringingvoiceinwhichhehadspoken-avoiceinwhichtheringwasofmingledmockeryandexultation。Thenherladyshipshookofftheimpression，andlaughed。
"Withwhatd'yethreatenus？"sheaskedcontemptuously。
"I-threaten，ma'am？Nay，Iamincapableofthreatening。I
donotthreaten。Ihavereasonedwithyou，exhortedyou，shownyoucausewhy，hadyouonesparkofdecencyleft，youwouldallowmetodepartandshieldmefromthelawyouhaveinvokedtoruinme。Ihavehopedforyourownsakesthatyouwouldbemovedsotodo。Butsinceyouwillnot-"Hepausedandshrugged。"Onyourownheadsbeit。"
"`Onourownheadsbewhat？"demandedRotherby。
ButMr。Caryllsmiled，andshookhishead。"Didyouknowall，itmightindeedinfluenceyourdecision；andIwouldnothavethathappen。Youhavechosen，haveyounot，Rotherby？Youwillsellme；youwillhangme-me，yourfather'sson。PoorRotherby！FrommysoulIpityyou！"
"Pityme？Death！Youimpudentrogue！Keepyourpityforthosethatneedit。"
"ThatiswhyIofferityou，Rotherby，"saidMr。Caryll，almostsadly。"Inallmylife，Ihavenotmetamanwhostoodmoresorelyinneedofit，noramIeverliketomeetanother。"
Therewasamovementwithout，atapatthedoor；andHumphriesenteredtoannounceMr。Green'sreturn，accompaniedbyMr。
SecondSecretaryTempleton，andwithoutwaitingformore，heusheredthemintotheroom。
CHAPTERXXII
THEHUNTERS
Totheamazementofthemall，thereenteredatallgentlemaninafull-bottomedwig，withalong，paleface，aresolutemouth，andapairofeyesthatwerekeen，yetkindly。CloseupontheheelsofthesecondsecretarycameMr。Green。
Humphrieswithdrew，andclosedthedoor。
Mr。Templetonmadeherladyshipalowbow。
"Madam，"saidheverygravely，"Iofferyourladyship-andyou，mylord-myprofoundestcondolenceinthebereavementyouhavesuffered，andmyscarcelylessprofoundexcusesforthisintrusionuponyourgrief。"
Mr。Templetonmayormaynothavereflectedthatthegriefuponwhichhedeploredhisintrusionwasnonesoapparent。
"Ihadnotventuredtodoso，"hecontinued，"butthatyourlordshipseemedtoinvitemypresence。"
"Invitedit，sir？"questionedRotherbywithdeference。"I
shouldscarcelyhavepresumedsofarastoinviteit。"
"Notdirectly，perhaps，"returnedthesecondsecretary。Hiswasadeep，richvoice，andhespokewithgreatdeliberateness，asifconsideringwelleachwordbeforeallowingitutterance。"Notdirectly，perhaps；butinviewofyourmessagetoLordCarteret，hislordshiphasdesiredmetocomeinpersontoinquireintothismatterforhim，beforeproceedingfarther。Thisfellow，"indicatingGreen，"broughtinformationfromyouthataJacobite-anagentofJamesStuart-isbeingdetainedhere，andthatyourlordshiphasacommunicationtomaketothesecretaryofstate。"
Rotherbybowedhisassent。"AllIdesiredthatMr。Greenshoulddomeanwhile，"saidhe，"wastoprocureawarrantforthisman'sarrest。Myrevelationswouldhavefollowedthat。
Hashethewarrant？"
"Yourlordshipmaynotbeaware，"saidMr。Templeton，withanincreasedprecisionofdiction，"thatoflatesomanyplotshavebeendisclosedandhaveprovedintheendtobenoplotsatall，thathislordshiphasresolvedtoproceednowwiththeextremestcaution。Foritisnothelddesirablebyhismajestythatpublicityshouldbegiventosuchmattersuntiltherecanbenodoubtthattheyaresusceptibletoproof。
Talkofthemisdisturbingtothepublicquiet，andthereisalreadydisturbanceenough，asitunfortunatelyhappens。
Therefore，itisdeemedexpedientthatweshouldmakequitesureofourgroundbeforeproceedingtoarrests。"
"Butthisplotisnoshamplot，"criedRotherby，withthefaintestshowofheat，outofpatiencewiththeother'sdeliberateness。"Itisaveryrealdanger，asIcanprovetohislordship。"
"Itisforthepurposeofascertainingthatfact，"resumedthesecondsecretary，entirelyunruffled，"forthepurposeofascertainingitbeforetakinganystepsthatwouldseemtoacknowledgeit，thatmyLordCarterethasdesiredmetowaituponyou-thatyoumayplacemeinpossessionofthecircumstancesthathavecometoyourknowledge。"
Rotherby'scountenancebetrayedhisgrowingimpatience。"Why，forthatmatter，ithascometomyknowledgethataplotisbeinghatchedbythefriendsoftheStuart，andthatarisingisbeingprepared，thepresentmomentbeingconsideredauspicious，whilethepeople'sconfidenceinthegovernmentisshakenbythelateSouthSeaCompanydisaster。"
Mr。Templetonwaggedhisheadgently。"That，sir-ifyouwillpermittheobservation-istheprefaceofallthedisclosuresthathavelatelybeenmadetous。Theconsolation，sir，forhismajesty'sfriends，hasbeenthatinnocasedidthesubsequentmattermakethatprefacegood。"
"Itisinthatparticular，then，thatmydisclosuresshalldifferfromthoseothers，"saidRotherby，inatonethatcausedMr。Templetonafterwardstodescribehimas"adamnedhotfellow。"
"Youhaveevidence？"
"Documentaryevidence。AletterfromthePretenderhimselfamongstit。"
AbecominggravityoverspreadMr。Templeton'sclear-cutface。
"Thatwouldbeindeedregrettable，"saidhe。Itwasplainthatwhateverthesecondsecretarymightdisplaywhentheplotwasdisclosedtohim，hewoulddisplaynoneofthatsatisfactionuponwhichRotherbyhadcounted。"Towhom，sir，letmeask，isthisletterindited？"
"Tomylatefather，"answeredhislordship。
Mr。Templetonmadeanexclamation，whosesignificancewasnotquiteclear。
"Ihavediscovereditsincehisdeath，"continuedRotherby。
"IwasbutintimetowrestitfromthehandsofthatspyofthePretender's，whowasintheactofdestroyingitwhenI
caughthim。Mydevotiontohismajestymademycourseclear，sir-andIdesiredMr。Greentoprocureawarrantforthistraitor'sarrest。"
"Sir，"saidMr。Templeton，regardinghimwithaneyeinwhichastonishmentwasblentwithadmiration，"thisisveryloyalinyou-veryloyalunderthe-ah-peculiarcircumstancesoftheaffair。Idonotthinkthathismajesty'sgovernment，consideringtowhomthisletterwasaddressed，couldhavecensuredyouevenhadyousuppressedit。Youhaveconductedyourself，mylord-ifImayventureuponacriticismofyourlordship'sconduct-withapatriotismworthyofthebestmodelsofancientRome。AndIamassuredthathismajesty'sgovernmentwillnotberemissinsignifyingappreciationofthisveryloftyloyaltyofyours。"
LordRotherbybowedlow，inacknowledgmentofthecompliment。
Herladyshipconcealedacynicalsmileundercoverofherfan。
Mr。Caryll-standinginthebackgroundbesideHortensia'schair-smiled，too，andpoorHortensia，detectinghissmile，soughttotakecomfortinit。
"Myson，"interposedthecountess，"is，Iamsure，gratifiedtohearyousocommendhisconduct。"
Mr。Templetonbowedtoherwithagreatpoliteness。"Ishouldbeastone，ma'am，didInotsignifymy-ah-appreciationofit。"
"Thereisalittlemoretofollow，sir，"putinMr。Caryll，inthatquietmannerofhis。"Ithinkyouwillfinditblunttheedgeofhislordship'sloftyloyalty-causeittosavorlesslikethepatriotismofRome，andmorelikethatofIsrael。"
Mr。Templetonturneduponhimafaceofcolddispleasure。Hewouldhavespoken，butthatwhilsthewasseekingwordsofabecominggravity，Rotherbyforestalledhim。
"Sir，"heexclaimed，"whatIdid，Ididthoughmyruinmusthavefollowed。Iknowwhatthistraitorhasinmind。HeimaginesIhaveabargaintomake。Butyoumustsee，sir，thatinnosenseisitso，for，havingalreadysurrenderedthefacts，itistoolatenowtoattempttosellthem。IamreadytoyieldupthelettersthatIhavefound。Noconsiderationcouldinducemetodoother；andyet，sir，Iventuretohopethatinreturn，thegovernmentwillbepleasedtoseethatI
havesomeclaimuponmycountry'srecognitionforthesignalserviceIamrenderingher-andinrenderingwhichImakeaholocaustofmyfather'shonor。"
"Surely，surely，sir，"murmuredMr。Templeton，buthiscountenancetoldofalesseningenthusiasminhislordship'sRomanpatriotism。"LordCarteret，Iamsure，wouldneverpermitsomuch-ah-devotiontohismajestytogounrewarded。"
"Ionlyask，sir-andIaskitforthesakeofmyfather'sname，whichstandsinunavoidabledangerofbeingsmirched-
thatnofurthershamebeheapeduponitthanthatwhichmustresultfromthehorrorwithwhichthediscoveryofthisplotwillinspireallright-thinkingsubjects。"
Mr。Caryllsmiledandnodded。Hejudgedinadetachedspirit-amerespectatorataplay-andhewasforcedtoadmittohimselfthatitwassubtlydoneofhisbrother，andshowedanastutenessinthisthing，atleast，ofwhichhehadneversupposedhimcapable。
"Thereis，sir，"Rotherbyproceeded，"thematterofmyfather'sdealingswiththeSouthSeaCompany。Heisnolongeralivetodefendhimselffromtheaccusations-fromtheimpeachmentwhichhasbeenlevelledagainsthimbyourenemy，theDukeofWharton。Therefore，itmightbepossibletomakeitappearasifhisdealingswere-ah-not-ah-quitesuchasshouldbefitanuprightgentleman。Thereisthat，andthereisthisgreatermatteragainsthim。Betweenthetwo，I
shouldneveragainbeabletolookmyfellow-countrymenintheface。Yetthisisthemoreimportantsincethesafetyofthekingdomisinvolved；whilsttheotherisbutapersonalaffair，andtrivialbycomparison。
"Iwillbeg，sir，thatoutofconsiderationformydisclosingthisdastardlyconspiracy-whichIcannotdowithoutdisclosingmyfather'smisguidedshareinit-Iwillimplore，sir，thatoutofthatconsideration，LordCarteretwillseefittodisposethattheSouthSeaCompanyaffairisallowedtobeforgotten。Ithasalreadybeenpaidforbymyfatherwithhislife。"
Mr。Templetonlookedattheyoungmanbeforehimwitheyesofrealcommiseration。Hewasentirelyduped，andinhisheartheregrettedthatforamomenthecouldhavedoubtedRotherby'sintegrityofpurpose。
"Sir，"hesaid，"Iofferyoumysympathy-myprofoundestsympathy；andyou，mylady。
"AsforthisSouthSeaCompanyaffair，well-IamempoweredbyLordCarterettotreatonlyoftheothermatter，andtoissueornotawarrantfortheapprehensionofthepersonyouaredetaining，afterIhaveinvestigatedthegroundsuponwhichhisarrestisurged。Nevertheless，sir，IthinkIcansay-indeed，IthinkIcanpromise-thatinconsiderationofyourreadinesstodeliveruptheseletters，andprovidedtheirnatureisasseriousasyourepresent，andalsoinconsiderationofthis，yourmostsignalproofofloyalty，LordCarteretwillnotwishtoincreasetheloadwhichalreadyyouhavetobear。"
"Oh，sir！"criedRotherbyinthedeepestemotion，"Ihavenowordsinwhichtoexpressmythanks。"
"NorI，"putinMr。Caryll，"wordsinwhichtoexpressmyadmiration。Amostexcellentperformance，Rotherby。Ihadnotcreditedyouwithsomuchability。"
Mr。Templetonfrowneduponhimagain。"Yebetrayasingularcallousness，sir，"saidhe。
"Nay，sir；notcallousness。Merelytheeasethatspringsfromatranquilconscience。"
Herladyshipglancedacrossathim，andsneeredaudibly。"Youhearthepoisonoustraitor，sir。Hegloriesinatranquilconscience，inspiteofthismurderousmattertowhichhestoodcommitted。"
Rotherbyturnedasidetotakethelettersfromthedesk。HethrustthemintoMr。Templeton'shands。"Here，sir，isaletterfromKingJamestomyfather，andhereisaletterfrommyfathertoKingJames。Fromtheircontents，youwillgatherhowfaradvancedarematters，whatdevilriesarebeinghatchedhereinhismajesty'sdominions。"
Mr。Templetonreceivedthem，andcrossedtothewindowthathemightexaminethem。Hiscountenancelengthened。Rotherbytookhisstandbesidehismother'schair，bothobservingMr。
Caryll，who，inhisturn，wasobservingMr。Templeton，afaintsmileplayingroundthecornersofhismouth。OncetheysawhimstoopandwhispersomethinginHortensia'sear，andtheycaughttheupwardglanceofhereyes，halffear，halfquestion。
Mr。Green，bythedoor，stoodturninghishatinhishands，furtivelywatchingeverybody，whilstdrawingnoattentiontohimself-amatterinwhichmuchpracticehadmadehimperfect。
AtlastTempletonturned，foldingtheletters。"Thisisverygrave，mylord，"saidhe，"andmyLordCarteretwillnodoubtdesiretoexpressinpersonhisgratitudeandhisdeepsenseoftheserviceyouhavedonehim。Ithinkyoumayconfidentlyexpecttofindhimasgenerousasyouhope。"
Hepocketedtheletters，andraisedahandtopointatMr。
Caryll。"Thisman？"heinquiredlaconically。
"IsaspyofKingJames's。HeisthemessengerwhoboremyfatherthatletterfromthePretender，andhewouldnodoubthavecarriedbacktheanswerhadmyfatherlived。"
Mr。Templetondrewapaperfromhispocket，andcrossedtothedesk。Hesatdown，andtookupaquill。"Youcanprovethis，ofcourse？"hesaid，testingthepointofhisquilluponhisthumb-nail。
"Abundantly，"wasthereadyanswer。"Mymothercanbearwitnesstothefactthat'twashebroughtthePretender'sletter，andthereisnolackofcorroboration。Enough，I
think，wouldbeaffordedbytheassaultmadebythisrogueuponMr。Green，ofwhich，nodoubt，youarealreadyinformed，sir。Hisobject-thisprovedobject-wastopossesshimselfofthosepapersthathemightdestroythem。Ibutcaughthimintime，asmyservantscanbearwitness，astheycanalsobearwitnesstothecircumstancethatwewerecompelledtoforceanentrancehere，andtouseforcetohimtoobtainthelettersfromhim。"
Mr。Templetonnodded。"'Tisaclearcase，then，"saidhe，anddippedhispen。
"Andyet，"putinMr。Caryll，inanindolent，musingvoice，"itmightbemadetolookasclearanotherway。"
Mr。Templetonscowledathim。"Theopportunityshallbeaffordedyou，"saidhe。"Meanwhile-whatisyourname？"
Mr。Carylllookedwhimsicallyatthesecretaryamoment；thenflunghisbomb。"IamJustinCaryll，SixthEarlofOstermore，andyourveryhumbleservant，Mr。Secretary。"
Theeffectwasludicrous-fromMr。Caryll'spointofview-
andyetitwasdisappointing。Fivepairsofdilatingeyesconfrontedhim，fivegapingmouths。Thenherladyshipbrokeintoalaugh。
"Thecreature'smad-I'velongsuspectedit。"Andshemeanttobetakenliterally；hismanywhimsicalitieswereexplainedtoheratlast。Hewas，indeed，half-witted，ashenowproved。
Mr。Templeton，recovering，smotethetableangrily。Hethoughthehadgoodreasontolosehisself-controlonthisoccasion，thoughitwasamatterofpridewithhimthathecouldalwayspreserveanunruffledcalmunderthemosttryingcircumstances。"Whatisyourname，sir？"hedemandedagain。
"Youarehardofhearing，sir，Ithink。IamLordOstermore。
SetdownthatnameinthewarrantifyouaredeterminedtobebubbledbythatfellowthereandmadetolookfoolishafterwardswithmyLordCarteret。"
Mr。Templetonsatbackinhischair，frowning；butmorefromutterbewildermentnowthananger。
"Perhaps，"saidMr。Caryll，"ifIweretoexplain，itwouldhelpyoutoseetheimposturethatisbeingpracticeduponyou。Asfortheallegationsthathavebeenmadeagainstme-
thatIamaJacobitespyandanagentofthePretender's-"
Heshrugged，andwavedanairyhand。"Iscarcethinktherewillremaintheneedformetodenythemwhenyouhaveheardtherest。"
Rotherbytookastepforward，hisfacepurple，hishandsclenched。Herladyshipthrustoutabonyclaw，clutchedathissleeve，anddrewhimbackandintothechairbesideher。
"Pho！Charles，"shesaid；"givethefoolrope，andhe'llhanghimself，neverdoubtit-thepoor，witlesscreature。"
Mr。Caryllsaunteredovertothesecretaire，andleanedanelbowonthetopofit，facingallintheroom。
"Iadmit，Mr。Secretary，"saidhe，"thatIhadoccasiontoassaultMr。Green，totheendthatImightpossessmyselfofthepapershewasseekinginthisdesk。"
"Why，then-"beganMr。Templeton。
"Patience，sir！Iadmitsomuch，butIadmitnomore。Idonot，forinstance，admitthattheobject-theobjectitself-
ofmysearchwassuchashasbeenrepresented。"
"Whatthen？Whatelse？"growledRotherby。
"Ay，sir-whatelse？"quothMr。Templeton。
"Sir，"saidMr。Caryll，withasorrowfulshakeof，thehead，"Ihavealreadystartledyou，itseems，byonestatement。I
begthatyouwillprepareyourselftobestartledbyanother。"
Thenheabruptlydroppedhislanguor。"Ishouldthinktwice，sir，"headvised，"beforesigningthatwarrant，wereIinyourplace，todosowouldbetorenderyourselfthetoolofthosewhoareplottingmyruin，andreadytobearfalsewitnessthattheymayaccomplishit。Irefer，"andhewavedahandtowardsthecountessandhisbrother，"tothelateLordOstermore'smistressandhisnaturalson，there。"
Intheirutterstupefactionattheunexpectednessandseemingwildnessofthestatement，neithermothernorsoncouldfindawordtosay。NomorecouldMr。Templetonforamoment。Then，suddenly，wrathfully："Whatareyousaying，sir？"heroared。
"Thetruth，sir。"
"Thetruth？"echoedthesecretary。
"Ay，sir-thetruth。Haveyeneverheardofit？"
Mr。Templetonsatbackagain。"Ibegintothink，"saidhe，surveyingthroughnarrowingeyestheslendergracefulfigurebeforehim，"thatherladyshipisrightthatyouaremad；
unless-unlessyouaremadofthesamemadnessthatbesetUlysses。Youremember？"
"Letushavedone，"criedRotherbyinaburstofanger，leapingtohisfeet。"Letushavedone，Isay！ArewetowastethedayuponthisTomo'Bedlam？WritehimdownasCaryll-JustinCaryll-'tisthenamehe'sknownby；andletGreenseetotherest。"
Mr。Templetonmadeanimpatientsound，andpoisedhispen。
"Yearenottosuppose，sir，"Mr。Caryllstayedhim，"thatI
cannotsupportmystatements。Ihavebymeproofs-
irrefragableproofsofwhatIsay。"
"Proofs？"Thewordseemedtocomefrom，every，memberofthatlittleassembly-ifweexceptMr。Green，whosefacewasbeginningtobetrayhisuneasiness。Hewasnotsoreadyastheotherstobelieve，thatMr。Caryllwasmad。Forhim，thesituationaskedsomeotherexplanation。
"Ay-proofs，"saidMr。Caryll。Hehaddrawnthecasefromhispocketagain。Fromthishetookthebirth-certificate，andplaceditbeforeMr。Templeton，"Willyouglanceatthat，sir-tobegin，with？-"
Mr。Templetoncomplied。Hisfacebecamemoreandmoregrave。
HelookedatMr。Caryll；thenatRotherby，whowasscowling，andatherladyship，whowasbreathinghard。HisglancereturnedtoMr。Caryll。
"Youarethepersondesignatedhere？"heinquired。
"AsIcanabundantlyprove，"saidMr。Caryll。"IhavenolackoffriendsinLondonwhowillbearwitnesstothatmuch。"
"Yet，"saidMr。Templeton，frowning，perplexed，"thisdoesnotmakeyouwhatyouclaimtobe。Ratherdoesitshowyoutobehislatelordship's-"
"There'smoretocome，"saidMr。Caryll，andplacedanotherdocumentbeforethesecretary。ItwasanextractfromtheregisterofSt。EtienneofMaligny，relatingtohismother'sdeath。
"Doyouknow，sir，inwhatyearthisladywentthroughaceremonyofmarriagewithmyfather-thelateLordOstermore？
Itwasin1690，Ithink，astheladywillnodoubtconfirm。"
"Towhatpurpose，this？"quothMr。Templeton。
"Thepurposewillbepresentlyapparent。Observethatdate，"
saidMr。Caryll，andhepointedtothedocumentinMr。
Templeton'shand。
Mr。Templetonreadthedatealoud-"1692"-andthenthenameofthedeceased-"AntoinettedeBeaulieudeMaligny。Whatofit？"hedemanded。
"YouwillunderstandthatwhenIshowyouthepaperItookfromthisdesk，thepaperthatIobtainedasaconsequenceofmyviolencetoMr。Green。Ithinkyouwillconsider，sir，thatifevertheendjustifiedthemeans，itdidsointhiscase。Herewassomethingverydifferentfromthepaltrymatteroftreasonthatisallegedagainstme。"
Andhepassedthesecretaryathirdpaper。
OverMr。Templeton'sshoulder，Rotherbyandhismother，who-
drawnbytheoverpoweringexcitementthatwasmasteringthem-
hadapproachedinsilence，wereexaminingthedocumentwithwide-open，startledeyes，fearingbyveryinstinct，withoutyetapprehendingthetruenatureoftherevelationthatwastocome。
"God！"shriekedherladyship，whotookinthemeaningofthisthingbeforeRotherbyhadbeguntosuspectit。"'Tisaforgery！"
"Thatwereidle，whentheoriginalentryintheregisteristobeseenin，theChurchofSt。Antoine，madam，"answeredMr。
Caryll。"Irescuedthatdocument，togetherwithsomeletterswhichmymotherwrotemyfatherwhenfirsthereturnedtoEngland-andwhicharesuperfluousnow-fromasecretdrawerinthatdesk，anhourago。"
"Butwhatisit？"inquiredRotherbyhuskily。"Whatisit？"
"Itisthecertificateofthemarriageofmyfather，thelateLordOstermore，andmymother，AntoinettedeMaligny，attheChurchofSt。AntoineinParis，intheyear1689。"HeturnedtoMr。Templeton。"Youapprehendthematter，sir？"hedemanded，andrecapitulated。"In1689theyweremarried；in1692shedied；yetin1690hislordshipwentthroughaformofmarriagewithMistressSylviaEtheridge，there。"
Mr。Templetonnoddedverygravely，hiseyesuponthedocumentbeforehim，thattheymightavoidmeetingatthatmomenttheeyesofthewomanwhomtheworldhadalwaysknownastheCountessofOstermore。
"Fortunateisitforme，"saidMr。Caryll，"thatIshouldhavepossessedmyselfoftheseproofsintime。Doesitneedmoretoshowhowurgentmightbetheneedformysuppression-howlittlefaithcanbeattachedtoanaccusationlevelledagainstmefromsuchaquarter？"
"ByGod-"beganRotherby，buthismotherclutchedhiswrist。
"Bestill，fool！"shehissedinhisear。Shehadneedtokeepherwitsabouther，tothink，toweigheachwordthatshemightutter。Anabysshadopenedinherpath；afalsestep，andsheandhersonwereirrevocablylost-sentheadlongtodestruction。Rotherby，alreadyreducedtothelaststageoffear，wasobedientashehadneverbeen，andfellsilentinstantly。
Mr。Templetonfoldedthepapers，rose，andprofferedthemtotheirowner。"Haveyouanymeansofprovingthatthiswasthedocumentyousought？"heinquired。
"Icanprovethatitwasthedocumenthefound。"ItwasHortensiawhospoke；shehadadvancedtoherlover'sside，andshecontrolledheramazementtobearwitnessforhim。"Iwaspresentinthisroomwhenhewentthroughthatdesk，asallinthehouseknow；andIcansweartohishavingfoundthatpaperinit。"
Mr。Templetonbowed。"Mylord，"hesaidtoCaryll，"yourcontentionsappearclear。ItisamatterinwhichIfearI
cangonofurther；nordoInowthinkthatthesecretaryofstatewouldapproveofmyissuingawarrantuponsuchtestimonyaswehavereceived。ThematterisoneforLordCarterethimself。"
"Ishalldomyselfthehonorofwaitinguponhislordshipwithinthehour，"saidthenewLordOstermore。"AsfortheletterwhichitisallegedIbroughtfromFrance-fromthePretender，"-hewassmilingnow，aregretful，deprecatorysmile，"itisafortunatecircumstancethat，beingsuspectedbythatverymanGreen，whostandsyonder，Iwassubjected，uponmyarrivalinEngland，toathoroughsearchatMaidstone-asearch，itgoeswithoutsaying，thatyieldednothing。I
wasangryatthetime，attheindignityIwasforcedtoendure。Welittleknowwhatthefuturemayhold。Andto-dayIamthankfultohavethatevidencetorebutthischarge。"
"Yourlordshipisindeedtobecongratulated，"Mr。Templetonagreed。"Youarethusinapositiontoclearyourselfofevenashadowofsuspicion。"
"Youfool！"criedshewhountilthathourhadbeenCountessofOstermore，turningfiercelyuponMr。Templeton。"Youfool！"
"Madam，thisisnotseemly，"criedthesecondsecretary，withawkwarddignity。
"Seemly，idiot？"shestormedathim。"Iswear，asI'veasoultobesaved，thatinspiteofallthis，IknowthatmantobeatraitorandaJacobite-thatitwastheletterfromthekinghesought，whateverhemaypretendtohavefound。"
Mr。Templetonlookedatherinsorrow，forallthatinheroverwroughtconditionsheinsultedhim。"Madam，youmightswearandswear，andyetnoonewouldbelieveyouinthefaceofthefactsthathavecometolight。"
"Doyoubelieveme？"shedemandedangrily。
"Mybeliefscanmatternothing，"hecompromised，andmadeheravaledictorybow。"Yourservant，ma'am，"saidhe，fromforceofhabit。HenoddedtoRotherby，tookuphishatandcane，andstrodetothedoor，whichMr。Greenhadmadehastetoopenforhim。FromthethresholdhebowedtoMr。Caryll。"Mylord，"saidhe，"IshallgostraighttoLordCarteret。Hewillstayforyoutillyoucome。"
"Ishallnotkeephislordshipwaiting，"answeredCaryll，andbowedinhisturn。
Thesecondsecretarywentout。Mr。Greenhesitatedamoment，thenabruptlyfollowedhim。Thegamewasendedhere；itwasplayedandlost，hesaw，andwhatshouldsuchasMr。Greenbedoingonthelosingside？
CHAPTERXXIII
THELION
Thegamewasplayedandlost。Allrealizedit，andnonesokeenlyasHortensia，whofounditinhergentlehearttopitythewomanwhohadnevershownherakindness。
Shesetahanduponherlover'sarm。"Whatwillyoudo，Justin？"sheinquiredintonesthatseemedtopleadformercyforthoseothers；forshehadnotpausedtothink-asanothermighthavethought-thattherewasnomercyhecouldshowthem。
Rotherbyandhismotherstoodhandinhand；itwasthewomanwhohadclutchedathersonforcomfortandsupportinthisbitterhourofretribution，thishouroftherecoiluponthemselvesofalltheeviltheyhadplotted。
Mr。Caryllconsideredthemamoment，hisfaceamask，hismindentirelydetached。Theyinterestedhimprofoundly。Thissubjugationoftwonaturesthatinthemselveswerearrogantandcruelwasaprocessveryengrossingtoobserve。Hetriedtoconjecturewhattheyfelt，whatthoughtstheymightbeharboring。Anditseemedtohimthatasortofparalysishadfallenontheirwits。Theywerestunnedundertheshockoftheblowhehaddealtthem。Anontherewouldberailingsandtospare-againsthim，againstthemselves，againstthedeadmanabovestairs，againstFate，andmorebesides。Forthepresenttherewasthishorrid，almostvacuouscalm。
Presentlythewomanstirred。Instinct-theinstinctofthestrickenbeasttocreeptohiding-movedher，whilereasonwasstillboundinlethargy。Shemovedtostep，drawingatherson'shand。"Come，Charles，"shesaid，inalow，hoarsevoice。"Come！"
Thetouchandthespeechawakenedhimtolife。"No！"hecriedharshly，andshookhishandfreeofhers。"Itendsnotthus。"
Helookedalmostashewouldflinghimselfuponhisbrother，hisfigureerectnow，defiantandmenacing；hisfaceashen，hiseyeswild。"Itendsnotthus！"herepeated，andhisvoicerangsinister。
"No，"Mr。Caryllagreedquietly。"Itendsnotthus。"
Helookedsadlyfromsontomother。"Ithadnotevenbegunthus，butthatyouwouldhaveitso。Youwouldhaveit。I
soughttomoveyoutomercy。Iremindedyou，mybrother，ofthetiethatboundus，andIwouldhaveturnedyoufromfratricide，Iwouldhavesavedyoufromthecrimeyoumeditated-foritwasacrime。"
"Fratricide！"exclaimedRotherby，andlaughedangrily。
"Fratricide！"Itwasasifhethreatenedit。
ButMr。Caryllcontinuedtoregardhimsorrowfully。Fromhissoulhepitiedhim；pitiedthemboth-notbecauseoftheircondition，butbecauseofthesoullessnessbehinditall。Tohimitwastrulytragic，tragicbeyondanythingthathehadeverknown。
"Yousaidsomefinethings，sir，toMr。Templetonofyourregardforyourfather'smemory，"saidMr。Caryll。"Youexpressedsomeloftysentimentsoffilialpiety，whichalmostsoundedtrue-whichsoundedtrue，indeed，toMr。Templeton。
ItwasoutofinterestforyourfatherthatyoupleadedforthesuppressionofhisdealingswiththeSouthSeaCompany；
notforamomentdidyouconsideryourselfortheprofityoushouldmakefromsuchsuppression。"
"Whythis？"demandedthemotherfiercely。"Doyourallyus？
Doyouturntheswordinthewoundnowthatyouhaveusatyourmercy-nowthatwearefallen？"
"Fromwhatareyoufallen？"Mr。Caryllinquired。"Ah，butletthatpass。Idonotrally，madam。Mockeryisfarindeedfrommyintention。"HeturnedagaintoRotherby。"LordOstermorewasafathertoyou，whichheneverwastome-knewnotthathewas。ThesentimentsyousobeautifullyexpressedtoMr。
Templetonarethesentimentsthatactuatemenow，thoughI
shallmakenoattempttoexpressthem。ItisnotthatmyheartstirsmuchwheremyLordOstermoreisconcerned。Andyet，forthesakeofthenamethatisminenow，IshallleaveEnglandasIcame-Mr。JustinCaryll，neithermorenorless。
"Intheeyesoftheworldthereisnosluruponmymother'sname，becauseherhistory-hersupposedhistory-wasunknown。Seethatnoneeverfallsonit，elseshallyoufindmepitilessindeed。Seethatnoneeverfallsonit，orI
shallreturnanddrivehomethelessonthat，likeAntinous，you'velearnt-that'twixtthecupandlipmuchillmaygrow'-
andturnyou，nakeduponacontemptuousworld。Needsmorebesaid？Youunderstand，Ithink。"
Rotherbyunderstoodnothing。Buthismother'skeenerwitsbegantoperceiveaglimmerofthetruth。"Doyoumeanthat-
thatweareto-toremaininthestationthatwebelievedourown？"
"Whatelse？"
Shestaredathim。Herewasagenerositysoweak，itseemedtoher，asalmosttoprovokeherscorn。"Youwillleaveyourbrotherinpossessionofthetitleandwhatelsetheremaybe？"
"Youthinkmegenerous，madam，"saidhe。"Donotmisapprehendme。Iamnot。IcovetneitherthetitlenorestatesofOstermore。Theirpossessionwouldbeathorninmyflesh，athornofbittermemory。Thatisonereasonwhyyoushouldnotthinkmegenerous，thoughitisnotthereasonwhyIcedethem。Iwouldhaveyouunderstandmeonthis，perhapsthelasttime，thatwemaymeet。
"LordOstermore，myfather，marriedyou，madam，ingoodfaith。"
Sheinterruptedharshly。"Whatis'tyousay？"shealmostscreamed，quiveringwithrageattheverythoughtofwhatherdeadlordhaddone。
"Hemarriedyouingoodfaith，"Mr。Caryllrepeatedquietly，impressively。"Iwillmakeitplaintoyou。Hemarriedyoubelievingthatthegirl-wifehehadleftinFrancewasdead。
Forfearitshouldcometohisfather'sknowledge，hekeptthatmarriagesecretfromall。Hedurstnotownhismarriagetohisfather。
Hewasnot-asyoumayhaveappreciatedintheyearsyoulivedwithhim-amanofanyprofoundfeelingforothers。
Forhimselfhehadaprodigiouslyprofoundfeeling，asyoumayalsohavegathered。ThatmarriageinFrancewastroublesome。
Hehadcometolookuponitasoneofhisyouth'sfollies-ashe，himself，describedittomeinthishouse，littleknowingtowhomhespoke。Whenhereceivedthefalsenewsofherdeath-forhedidreceivesuchnewsfromtheverycousinwhocrossedfromFrancetoavengeher，believingherdeadhimself-herejoicedathisnearescapefromtheconsequencesofhisfolly。Norwasheeverdisabusedofhiserror。Forshehadceasedtowritetohimbythen。Andsohemarriedyou，madam，ingoodfaith。ThatistheargumentIshallusewithmyLordCarterettomakehimunderstandthatrespectformyfather'smemoryurgesmetodepartinsilence-saveforwhatImusthavesaidtoescapetheimpeachmentwithwhichyouthreatenedme。
"LordCarteretisamanoftheworld。Hewillunderstandthefar-reachingdisturbancethatmustresultfromthedisclosureofthetruthofthisaffair。HewillpledgeMr。Templetontosilence，andthetruth，madam，willneverbedisclosed。That，Ithink，isall，madam。"
"ByGod，sir，"criedRotherby，"that'sdamnedhandsomeofyou！"
"Youepitomizeitbeautifully，"saidMr。Caryll，withareversiontohishabitualmanner。
Hismother，however，hadnowordsatall。SheadvancedasteptowardsMr。Caryll，putouthehands，andthen-portentofportents！-twotearswereseentotrickledownhercheeks，playinghavoc，ploughingfurrowsinthepaintthatoverlaidthem。
Mr。Caryllsteppedforwardquickly。Thesightofthosetears，springingfromthatdried-upheart-witheredbyGodaloneknewwhatblight-washingtheirwaydownthosepoorbedaubedcheeks，movedhimtoakeenerpitythananythinghehadeverlookedupon。Hetookherhands，andpressedthemamoment，givingwayforoncetoanimpulsehecouldnotmaster。
Shewouldhavekissedhisownintheabasementandgratitudeofthemoment。Butherestrainedher。
"Nomore，yourladyship，"saidhe，andbythusgivingheroncemorethetitleshehadworn，heseemedtoreinstateherinthestationfromwhichinself-defencehehadpulledherdown。
"Promisethatyou'llbearnowitnessagainstmeshouldsomuchbeneeded，andI'llcryquitswithyou。Withoutyourtestimony，theycannothurtme，eventhoughtheyweredisposedtodoso，whichisscarcelylikely。"
"Sir-sir-"shefalteredbrokenly。"Couldyou-couldyousuppose-"
"Indeed，no。Sonomore，ma'am。Youdobutharassyourself。
Fareyouwell，mylady。IfImaytrespassforafewmomentslongeruponthehospitalityofStrettonHouse，I'llbeyourdebtor。"
"Thehouse-andall-isyours，sir，"sheremindedhim。
"There'sbutonethinginitthatI'llcarryoffwithme，"
saidhe。Heheldthedoorforher。
Shelookedintohisfaceamoment。"Godkeepyou！"saidshe，withasurprisingfervorinonenotover-fluentatherprayers。"Godrewardyouforshowingthismercytoanoldwoman-whodoesnotdeservesomuch。"
"Fareyouwell，madam，"hesaidagain，bowinggravely。"Andfareyouwell，LordOstermore，"headdedtoherson。
Hisbrotherlookedathimamoment；seemedonthepointofspeaking，andthen-takinghiscue，nodoubt，fromhismother'sattitude-heheldouthishand。
Mr。Carylltookit，shookit，andletitgo。Afterall，hebethoughthim，themanwashisbrother。Andifhisbearingwasnotaltogethercordial，itwas，atleast，aclementimitationofcordiality。
Heclosedthedooruponthem，andsighedsupremerelief。HeturnedtofaceHortensia，andasmilebrokelikesunshineuponhisface，anddispelledtheseriousgloomofhisexpression。
Shesprangtowardshim。
"Comenow，thouchattel，thatIamresolvedtocarrywithmefrommyfather'shouse，"saidhe。
Shecheckedinherapproach。"'TisnotinsuchwordsthatI'llbewooed，"saidshe。
"Afigforwords！"hecried。"Artwooedandwon。Confessit。"
"Youwantnothingforself-esteem，"sheinformedhimgravely。
"Onething，Hortensia，"heamended。"OnethingIwant-I
lack-toesteemmyselfgreaterthananykingthatrules。"
"Ilikethatbetter，"shelaughed，andsuddenlyshewasintears。"Oh，whydoyoumock，andmake-believethatyourheartisonyourlipsandnowhereelse？"sheaskedhim。"Isityouraimtobeaccountedtriflingandshallow-youwhocandosuchthingsasyouhavedonebutnow？Oh，itwasnoble！Youmademeveryproud。"
"Proud？"heechoed。"Ah！Thenitmustbethatyouareresolvedtotakethisimpudent，fleeringcoxcombforahusband，"hesaid，rallyingherwiththewordsshehadflungathimthatnightinthemoonlitCroydongarden。
"HowIwasmistookinyou！"quothshe。
Hemadephilosophy。"'Tiseverthoseinwhomwearemistookthatarebestworthknowing，"heinformedher。"Themanorwomanwhomyoucanreadatsight，isreadanddonewith。"
"Yetyouwerenotmistookinme，"saidshe。
"Iwas，"heanswered，"forIdeemedyouwoman。"
"Whatotherhaveyoufoundme？"sheinquired。
Heflungwidehisarms，andbadeherintothem。"Heretomyheart，"hecried，"andinyourearI'llwhisperit。"
End