Gracestoleonefurtiveglanceathissteady，resoluteface。ShewasperfectlyunmovedbythemanlyconsiderationforherwhichJulian'slastwordshadexpressed。Allsheunderstoodwasthathewasnotamantobetrifledwith。Futureopportunitieswouldofferthemselvesofreturningsecretlytothehouse。Shedeterminedtoyield——anddeceivehim。
"Iamreadytogo，"shesaid，risingwithdoggedsubmission。"Yourturnnow，"shemutteredtoherself，assheturnedtothelooking-glasstoarrangehershawl。"Myturnwillcome。"
Julianadvancedtowardher，asiftoofferherhisarm，andcheckedhimself。Firmlypersuadedashewasthathermindwasderanged——readilyasheadmittedthatsheclaimed，invirtueofheraffliction，everyindulgencethathecouldextendtoher——therewassomethingrepellenttohimatthatmomentinthebareideaoftouchingher。Theimageofthebeautifulcreaturewhowastheobjectofhermonstrousaccusation——theimageofMercyasshelayhelplessforamomentinhisarms——wasvividinhismindwhileheopenedthedoorthatledintothehall，anddrewbacktoletGracepassoutbeforehim。Helefttheservanttohelpherintothecab。ThemanrespectfullyaddressedhimashetookhisseatoppositetoGrace。
"Iamorderedtosaythatyourroomisready，sir，andthatherladyshipexpectsyoutodinner。"
Absorbedintheeventswhichhadfollowedhisaunt'sinvitation，JulianhadforgottenhisengagementtostayatMablethorpeHouse。Couldhereturn，knowinghisownheartashenowknewit？Couldhehonorablyremain，perhapsforweekstogether，inMercy'ssociety，consciousashenowwasoftheimpressionwhichshehadproducedonhim？No。Theonehonorablecoursethathecouldtakewastofindanexcuseforwithdrawingfromhisengagement。"Begherladyshipnottowaitdinnerforme，"hesaid。"Iwillwriteandmakemyapologies。"Thecabdroveoff。Thewonderingservantwaitedonthedoorstep，lookingafterit。"Iwouldn'tstandinMr。Julian'sshoesforsomething，"hethought，withhismindrunningonthedifficultiesoftheyoungclergyman'sposition。"Theresheisalongwithhiminthecab。Whatishegoingtodowithherafterthat？"
Julianhimself，ifithadbeenputtohimatthemoment，couldnothaveansweredthequestion——
LadyJanet'sanxietywasfarfrombeingrelievedwhenMercyhadbeenrestoredtohersensesandconductedtoherownroom。
Mercy'smindremainedinaconditionofunreasoningalarm，whichitwasimpossibletoremove。Overandoveragainshewastoldthatthewomanwhohadterrifiedherhadleftthehouse，andwouldneverbepermittedtoenteritmore；overandoveragainshewasassuredthatthestranger'sfranticassertionswereregardedbyeverybodyaboutherasunworthyofamoment'sseriousattention。Shepersistedindoubtingwhethertheyweretellingherthetruth。Ashockingdistrustofherfriendsseemedtopossessher。SheshrunkwhenLadyJanetapproachedthebedside。SheshudderedwhenLadyJanetkissedher。SheflatlyrefusedtoletHoraceseeher。SheaskedthestrangestquestionsaboutJulianGray，andshookherheadsuspiciouslywhentheytoldherthathewasabsentfromthehouse。Atintervalsshehidherfaceinthebedclothesandmurmuredtoherselfpiteously，"Oh，whatshallIdo？WhatshallIdo？"Atothertimesheronepetitionwastobeleftalone。"Iwantnobodyinmyroom"——thatwashersullencry——"nobodyinmyroom。"
Theeveningadvanced，andbroughtwithitnochangeforthebetter。LadyJanet，bytheadviceofHorace，sentforherownmedicaladviser。
Thedoctorshookhishead。Thesymptoms，hesaid，indicatedaseriousshocktothenervoussystem。Hewroteasedativeprescription；andhegavewithahappychoiceoflanguagesomesoundandsafeadvice。Itamountedbrieflytothis："Takeheraway，andtrythesea-side。"LadyJanet'scustomaryenergyactedontheadvice，withoutamoment'sneedlessdelay。Shegavethenecessarydirectionsforpackingthetrunksovernight，anddecidedonleavingMablethorpeHousewithMercythenextmorning。
ShortlyafterthedoctorhadtakenhisdeparturealetterfromJulian，addressedtoLadyJanet，wasdeliveredbyprivatemessenger。
Beginningwiththenecessaryapologiesforthewriter'sabsence，theletterproceededintheseterms：
"BeforeIpermittedmycompaniontoseethelawyer，Ifeltthenecessityofconsultinghimastomypresentpositiontowardherfirst。
"Itoldhim——whatIthinkitonlyrighttorepeattoyou——thatIdonotfeeljustifiedinactingonmyownopinionthathermindisderanged。InthecaseofthisfriendlesswomanIwantmedicalauthority，and，moreeventhanthat，Iwantsomepositiveproof，tosatisfymyconscienceaswellastoconfirmmyview。
"Findingmeobstinateonthispoint，thelawyerundertooktoconsultaphysicianaccustomedtothetreatmentoftheinsane，onmybehalf。
"Aftersendingamessageandreceivingtheanswer，hesaid，'Bringtheladyhere——inhalfanhour；sheshalltellherstorytothedoctorinsteadoftellingittome。'Theproposalratherstaggeredme；Iaskedhowitwaspossibletoinducehertodothat。Helaughed，andanswered，'Ishallpresentthedoctorasmyseniorpartner；myseniorpartnerwillbetheverymantoadviseher。'YouknowthatIhatealldeception，evenwheretheendinviewappearstojustifyit。Onthisoccasion，however，therewasnootheralternativethantoletthelawyertakehisowncourse，ortoruntheriskofadelaywhichmightbefollowedbyseriousresults。
"Iwaitedinaroombymyselffeelingveryuneasy，Iownuntilthedoctorjoinedme，aftertheinterviewwasover。
"Hisopinionis，briefly，this：
"Aftercarefulexaminationoftheunfortunatecreature，hethinksthatthereareunmistakablysymptomsofmentalaberration。Buthowfarthemischiefhasgone，andwhetherhercaseis，orisnot，sufficientlygravetorenderactualrestraintnecessary，hecannotpositivelysay，inourpresentstateofignoranceastofacts。
"'Thusfar，'heobserved，'weknownothingofthatpartofherdelusionwhichrelatestoMercyMerrick。Thesolutionofthedifficulty，inthiscase，istobefoundthere。IentirelyagreewiththeladythattheinquiriesoftheconsulatMannheimarefarfrombeingconclusive。Furnishmewithsatisfactoryevidenceeitherthatthereis，orisnot，suchapersonreallyinexistenceasMercyMerrick，andIwillgiveyouapositiveopiniononthecasewheneveryouchoosetoaskforit。'
"ThosewordshavedecidedmeonstartingfortheContinentandrenewingthesearchforMercyMerrick。
"MyfriendthelawyerwondersjocoselywhetherIaminmyrightsenses。HisadviceisthatIshouldapplytothenearestmagistrate，andrelieveyouandmyselfofallfurthertroubleinthatway。
"Perhapsyouagreewithhim？Mydearauntasyouhaveoftensaid，Idonothinglikeotherpeople。Iaminterestedinthiscase。Icannotabandonaforlornwomanwhohasbeenconfidedtometothetendermerciesofstrangers，solongasthereisanyhopeofmymakingdiscoverieswhichmaybeinstrumentalinrestoringhertoherself——perhaps，also，inrestoringhertoherfriends。
"Istartbythemail-trainofto-night。MyplanistogofirsttoMannheimandconsultwiththeconsulandthehospitaldoctors；thentofindmywaytotheGermansurgeonandtoquestionhim；and，thatdone，tomakethelastandhardesteffortofall——theefforttotracetheFrenchambulanceandtopenetratethemysteryofMercyMerrick。
"ImmediatelyonmyreturnIwillwaitonyou，andtellyouwhatIhaveaccomplished，orhowIhavefailed。
"Inthemeanwhile，praybeundernoalarmaboutthereappearanceofthisunhappywomanatyourhouse。SheisfullyoccupiedinwritingatmysuggestiontoherfriendsinCanada；andsheisunderthecareofthelandladyatherlodgings——anexperiencedandtrustworthyperson，whohassatisfiedthedoctoraswellasmyselfofherfitnessforthechargethatshehasundertaken。
"PraymentionthistoMissRoseberrywheneveryouthinkitdesirable，withtherespectfulexpressionofmysympathy，andofmybestwishesforherspeedyrestorationtohealth。Andoncemoreforgivemeforfailing，understressofnecessity，toenjoythehospitalityofMablethorpeHouse。"
LadyJanetclosedJulian'sletter，feelingfarfromsatisfiedwithit。Shesatforawhile，ponderingoverwhathernephewhadwrittentoher。
"Oneoftwothings，"thoughtthequick-wittedoldlady。"Eitherthelawyerisright，andJulianisafitcompanionforthemadwomanwhomhehastakenunderhischarge，orhehassomesecondmotiveforthisabsurdjourneyofhiswhichhehascarefullyabstainedfrommentioninginhisletter。Whatcanthemotivebe？"
Atintervalsduringthenightthatquestionrecurredtoherladyshipagainandagain。Theutmostexerciseofheringenuityfailingtoanswerit，heroneresourceleftwastowaitpatientlyforJulian'sreturn，and，inherownfavoritephrase，to"haveitoutofhim"then。
ThenextmorningLadyJanetandheradopteddaughterleftMablethorpeHouseforBrighton；HoracewhohadbeggedtobeallowedtoaccompanythembeingsentencedtoremaininLondonbyMercy'sexpressdesire。Why——nobodycouldguess；andMercyrefusedtosay。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter13CHAPTERXIII。
ENTERJULIAN。
AWEEKhaspassed。Thesceneopensagaininthedining-roomatMablethorpeHouse。
Thehospitabletablebearsoncemoreitsburdenofgoodthingsforlunch。ButonthisoccasionLadyJanetsitsalone。Herattentionisdividedbetweenreadinghernewspaperandfeedinghercat。Thecatisasleekandsplendidcreature。Hecarriesanerecttail。Herollsluxuriouslyonthesoftcarpet。Heapproacheshismistressinaseriesofcoquettishcurves。Hesmellswithdaintyhesitationatthechoicestmorselsthatcanbeofferedtohim。Themusicalmonotonyofhispurringfallssoothinglyonherladyship'sear。Shestopsinthemiddleofaleadingarticleandlookswithacarewornfaceatthehappycat。"Uponmyhonor，"criesLadyJanet，thinking，inherinveteratelyironicalmanner，ofthecaresthattroubleher，"allthingsconsidered，Tom，IwishIwasYou！"
Thecatstarts——notathismistress'scomplimentaryapostrophe，butataknockatthedoor，whichfollowscloseuponit。LadyJanetsays，carelesslyenough，"Comein；"looksroundlistlesslytoseewhoitis；andstarts，likethecat，whenthedooropensanddiscloses——JulianGray！
"You——oryourghost？"sheexclaims。
ShehasnoticedalreadythatJulianispalerthanusual，andthatthereissomethinginhismanneratonceuneasyandsubdued——highlyuncharacteristicofhimatothertimes。Hetakesaseatbyherside，andkissesherhand。But——forthefirsttimeinhisaunt'sexperienceofhim——herefusesthegoodthingsontheluncheontable，andhehasnothingtosaytothecat！ThatneglectedanimaltakesrefugeonLadyJanet'slap。LadyJanet，withhereyesfixedexpectantlyonhernephewdeterminingto"haveitoutofhim"atthefirstopportunity，waitstohearwhathehastosayforhimself。Julianhasnoalternativebuttobreakthesilence，andtellhisstoryashebestmay。
"IgotbackfromtheContinentlastnight，"hebegan。"AndIcomehere，asIpromised，toreportmyselfonmyreturn。Howdoesyourladyshipdo？HowisMissRoseberry？"
LadyJanetlaidanindicativefingeronthelacepelerinewhichornamentedtheupperpartofherdress。"Hereistheoldlady，well，"sheanswered——andpointednexttotheroomabovethem。"Andthere，"sheadded，"istheyounglady，ill。Isanythingthematterwithyou，Julian？"
"PerhapsIamalittletiredaftermyjourney。Nevermindme。IsMissRoseberrystillsufferingfromtheshock？"
"Whatelseshouldshebesufferingfrom？Iwillneverforgiveyou，Julian，forbringingthatcrazyimpostorintomyhouse。"
"Mydearaunt，whenIwastheinnocentmeansofbringingherhereIhadnoideathatsuchapersonasMissRoseberrywasinexistence。NobodylamentswhathashappenedmoresincerelythanIdo。Haveyouhadmedicaladvice？"
"Itookhertothesea-sideaweeksincebymedicaladvice。"
"Hasthechangeofairdonehernogood？"
"Nonewhatever。Ifanything，thechangeofairhasmadeherworse。Sometimesshesitsforhourstogether，aspaleasdeath，withoutlookingatanything，andwithoututteringaword。Sometimesshebrightensup，andseemsasifshewaseagertosaysomething；andthenHeavenonlyknowswhy，checksherselfsuddenlyasifshewasafraidtospeak。Icouldsupportthat。Butwhatcutsmetotheheart，Julian，is，thatshedoesnotappeartotrustmeandtolovemeasshedid。Sheseemstobedoubtfulofme；sheseemstobefrightenedofme。IfIdidnotknowthatitwassimplyimpossiblethatsuchathingcouldbe，Ishouldreallythinkshesuspectedmeofbelievingwhatthatwretchsaidofher。Inonewordandbetweenourselves，Ibegintofearshewillnevergetoverthefrightwhichcausedthatfainting-fit。Thereisseriousmischiefsomewhere；and，tryasImaytodiscoverit，itismischiefbeyondmyfinding。"
"Canthedoctordonothing？"
LadyJanet'sbrightblackeyesansweredbeforesherepliedinwords，withalookofsupremecontempt。
"Thedoctor！"sherepeated，disdainfully。"IbroughtGracebacklastnightinsheerdespair，andIsentforthedoctorthismorning。Heisattheheadofhisprofession；heissaidtobemakingtenthousandayear；andheknowsnomoreaboutitthanIdo。Iamquiteserious。Thegreatphysicianhasjustgoneawaywithtwoguineasinhispocket。Oneguinea，foradvisingmetokeepherquiet；anotherguineafortellingmetotrusttotime。Doyouwonderhowhegetsonatthisrate？Mydearboy，theyallgetoninthesameway。Themedicalprofessionthrivesontwoincurablediseasesinthesemoderndays——aHe-diseaseandaShe-disease。She-disease——nervousdepression；He-disease——suppressedgout。Remedies，oneguinea，ifyougotothedoctor；twoguineasifthedoctorgoestoyou。Imighthaveboughtanewbonnet，"criedherladyship，indignantly，"withthemoneyIhavegiventothatman！Letuschangethesubject。IlosemytemperwhenIthinkofit。Besides，Iwanttoknowsomething。Whydidyougoabroad？"
AtthatplainquestionJulianlookedunaffectedlysurprised。"Iwrotetoexplain，"hesaid。"Haveyounotreceivedmyletter？"
"Oh，Igotyourletter。Itwaslongenough，inallconscience；and，longasitwas，itdidn'ttellmetheonethingIwantedtoknow。"
"Whatisthe'onething'？"
LadyJanet'sreplypointed——nottoopalpablyatfirst——atthatsecondmotiveforJulian'sjourneywhichshehadsuspectedJulianofconcealingfromher。
"Iwanttoknow，"shesaid，"whyyoutroubledyourselftomakeyourinquiriesontheContinentinperson？Youknowwheremyoldcourieristobefound。Youhaveyourselfpronouncedhimtobethemostintelligentandtrustworthyofmen。Answermehonestly——couldyounothavesenthiminyourplace？"
"Imighthavesenthim，"Julianadmitted，alittlereluctantly。
"Youmighthavesentthecourier——andyouwereunderanengagementtostayhereasmyguest。Answermehonestlyoncemore。Whydidyougoaway？"
Julianhesitated。LadyJanetpausedforhisreply，withtheairofawomenwhowaspreparedtowaitifnecessaryfortherestoftheafternoon。
"Ihadareasonofmyownforgoing，"Juliansaidatlast。
"Yes？"rejoinedLadyJanet，preparedtowaitifnecessarytillthenextmorning。
"Areason，"Julianresumed，"whichIwouldrathernotmention。"
"Oh！"saidLadyJanet。"Anothermystery——eh？Andanotherwomanatthebottomofit，nodoubt。Thankyou——thatwilldo——Iamsufficientlyanswered。Nowonder，asaclergyman，thatyoulookalittleconfused。Thereis，perhaps，acertaingrace，underthecircumstances，inlookingconfused。Wewillchangethesubjectagain。Youstayhere，ofcourse，nowyouhavecomeback？"
Oncemorethefamouspulpitoratorseemedtofindhimselfintheinconceivablepredicamentofnotknowingwhattosay。OncemoreLadyJanetlookedresignedtowaitifnecessaryuntilthemiddleofnextweek。
Juliantookrefugeinananswerworthyofthemostcommonplacemanonthefaceofthecivilizedearth。
"Ibegyourladyshiptoacceptmythanksandmyexcuses，"hesaid。
LadyJanet'smany-ringedfingers，mechanicallystrokingthecatinherlap，begantostrokehimthewrongway。
LadyJanet'sinexhaustiblepatienceshowedsignsoffailingheratlast。
"Mightycivil，Iamsure，"shesaid。"Makeitcomplete。Say，Mr。JulianGraypresentshiscomplimentstoLadyJanetRoy，andregretsthatapreviousengagement——Julian！"exclaimedtheoldlady，suddenlypushingthecatoffherlap，andflingingherlastpretenseofgoodtempertothewinds——"Julian，Iamnottobetrifledwith！Thereisbutoneexplanationofyourconduct——youareevidentlyavoidingmyhouse。Istheresomebodyyoudislikeinit？Isitme？"
Julianintimatedbyagesturethathisaunt'slastquestionwasabsurd。Themuch-injuredcatelevatedhisback，wavedhistailslowly，walkedtothefireplace，andhonoredtherugbytakingaseatonit。
LadyJanetpersisted。"IsitGraceRoseberry？"sheaskednext。
EvenJulian'spatiencebegantoshowsignsofyielding。Hismannerassumedasuddendecision，hisvoiceroseatonelouder。
"Youinsistonknowing？"hesaid。"ItisMissRoseberry。"
"Youdon'tlikeher？"criedLadyJanet，withasuddenburstofangrysurprise。
Julianbrokeout，onhisside："IfIseeanymoreofher，"heanswered，therarecolormountingpassionatelyinhischeeks，"Ishallbetheunhappiestmanliving。IfIseeanymoreofher，Ishallbefalsetomyoldfriend，whoistomarryher。Keepusapart。Ifyouhaveanyregardformypeaceofmind，keepusapart。"
Unutterableamazementexpresseditselfinhisaunt'sliftedhands。Ungovernablecuriosityuttereditselfinhisaunt'snextwords。
"Youdon'tmeantotellmeyouareinlovewithGrace？"
Juliansprungrestlesslytohisfeet，anddisturbedthecatatthefireplace。Thecatlefttheroom。
"Idon'tknowwhattotellyou，"hesaid；"Ican'trealizeittomyself。Nootherwomanhaseverrousedthefeelinginmewhichthiswomanseemstohavecalledtolifeinaninstant。InthehopeofforgettingherIbrokemyengagementhere；Ipurposelyseizedtheopportunityofmakingthoseinquiriesabroad。Quiteuseless。Ithinkofher，morning，noon，andnight。Iseeherandhearher，atthismoment，asplainlyasIseeandhearyou。Shehasmadeherselfapartofmyself。Idon'tunderstandmylifewithouther。Mypowerofwillseemstobegone。Isaidtomyselfthismorning，'Iwillwritetomyaunt；Iwon'tgobacktoMablethorpeHouse。'HereIaminMablethorpeHouse，withameansubterfugetojustifymetomyownconscience。'Ioweittomyaunttocallonmyaunt。'ThatiswhatIsaidtomyselfonthewayhere；andIwassecretlyhopingeverystepofthewaythatshewouldcomeintotheroomwhenIgothere。Iamhopingitnow。AndsheisengagedtoHoraceHolmcroft——tomyoldestfriend，tomybestfriend！AmIaninfernalrascal？oramIaweakfool？Godknows——Idon't。Keepmysecret，aunt。Iamheartilyashamedofmyself；IusedtothinkIwasmadeofbetterstuffthanthis。Don'tsayawordtoHorace。Imust，andwill，conquerit。Letmego。"
Hesnatcheduphishat。LadyJanet，risingwiththeactivityofayoungwoman，pursuedhimacrosstheroom，andstoppedhimatthedoor。
"No，"answeredtheresoluteoldlady，"Iwon'tletyougo。Comebackwithme。"
Asshesaidthosewordsshenoticedwithacertainfondpridethebrilliantcolormountinginhischeeks——theflashingbrightnesswhichlentanaddedlustertohiseyes。Hehadnever，tohermind，lookedsohandsomebefore。Shetookhisarm，andledhimtothechairswhichtheyhadjustleft。Itwasshocking，itwaswrongshementallyadmittedtolookonMercy，underthecircumstances，withanyothereyethantheeyeofabrotherorafriend。Inaclergymanperhapsdoublyshocking，doublywrong。But，withallherrespectforthevestedinterestsofHorace，LadyJanetcouldnotblameJulian。Worsestill，shewasprivatelyconsciousthathehad，somehoworother，risen，ratherthanfallen，inherestimationwithinthelastminuteortwo。Whocoulddenythatheradopteddaughterwasacharmingcreature？Whocouldwonderifamanofrefinedtastesadmiredher？Uponthewhole，herladyshiphumanelydecidedthathernephewwasrathertobepitiedthanblamed。WhatdaughterofEvenomatterwhethershewasseventeenorseventycouldhavehonestlyarrivedatanyotherconclusion？Dowhatamanmay——lethimcommitanythinghelikes，fromanerrortoacrime——solongasthereisawomanatthebottomofit，thereisaninexhaustiblefundofpardonforhimineveryotherwoman'sheart。"Sitdown，"saidLadyJanet，smilinginspiteofherself；"anddon'ttalkinthathorriblewayagain。Aman，Julian——especiallyafamousmanlikeyou——oughttoknowhowtocontrolhimself。"
Julianburstoutlaughingbitterly。
"Sendupstairsformyself-control，"hesaid。"It'sinherpossession——notinmine。Goodmorning，aunt。"
Herosefromhischair。LadyJanetinstantlypushedhimbackintoit。
"Iinsistonyourstayinghere，"shesaid，"ifitisonlyforafewminuteslonger。Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou。"
"DoesitrefertoMissRoseberry？"
"ItreferstothehatefulwomanwhofrightenedMissRoseberry。Nowareyousatisfied？"
Julianbowed，andsettledhimselfinhischair。
"Idon'tmuchliketoacknowledgeit，"hisauntwenton。"ButIwantyoutounderstandthatIhavesomethingreallyserioustospeakabout，foronceinaway。Julian！thatwretchnotonlyfrightensGrace——sheactuallyfrightensme。"
"Frightensyou？Sheisquiteharmless，poorthing。"
"'Poorthing'！"repeatedLadyJanet。"Didyousay'poorthing'？"
"Yes。"
"Isitpossiblethatyoupityher？"
"Fromthebottomofmyheart。"
Theoldlady'stempergavewayagainatthatreply。"Ihateamanwhocan'thateanybody！"sheburstout。"IfyouhadbeenanancientRoman，Julian，IbelieveyouwouldhavepitiedNerohimself。"
Juliancordiallyagreedwithher。"IbelieveIshould，"hesaid，quietly。"Allsinners，mydearaunt，aremoreorlessmiserablesinners。Neromusthavebeenoneofthewretchedestofmankind。"
"Wretched！"exclaimedLadyJanet。"Nerowretched！Amanwhocommittedrobbery，arsonandmurdertohisownviolinaccompaniment——onlywretched！Whatnext，Iwonder？WhenmodernphilanthropybeginstoapologizeforNero，modernphilanthropyhasarrivedataprettypassindeed！WeshallhearnextthatBloodyQueenMarywasasplayfulasakitten；andifpoordearHenrytheEighthcarriedanythingtoanextreme，itwasthepracticeofthedomesticvirtues。Ah，howIhatecant！Whatwerewetalkingaboutjustnow？Youwanderfromthesubject，Julian；youarewhatIcallbird-witted。IprotestIforgetwhatIwantedtosaytoyou。No，Iwon'tberemindedofit。Imaybeanoldwoman，butIamnotinmydotageyet！Whydoyousittherestaring？Haveyounothingtosayforyourself？Ofallthepeopleintheworld，haveyoulosttheuseofyourtongue？"
Julian'sexcellenttemperandaccurateknowledgeofhisaunt'scharacterexactlyfittedhimtocalmtherisingstorm。HecontrivedtoleadLadyJanetinsensiblybacktothelostsubjectbydexterousreferencetoanarrativewhichhehadthusfarleftuntold——thenarrativeofhisadventuresontheContinent。
"Ihaveagreatdealtosay，aunt，"hereplied。"Ihavenotyettoldyouofmydiscoveriesabroad。"
LadyJanetinstantlytookthebait。
"Iknewtherewassomethingforgotten，"shesaid。"Youhavebeenallthistimeinthehouse，andyouhavetoldmenothing。Begindirectly。"
PatientJulianbegan。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter14CHAPTERXIV。
COMINGEVENTSCASTTHEIRSHADOWSBEFORE。
"IWENTfirsttoMannheim，LadyJanet，asItoldyouIshouldinmyletter，andIheardallthattheconsulandthehospitaldoctorscouldtellme。Nonewfactoftheslightestimportanceturnedup。IgotmydirectionsforfindingtheGermansurgeon，andIsetforthtotrywhatIcouldmakenextofthemanwhoperformedtheoperation。Onthequestionofhispatient'sidentityhehadasaperfectstrangertohernothingtotellme。Onthequestionofhermentalcondition，however，hemadeaveryimportantstatement。Heownedtomethathehadoperatedonanotherpersoninjuredbyashell-woundontheheadatthebattleofSolferino，andthatthepatientrecoveringalsointhiscaserecovered——mad。Thatisaremarkableadmission；don'tyouthinkso？"
LadyJanet'stemperhadhardlybeenallowedtimeenoughtosubsidetoitscustomarylevel。
"Veryremarkable，Idaresay，"sheanswered，"topeoplewhofeelanydoubtofthispitiableladyofyoursbeingmad。Ifeelnodoubt——and，thusfar，Ifindyouraccountofyourself，Julian，tiresomeintheextreme。Goontotheend。DidyoulayyourhandonMercyMerrick？"
"No。"
"Didyouhearanythingofher？"
"Nothing。Difficultiesbesetmeoneveryside。TheFrenchambulancehadsharedinthedisastersofFrance——itwasbrokenup。ThewoundedFrenchmenwereprisonerssomewhereinGermany，nobodyknewwhere。TheFrenchsurgeonhadbeenkilledinaction。Hisassistantswerescattered——mostlikelyinhiding。Ibegantodespairofmakinganydiscovery，whenaccidentthrewinmywaytwoPrussiansoldierswhohadbeenintheFrenchcottage。TheyconfirmedwhattheGermansurgeontoldtheconsul，andwhatHoracehimselftoldme——namely，thatnonurseinablackdresswastobeseenintheplace。Iftherehadbeensuchaperson，shewouldcertainlythePrussiansinformmehavebeenfoundinattendanceontheinjuredFrenchmen。ThecrossoftheGenevaConventionwouldhavebeenamplysufficienttoprotecther：nowomanwearingthatbadgeofhonorwouldhavedisgracedherselfbyabandoningthewoundedmenbeforetheGermansenteredtheplace。"
"Inshort，"interposedLadyJanet，"thereisnosuchpersonasMercyMerrick。"
"Icandrawnootherconclusion，"saidJulian，"unlesstheEnglishdoctor'sideaistherightone。AfterhearingwhatIhavejusttoldyou，hethinksthewomanherselfisMercyMerrick。"
LadyJanetheldupherhandasasignthatshehadanobjectiontomakehere。
"Youandthedoctorseemtohavesettledeverythingtoyourentiresatisfactiononbothsides，"shesaid。"Butthereisonedifficultythatyouhaveneitherofyouaccountedforyet。"
"Whatisit，aunt？"
"Youtalkgliblyenough，Julian，aboutthiswoman'smadassertionthatGraceisthemissingnurse，andthatsheisGrace。Butyouhavenotexplainedyethowtheideafirstgotintoherhead；and，morethanthat，howitisthatsheisacquaintedwithmynameandaddress，andperfectlyfamiliarwithGrace'spapersandGrace'saffairs。Thesethingsareapuzzletoapersonofmyaverageintelligence。Canyourcleverfriend，thedoctor，accountforthem？"
"ShallItellyouwhathesaidwhenIsawhimthismorning？"
"Willittakelong？"
"Itwilltakeaboutaminute。"
"Youagreeablysurpriseme。Goon。"
"YouwanttoknowhowshegainedherknowledgeofyournameandofMissRoseberry'saffairs，"Julianresumed。"Thedoctorsaysinoneoftwoways。EitherMissRoseberrymusthavespokenofyouandofherownaffairswhilesheandthestrangerweretogetherintheFrenchcottage，orthestrangermusthaveobtainedaccessprivatelytoMissRoseberry'spapers。Doyouagreesofar？"
LadyJanetbegantofeelinterestedforthefirsttime。
"Perfectly，"shesaid。"IhavenodoubtGracerashlytalkedofmatterswhichanolderandwiserpersonwouldhavekepttoherself。"
"Verygood。Doyoualsoagreethatthelastideainthewoman'smindwhenshewasstruckbytheshellmighthavebeenquiteprobablytheideaofMissRoseberry'sidentityandMissRoseberry'saffairs？Youthinkitlikelyenough？Well，whathappensafterthat？Thewoundedwomanisbroughttolifebyanoperation，andshebecomesdeliriousinthehospitalatMannheim。DuringherdeliriumtheideaofMissRoseberry'sidentityfermentsinherbrain，andassumesitspresentpervertedform。Inthatformitstillremains。Asanecessaryconsequence，shepersistsinreversingthetwoidentities。ShesayssheisMissRoseberry，anddeclaresMissRoseberrytobeMercyMerrick。Thereisthedoctor'sexplanation。Whatdoyouthinkofit？"
"Veryingenious，Idaresay。Thedoctordoesn'tquitesatisfyme，however，forallthat。Ithink——"
WhatLadyJanetthoughtwasnotdestinedtobeexpressed。Shesuddenlycheckedherself，andheldupherhandforthesecondtime。
"Anotherobjection？"inquiredJulian。
"Holdyourtongue！"criedtheoldlady。"IfyousayawordmoreIshallloseitagain。"
"Losewhat，aunt？"
"WhatIwantedtosaytoyouagesago。Ihavegotitbackagain——itbeginswithaquestion。Nomoreofthedoctor——Ihavehadenoughofhim！Whereisshe——yourpitiablelady，mycrazywretch——whereisshenow？StillinLondon？"
"Yes。"
"Andstillatlarge？"
"Stillwiththelandlady，atherlodgings。"
"Verywell。Nowanswermethis！Whatistopreventherfrommakinganotherattempttoforceherwayorstealherwayintomyhouse？HowamItoprotectGrace，howamItoprotectmyself，ifshecomeshereagain？"
"Isthatreallywhatyouwishedtospeaktomeabout？"
"That，andnothingelse。"
Theywerebothtoodeeplyinterestedinthesubjectoftheirconversationtolooktowardtheconservatory，andtonoticetheappearanceatthatmomentofadistantgentlemanamongtheplantsandflowers，whohadmadehiswayinfromthegardenoutside。AdvancingnoiselesslyonthesoftIndianmatting，thegentlemanerelongrevealedhimselfundertheformandfeaturesofHoraceHolmcroft。Beforeenteringthedining-roomhepaused，fixinghiseyesinquisitivelyonthebackofLadyJanet'svisitor——thebackbeingallthathecouldseeinthepositionhethenoccupied。Afterapauseofaninstantthevisitorspoke，andfurtheruncertaintywasatonceatanend。Horace，nevertheless，madenomovementtoentertheroom。HehadhisownjealousdistrustofwhatJulianmightbetemptedtosayataprivateinterviewwithhisaunt；andhewaitedalittlelongeronthechancethathisdoubtsmightbeverified。
"NeitheryounorMissRoseberryneedanyprotectionfromthepoordeludedcreature，"Julianwenton。"Ihavegainedgreatinfluenceoverher——andIhavesatisfiedherthatitisuselesstopresentherselfhereagain。"
"Ibegyourpardon，"interposedHorace，speakingfromtheconservatorydoor。"Youhavedonenothingofthesort。"
HehadheardenoughtosatisfyhimthatthetalkwasnottakingthedirectionwhichhisSuspicionshadanticipated。And，asanadditionalincentivetoshowhimself，ahappychancehadnowofferedhimtheopportunityofputtingJulianinthewrong。
"Goodheavens，Horace！"exclaimedLadyJanet。"Wheredidyoucomefrom？Andwhatdoyoumean？"
"IheardatthelodgethatyourladyshipandGracehadreturnedlastnight。AndIcameinatoncewithouttroublingtheservants，bytheshortestway。"HeturnedtoJuliannext。"Thewomanyouwerespeakingofjustnow，"heproceeded，"hasbeenhereagainalready——inLadyJanet'sabsence。"
LadyJanetimmediatelylookedathernephew。Julianreassuredherbyagesture。
"Impossible，"hesaid。"Theremustbesomemistake。"
"Thereisnomistake，"Horacerejoined。"IamrepeatingwhatIhavejustheardfromthelodge-keeperhimself。HehesitatedtomentionittoLadyJanetforfearofalarmingher。Onlythreedayssincethispersonhadtheaudacitytoaskhimforherladyship'saddressatthesea-side。Ofcourseherefusedtogiveit。"
"Youhearthat，Julian？"saidLadyJanet。
NosignsofangerormortificationescapedJulian。Theexpressioninhisfaceatthatmomentwasanexpressionofsinceredistress。
'Praydon'talarmyourself，"hesaidtohisaunt，inhisquietesttones。"IfsheattemptstoannoyyouorMissRoseberryagain，Ihaveitinmypowertostopherinstantly。"
"How？"askedLadyJanet。
"How，indeed！"echoedHorace。"Ifwegiveherinchargetothepolice，weshallbecomethesubjectofapublicscandal。"
"Ihavemanagedtoavoidalldangerofscandal，"Juliananswered；theexpressionofdistressinhisfacebecomingmoreandmoremarkedwhilehespoke。"BeforeIcalledhereto-dayIhadaprivateconsultationwiththemagistrateofthedistrict，andIhavemadecertainarrangementsatthepolicestationcloseby。Onreceiptofmycard，anexperiencedman，inplainclothes，willpresenthimselfatanyaddressthatIindicate，andwilltakeherquietlyaway。Themagistratewillhearthechargeinhisprivateroom，andwillexaminetheevidencewhichIcanproduce，showingthatsheisnotaccountableforheractions。Thepropermedicalofficerwillreportofficiallyonthecase，andthelawwillplaceherunderthenecessaryrestraint。"
LadyJanetandHoracelookedateachotherinamazement。Julianwas，intheiropinion，thelastmanonearthtotakethecourse——atoncesensibleandsevere——whichJulianhadactuallyadopted。LadyJanetinsistedonanexplanation。
"WhydoIhearofthisnowforthefirsttime？"sheasked。"Whydidyounottellmeyouhadtakentheseprecautionsbefore？"
Julianansweredfranklyandsadly。
"BecauseIhoped，aunt，thattherewouldbenonecessityforproceedingtoextremities。YounowforcemetoacknowledgethatthelawyerandthedoctorbothofwhomIhaveseenthismorningthink，asyoudo，thatsheisnottobetrusted。ItwasattheirsuggestionentirelythatIwenttothemagistrate。Theyputittomewhethertheresultofmyinquiriesabroad——unsatisfactoryasitmayhavebeeninotherrespects——didnotstrengthentheconclusionthatthepoorwoman'smindisderanged。Ifeltcompelledincommonhonestytoadmitthatitwasso。Havingownedthis，Iwasboundtotakesuchprecautionsasthelawyerandthedoctorthoughtnecessary。Ihavedonemyduty——sorelyagainstmyownwill。Itisweakofme，Idaresay；butIcannotbearthethoughtoftreatingthisafflictedcreatureharshly。Herdelusionissohopeless！hersituationissuchapitiableone！"
Hisvoicefaltered。Heturnedawayabruptlyandtookuphishat。LadyJanetfollowedhim，andspoketohimatthedoor。Horacesmiledsatirically，andwenttowarmhimselfatthefire。
"Areyougoingaway，Julian？"
"Iamonlygoingtothelodge-keeper。Iwanttogivehimawordofwarningincaseofhisseeingheragain。"
"Youwillcomebackhere？"LadyJanetloweredhervoicetoawhisper。"Thereisreallyareason，Julian，foryournotleavingthehousenow。"
"Ipromisenottogoaway，aunt，untilIhaveprovidedforyoursecurity。Ifyou，oryouradopteddaughter，arealarmedbyanotherintrusion，Igiveyoumywordofhonormycardshallgotothepolicestation，howeverpainfullyImayfeelitmyself。"He，too，loweredhisvoiceatthenextwords"Inthemeantime，rememberwhatIconfessedtoyouwhilewewerealone。Formysake，letmeseeaslittleofMissRoseberryaspossible。ShallIfindyouinthisroomwhenIcomeback？"
"Yes。"
"Alone？"
Helaidastrongemphasis，oflookaswellasoftone，onthatoneword。LadyJanetunderstoodwhattheemphasismeant。
"Areyoureally，"shewhispered，"asmuchinlovewithGraceasthat？"
Julianlaidonehandonhisaunt'sarm，andpointedwiththeothertoHorace——standingwithhisbacktothem，warminghisfeetonthefender。
"Well？"saidLadyJanet。
"Well，"saidJulian，withasmileonhislipandatearinhiseye，"IneverenviedanymanasIenvyhim！"
Withthosewordshelefttheroom。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter15CHAPTERXV。
AWOMAN'SREMORSE。
HAVINGwarmedhisfeettohisownentiresatisfaction，Horaceturnedroundfromthefireplace，anddiscoveredthatheandLadyJanetwerealone。
"CanIseeGrace？"heasked。
Theeasytoneinwhichheputthequestion——atone，asitwere，ofproprietorshipin"Grace"——jarredonLadyJanetatthemoment。ForthefirsttimeinherlifeshefoundherselfcomparingHoracewithJulian——toHorace'sdisadvantage。Hewasrich；hewasagentlemanofancientlineage；heboreanunblemishedcharacter。Butwhohadthestrongbrain？whohadthegreatheart？WhichwastheManofthetwo？
"Nobodycanseeher，"answeredLadyJanet。"Notevenyou！"
Thetoneofthereplywassharp，withadashofironyinit。Butwhereisthemodernyoungman，possessedofhealthandanindependentincome，whoiscapableofunderstandingthatironycanbepresumptuousenoughtoaddressitselftohim？Horacewithperfectpolitenessdeclinedtoconsiderhimselfanswered。
"DoesyourladyshipmeanthatMissRoseberryisinbed？"heasked。
"ImeanthatMissRoseberryisinherroom。ImeanthatIhavetwicetriedtopersuadeMissRoseberrytodressandcomedownstairs，andtriedinvain。ImeanthatwhatMissRoseberryrefusestodoforMe，sheisnotlikelytodoforYou——"
HowmanymoremeaningsofherownLadyJanetmighthavegoneonenumerating，itisnoteasytocalculate。Atherthirdsentenceasoundinthelibrarycaughtherearthroughtheincompletelycloseddoorandsuspendedthenextwordsonherlips。Horacehearditalso。Itwastherustlingsoundtravelingnearerandneareroverthelibrarycarpetofasilkendress。
Intheintervalwhileacomingeventremainsinastateofuncertainty，whatisittheinevitabletendencyofeveryEnglishmanunderthirtytodo？Hisinevitabletendencyistoasksomebodytobetontheevent。Hecannomoreresistitthanhecanresistliftinghisstickorhisumbrella，intheabsenceofagun，andpretendingtoshootifabirdfliesbyhimwhileheisoutforawalk。
"WhatwillyourladyshipbetthatthisisnotGrace？"criedHorace。
Herladyshiptooknonoticeoftheproposal；herattentionremainedfixedonthelibrarydoor。Therustlingsoundstoppedforamoment。Thedoorwassoftlypushedopen。ThefalseGraceRoseberryenteredtheroom。
Horaceadvancedtomeether，openedhislipstospeak，andstopped——struckdumbbythechangeinhisaffiancedwifesincehehadseenherlast。Someterribleoppressionseemedtohavecrushedher。Itwasasifshehadactuallyshrunkinheightaswellasinsubstance。Shewalkedmoreslowlythanusual；shespokemorerarelythanusual，andinalowertone。TothosewhohadseenherbeforethefatalvisitofthestrangerfromMannheim，itwasthewreckofthewomanthatnowappearedinsteadofthewomanherself。Andyettherewastheoldcharmstillsurvivingthroughitall；thegrandeuroftheheadandeyes，thedelicatesymmetryofthefeatures，theunsoughtgraceofeverymovement——inaword，theunconquerablebeautywhichsufferingcannotdestroy，andwhichtimeitselfispowerlesstowearout。LadyJanetadvanced，andtookherwithheartykindnessbybothhands。
"Mydearchild，welcomeamongusagain！Youhavecomedownstairstopleaseme？"
Shebentherheadinsilentacknowledgmentthatitwasso。LadyJanetpointedtoHorace："Hereissomebodywhohasbeenlongingtoseeyou，Grace。"
Sheneverlookedup；shestoodsubmissive，hereyesfixedonalittlebasketofcoloredwoolswhichhungonherarm。"Thankyou，LadyJanet，"shesaid，faintly。"Thankyou，Horace。"
Horaceplacedherarminhis，andledhertothesofa。Sheshiveredasshetookherseat，andlookedroundher。Itwasthefirsttimeshehadseenthedining-roomsincethedaywhenshehadfoundherselffacetofacewiththedead-alive。
"Whydoyoucomehere，mylove？"askedLadyJanet。"Thedrawing-roomwouldhavebeenawarmerandapleasanterplaceforyou。"
"Isawacarriageatthefrontdoor。Iwasafraidofmeetingwithvisitorsinthedrawing-room。"
Asshemadethatreply，theservantcamein，andannouncedthevisitors'names。LadyJanetsighedwearily。"Imustgoandgetridofthem，"shesaid，resigningherselftocircumstances。"Whatwillyoudo，Grace？"
"Iwillstayhere，ifyouplease。"
"Iwillkeephercompany，"addedHorace。
LadyJanethesitated。Shehadpromisedtoseehernephewinthedining-roomonhisreturntothehouse——andtoseehimalone。Wouldtherebetimeenoughtogetridofthevisitorsandtoestablishheradopteddaughterintheemptydrawing-roombeforeJulianappeared？Itwastenminutes'walktothelodge，andhehadtomakethegate-keeperunderstandhisinstructions。LadyJanetdecidedthatshehadtimeenoughatherdisposal。ShenoddedkindlytoMercy，andleftheralonewithherlover。
Horaceseatedhimselfinthevacantplaceonthesofa。SofarasitwasinhisnaturetodevotehimselftoanyonehewasdevotedtoMercy。"Iamgrievedtoseehowyouhavesuffered，"hesaid，withhonestdistressinhisfaceashelookedather。"Trytoforgetwhathashappened。"
"Iamtryingtoforget。Doyouthinkofitmuch？"
"Mydarling，itistoocontemptibletobethoughtof。"
Sheplacedherwork-basketonherlap。Herwastedfingersbeganabsentlysortingthewoolsinside。
"HaveyouseenMr。JulianGray？"sheasked，suddenly。
"Yes。"
"Whatdoeshesayaboutit？"ShelookedatHoraceforthefirsttime，steadilyscrutinizinghisface。Horacetookrefugeinprevarication。
"Ireallyhaven'taskedforJulian'sopinion，"hesaid。
Shelookeddownagain，withasigh，atthebasketonherlap——consideredalittle——andtriedhimoncemore。
"WhyhasMr。JulianGraynotbeenhereforawholeweek？"shewenton。"Theservantssayhehasbeenabroad。Isthattrue？"
Itwasuselesstodenyit。Horaceadmittedthattheservantswereright。
Herfingers，suddenlystoppedattheirrestlessworkamongthewools；herbreathquickenedperceptibly。WhathadJulianGraybeendoingabroad？Hadhebeenmakinginquiries？Didhealone，ofallthepeoplewhosawthatterriblemeeting，suspecther？Yes！Hiswasthefinerintelligence；hiswasaclergyman'saLondonclergyman'sexperienceoffraudsanddeceptions，andofthewomenwhowereguiltyofthem。Notadoubtofitnow！Juliansuspectedher。
"Whendoeshecomeback？"sheasked，intonessolowthatHoracecouldbarelyhearher。
"Hehascomebackalready。Hereturnedlastnight。"
Afaintshadeofcolorstoleslowlyoverthepallorofherface。Shesuddenlyputherbasketaway，andclaspedherhandstogethertoquietthetremblingofthem，beforesheaskedhernextquestion。
"Whereis——"Shepausedtosteadyhervoice。"Whereistheperson，"sheresumed，"whocamehereandfrightenedme？"
Horacehastenedtore-assureher。"Thepersonwillnotcomeagain，"hesaid。"Don'ttalkofher！Don'tthinkofher！"
Sheshookherhead。"ThereissomethingIwanttoknow，"shepersisted。"HowdidMr。JulianGraybecomeacquaintedwithher？"
Thiswaseasilyanswered。HoracementionedtheconsulatMannheim，andtheletterofintroduction。Shelistenedeagerly，andsaidhernextwordsinalouder，firmertone。
"Shewasquiteastranger，then，toMr。JulianGray——beforethat？"
"Quiteastranger，"Horacereplied。"Nomorequestions——notanotherwordabouther，Grace！Iforbidthesubject。Come，myownlove！"hesaid，takingherhandandbendingoverhertenderly，"rallyyourspirits！Weareyoung——weloveeachother——nowisourtimetobehappy！"
Herhandturnedsuddenlycold，andtrembledinhis。Herheadsankwithahelplesswearinessonherbreast。Horaceroseinalarm。
"Youarecold——youarefaint，"hesaid。"Letmegetyouaglassofwine！——letmemendthefire！"
Thedecanterswerestillontheluncheon-table。Horaceinsistedonherdrinkingsomeport-wine。Shebarelytookhalfthecontentsofthewine-glass。Eventhatlittletoldonhersensitiveorganization；itrousedhersinkingenergiesofbodyandmind。Afterwatchingheranxiously，withoutattractinghernotice，Horaceleftheragaintoattendtothefireattheotherendoftheroom。Hereyesfollowedhimslowlywithahardandtearlessdespair。"Rallyyourspirits，"sherepeatedtoherselfinawhisper。"Myspirits！OGod！"Shelookedroundherattheluxuryandbeautyoftheroom，asthoselookwhotaketheirleaveoffamiliarscenes。Themomentafter，hereyessank，andrestedontherichdressthatsheworeagiftfromLadyJanet。Shethoughtofthepast；shethoughtofthefuture。WasthetimenearwhenshewouldbebackagainintheRefuge，orbackagaininthestreets？——shewhohadbeenLadyJanet'sadopteddaughter，andHoraceHolmcroft'sbetrothedwife！Asuddenfrenzyofrecklessnessseizedonherasshethoughtofthecomingend。Horacewasright！Whynotrallyherspirits？Whynotmakethemostofhertime？Thelasthoursofherlifeinthathousewereathand。Whynotenjoyherstolenpositionwhileshecould？"Adventuress！"whisperedthemockingspiritwithinher，"betruetoyourcharacter。Awaywithyourremorse！Remorseistheluxuryofanhonestwoman。"Shecaughtupherbasketofwools，inspiredbyanewidea。"Ringthebell！"shecriedouttoHoraceatthefire-place。
Helookedroundinwonder。Thesoundofhervoicewassocompletelyalteredthathealmostfanciedtheremusthavebeenanotherwomanintheroom。
"Ringthebell！"sherepeated。"Ihaveleftmyworkupstairs。Ifyouwantmetobeingoodspirits，Imusthavemywork。"
Stilllookingather，Horaceputhishandmechanicallytothebellandrang。Oneofthemen-servantscamein。
"Goupstairsandaskmymaidformywork，"shesaid，sharply。Eventhemanwastakenbysurprise：itwasherhabittospeaktotheservantswithagentlenessandconsiderationwhichhadlongsincewonalltheirhearts。"Doyouhearme？"sheasked，impatiently。Theservantbowed，andwentoutonhiserrand。SheturnedtoHoracewithflashingeyesandfeveredcheeks。
"Whatacomfortitis，"shesaid，"tobelongtotheupperclasses！Apoorwomanhasnomaidtodressher，andnofootmantosendupstairs。Islifeworthhaving，Horace，onlessthanfivethousandayear？"
Theservantreturnedwithastripofembroidery。Shetookitwithaninsolentgrace，andtoldhimtobringherafootstool。Themanobeyed。Shetossedtheembroideryawayfromheronthesofa。"Onsecondthoughts，Idon'tcareaboutmywork，"shesaid。"Takeitupstairsagain。"Theperfectlytrainedservant，marvelingprivately，obeyedoncemore。Horace，insilentastonishment，advancedtothesofatoobservehermorenearly。"Howgraveyoulook！"sheexclaimed，withanairofflippantunconcern。"Youdon'tapproveofmysittingidle，perhaps？Anythingtopleaseyou！Ihaven'tgottogoupanddownstairs。Ringthebellagain。"
"MydearGrace，"Horaceremonstrated，gravely，"youarequitemistaken。Inevereventhoughtofyourwork。"
"Nevermind；it'sinconsistenttosendformywork，andthensenditawayagain。Ringthebell。"
Horacelookedatherwithoutmoving。"Grace，"hesaid，"whathascometoyou？"
"HowshouldIknow？"sheretorted，carelessly。"Didn'tyoutellmetorallymyspirits？Willyouringthebell，ormustI？"
Horacesubmitted。Hefrownedashewalkedbacktothebell。Hewasoneofthemanypeoplewhoinstinctivelyresentanythingthatisnewtothem。Thisstrangeoutbreakwasquitenewtohim。Forthefirsttimeinhislifehefeltsympathyforaservant，whenthemuch-enduringmanappearedoncemore。
"Bringmyworkback；Ihavechangedmymind。"Withthatbriefexplanationshereclinedluxuriouslyonthesoftsofa-cushions，swingingoneofherballsofwooltoandfroaboveherhead，andlookingatitlazilyasshelayback。"Ihavearemarktomake，Horace，"shewenton，whenthedoorhadclosedonhermessenger。"Itisonlypeopleinourrankoflifewhogetgoodservants。Didyounotice？Nothingupsetsthatman'stemper。Aservantinapoorfamilyshouldhavebeenimpudent；amaid-of-all-workwouldhavewonderedwhenIwasgoingtoknowmyownmind。"Themanreturnedwiththeembroidery。Thistimeshereceivedhimgraciously；shedismissedhimwithherthanks。"Haveyouseenyourmotherlately，Horace？"sheasked，suddenlysittingupandbusyingherselfwithherwork。
"Isawheryesterday，"Horaceanswered。
"Sheunderstands，Ihope，thatIamnotwellenoughtocallonher？Sheisnotoffendedwithme？"
Horacerecoveredhisserenity。ThedeferencetohismotherimpliedinMercy'squestionsgentlyflatteredhisself-esteem。Heresumedhisplaceonthesofa。
"Offendedwithyou！"heanswered，smiling。"MydearGrace，shesendsyouherlove。And，morethanthat，shehasaweddingpresentforyou。"
Mercybecameabsorbedinherwork；shestoopedcloseovertheembroidery——soclosethatHoracecouldnotseeherface。"Doyouknowwhatthepresentis？"sheasked，inloweredtones，speakingabsently。
"No。Ionlyknowitiswaitingforyou。ShallIgoandgetitto-day？"
Sheneitheracceptednorrefusedtheproposal——shewentonwithherworkmoreindustriouslythanever。
"Thereisplentyoftime，"Horacepersisted。"Icangobeforedinner。"
Stillshetooknonotice：stillsheneverlookedup。"Yourmotherisverykindtome，"shesaid，abruptly。"Iwasafraid，atonetime，thatshewouldthinkmehardlygoodenoughtobeyourwife。"
Horacelaughedindulgently：hisself-esteemwasmoregentlyflatteredthanever。
"Absurd！"heexclaimed。"Mydarling，youareconnectedwithLadyJanetRoy。Yourfamilyisalmostasgoodasours。"
"Almost？"sherepeated。"Onlyalmost？"
ThemomentarylevityofexpressionvanishedfromHorace'sface。ThefamilyquestionwasfartooseriousaquestiontobelightlytreatedAbecomingshadowofsolemnitystoleoverhismanner。HelookedasifitwasSunday，andhewasjuststeppingintochurch。
"InOURfamily，"hesaid，"wetraceback——bymyfather，totheSaxons；bymymother，totheNormans。LadyJanet'sfamilyisanoldfamily——onhersideonly。"
Mercydroppedherembroidery，andlookedHoracefullintheface。She，too，attachednocommonimportancetowhatshehadnexttosay。
"IfIhadnotbeenconnectedwithLadyJanet，"shebegan，"wouldyoueverhavethoughtofmarryingme？"
"Mylove！whatistheuseofasking？YouareconnectedwithLadyJanet。"
Sherefusedtolethimescapeansweringherinthatway。
"SupposeIhadnotbeenconnectedwithLadyJanet？"shepersisted。"SupposeIhadonlybeenagoodgirl，withnothingbutmyownmeritstospeakforme。Whatwouldyourmotherhavesaidthen？"
Horacestillparriedthequestion——onlytofindthepointofitpressedhomeonhimoncemore。
"Whydoyouask？"hesaid。
"Iasktobeanswered，"sherejoined。"Wouldyourmotherhavelikedyoutomarryapoorgirl，ofnofamily——withnothingbutherownvirtuestospeakforher？"
Horacewasfairlypressedbacktothewall。
"Ifyoumustknow，"hereplied，"mymotherwouldhaverefusedtosanctionsuchamarriageasthat。"
"Nomatterhowgoodthegirlmighthavebeen？"
Therewassomethingdefiant——almostthreatening——inhertone。Horacewasannoyed——andheshoweditwhenhespoke。
"Mymotherwouldhaverespectedthegirl，withoutceasingtorespectherself，"hesaid。"Mymotherwouldhaverememberedwhatwasduetothefamilyname。"
"Andshewouldhavesaid，No？"
"Shewouldhavesaid，No。"
"Ah！"
TherewasanundertoneofangrycontemptintheexclamationwhichmadeHoracestart。"Whatisthematter？"heasked。
"Nothing，"sheanswered，andtookupherembroideryagain。Therehesatatherside，anxiouslylookingather——hishopeinthefuturecenteredinhismarriage！Inaweekmore，ifshechose，shemightenterthatancientfamilyofwhichhehadspokensoproudly，ashiswife。"Oh！"shethought，"ifIdidn'tlovehim！ifIhadonlyhismercilessmothertothinkof！"
Uneasilyconsciousofsomeestrangementbetweenthem，Horacespokeagain。"SurelyIhavenotoffendedyou？"hesaid。
Sheturnedtowardhimoncemore。Theworkdroppedunheededonherlap。Hergrandeyessoftenedintotenderness。Asmiletrembledsadlyonherdelicatelips。Shelaidonehandcaressinglyonhisshoulder。Allthebeautyofhervoicelentitscharmtothenextwordsthatshesaidtohim。Thewoman'shearthungeredinitsmiseryforthecomfortthatcouldonlycomefromhislips。
"Youwouldhavelovedme，Horace——withoutstoppingtothinkofthefamilyname？"
Thefamilynameagain！Howstrangelyshepersistedincomingbacktothat！Horacelookedatherwithoutanswering，tryingvainlytofathomwhatwaspassinginhermind。
Shetookhishand，andwrungithard——asifshewouldwringtheansweroutofhiminthatway。
"Youwouldhavelovedme？"sherepeated。
Thedoublespellofhervoiceandhertouchwasonhim。Heanswered，warmly，"Underanycircumstances！underanyname！"
Sheputonearmroundhisneck，andfixedhereyesonhis。"Isthattrue？"sheasked。
"Trueastheheavenaboveus！"
Shedrankinthosefewcommonplacewordswithagreedydelight。Sheforcedhimtorepeattheminanewform。
"NomatterwhoImighthavebeen？Formyselfalone？"
"Foryourselfalone。"
Shethrewbotharmsroundhim，andlaidherheadpassionatelyonhisbreast。"Iloveyou！Iloveyou！！Iloveyou！！！"Hervoicerosewithhystericalvehemenceateachrepetitionofthewords——thensuddenlysanktoalowhoarsecryofrageanddespair。Thesenseofhertruepositiontowardhimrevealeditselfinallitshorrorastheconfessionofherloveescapedherlips。Herarmsdroppedfromhim；sheflungherselfbackonthesofa-cushions，hidingherfaceinherhands。"Oh，leaveme！"shemoaned，faintly。"Go！go！"
Horacetriedtowindhisarmroundher，andraiseher。Shestartedtoherfeet，andwavedhimbackfromherwithawildactionofherhands，asifshewasfrightenedofhim。"Theweddingpresent！"shecried，seizingthefirstpretextthatoccurredtoher。"Youofferedtobringmeyourmother'spresent。Iamdyingtoseewhatitis。Goandgetit！"
Horacetriedtocomposeher。Hemightaswellhavetriedtocomposethewindsandthesea。
"Go！"sherepeated，pressingoneclinchedhandonherbosom。"Iamnotwell。Talkingexcitesme——Iamhysterical；Ishallbebetteralone。Getmethepresent。Go！"
"ShallIsendLadyJanet？ShallIringforyourmaid？"
"Sendfornobody！ringfornobody！Ifyouloveme——leavemeherebymyself！leavemeinstantly！"
"IshallseeyouwhenIcomeback？"
"Yes！yes！"
Therewasnoalternativebuttoobeyher。Unwillinglyandforebodingly，Horacelefttheroom。
Shedrewadeepbreathofrelief，anddroppedintothenearestchair。IfHoracehadstayedamomentlonger——shefeltit，sheknewit——herheadwouldhavegivenway；shewouldhaveburstoutbeforehimwiththeterribletruth。"Oh！"shethought，pressinghercoldhandsonherburningeyes，"ifIcouldonlycry，nowthereisnobodytoseeme！"
Theroomwasempty：shehadeveryreasonforconcludingthatshewasalone。Andyetatthatverymomenttherewereearsthatlistened——therewereeyeswaitingtoseeher。
Littlebylittlethedoorbehindherwhichfacedthelibraryandledintothebilliard-roomwasopenednoiselesslyfromwithout，byaninchatatime。Astheopeningwasenlargedahandinablackglove，anarminablacksleeve，appeared，guidingthemovementofthedoor。Anintervalofamomentpassed，andthewornwhitefaceofGraceRoseberryshoweditselfstealthily，lookingintothedining-room。
HereyesbrightenedwithvindictivepleasureastheydiscoveredMercysittingaloneatthefurtherendoftheroom。Inchbyinchsheopenedthedoormorewidely，tookonestepforward，andcheckedherself。Asound，justaudibleatthefarendoftheconservatory，hadcaughtherear。
Shelistened——satisfiedherselfthatshewasnotmistaken——anddrawingbackwithafrownofdispleasure，softlyclosedthedooragain，soastohideherselffromview。Thesoundthathaddisturbedherwasthedistantmurmurofmen'svoicesapparentlytwoinnumbertalkingtogetherinloweredtones，atthegardenentrancetotheconservatory。
Whowerethemen？andwhatwouldtheydonext？Theymightdooneoftwothings：theymightenterthedrawing-room，ortheymightwithdrawagainbywayofthegarden。Kneelingbehindthedoor，withherearatthekey-hole，GraceRoseberrywaitedtheevent。
[NextChapter]
[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter16CHAPTERXVI。
THEYMEETAGAIN。
ABSORBEDinherself，Mercyfailedtonoticetheopeningdoorortohearthemurmurofvoicesintheconservatory。
Theoneterriblenecessitywhichhadbeenpresenttohermindatintervalsforaweekpastwasconfrontingheratthatmoment。SheowedtoGraceRoseberrythetardyjusticeofowningthetruth。Thelongerherconfessionwasdelayed，themorecruellyshewasinjuringthewomanwhomshehadrobbedofheridentity——thefriendlesswomanwhohadneitherwitnessesnorpaperstoproduce，whowaspowerlesstorightherownwrong。Keenlyasshefeltthis，Mercyfailed，nevertheless，toconquerthehorrorthatshookherwhenshethoughtoftheimpendingavowal。Dayfollowedday，andstillsheshrankfromtheunendurableordealofconfession——asshewasshrinkingfromitnow！
Wasitfearforherselfthatclosedherlips？
Shetrembled——asanyhumanbeinginherplacemusthavetrembled——atthebareideaoffindingherselfthrownbackagainontheworld，whichhadnoplaceinitandnohopeinitforher。Butshecouldhaveovercomethatterror——shecouldhaveresignedherselftothatdoom。
No！itwasnotthefearoftheconfessionitself，orthefearoftheconsequenceswhichmustfollowit，thatstillheldhersilent。ThehorrorthatdauntedherwasthehorrorofowningtoHoraceandtoLadyJanetthatshehadcheatedthemoutoftheirlove。
EverydayLadyJanetwaskinderandkinder。EverydayHoracewasfonderandfonderofher。HowcouldsheconfesstoLadyJanet？howcouldsheowntoHoracethatshehadimposeduponhim？"Ican'tdoit。Theyaresogoodtome——Ican'tdoit！"Inthathopelesswayithadendedduringthesevendaysthathadgoneby。Inthathopelesswayitendedagainnow。
Themurmurofthetwovoicesatthefurtherendoftheconservatoryceased。Thebilliard-roomdooropenedagainslowly，byaninchatatime。
Mercystillkeptherplace，unconsciousoftheeventsthatwerepassingroundher。Sinkingunderthehardstresslaidonit，hermindhaddriftedlittlebylittleintoanewtrainofthought。Forthefirsttimeshefoundthecouragetoquestionthefutureinanewway。Supposingherconfessiontohavebeenmade，orsupposingthewomanwhomshehadpersonatedtohavediscoveredthemeansofexposingthefraud，whatadvantage，shenowaskedherself，wouldMissRoseberryderivefromMercyMerrick'sdisgrace？
CouldLadyJanettransfertothewomanwhowasreallyherrelativebymarriagetheaffectionwhichshehadgiventothewomanwhohadpretendedtobeherrelative？No！AlltherightintheworldwouldnotputthetrueGraceintothefalseGrace'svacantplace。ThequalitiesbywhichMercyhadwonLadyJanet'slovewerethequalitieswhichwereMercy'swon。LadyJanetcoulddorigidjustice——butherswasnotthehearttogiveitselftoastrangerandtogiveitselfunreservedlyasecondtime。GraceRoseberrywouldbeformallyacknowledged——andthereitwouldend。
Wastherehopeinthisnewview？
Yes！Therewasthefalsehopeofmakingtheinevitableatonementbysomeothermeansthanbytheconfessionofthefraud。
WhathadGraceRoseberryactuallylostbythewrongdonetoher？ShehadlostthesalaryofLadyJanet's"companionandreader。"Saythatshewantedmoney，MercyhadhersavingsfromthegenerousallowancemadetoherbyLadyJanet；Mercycouldoffermoney。Orsaythatshewantedemployment，Mercy'sinterestwithLadyJanetcouldofferemployment，couldofferanythingGracemightaskfor，ifshewouldonlycometoterms。
Invigoratedbythenewhope，Mercyroseexcitedly，wearyofinactionintheemptyroom。She，whobutafewminutessincehadshudderedatthethoughtoftheirmeetingagain，wasnoweagertodeviseameansoffindingherwayprivatelytoaninterviewwithGrace。Itshouldbedonewithoutlossoftime——onthatveryday，ifpossible；bythenextdayatlatest。Shelookedroundhermechanically，ponderinghowtoreachtheendinview。Hereyesrestedbychanceonthedoorofthebilliard-room。
Wasitfancy？ordidshereallyseethedoorfirstopenalittle，thensuddenlyandsoftlycloseagain？
Wasitfancy？ordidshereallyhear，atthesamemoment，asoundbehindherasofpersonsspeakingintheconservatory？
Shepaused；and，lookingbackinthatdirection，listenedintently。Thesound——ifshehadreallyheardit——wasnolongeraudible。Sheadvancedtowardthebilliard-roomtosetherfirstdoubtatrest。Shestretchedoutherhandtoopenthedoor，whenthevoicesrecognizablenowasthevoicesoftwomencaughtherearoncemore。
Thistimeshewasabletodistinguishthewordsthatwerespoken。
"Anyfurtherorders，sir？"inquiredoneofthemen。
"Nothingmore，"repliedtheother。