Atlastthetroublesomedeceasedwasgotintotheground，tobeburiednomore，andthestatelystalkerstalkedbackbeforethesolitarydressmaker，asifshewereboundinhonourtohavenonotionofthewayhome。ThoseFuries，theconventionalities，beingthusappeased，helefther。
'Imusthaveaveryshortcry，godmother，beforeIcheerupforgood，'saidthelittlecreature，comingin。'Becauseafterallachildisachild，youknow。'
Itwasalongercrythanmighthavebeenexpected。Howbeit，itworeitselfoutinashadowycorner，andthenthedressmakercameforth，andwashedherface，andmadethetea。'Youwouldn'tmindmycuttingoutsomethingwhileweareattea，wouldyou?'sheaskedherJewishfriend，withacoaxingair。
'Cinderella，dearchild，'theoldmanexpostulated，'willyouneverrest?'
'Oh！It'snotwork，cuttingoutapatternisn't，'saidMissJenny，withherbusylittlescissorsalreadysnippingatsomepaper。'Thetruthis，godmother，IwanttofixitwhileIhaveitcorrectinmymind。'
'Haveyouseenitto-daythen?'askedRiah。
'Yes，godmother。Sawitjustnow。It'sasurplice，that'swhatitis。
Thingourclergymenwear，youknow，'explainedMissJenny，inconsiderationofhisprofessinganotherfaith。
'Andwhathaveyoutodowiththat，Jenny?'
'Why，godmother，'repliedthedressmaker，'youmustknowthatweProfessorswholiveuponourtasteandinvention，areobligedtokeepoureyesalwaysopen。AndyouknowalreadythatIhavemanyextraexpensestomeetjustnow。So，itcameintomyheadwhileIwasweepingatmypoorboy'sgrave，thatsomethinginmywaymightbedonewithaclergyman。'
'Whatcanbedone?'askedtheoldman。
'Notafuneral，neverfear！'returnedMissJenny，anticipatinghisobjectionwithanod。'Thepublicdon'tliketobemademelancholy，Iknowverywell。Iamseldomcalledupontoputmyyoungfriendsintomourning；notintorealmourning，thatis；Courtmourningtheyareratherproudof。Butadollclergyman，mydear，——glossyblackcurlsandwhiskers——unitingtwoofmyyoungfriendsinmatrimony，'saidMissJenny，shakingherforefinger，'isquiteanotheraffair。Ifyoudon'tseethosethreeatthealtarinBondStreet，inajiffy，myname'sJackRobinson！'
Withherexpertlittlewaysinsharpaction，shehadgotadollintowhitey-brownpaperorders，beforethemealwasover，andwasdisplayingitfortheedificationoftheJewishmind，whenaknockwasheardatthestreet-door。Riahwenttoopenit，andpresentlycameback，usheringin，withthegraveandcourteousairthatsatsowelluponhim，agentleman。
Thegentlemanwasastrangertothedressmaker；buteveninthemomentofhiscastinghiseyesuponher，therewassomethinginhismannerwhichbroughttoherremembranceMrEugeneWrayburn。
'Pardonme，'saidthegentleman。'Youarethedolls'dressmaker?'
'Iamthedolls'dressmaker，sir。'
'LizzieHexam'sfriend?'
'Yes，sir，'repliedMissJenny，instantlyonthedefensive。'AndLizzieHexam'sfriend。'
'Hereisanotefromher，entreatingyoutoaccedetotherequestofMrMortimerLightwood，thebearer。MrRiahchancestoknowthatIamMrMortimerLightwood，andwilltellyouso。'
Riahbenthisheadincorroboration。
'Willyoureadthenote?'
'It'sveryshort，'saidJenny，withalookofwonder，whenshehadreadit。
'Therewasnotimetomakeitlonger。Timewassoveryprecious。
MydearfriendMrEugeneWrayburnisdying。'
Thedressmakerclaspedherhands，andutteredalittlepiteouscry。
'Isdying，'repeatedLightwood，withemotion，'atsomedistancefromhere。Heissinkingunderinjuriesreceivedatthehandsofavillainwhoattackedhiminthedark。Icomestraightfromhisbedside。Heisalmostalwaysinsensible。Inashortrestlessintervalofsensibility，orpartialsensibility，Imadeoutthatheaskedforyoutobebroughttositbyhim。Hardlyrelyingonmyowninterpretationoftheindistinctsoundshemade，IcausedLizzietohearthem。Wewerebothsurethatheaskedforyou。'
Thedressmaker，withherhandsstillclasped，lookedaffrightedlyfromtheonetotheotherofhertwocompanions。
'Ifyoudelay，hemaydiewithhisrequestungratified，withhislastwish——intrustedtome——wehavelongbeenmuchmorethanbrothers——unfulfilled。Ishallbreakdown，ifItrytosaymore。
Inafewmomentstheblackbonnetandthecrutch-stickwereonduty，thegoodJewwasleftinpossessionofthehouse，andthedolls'dressmaker，sidebysideinachaisewithMortimerLightwood，waspostingoutoftown。
Chapter10
THEDOLLS'DRESSMAKERDISCOVERSAWORD
Adarkenedandhushedroom；theriveroutsidethewindowsflowingontothevastocean；afigureonthebed，swathedandbandagedandbound，lyinghelplessonitsback，withitstwouselessarmsinsplintsatitssides。Onlytwodaysofusagesofamiliarizedthelittledressmakerwiththisscene，thatitheldtheplaceoccupiedtwodaysagobytherecollectionsofyears。
Hehadscarcelymovedsinceherarrival。Sometimeshiseyeswereopen，sometimesclosed。Whentheywereopen，therewasnomeaningintheirunwinkingstareatonespotstraightbeforethem，unlessforamomentthebrowknittedintoafaintexpressionofanger，orsurprise。Then，MortimerLightwoodwouldspeaktohim，andonoccasionshewouldbesofarrousedastomakeanattempttopronouncehisfriend'sname。But，inaninstantconsciousnesswasgoneagain，andnospiritofEugenewasinEugene'scrushedouterform。
TheyprovidedJennywithmaterialsforplyingherwork，andshehadalittletableplacedatthefootofhisbed。Sittingthere，withherrichshowerofhairfallingoverthechair-back，theyhopedshemightattracthisnotice。Withthesameobject，shewouldsing，justaboveherbreath，whenheopenedhiseyes，orshesawhisbrowknitintothatfaintexpression，soevanescentthatitwaslikeashapemadeinwater。Butasyethehadnotheeded。The'they'
herementionedwerethemedicalattendant；Lizzie，whowasthereinallherintervalsofrest；andLightwood，whoneverlefthim。
Thetwodaysbecamethree，andthethreedaysbecamefour。Atlength，quiteunexpectedly，hesaidsomethinginawhisper。
'Whatwasit，mydearEugene?'
'Willyou，Mortimer——'
'WillI——?——
'Sendforher?'
'Mydearfellow，sheishere。'
Quiteunconsciousofthelongblank，hesupposedthattheywerestillspeakingtogether。
Thelittledressmakerstoodupatthefootofthebed，humminghersong，andnoddedtohimbrightly。'Ican'tshakehands，Jenny，'
saidEugene，withsomethingofhisoldlook；'butIamverygladtoseeyou。'
Mortimerrepeatedthistoher，foritcouldonlybemadeoutbybendingoverhimandcloselywatchinghisattemptstosayit。Inalittlewhile，headded:
'Askherifshehasseenthechildren。'
Mortimercouldnotunderstandthis，neithercouldJennyherself，untilheadded:
'Askherifshehassmelttheflowers。'
'Oh！Iknow！'criedJenny。'Iunderstandhimnow！'Then，Lightwoodyieldedhisplacetoherquickapproach，andshesaid，bendingoverthebed，withthatbetterlook:'Youmeanmylongbrightslantingrowsofchildren，whousedtobringmeeaseandrest?Youmeanthechildrenwhousedtotakemeup，andmakemelight?'
Eugenesmiled，'Yes。'
'IhavenotseenthemsinceIsawyou。Ineverseethemnow，butI
amhardlyeverinpainnow。'
'Itwasaprettyfancy，'saidEugene。
'ButIhaveheardmybirdssing，'criedthelittlecreature，'andI
havesmeltmyflowers。Yes，indeedIhave！AndbothweremostbeautifulandmostDivine！'
'Stayandhelptonurseme，'saidEugene，quietly。'Ishouldlikeyoutohavethefancyhere，beforeIdie。'
Shetouchedhislipswithherhand，andshadedhereyeswiththatsamehandasshewentbacktoherworkandherlittlelowsong。
Heheardthesongwithevidentpleasure，untilshealloweditgraduallytosinkawayintosilence。
'Mortimer。'
'MydearEugene。'
'Ifyoucangivemeanythingtokeepmehereforonlyafewminutes——'
Tokeepyouhere，Eugene?'
'TopreventmywanderingawayIdon'tknowwhere——forIbegintobesensiblethatIhavejustcomeback，andthatIshalllosemyselfagain——doso，dearboy！'
Mortimergavehimsuchstimulantsascouldbegivenhimwithsafetytheywerealwaysathand，ready，andbendingoverhimoncemore，wasabouttocautionhim，whenhesaid:
'Don'ttellmenottospeak，forImustspeak。IfyouknewtheharassinganxietythatgnawsandwearsmewhenIamwanderinginthoseplaces——wherearethoseendlessplaces，Mortimer?Theymustbeatanimmensedistance！'
Hesawinhisfriend'sfacethathewaslosinghimself；forheaddedafteramoment:'Don'tbeafraid——Iamnotgoneyet。Whatwasit?'
'Youwantedtotellmesomething，Eugene。Mypoordearfellow，youwantedtosaysomethingtoyouroldfriend——tothefriendwhohasalwayslovedyou，admiredyou，imitatedyou，foundedhimselfuponyou，beennothingwithoutyou，andwho，Godknows，wouldbehereinyourplaceifhecould！'
'Tut，tut！'saidEugenewithatenderglanceastheotherputhishandbeforehisface。'Iamnotworthit。IacknowledgethatIlikeit，dearboy，butIamnotworthit。Thisattack，mydearMortimer；
thismurder——'
Hisfriendleanedoverhimwithrenewedattention，saying:'YouandIsuspectsomeone。'
'Morethansuspect。But，Mortimer，whileIliehere，andwhenIlieherenolonger，Itrusttoyouthattheperpetratorisneverbroughttojustice。'
'Eugene?'
'Herinnocentreputationwouldberuined，myfriend。Shewouldbepunished，nothe。Ihavewrongedherenoughinfact；Ihavewrongedherstillmoreinintention。Yourecollectwhatpavementissaidtobemadeofgoodintentions。Itismadeofbadintentionstoo。Mortimer，Iamlyingonit，andIknow！'
'Becomforted，mydearEugene。'
'Iwill，whenyouhavepromisedme。DearMortimer，themanmustneverbepursued。Ifheshouldbeaccused，youmustkeephimsilentandsavehim。Don'tthinkofavengingme；thinkonlyofhushingthestoryandprotectingher。Youcanconfusethecase，andturnasidethecircumstances。ListentowhatIsaytoyou。Itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。Doyouhearme?
Twice；itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。Doyouhearme?Threetimes；itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。'
Hestopped，exhausted。Hisspeechhadbeenwhispered，broken，andindistinct；butbyagreatefforthehadmadeitplainenoughtobeunmistakeable。
'Dearfellow，Iamwanderingaway。Staymeforanothermoment，ifyoucan。'
Lightwoodliftedhisheadattheneck，andputawine-glasstohislips。Herallied。
'Idon'tknowhowlongagoitwasdone，whetherweeks，days，orhours。Nomatter。Thereisinquiryonfoot，andpursuit。Say！Istherenot?'
'Yes。'
'Checkit；divertit！Don'tletherbebroughtinquestion。Shieldher。Theguiltyman，broughttojustice，wouldpoisonhername。
Lettheguiltymangounpunished。Lizzieandmyreparationbeforeall！Promiseme！'
'Eugene，Ido。Ipromiseyou！'
Intheactofturninghiseyesgratefullytowardshisfriend，hewanderedaway。Hiseyesstoodstill，andsettledintothatformerintentunmeaningstare。
Hoursandhours，daysandnights，heremainedinthissamecondition。Thereweretimeswhenhewouldcalmlyspeaktohisfriendafteralongperiodofunconsciousness，andwouldsayhewasbetter，andwouldaskforsomething。Beforeitcouldhegivenhim，hewouldbegoneagain。
Thedolls'dressmaker，allsoftenedcompassionnow，watchedhimwithanearnestnessthatneverrelaxed。Shewouldregularlychangetheice，orthecoolingspirit，onhishead，andwouldkeepherearatthepillowbetweenwhiles，listeningforanyfaintwordsthatfellfromhiminhiswanderings。Itwasamazingthroughhowmanyhoursatatimeshewouldremainbesidehim，inacrouchingattitude，attentivetohisslightestmoan。Ashecouldnotmoveahand，hecouldmakenosignofdistress；but，throughthisclosewatchingifthroughnosecretsympathyorpowerthelittlecreatureattainedanunderstandingofhimthatLightwooddidnotpossess。Mortimerwouldoftenturntoher，asifshewereaninterpreterbetweenthissentientworldandtheinsensibleman；andshewouldchangethedressingofawound，oreasealigature，orturnhisface，oralterthepressureofthebedclothesonhim，withanabsolutecertaintyofdoingright。Thenaturallightnessanddelicacyoftouchwhichhadbecomeveryrefinedbypracticeinherminiaturework，nodoubtwasinvolvedinthis；butherperceptionwasatleastasfine。
Theoneword，Lizzie，hemutteredmillionsoftimes。Inacertainphaseofhisdistressfulstate，whichwastheworsttothosewhotendedhim，hewouldrollhisheaduponthepillow，incessantlyrepeatingthenameinahurriedandimpatientmanner，withthemiseryofadisturbedmind，andthemonotonyofamachine。
Equally，whenhelaystillandstaring，hewouldrepeatitforhourswithoutcessation，butthen，alwaysinatoneofsubduedwarningandhorror。Herpresenceandhertouchuponhisbreastorfacewouldoftenstopthis，andthentheylearnedtoexpectthathewouldforsometimeremainstill，withhiseyesclosed，andthathewouldbeconsciousonopeningthem。But，theheavydisappointmentoftheirhope——revivedbythewelcomesilenceoftheroom——was，thathisspiritwouldglideawayagainandbelost，inthemomentoftheirjoythatitwasthere。
Thisfrequentrisingofadrowningmanfromthedeep，tosinkagain，wasdreadfultothebeholders。But，graduallythechangestoleuponhimthatitbecamedreadfultohimself。Hisdesiretoimpartsomethingthatwasonhismind，hisunspeakableyearningtohavespeechwithhisfriendandmakeacommunicationtohim，sotroubledhimwhenherecoveredconsciousness，thatitstermwastherebyshortened。Asthemanrisingfromthedeepwoulddisappearthesoonerforfightingwiththewater，soheinhisdesperatestrugglewentdownagain。
Oneafternoonwhenhehadbeenlyingstill，andLizzie，unrecognized，hadjuststolenoutoftheroomtopursueheroccupation，heutteredLightwood'sname。
'MydearEugene，Iamhere。'
'Howlongisthistolast，Mortimer?'
Lightwoodshookhishead。'Still，Eugene，youarenoworsethanyouwere。'
'ButIknowthere'snohope。YetIprayitmaylastlongenoughforyoutodomeonelastservice，andformetodoonelastaction。
Keepmehereafewmoments，Mortimer。Try，try！'
Hisfriendgavehimwhataidhecould，andencouragedhimtobelievethathewasmorecomposed，thougheventhenhiseyeswerelosingtheexpressiontheysorarelyrecovered。
'Holdmehere，dearfellow，ifyoucan。Stopmywanderingaway。
Iamgoing！'
'Notyet，notyet。Tellme，dearEugene，whatisitIshalldo?'
'Keepmehereforonlyasingleminute。Iamgoingawayagain。
Don'tletmego。Hearmespeakfirst。Stopme——stopme！'
'MypoorEugene，trytobecalm。'
'Idotry。Itrysohard。Ifyouonlyknewhowhard！Don'tletmewandertillIhavespoken。Givemealittlemorewine。'
Lightwoodcomplied。Eugene，withamostpatheticstruggleagainsttheunconsciousnessthatwascomingoverhim，andwithalookofappealthataffectedhisfriendprofoundly，said:
'YoucanleavemewithJenny，whileyouspeaktoherandtellherwhatIbeseechofher。YoucanleavemewithJenny，whileyouaregone。There'snotmuchforyoutodo。Youwon'tbelongaway。'
'No，no，no。ButtellmewhatitisthatIshalldo，Eugene！'
'Iamgoing！Youcan'tholdme。'
'Tellmeinaword，Eugene！'
Hiseyeswerefixedagain，andtheonlywordthatcamefromhislipswasthewordmillionsoftimesrepeated。Lizzie，Lizzie，Lizzie。
But，thewatchfullittledressmakerhadbeenvigilantaseverinherwatch，andshenowcameupandtouchedLightwood'sarmashelookeddownathisfriend，despairingly。
'Hush！'shesaid，withherfingeronherlips。'Hiseyesareclosing。
He'llbeconsciouswhenhenextopensthem。ShallIgiveyoualeadingwordtosaytohim?'
'OJenny，ifyoucouldonlygivemetherightword！'
'Ican。Stoopdown。'
Hestooped，andshewhisperedinhisear。Shewhisperedinhisearoneshortwordofasinglesyllable。Lightwoodstarted，andlookedather。
'Tryit，'saidthelittlecreature，withanexcitedandexultantface。
Shethenbentovertheunconsciousman，and，forthefirsttime，kissedhimonthecheek，andkissedthepoormaimedhandthatwasnearesttoher。Then，shewithdrewtothefootofthebed。
Sometwohoursafterwards，MortimerLightwoodsawhisconsciousnesscomeback，andinstantly，butverytranquilly，bentoverhim。
'Don'tspeak，Eugene。Donomorethanlookatme，andlistentome。YoufollowwhatIsay。'
Hemovedhisheadinassent。
'Iamgoingonfromthepointwherewebrokeoff。Isthewordweshouldsoonhavecometo——isit——Wife?'
'OGodblessyou，Mortimer！'
'Hush！Don'tbeagitated。Don'tspeak。Hearme，dearEugene。
Yourmindwillbemoreatpeace，lyinghere，ifyoumakeLizzieyourwife。Youwishmetospeaktoher，andtellherso，andentreathertobeyourwife。Youaskhertokneelatthisbedsideandbemarriedtoyou，thatyourreparationmaybecomplete。Isthatso?'
'Yes。Godblessyou！Yes。'
'Itshallbedone，Eugene。Trustittome。Ishallhavetogoawayforsomefewhours，togiveeffecttoyourwishes。Youseethisisunavoidable?'
'Dearfriend，Isaidso。'
'True。ButIhadnotthecluethen。HowdoyouthinkIgotit?'
Glancingwistfullyaround，EugenesawMissJennyatthefootofthebed，lookingathimwithherelbowsonthebed，andherheaduponherhands。Therewasatraceofhiswhimsicalairuponhim，ashetriedtosmileather。
'Yesindeed，'saidLightwood，'thediscoverywashers。ObservemydearEugene；whileIamawayyouwillknowthatIhavedischargedmytrustwithLizzie，byfindingherhere，inmypresentplaceatyourbedside，toleaveyounomore。AfinalwordbeforeI
go。Thisistherightcourseofatrueman，Eugene。AndIsolemnlybelieve，withallmysoul，thatifProvidenceshouldmercifullyrestoreyoutous，youwillbeblessedwithanoblewifeinthepreserverofyourlife，whomyouwilldearlylove。'
'Amen。Iamsureofthat。ButIshallnotcomethroughit，Mortimer。'
'Youwillnotbethelesshopefulorlessstrong，forthis，Eugene。'
'No。Touchmyfacewithyours，incaseIshouldnotholdouttillyoucomeback。Iloveyou，Mortimer。Don'tbeuneasyformewhileyouaregone。Ifmydearbravegirlwilltakeme，IfeelpersuadedthatIshalllivelongenoughtobemarried，dearfellow。'
MissJennygaveupaltogetheronthispartingtakingplacebetweenthefriends，andsittingwithherbacktowardsthebedinthebowermadebyherbrighthair，weptheartily，thoughnoiselessly。
MortimerLightwoodwassoongone。Astheeveninglightlengthenedtheheavyreflectionsofthetreesintheriver，anotherfigurecamewithasoftstepintothesickroom。
'Isheconscious?'askedthelittledressmaker，asthefiguretookitsstationbythepillow。For，Jennyhadgivenplacetoitimmediately，andcouldnotseethesufferer'sface，inthedarkroom，fromhernewandremovedposition。
'Heisconscious，Jenny，'murmuredEugeneforhimself。'Heknowshiswife。'
Chapter11
EFFECTISGIVENTOTHEDOLLS'DRESSMAKER'SDISCOVERY
MrsJohnRokesmithsatatneedleworkinherneatlittleroom，besideabasketofneatlittlearticlesofclothing，whichpresentedsomuchoftheappearanceofbeinginthedolls'dressmaker'swayofbusiness，thatonemighthavesupposedshewasgoingtosetupinoppositiontoMissWren。WhethertheCompleteBritishFamilyHousewifehadimpartedsagecounselanentthem，didnotappear，butprobablynot，asthatcloudyoraclewasnowherevisible。Forcertain，however，MrsJohnRokesmithstitchedatthemwithsodexterousahand，thatshemusthavetakenlessonsofsomebody。
Loveisinallthingsamostwonderfulteacher，andperhapslovefromapictorialpointofview，withnothingonbutathimble，hadbeenteachingthisbranchofneedleworktoMrsJohnRokesmith。
ItwasnearJohn'stimeforcominghome，butasMrsJohnwasdesiroustofinishaspecialtriumphofherskillbeforedinner，shedidnotgoouttomeethim。Placidly，thoughratherconsequentiallysmiling，shesatstitchingawaywitharegularsound，likeasortofdimpledlittlecharmingDresden-chinaclockbytheverybestmaker。
Aknockatthedoor，andaringatthebell。NotJohn；orBellawouldhaveflownouttomeethim。Thenwho，ifnotJohn?Bellawasaskingherselfthequestion，whenthatflutteringlittlefoolofaservantflutteredin，saying，'MrLightwood！'
Ohgoodgracious！
Bellahadbuttimetothrowahandkerchiefoverthebasket，whenMrLightwoodmadehisbow。TherewassomethingamisswithMrLightwood，forhewasstrangelygraveandlookedill。
WithabriefreferencetothehappytimewhenithadbeenhisprivilegetoknowMrsRokesmithasMissWilfer，MrLightwoodexplainedwhatwasamisswithhimandwhyhecame。HecamebearingLizzieHexam'searnesthopethatMrsJohnRokesmithwouldseehermarried。
Bellawassoflutteredbytherequest，andbytheshortnarrativehehadfeelinglygivenher，thatthereneverwasamoretimelysmelling-bottlethanJohn'sknock。'Myhusband，'saidBella；'I'llbringhimin。'
But，thatturnedouttobemoreeasilysaidthandone；for，theinstantshementionedMrLightwood'sname，Johnstopped，withhishanduponthelockoftheroomdoor。
'Comeupstairs，mydarling。'
Bellawasamazedbytheflushinhisface，andbyhissuddenturningaway。'Whatcanitmean?'shethought，assheaccompaniedhimupstairs。
'Now，mylife，'saidJohn，takingheronhisknee，'tellmeallaboutit。'
Allverywelltosay，'Tellmeallaboutit；'butJohnwasverymuchconfused。Hisattentionevidentlytrailedoff，nowandthen，evenwhileBellatoldhimallaboutit。YetsheknewthathetookagreatinterestinLizzieandherfortunes。Whatcoulditmean?
'Youwillcometothismarriagewithme，Johndear?'
'N——no，mylove；Ican'tdothat。'
'Youcan'tdothat，John?'
'No，mydear，it'squiteoutofthequestion。Nottobethoughtof。'
'AmItogoalone，John?'
'No，mydear，youwillgowithMrLightwood。'
'Don'tyouthinkit'stimewewentdowntoMrLightwood，Johndear?'Bellainsinuated。
'Mydarling，it'salmosttimeyouwent，butImustaskyoutoexcusemetohimaltogether。'
'Younevermean，Johndear，thatyouarenotgoingtoseehim?
Why，heknowsyouhavecomehome。Itoldhimso。'
'That'salittleunfortunate，butitcan'tbehelped。Unfortunateorfortunate，Ipositivelycannotseehim，mylove。'
Bellacastaboutinhermindwhatcouldbehisreasonforthisunaccountablebehaviour；asshesatonhiskneelookingathiminastonishmentandpoutingalittle。Aweakreasonpresenteditself。
'Johndear，younevercanbejealousofMrLightwood?'
'Why，mypreciouschild，'returnedherhusband，laughingoutright:
'howcouldIbejealousofhim?WhyshouldIbejealousofhim?'
'Because，youknow，John，'pursuedBella，poutingalittlemore，'thoughhedidratheradmiremeonce，itwasnotmyfault。'
'ItwasyourfaultthatIadmiredyou，'returnedherhusband，withalookofprideinher，'andwhynotyourfaultthatheadmiredyou?
But，Ijealousonthataccount?Why，Imustgodistractedforlife，ifIturnedjealousofeveryonewhousedtofindmywifebeautifulandwinning！'
'Iamhalfangrywithyou，Johndear，'saidBella，laughingalittle，'andhalfpleasedwithyou；becauseyouaresuchastupidoldfellow，andyetyousaynicethings，asifyoumeantthem。Don'tbemysterious，sir。WhatharmdoyouknowofMrLightwood?'
'None，mylove。'
'Whathasheeverdonetoyou，John?'
'Hehasneverdoneanythingtome，mydear。IknownomoreagainsthimthanIknowagainstMrWrayburn；hehasneverdoneanythingtome；neitherhasMrWrayburn。AndyetIhaveexactlythesameobjectiontobothofthem。'
'Oh，John！'retortedBella，asifsheweregivinghimupforabadjob，assheusedtogiveupherself。'Youarenothingbetterthanasphinx！Andamarriedsphinxisn'ta——isn'taniceconfidentialhusband，'saidBella，inatoneofinjury。
'Bella，mylife，'saidJohnRokesmith，touchinghercheek，withagravesmile，asshecastdownhereyesandpoutedagain；'lookatme。Iwanttospeaktoyou。'
'Inearnest，BlueBeardofthesecretchamber?'askedBella，clearingherprettyface。
'Inearnest。AndIconfesstothesecretchamber。Don'tyourememberthatyouaskedmenottodeclarewhatIthoughtofyourhigherqualitiesuntilyouhadbeentried?'
'Yes，Johndear。AndIfullymeantit，andIfullymeanit。'
'Thetimewillcome，mydarling——Iamnoprophet，butIsayso，——
whenyouWILLbetried。Thetimewillcome，Ithink，whenyouwillundergoatrialthroughwhichyouwillneverpassquitetriumphantlyforme，unlessyoucanputperfectfaithinme。'
'Thenyoumaybesureofme，Johndear，forIcanputperfectfaithinyou，andIdo，andIalways，alwayswill。Don'tjudgemebyalittlethinglikethis，John。Inlittlethings，Iamalittlethingmyself——Ialwayswas。Butingreatthings，Ihopenot；Idon'tmeantoboast，Johndear，butIhopenot！'
Hewasevenbetterconvincedofthetruthofwhatshesaidthanshewas，ashefeltherlovingarmsabouthim。IftheGoldenDustman'sricheshadbeenhistostake，hewouldhavestakedthemtothelastfarthingonthefidelitythroughgoodandevilofheraffectionateandtrustingheart。
'Now，I'llgodownto，andgoawaywith，MrLightwood，'saidBella，springingup。'YouarethemostcreasingandtumblingClumsy-Bootsofapacker，John，thateverwas；butifyou'requitegood，andwillpromisenevertodosoanymorethoughIdon'tknowwhatyouhavedone！youmaypackmealittlebagforanight，whileIgetmybonneton。'
Hegailycomplied，andshetiedherdimpledchinup，andshookherheadintoherbonnet，andpulledoutthebowsofherbonnet-
strings，andgothergloveson，fingerbyfinger，andfinallygotthemonherlittleplumphands，andbadehimgood-byeandwentdown。MrLightwood'simpatiencewasmuchrelievedwhenhefoundherdressedfordeparture。
'MrRokesmithgoeswithus?'hesaid，hesitating，withalooktowardsthedoor。
'Oh，Iforgot！'repliedBella。'Hisbestcompliments。Hisfaceisswollentothesizeoftwofaces，andheistogotobeddirectly，poorfellow，towaitforthedoctor，whoiscomingtolancehim。'
'Itiscurious，'observedLightwood，'thatIhaveneveryetseenMrRokesmith，thoughwehavebeenengagedinthesameaffairs。'
'Really?'saidtheunblushingBella。
'Ibegintothink，'observedLightwood，'thatInevershallseehim。'
'Thesethingshappensooddlysometimes，'saidBellawithasteadycountenance，'thatthereseemsakindoffatalityinthem。ButIamquiteready，MrLightwood。'
Theystarteddirectly，inalittlecarriagethatLightwoodhadbroughtwithhimfromnever-to-be-forgottenGreenwich；andfromGreenwichtheystarteddirectlyforLondon；andinLondontheywaitedatarailwaystationuntilsuchtimeastheReverendFrankMilvey，andMargarettahiswife，withwhomMortimerLightwoodhadbeenalreadyinconference，shouldcomeandjointhem。
Thatworthycoupleweredelayedbyaportentousoldparishionerofthefemalegender，whowasoneoftheplaguesoftheirlives，andwithwhomtheyborewithmostexemplarysweetnessandgood-
humour，notwithstandingherhavinganinfectionofabsurdityabouther，thatcommunicateditselftoeverythingwithwhich，andeverybodywithwhom，shecameincontact。ShewasamemberoftheReverendFrank'scongregation，andmadeapointofdistinguishingherselfinthatbody，byconspicuouslyweepingateverything，howevercheering，saidbytheReverendFrankinhispublicministration；alsobyapplyingtoherselfthevariouslamentationsofDavid，andcomplaininginapersonallyinjuredmannermuchinarrearoftheclerkandtherestoftherespondents
thatherenemieswerediggingpit-fallsabouther，andbreakingherwithrodsofiron。Indeed，thisoldwidowdischargedherselfofthatportionoftheMorningandEveningServiceasifshewerelodgingacomplaintonoathandapplyingforawarrantbeforeamagistrate。
Butthiswasnothermostinconvenientcharacteristic，forthattooktheformofanimpression，usuallyrecurringininclementweatherandataboutdaybreak，thatshehadsomethingonhermindandstoodinimmediateneedoftheReverendFranktocomeandtakeitoff。Manyatimehadthatkindcreaturegotup，andgoneouttoMrsSprodgkinsuchwasthedisciple'sname，suppressingastrongsenseofhercomicalitybyhisstrongsenseofduty，andperfectlyknowingthatnothingbutacoldwouldcomeofit。
However，beyondthemselves，theReverendFrankMilveyandMrsMilveyseldomhintedthatMrsSprodgkinwashardlyworththetroubleshegave；butbothmadethebestofher，astheydidofalltheirtroubles。
Thisveryexactingmemberofthefoldappearedtobeendowedwithasixthsense，inregardofknowingwhentheReverendFrankMilveyleastdesiredhercompany，andwithpromptitudeappearinginhislittlehall。Consequently，whentheReverendFrankhadwillinglyengagedthatheandhiswifewouldaccompanyLightwoodback，hesaid，asamatterofcourse:'Wemustmakehastetogetout，Margaretta，mydear，orweshallbedescendedonbyMrsSprodgkin。'TowhichMrsMilveyreplied，inherpleasantlyemphaticway，'OhYES，forsheISsuchamarplot，Frank，andDOESworryso！'Wordsthatwerescarcelyutteredwhentheirthemewasannouncedasinfaithfulattendancebelow，desiringcounselonaspiritualmatter。ThepointsonwhichMrsSprodkginsoughtelucidationbeingseldomofapressingnatureasWhobegatWhom，orsomeinformationconcerningtheAmorites，MrsMilveyonthisspecialoccasionresortedtothedeviceofbuyingheroffwithapresentofteaandsugar，andaloafandbutter。ThesegiftsMrsSprodgkinaccepted，butstillinsistedondutifullyremaininginthehall，tocurtseytotheReverendFrankashecameforth。Who，incautiouslysayinginhisgenialmanner，'Well，Sally，thereyouare！'involvedhimselfinadiscursiveaddressfromMrsSprodgkin，revolvingaroundtheresultthatsheregardedteaandsugarinthelightofmyrrhandfrankincense，andconsideredbreadandbutteridenticalwithlocustsandwildhoney。
Havingcommunicatedthisedifyingpieceofinformation，MrsSprodgkinwasleftstillunadjournedinthehall，andMrandMrsMilveyhurriedinaheatedconditiontotherailwaystation。AllofwhichishererecordedtothehonourofthatgoodChristianpair，representativesofhundredsofothergoodChristianpairsasconscientiousandasuseful，whomergethesmallnessoftheirworkinitsgreatness，andfeelinnodangeroflosingdignitywhentheyadaptthemselvestoincomprehensiblehumbugs。
'Detainedatthelastmomentbyonewhohadaclaimuponme，'
wastheReverendFrank'sapologytoLightwood，takingnothoughtofhimself。TowhichMrsMilveyadded，takingthoughtforhim，likethechampioninglittlewifeshewas；'Ohyes，detainedatthelastmoment。ButAStotheclaim，Frank，IMUSTsaythatIDO
thinkyouareOVER-consideratesometimes，andallowTHATtobeaLITTLEabused。'
Bellafeltconscious，inspiteofherlatepledgeforherself，thatherhusband'sabsencewouldgivedisagreeableoccasionforsurprisetotheMilveys。NorcouldsheappearquiteathereasewhenMrsMilveyasked:
'HOWisMrRokesmith，andIShegonebeforeus，orDOEShefollowus?'
Itbecomingnecessary，uponthis，tosendhimtobedagainandholdhiminwaitingtobelancedagain，Belladidit。Butnothalfaswellonthesecondoccasionasonthefirst；for，atwice-toldwhiteoneseemsalmosttobecomeablackone，whenyouarenotusedtoit'OhDEAR！'saidMrsMilvey，'IamSOsorry！MrRokesmithtookSUCHaninterestinLizzieHexam，whenweweretherebefore。
AndifwehadONLYknownofhisface，weCOULDhavegivenhimsomethingthatwouldhavekeptitdownlongenoughforsoSHORTapurpose。'
Bywayofmakingthewhiteonewhiter，Bellahastenedtostipulatethathewasnotinpain。MrsMilveywasSOgladofit。
'Idon'tknowHOWitis，'saidMrsMilvey，'andIamSUREyoudon't，Frank，buttheclergyandtheirwivesseemtoCAUSE
swelledfaces。WheneverItakenoticeofachildintheschool，itseemstomeasifitsfaceswelledINSTANTLY。FrankNEVER
makesacquaintancewithanewoldwoman，butshegetstheface-
ache。Andanotherthingis，weDOmakethepoorchildrensniffso。Idon'tknowHOWwedoit，andIshouldbesogladnotto；buttheMOREwetakenoticeofthem，theMOREtheysniff。Justastheydowhenthetextisgivenout——Frank，that'saschoolmaster。I
haveseenhimsomewhere。'
Thereferencewastoayoungmanofreservedappearance，inacoatandwaistcoatofblack，andpantaloonsofpepperandsalt。Hehadcomeintotheofficeofthestation，fromitsinterior，inanunsettledway，immediatelyafterLightwoodhadgoneouttothetrain；andhehadbeenhurriedlyreadingtheprintedhillsandnoticesonthewall。Hehadhadawanderinginterestinwhatwassaidamongthepeoplewaitingthereandpassingtoandfro。Hehaddrawnnearer，ataboutthetimewhenMrsMilveymentionedLizzieHexam，andhadremainednear，since:thoughalwaysglancingtowardsthedoorbywhichLightwoodhadgoneout。Hestoodwithhisbacktowardsthem，andhisglovedhandsclaspedbehindhim。Therewasnowsoevidentafalteringuponhim，expressiveofindecisionwhetherornoheshouldexpresshishavingheardhimselfreferredto，thatMrMilveyspoketohim。
'Icannotrecallyourname，'hesaid，'butIremembertohaveseenyouinyourschool。'
'MynameisBradleyHeadstone，sir，'hereplied，backingintoamoreretiredplace。
'Ioughttohaverememberedit，'saidMrMilvey，givinghimhishand。'Ihopeyouarewell?Alittleoverworked，Iamafraid?'
'Yes，Iamoverworkedjustatpresent，sir。'
'Hadnoplayinyourlastholidaytime?'
'No，sir。'
'Allworkandnoplay，MrHeadstone，willnotmakedulness，inyourcase，Idaresay；butitwillmakedyspepsia，ifyoudon'ttakecare。'
'Iwillendeavourtotakecare，sir。MightIbegleavetospeaktoyou，outside，amoment?'
'Byallmeans。'
Itwasevening，andtheofficewaswelllighted。Theschoolmaster，whohadneverremittedhiswatchonLightwood'sdoor，nowmovedbyanotherdoortoacornerwithout，wheretherewasmoreshadowthanlight；andsaid，pluckingathisgloves:
'Oneofyourladies，sir，mentionedwithinmyhearinganamethatI
amacquaintedwith；Imaysay，wellacquaintedwith。Thenameofthesisterofanoldpupilofmine。Hewasmypupilforalongtime，andhasgotonandgoneupwardrapidly。ThenameofHexam。
ThenameofLizzieHexam。'Heseemedtobeashyman，strugglingagainstnervousness，andspokeinaveryconstrainedway。Thebreakhesetbetweenhislasttwosentenceswasquiteembarrassingtohishearer。
'Yes，'repliedMrMilvey。'Wearegoingdowntoseeher。'
'Igatheredasmuch，sir。Ihopethereisnothingamisswiththesisterofmyoldpupil?Ihopenobereavementhasbefallenher。I
hopesheisinnoaffliction?Haslostno——relation?'
MrMilveythoughtthisamanwithaveryoddmanner，andadarkdownwardlook；butheansweredinhisusualopenway。
'Iamgladtotellyou，MrHeadstone，thatthesisterofyouroldpupilhasnotsustainedanysuchloss。YouthoughtImightbegoingdowntoburysomeone?'
'Thatmayhavebeentheconnexionofideas，sir，withyourclericalcharacter，butIwasnotconsciousofit——Thenyouarenot，sir?'
Amanwithaveryoddmannerindeed，andwithalurkinglookthatwasquiteoppressive。
'No。Infact，'saidMrMilvey，'sinceyouaresointerestedinthesisterofyouroldpupil，ImayaswelltellyouthatIamgoingdowntomarryher。'
Theschoolmasterstartedback。
'Nottomarryher，myself，'saidMrMilvey，withasmile，'becauseI
haveawifealready。Toperformthemarriageserviceatherwedding。'
BradleyHeadstonecaughtholdofapillarbehindhim。IfMrMilveyknewanashyfacewhenhesawit，hesawitthen。
'Youarequiteill，MrHeadstone！'
'Itisnotmuch，sir。Itwillpassoververysoon。Iamaccustomedtobeseizedwithgiddiness。Don'tletmedetainyou，sir；Istandinneedofnoassistance，Ithankyou。Muchobligedbyyoursparingmetheseminutesofyourtime。'
AsMrMilvey，whohadnomoreminutestospare，madeasuitablereplyandturnedbackintotheoffice，heobservedtheschoolmastertoleanagainstthepillarwithhishatinhishand，andtopullathisneckclothasifheweretryingtotearitoff。TheReverendFrankaccordinglydirectedthenoticeofoneoftheattendantstohim，bysaying:'Thereisapersonoutsidewhoseemstobereallyill，andtorequiresomehelp，thoughhesayshedoesnot。'
Lightwoodhadbythistimesecuredtheirplaces，andthedeparture-
bellwasabouttoberung。Theytooktheirseats，andwerebeginningtomoveoutofthestation，whenthesameattendantcamerunningalongtheplatform，lookingintoallthecarriages。
'Oh！Youarehere，sir！'hesaid，springingonthestep，andholdingthewindow-framebyhiselbow，asthecarriagemoved。'Thatpersonyoupointedouttomeisinafit。'
'Iinferfromwhathetoldmethatheissubjecttosuchattacks。Hewillcometo，intheair，inalittlewhile。'
Hewastookverybadtobesure，andwasbitingandknockingabouthimthemansaidfuriously。Wouldthegentlemangivehimhiscard，ashehadseenhimfirst?Thegentlemandidso，withtheexplanationthatheknewnomoreofthemanattackedthanthathewasamanofaveryrespectableoccupation，whohadsaidhewasoutofhealth，ashisappearancewouldofitselfhaveindicated。
Theattendantreceivedthecard，watchedhisopportunityforslidingdown，sliddown，andsoitended。
Then，thetrainrattledamongthehouse-tops，andamongtheraggedsidesofhousestorndowntomakewayforit，andovertheswarmingstreets，andunderthefruitfulearth，untilitshotacrosstheriver:burstingoverthequietsurfacelikeabomb-shell，andgoneagainasifithadexplodedintherushofsmokeandsteamandglare。Alittlemore，andagainitroaredacrosstheriver，agreatrocket:spurningthewateryturningsanddoublingswithineffablecontempt，andgoingstraighttoitsend，asFatherTimegoestohis。Towhomitisnomatterwhatlivingwatersrunhighorlow，reflecttheheavenlylightsanddarknesses，producetheirlittlegrowthofweedsandflowers，turnhere，turnthere，arenoisyorstill，aretroubledoratrest，fortheircoursehasonesuretermination，thoughtheirsourcesanddevicesaremany。
Then，acarriageridesucceeded，nearthesolemnriver，stealingawaybynight，asallthingsstealaway，bynightandbyday，soquietlyyieldingtotheattractionoftheloadstonerockofEternity；
andthenearertheydrewtothechamberwhereEugenelay，themoretheyfearedthattheymightfindhiswanderingsdone。Atlasttheysawitsdimlightshiningout，anditgavethemhope:thoughLightwoodfalteredashethought:'Ifheweregone，shewouldstillbesittingbyhim。'
Buthelayquiet，halfinstupor，halfinsleep。Bella，enteringwitharaisedadmonitoryfinger，kissedLizziesoftly，butsaidnotaword。
Neitherdidanyofthemspeak，butallsatdownatthefootofthebed，silentlywaiting。Andnow，inthisnight-watch，minglingwiththeflowoftheriverandwiththerushofthetrain，camethequestionsintoBella'smindagain:WhatcouldbeinthedepthsofthatmysteryofJohn's?WhywasitthathehadneverbeenseenbyMrLightwood，whomhestillavoided?Whenwouldthattrialcome，throughwhichherfaithin，andherdutyto，herdearhusband，wastocarryher，renderinghimtriumphant?For，thathadbeenhisterm。Herpassingthroughthetrialwastomakethemanshelovedwithallherheart，triumphant。TermnottosinkoutofsightinBella'sbreast。
Faroninthenight，Eugeneopenedhiseyes。Hewassensible，andsaidatonce:'Howdoesthetimego?HasourMortimercomeback?'
Lightwoodwasthereimmediately，toanswerforhimself。'Yes，Eugene，andallisready。'
'Dearboy！'returnedEugenewithasmile，'weboththankyouheartily。Lizzie，tellthemhowwelcometheyare，andthatIwouldbeeloquentifIcould。'
'Thereisnoneed，'saidMrMilvey。'Weknowit。Areyoubetter，MrWrayburn?'
'Iammuchhappier，'saidEugene。
'Muchbettertoo，Ihope?'
EugeneturnedhiseyestowardsLizzie，asiftospareher，andanswerednothingThen，theyallstoodaroundthebed，andMrMilvey，openinghisbook，begantheservice；sorarelyassociatedwiththeshadowofdeath；soinseparableinthemindfromaflushoflifeandgaietyandhopeandhealthandjoy。Bellathoughthowdifferentfromherownsunnylittlewedding，andwept。MrsMilveyoverflowedwithpity，andwepttoo。Thedolls'dressmaker，withherhandsbeforeherface，weptinhergoldenbower。Readinginalowclearvoice，andbendingoverEugene，whokepthiseyesuponhim，MrMilveydidhisofficewithsuitablesimplicity。Asthebridegroomcouldnotmovehishand，theytouchedhisfingerswiththering，andsoputitonthebride。Whenthetwoplightedtheirtroth，shelaidherhandonhisandkeptitthere。Whentheceremonywasdone，andalltherestdepartedfromtheroom，shedrewherarmunderhishead，andlaidherownheaddownuponthepillowbyhisside。
'Undrawthecurtains，mydeargirl，'saidEugene，afterawhile，'andletusseeourwedding-day。'
Thesunwasrising，andhisfirstraysstruckintotheroom，asshecameback，andputherlipstohis。'Iblesstheday！'saidEugene。
'Iblesstheday！'saidLizzie。
'Youhavemadeapoormarriageofit，mysweetwife，'saidEugene。'Ashatteredgracelessfellow，stretchedathislengthhere，andnexttonothingforyouwhenyouareayoungwidow。'
'IhavemadethemarriagethatIwouldhavegivenalltheworldtodaretohopefor，'shereplied。
'Youhavethrownyourselfaway，'saidEugene，shakinghishead。
'Butyouhavefollowedthetreasureofyourheart。Myjustificationis，thatyouhadthrownthatawayfirst，deargirl！'
'No。Ihadgivenittoyou。'
'Thesamething，mypoorLizzie！'
'Hush！hush！Averydifferentthing。'
Thereweretearsinhiseyes，andshebesoughthimtoclosethem。
'No，'saidEugene，againshakinghishead；'letmelookatyou，Lizzie，whileIcan。Youbravedevotedgirl！Youheroine！'
Herowneyesfilledunderhispraises。Andwhenhemusteredstrengthtomovehiswoundedheadaverylittleway，andlayitonherbosom，thetearsofbothfell。
'Lizzie，'saidEugene，afterasilence:'whenyouseemewanderingawayfromthisrefugethatIhavesoilldeserved，speaktomebymyname，andIthinkIshallcomeback。'
'Yes，dearEugene。'
'There！'heexclaimed，smiling。'Ishouldhavegonethen，butforthat！'
Alittlewhileafterwards，whenheappearedtobesinkingintoinsensibility，shesaid，inacalmlovingvoice:'Eugene，mydearhusband！'Heimmediatelyanswered:'Thereagain！Youseehowyoucanrecallme！'Andafterwards，whenhecouldnotspeak，hestillansweredbyaslightmovementofhisheaduponherbosom。
Thesunwashighinthesky，whenshegentlydisengagedherselftogivehimthestimulantsandnourishmentherequired。Theutterhelplessnessofthewreckofhimthatlaycastashorethere，nowalarmedher，buthehimselfappearedalittlemorehopeful。
'Ah，mybelovedLizzie！'hesaid，faintly。'HowshallIeverpayallIoweyou，ifIrecover！'
'Don'tbeashamedofme，'shereplied，'andyouwillhavemorethanpaidall。'
'Itwouldrequirealife，Lizzie，topayall；morethanalife。'
'Liveforthat，then；liveforme，Eugene；livetoseehowhardIwilltrytoimprovemyself，andnevertodiscredityou。'
'Mydarlinggirl，'hereplied，rallyingmoreofhisoldmannerthanhehadeveryetgottogether。'Onthecontrary，IhavebeenthinkingwhetheritisnotthebestthingIcando，todie。'
'Thebestthingyoucando，toleavemewithabrokenheart?'
'Idon'tmeanthat，mydeargirl。Iwasnotthinkingofthat。WhatI
wasthinkingofwasthis。Outofyourcompassionforme，inthismaimedandbrokenstate，youmakesomuchofme——youthinksowellofme——youlovemesodearly。'
'HeavenknowsIloveyoudearly！'
'AndHeavenknowsIprizeit！Well。IfIlive，you'llfindmeout。'
'Ishallfindoutthatmyhusbandhasamineofpurposeandenergy，andwillturnittothebestaccount?'
'Ihopeso，dearestLizzie，'saidEugene，wistfully，andyetsomewhatwhimsically。'Ihopeso。ButIcan'tsummonthevanitytothinkso。HowcanIthinkso，lookingbackonsuchatrifilingwastedyouthasmine！Ihumblyhopeit；butIdaren'tbelieveit。
ThereisasharpmisgivinginmyconsciencethatifIweretolive，I
shoulddisappointyourgoodopinionandmyown——andthatIoughttodie，mydear！'
Chapter12
THEPASSINGSHADOW
Thewindsandtidesroseandfellacertainnumberoftimes，theearthmovedroundthesunacertainnumberoftimes，theshipupontheoceanmadehervoyagesafely，andbroughtababy-Bellahome。ThenwhosoblestandhappyasMrsJohnRokesmith，savingandexceptingMrJohnRokesmith！
'WouldyounotliketoberichNOW，mydarling?'
'Howcanyouaskmesuchaquestion，Johndear?AmInotrich?'
ThesewereamongthefirstwordsspokennearthebabyBellaasshelayasleep。Shesoonprovedtobeababyofwonderfulintelligence，evincingthestrongestobjectiontohergrandmother'ssociety，andbeinginvariablyseizedwithapainfulacidityofthestomachwhenthatdignifiedladyhonouredherwithanyattention。
ItwascharmingtoseeBellacontemplatingthisbaby，andfindingoutherowndimplesinthattinyreflection，asifshewerelookingintheglasswithoutpersonalvanity。Hercherubicfatherjustlyremarkedtoherhusbandthatthebabyseemedtomakeheryoungerthanbefore，remindinghimofthedayswhenshehadapetdollandusedtotalktoitasshecarrieditabout。Theworldmighthavebeenchallengedtoproduceanotherbabywhohadsuchastoreofpleasantnonsensesaidandsungtoit，asBellasaidandsungtothisbaby；orwhowasdressedandundressedasofteninfour-and-twentyhoursasBelladressedandundressedthisbaby；orwhowasheldbehinddoorsandpokedouttostopitsfather'swaywhenhecamehome，asthisbabywas；or，inaword，whodidhalfthenumberofbabythings，throughthelivelyinventionofagayandproudyoungmother，thatthisinexhaustiblebabydid。
Theinexhaustiblebabywastwoorthreemonthsold，whenBellabegantonoticeaclouduponherhusband'sbrow。Watchingit，shesawagatheringanddeepeninganxietythere，whichcausedhergreatdisquiet。Morethanonce，sheawokehimmutteringinhissleep；and，thoughhemutterednothingworsethanherownname，itwasplaintoherthathisrestlessnessoriginatedinsomeloadofcare。Therefore，Bellaatlengthputinherclaimtodividethisload，andhearherhalfofit。
'Youknow，Johndear，'shesaid，cheerilyrevertingtotheirformerconversation，'thatIhopeImaysafelybetrustedingreatthings。
Anditsurelycannotbealittlethingthatcausesyousomuchuneasiness。It'sveryconsiderateofyoutotrytohidefrommethatyouareuncomfortableaboutsomething，butit'squiteimpossibletobedone，Johnlove。'
'IadmitthatIamratheruneasy，myown。'
'Thenpleasetotellmewhatabout，sir。'
Butno，heevadedthat。'Nevermind！'thoughtBella，resolutely。
'Johnrequiresmetoputperfectfaithinhim，andheshallnotbedisappointed。'
ShewentuptoLondononeday，tomeethim，inorderthattheymightmakesomepurchases。Shefoundhimwaitingforheratherjourney'send，andtheywalkedawaytogetherthroughthestreets。
Hewasingayspirits，thoughstillharpingonthatnotionoftheirbeingrich；andhesaid，nowletthemmakebelievethatyonderfinecarriagewastheirs，andthatitwaswaitingtotakethemhometoafinehousetheyhad；whatwouldBella，inthatcase，bestliketofindinthehouse?Well！Belladidn'tknow:alreadyhavingeverythingshewanted，shecouldn'tsay。But，bydegreesshewasledontoconfessthatshewouldliketohavefortheinexhaustiblebabysuchanurseryasneverwasseen。Itwastobe'averyrainbowforcolours'，asshewasquitesurebabynoticedcolours；
andthestaircasewastobeadornedwiththemostexquisiteflowers，asshewasabsolutelycertainbabynoticedflowers；andtherewastobeanaviarysomewhere，oftheloveliestlittlebirds，astherewasnotthesmallestdoubtintheworldthatbabynoticedbirds。Wastherenothingelse?No，Johndear。Thepredilectionsoftheinexhaustiblebabybeingprovidedfor，Bellacouldthinkofnothingelse。
Theywerechattingoninthisway，andJohnhadsuggested，'Nojewelsforyourownwear，forinstance?'andBellahadrepliedlaughing。O！ifhecametothat，yes，theremightbeabeautifulivorycaseofjewelsonherdressing-table；whenthesepictureswereinamomentdarkenedandblottedout。
Theyturnedacorner，andmetMrLightwood。
HestoppedasifhewerepetrifiedbythesightofBella'shusband，whointhesamemomenthadchangedcolour。
'MrLightwoodandIhavemetbefore，'hesaid。
'Metbefore，John?'Bellarepeatedinatoneofwonder。'MrLightwoodtoldmehehadneverseenyou。'
'IdidnotthenknowthatIhad，'saidLightwood，discomposedonheraccount。IbelievedthatIhadonlyheardof——MrRokesmith。'
Withanemphasisonthename。
'WhenMrLightwoodsawme，mylove，'observedherhusband，notavoidinghiseye，butlookingathim，'mynamewasJuliusHandford。'
JuliusHandford！ThenamethatBellahadsooftenseeninoldnewspapers，whenshewasaninmateofMrBoffin'shouse！JuliusHandford，whohadbeenpubliclyentreatedtoappear，andforintelligenceofwhomarewardhadbeenpubliclyoffered！
'Iwouldhaveavoidedmentioningitinyourpresence，'saidLightwoodtoBella，delicately；'butsinceyourhusbandmentionsithimself，Imustconfirmhisstrangeadmission。IsawhimasMrJuliusHandford，andIafterwardsunquestionablytohisknowledgetookgreatpainstotracehimout。'
'Quitetrue。Butitwasnotmyobjectormyinterest，'saidRokesmith，quietly，'tobetracedout。'
Bellalookedfromtheonetotheother，inamazement。
'MrLightwood，'pursuedherhusband，'aschancehasbroughtusfacetofaceatlast——whichisnottobewonderedat，forthewonderis，that，inspiteofallmypainstothecontrary，chancehasnotconfrontedustogethersooner——Ihaveonlytoremindyouthatyouhavebeenatmyhouse，andtoaddthatIhavenotchangedmyresidence。'
'Sir'returnedLightwood，withameaningglancetowardsBella，'mypositionisatrulypainfulone。Ihopethatnocomplicityinaverydarktransactionmayattachtoyou，butyoucannotfailtoknowthatyourownextraordinaryconducthaslaidyouundersuspicion。'
'Iknowithas，'wasallthereply。
'Myprofessionalduty，'saidLightwoodhesitating，withanotherglancetowardsBella，'isgreatlyatvariancewithmypersonalinclination；butIdoubt，MrHandford，orMrRokesmith，whetherI
amjustifiedintakingleaveofyouhere，withyourwholecourseunexplained。'
Bellacaughtherhusbandbythehand。
'Don'tbealarmed，mydarling。MrLightwoodwillfindthatheisquitejustifiedintakingleaveofmehere。Atallevents，'addedRokesmith，'hewillfindthatImeantotakeleaveofhimhere。'
'Ithink，sir，'saidLightwood，'youcanscarcelydenythatwhenI
cametoyourhouseontheoccasiontowhichyouhavereferred，youavoidedmeofasetpurpose。'
'MrLightwood，IassureyouIhavenodispositiontodenyit，orintentiontodenyit。Ishouldhavecontinuedtoavoidyou，inpursuanceofthesamesetpurpose，forashorttimelonger，ifwehadnotmetnow。Iamgoingstraighthome，andshallremainathometo-morrowuntilnoon。Hereafter，Ihopewemaybebetteracquainted。Good-day。'
Lightwoodstoodirresolute，butBella'shusbandpassedhiminthesteadiestmanner，withBellaonhisarm；andtheywenthomewithoutencounteringanyfurtherremonstranceormolestationfromanyone。
Whentheyhaddinedandwerealone，JohnRokesmithsaidtohiswife，whohadpreservedhercheerfulness:'Andyoudon'taskme，mydear，whyIborethatname?'
'No，Johnlove。Ishoulddearlyliketoknow，ofcourse；'whichheranxiousfaceconfirmed；'butIwaituntilyoucantellmeofyourownfreewill。YouaskedmeifIcouldhaveperfectfaithinyou，andIsaidyes，andImeantit。'
ItdidnotescapeBella'snoticethathebegantolooktriumphant。
Shewantednostrengtheninginherfirmness；butifshehadhadneedofany，shewouldhavederiveditfromhiskindlingface。
'Youcannothavebeenprepared，mydearest，forsuchadiscoveryasthatthismysteriousMrHandfordwasidenticalwithyourhusband?'
'No，Johndear，ofcoursenot。Butyoutoldmetopreparetobetried，andIpreparedmyself。'
Hedrewhertonestleclosertohim，andtoldheritwouldsoonbeover，andthetruthwouldsoonappear。'Andnow，'hewenton，'laystress，mydear，onthesewordsthatIamgoingtoadd。Istandinnokindofperil，andIcanbypossibilitybehurtatnoone'shand。'
'Youarequite，quitesureofthat，Johndear?'
'Notahairofmyhead！Moreover，Ihavedonenowrong，andhaveinjurednoman。ShallIswearit?'
'No，John！'criedBella，layingherhanduponhislips，withaproudlook。'Nevertome！'
'Butcircumstances，'hewenton'——Ican，andIwill，dispersetheminamoment——havesurroundedmewithoneofthestrangestsuspicionseverknown。YouheardMrLightwoodspeakofadarktransaction?'
'Yes，John。'
'Youarepreparedtohearexplicitlywhathemeant?'
'Yes，John。'
'Mylife，hemeantthemurderofJohnHarmon，yourallottedhusband。'
Withafastpalpitatingheart，Bellagraspedhimbythearm。'Youcannotbesuspected，John?'
'Dearlove，Icanbe——forIam！'
Therewassilencebetweenthem，asshesatlookinginhisface，withthecolourquitegonefromherownfaceandlips。'Howdarethey！'shecriedatlength，inaburstofgenerousindignation。'Mybelovedhusband，howdarethey！'
Hecaughtherinhisarmsassheopenedhers，andheldhertohisheart。'Evenknowingthis，youcantrustme，Bella?'
'Icantrustyou，Johndear，withallmysoul。IfIcouldnottrustyou，Ishouldfalldeadatyourfeet。'
Thekindlingtriumphinhisfacewasbrightindeed，ashelookedupandrapturouslyexclaimed，whathadhedonetodeservetheblessingofthisdearconfidingcreature'sheart！Againsheputherhanduponhislips，saying，'Hush！'andthentoldhim，inherownlittlenaturalpatheticway，thatifalltheworldwereagainsthim，shewouldbeforhim；thatifalltheworldrepudiatedhim，shewouldbelievehim；thatifhewereinfamousinothereyes，hewouldbehonouredinhers；andthat，undertheworstunmeritedsuspicion，shecoulddevoteherlifetoconsolinghim，andimpartingherownfaithinhimtotheirlittlechild。
Atwilightcalmofhappinessthensucceedingtotheirradiantnoon，theyremainedatpeace，untilastrangevoiceintheroomstartledthemboth。Theroombeingbythattimedark，thevoicesaid，'Don'tlettheladybealarmedbymystrikingalight，'andimmediatelyamatchrattled，andglimmeredinahand。ThehandandthematchandthevoicewerethenseenbyJohnRokesmithtobelongtoMrInspector，oncemeditativelyactiveinthischronicle。
'Itaketheliberty，'saidMrInspector，inabusiness-likemanner，'tobringmyselftotherecollectionofMrJuliusHandford，whogavemehisnameandaddressdownatourplaceaconsiderabletimeago。Wouldtheladyobjecttomylightingthepairofcandlesonthechimneypiece，tothrowafurtherlightuponthesubject?No?
Thankyou，ma'am。Now，welookcheerful。'
MrInspector，inadark-bluebuttoned-upfrockcoatandpantaloons，presentedaserviceable，half-pay，RoyalArmskindofappearance，asheappliedhispockethandkerchieftohisnoseandbowedtothelady。
'Youfavouredme，MrHandford，'saidMrInspector，'bywritingdownyournameandaddress，andIproducethepieceofpaperonwhichyouwroteit。Comparingthesamewiththewritingonthefly-leafofthisbookonthetable——andasweetprettyvolumeitis——I
findthewritingoftheentry，'MrsJohnRokesmith。Fromherhusbandonherbirthday“——andverygratifyingtothefeelingssuchmemorialsare——tocorrespondexactly。CanIhaveawordwithyou?'
'Certainly。Here，ifyouplease，'wasthereply。
'Why，'retortedMrInspector，againusinghispockethandkerchief，'thoughthere'snothingfortheladytobeatallalarmedat，still，ladiesareapttotakealarmatmattersofbusiness——beingofthatfragilesexthatthey'renotaccustomedtothemwhennotofastrictlydomesticcharacter——andIdogenerallymakeitaruletoproposeretirementfromthepresenceofladies，beforeenteringuponbusinesstopics。Orperhaps，'MrInspectorhinted，'iftheladywastostepup-stairs，andtakealookatbabynow！'
'MrsRokesmith，'——herhusbandwasbeginning；whenMrInspector，regardingthewordsasanintroduction，said，'HappyIamsure，tohavethehonour。'Andbowed，withgallantry。
'MrsRokesmith，'resumedherhusband，'issatisfiedthatshecanhavenoreasonforbeingalarmed，whateverthebusinessis。'
'Really?Isthatso?'saidMrInspector。'Butit'sasextoliveandlearnfrom，andthere'snothingaladycan'taccomplishwhensheoncefullygiveshermindtoit。It'sthecasewithmyownwife。
Well，ma'am，thisgoodgentlemanofyourshasgivenrisetoaratherlargeamountoftroublewhichmighthavebeenavoidedifhehadcomeforwardandexplainedhimself。Wellyousee！HeDIDN'Tcomeforwardandexplainhimself。Consequently，nowthatwemeet，himandme，you'llsay——andsayright——thatthere'snothingtobealarmedat，inmyproposingtohimTOcomeforward——or，puttingthesamemeaninginanotherform，tocomealongwithme——andexplainhimself。'
WhenMrInspectorputitinthatotherform，'tocomealongwithme，'therewasarelishingrollinhisvoice，andhiseyebeamedwithanofficiallustre。
'Doyouproposetotakemeintocustody?'inquiredJohnRokesmith，verycoolly。
'Whyargue?'returnedMrInspectorinacomfortablesortofremonstrance；'ain'titenoughthatIproposethatyoushallcomealongwithme?'
'Forwhatreason?'
Lordblessmysoulandbody！'returnedMrInspector，'Iwonderatitinamanofyoureducation。Whyargue?'
'Whatdoyouchargeagainstme?'
'Iwonderatyoubeforealady，'saidMrInspector，shakinghisheadreproachfully:'Iwonder，broughtupasyouhavebeen，youhaven'tamoredelicatemind！Ichargeyou，then，withbeingsomewayconcernedintheHarmonMurder。Idon'tsaywhetherbefore，orin，orafter，thefact。Idon'tsaywhetherwithhavingsomeknowledgeofitthathasn'tcomeout。'
'Youdon'tsurpriseme。Iforesawyourvisitthisafternoon。'
'Don't！'saidMrInspector。'Why，whyargue?It'smydutytoinformyouthatwhateveryousay，willbeusedagainstyou。'
'Idon'tthinkitwill。'
'ButItellyouitwill，'saidMrInspector。'Now，havingreceivedthecaution，doyoustillsaythatyouforesawmyvisitthisafternoon?'
'Yes。AndIwillsaysomethingmore，ifyouwillstepwithmeintothenextroom。'
WithareassuringkissonthelipsofthefrightenedBella，herhusbandtowhomMrInspectorobliginglyofferedhisarm，tookupacandle，andwithdrewwiththatgentleman。Theywereafullhalf-hourinconference。Whentheyreturned，MrInspectorlookedconsiderablyastonished。
'Ihaveinvitedthisworthyofficer，mydear，'saidJohn，'tomakeashortexcursionwithmeinwhichyoushallbeasharer。Hewilltakesomethingtoeatanddrink，Idaresay，onyourinvitation，whileyouaregettingyourbonneton。'
MrInspectordeclinedeating，butassentedtotheproposalofaglassofbrandyandwater。Mixingthiscold，andpensivelyconsumingit，hebrokeatintervalsintosuchsoliloquiesasthatheneverdidknowsuchamove，thatheneverhadbeensogravelled，andthatwhatagamewasthistotrythesortofstuffaman'sopinionofhimselfwasmadeof！Concurrentlywiththesecomments，hemorethanonceburstoutalaughing，withthehalf-
enjoyingandhalf-piquedairofaman，whohadgivenupagoodconundrum，aftermuchguessing，andbeentoldtheanswer。Bellawassotimidofhim，thatshenotedthesethingsinahalf-
shrinking，half-perceptiveway，andsimilarlynotedthattherewasagreatchangeinhismannertowardsJohn。Thatcoming-along-
with-himdeportmentwasnowlostinlongmusinglooksatJohnandatherselfandsometimesinslowheavyrubsofhishandacrosshisforehead，asifhewereironingcutthecreaseswhichhisdeepponderingmadethere。Hehadhadsomecoughingandwhistlingsatellitessecretlygravitatingtowardshimaboutthepremises，buttheywerenowdismissed，andheeyedJohnasifhehadmeanttodohimapublicservice，buthadunfortunatelybeenanticipated。WhetherBellamighthavenotedanythingmore，ifshehadbeenlessafraidofhim，shecouldnotdetermine；butitwasallinexplicabletoher，andnotthefaintestflashoftherealstateofthecasebrokeinuponhermind。MrInspector'sincreasednoticeofherselfandknowingwayofraisinghiseyebrowswhentheireyesbyanychancemet，asifheputthequestion'Don'tyousee?'
augmentedhertimidity，and，consequently，herperplexity。Forallthesereasons，whenheandsheandJohn，attowardsnineo'clockofawintereveningwenttoLondon，andbegandrivingfromLondonBridge，amonglow-lyingwater-sidewharvesanddocksandstrangeplaces，Bellawasinthestateofadreamer；perfectlyunabletoaccountforherbeingthere，perfectlyunabletoforecastwhatwouldhappennext，orwhithershewasgoing，orwhy；certainofnothingintheimmediatepresent，butthatsheconfidedinJohn，andthatJohnseemedsomehowtobegettingmoretriumphant。
Butwhatacertaintywasthat！
Theyalightedatlastatthecornerofacourt，wheretherewasabuildingwithabrightlampandwicketgate。Itsorderlyappearancewasveryunlikethatofthesurroundingneighbourhood，andwasexplainedbytheinscriptionPOLICESTATION。
'Wearenotgoinginhere，John?'saidBella，clingingtohim。
'Yes，mydear；butofourownaccord。Weshallcomeoutagainaseasily，neverfear。'
Thewhitewashedroomwaspurewhiteasofold，themethodicalbook-keepingwasinpeacefulprogressasofold，andsomedistanthowlerwasbangingagainstacelldoorasofold。Thesanctuarywasnotapermanentabiding-place，butakindofcriminalPickford's。Thelowerpassionsandviceswereregularlytickedoffinthebooks，warehousedinthecells，cartedawayasperaccompanyinginvoice，andleftlittlemarkuponit。
MrInspectorplacedtwochairsforhisvisitors，beforethefire，andcommunedinalowvoicewithabrotherofhisorderalsoofahalf-pay，andRoyalArmsaspect，who，judgedonlybyhisoccupationatthemoment，mighthavebeenawriting-master，settingcopies。Theirconferencedone，MrInspectorreturnedtothefireplace，and，havingobservedthathewouldsteproundtotheFellowshipsandseehowmattersstood，wentout。Hesooncamebackagain，saying，'Nothingcouldbebetter，forthey'reatsupperwithMissAbbeyinthebar；'andthentheyallthreewentouttogether。
Still，asinadream，Bellafoundherselfenteringasnugold-
fashionedpublic-house，andfoundherselfsmuggledintoalittlethree-corneredroomnearlyoppositethebarofthatestablishment。
MrInspectorachievedthesmugglingofherselfandJohnintothisqueerroom，calledCosyinaninscriptiononthedoor，byenteringinthenarrowpassagefirstinorder，andsuddenlyturningrounduponthemwithextendedarms，asiftheyhadbeentwosheep。Theroomwaslightedfortheirreception。
'Now，'saidMrInspectortoJohn，turningthegaslower；'I'llmixwith'eminacasualway，andwhenIsayIdentification，perhapsyou'llshowyourself。'
Johnnodded，andMrInspectorwentalonetothehalf-doorofthebar。FromthedimdoorwayofCosy，withinwhichBellaandherhusbandstood，theycouldseeacomfortablelittlepartyofthreepersonssittingatsupperinthebar，andcouldheareverythingthatwassaid。
ThethreepersonswereMissAbbeyandtwomaleguests。Towhomcollectively，MrInspectorremarkedthattheweatherwasgettingsharpforthetimeofyear。
'Itneedbesharptosuityourwits，sir，'saidMissAbbey。'Whathaveyougotinhandnow?'
'Thankingyouforyourcompliment:notmuch，MissAbbey，'wasMrInspector'srejoinder。
'WhohaveyougotinCosy?'askedMissAbbey。
'Onlyagentlemanandhiswife，Miss。'
'Andwhoarethey?Ifonemayaskitwithoutdetrimenttoyourdeepplansintheinterestsofthehonestpublic?'saidMissAbbey，proudofMrInspectorasanadministrativegenius。
'Theyarestrangersinthispartofthetown，MissAbbey。TheyarewaitingtillIshallwantthegentlemantoshowhimselfsomewhere，forhalfamoment。'
'Whilethey'rewaiting，'saidMissAbbey，'couldn'tyoujoinus?'
MrInspectorimmediatelyslippedintothebar，andsatdownatthesideofthehalf-door，withhisbacktowardsthepassage，anddirectlyfacingthetwoguests。'Idon'ttakemysuppertilllaterinthenight，'saidhe，'andthereforeIwon'tdisturbthecompactnessofthetable。ButI'lltakeaglassofflip，ifthat'sflipinthejuginthefender。'
'That'sflip，'repliedMissAbbey，'andit'smymaking，andifevenyoucanfindoutbetter，Ishallbegladtoknowwhere。'Fillinghim，withhospitablehands，asteamingtumbler，MissAbbeyreplacedthejugbythefire；thecompanynothavingyetarrivedattheflip-stageoftheirsupper，butbeingasyetskirmishingwithstrongale。
'Ah——h！'criedMrInspector。'That'sthesmack！There'snotaDetectiveintheForce，MissAbbey，thatcouldfindoutbetterstuffthanthat。'
'Gladtohearyousayso，'rejoinedMissAbbey。'Yououghttoknow，ifanybodydoes。'
'MrJobPotterson，'MrInspectorcontinued，'Idrinkyourhealth。
MrJacobKibble，Idrinkyours。Hopeyouhavemadeaprosperousvoyagehome，gentlemenboth。'
MrKibble，anunctuousbroadmanoffewwordsandmanymouthfuls，said，morebrieflythanpointedly，raisinghisaletohislips:'Sametoyou。'MrJobPotterson，asemi-seafaringmanofobligingdemeanour，said，'Thankyou，sir。'
'Lordblessmysoulandbody！'criedMrInspector。'Talkoftrades，MissAbbey，andthewaytheysettheirmarksonmen'asubjectwhichnobodyhadapproached；'whowouldn'tknowyourbrothertobeaSteward！There'sabrightandreadytwinkleinhiseye，there'saneatnessinhisaction，there'sasmartnessinhisfigure，there'sanairofreliabilityabouthimincaseyouwantedabasin，whichpointsoutthesteward！AndMrKibble；ain'thePassenger，allover?Whilethere'sthatmercantilecutuponhimwhichwouldmakeyouhappytogivehimcreditforfivehundredpound，don'tyouseethesaltseashiningonhimtoo?'
'YOUdo，Idaresay，'returnedMissAbbey，'butIdon't。Andasforstewarding，Ithinkit'stimemybrothergavethatup，andtookhisHouseinhandonhissister'sretiring。TheHousewillgotopiecesifhedon't。Iwouldn'tsellitforanymoneythatcouldbetoldout，toapersonthatIcouldn'tdependupontobeaLawtothePorters，asIhavebeen。'
'Thereyou'reright，Miss，'saidMrInspector。'Abetterkepthouseisnotknowntoourmen。WhatdoIsay?Halfsowellakepthouseisnotknowntoourmen。ShowtheForcetheSixJollyFellowshipPorters，andtheForce——toaconstable——willshowyouapieceofperfection，MrKibble。'
Thatgentleman，withaveryseriousshakeofhishead，subscribedthearticle。
'AndtalkofTimeslippingbyyou，asifitwasananimalatrusticsportswithitstailsoaped，'saidMrInspectoragain，asubjectwhichnobodyhadapproached；'why，wellyoumay。Wellyoumay。Howhasitslippedbyus，sincethetimewhenMrJobPottersonherepresent，MrJacobKibbleherepresent，andanOfficeroftheForceherepresent，firstcametogetheronamatterofIdentification！'
Bella'shusbandsteppedsoftlytothehalf-doorofthebar，andstoodthere。
'HowhasTimeslippedbyus，'MrInspectorwentonslowly，withhiseyesnarrowlyobservantofthetwoguests，'sincewethreeverymen，atanInquestinthisveryhouse——MrKibble?Takenill，sir?'