Buttheveryintensityofhispurposebecamealmostasubstituteforactioninit。Whilehewasyetuninformedofthetraitor'sretreat，itservedtodiverthismindfromhisowncalamity，andtoentertainitwithanotherprospect。Thebrotherandsisterofhisfalsefavouritehadnosuchrelief；everythingintheirhistory，pastandpresent，gavehisdelinquencyamoreafflictingmeaningtothem。
　　Thesistermayhavesometimessadlythoughtthatifshehadremainedwithhim，thecompanionandfriendshehadbeenonce，hemighthaveescapedthecrimeintowhichhehadfallen。Ifsheeverthoughtso，itwasstillwithoutregretforwhatshehaddone，withouttheleastdoubtofherduty，withoutanypricingandenhancingofherself-devotion。Butwhenthispossibilitypresenteditselftotheerringandrepentantbrother，asitsometimesdid，itsmoteuponhisheartwithsuchakeen，reproachfultouchashecouldhardlybear。Noideaofretortuponhiscruelbrothercameintohismind。
　　Newaccusationofhimself，freshinwardlamentingsoverhisownunworthiness，andtheruininwhichitwasatoncehisconsolationandhisself-reproachthathedidnotstandalone，werethesolekindofreflectionstowhichthediscoverygaveriseinhim。
　　Itwasontheverysamedaywhoseeveningsetuponthelastchapter，andwhenMr。Dombey'sworldwasbusiestwiththeelopementofhiswife，thatthewindowoftheroominwhichthebrotherandsistersatattheirearlybreakfast，wasdarkenedbytheunexpectedshadowofamancomingtothelittleporch：whichmanwasPerchtheMessenger。
　　`I'vesteppedoverfromBallsPondataearlyhour，'saidMr。
　　Perch，confidentiallylookinginattheroomdoor，andstoppingonthemattowipehisshoesallround，whichhadnomuduponthem，`agreeabletomyinstructionslastnight。Theywas，tobesureandbringanotetoyou，Mr。Carker，beforeyouwentoutinthemorning。Ishouldhavebeenhereagoodhourandahalfago，'saidMr。Perch，meekly，`butforthestateofhealthMrs。P。，whoIthoughtIshouldhavelostinthenight，Idoassureyou，fivedistincttimes。'
　　`Isyourwifesoill？'askedHarriet。
　　`Why，yousee，'saidMr。Perch，firstturningroundtoshutthedoorcarefully，`shetakeswhathashappenedinourHousesomuchtoheart，Miss。Hernervesissoverydelicate，yousee，andsoonunstrung。Notbutwhatthestrongestnerveshadgoodneedtobeshook，I'msure。Youfeelitverymuchyourself，nodoubts。'
　　Harrietrepressedasigh，andglancedatherbrother。
　　`I'msureIfeelitmyself，inmyhumbleway，'Mr。Perchwentontosay，withashakeofhishead，`inamannerIcouldn'thavebelievedifIhadn'tbeencalledupontoundergo。Ithasalmosttheeffectofdrinkuponme。IliterallyfeelseverymorningasifIhadbeentakingmorethanwasgoodformeover-night。'
　　Mr。Perch'sappearancecorroboratedthisrecitalofhissymptoms。
　　Therewasanairoffeverishlassitudeaboutit，thatseemedreferabletodrams；and，which，infact，mightnodoubthavebeentracedtothosenumerousdiscoveriesofhimselfinthebarsofpublic-houses，beingtreatedandquestioned，whichhewasinthedailyhabitofmaking。
　　`ThereforeIcanjudge，'saidMr。Perch，shakinghisheadagain，andspeakinginasilverymurmur，`ofthefeelingsofsuchasisatallpeculiarlysitiwatedinthismostpainfulrewelation。'
　　HereMr。Perchwaitedtobeconfidedin；andreceivingnoconfidence，coughedbehindhishand。Thisleadingtonothing，hecoughedbehindhishat；andthatleadingtonothing，heputhishatonthegroundandsoughtinhisbreastpocketfortheletter。
　　`IfIrightlyrecollect，therewasnoanswer，'saidMr。Perch，withanaffablesmile；`butperhapsyou'llbesogoodascastyoureyeoverit，Sir。'
　　JohnCarkerbroketheseal，whichwasMr。Dombey's，andpossessinghimselfofthecontents，whichwereverybrief，replied，`No。Noanswerisexpected。'
　　`ThenIshallwishyougoodmorning，Miss，'saidPerch，takingasteptowardthedoor，`andhoping，I'msure，thatyou'llnotpermityourselftobemorereducedinmindthanyoucanhelp，bythelatepainfulrewelation。
　　ThePapers，'saidMr。Perch，takingtwostepsbackagain，andcomprehensivelyaddressingboththebrotherandsisterinawhisperofincreasedmystery，`ismoreeagerfornewsofitthanyou'dsupposepossible。OneoftheSundayones，inabluecloakandawhitehat，thathadpreviouslyofferedfortobribeme——needIsaywithwhatsuccess？——wasdodgingaboutourcourtlastnightaslateastwentyminutesaftereighto'clock。Iseehimmyself，withhiseyeatthecounting-housekeyhole，whichbeingpatentisimpervious。
　　Anotherone，'saidMr。Perch，`withmilintaryfrogs，isintheparlouroftheKing'sArmsalltheblessedday。Ihappened，lastweek，toletalittleobserwationfallthere，andnextmorning，whichwasSunday，Iseeitworkedupinprint，inamostsurprisingmanner。'
　　Mr。Perchresortedtohisbreastpocket，asiftoproducetheparagraph，butreceivingnoencouragement，pulledouthisbeavergloves，pickeduphishat，andtookhisleave；andbeforeitwashighnoon，Mr。
　　PerchhadrelatedtoseveralselectaudiencesattheKing'sArmsandelsewhere，howMissCarker，burstingintotears，hadcaughthimbybothhands，andsaid，`Oh！deardearPerch，thesightofyouisallthecomfortIhave'left！'andhowMr。JohnCarkerandsaid，inanawfulvoice，`Perch，I
　　disownhim。Neverletmehearhimmentionedasabrothermore！'
　　`DearJohn，'saidHarriet，whentheywereleftalone，andhadremainedsilentforsomefewmoments。`Therearebadtidingsinthatletter。'
　　`Yes。Butnothingunexpected，'hereplied。`Isawthewriteryesterday。'
　　`Thewriter？'
　　`Mr。Dombey。Hepassedtwicethroughthecounting-housewhileIwasthere。Ihadbeenabletoavoidhimbefore，butofcoursecouldnothopetodothatlong。Iknowhownaturalitwasthatheshouldregardmypresenceassomethingoffensive；Ifeltitmustbeso，myself。'
　　`Hedidnotsayso？'
　　`No；hesaidnothing：butIsawthathisglancerestedonmeforamoment，andIwaspreparedforwhatwouldhappen——forwhathashappened。Iamdismissed！'
　　Shelookedaslittleshockedandashopefulasshecould，butitwasdistressingnews，formanyreasons。
　　`“Ineednottellyou，“'saidJohnCarker，readingtheletter，`“whyyournamewouldhenceforthhaveanunnaturalsound，inhoweverremoteaconnexionwithmine，orwhythedailysightofanyonewhobearsit，wouldbeunendurabletome。Ihavetonotifythecessationofallengagementsbetweenus，fromthisdate，andtorequestthatnorenewalofanycommunicationwithme，ormyestablishment，beeverattemptedbyyou。“——Enclosedisanequivalentinmoneytoagenerouslylongnotice，andthisismydischarge。
　　Heavenknows，Harriet，itisalenientandconsiderateone，whenwerememberall！'
　　`Ifitbelenientandconsideratetopunishyouatall，John，forthemisdeedofanother，'sherepliedgently，`yes'。
　　`Wehavebeenanill-omenedracetohim，'saidJohnCarker。`Hehasreasontoshrinkfromthesoundofourname，andtothinkthatthereissomethingcursedandwickedinourblood。Ishouldalmostthinkittoo，Harriet，butforyou。'
　　`Brother，don'tspeaklikethis。Ifyouhaveanyspecialreason，asyousayyouhave，andthinkyouhave——thoughIsay，No！——toloveme，sparemethehearingofsuchwildmadwords！'
　　Hecoveredhisfacewithbothhishands；butsoonpermittedher，comingnearhim，totakeoneinherown。
　　`Aftersomanyyears，thispartingisamelancholything，Iknow，'
　　saidhissister，`andthecauseofitisdreadfultousboth。Wehavetolive，too，andmustlookaboutusforthemeans。Well，well！Wecandoso，undismayed。Itisourpride，notourtrouble，tostrive，John，andtostrivetogether！'
　　Asmileplayedonherlips，asshekissedhischeek，andentreatedhimtobeofgoodcheer。
　　`Oh，dearestsister！Tied，ofyourownnoblewill，toaruinedman！whosereputationisblighted；whohasnofriendhimself，andhasdriveneveryfriendofyoursaway！'
　　`John！'shelaidherhandhastilyuponhislips，`formysake！Inremembranceofourlongcompanionship！'Hewassilent。`Nowletmetellyou，dear，'quietlysittingbyhisside，`Ihave，asyouhave，expectedthis；andwhenIhavebeenthinkingofit，andfearingthatitwouldhappen，andpreparingmyselfforit，aswellasIcould，Ihaveresolvedtotellyou，ifitshouldbeso，thatIhavekeptasecretfromyou，andthatwehaveafriend。'
　　`What'sourfriend'sname，Harriet？'heansweredwithasorrowfulsmile。
　　`Indeed，Idon'tknow，butheoncemadeaveryearnestprotestationtomeofhisfriendshipandhiswishtoserveus：andtothisdayIbelievehim。'
　　`Harriet！'exclaimedherwonderingbrother，`wheredoesthisfriendlive？'
　　`NeitherdoIknowthat，'shereturned。`Butheknowsusboth，andourhistory——allourlittlehistory，John。Thatisthereasonwhy，athisownsuggestion，Ihavekeptthesecretofhiscominghere，fromyou，lesthisacquaintancewithitshoulddistressyou。'
　　`Here！Hashebeenhere，Harriet？'
　　`Here，inthisroom。Once。'
　　`Whatkindofman？'
　　`Notyoung。“Grey-headed，“ashesaid，“andfastgrowinggreyer。“
　　Butgenerous，andfrank，andgood，Iamsure。'
　　`Andonlyseenonce，Harriet？'
　　`Inthisroomonlyonce，'saidhissister，withtheslightestandmosttransientglowuponhercheek；`butwhenhere，heentreatedmetosufferhimtoseemeonceaweekashepassedby，intokenofourbeingwell，andcontinuingtoneednothingathishands。ForItoldhim，whenheprofferedusanyservicehecouldrender——whichwastheobjectofhisvisit——thatweneedednothing。'
　　`Andonceaweek'
　　`Onceeveryweeksincethen，andalwaysonthesameday，andatthesamehour，hehasgonepast；alwaysonfoot；alwaysgoinginthesamedirection——towardsLondon；andneverpausinglongerthantobowtome，andwavehishandcheerfully，asakindguardianmight。Hemadethatpromisewhenheproposedthesecuriousinterviews，andhaskeptitsofaithfullyandpleasantly，thatifIeverfeltanytriflinguneasinessabouttheminthebeginningwhichIdon'tthinkIdid，John；hismannerwassoplainandtrueitverysoonvanished，andleftmequitegladwhenthedaywascoming。LastMonday——thefirstsincethisterribleevent——hedidnotgoby；andIhavewonderedwhetherhisabsencecanhavebeeninanywayconnectedwithwhathashappened。'
　　`How？'inquiredherbrother。
　　`Idon'tknowhow。Ihaveonlyspeculatedonthecoincidence；
　　Ihavenottriedtoaccountforit。Ifeelsurehewillreturn。Whenhedoes，dearJohn，letmetellhimthatIhaveatlastspokentoyou，andletmebringyoutogether。Hewillcertainlyhelpustoanewlivelihood。
　　Hisentreatywasthathemightdosomethingtosmoothmylifeandyours；
　　andIgavehimmypromisethatifweeverwantedafriend，Iwouldrememberhim。Thenhisnamewastobenosecret。'
　　`Harriet，'saidherbrother，whohadlistenedwithcloseattention，`describehisgentlemantome。Isurelyoughttoknowonewhoknowsmesowell。'
　　Hissisterpainted，asvividlyasshecould，thefeatures，stature，anddressofhervisitor；butJohnCarker，eitherfromhavingnoknowledgeoftheoriginal，orfromsomefaultinherdescription，orfromsomeabstractionofhisthoughtsashewalkedtoandfro，pondering，couldnotrecognisetheportraitshepresentedtohim。
　　However，itwasagreedbetweenthemthatheshouldseetheoriginalwhenhenextappeared。Thisconcluded，thesisterappliedherself，withalessanxiousbreast，toherdomesticoccupations；andthegrey-hairedman，lateJuniorofDombey's，devotedthefirstdayofhisunwontedlibertytoworkinginthegarden。
　　Itwasquitelateatnight，andthebrotherwasreadingaloudwhilethesisterpliedherneedle，whentheywereinterruptedbyaknockingatthedoor。Intheatmosphereofvagueanxietyanddreadthatloweredabouttheminconnexionwiththeirfugitivebrother，thissound，unusualthere，becamealmostalarming。Thebrothergoingtothedoor，thesistersatandlistenedtimidly。Someonespoketohim，andherepliedandseemedsurprised；andafterafewwords，thetwoapproachedtogether。
　　`Harriet，'saidherbrother，lightingintheirlatevisitor，andspeakinginalowvoice，`Mr。Morfin——thegentlemansolonginDombey'sHousewithJames。'
　　Hissisterstartedback，asifaghosthadentered。Inthedoorwaystoodtheunknownfriend，withthedarkhairsprinkledwithgrey，theruddyface，thebroadclearbrow，andhazeleyes，whosesecretshehadkeptsolong！
　　`John！'shesaid，half-breathless。`ItisthegentlemanItoldyouof，to-day！'
　　`Thegentleman，MissHarriet，'saidthevisitor，comingin——forhehadstoppedamomentinthedoorway——`isgreatlyrelievedtohearyousaythat：hehasbeendevisingwaysandmeans，allthewayhere，ofexplaininghimself，andhasbeensatisfiedwithnone。Mr。John，Iamnotquiteastrangerhere。Youwerestrickenwithastonishmentwhenyousawmeatyourdoorjustnow。Iobserveyouaremoreastonishedatpresent。Well！That'sreasonableenoughunderexistingcircumstances。Ifwewerenotsuchcreaturesofhabitasweare，weshouldn'thavereasontobeastonishedhalfsooften。'
　　Bythistime，hehadgreetedHarrietwiththatagreeableminglingofcordialityandrespectwhichsherecollectedsowell，andhadsatdownnearher，pulledoffhisgloves，andthrownthemintohishatuponthetable。
　　`There'snothingastonishing，'hesaid，`inmyhavingconceivedadesiretoseeyoursister，Mr。John，orinmyhavinggratifieditinmyownway。Astotheregularityofmyvisitssincewhichshemayhavementionedtoyou，thereisnothingextraordinaryinthat。Theysoongrewintoahabit；andwearecreaturesofhabit——creaturesofhabit！'
　　Puttinghishandsintohispockets，andleaningbackinhischair，helookedatthebrotherandsisterasifitwereinterestingtohimtoseethemtogether；andwentontosay，withakingofirritablethoughtfulness：
　　`It'sthissamehabitthatconfirmssomeofus，whoarecapableofbetterthings，inLucifer'sownprideandstubbornness——thatconfirmsanddeepensothersofusinvillany——moreofusinindifference——thathardensusfromdaytoday，accordingtothetemperofourclay，likeimages，andleavesusassusceptibleasimagestonewimpressionsandconvictions。Youshalljudgeofitsinfluenceonme，John。FormoreyearsthanIneedname，I
　　hadmysmall，andexactlydefinedshare，inthemanagementofDombey'sHouse，andsawyourbrotherwhohasprovedhimselfascoundrel！Yoursisterwillforgivemybeingobligedtomentionitextendingandextendinghisinfluence，untilthebusinessanditsownerwerehisfootball；andsawyoutoilingatyourobscuredeskeveryday；andwasquitecontenttobeaslittletroubledasImightbe，outofmyownstripofduty，andtoleteverythingaboutmegoon，daybyday，unquestioned，likeagreatmachine——thatwasitshabitandmine——andtotakeitallforgranted，andconsideritallright。MyWednesdaynightscameregularlyround，ourquartettepartiescameregularlyoff，myvioloncellowasingoodtune，andtherewasnothingwronginmyworld——orifanythingnotmuch——orlittleormuch，itwasnoaffairofmine。'
　　`IcananswerforyourbeingmorerespectedandbelovedduringallthattimethananybodyintheHouse，Sir，'saidJohnCarker。
　　`Pooh！Good-naturedandeasyenough，Idaresay，'returnedtheother，`ahabitIhad。ItsuitedtheManager；itsuitedthemanhemanaged：
　　itsuitedmebestofall。Ididwhatwasallottedtometodo，madenocourttoeitherofthem，andwasgladtooccupyastationinwhichnonewasrequired。SoIshouldhavegoneontillnow，butthatmyroomhadathinwall。YoucantellyoursisterthatitwasdividedfromtheManager'sroombyawainscotpartition。'
　　`Theywereadjoiningrooms；hadbeenone，perhaps，originally；
　　andwereseparated，asMr。Morfinsays，'saidherbrother，lookingbacktohimfortheresumptionofhisexplanation。
　　`Ihavewhistled，hummedtunes，goneaccuratelythroughthewholeofBeethoven'sSonatainB，tolethimknowthatIwaswithinhearing，'
　　saidMr。Morfin；`butheneverheededme。IthappenedseldomenoughthatIwaswithinhearingofanythingofaprivatenature，certainly。ButwhenIwas，andcouldn'totherwiseavoidknowingsomethingofit，Iwalkedout。
　　Iwalkedoutonce，John，duringaconversationbetweentwobrothers，towhich，inthebeginning，youngWalterGaywasaparty。ButIoverheardsomeofitbeforeIlefttheroom。Yourememberitsufficiently，perhaps，totellyoursisterwhatitsnaturewas？'
　　`Itreferred，Harriet，'saidherbrotherinalowvoice，`tothepast，andtoourrelativepositionsintheHouse。'
　　`Itsmatterwasnotnewtome，butwaspresentedinanewaspect。
　　Itshookmeinmyhabit——thehabitofnine-tenthsoftheworld——ofbelievingthatallwasrightaboutme，becauseIwasusedtoit，'saidtheirvisitor；
　　`andinducedmetorecallthehistoryofthetwobrothers，andtoponderonit。IthinkitwasalmostthefirsttimeinmylifewhenIfellintothistrainofreflection——howwillmanythingsthatarefamiliar，andquitemattersofcoursetousnow，lookwhenwecometoseethemfromthatnewanddistantpointofviewwhichwemustalltakeup，onedayorother？
　　Iwassomethinglessgoodnatured，asthephrasegoes，afterthatmorning，lesseasyandcomplacentaltogether。'
　　Hesatforaminuteorso，drummingwithonehandonthetable；
　　andresumedinahurry，asifhewereanxioustogetridofhisconfession。
　　`BeforeIknewwhattodo，orwhetherIcoulddoanything，therewasasecondconversationbetweenthesametwobrothers，inwhichtheirsisterwasmentioned。Ihadnoscruplesofconscienceinsufferingallthewaifsandstraysofthatconversationtofloattomeasfreelyastheywould。Iconsideredthemminebyright。Afterthat，Icameheretoseethesisterformyself。ThefirsttimeIstoppedatthegardengate，Imadeapretextofinquiringintothecharacterofapoorneighbour；butIwanderedoutofthattract，andIthinkMissHarrietmistrustedme。ThesecondtimeIaskedleavetocomein；camein；andsaidwhatIwishedtosay。YoursistershowedmereasonswhichIdarednotdispute，forreceivingnoassistancefrommethen；butIestablishedameansofcommunicationbetweenus，whichremainedunbrokenuntilwithinthesefewdays，whenIwasprevented，byimportantmattersthathavelatelydevolveduponme，frommaintainingthem。'
　　`HowlittleIhavesuspectedthis，'saidJohnCarker，`whenI
　　haveseenyoueveryday，Sir！IfHarrietcouldhaveguessedyourname——'
　　`Why，totellyouthetruth，John，'interposedthevisitor，`I
　　keptittomyselffortworeasons。Idon'tknowthatthefirstmighthavebeenbindingalone；butonehasnobusinesstotakecreditforgoodintentions，andImadeupmymind，atallevents，nottodisclosemyselfuntilIshouldbeabletodoyousomerealserviceorother。Mysecondreasonwas，thatIalwayshopedtheremightbesomelingeringpossibilityofyourbrother'srelentingtowardsyouboth；andinthatcase，Ifeltthatwheretherewasthechanceofamanofhissuspicious，watchfulcharacter，discoveringthatyouhadbeensecretlybefriendedbyme，therewasthechanceofanewandfatalcauseofdivision。Iresolved，tobesure，attheriskofturninghisdispleasureagainstmyself——whichwouldhavebeennomatter——towatchmyopportunityofservingyouwiththeheadoftheHouse；butthedistractionsofdeath，courtship，marriage，anddomesticunhappiness，haveleftusnoheadbutyourbrotherforthislong，longtime。Anditwouldhavebeenbetterforus，'saidthevisitor，droppinghisvoice，`tohavebeenalifelesstrunk。'
　　Heseemedconsciousthattheselatterwordshadescapedhimagainsthiswill，andstretchingoutahandtothebrother，andahandtothesister，continued：
　　`AllIcoulddesiretosay，andmore，Ihavenowsaid。AllImeangoesbeyondwords，asIhopeyouunderstandandbelieve。Thetimehascome，John——thoughmostunfortunatelyandunhappilycome——whenImayhelpyouwithoutinterferingwiththatredeemingstruggle，whichhaslastedthroughsomanyyears；sinceyouweredischargedfromitto-daybynoactofyourown。Itislate；Ineedsaynomoreto-night。Youwillguardthetreasureyouhavehere，withoutadviceorreminderfromme。'
　　Withthesewordsherosetogo。
　　`Butgoyoufirst，John，'hesaidgood-humouredly，`withalight，withoutsayingwhatyouwanttosay，whateverthatmaybe；'JohnCarker'sheartwasfull，andhewouldhaverelieveditinspeech，ifhecould；`andletmehaveawordwithyoursister。Wehavetalkedalonebefore，andinthisroomtoo；thoughitlooksmorenaturalwithyouhere。'
　　Followinghimoutwithhiseyes，heturnedkindlytoHarriet，andsaidinalowervoice，andwithanalteredandgravermanner：
　　`Youwishtoaskmesomethingofthemanwhosesisteritisyourmisfortunetobe。'
　　`Idreadtoask，'saidHarriet。
　　`Youhavelookedsoearnestlyatmemorethanonce，'rejoinedthevisitor，`thatIthinkIcandivineyourquestion。Hashetakenmoney？
　　Isitthat？'
　　`Yes。'
　　`Hehasnot。'
　　`IthankHeaven！'saidHarriet。`ForthesakeofJohn。'
　　`Thathehasabusedhistrustinmanyways，'saidMr。Morfin；
　　`thathehasoftenerdealtandspeculatedtoadvantageforhimself，thanfortheHouseherepresented；thathehasledtheHouseon，toprodigiousventures，oftenresultinginenormouslosses；thathehasalwayspamperedthevanityandambitionofhisemployer，whenitwashisdutytohaveheldthemincheck，andshown，asitwasinhispowertodo，towhattheytendedhereorother；willnot，perhaps，surpriseyounow。Undertakingshavebeenenteredon，toswellthereputationofthehouseforvastresources，andtoexhibititinmagnificentcontrasttoothermerchants'houses，ofwhichitrequiresasteadyheadtocontemplatethepossibly——afewdisastrouschangesofaffairsmightrenderthemtheprobably——ruinousconsequences。
　　InthemidstofthemanytransactionsoftheHouse，inmostpartsoftheworld：agreatlabyrinthofwhichonlyhehasheldtheclue：hehashadtheopportunity，andheseemstohaveusedit，ofkeepingthevariousresultsafloat，whenascertained，andsubstitutingestimatesandgeneralitiesforfacts。Butlatterly——youfollowme，MissHarriet？'
　　`Perfectly，perfectly，'sheanswered，withherfrightenedfacefixedonhis。`Praytellmealltheworstatonce。'
　　`Latterly，heappearstohavedevotedthegreatestpainstomakingtheseresultssoplainandclear，thatreferencetotheprivatebooksenablesonetograspthem，numerousandvaryingastheyare，withextraordinaryease。Asifhehadresolvedtoshowhisemployeratonebroadviewwhathasbeenbroughtuponhimbyministrationtohisrulingpassion！Thatithasbeenhisconstantpracticetoministertothatpassionbasely，andtoflatteritcorruptly，isindubitable。Inthat，hiscriminality，asitisconnectedwiththeaffairsoftheHouse，chieflyconsists。'
　　`Oneotherwordbeforeyouleaveme，dearSir，'saidHarriet。
　　`Thereisnodangerinallthis？'
　　`Howdanger？'hereturned，withalittlehesitation。
　　`TothecreditoftheHouse？'
　　`Icannothelpansweringyouplainly，andtrustingyoucompletely，'
　　saidMr。Morfin，afteramoment'ssurveyofherface。
　　`Youmay。Indeedyoumay！'
　　`IamsureImay。DangertotheHouse'scredit？No；none。Theremaybedifficulty，greaterorlessdifficulty，butnodanger，unless——unless，indeed——theheadoftheHouse，unabletobringhismindtothereductionofitsenterprises，andpositivelyrefusingtobelievethatitis，orcanbe，inanypositionbutthepositioninwhichhehasalwaysrepresentedittohimself，shouldurgeitbeyonditsstrength。Thenitwouldtotter。'
　　`Butthereisnoapprehensionofthat？'saidHarriet。
　　`Thereshallbenohalf-confidence，'hereplied，shakingherhand，`betweenus。Mr。Dombeyisunapproachablebyanyone，andhisstateofmindishaughty，rash，unreasonable，andungovernable，now。Butheisdisturbedandagitatednowbeyondallcommonbounds，anditmaypass。Younowknowall，bothworstandbest。Nomoreto-night，andgoodnight！'
　　Withthathekissedherhand，and，passingouttothedoorwhereherbrotherstoodawaitinghiscoming，puthimcheerfullyasidewhenheessayedtospeak；toldhimthat，astheywouldseeeachothersoonandoften，hemightspeakatanothertime，ifhewould，buttherewasnoleisureforitthen；andwentawayataroundpace，inorderthatnowordofgratitudemightfollowhim。
　　Thebrotherandsistersatconversingbythefireside，untilitwasalmostday；madesleeplessbythisglimpseofthenewworldthatopenedbeforethem，andfeelingliketwopeopleshipwreckedlongago，uponasolitarycoast，towhomashiphadcomeatlast，whentheywereoldinresignation，andhadlostallthoughtofanyotherhome。Butanotheranddifferentkindofdisquietudekeptthemwakingtoo。Thedarknessoutofwhichthislighthadbrokenonthemgatheredaround；andtheshadowoftheirguiltybrotherwasinthehousewherehisfoothadnevertrod。
　　Norwasittobedrivenout，nordiditfadebeforethesun。Nextmorningitwasthere；atnoon；atnight。Darkestandmostdistinctatnight，asisnowtobetold。
　　JohnCarkerhadgoneout，inpursuanceofaletterofappointmentfromtheirfriend，andHarrietwasleftinthehousealone。Shehadbeenalonesomehouses。Adull，graveevening，andadeepeningtwilight，werenotfavourabletotheremovaloftheoppressiononherspirits。Theideaofthisbrother，longunseenandunknown，flittedaboutherinfrightfulshapes。Hewasdead，dying，callingtoher，staringather，frowningonher。Thepicturesinhermindweresoobtrusiveandexactthat，asthetwilightdeepened，shedreadedtoraiseherheadandlookatthedarkcornersoftheroom，lesthiswraith，theoffspringofherexcitedimagination，shouldbewaitingthere，tostartleher。Onceshehadsuchafancyofhisbeinginthenextroom，hiding——thoughsheknewquitewellwhatadistemperedfancyitwas，andhadnobeliefinit——thatsheforcedherselftogothere，forherownconviction。Butinvain。Theroomresumeditsshadowyterrors，themomentsheleftit；andshehadnomorepowertodivestherselfofthesevagueimpressionsofdread，thaniftheyhadbeenstonegiants，rootedinthesolidearth。
　　Itwasalmostdark，andshewassittingnearthewindow，withherheaduponherhand，lookingdown，when，sensibleofasuddenincreaseinthegloomoftheapartment，sheraisedhereyes，andutteredaninvoluntarycry。Closetotheglass，apalescaredfacegazedin；vacantly，foraninstant，assearchingforanobject；thentheeyesrestedonherself，andlightedup。
　　`Letmein！Letmein！Iwanttospeaktoyou！'andthehandrattledontheglass。
　　Sherecognisedimmediatelythewomanwiththelongdarkhair，towhomshehadgivenwarmth，food，andshelter，onewetnight。Naturallyafraidofher，rememberingherviolentbehaviour，Harriet，retreatingalittlefromthewindow，stoodundecidedandalarmed。
　　`Letmein！Letmespeaktoyou！Iamthankful——quiet——humble——anythingyoulike。Butletmespeaktoyou。'
　　Thevehementmanneroftheentreaty，theearnestexpressionoftheface，thetremblingofthetwohandsthatwereraisedimploringly，acertaindreadandterrorinthevoiceakintoherownconditionatthemoment，prevailedwithHarriet。Shehastenedtothedoorandopenedit。
　　`MayIcomein，orshallIspeakhere？'saidthewoman，catchingatherhand。
　　`Whatisitthatyouwant？Whatisitthatyouhavetosay？'
　　`Notmuch，butletmesayitout，orIshallneversayit。Iamtemptednowtogoaway。Thereseemtobehandsdraggingmefromthedoor。
　　Letmecomein，ifyoucantrustmeforthisonce！'
　　Herenergyagainprevailed，andtheypassedintothefirelightofthelittlekitchen，whereshehadbeforesat，andate，anddriedherclothes。
　　`Sitthere，'saidAlice，kneelingdownbesideher，`andlookatme。Yourememberme？'
　　`Ido。'
　　`YourememberwhatItoldyouIhadbeen，andwhereIcamefrom，raggedandlame，withthefiercewindandweatherbeatingonmyhead？'
　　`Yes。'
　　`YouknowhowIcamebackthatnight，andthrewyourmoneyinthedirt，andcursedyouandyourrace。Now，seemehere，uponmyknees。
　　AmIlessearnestnow，thanIwasthen？'
　　`Ifwhatyouask，'saidHarriet，gently，`isforgiveness——'
　　`Butit'snot！'returnedtheother，withaproud，fiercelook。
　　`WhatIaskistobebelieved。NowyoushalljudgeifIamworthyofbelief，bothasIwas，andasIam。'
　　Stilluponherknees，andwithhereyesuponthefire，andthefireshiningonherruinedbeautyandherwildblackhair，onelongtreesofwhichshepulledoverhershoulder，andwoundaboutherhand，andthoughtfullybitandtorewhilespeaking，shewenton：
　　`WhenIwasyoungandpretty，andthis，'pluckingcontemptuouslyatthehairsheheld，`wasonlyhandleddelicately，andcouldn'tbeadmiredenough，mymother，whohadnotbeenverymindfulofmeasachild，foundoutmymerits，andwasfondofme，andproudofme。Shewascovetousandpoor，andthoughttomakeasortofpropertyofme。Nogreatladyeverthoughtthatofadaughteryet，I'msure，oractedasifshedid——it'sneverdone，weallknow——andthatshowsthattheonlyinstancesofmothersbringinguptheirdaughterswrong，andevilcomingofit，areamongsuchmiserablefolksasus。'
　　Lookingatthefire，asifshewereforgetful，forthemoment，ofhavinganyauditor，shecontinuedinadreamywayasshewoundthelongtressofhairtightroundandroundherhand。
　　`Whatcameofthat，Ineedn'tsay。Wretchedmarriagesdon'tcomeofsuchthings，inourdegree；onlywretchednessandruin。Wretchednessandruincameonme——cameonme。'
　　Raisinghereyesswiftlyfromtheirmoodygazeuponthefire，toHarriet'sface，shesaid：
　　`Iamwastingtime，andthereisnonetospare；yetifIhadn'tthoughtofall，Ishouldn'tbeherenow。Wretchednessandruincameonme，Isay。Iwasmadeashort-livedtoy，andflungasidemorecruellyandcarelesslythanevensuchthingsare。Bywhosehanddoyouthink？'
　　`Whydoyouaskme？'saidHarriet。
　　`Whydoyoutremble？'rejoinedAlice，withaneagerlook。`HisusagemadeaDevilofme。Isunkinwretchednessandruin，lowerandloweryet。Iwasconcernedinarobbery——ineverypartofitbutthegains——andwasfoundout，andsenttobetried，withoutafriend，withoutapenny。
　　ThoughIwasbutagirl，IwouldhavegonetoDeath，soonerthanaskhimforaword，ifawordofhiscouldhavesavedme。Iwould！Toanydeaththatcouldhavebeeninvented。Butmymother，covetousalways，senttohiminmyname，toldthetruestoryofmycase，andhumblyprayedandpetitionedforasmalllastgift——fornotsomanypoundsasIhavefingersonthishand。Whowasit，doyouthink，whosnappedhisfingersatmeinmymisery，lying，ashebelieved，athisfeet，andleftmewithouteventhispoorsignofremembrance；wellsatisfiedthatIshouldbesentabroad，beyondthereachoffurthertroubletohim，andshoulddie，androtthere？Whowasthis，doyouthink？'
　　`Whydoyouaskme？'repeatedHarriet。
　　`Whydoyoutremble？'saidAlice，layingherhanduponherarm，andlookinginherface，`butthattheanswerisonyourlips！ItwasyourbrotherJames。'
　　Harriettrembledmoreandmore，butdidnotaverthereyesfromtheeagerlookthatrestedonthem。
　　`WhenIknewyouwerehissister——whichwasonthatnight——Icameback，wearyandlame，tospurnyourgift。IfeltthatnightasifIcouldhavetravelled，wearyandlame，overthewholeworld，tostabhim，ifI
　　couldhavefoundhiminalonelyplacewithnoonenear。DoyoubelievethatIwasearnestinallthat？'
　　`Ido！GoodHeaven，whyareyoucomeagain？'
　　`Sincethen，'saidAlice，withthesamegraspofherarm，andthesamelookinherface，`Ihaveseenhim！Ihavefollowedhimwithmyeyes，inthebroadday。Ifanysparkofmyresentmentslumberedinmybosom，itsprungintoablazewhenmyeyesrestedonhim。Youknowhehaswrongedaproudman，andmadehimhisdeadlyenemy。WhatifIhadgiveninformationofhimtothatman？'
　　`Information！'repeatedHarriet。
　　`WhatifIhadfoundoutonewhoknewyourbrother'ssecret；whoknewthemannerofhisflight；whoknewwhereheandthecompanionofhisflightweregone？WhatifIhadmadehimutterallhisknowledge，wordbyword，beforehisenemy，concealedtohearit？WhatifIhadsatbyatthetime，lookingintothisenemy'sface，andseeingitchangetillitwasscarcelyhuman？WhatifIhadseenhimrushaway，mad，inpursuit？
　　WhatifIknew，now，thathewasonhisroad，morefiendthanman，andmust，insomanyhours，comeupwithhim？'
　　`Removeyourhand！'saidHarriet，recoiling。`Goaway！Yourtouchisdreadfultome！'
　　`Ihavedonethis，'pursuedtheother，withhereagerlook，regardlessoftheinterruption。`DoIspeakandlookasifIreallyhad？DoyoubelievewhatIamsaying？'
　　`IfearImust。Letmyarmgo！'
　　`Notyet。Amomentmore。Youcanthinkwhatmyrevengefulpurposemusthavebeen，tolastsolong，andurgemetodothis？'
　　`Dreadful！'saidHarriet。
　　`Thenwhenyouseemenow，'saidAlicehoarsely，`hereagain，kneelingquietlyontheground，withmytouchuponyourarm，withmyeyesuponyourface，youmaybelievethatthereisnocommonearnestnessinwhatIsay，andthatnocommonstrugglehasbeenbattlinginmybreast。Iamashamedtospeakthewords，butIrelent。Idespisemyself；Ihavefoughtwithmyselfallday，andalllastnight；butIrelenttowardshimwithoutreason，andwishtorepairwhatIhavedone，ifitispossible。Iwouldn'thavethemcometogetherwhilehispursuerissoblindandheadlong。Ifyouhadseenhimashewentoutlastnight，youwouldknowthedangerbetter。'
　　`Howshallitbeprevented？'WhatcanIdo？'criedHarriet。
　　`Allnightlong，'pursuedtheother，hurriedly，`Ihaddreamsofhim——andyetIdidn'tsleep——inhisblood。Allday，Ihavehadhimnearme。'
　　`WhatcanIdo？'criedHarriet，shudderingatthesewords。
　　`Ifthereisanyonewho'llwrite，orsend，orgotohim，letthemlosenotime。HeisatDijon。Doyouknowthename，andwhereitis？'
　　`Yes。'
　　`Warnhimthatthemanhehasmadehisenemyisinafrenzy，andthathedoesn'tknowhimifhemakeslightofhisapproach。Tellhimthatheisontheroad——Iknowheis！——andhurryingon。Urgehimtogetawaywhilethereistime——ifthereistime——andnottomeethimyet。
　　Amonthorsowillmakeyearsofdifference。Letthemnotencounter，throughme。Anywherebutthere！Anytimebutnow！Lethisfoefollowhim，andfindhimforhimself，butnotthroughme！Thereisenoughuponmyheadwithout。'
　　Thefireceasedtobereflectedinherjetblackhair，upliftedface，andeagereyes；herhandwasgonefromHarriet'sarm；andtheplacewhereshehadbeenwasempty。
　　[NextChapter][TableofContents]DICKENS：DombeyandSon，Chapter54[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERLIVTheFugitivesTHEtime，anhourshortofmidnight；theplace，aFrenchapartment，comprisingsomehalf-dozenrooms；——adullcoldhallorcorridor，adining-roomadrawing-room，abed-chamber，andaninnerdrawing-room，orboudoir，smallerandmoreretiredthantherest。Alltheseshutinbyonelargepairofdoorsonthemainstaircase，buteachroomprovidedwithtwoorthreepairsofdoorsofitsown，establishingseveralmeansofcommunicationwiththeremainingportionoftheapartment，orwithcertainsmallpassageswithinthewall，leading，asisnotunusualinsuchhouses，tosomebackstairswithanobscureoutletbelow。ThewholesituatedonthefirstfloorofsolargeanHotel，thatitdidnotabsorboneentirerowofwindowsupononesideofthesquarecourt-yardinthecentre，uponwhichthewholefoursidesofthemansionlooked。
　　Anairofsplendour，sufficientlyfadedtobemelancholy，andsufficientlydazzlingtoclogandembarrassthedetailsoflifewithashowofstate，reignedintheserooms。Thewallsandceilingsweregildedandpainted；thefloorswerewaxedandpolished；crimsondraperyhunginfestoonsfromwindow，door，andmirror；candelabra，gnarledandintertwisted，likethebranchesoftrees，orhornsofanimals，stuckoutfromthepanelsofthewall。Butintheday-time，whenthelattice-blindsnowcloselyshutwereopened，andthelightletin，traceswerediscernibleamongthisfinery，ofwearandtearanddust，ofsunanddampandsmoke，andlengthenedintervalsofwantofuseandhabitation，whensuchshowsandtoysoflifeseemsensitivelikelife，andwasteasmenshutupinprisondo。Evennight，andclustersofburningcandles，couldnotwhollyeffacethem，thoughthegeneralglitterthrewthemintheshade。
　　Theglitterofbrighttapers，andtheirreflectioninlooking-glasses，scrapsofgildingandgaycolours，wereconfined，onthisnight，tooneroom——thatsmallerroomwithintherest，justnowenumerated。Seenfromthehall，wherealampwasfeeblyburning，throughthedarkperspectiveofopendoors，itlookedasshiningandpreciousasagem。Intheheartofitsradiancesatabeautifulwoman——Edith。
　　Shewasalone。Thesamedefiant，scornfulwomanstill。Thecheekalittleworn，theeyealittlelargerinappearance，andmorelustrous，butthehaughtybearingjustthesame。Noshameuponherbrow；nolaterepentancebendingherdisdainfulneck。Imperiousandstatelyyet，andyetregardlessofherselfandofallelse，shesatwithherdarkeyescastdown，waitingforsomeone。
　　Nobook，nowork，nooccupationofanykindbutherownthought，beguiledthetardytime。Somepurpose，strongenoughtofillupanypause，possessedher。Withherlipspressedtogether，andquiveringifforamomentshereleasedthemfromhercontrol；withhernostrilinflated；herhandsclaspedinoneanother；andherpurposeswellinginherbreast；shesat，andwaited。
　　Atthesoundofakeyintheouterdoor，andafootstepinthehall，shestartedup，andcried`Who'sthat？'TheanswerwasinFrench，andtwomencameinwithjinglingtrays，tomakepreparationforsupper。
　　`Whohadbadethemtodoso？'sheasked。
　　`Monsieurhadcommandedit，whenitwashispleasuretotaketheapartment。Monsieurhadsaid，whenhestayedthereforanhour，enroute，andlefttheletterforMadame——Madamehadreceiveditsurely？'
　　`Yes。'
　　`Athousandpardons！Thesuddenapprehensionthatitmighthavebeenforgottenhadstruckhim；'abaldman，withalargebeardfromaneighbouringrestaurant：`withdespair！Monsieurhadsaidthatsupperwastobereadyatthathour：alsothathehadforewarnedMadameofthecommandshehadgiven，inhisletter。MonsieurhaddonetheGoldenHeadthehonourtorequestthatthesuppershouldbechoiceanddelicate。MonsieurwouldfindthathisconfidenceintheGoldenHeadwasnotmisplaced。'
　　Edithsaidnomore，butlookedonthoughtfullywhiletheypreparedthetablefortwopersons，andsetthewineuponit。Shearosebeforetheyhadfinished，andtakingalamp，passedintothebed-chamberandintothedrawing-room，whereshehurriedlybutnarrowlyexaminedallthedoors；
　　particularlyoneintheformerroomthatopenedonthepassageinthewall。
　　Fromthisshetookthekey，andputitontheouterside。Shethencameback。
　　Themen——thesecondofwhomwasadark，bilioussubject，inajacket，closeshaved，andwithablackheadofhairclosecropped——hadcompletedtheirpreparationofthetable，andwerestandinglookingatit。Hewhohadspokenbefore，inquiredwhetherMadamethoughtitwouldbelongbeforeMonsieurarrived？
　　`Shecouldn'tsay。Itwasallone。'
　　`Pardon！Therewasthesupper！Itshouldbeeatenontheinstant。
　　MonsieurwhospokeFrenchlikeanAngel——oraFrenchman——itwasallthesamehadspokenwithgreatemphasisofhispunctuality。ButtheEnglishnationhadsograndageniusforpunctuality。Ah！whatnoise！GreatHeaven，herewasMonsieur。Beholdhim！'
　　Ineffect，Monsieur，admittedbytheotherofthetwo，came，withhisgleamingteeth，throughthedarkrooms，likeamouth；andarrivinginthatsanctuaryoflightandcolour，afigureatfulllength，embracedMadame，andaddressedherintheFrenchtongueashischarmingwife。
　　`MyGod！Madameisgoingtofaint。Madameisovercomewithjoy！'
　　Thebaldmanwiththebeardobservedit，andcriedout。
　　Madamehadonlyshrunkandshivered。Beforethewordswerespoken，shewasstandingwithherhanduponthevelvetbackofagreatchair；herfiguredrawnuptoitsfullheight，andherfaceimmoveable。
　　`FrancoishasflownovertotheGoldenHeadforsupper。Hefliesontheseoccasionslikeanangelorabird。ThebaggageofMonsieurisinhisroom。Allisarranged。Thesupperwillbeherethismoment。'
　　Thesefactsthebaldmannotifiedwithbowsandsmiles，andpresentlythesuppercame。
　　Thehotdisheswereonachafing-dish；thecoldalreadysetforth，withthechangeofserviceonasideboard。Monsieurwassatisfiedwiththisarrangement。Thesuppertablebeingsmall，itpleasedhimverywell。
　　Letthemsetthechafing-dishuponthefloor，andgo。Hewouldremovethedisheswithhisownhands。
　　`Pardon！'saidthebaldman，politely。`Itwasimpossible！'
　　Monsieurwasofanotheropinion。Herequirednofurtherattendancethatnight。
　　`ButMadame'thebaldmanhinted。
　　`Madame，'repliedMonsieur，`hadherownmaid。Itwasenough。'
　　`Amillionpardons！No！Madamehadnomaid！'
　　`Icameherealone，'saidEdith。`Itwasmychoicetodoso。I
　　amwellusedtotravelling；Iwantnoattendance。Theyneedsendnobodytome。'
　　Monsieuraccordingly，perseveringinhisfirstproposedimpossibility，proceededtofollowthetwoattendantstotheouterdoor，andsecureitafterthemforthenight。Thebaldmanturningroundtobow，ashewentout，observedthatMadamestillstoodwithherhanduponthevelvetbackofthegreatchair，andthatherfacewasquiteregardlessofhim，thoughshewaslookingstraightbeforeher。
　　AsthesoundofCarker'sfasteningthedoorresoundedthroughtheintermediaterooms，andseemedtocomehushedandstifledintothatlastdistantone，thesoundoftheCathedralclockstrikingtwelvemingledwithit，inEdith'sears。Sheheardhimpause，asifheheardittooandlistened；andthencamebacktowardsher，layingalongtrainoffootstepsthroughthesilence，andshuttingallthedoorsbehindhimashecamealong。
　　Herhand，foramoment，leftthevelvetchairtobringaknifewithinherreachuponthetable；thenshestoodasshehadstoodbefore。
　　`Howstrangetocomeherebyyourself，mylove！'hesaidasheentered。
　　`What？'shereturned。
　　Hertonewassoharsh；thequickturnofherheadsofierce；herattitudesorepellent；andherfrownsoblack；thathestood，withthelampinhishand，lookingather，asifshehadstruckhimmotionless。
　　`Isay，'heatlengthrepeated，puttingdownthelamp，andsmilinghismostcourtlysmile，`howstrangetocomeherealone！Itwasunnecessarycautionsurely，andmighthavedefeateditself。YouweretohaveengagedanattendantatHavreorRouen，andhavehadabundanceoftimeforthepurpose，thoughyouhadbeenthemostcapriciousanddifficultasyouarethemostbeautiful，myloveofwomen。'
　　Hereyesgleamedstrangelyonhim，butshestoodwithherhandrestingonthechair，andsaidnotaword。
　　`Ihavenever，'resumedCarker，`seenyoulooksohandsome，asyoudoto-night。EventhepictureIhavecarriedinmymindduringthiscruelprobation，andwhichIhavecontemplatednightandday，isexceededbythereality。'
　　Notaword。Notalook。Hereyescompletelyhiddenbytheirdroopinglashes，butherheadheldup。
　　`Hard，unrelentingtermstheywere！'saidCarker，withasmile，`buttheyareallfulfilledandpassed，andmakethepresentmoredeliciousandmoresafe。Sicilyshallbetheplaceofourretreat。Intheidlestandeasiestpartoftheworld，mysoul，we'llbothseekcompensationforoldslavery。'
　　Hewascominggailytowardsher，when，inaninstant，shecaughttheknifeupfromthetable，andstartedonepaceback。
　　`Standstill'shesaid，`orIshallmurderyou！'
　　Thesuddenchangeinher，thetoweringfuryandintenseabhorrencesparklinginhereyesandlightingupherbrow，madehimstopasifafirehadstoppedhim。
　　`Standstill！'shesaid，`comenonearerme，uponyourlife！'
　　Theybothstoodlookingateachother。Rageandastonishmentwereinhisface，buthecontrolledthemandsaidlightly，`Come，come！Tush，wearealone，andoutofeverybody'ssightandhearing。Doyouthinktofrightenmewiththesetricksofvirtue？'
　　`Doyouthinktofrightenme，'sheansweredfiercely，`fromanypurposethatIhave，andanycourseIamresolvedupon，byremindingmeofthesolitudeofthisplace，andtherebeingnohelpnear？Me，whoamherealone，designedly？IfIfearedyou，shouldInothaveavoidedyou？
　　IfIfearedyou，shouldIbehere，inthedeadofnight，tellingyoutoyourfacewhatIamgoingtotell？'
　　`Andwhatisthat，'hesaid，`youhandsomeshrew？Handsomerso，thananyotherwomaninherbesthumour？'
　　`Itellyounothing，'shereturned，`untilyougobacktothatchair——exceptthis，onceagain——Don'tcomenearme！Notastepnearer。
　　Itellyou，ifyoudo，asheavenseesus，Ishallmurderyou！'
　　`Doyoumistakemeforyourhusband？'heretorted，withagrin。
　　Disdainingtoreply，shestretchedherarmout，pointingtothechair。Hebithislip，frowned，laughed，andsatdowninit，withabaffled，irresolute，impatientair，hewasunabletoconceal；andbitinghisnailnervously，andlookingathersideways，withbitterdiscomfiture，evenwhilehefeignedtobeamusedbyhercaprice。
　　Sheputtheknifedownuponthetable，andtouchingherbosomwithherhand，said：
　　`Ihavesomethinglyingherethatisnolovetrinket；andsoonerthanendureyourtouchoncemore，Iwoulduseitonyou——andyouknowit，whileIspeak——withlessreluctancethanIwouldonanyothercreepingthingthatlives。'
　　Heaffectedtolaughjestingly，andentreatedhertoactherplayoutquickly，forthesupperwasgrowingcold。Butthesecretlookwithwhichheregardedher，wasmoresullenandlowering，andhestruckhisfootonceuponthefloorwithamutteredoath。
　　`Howmanytimes，'saidEdith，bendingherdarkestglanceuponhim，`hasyourboldknaveryassailedmewithoutrageandinsult？Howmanytimesinyoursmoothmanner，andmockingwordsandlooks，haveIbeentwittedwithmycourtshipandmymarriage？Howmanytimeshaveyoulaidbaremywoundofloveforthatsweet，injuredgirl，andlaceratedit？Howoftenhaveyoufannedthefireonwhich，fortwoyears，Ihavewrithed；andtemptedmetotakeadesperaterevenge，whenithasmosttorturedme？
　　`Ihavenodoubt，Ma'am，'hereplied，`thatyouhavekeptagoodaccount，andthatit'sprettyaccurate。Come，Edith。Toyourhusband，poorwretch，thiswaswellenough——'
　　`Why，if，'shesaid，surveyinghimwithahaughtycontemptanddisgust，thatheshrunkunder，lethimbraveitashewould，`ifallmyotherreasonsfordespisinghimcouldhavebeenblownawaylikefeathers，hishavingyouforhiscounsellorandfavourite，wouldhavealmostbeenenoughtoholdtheirplace。'
　　`Isthatareasonwhyyouhaverunawaywithme？'heaskedher，tauntingly。
　　`Yes，andwhywearefacetofaceforthelasttime。Wretch！Wemeetto-night，andpartto-night。FornotonemomentafterIhaveceasedtospeak，willIstayhere！'
　　Heturneduponherwithhisugliestlook，andgripedthetablewithhishand；butneitherrose，norotherwiseansweredorthreatenedher。
　　`Iamawoman，'shesaid，confrontinghimsteadfastly，`whofromherverychildhoodhasbeenshamedandsteeled。Ihavebeenofferedandrejected，putupandappraised，untilmyverysoulhassickened。Ihavenothadanaccomplishmentorgracethatmighthavebeenaresourcetome，butithasbeenparadedandvendedtoenhancemyvalue，asifthecommoncrierhadcalleditthroughthestreets。Mypoor，proudfriends，havelookedonandapproved；andeverytiebetweenushasbeendeadenedinmybreast。
　　ThereisnotoneofthemforwhomIcare，asIcouldcareforapetdog。
　　Istandaloneintheworld，rememberingwellwhatahollowworldithasbeentome，andwhatahollowpartofitIhavebeenmyself。Youknowthis，andyouknowthatmyfamewithitisworthlesstome。'
　　`Yes；Iimaginedthat，'hesaid。
　　`Andcalculatedonit，'sherejoined，`andsopursuedme。Growntooindifferentforanyoppositionbutindifference，tothedailyworkingofthehandsthathadmouldedmetothis；andknowingthatmymarriagewouldatleastpreventtheirhawkingofmeupanddown；Isufferedmyselftobesoldasinfamouslyasanywomanwithahalterroundherneckissoldinanymarket-place。Youknowthat。'
　　`Yes，'hesaid，showingallhisteeth。`Iknowthat。'
　　`Andcalculatedonit，'sherejoinedoncemore，`andsopursuedme。Frommymarriageday，Ifoundmyselfexposedtosuchnewshame——tosuchsolicitationandpursuitexpressedasclearlyasifithadbeenwritteninthecoarsestwords，andthrustintomyhandateveryturnfromonemeanvillain，thatIfeltasifIhadneverknownhumiliationtillthattime。Thisshamemyhusbandfixeduponme；hemmedmeroundwith，himself；
　　steepedmein，withhisownhands，andofhisownact，repeatedhundredsoftimes。Andthus——forcedbythetwofromeverypointofrestIhad——forcedbythetwotoyieldupthelastretreatofloveandgentlenesswithinme，ortobeanewmisfortuneonitsinnocentobject——drivenfromeachtoeach，andbesetbyonewhenIescapedtheother——myangerrosealmosttodistractionagainstboth。Idonotknowagainstwhichitrosehigher——themasterortheman！'
　　Hewatchedherclosely，asshestoodbeforehimintheverytriumphofherindignantbeauty。Shewasresolute，hesaw；undauntable；withnomorefearofhimthanofaworm。
　　`WhatshouldIsayofhonourorofchastitytoyou！'shewenton。`Whatmeaningwouldithavetoyou；whatmeaningwouldithavefromme！ButifItellyouthatthelightesttouchofyourhandmakesmybloodcoldwithantipathy；thatfromthehourwhenIfirstsawandhatedyou，tonow，whenmyinstinctiverepugnanceisenhancedbyeveryminute'sknowledgeofyouIhavesincehad，youhavebeenaloathsomecreaturetomewhichhasnotitslikeonearth；howthen？'
　　Heansweredwithafaintlaugh，`Aye！Howthen，myqueen？'
　　`Onthatnight，when，emboldenedbythesceneyouhadassistedat，youdaredcometomyroomandspeaktome，'shesaid，`whatpassed？'
　　Heshruggedhisshoulders，andlaughedagain。
　　`Whatpassed？'shesaid。
　　`Yourmemoryissodistinct，'hereturned，`thatIhavenodoubtyoucanrecallit。'
　　`Ican，'shesaid。`Hearit！Proposingthen，thisflight——notthisflight，buttheflightyouthoughtit——youtoldmethatinthehavinggivenyouthatmeeting，andleavingyoutobediscoveredthere，ifyousothoughtfit；andinthehavingsufferedyoutobealonewithmemanytimesbefore，——andhavingmadetheopportunities，yousaid，——andinthehavingopenlyavowedtoyouthatIhadnofeelingformyhusbandbutaversion，andnocareformyself——Iwaslost；Ihadgivenyouthepowertotraducemyname；andIlived，invirtuousreputation，atthepleasureofyourbreath。'
　　`Allstratagemsinlove——'heinterrupted，smiling。`Theoldadage——'
　　`Onthatnight，'saidEdith，`andthenthestrugglethatIlonghadhadwithsomethingthatwasnotrespectformygoodfame——thatwasIknownotwhat——perhapstheclingingtothatlastretreat——wasended。
　　Onthenight，andthen，Iturnedfromeverythingbutpassionandresentment。
　　Istruckablowthatlaidyourloftymasterinthedust，andsetyouthere，beforeme，lookingatmenow，andknowingwhatImean。'
　　Hesprungupfromhischairwithagreatoath。Sheputherhandintoherbosom，andnotafingertrembled，notahairuponherheadwasstirred。Hestoodstill：shetoo：thetableandchairbetweenthem。
　　`WhenIforgetthatthismanputhislipstominethatnight，andheldmeinhisarmsashehasdoneagainto-night，'saidEdith，pointingathim；`whenIforgetthetaintofhiskissuponmycheek——thecheekthatFlorencewouldhavelaidherguiltlessfaceagainst——whenIforgetmymeetingwithher，whilethattaintwashotuponme，andinwhatafloodtheknowledgerusheduponmewhenIsawher，thatinreleasingherfromthepersecutionIhadcausedbymylove，Ibroughtashameanddegradationonhernamethroughmine，andinalltimetocomeshouldbethesolitaryfigurerepresentinginhermindherfirstavoidanceofaguiltycreature——then，Husband，fromwhomIstanddivorcedhenceforth，Iwillforgettheselasttwoyears，andundowhatIhavedone，andundeceiveyou！'
　　Herflashingeyes，upliftedforamoment，lightedagainonCarker，andsheheldsomelettersoutinherlefthand。
　　`Seethese！'shesaid，contemptuously。`Youhaveaddressedthesetomeinthefalsenameyougoby；onehere，someelsewhereonmyroad。
　　Thesealsareunbroken。Takethemback！'
　　Shecrunchedtheminherhand，andtossedthemtohisfeet。Andasshelookeduponhimnow，asmilewasonherface。
　　`Wemeetandpartto-night，'shesaid。`YouhavefallenonSiciliandaysandsensualrest，toosoon。Youmighthavecajoled，andfawned，andplayedyourtraitor'spart，alittlelonger，andgrownricher。Youpurchaseyourvoluptuousretirementdear！'
　　`Edith！'heretorted，menacingherwithhishand。`Sitdown！Havedonewiththis！Whatdevilpossessesyou？'
　　`TheirnameisLegion，'shereplied，uprearingherproudformasifshewouldhavecrushedhim；`youandyourmasterhaveraisedtheminafruitfulhouse，andtheyshalltearyouboth。Falsetohim，falsetohisinnocentchild，falseeverywayandeverywhere，goforthandboastofme，andgnashyourteethforoncetoknowthatyouarelying！'
　　Hestoodbeforehermutteringandmenacing，andscowlingroundasifforsomethingthatwouldhelphimtoconquerher；butwiththesameindomitablespiritsheopposedhim，withoutfaltering。
　　`Ineveryvauntyoumake，'shesaid，`Ihavemytriumph。IsingleoutinyouthemeanestmanIknow，theparasiteandtooloftheproudtyrant，thathiswoundmaygothedeeperandmayranklemore。Boast，andrevengemeonhim！Youknowhowyoucamehereto-night；youknowhowyoustandcoweringthere；youseeyourselfincoloursquiteasdespicable，ifnotasodious，asthoseinwhichIseeyou。Boastthen，andrevengemeonyourself。'
　　Thefoamwasonhislips；thewetstoodonhisforehead。Ifshewouldhavefalteredonceforonlyonehalf-moment，hewouldhavepinionedher；butshewasasfirmasrock，andhersearchingeyesneverlefthim。
　　`Wedon'tpartso，'hesaid。`DoyouthinkIamdrivelling，toletyougoinyoumadtemper？'
　　`Doyouthink，'sheanswered，`thatIamtobestayed？'
　　`I'lltry，mydear，'hesaidwithaferociousgestureofhishead。
　　`God'smercyonyou，ifyoutrybycomingnearme！shereplied。
　　`Andwhat，'hesaid，`iftherearenoneofthesesameboastsandvauntsonmypart？WhatifIweretoturntoo？Come！'andhisteethfairlyshoneagain。`Wemustmakeatreatyofthis，orImaytakesomeunexpectedcourse。Sitdown，sitdown！'
　　`Toolate！'shecried，witheyesthatseemedtosparklefire。
　　`Ihavethrownmyfameandgoodnametothewinds！Ihaveresolvedtobeartheshamethatwillattachtome——resolvedtoknowthatitattachesfalsely——thatyouknowittoo——andthathedoesnot，nevercan，andnevershall。I'lldie，andmakenosign。ForthisIamherealonewithyou，atthedeadofnight。ForthisIhavemetyouhere，inafalsename，asyourwife。Forthis，Ihavebeenseenherebythosemen，andlefthere。Nothingcansaveyounow。'
　　Hewouldhavesoldhissoultoroother，inherbeauty，tothefloor，andmakeherarmsdropathersides，andhaveherathismercy。
　　Buthecouldnotlookather，andnotbeafraidofher。Hesawastrengthwithinherthatwasresistless。Hesawthatshewasdesperate，andthatherunquenchablehatredofhimwouldstopatnothing。Hiseyesfollowedthehandthatwasputwithsuchruggeduncongenialpurposeintoherwhitebosom，andhethoughtthatifitstruckathim，andfailed，itwouldstrikethere，justassoon。
　　Hedidnotventure，therefore，toadvancetowardsher：butthedoorbywhichhehadenteredwasbehindhim，andhesteppedbacktolockit。
　　`Lastly，takemywarning！Looktoyourself！'shesaid，andsmiledagain。`Youhavebeenbetrayed，asallbetrayersare。Ithasbeenmadeknownthatyouareinthisplace，orweretobe，orhavebeen。IfIlive，Isawmyhusbandinacarriageinthestreetto-night！'
　　`Strumpet，it'sfalse！'criedCarker。
　　Atthemoment，thebellrangloudlyinthehall。Heturnedwhite，assheheldherhanduplikeanenchantress，atwhoseinvocationthesoundhadcome。
　　`Hark！doyouhearit？'
　　Hesethisbackagainstthedoor；forhesawachangeinher，andfanciedshewascomingontopasshim。But，inamoment，shewasgonethroughtheoppositedoorscommunicatingwiththebed-chamber，andtheyshutuponher。
　　Onceturned，oncechangedinherinflexibleunyieldinglook，hefeltthathecouldcopewithher。Hethoughtasuddenterror，occasionedbythisnight-alarm，hadsubduedher；notthelessreadily，forheroverwroughtcondition。Throwingopenthedoors，hefollowed，almostinstantly。
　　Buttheroomwasdark；andasshemadenoanswertohiscall，hewasfaintogobackforthelamp。Hehelditup，andlookedroundeverywhere，expectingtoseehercrouchinginsomecorner；buttheroomwasempty。
　　So，intothedrawing-roomanddining-roomhewent，insuccession，withtheuncertainstepsofamaninastrangeplace；lookingfearfullyabout，andpryingbehindscreensandcouches；butshewasnotthere。No，norinthehall，whichwassobarethathecouldseethat，ataglance。
　　Allthistime，theringingatthebellwasconstantlyrenewed；
　　andthosewithoutwerebeatingatthedoor。Heputhislampdownatadistance，andgoingnearit，listened。Therewereseveralvoicestalkingtogether：
　　atleasttwooftheminEnglish；andthoughthedoorwasthick，andtherewasgreatconfusion，heknewoneofthesetoowelltodoubtwhosevoiceitwas。
　　Hetookuphislampagain，andcamebackquicklythroughalltherooms，stoppingashequittedeach，andlookingroundforher，withthelightraisedabovehishead。Hewasstandingthusinthebed-chamber，whenthedoor，leadingtothelittlepassageinthewall，caughthiseye。Hewenttoit，andfounditfastenedontheotherside；butshehaddroppedaveilingoingthrough，andshutitinthedoor。
　　Allthistimethepeopleonthestairswereringingatthebell，andknockingwiththeirhandsandfeet。
　　Hewasnotacoward：butthesesounds；whathadgonebefore；thestrangenessoftheplace，whichhadconfusedhim，eveninhisreturnfromthehall；thefrustrationofhisschemesfor，strangetosay，hewouldhavebeenmuchbolder，iftheyhadsucceeded；theunseasonabletime；therecollectionofhavingnooneneartowhomhecouldappealforanyfriendlyoffice；aboveall，thesuddensense，whichmadeevenhisheartbeatlikelead，thatthemanwhoseconfidencehehadoutraged，andwhomhehadsotreacherouslydeceived，wastheretorecogniseandchallengehimwithhismaskpluckedoffhisface；struckapanicthroughhim。Hetriedthedoorinwhichtheveilwasshut，butcouldn'tforceit。Heopenedoneofthewindows，andlookeddownthroughthelatticeoftheblind，intothecourt-yard；
　　butitwasahighleap，andthestoneswerepitiless。