Didyounotgetmytelegram？”
IansweredasquicklyandcoherentlyasIcouldthatIhadonlygothistelegramearlyinthemorning，andhadnotaminuteincominghere，andthatIcouldnotmakeanyoneinthehousehearme。Hepausedandraisedhishatashesaidsolemnly，“ThenIfearwearetoolate。
God'swillbedone！”
Withhisusualrecuperativeenergy，hewenton，“Come。
Iftherebenowayopentogetin，wemustmakeone。
Timeisallinalltousnow。“
Wewentroundtothebackofthehouse，wheretherewasakitchenwindow。
TheProfessortookasmallsurgicalsawfromhiscase，andhandingittome，pointedtotheironbarswhichguardedthewindow。
Iattackedthematonceandhadverysooncutthroughthreeofthem。
Thenwithalong，thinknifewepushedbackthefasteningofthesashesandopenedthewindow。IhelpedtheProfessorin，andfollowedhim。
Therewasnooneinthekitchenorintheservants'rooms，whichwerecloseathand。Wetriedalltheroomsaswewentalong，andinthediningroom，dimlylitbyraysoflightthroughtheshutters，foundfourservantwomenlyingonthefloor。Therewasnoneedtothinkthemdead，fortheirstertorousbreathingandtheacridsmelloflaudanumintheroomleftnodoubtastotheircondition。
VanHelsingandIlookedateachother，andaswemovedawayhesaid，“Wecanattendtothemlater。“ThenweascendedtoLucy'sroom。
Foraninstantortwowepausedatthedoortolisten，buttherewasnosoundthatwecouldhear。Withwhitefacesandtremblinghands，weopenedthedoorgently，andenteredtheroom。
HowshallIdescribewhatwesaw？Onthebedlaytwowomen，Lucyandhermother。Thelatterlayfarthestin，andshewascoveredwithawhitesheet，theedgeofwhichhadbeenblownbackbythedroughtthroughthebrokenwindow，showingthedrawn，white，face，withalookofterrorfixeduponit。
ByhersidelayLucy，withfacewhiteandstillmoredrawn。
Theflowerswhichhadbeenroundherneckwefounduponhermother'sbosom，andherthroatwasbare，showingthetwolittlewoundswhichwehadnoticedbefore，butlookinghorriblywhiteandmangled。WithoutawordtheProfessorbentoverthebed，hisheadalmosttouchingpoorLucy'sbreast。
Thenhegaveaquickturnofhishead，asofonewholistens，andleapingtohisfeet，hecriedouttome，“Itisnotyettoolate！Quick！Quick！Bringthebrandy！”
Iflewdownstairsandreturnedwithit，takingcaretosmellandtasteit，lestit，too，weredruggedlikethedecanterofsherrywhichIfoundonthetable。Themaidswerestillbreathing，butmorerestlessly，andIfanciedthatthenarcoticwaswearingoff。
Ididnotstaytomakesure，butreturnedtoVanHelsing。
Herubbedthebrandy，asonanotheroccasion，onherlipsandgumsandonherwristsandthepalmsofherhands。
Hesaidtome，“Icandothis，allthatcanbeatthepresent。
Yougowakethosemaids。Flicktheminthefacewithawettowel，andflickthemhard。Makethemgetheatandfireandawarmbath。
Thispoorsoulisnearlyascoldasthatbesideher。
Shewillneedbeheatedbeforewecandoanythingmore。“
Iwentatonce，andfoundlittledifficultyinwakingthreeofthewomen。
Thefourthwasonlyayounggirl，andthedrughadevidentlyaffectedhermorestronglysoIliftedheronthesofaandlethersleep。
Theothersweredazedatfirst，butasremembrancecamebacktothemtheycriedandsobbedinahystericalmanner。
Iwassternwiththem，however，andwouldnotletthemtalk。
Itoldthemthatonelifewasbadenoughtolose，andiftheydelayedtheywouldsacrificeMissLucy。So，sobbingandcryingtheywentabouttheirway，halfcladastheywere，andpreparedfireandwater。Fortunately，thekitchenandboilerfireswerestillalive，andtherewasnolackofhotwater。
WegotabathandcarriedLucyoutasshewasandplacedherinit。
Whilstwewerebusychafingherlimbstherewasaknockatthehalldoor。
Oneofthemaidsranoff，hurriedonsomemoreclothes，andopenedit。
ThenshereturnedandwhisperedtousthattherewasagentlemanwhohadcomewithamessagefromMr。Holmwood。Ibadehersimplytellhimthathemustwait，forwecouldseenoonenow。
Shewentawaywiththemessage，and，engrossedwithourwork，Icleanforgotallabouthim。
IneversawinallmyexperiencetheProfessorworkinsuchdeadlyearnest。
Iknew，asheknew，thatitwasastand-upfightwithdeath，andinapausetoldhimso。HeansweredmeinawaythatIdidnotunderstand，butwiththesternestlookthathisfacecouldwear。
“Ifthatwereall，Iwouldstopherewherewearenow，andletherfadeawayintopeace，forIseenolightinlifeoverherhorizon。“
Hewentonwithhisworkwith，ifpossible，renewedandmorefrenziedvigour。
Presentlywebothbegantobeconsciousthattheheatwasbeginningtobeofsomeeffect。Lucy'sheartbeatatriflemoreaudiblytothestethoscope，andherlungshadaperceptiblemovement。
VanHelsing'sfacealmostbeamed，andasweliftedherfromthebathandrolledherinahotsheettodryherhesaidtome，“Thefirstgainisours！ChecktotheKing！”
WetookLucyintoanotherroom，whichhadbynowbeenprepared，andlaidherinbedandforcedafewdropsofbrandydownherthroat。
InoticedthatVanHelsingtiedasoftsilkhandkerchiefroundherthroat。
Shewasstillunconscious，andwasquiteasbadas，ifnotworsethan，wehadeverseenher。
VanHelsingcalledinoneofthewomen，andtoldhertostaywithherandnottotakehereyesoffhertillwereturned，andthenbeckonedmeoutoftheroom。
“Wemustconsultastowhatistobedone，“hesaidaswedescendedthestairs。Inthehallheopenedthediningroomdoor，andwepassedin，heclosingthedoorcarefullybehindhim。
Theshuttershadbeenopened，buttheblindswerealreadydown，withthatobediencetotheetiquetteofdeathwhichtheBritishwomanofthelowerclassesalwaysrigidlyobserves。Theroomwas，therefore，dimlydark。Itwas，however，lightenoughforourpurposes。
VanHelsing'ssternnesswassomewhatrelievedbyalookofperplexity。
Hewasevidentlytorturinghismindaboutsomething，soIwaitedforaninstant，andhespoke。
“Whatarewetodonow？Wherearewetoturnforhelp？
Wemusthaveanothertransfusionofblood，andthatsoon，orthatpoorgirl'slifewon'tbeworthanhour'spurchase。
Youareexhaustedalready。Iamexhaustedtoo。Ifeartotrustthosewomen，eveniftheywouldhavecouragetosubmit。
Whatarewetodoforsomeonewhowillopenhisveinsforher？”
“What'sthematterwithme，anyhow？”
Thevoicecamefromthesofaacrosstheroom，anditstonesbroughtreliefandjoytomyheart，fortheywerethoseofQuinceyMorris。
VanHelsingstartedangrilyatthefirstsound，buthisfacesoftenedandagladlookcameintohiseyesasIcriedout，“QuinceyMorris！”
andrushedtowardshimwithoutstretchedhands。
“Whatbroughtyouher？”Icriedasourhandsmet。
“IguessArtisthecause。“
Hehandedmeatelegram——`HavenotheardfromSewardforthreedays，andamterriblyanxious。Cannotleave。
Fatherstillinsamecondition。SendmewordhowLucyis。
Donotdelay——Holmwood。'
“IthinkIcamejustinthenickoftime。Youknowyouhaveonlytotellmewhattodo。“
VanHelsingstrodeforward，andtookhishand，lookinghimstraightintheeyesashesaid，“Abraveman'sbloodisthebestthingonthisearthwhenawomanisintrouble。
You'reamanandnomistake。Well，thedevilmayworkagainstusforallhe'sworth，butGodsendsusmenwhenwewantthem。“
Onceagainwewentthroughthatghastlyoperation。
Ihavenotthehearttogothroughwiththedetails。
Lucyhadgotaterribleshockandittoldonhermorethanbefore，forthoughplentyofbloodwentintoherveins，herbodydidnotrespondtothetreatmentaswellasontheotheroccasions。
Herstrugglebackintolifewassomethingfrightfultoseeandhear。
However，theactionofbothheartandlungsimproved，andVanHelsingmadeasub-cutaneousinjectionofmorphia，asbefore，andwithgoodeffect。Herfaintbecameaprofoundslumber。
TheProfessorwatchedwhilstIwentdownstairswithQuinceyMorris，andsentoneofthemaidstopayoffoneofthecabmenwhowerewaiting。
IleftQuinceylyingdownafterhavingaglassofwine，andtoldthecooktogetreadyagoodbreakfast。Thenathoughtstruckme，andIwentbacktotheroomwhereLucynowwas。
WhenIcamesoftlyin，IfoundVanHelsingwithasheetortwoofnotepaperinhishand。Hehadevidentlyreadit，andwasthinkingitoverashesatwithhishandtohisbrow。
Therewasalookofgrimsatisfactioninhisface，asofonewhohashadadoubtsolved。Hehandedmethepapersayingonly，“ItdroppedfromLucy'sbreastwhenwecarriedhertothebath。“
WhenIhadreadit，IstooklookingattheProfessor，andafterapauseaskedhim，“InGod'sname，whatdoesitallmean？
Wasshe，orisshe，mad，orwhatsortofhorribledangerisit？”
IwassobewilderedthatIdidnotknowwhattosaymore。
VanHelsingputouthishandandtookthepaper，saying，“Donottroubleaboutitnow。Forgetifforthepresent。
Youshallknowandunderstanditallingoodtime，butitwillbelater。Andnowwhatisitthatyoucametometosay？”
Thisbroughtmebacktofact，andIwasallmyselfagain。
“Icametospeakaboutthecertificateofdeath。Ifwedonotactproperlyandwisely，theremaybeaninquest，andthatpaperwouldhavetobeproduced。Iaminhopesthatweneedhavenoinquest，forifwehaditwouldsurelykillpoorLucy，ifnothingelsedid。
Iknow，andyouknow，andtheotherdoctorwhoattendedherknows，thatMrs。Westenrahaddiseaseoftheheart，andwecancertifythatshediedofit。Letusfillupthecertificateatonce，andI
shalltakeitmyselftotheregistrarandgoontotheundertaker。“
“Good，ohmyfriendJohn！Wellthoughtof！TrulyMissLucy，ifshebesadinthefoesthatbesether，isatleasthappyinthefriendsthatloveher。One，two，three，allopentheirveinsforher，besidesoneoldman。Ah，yes，Iknow，friendJohn。Iamnotblind！
Iloveyouallthemoreforit！Nowgo。“
InthehallImetQuinceyMorris，withatelegramforArthurtellinghimthatMrs。Westenrawasdead，thatLucyalsohadbeenill，butwasnowgoingonbetter，andthatVanHelsingandIwerewithher。
ItoldhimwhereIwasgoing，andhehurriedmeout，butasI
wasgoingsaid，“Whenyoucomeback，Jack，mayIhavetwowordswithyoualltoourselves？”
Inoddedinreplyandwentout。Ifoundnodifficultyabouttheregistration，andarrangedwiththelocalundertakertocomeupintheeveningtomeasureforthecoffinandtomakearrangements。
WhenIgotbackQuinceywaswaitingforme。ItoldhimIwouldseehimassoonasIknewaboutLucy，andwentuptoherroom。
Shewasstillsleeping，andtheProfessorseeminglyhadnotmovedfromhisseatatherside。Fromhisputtinghisfingertohislips，Igatheredthatheexpectedhertowakebeforelongandwasafraidoffore-stallingnature。SoIwentdowntoQuinceyandtookhimintothebreakfastroom，wheretheblindswerenotdrawndown，andwhichwasalittlemorecheerful，orratherlesscheerless，thantheotherrooms。
Whenwewerealone，hesaidtome，“JackSeward，Idon'twanttoshovemyselfinanywherewhereI'venorighttobe，butthisisnoordinarycase。
YouknowIlovedthatgirlandwantedtomarryher，butalthoughthat'sallpastandgone，Ican'thelpfeelinganxiousaboutherallthesame。
Whatisitthat'swrongwithher？TheDutchman，andafineoldfellowisis，Icanseethat，saidthattimeyoutwocameintotheroom，thatyoumusthaveanothertransfusionofblood，andthatbothyouandhewereexhausted。
NowIknowwellthatyoumedicalmenspeakincamera，andthatamanmustnotexpecttoknowwhattheyconsultaboutinprivate。
Butthisisnocommonmatter，andwhateveritis，Ihavedonemypart。
Isnotthatso？”
“That'sso，“Isaid，andhewenton。
“ItakeitthatbothyouandVanHelsinghaddonealreadywhatIdidtoday。
Isnotthatso？”
“That'sso。“
“AndIguessArtwasinittoo。WhenIsawhimfourdaysagodownathisownplacehelookedqueer。IhavenotseenanythingpulleddownsoquicksinceIwasonthePampasandhadamarethatIwasfondofgotograssallinanight。
Oneofthosebigbatsthattheycallvampireshadgotatherinthenight，andwhatwithhisgorgeandtheveinleftopen，therewasn'tenoughbloodinhertoletherstandup，andI
hadtoputabulletthroughherasshelay。Jack，ifyoumaytellmewithoutbetrayingconfidence，Arthurwasthefirst，isnotthatso？”
Ashespokethepoorfellowlookedterriblyanxious。Hewasinatortureofsuspenseregardingthewomanheloved，andhisutterignoranceoftheterriblemysterywhichseemedtosurroundherintensifiedhispain。
Hisveryheartwasbleeding，andittookallthemanhoodofhim，andtherewasaroyallotofit，too，tokeephimfrombreakingdown。
Ipausedbeforeanswering，forIfeltthatImustnotbetrayanythingwhichtheProfessorwishedkeptsecret，butalreadyheknewsomuch，andguessedsomuch，thattherecouldbenoreasonfornotanswering，soIansweredinthesamephrase。
“That'sso。“
“Andhowlonghasthisbeengoingon？”
“Abouttendays。“
“Tendays！ThenIguess，JackSeward，thatthatpoorprettycreaturethatwealllovehashadputintoherveinswithinthattimethebloodoffourstrongmen。Manalive，herwholebodywouldn'tholdit。“
Thencomingclosetome，hespokeinafiercehalf-whisper。“Whattookitout？”
Ishookmyhead。“That，“Isaid，“isthecrux。VanHelsingissimplyfranticaboutit，andIamatmywits'end。Ican'tevenhazardaguess。
TherehasbeenaseriesoflittlecircumstanceswhichhavethrownoutallourcalculationsastoLucybeingproperlywatched。
Buttheseshallnotoccuragain。Herewestayuntilallbewell，orill。“
Quinceyheldouthishand。“Countmein，“hesaid。
“YouandtheDutchmanwilltellmewhattodo，andI'lldoit。“
Whenshewokelateintheafternoon，Lucy'sfirstmovementwastofeelinherbreast，andtomysurprise，producedthepaperwhichVanHelsinghadgivenmetoread。ThecarefulProfessorhadreplaceditwhereithadcomefrom，lestonwakingsheshouldbealarmed。
HereyesthenlitonVanHelsingandonmetoo，andgladdened。
Thenshelookedroundtheroom，andseeingwhereshewas，shuddered。
Shegavealoudcry，andputherpoorthinhandsbeforeherpaleface。
Webothunderstoodwhatwasmeant，thatshehadrealizedtothefullhermother'sdeath。Sowetriedwhatwecouldtocomforther。
Doubtlesssympathyeasedhersomewhat，butshewasverylowinthoughtandspirit，andweptsilentlyandweaklyforalongtime。
Wetoldherthateitherorbothofuswouldnowremainwithherallthetime，andthatseemedtocomforther。
Towardsduskshefellintoadoze。Hereaveryoddthingoccurred。
Whilststillasleepshetookthepaperfromherbreastandtoreitintwo。VanHelsingsteppedoverandtookthepiecesfromher。
Allthesame，however，shewentonwiththeactionoftearing，asthoughthematerialwerestillinherhands。Finallysheliftedherhandsandopenedthemasthoughscatteringthefragments。
VanHelsingseemedsurprised，andhisbrowsgatheredasifinthought，buthesaidnothing。
19September——Alllastnightshesleptfitfully，beingalwaysafraidtosleep，andsomethingweakerwhenshewokefromit。
TheProfessorandItookinturnstowatch，andweneverleftherforamomentunattended。QuinceyMorrissaidnothingabouthisintention，butIknewthatallnightlonghepatrolledroundandroundthehouse。
Whenthedaycame，itssearchinglightshowedtheravagesinpoorLucy'sstrength。Shewashardlyabletoturnherhead，andthelittlenourishmentwhichshecouldtakeseemedtodohernogood。
Attimessheslept，andbothVanHelsingandInoticedthedifferenceinher，betweensleepingandwaking。Whilstasleepshelookedstronger，althoughmorehaggard，andherbreathingwassofter。
Heropenmouthshowedthepalegumsdrawnbackfromtheteeth，whichlookedpositivelylongerandsharperthanusual。
Whenshewokethesoftnessofhereyesevidentlychangedtheexpression，forshelookedherownself，althoughadyingone。
IntheafternoonsheaskedforArthur，andwetelegraphedforhim。
Quinceywentofftomeethimatthestation。
Whenhearriveditwasnearlysixo'clock，andthesunwassettingfullandwarm，andtheredlightstreamedinthroughthewindowandgavemorecolortothepalecheeks。Whenhesawher，Arthurwassimplychokingwithemotion，andnoneofuscouldspeak。
Inthehoursthathadpassed，thefitsofsleep，orthecomatoseconditionthatpassedforit，hadgrownmorefrequent，sothatthepauseswhenconversationwaspossiblewereshortened。
Arthur'spresence，however，seemedtoactasastimulant。
Sheralliedalittle，andspoketohimmorebrightlythanshehaddonesincewearrived。Hetoopulledhimselftogether，andspokeascheerilyashecould，sothatthebestwasmadeofeverything。
Itisnownearlyoneo'clock，andheandVanHelsingaresittingwithher。
Iamtorelievetheminaquarterofanhour，andIamenteringthisonLucy'sphonograph。Untilsixo'clocktheyaretotrytorest。
Ifearthattomorrowwillendourwatching，fortheshockhasbeentoogreat。
Thepoorchildcannotrally。Godhelpusall。
LETTERMINAHARKERTOLUCYWESTENRA
Unopenedbyher
17SeptemberMydearestLucy，“ItseemsanagesinceIheardfromyou，orindeedsinceIwrote。
Youwillpardonme，Iknow，forallmyfaultswhenyouhavereadallmybudgetofnews。Well，Igotmyhusbandbackallright。
WhenwearrivedatExetertherewasacarriagewaitingforus，andinit，thoughhehadanattackofgout，Mr。Hawkins。
Hetookustohishouse，wheretherewereroomsforusallniceandcomfortable，andwedinedtogether。
AfterdinnerMr。Hawkinssaid，“`Mydears，Iwanttodrinkyourhealthandprosperity，andmayeveryblessingattendyouboth。Iknowyoubothfromchildren，andhave，withloveandpride，seenyougrowup。NowIwantyoutomakeyourhomeherewithme。Ihavelefttomeneitherchicknorchild。
Allaregone，andinmywillIhaveleftyoueverything。'
Icried，Lucydear，asJonathanandtheoldmanclaspedhands。
Oureveningwasavery，veryhappyone。
“Sohereweare，installedinthisbeautifuloldhouse，andfrombothmybedroomandthedrawingroomIcanseethegreatelmsofthecathedralclose，withtheirgreatblackstemsstandingoutagainsttheoldyellowstoneofthecathedral，andIcanheartherooksoverheadcawingandcawingandchatteringandchatteringandgossipingallday，afterthemannerofrooks——andhumans。
Iambusy，Ineednottellyou，arrangingthingsandhousekeeping。
JonathanandMr。Hawkinsarebusyallday，fornowthatJonathanisapartner，Mr。Hawkinswantstotellhimallabouttheclients。
“Howisyourdearmothergettingon？IwishIcouldrunuptotownforadayortwotoseeyou，dear，butI，darenotgoyet，withsomuchonmyshoulders，andJonathanwantslookingafterstill。
Heisbeginningtoputsomefleshonhisbonesagain，buthewasterriblyweakenedbythelongillness。EvennowhesometimesstartsoutofhissleepinasuddenwayandawakesalltremblinguntilIcancoaxhimbacktohisusualplacidity。
However，thankGod，theseoccasionsgrowlessfrequentasthedaysgoon，andtheywillintimepassawayaltogether，Itrust。
AndnowIhavetoldyoumynews，letmeaskyours。Whenareyoutobemarried，andwhere，andwhoistoperformtheceremony，andwhatareyoutowear，andisittobeapublicorprivatewedding？
Tellmeallaboutit，dear，tellmeallabouteverything，forthereisnothingwhichinterestsyouwhichwillnotbedeartome。
Jonathanasksmetosendhis`respectfulduty'，butIdonotthinkthatisgoodenoughfromthejuniorpartneroftheimportantfirmHawkins&Harker。Andso，asyouloveme，andhelovesme，andIloveyouwithallthemoodsandtensesoftheverb，Isendyousimplyhis`love'instead。Goodbye，mydearestLucy，andblessingsonyou。“Yours，MinaHarkerREPORTFROMPATRICKHENNESSEY，MD，MRCSLK，QCPI，ETC，ETC，TOJOHNSEWARD，MD
20SeptemberMydearSir：
“Inaccordancewithyourwishes，Ienclosereportoftheconditionsofeverythingleftinmycharge。
Withregardtopatient，Renfield，thereismoretosay。
Hehashadanotheroutbreak，whichmighthavehadadreadfulending，butwhich，asitfortunatelyhappened，wasunattendedwithanyunhappyresults。Thisafternoonacarrier'scartwithtwomenmadeacallattheemptyhousewhosegroundsabutonours，thehousetowhich，youwillremember，thepatienttwiceranaway。
Themenstoppedatourgatetoasktheportertheirway，astheywerestrangers。
“Iwasmyselflookingoutofthestudywindow，havingasmokeafterdinner，andsawoneofthemcomeuptothehouse。
AshepassedthewindowofRenfield'sroom，thepatientbegantoratehimfromwithin，andcalledhimallthefoulnameshecouldlayhistongueto。Theman，whoseemedadecentfellowenough，contentedhimselfbytellinghimto`shutupforafoul-mouthedbeggar'，whereonourmanaccusedhimofrobbinghimandwantingtomurderhimandsaidthathewouldhinderhimifheweretoswingforit。
Iopenedthewindowandsignedtothemannottonotice，sohecontentedhimselfafterlookingtheplaceoverandmakinguphismindastowhatkindofplacehehadgottobysaying，`Lor'blessyer，sir，Iwouldn'tmindwhatwassaidtomeinabloomin'madhouse。Ipityyeandtheguv'norforhavin'
toliveinthehousewithawildbeastlikethat。'
“Thenheaskedhiswaycivillyenough，andItoldhimwherethegateoftheemptyhousewas。Hewentawayfollowedbythreatsandcursesandrevilingsfromourman。
IwentdowntoseeifIcouldmakeoutanycauseforhisanger，sinceheisusuallysuchawell-behavedman，andexcepthisviolentfitsnothingofthekindhadeveroccurred。
Ifoundhim，tomyastonishment，quitecomposedandmostgenialinhismanner。Itriedtogethimtotalkoftheincident，butheblandlyaskedmequestionsastowhatImeant，andledmetobelievethathewascompletelyobliviousoftheaffair。
Itwas，Iamsorrytosay，however，onlyanotherinstanceofhiscunning，forwithinhalfanhourIheardofhimagain。
Thistimehehadbrokenoutthroughthewindowofhisroom，andwasrunningdowntheavenue。Icalledtotheattendantstofollowme，andranafterhim，forIfearedhewasintentonsomemischief。MyfearwasjustifiedwhenIsawthesamecartwhichhadpassedbeforecomingdowntheroad，havingonitsomegreatwoodenboxes。Themenwerewipingtheirforeheads，andwereflushedintheface，asifwithviolentexercise。
BeforeIcouldgetuptohim，thepatientrushedatthem，andpullingoneofthemoffthecart，begantoknockhisheadagainsttheground。IfIhadnotseizedhimjustatthemoment，Ibelievehewouldhavekilledthemanthereandthen。
Theotherfellowjumpeddownandstruckhimovertheheadwiththebuttendofhisheavywhip。Itwasahorribleblow，buthedidnotseemtomindit，butseizedhimalso，andstruggledwiththethreeofus，pullingustoandfroasifwewerekittens。
YouknowIamnolightweight，andtheotherswerebothburlymen。
Atfirsthewassilentinhisfighting，butaswebegantomasterhim，andtheattendantswereputtingastraitwaistcoatonhim，hebegantoshout，`I'llfrustratethem！Theyshan'trobme！
Theyshan'tmurdermebyinches！I'llfightformyLordandMaster！'andallsortsofsimilarincoherentravings。
Itwaswithveryconsiderabledifficultythattheygothimbacktothehouseandputhiminthepaddedroom。
Oneoftheattendants，Hardy，hadafingerbroken。
However，Isetitallright，andheisgoingonwell。
“Thetwocarrierswereatfirstloudintheirthreatsofactionsfordamages，andpromisedtorainallthepenaltiesofthelawonus。
Theirthreatswere，however，mingledwithsomesortofindirectapologyforthedefeatofthetwoofthembyafeeblemadman。
Theysaidthatifithadnotbeenforthewaytheirstrengthhadbeenspentincarryingandraisingtheheavyboxestothecarttheywouldhavemadeshortworkofhim。
Theygaveasanotherreasonfortheirdefeattheextraordinarystateofdrouthtowhichtheyhadbeenreducedbythedustynatureoftheiroccupationandthereprehensibledistancefromthesceneoftheirlaborsofanyplaceofpublicentertainment。
Iquiteunderstoodtheirdrift，andafterastiffglassofstronggrog，orrathermoreofthesame，andwitheachasovereigninhand，theymadelightoftheattack，andsworethattheywouldencounteraworsemadmananydayforthepleasureofmeetingso`bloomin'goodabloke'asyourcorrespondent。
Itooktheirnamesandaddresses，incasetheymightbeneeded。
Theyareasfollows：JackSmollet，ofDudding'sRents，KingGeorge'sRoad，GreatWalworth，andThomasSnelling，PeterFarley'sRow，GuideCourt，BethnalGreen。TheyarebothintheemploymentofHarris&Sons，MovingandShipmentCompany，OrangeMaster'sYard，Soho。
“Ishallreporttoyouanymatterofinterestoccurringhere，andshallwireyouatonceifthereisanythingofimportance。
“Believeme，dearSir，“Yoursfaithfully，“PatrickHennessey。“
LETTER，MINAHARKERTOLUCYWESTENRAUnopenedbyher
18September“MydearestLucy，“Suchasadblowhasbefallenus。Mr。Hawkinshasdiedverysuddenly。
Somemaynotthinkitsosadforus，butwehadbothcometosolovehimthatitreallyseemsasthoughwehadlostafather。
Ineverkneweitherfatherormother，sothatthedearoldman'sdeathisarealblowtome。Jonathanisgreatlydistressed。
Itisnotonlythathefeelssorrow，deepsorrow，forthedear，goodmanwhohasbefriendedhimallhislife，andnowattheendhastreatedhimlikehisownsonandlefthimafortunewhichtopeopleofourmodestbringingupiswealthbeyondthedreamofavarice，butJonathanfeelsitonanotheraccount。
Hesaystheamountofresponsibilitywhichitputsuponhimmakeshimnervous。Hebeginstodoubthimself。Itrytocheerhimup，andmybeliefinhimhelpshimtohaveabeliefinhimself。
Butitisherethatthegraveshockthatheexperiencedtellsuponhimthemost。Oh，itistoohardthatasweet，simple，noble，strongnaturesuchashis，anaturewhichenabledhimbyourdear，goodfriend'saidtorisefromclerktomasterinafewyears，shouldbesoinjuredthattheveryessenceofitsstrengthisgone。
Forgiveme，dear，ifIworryyouwithmytroublesinthemidstofyourownhappiness，butLucydear，Imusttellsomeone，forthestrainofkeepingupabraveandcheerfulappearancetoJonathantriesme，andIhavenooneherethatIcanconfidein。IdreadcominguptoLondon，aswemustdothatdayaftertomorrow，forpoorMr。Hawkinsleftinhiswillthathewastobeburiedinthegravewithhisfather。
Astherearenorelationsatall，Jonathanwillhavetobechiefmourner。
Ishalltrytorunovertoseeyou，dearest，ifonlyforafewminutes。
Forgivemefortroublingyou。Withallblessings，“YourlovingMinaHarker“
DR。SEWARD'DIARY
20September——Onlyresolutionandhabitcanletmemakeanentrytonight。
Iamtoomiserable，toolowspirited，toosickoftheworldandallinit，includinglifeitself，thatIwouldnotcareifI
heardthismomenttheflappingofthewingsoftheangelofdeath。
Andhehasbeenflappingthosegrimwingstosomepurposeoflate，Lucy'smotherandArthur'sfather，andnow……Letmegetonwithmywork。
IdulyrelievedVanHelsinginhiswatchoverLucy。
WewantedArthurtogotorestalso，butherefusedatfirst。
ItwasonlywhenItoldhimthatweshouldwanthimtohelpusduringtheday，andthatwemustnotallbreakdownforwantofrest，lestLucyshouldsuffer，thatheagreedtogo。
VanHelsingwasverykindtohim。“Come，mychild，“hesaid。
“Comewithme。Youaresickandweak，andhavehadmuchsorrowandmuchmentalpain，aswellasthattaxonyourstrengththatweknowof。
Youmustnotbealone，fortobealoneistobefulloffearsandalarms。
Cometothedrawingroom，wherethereisabigfire，andtherearetwosofas。
Youshalllieonone，andIontheother，andoursympathywillbecomforttoeachother，eventhoughwedonotspeak，andevenifwesleep。“
Arthurwentoffwithhim，castingbackalonginglookonLucy'sface，whichlayinherpillow，almostwhiterthanthelawn。
Shelayquitestill，andIlookedaroundtheroomtoseethatallwasasitshouldbe。IcouldseethattheProfessorhadcarriedoutinthisroom，asintheother，hispurposeofusingthegarlic。
Thewholeofthewindowsashesreekedwithit，androundLucy'sneck，overthesilkhandkerchiefwhichVanHelsingmadeherkeepon，wasaroughchapletofthesameodorousflowers。
Lucywasbreathingsomewhatstertorously，andherfacewasatitsworst，fortheopenmouthshowedthepalegums。Herteeth，inthedim，uncertainlight，seemedlongerandsharperthantheyhadbeeninthemorning。
Inparticular，bysometrickofthelight，thecanineteethlookedlongerandsharperthantherest。
Isatdownbesideher，andpresentlyshemoveduneasily。Atthesamemomenttherecameasortofdullflappingorbuffetingatthewindow。
Iwentovertoitsoftly，andpeepedoutbythecorneroftheblind。
Therewasafullmoonlight，andIcouldseethatthenoisewasmadebyagreatbat，whichwheeledaround，doubtlessattractedbythelight，althoughsodim，andeverynowandagainstruckthewindowwithitswings。
WhenIcamebacktomyseat，IfoundthatLucyhadmovedslightly，andhadtornawaythegarlicflowersfromherthroat。IreplacedthemaswellasIcould，andsatwatchingher。
Presentlyshewoke，andIgaveherfood，asVanHelsinghadprescribed。Shetookbutalittle，andthatlanguidly。
Theredidnotseemtobewithhernowtheunconsciousstruggleforlifeandstrengththathadhithertosomarkedherillness。
Itstruckmeascuriousthatthemomentshebecameconsciousshepressedthegarlicflowersclosetoher。
Itwascertainlyoddthatwhenevershegotintothatlethargicstate，withthestertorousbreathing，sheputtheflowersfromher，butthatwhenshewakedsheclutchedthemclose，Therewasnopossibilityofmakingamymistakeaboutthis，forinthelonghoursthatfollowed，shehadmanyspellsofsleepingandwakingandrepeatedbothactionsmanytimes。
Atsixo'clockVanHelsingcametorelieveme。Arthurhadthenfallenintoadoze，andhemercifullylethimsleepon。
WhenhesawLucy'sfaceIcouldhearthesissingindrawofbreath，andhesaidtomeinasharpwhisper。“Drawuptheblind。
Iwantlight！”Thenhebentdown，and，withhisfacealmosttouchingLucy's，examinedhercarefully。Heremovedtheflowersandliftedthesilkhandkerchieffromherthroat。
AshedidsohestartedbackandIcouldhearhisejaculation，“MeinGott！”asitwassmotheredinhisthroat。Ibentoverandlooked，too，andasInoticedsomequeerchillcameoverme。
Thewoundsonthethroathadabsolutelydisappeared。
ForfullyfiveminutesVanHelsingstoodlookingather，withhisfaceatitssternest。Thenheturnedtomeandsaidcalmly，“Sheisdying。Itwillnotbelongnow。Itwillbemuchdifference，markme，whethershediesconsciousorinhersleep。
Wakethatpoorboy，andlethimcomeandseethelast。
Hetrustsus，andwehavepromisedhim。“
Iwenttothediningroomandwakedhim。Hewasdazedforamoment，butwhenhesawthesunlightstreaminginthroughtheedgesoftheshuttershethoughthewaslate，andexpressedhisfear。
IassuredhimthatLucywasstillasleep，buttoldhimasgentlyasicouldthatbothVanHelsingandIfearedthattheendwasnear。
Hecoveredhisfacewithhishands，andsliddownonhiskneesbythesofa，whereheremained，perhapsaminute，withhisheadburied，praying，whilsthisshouldersshookwithgrief。Itookhimbythehandandraisedhimup。
“Come，“Isaid，“mydearoldfellow，summonallyourfortitude。
Itwillbebestandeasiestforher。“
WhenwecameintoLucy'sroomIcouldseethatVanHelsinghad，withhisusualforethought，beenputtingmattersstraightandmakingeverythinglookaspleasingaspossible。HehadevenbrushedLucy'shair，sothatitlayonthepillowinitsusualsunnyripples。
Whenwecameintotheroomsheopenedhereyes，andseeinghim，whisperedsoftly，“Arthur！Oh，mylove，Iamsogladyouhavecome！”
Hewasstoopingtokissher，whenVanHelsingmotionedhimback。
“No，“hewhispered，“notyet！Holdherhand，itwillcomforthermore。“
SoArthurtookherhandandkneltbesideher，andshelookedherbest，withallthesoftlinesmatchingtheangelicbeautyofhereyes。
Thengraduallyhereyesclosed，andshesanktosleep。
Foralittlebitherbreastheavedsoftly，andherbreathcameandwentlikeatiredchild's。
AndtheninsensiblytherecamethestrangechangewhichIhadnoticedinthenight。Herbreathinggrewstertorous，themouthopened，andthepalegums，drawnback，madetheteethlooklongerandsharperthanever。
Inasortofsleep-waking，vague，unconsciouswaysheopenedhereyes，whichwerenowdullandhardatonce，andsaidinasoft，voluptuousvoice，suchasIhadneverheardfromherlips，“Arthur！Oh，mylove，Iamsogladyouhavecome！Kissme！”
Arthurbenteagerlyovertokissher，butatthatinstantVanHelsing，who，likeme，hadbeenstartledbyhervoice，swoopeduponhim，andcatchinghimbytheneckwithbothhands，draggedhimbackwithafuryofstrengthwhichIneverthoughthecouldhavepossessed，andactuallyhurledhimalmostacrosstheroom。
“Notonyourlife！”hesaid，“notforyourlivingsoulandhers！”
Andhestoodbetweenthemlikealionatbay。
Arthurwassotakenabackthathedidnotforamomentknowwhattodoorsay，andbeforeanyimpulseofviolencecouldseizehimherealizedtheplaceandtheoccasion，andstoodsilent，waiting。
IkeptmyeyesfixedonLucy，asdidVanHelsing，andwesawaspasmasofrageflitlikeashadowoverherface。
Thesharpteethclampedtogether。Thenhereyesclosed，andshebreathedheavily。
Veryshortlyaftersheopenedhereyesinalltheirsoftness，andputtingoutherpoor，pale，thinhand，tookVanHelsing'sgreatbrownone，drawingitclosetoher，shekissedit。
“Mytruefriend，“shesaid，inafaintvoice，butwithuntellablepathos，“Mytruefriend，andhis！Oh，guardhim，andgivemepeace！”
“Iswearit！”hesaidsolemnly，kneelingbesideherandholdinguphishand，asonewhoregistersanoath。ThenheturnedtoArthur，andsaidtohim，“Come，mychild，takeherhandinyours，andkissherontheforehead，andonlyonce。“
Theireyesmetinsteadoftheirlips，andsotheyparted。
Lucy'seyesclosed，andVanHelsing，whohadbeenwatchingclosely，tookArthur'sarm，anddrewhimaway。
AndthenLucy'sbreathingbecamestertorousagain，andallatonceitceased。
“Itisallover，“saidVanHelsing。“Sheisdead！”
ItookArthurbythearm，andledhimawaytothedrawingroom，wherehesatdown，andcoveredhisfacewithhishands，sobbinginawaythatnearlybrokemedowntosee。
Iwentbacktotheroom，andfoundVanHelsinglookingatpoorLucy，andhisfacewassternerthaneve。Somechangehadcomeoverherbody。
Deathhadgivenbackpartofherbeauty，forherbrowandcheekshadrecoveredsomeoftheirflowinglines。Eventhelipshadlosttheirdeadlypallor。
Itwasasiftheblood，nolongerneededfortheworkingoftheheart，hadgonetomaketheharshnessofdeathaslittlerudeasmightbe。
“Wethoughtherdyingwhilstsheslept，Andsleepingwhenshedied。“
IstoodbesideVanHelsing，andsaid，“Ahwell，poorgirl，thereispeaceforheratlast。Itistheend！”
Heturnedtome，andsaidwithgravesolemnity，“Notso，alas！Notso。
Itisonlythebeginning！”
WhenIaskedhimwhathemeant，heonlyshookhisheadandanswered，“Wecandonothingasyet。Waitandsee。“
CHAPTER13
DR。SEWARD'SDIARY——cont。
Thefuneralwasarrangedforthenextsucceedingday，sothatLucyandhermothermightbeburiedtogether。
Iattendedtoalltheghastlyformalities，andtheurbaneundertakerprovedthathisstaffwasafflicted，orblessed，withsomethingofhisownobsequioussuavity。Eventhewomanwhoperformedthelastofficesforthedeadremarkedtome，inaconfidential，brother-professionalway，whenshehadcomeoutfromthedeathchamber，“Shemakesaverybeautifulcorpse，sir。It'squiteaprivilegetoattendonher。It'snottoomuchtosaythatshewilldocredittoourestablishment！”
InoticedthatVanHelsingneverkeptfaraway。Thiswaspossiblefromthedisorderedstateofthingsinthehousehold。
Therewerenorelativesathand，andasArthurhadtobebackthenextdaytoattendathisfather'sfuneral，wewereunabletonotifyanyonewhoshouldhavebeenbidden。Underthecircumstances，VanHelsingandItookituponourselvestoexaminepapers，etc。
HeinsisteduponlookingoverLucy'spapershimself。
Iaskedhimwhy，forIfearedthathe，beingaforeigner，mightnotbequiteawareofEnglishlegalrequirements，andsomightinignorancemakesomeunnecessarytrouble。
Heansweredme，“Iknow，Iknow。YouforgetthatIamalawyeraswellasadoctor。Butthisisnotaltogetherforthelaw。Youknewthat，whenyouavoidedthecoroner。
Ihavemorethanhimtoavoid。Theremaybepapersmore，suchasthis。“
AshespokehetookfromhispocketbookthememorandumwhichhadbeeninLucy'sbreast，andwhichshehadtorninhersleep。
“WhenyoufindanythingofthesolicitorwhoisforthelateMrs。Westenra，sealallherpapers，andwritehimtonight。Forme，IwatchhereintheroomandinMissLucy'soldroomallnight，andImyselfsearchforwhatmaybe。
Itisnotwellthatherverythoughtsgointothehandsofstrangers。“
Iwentonwithmypartofthework，andinanotherhalfhourhadfoundthenameandaddressofMrs。Westenra'ssolicitorandhadwrittentohim。Allthepoorlady'spaperswereinorder。
Explicitdirectionsregardingtheplaceofburialweregiven。
Ihadhardlysealedtheletter，when，tomysurprise，VanHelsingwalkedintotheroom，saying，“CanIhelpyoufriendJohn？Iamfree，andifImay，myserviceistoyou。“
“Haveyougotwhatyoulookedfor？”Iasked。
Towhichhereplied，“Ididnotlookforanyspecificthing。
Ionlyhopedtofind，andfindIhave，allthattherewas，onlysomelettersandafewmemoranda，andadiarynewbegun。
ButIhavethemhere，andweshallforthepresentsaynothingofthem。
Ishallseethatpoorladtomorrowevening，and，withhissanction，Ishallusesome。“
Whenwehadfinishedtheworkinhand，hesaidtome，“Andnow，friendJohn，Ithinkwemaytobed。Wewantsleep，bothyouandI，andresttorecuperate。Tomorrowweshallhavemuchtodo，butforthetonightthereisnoneedofus。Alas！”
BeforeturninginwewenttolookatpoorLucy。Theundertakerhadcertainlydonehisworkwell，fortheroomwasturnedintoasmallchapelleardente。Therewasawildernessofbeautifulwhiteflowers，anddeathwasmadeaslittlerepulsiveasmightbe。
Theendofthewindingsheetwaslaidovertheface。
WhentheProfessorbentoverandturneditgentlyback，webothstartedatthebeautybeforeus。Thetallwaxcandlesshowingasufficientlighttonoteitwell。
AllLucy'slovelinesshadcomebacktoherindeath，andthehoursthathadpassed，insteadofleavingtracesof`decay'seffacingfingers'，hadbutrestoredthebeautyoflife，tillpositivelyIcouldnotbelievemyeyesthatIwaslookingatacorpse。
TheProfessorlookedsternlygrave。HehadnotlovedherasIhad，andtherewasnoneedfortearsinhiseyes。
Hesaidtome，“RemaintillIreturn，“andlefttheroom。
Hecamebackwithahandfulofwildgarlicfromtheboxwaitinginthehall，butwhichhadnotbeenopened，andplacedtheflowersamongsttheothersonandaroundthebed。Thenhetookfromhisneck，insidehiscollar，alittlegoldcrucifix，andplaceditoverthemouth。
Herestoredthesheettoitsplace，andwecameaway。
Iwasundressinginmyownroom，when，withapremonitorytapatthedoor，heentered，andatoncebegantospeak。
“TomorrowIwantyoutobringme，beforenight，asetofpost-mortemknives。“
“Mustwemakeanautopsy？”Iasked。
“Yesandno。Iwanttooperate，butnotwhatyouthink。
Letmetellyounow，butnotawordtoanother。Iwanttocutoffherheadandtakeoutherheart。Ah！Youasurgeon，andsoshocked！You，whomIhaveseenwithnotrembleofhandorheart，dooperationsoflifeanddeaththatmaketherestshudder。Oh，butImustnotforget，mydearfriendJohn，thatyoulovedher，andIhavenotforgottenitforisIthatshalloperate，andyoumustnothelp。
Iwouldliketodoittonight，butforArthurImustnot。
Hewillbefreeafterhisfather'sfuneraltomorrow，andhewillwanttoseeher，toseeit。Then，whensheiscoffinedreadyforthenextday，youandIshallcomewhenallsleep。
Weshallunscrewthecoffinlid，andshalldoouroperation，andthenreplaceall，sothatnoneknow，savewealone。“
“Butwhydoitatall？Thegirlisdead。Whymutilateherpoorbodywithoutneed？Andifthereisnonecessityforapost-mortemandnothingtogainbyit，nogoodtoher，tous，toscience，tohumanknowledge，whydoit？
Withoutsuchitismonstrous。“
Foranswerheputhishandonmyshoulder，andsaid，withinfinitetenderness，“FriendJohn，Ipityyourpoorbleedingheart，andIloveyouthemorebecauseitdoessobleed。
IfIcould，Iwouldtakeonmyselftheburdenthatyoudobear。
Buttherearethingsthatyouknownot，butthatyoushallknow，andblessmeforknowing，thoughtheyarenotpleasantthings。
John，mychild，youhavebeenmyfriendnowmanyyears，andyetdidyoueverknowmetodoanywithoutgoodcause？
Imayerr，Iambutman，butIbelieveinallIdo。
Wasitnotforthesecausesthatyousendformewhenthegreattroublecame？Yes！Wereyounotamazed，nayhorrified，whenIwouldnotletArthurkisshislove，thoughshewasdying，andsnatchedhimawaybyallmystrength？Yes！Andyetyousawhowshethankedme，withhersobeautifuldyingeyes，hervoice，too，soweak，andshekissmyrougholdhandandblessme？Yes！Anddidyounothearmeswearpromisetoher，thatsosheclosedhereyesgrateful？Yes！
“Well，IhavegoodreasonnowforallIwanttodo。
Youhaveformanyyearstrustme。Youhavebelievemeweekspast，whentherebethingssostrangethatyoumighthavewelldoubt。
Believemeyetalittle，friendJohn。Ifyoutrustmenot，thenImusttellwhatIthink，andthatisnotperhapswell。
AndifIwork，asworkIshall，nomattertrustornotrust，withoutmyfriendtrustinme，Iworkwithheavyheartandfeel，ohsolonelywhenIwantallhelpandcouragethatmaybe！”
Hepausedamomentandwentonsolemnly，“FriendJohn，therearestrangeandterribledaysbeforeus。
Letusnotbetwo，butone，thatsoweworktoagoodend。
Willyounothavefaithinme？”
Itookhishand，andpromisedhim。Iheldmydooropenashewentaway，andwatchedhimgotohisroomandclosethedoor。
AsIstoodwithoutmoving，Isawoneofthemaidspasssilentlyalongthepassage，shehadherbacktome，sodidnotseeme，andgointotheroomwhereLucylay。Thesighttouchedme。
Devotionissorare，andwearesogratefultothosewhoshowitunaskedtothosewelove。Herewasapoorgirlputtingasidetheterrorswhichshenaturallyhadofdeathtogowatchalonebythebierofthemistresswhomsheloved，sothatthepoorclaymightnotbelonelytilllaidtoeternalrest。
Imusthavesleptlongandsoundly，foritwasbroaddaylightwhenVanHelsingwakedmebycomingintomyroom。Hecameovertomybedsideandsaid，“Youneednottroubleabouttheknives。
Weshallnotdoit。“
“Whynot？”Iasked。Forhissolemnityofthenightbeforehadgreatlyimpressedme。
“Because，“hesaidsternly，“itistoolate，ortooearly。See！”Hereheheldupthelittlegoldencrucifix。
“Thiswasstoleninthenight。“
“Howstolen，“Iaskedinwonder，“sinceyouhaveitnow？”
“BecauseIgetitbackfromtheworthlesswretchwhostoleit，fromthewomanwhorobbedthedeadandtheliving。
Herpunishmentwillsurelycome，butnotthroughme。
Sheknewnotaltogetherwhatshedid，andthusunknowing，sheonlystole。Nowwemustwait。“Hewentawayontheword，leavingmewithanewmysterytothinkof，anewpuzzletograpplewith。
Theforenoonwasadrearytime，butatnoonthesolicitorcame，Mr。Marquand，ofWholeman，Sons，Marquand&Lidderdale。
Hewasverygenialandveryappreciativeofwhatwehaddone，andtookoffourhandsallcaresastodetails。DuringlunchhetoldusthatMrs。Westenrahadforsometimeexpectedsuddendeathfromherheart，andhadputheraffairsinabsoluteorder。
Heinformedusthat，withtheexceptionofacertainentailedpropertyofLucy'sfatherwhichnow，indefaultofdirectissue，wentbacktoadistantbranchofthefamily，thewholeestate，realandpersonal，wasleftabsolutelytoArthurHolmwood。
Whenhehadtoldussomuchhewenton，“Franklywedidourbesttopreventsuchatestamentarydisposition，andpointedoutcertaincontingenciesthatmightleaveherdaughtereitherpennilessornotsofreeassheshouldbetoactregardingamatrimonialalliance。Indeed，wepressedthemattersofarthatwealmostcameintocollision，forsheaskedusifwewereorwerenotpreparedtocarryoutherwishes。
Ofcourse，wehadthennoalternativebuttoaccept。
Wewererightinprinciple，andninety-ninetimesoutofahundredweshouldhaveproved，bythelogicofevents，theaccuracyofourjudgment。
“Frankly，however，Imustadmitthatinthiscaseanyotherformofdispositionwouldhaverenderedimpossiblethecarryingoutofherwishes。
Forbyherpredeceasingherdaughterthelatterwouldhavecomeintopossessionoftheproperty，and，evenhadsheonlysurvivedhermotherbyfiveminutes，herpropertywould，incasetherewerenowill，andawillwasapracticalimpossibilityinsuchacase，havebeentreatedatherdeceaseasunderintestacy。InwhichcaseLordGodalming，thoughsodearafriend，wouldhavehadnoclaimintheworld。
Andtheinheritors，beingremote，wouldnotbelikelytoabandontheirjustrights，forsentimentalreasonsregardinganentirestranger。
Iassureyou，mydearsirs，Iamrejoicedattheresult，perfectlyrejoiced。“
Hewasagoodfellow，buthisrejoicingattheonelittlepart，inwhichhewasofficiallyinterested，ofsogreatatragedy，wasanobject-lessoninthelimitationsofsympatheticunderstanding。
Hedidnotremainlong，butsaidhewouldlookinlaterinthedayandseeLordGodalming。Hiscoming，however，hadbeenacertaincomforttous，sinceitassuredusthatweshouldnothavetodreadhostilecriticismastoanyofouracts。Arthurwasexpectedatfiveo'clock，soalittlebeforethattimewevisitedthedeathchamber。
Itwassoinverytruth，fornowbothmotheranddaughterlayinit。
Theundertaker，truetohiscraft，hadmadethebestdisplayhecouldofhisgoods，andtherewasamortuaryairabouttheplacethatloweredourspiritsatonce。
VanHelsingorderedtheformerarrangementtobeadheredto，explainingthat，asLordGodalmingwascomingverysoon，itwouldbelessharrowingtohisfeelingstoseeallthatwasleftofhisfianceequitealone。
Theundertakerseemedshockedathisownstupidityandexertedhimselftorestorethingstotheconditioninwhichweleftthemthenightbefore，sothatwhenArthurcamesuchshockstohisfeelingsaswecouldavoidweresaved。
Poorfellow！Helookeddesperatelysadandbroken。Evenhisstalwartmanhoodseemedtohaveshrunksomewhatunderthestrainofhismuch-triedemotions。
Hehad，Iknew，beenverygenuinelyanddevotedlyattachedtohisfather，andtolosehim，andatsuchatime，wasabitterblowtohim。
Withmehewaswarmasever，andtoVanHelsinghewassweetlycourteous。
ButIcouldnothelpseeingthattherewassomeconstraintwithhim。
Theprofessornoticedittoo，andmotionedmetobringhimupstairs。
Ididso，andlefthimatthedooroftheroom，asIfelthewouldliketobequitealonewithher，buthetookmyarmandledmein，sayinghuskily，“Youlovedhertoo，oldfellow。Shetoldmeallaboutit，andtherewasnofriendhadacloserplaceinherheartthanyou。
Idon'tknowhowtothankyouforallyouhavedoneforher。
Ican'tthinkyet……“
Herehesuddenlybrokedown，andthrewhisarmsroundmyshouldersandlaidhisheadonmybreast，crying，“Oh，Jack！Jack！WhatshallIdo？
Thewholeoflifeseemsgonefrommeallatonce，andthereisnothinginthewideworldformetolivefor。“
IcomfortedhimaswellasIcould。Insuchcasesmendonotneedmuchexpression。Agripofthehand，thetighteningofanarmovertheshoulder，asobinunison，areexpressionsofsympathydeartoaman'sheart。Istoodstillandsilenttillhissobsdiedaway，andthenIsaidsoftlytohim，“Comeandlookather。“
Togetherwemovedovertothebed，andIliftedthelawnfromherface。God！Howbeautifulshewas。
Everyhourseemedtobeenhancingherloveliness。
Itfrightenedandamazedmesomewhat。AndasforArthur，hefelltotrembling，andfinallywasshakenwithdoubtaswithanague。
Atlast，afteralongpause，hesaidtomeinafaintwhisper，“Jack，isshereallydead？”
Iassuredhimsadlythatitwasso，andwentontosuggest，forIfeltthatsuchahorribledoubtshouldnothavelifeforamomentlongerthanI
couldhelp，thatitoftenhappenedthatafterdeathfacesbecomesoftenedandevenresolvedintotheiryouthfulbeauty，thatthiswasespeciallysowhendeathhadbeenprecededbyanyacuteorprolongedsuffering。
Iseemedtoquitedoawaywithanydoubt，andafterkneelingbesidethecouchforawhileandlookingatherlovinglyandlong，heturnedaside。
Itoldhimthatthatmustbegoodbye，asthecoffinhadtobeprepared，sohewentbackandtookherdeadhandinhisandkissedit，andbentoverandkissedherforehead。Hecameaway，fondlylookingbackoverhisshoulderatherashecame。
Ilefthiminthedrawingroom，andtoldVanHelsingthathehadsaidgoodbye，sothelatterwenttothekitchentotelltheundertaker'smentoproceedwiththepreperationsandtoscrewupthecoffin。WhenhecameoutoftheroomagainItoldhimofArthur'squestion，andhereplied，“Iamnotsurprised。
JustnowIdoubtedforamomentmyself！”