Jude’sgotanewrectorandanewidol，andtheStanhopeaffairwasrelegatedtothelimboofthings"itwaspropertoforget。"
　　Sotheweeksofthelongwinterwentby，andEthelinthejoyandhopeofherownlove-lifenaturallyputoutofhermindthesorrowoflivesshecouldnolongerhelporinfluence。Indeed，astoDora，therewerefrequentreportsofhermarveloussocialsuccessinParis；andEtheldidnotdoubtStanhopehadfoundsomeeverlastinggospelofholyworktocomforthisdesolation。Andthenalso"Eachdaybringsitspettydust，Oursoon-chokedsoulstofill；
　　Andweforgetbecausewemust，Andnotbecausewewill。"
　　OneeveningwhenMaywithheavycloudsandslantrainswasmakingthecityasmiserableaspossible，Ethelhadacaller。Hiscardboreanamequiteunknown，andhisappearancegavenoclewtohisidentity。
　　"Mr。Edmonds？"shesaidinterrogatively。
　　"AreyouMissEthelRawdon？"heasked。
　　"Yes。"
　　"Mr。BasilStanhopetoldmetoputthisparcelinyourhands。"
　　"Oh，Mr。Stanhope！Iamgladtohearfromhim。Whereishenow？"
　　"Weburiedhimyesterday。HediedlastSundayasthebellswereringingforchurch——pneumonia，miss。Whilereadingtheser-
　　viceoverapooryoungmanhehadnursedmanyweekshetookcold。Thepoorwillmisshimsorely。"
　　"DEAD！"Shelookedaghastatthespeaker，andagainejaculatedthepitiful，astoundingword。
　　"Goodevening，miss。Ipromisedhimtoreturnatoncetotheworkheleftmetodo。"
　　Andhequietlydeparted，leavingEthelstandingwiththeparcelinherhands。Sheranupstairsandlockeditaway。Justthenshecouldnotbeartoopenit。
　　"Anditishardlytwelvemonthssincehewasmarried，"shesobbed。"Oh，Ruth，Ruth，itistoocruel！"
　　"Dear，"answeredRuth，"thereisnodeathtosuchamanasBasilStanhope。"
　　"Hewassoyoung，Ruth。"
　　"Iknow。`Hishigh-bornbrotherscalledhimhence’attheageoftwenty-nine，but"`Itisnotgrowinglikeatree，Inbulk，dothmakemenbetterbe；
　　Orstandinglikeanoakthreehundredyear，Tofallatlast，dry，baldandsear：
　　AlilyofadayIsfairerfarinMay；
　　Althoughitfallanddiethatnight，Itwastheplantandfloweroflight。’"
　　AtthesewordstheJudgeputdownhisReviewtolistentoEthel’sstory，andwhensheceasedspeakinghehadgonefarfurtherbackthananyantiqueclassicforcompensationandsatisfaction：
　　"Hebeingmadeperfectinashorttimefulfilledalongtime。ForhissoulpleasedtheLord，thereforehastedHetotakehimawayfromamongthewicked。"[2]Andthateveningtherewaslittleconversation。Everyheartwasbusywithitsownthoughts。
　　[2]WisdomofSolomon，IV。，13，14。
　　CHAPTERXI
　　TRADEandcommercehavetheirheroesaswellasarms，andthestruggleinwhichTyrrelRawdonatlastpluckedvictoryfromapparentfailurewasasarduousacampaignasanymilitaryoperationscouldhaveafforded。
　　Ithadentailedonhimaceaseless，undauntedwatchoverantagonistsrichandpowerful；andafightforrightswhichcontainednotonlyhisownfortune，butthehonorofhisfather，sothattogiveupafractionofthemwastoturntraitortothememoryofaparentwhomhebelievedtobebeyondalldoubtorreproach。Money，politicalpower，civicinfluence，treachery，bribery，thelaw’sdelayandmanyotherhindrancesmethimoneveryside，buthisheartwasencourageddailytoperseverancebylove’stenderestsympathy。
　　ForhetoldEtheleverything，andreceivedbothfromherfineintuitionsandherfather’slegalskillpricelesscomfortandadvice。Butatlastthelongtrialwasover，themarriagedaywasset，andTyrrel，withallhisrightsconceded，washonorablyfreetoseekthehappinesshehadsafeguardedoneveryside。
　　ItwasalovelydayinthebeginningofMay，nearlytwoyearsaftertheirfirstmeeting，whenTyrrelreachedNewYork。Ethelknewatwhathourhistrainwouldarrive，shewaswatchingandlisteningforhisstep。Theymetineachother’sarms，andtheblessedhoursofthathappyeveningwereanover-
　　paymentofdelightforthelongmonthsoftheirseparation。
　　InthemorningEthelwastointroduceherlovertoMadamRawdon，andsidebyside，almosthandinhand，theywalkeddowntheavenuetogether。Walked？Theyweresohappytheyhardlyknewwhethertheirfeettouchedearthornot。Theyhadaconstantinclinationtoclasphands，torunaslittlechildrenrun；Theywishedtosmileateveryone，tobidalltheworldgoodmorning。
　　Madamhadresolvedtobecoolandcarefulinheradvances，butshequicklyfoundherselfunabletoresistthesightofsomuchloveandhopeandhappiness。Theyoungpeopletogethertookherheartbystorm，andshefeltherselfcompelledtoexpressaninterestintheirfuture，andtoquestionTyrrelaboutit。
　　"Whatareyougoingtodowithyourselformakeofyourself？"sheaskedTyrreloneeveningwhentheyweresittingtogether。"I
　　dohopeyou’llfindsomekindofwork。Anythingisbetterthanloafingaboutclubsandsuchlikeplaces。"
　　"IamgoingtostudylawwithJudgeRawdon。
　　Mylateexperiencehastaughtmeitsvalue。IdonotthinkIshallloafinhisoffice。"
　　"Notifheisanywherearound。Heworksandmakesotherswork。Lawyeringisaqueerbusiness，butmencanbehonestinitiftheywantto。"
　　"And，grandmother，"saidEthel，"myfathersaysTyrrelhasawonderfulgiftforpublicspeaking。Hemadeafinespeechatfather’sclublastnight。Tyrrelwillgointopolitics。"
　　"Willhe，indeed？Tyrrelisawonder。Ifhemanagestowalkhisshoesstraightinthezigzaggerywaysofthelaw，hewillbeoneofthatgrandbreedcalled`exceptions。’Asforpolitics，Idon’tlikethem，farfromit。Yourgrandfatherusedtosaytheyeitherfoundamanarascalormadehimone。However，I’mreadytocompromiseonlawandpolitics。
　　Iwasafraidwithhisgrandvoicehewouldsetupforatenor。"
　　Tyrrellaughed。"Ididoncethinkofthatrole，"hesaid。
　　"Ifanciedthat。Whoevertaughtyoutouseyourvoiceknewathingortwoaboutsinging。I’llsaythatmuch。"
　　"Mymothertaughtme。"
　　"Never！Iwondernow！"
　　"Shewasafamoussinger。Shewasagreatandagoodwoman。Ioweherforeveryexcellentqualitythereisinme。"
　　"No，youdon’t。Youhavegotyourblackeyesandhairherway，I’llwarrantthat，butyoursolidmake-up，yourpluckandgritandperseveranceistheRawdoninyou。WithoutRawdonyouwouldverylikelynowbestruttingaboutsomeoperastage，playingatkingsandlovemaking。"
　　"Asitis————"
　　"Asitis，youwillbelordconsortofRawdonManor，withasilverminetobackyou。"
　　"IamsorryabouttheManor，"saidTyrrel。
　　"IwishthedearoldSquirewerealivetomeetEthelandmyself。"
　　"Tobesureyoudo。ButIdaresaythatheisgladnowtohavepassedoutofit。
　　Deathisamysterytothoseleft，butIhavenodoubtitissatisfyingtothosewhohavegoneaway。Hediedashelived，veryprop-
　　erly；walkedinthegardenthatmorningasfarasthestrawberrybeds，andthegardenergavehimthefirstripehalf-dozeninayoungcabbageleaf，andheatethemlikeaboy，andsaidtheytastedasifgrowninParadise，thenstrolledhomeandaskedJoeltoshakethepillowsonthesofainthehall，laidhimselfdown，shuffledhisheadeasyamongthem，andfellonsleep。SoDeaththeDelivererfoundhim。Agoodgoinghome！Nothingtofearinit。"
　　"EtheltellsmethatMr。MostynisnowlivingatMostynHall。"
　　"Yes，hemarriedthatgirlhewouldhavesoldhissoulforandtookherthere，fourmonthsonlyafterherhusband’sdeath。
　　WhenIwasyounghedurstnothavedoneit，theYorkshiregentrywouldhavecutthemboth。"
　　"Ithink，"saidTyrrel，"Americangentlemenofto-dayfeltmuchthesame。WillMadisontoldmethattheclubcuthimassoonasMrs。Stanhopeleftherhusband。Hewentthereonedayafteritwasknown，andnoonesawhim；finallyhewalkeduptoMcLean，andwouldhavesatdown，butMcLeansaid，`Yourcompanyisnotdesired，Mr。Mostyn。’Mostynsaidsomethinginre-
　　ply，andMcLeanansweredsternly，`True，wearenoneofussaints，buttherearelinestheworstofuswillnotpass；andifthereisanymemberofthisclubwillingtointerferebetweenabridegroomandhisbride，Iwouldliketokickhimoutofit。’Mostynstruckthetablewithsomeexclamation，andMcLeancontinued，`EspeciallywhenthewrongedhusbandisagentlemanofsuchstainlesscharacterandunsuspectingnatureasBasilStanhope——aclergymanalso！Oh，thethingisbeyondpalliationentirely！’AndhewalkedawayandleftMostyn。"
　　"Well，"saidMadam，"ifitcametokicking，twocouldplaythatgame。Fredisnocoward。Idon’twanttohearanotherwordaboutthem。Theywillpunisheachotherwithoutourhelp。Letthemalone。Ihopeyouarenotgoingtohaveacrowdatyourwedding。Thequietestweddingsaretheluckiestones。"
　　"Abouttwentyofourmostintimatefriendsareinvitedtothechurch，"saidEthel。
　　"TherewillbenoreceptionuntilwereturntoNewYorkinthefall。"
　　"Noneedoffusshere，therewillbeenoughwhenyoureachMonk-Rawdon。Thevillagewillbegarlandedandflagged，thebellsring-
　　ing，andallyourtenantsandretainersouttomeetyou。"
　　"Weintendtogetintoourownhomewithoutanyonebeingawareofit。Come，Tyrrel，mydressmakeriswaiting，Iknow。Itismyweddinggown，dearGranny，andoh，solovely！"
　　"YouwillnotbeanysmarterthanIintendtobe，miss。Youareshutofffromcolor。
　　Icanoutdoyou。"
　　"Iamsureyoucan——andwill。Herecomesfather。Whatcanhewant？"Theymethimatthedoor，andwithafewlaughingwordslefthimwithMadam。Shelookedcuriouslyintohisfaceandasked，"Whatisit，Edward？"
　　"Isupposetheyhavetoldyouallthearrangements。Theyareverysimple。DidtheysayanythingaboutRuth？"
　　"Theynevernamedher。TheysaidtheyweregoingtoWashingtonforaweek，andthentoRawdonCourt。Ruthseemsoutofitall。Areyougoingtoturnheradrift，orpresentherwithafewthousanddollars？ShehasbeenamothertoEthel。SomethingoughttobedoneforRuthBayard。"
　　"Iintendtomarryher。"
　　"Ithoughtso。"
　　"Shewillgotohersister’sinPhiladelphiaforamonth’spreparation。Ishallmarryherthere，andbringherhomeasmywife。Sheisasweet，gentle，docilewoman。Shewillmakemehappy。"
　　"Sweet，gentle，docile！Yes，thatisthestyleofwifeRawdonmenprefer。WhatdoesEthelsay？"
　　"Sheisdelighted。Itwasheridea。Iwasmuchpleasedwithherthoughtfulness。Anyseriousbreakinmylifewouldnowbeagreatdiscomfort。Youneednotlooksosatirical，mother；IthoughtofRuth’slifealso。"
　　"Alsoanafterthought；butRuthisgentleanddocile，andsheissatisfied，andIamsatisfied，sotheneverythingisproperandeveryonecontent。ComeformeattenonWednesdaymorning。Ishallbeready。Norefreshments，Isuppose。Imustlookaftermyownbreakfast。Won’tyoufeelabitshabby，Edward？
　　"Andthenthelookandhandclaspbetweenthemturnedeverywordintosweetnessandgood-will。
　　AndasEthelregardedhermarriageratherasareligiousritethanasocialfunction，sheobjectedtoitsdetailsbecominginanysensepublic，andherdesiresweretoberegarded。
　　Yeteveryonemayimaginethewhiteloveli-
　　nessofthebride，thejoyofthebridegroom，thecalmhappinessofthefamilybreakfast，andtheleisurely，quietleave-taking。Thewholeceremonywastherightnotestruckatthebeginningofanewlife，andtheymightjustlyexpectitwouldmoveonwardinmelodioussequence。
　　WithinthreeweeksaftertheirmarriagetheyarrivedatRawdonCourt。Itwasonadayandatanhourwhennoonewaslookingforthem，andtheysteppedintothelovelyhomewaitingforthemwithoutoutsideobservation。
　　Hiringacarriageattherailwaystation，theydismisseditatthelittlebridgeneartheManorHouse，andsaunteredhappilythroughtheinterveningspace。Thedoorofthegreathallstoodopen，andthefire，whichhadbeenburningonitsbighearthunquenchedformorethanthreehundredyears，wasblazingmerrily，asifsomehandhadjustreplenishedit。Onthelongtablethebroad，whitebeaverhatofthedeadSquirewaslying，andhisoakwalkingstickwasbesideit。Noonehadlikedtoremovethem。Theyremainedjustashehadputthemdown，thatlast，peacefulmorningofhislife。
　　Inafewminutesthewholehouseholdwasawareoftheirhome-coming，andbeforethedaywasoverthewholeneighborhood。Thentherewasnowayofavoidingthecalls，thecongratulations，andtheentertainmentsthatfollowed，andtheoldCourtwasoncemorethecenterofasplendidhospitality。OfcoursetheTyrrel-Rawdonswerefirstonthescene，andEthelwasgenuinelygladtomeetagainthegood-naturedMrs。Nicholas。Noonecouldgiveherbetterlocaladvice，andEthelquicklydiscoveredthatthebestgeneralsociallawsrequirealocalinterpretation。
　　Herhandswerefull，herheartfull，shehadsomanyintereststoshare，somanypeopletoreceiveandtovisit，andyetwhentwoweekspassedandDoraneithercamenorwroteshewasworriedanddissatisfied。
　　"AretheMostynsattheHall？"sheaskedMrs。Nicholasatlast。"IhavebeenexpectingMrs。Mostyneveryday，butsheneithercomesnorwritestome。"
　　"Idaresaynot。Poorlittlewoman！I’llwarrantshehasbeenforbidtodoeither。IfMostynthoughtshewantedtoseeyou，hewouldwatchdayandnighttopreventhercoming。He’sturningoutascruelamanashisfatherwas，andyouneednotsayawordworsethanthat。"
　　"Cruel！Oh，dear，howdreadful！Menwilldrinkandcheatandswear，butacruelmanseemssounnatural，sowicked。"
　　"Tobesure，crueltyisthejoyofdevils。
　　AsIsaidtoJohnThomaswhenweheardaboutMostyn’sgoings-on，wehavegotridoftheWickedOne，butthewickedstillremainwithus。"
　　Thisconversationhavingbeenopened，wasnaturallyprolongedbytherelationofincidentswhichhadcomethroughvarioussourcestoMrs。Rawdon’sears，allofthemindicatinganalmostincrediblesystemofpettytyrannyandcruelcontradiction。Ethelwasamazed，andfinallyangryatwhatsheheard。Dorawashercountrywomanandherfriend；sheinstantlybegantoexpresshersympathyandherintentionofinterfering。
　　"Youhadbetterneithermeddlenormakeinthematter，"answeredMrs。Rawdon。
　　"OurLucywenttoseeher，andgavehersomeadviceaboutmanagingYorkshiremen。
　　AndasshewastalkingMostyncamein，andwasasrudeashedaredtobe。ThenLucyaskedhim`ifhewassick。’Shesaid，`Allthemenintheneighborhood，gentleandsim-
　　ple，weretalkingabouthim，andthatitwasn’tapleasantthingtobetalkedaboutinthewaytheyweredoingit。Youmustbegintolookmorelikeyourself，Mr。Mostyn；itisgoodadviceIamgivingyou，’sheadded；andMostyntoldherhewouldlookashefelt，whetheritwaslikedornotliked。AndLucylaughed，andsaid，`Inthatcasehewouldhavetogotohislooking-glassforcompany。’Well，Ethel，therewasatimetojoyadevilafterLucyleft，andsomeoneoftheservantswentontheirownresponsibilityforadoctor；andMostynorderedhimoutofthehouse，andhewouldnotgountilhesawMrs。Mostyn；andthelittlewomanwasforcedtocomeandsay`shewasquitewell，’thoughshewassobbingallthetimeshespoke。ThenthedoctortoldMostynwhathethought，andthereisaquarrelbetweenthemeverytimetheymeet。"
　　ButEthelwasnotdeterredbythesestatements；
　　onthecontrary，theystimulatedherinterestinherfriend。Doraneededher，andtheoldfeelingofprotectionstirredhertointerference。Atanyrate，shecouldcallandseetheunhappywoman；andthoughTyrrelwasopposedtothevisit，andthoughtiteverywayunwise，Ethelwasresolvedtomakeit。
　　"Youcandrivemethere，"shesaid，"thengoandseeJusticeManninghamandcallformeinhalfanhour。"AndthisresolutionwasstrengthenedbyapitifullittlenotereceivedfromDorajustafterherdecision。
　　"MostynhasgonetoThirsk，"itsaid；"forpity’ssakecomeandseemeabouttwoo’clockthisafternoon。"
　　Therequestwaspromptlyanswered。AstheclockstrucktwoEthelcrossedthethresholdofthehomethatmighthavebeenhers。
　　Sheshudderedatthethought。Theatmosphereofthehousewasfulloffearandgloom，thefurnituredarkandshabby，andshefanciedthewraithsofoldforgottencrimesandsorrowswereglidingaboutthesad，dimroomsandstairways。Doraroseinapassionoftearstowelcomeher，andbecausetimewasshortinstantlybeganherpitifulstory。
　　"Youknowhowheadoredmeonce，"shesaid；"wouldyoubelieveit，Ethel，wewerenottwoweeksmarriedwhenhebegantohateme。HedraggedmethroughEuropeinblazingheatandblindingsnowswhenIwassickandunfittomove。Hebroughtmehereinthedepthofwinter，andwhennoonecalledonusheblamedme；andfrommorningtillnight，andsometimesallnightlong，hetauntsandtormentsme。AfterheheardthatyouhadboughttheManorhelostallcontrolofhimself。Hewillnotletmesleep。
　　Hewalksthefloorhourafterhour，declaringhecouldhavehadyouandthefinestmanorinEnglandbutforacat-facedwomanlikeme。
　　AndheblamesmeforpoorBasil’sdeath——
　　sayswemurderedhimtogether，andthatheseesbloodonmyhands。"Andshelookedwithterrorathersmall，thinhands，andheldthemupasiftoprotestagainstthecharge。
　　Whenshenextspokeitwastosobout，"PoorBasil！Hewouldpityme！Hewouldhelpme！Hewouldforgiveme！HeknowsnowthatMostynwas，andis，myevilgenius。"
　　"Donotcrysobitterly，Dora，ithurtsme。
　　Letusthink。Istherenothingyoucando？"
　　"Iwanttogotomother。"ThenshedrewEthel’sheadclosetoherandwhisperedafewwords，andEthelanswered，"Youpoorlittleone，youshallgotoyourmother。Whereisshe？"
　　"ShewillbeinLondonnextweek，andI
　　mustseeher。Hewillnotletmego，butgoImustifIdieforit。Mrs。JohnThomasRawdontoldmewhattodo，andIhavebeenfollowingheradvice。"
　　Etheldidnotaskwhatitwas，butadded，"IfTyrrelandIcanhelpyou，sendforus。
　　Wewillcome。And，Dora，dostopweeping，andbebrave。RememberyouareanAmericanwoman。YourfatherhasoftentoldmehowyoucouldridewithIndiansorcowboysandshootwithanyminerinColorado。A
　　bullylikeMostynisalwaysacoward。Liftupyourheartandstandforeveryoneofyourrights。Youwillfindplentyoffriendstostandwithyou。"Andwiththewordsshetookherbythehandsandraisedhertoherfeet，andlookedatherwithsuchabeaming，courageoussmilethatDoracaughtitsspirit，andpromisedtoinsistonherclaimsforrestandsleep。
　　"WhenshallIcomeagain，Dora？"
　　"NottillIsendforyou。MotherwillbeinLondonnextWednesdayattheSavoy。I
　　intendtoleavehereWednesdaysometime，andmayneedyou；willyoucome？"
　　"Surely，bothTyrrelandI。"
　　Thenthetimebeingonadangerouslinetheyparted。ButEthelcouldthinkofnothingandtalkofnothingbutthefrightfulchangeinherfriend，andtheunceasingmiserywhichhadproducedit。Tyrrelsharedallherindignation。Theslowtortureofanycreaturewasanintolerablecrimeinhiseyes，butwhenthebrutalitywasexercisedonawoman，andonacountrywoman，hewasrousedtothehighestpitchofindignation。
　　WhenWednesdayarrivedhedidnotleavethehouse，butwaitedwithEthelforthemessagetheyconfidentlyexpected。Itcameaboutfiveo’clock——urgent，imperative，entreating，"Come，forGod’ssake！Hewillkillme。"
　　Thecarriagewasready，andinhalfanhourtheywereatMostynHall。Nooneansweredtheirsummons，butastheystoodlisteningandwaiting，ashrillcryofpainandangerpiercedthesilence。Itwasfollowedbyloudvoicesandaconfusednoise——
　　noiseofmanytalkingandexclaiming。ThenTyrrelnolongerhesitated。Heopenedthedooreasily，andtakingEthelonhisarm，suddenlyenteredtheparlorfromwhichtheclamorcame。Dorastoodinthecenteroftheroomlikeanenragedpythoness，hereyesblazingwithpassion。
　　"See！"shecriedasTyrrelenteredtheroom——"see！"Andsheheldoutherarm，andpointedtohershoulderfromwhichthelacehunginshreds，showingthewhiteflesh，redandbruised，whereMostynhadgrippedher。ThenTyrrelturnedtoMostyn，whowasheldtightlyinthegraspofhisgardenerandcoachman，andfoamingwitharagethatrenderedhisexplanationalmostinarticulate，especiallyasthethreewomenservantsgatheredaroundtheirmistressaddedtheirrailingandinvectivestothegeneralconfusion。
　　"Thewitch！Thecat-facedwoman！"hescreamed。"Shewantstogotohermother！
　　WantstoplaythetrickshekilledBasilStanhopewith！Sheshallnot！Sheshallnot！I
　　willkillherfirst！Sheismad！Iwillsendhertoanasylum！Sheisalittledevil！I
　　willsendhertohell！Nothingisbadenough——nothing————"
　　"Mr。Mostyn，"saidTyrrel。
　　"Outofmyhouse！Whatareyoudoinghere？Away！Thisismyhouse！Outofitimmediately！"
　　"Thismanisinsane，"saidTyrreltoDora。
　　"Putonyourhatandcloak，andcomehomewithus。"
　　"IamwaitingforJusticeManningham，"
　　sheansweredwithacalmsubsidenceofpassionthatangeredMostynmorethanherreproaches。
　　"Ihavesentforhim。Hewillbehereinfiveminutesnow。Thatbrute"——
　　pointingtoMostyn——"mustbekeptunderguardtillIreachmymother。Themagistratewillbringacoupleofconstableswithhim。"
　　"Thisisaplot，then！Youhearit！You！
　　You，TyrrelRawdon，andyou，SaintEthel，areinit，allhereontime。Aplot，Isay！LetmeloosethatImaystranglethecat-facedcreature。Lookatherhands，theyarealreadybloody！"
　　AtthesewordsDorabegantosobpassionately，theservants，oneandall，tocomforther，ortoabuseMostyn，andintheheightofthehubbubJusticeManninghamenteredwithtwoconstablesbehindhim。
　　"TakechargeofMr。Mostyn，"hesaidtothem，andastheylaidtheirbighandsonhisshoulderstheJusticeadded，"Youwillconsideryourselfunderarrest，Mr。Mostyn。"
　　AndwhennothingelsecouldcowMostyn，hewascowedbythelaw。Hesankalmostfaintingintohischair，andtheJusticelistenedtoDora’sstory，andlookedindignantlyatthebrutalman，whensheshowedhimhertorndressandbruisedshoulder。"IentreatyourHonor，"shesaid，"topermitmetogotomymotherwhoisnowinLondon。"Andheansweredkindly，"Youshallgo。Youareinaconditiononlyamothercanhelpandcomfort。AssoonasIhavetakenyourdepositionyoushallgo。"
　　NoonepaidanyattentiontoMostyn’sdisclaimersanddenials。TheJusticesawthestateofaffairs。SquireRawdonandMrs。
　　RawdontestifiedtoDora’sill-usage；thebutler，thecoachman，thestablemen，thecook，thehousemaidswerealleagertobearwitnesstothesame；andMrs。Mostyn’sappearancewastooeloquentapleaforanyhumanemantodenyherthemother-helpsheaskedfor。
　　Thoughneighborsandmembersofthesamehuntandclubs，theJusticetooknomorefriendlynoticeofMostynthanhewouldhavetakenofanywife-beatingcotton-
　　weaver；andwhenalllawfulpreliminarieshadbeenarranged，hetoldMrs。MostynthatheshouldnottakeupMr。Mostyn’scasetillFriday；andintheintervalshewouldhavetimetoputherselfunderhermother’scare。
　　Shethankedhim，weeping，andinherold，prettywaykissedhishands，and"vowedhehadsavedherlife，andshewouldforeverrememberhisgoodness。"Mostynmockedather"play-acting，"andwassternlyreprovedbytheJustice；andthenTyrrelandEtheltookchargeofMrs。MostynuntilshewasreadytoleaveforLondon。
　　Shewasmorenearlyreadythantheyex-
　　pected。Allhertrunkswerepacked，andthebutlerpromisedtotakethemimmediatelytotherailwaystation。Inaquarterofanhoursheappearedintravelingcostume，withherjewelsinabag，whichshecarriedinherhand。
　　TherewasatrainforLondonpassingMonk-
　　Rawdonateighto’clock；andafterJusticeManninghamhadleft，thecookbroughtinsomedinner，whichDoraaskedtheRawdonstosharewithher。Itwas，perhaps，anecessarybutapainfulmeal。NoonenoticedMostyn。Hewasenforcedtositstillandwatchitsprogress，whichheaccompaniedwithcursesitwouldbeakindofsacrilegetowritedown。Butnooneansweredhim，andnoonenoticedtheordershegaveforhisowndinner，untilDorarosetoleaveforeverthehouseofbondage。Thenshesaidtothecook：
　　"Seethatthosegentlemanlyconstableshavesomethinggoodtoeatandtodrink，andwhentheyhavebeenservedyoumaygivethatman"——pointingtoMostyn——"thedinnerofbreadandwaterhehassooftenprescribedforme。Aftermytrainleavesyouareallfreetogotoyourownhomes。Farewell，friends！"
　　ThenMostynravedagain，andfinallytriedhisoldlovingterms。"Comebacktome，Dora，"hecalledfrantically。"Comeback，dearest，sweetestDora，Iwillbeyourloverforever。Iwillneversayanothercrosswordtoyou。"
　　ButDoraheardnotandsawnot。Shelefttheroomwithoutaglanceatthemansittingcoweringbetweentheofficers，andblubberingwithshameandpassionandthesenseoftotalloss。InafewminutesheheardtheRawdoncarriagedrivetothedoor。TyrrelandEthelassistedDoraintoit，andthepartydroveatoncetotherailwaystation。TheywerejustabletocatchtheLondontrain。
　　Thebutlercameuptoreportallthetrunkssafelyforwarded，andDoradroppedgoldintohishand，andbadehimclearthehouseofservantsassoonasthemorningbroke。Fortunatelytherewasnotimeforlastwordsandpromises；thetrainbegantomove，andTyrrelandEthel，afterwatchingDora’swhitefaceglideintothedarkness，turnedsilentlyaway。Thatdepressionwhichsooftenfollowstheliftingofburdensnotintendedforourshouldersweighedontheirheartsandmadespeechdifficult。Tyrrelwasespeciallyaffectedbyit。AquickfeelingofsomethinglikesympathyforMostynwouldnotbereasonedaway，andhedrewEthelclosewithinhisarm，andgavethecoachmananordertodrivehomeasquicklyaspossible，fortwilightwasalreadybecomingnight，andunderthetreesthedarknessfeltoppressive。
　　Thelittlefireonthehearthandtheirbelateddinnersomewhatrelievedthetension；
　　butitwasnotuntiltheyhadretiredtoasmallparlor，andTyrrelhadsmokedacigar，thatthetragedyoftheeveningbecameapossibletopicofconversation。Tyrrelopenedthesubjectbyaquestionastowhether"heoughttohavegonewithDoratoLondon。"
　　"DoraopposedtheideastronglywhenI
　　namedittoher，"answeredEthel。"ShesaiditwouldgiveopportunitiesforMostyntoslanderbothherselfandyou，andIthinkshewascorrect。Everywayshewasbestalone。"
　　"Perhaps，butIfeelasifIoughttohavegone，asifIhadbeensomethinglessthanagentleman；infact，asifIhadbeenveryun-
　　gentle。"
　　"Thereisnoneed，"answeredEthelalittlecoldly。
　　"ItisaterriblepositionforMostyn。"
　　"Hedeservesit。"
　　"Heissosensitiveaboutpublicopinion。"
　　"Inthatcaseheshouldbehavedecentlyinprivate。"
　　ThenTyrrellitanothercigar，andtherewasanothersilence，whichEtheloccupiedinirritatingthoughtsofDora’sunfortunatefatalityintrouble-making。ShesatatalittletablestandingbetweenherselfandTyrrel。
　　Itheldhissmokingutensils，andafterawhileshepushedthemaside，andletthesplendidringswhichadornedherhandfallintotheclearedspace。Tyrrelwatchedherafewmoments，andthenasked，"Whatareyoudoing，Ethel，mydear？"
　　Shelookedupwithasmile，andthendownatthehandshehadlaidopenuponthetable。
　　"IamlookingattheRingofallRings。
　　See，Tyrrel，itisbutalittlebandofgold，andyetitgavememorethanallthegemsofearthcouldbuy。Rubiesandopalsandsapphiresareonlyitsguard。Thesimpleweddingringistheringofgreatprice。Itistheloveliestornamentahappywomancanwear。"
　　Tyrreltookherhandandkissedit，andkissedthegoldenband，andthenanswered，"Trulyanornamentifahappywifewearsit；butoh，Ethel，whatisitwhenitbindsawomantosuchmiseryasDorahasjustfledfrom？"
　　"Thenitisafetter，andawomanwhohasaparticleofself-respectwillbreakit。TheRingofallRings！"sheejaculatedagain，assheliftedtherubiesandopals，andslowlybutsmilinglyencircledthelittlegoldband。
　　"Letustrynowtoforgetthatsorrowfulwoman，"saidTyrrel。"Shewillbewithhermotherinafewhours。Mother-lovecancureallgriefs。Itneverfails。Itneverblames。Itnevergrowsweary。Itisalwaysyoungandwarmandtrue。Dorawillbecomforted。Letusforget；wecandonomore。"
　　Foracoupleofdaysthiswaspossible，butthencameMrs。NicholasRawdon，andthesubjectwasperforceopened。"Itwasabadcase，"shesaid，"butitisbeingsettledasquicklyandasquietlyaspossible。Ibelievethemanhasenteredintosomesortofrecognizancetokeepthepeace，andhasdisappeared。
　　Noonewilllookforhim。Thegentryareagainstpullingoneanotherdowninanyway，andthisaffairtheydon’twanttalkedabout。Beingallofthemmarriedmen，itisn’ttobeexpected，isit？JusticeManninghamwasverysorryforthelittlelady，buthesaidalso`itwasabadprecedent，andoughtnottobediscussed。’AndSquireBentleysaid，`IfEnglishgentlemenwouldmarryAmericanwomen，theymustputupwithAmericanwomen’sways，’andsoon。NoneofthemthinkitprudenttoapproveMrs。Mostyn’scourse。Buttheywon’tgetoffaseasyastheythink。Thewomenarestandingupforher。Didyoueverhearanythinglikethat？AndI’llwarrantsomehusbandsarenonesoeasyintheirminds，asmyNicholassaid，`Mrs。Mostynhadsownseedthatwouldbeseenandheardtellofformanyalongday。’OurLucy，Isuspect，hadmoretodowiththemovethanshewillconfess。
　　Shegotalotofnew，queernotionsatcollege，andIdobelieveinmyheartshesetthepoorwomanuptothebusiness。JohnThomas，ofcourse，saysnotaword，buthelooksatLucyinaveryproudkindofway；
　　andI’llbeboundhehasgotanobjectlessonhe’llrememberaslongashelives。SohasNicholas，thoughhebluffsmorethanalittleastowhathe’ddowithawifethatgotarunning-
　　awaynotionintoherhead。Blessyou，dear，theyareallformulatingtheirlawsonthesubject，andtheirwivesaresmilingqueerlyatthem，andholdingtheirheadsabithigherthanusual。I’vebeendoingitmyself，soIknowhowtheyfeel。"
　　Thus，thoughverylittlewassaidinthenewspapersabouttheaffair，thenotorietyMostyndreadedwascompleteandthorough。
　　Itwastheprivatetopicofconversationineveryhousehold。Mentalkeditoverinalltheplaceswheremenmet，andwomenhiredtheoldMostynservantsinordertogettheverysurestandlateststoryofthepoorwife’swrongs，andthencomparedreportsandevendiscussedthecircumstancesintheirownparticularclubs。
　　AttheCourt，TyrrelandEtheltriedtoforget，andtheirowninterestsweresomanyandsoimportantthattheyusuallysucceeded；
　　especiallyafterafewlinesfromMrs。DenningassuredthemofDora’ssafetyandcomfort。AndformanyweeksthebusylifeoftheManorsufficed；therewasthehaytocutinthemeadowlands，andafteritthewheatfieldstoharvest。Thestables，thekennels，thefarmsandtimber，theparkandthegardenkeptTyrrelconstantlybusy。Andtothesedutieswereaddedthesocialones，thedininganddancingandentertaining，thehorseracing，theregattas，andtheenthusiasmwhichautomobilinginitsfirstfeverengenders。
　　AndyetthereweretimeswhenTyrrellookedbored，andwhennothingbutSquirePercival’sorganorEthel’spianoseemedtoexorcisetheunrestandennuithatcouldnotbehid。Ethelwatchedthesemoodswithawiseandkindcuriosity，andinthebeginningofSeptember，whentheyperceptiblyincreased，sheaskedoneday，"Areyouhappy，Tyrrel？Quitehappy？"
　　"Iamhavingasplendidholiday，"heanswered，"but————"
　　"Butwhat，dear？"
　　"Onecouldnotturnlifeintoalongholiday——
　　thatwouldbeharderthanthehardestwork。"
　　Sheanswered"Yes，"andassoonasshewasalonefelltothinking，andinthemidstofhermeditationMrs。NicholasRawdonenteredinawhirloftempestuousdelight。
　　"Whatdoyouthink？"sheaskedbetweenlaughingandcrying。"Whateverdoyouthink？OurLucyhadtwinsyesterday，twofineboysaseverwas。AndIwishyoucouldseetheirgrandfatherandtheirfather。Theyareoutofthemselveswithjoy。Theystandhourafterhourbesidethetwocradles，lookingatthelittlefellows，andtheynearlycametowordsthismorningabouttheirnames。"
　　"Iamsodelighted！"criedEthel。"Andwhatareyougoingtocallthem？"
　　"Oneisanhourolderthantheother，andJohnThomaswantedthemcalledPercivalandNicholas。ButmyNicholaswantedtheeldestcalledafterhimself，andhesaidsoplainenough。AndJohnThomassaid`hecouldsurelynamehisownsons；andthenNicholastoldhimtorememberhewouldn’thavebeenheretohaveanysonsatallbutforhisfather。’AndjustthenIcameintotheroomtohavealookatthelittlelads，andwhenIheardwhattheywerefratchingabout，Itoldthemitwasnoneoftheirbusiness，thatLucyhadtherighttonamethechildren，andtheywouldjusthavetoputupwiththenamesshegavethem。"
　　"AndhasLucynamedthem？"
　　"Tobesure。Iwentrightawaytoherandexplainedthedilemma，andIsaid，`Now，Lucy，itisyourplacetosettlethisquestion。’
　　Andsheansweredinherpositivelittleway，`YoutellfathertheeldestistobecalledNicholas，andtellJohnThomastheyoungestistobecalledJohnThomas。Icanmanagetwoofthatnameverywell。AndsaythatI
　　won’thaveanymoredisputingaboutnames，theboysareasgoodaschristenedalready。’
　　AndofcoursewhenLucysaidthatweallknewitwassettled。AndI’mgladtheeldestisNicholas。Heisafine，sturdylittleYork-
　　shireman，bawlingoutalreadyforwhathewants，andflyingintoatemperifhedoesn’tgetitassoonashewantsit。Dearieme，Ethel，Iamaproudwomanthismorning。
　　AndNicholasisgoingtogiveallthehandsaholiday，andatripuptoAmblesideonSaturday，thoughJohnThomasisverymuchagainstit。"
　　"Whyisheagainstit？"
　　"HesaystheywillbeholdingameetingonMondaynighttotryandfindoutwhatOldNicholasisupto，andthatifhedoesn’tgivethemthesametreatonthesamedatenextyear，they’llholdanindignationmeetingaboutbeingswindledoutoftheirrights。
　　AndI’llpledgeyoumywordJohnThomasknowsthemenhe’stalkingabout。However，Nicholasisclosewithhismoney，anditwilldohimgoodhappentoloseabit。Blood-lettingishealthyforthebody，andperhapsgold-lettingmayhelpthesoulmorethanwethinkfor。"
　　ThisnewsstimulatedEthel’sthinking，andwhenshealsostoodbesidethetwocradles，andthelittleNicholasopenedhisbigblueeyesandbeganto"bawlforwhathewanted，"
　　acertainideatookfastholdofher，andshenurseditsilentlyforthenextmonth，watch-
　　ingTyrrelatthesametime。ItwasnearOctober，however，beforeshefoundtheproperopportunityforspeaking。TherehadbeenalongletterfromtheJudge。ItsaidRuthandhewerehomeagainafterawonderfultripovertheNorthernPacificroad。Hewrotewithenthusiasmofthecountryanditsopportunities，andofthebigcitiestheyhadvisitedontheirreturnfromthePacificcoast。Everywordwasalive，themagnitudeandstiroftrafficandwrestlinghumanityseemedtorustlethepaper。HedescribedNewYorkasoverflowingwithbusiness。
　　Hisownplans，theplansofothers，thejarofpolitics，thethrillofmusicandthedrama——allthemultitudinousvitalitythatcrowdedthestreetsandfilledtheair，eventotheroofsofthetwenty-storybuildings，contributedtothepotentexhilarationoftheletter。
　　"GreatGeorge！"exclaimedTyrrel。
　　"Thatislife！Thatisliving！IwishwewerebackinAmerica！"
　　"SodoI，Tyrrel。"
　　"Iamsoglad。Whenshallwego？Itisnowthetwenty-eighthofSeptember。"
　　"AreyouverywearyofRawdonCourt"’
　　"Yes。Ifamancouldliveforthesakeofeatingandsleepingandhavingapleasanttime，whyRawdonCourtwouldbeaheaventohim；butifhewantstoDOsomethingwithhislife，hewouldbemostunhappyhere。"
　　"Andyouwanttodosomething？"
　　"YouwouldnothavelovedamanwhodidnotwantTODO。Wehavebeenherefourmonths。Thinkofit！IfItakefourmonthsoutofeveryyearfortwentyyears，Ishalllose，withtravel，aboutsevenyearsofmylife，andtheotherthingstobedroppedwiththemmaybeofincalculablevalue。"
　　"Isee，Tyrrel。IamnotboundinanywaytokeepRawdonCourt。Icansellitto-
　　morrow。"
　　"Butyouwouldbegrievedtodoso？"
　　"Notatall。BeingaladyoftheManordoesnotflatterme。Theothersquireswouldratherhaveagoodmaninmyplace。"
　　"Whydidyoubuyit？"
　　"AsIhavetoldyou，tokeepMostynout，andtokeepaRawdonhere。ButNicholasRawdoncravestheplace，andwillpaywellforhisdesire。Itcostmeeightythousandpounds。HetoldfatherhewouldgladlygivemeonehundredthousandpoundswheneverIwastiredofmybargain。Iwilltakethehundredthousandpoundsto-morrow。TherewouldthenbefourgoodheirstoRawdonontheplace。"
　　HeretheconversationwasinterruptedbyMrs。Nicholas，whocametoinvitethemtothechristeningfeastofthetwins。Tyrrelsoonlefttheladiestogether，andEthelatonceopenedthedesiredconversation。
　　"IamafraidwemayhavelefttheCourtbeforethechristening，"shesaid。"Mr。Rawdonisveryunhappyhere。Heisreallyhomesick。"
　　"Butthisishishome，isn’tit？Andaveryfineone。"
　　"Hecannotfeelitso。HehaslargeinterestsinAmerica。IdoubtifIeverinducehimtocomehereagain。Yousee，thisvisithasbeenourmarriagetrip。"
　　"Andyouwon’tlivehere！Ineverheardtheline。WhatwillyoudowiththeCourt？
　　Itwillbebadlyusedifitislefttoservantssevenoreightmonthseveryyear。"
　　"IsupposeImustsellit。Iseeno————"
　　"IfyouonlywouldletNicholasbuyit。
　　Youmightbesurethenitwouldbewellcaredfor，andthelittleladsgrowingupinit，whowouldfinallyheirit。Oh，Ethel，ifyouwouldthinkofNicholasfirst。Hewouldhonortheplaceandbeanhonortoit。"
　　Outofthisconversationtheoutcomewasassatisfactoryasitwascertain，andwithintwoweeksNicholasRawdonwasSquireofRawdonManor，andpossessorofthefamousoldManorHouse。ThentherefollowedabusytwoweeksforTyrrel，whohadthesuperintendenceofthepacking，whichwasnolightbusiness。ForthoughEthelwouldnotdenudetheCourtofitsancientfurnitureandornaments，thereweremanythingsbelongingtothepersonalestateofthelateSquirewhichhadbeengiventoherbyhiswill，andcouldnotbeleftbehind。ButbytheendofOctobercasesandtrunkswereallsentofftothesteamshipinwhichtheirpassagewastaken；andtheRawdonestate，whichhadplayedsuchamomentouspartinEthel’slifehavingfinisheditsmission，hadnofurtherinfluence，andwithoutregretpassedoutofherphysicallifeforever。
　　Indeed，theirwillingnesstoresignallclaimstotheoldhomewasamarveltobothTyrrelandEthel。Ontheirlastafternoontheretheywalkedthroughthegarden，andstoodundertheplanetreewheretheirvowsoflovehadbeenpledged，andsmiledandwonderedattheirindifference。Thebeauteousglamoroffirstlovewasgoneascom-
　　pletelyastheflowersandscentsandsongsthathadthenfilledthecharmingplace。Butamidthesweetdecayofthesethingstheyoncemoreclaspedhands，lookingwithsupremeconfidenceintoeachother’seyes。Allthathadthenbeenpromisedwasnowcertain；
　　andwithanaffectioninfinitelysweeterandsurer，TyrreldrewEtheltohisheart，andonherlipskissedthetenderest，proudestwordsawomanhears，"Mydearwife！"
　　Thisvisitwastheirlastadieu，alltheresthadbeensaid，andearlythenextmorningtheyleftMonk-Rawdonstationasquietlyastheyhadarrived。DuringtheirshortreignatRawdonCourttheyhadbeenverypopular，andperhapstheirresignationwasequallyso。Afterall，theywereforeigners，andNicholasRawdonwasYorkshire，rootandbranch。
　　"Niceyoungpeople，"saidJusticeManninghamatahuntdinner，"butourwaysarenottheirways，norliketobe。Theyoungmanwasbornafighter，andthereareneitherbearsnorIndianshereforhimtofight；andourpoliticsareGreektohim；andthelady，verysweetandbeautiful，butfullofnewideas——ideasnotsuitableforwomen，andwedonotwishourwomenchanged。"
　　"Goodenoughastheyare，"mumbledSquireOakes。