RotherbyswungroundagaintoJenkins。Jenkinsspreadhishandsinmutebewildermentanddistress。Mr。Carylllaughedsilently。
\"I\'llnotbemarried！I\'llnotbemarried！\"
Itwastheladywhospoke，andthoseoddwordswerethefirstthatMr。Caryllheardfromherlips。Theymadeanexcellentimpressionuponhim，bearingwitnesstohergoodsenseandjudgment-althoughbelatedlyaroused-andinforminghim，althoughthepitchwasstrainedjustnow；thattherichcontraltoofhervoicewasfullofmusic。Hewasajudgeofvoices，asofmuchelsebesides。
\"Hoity-toity！\"quothhislordship，betweenpetulanceandsimulatedamusement。\"What\'sallthepother？Hortensia，dear-\"
\"I\'llnotbemarried！\"sherepeatedfirmly，herwidebrowneyesmeetinghisinabsolutedefiance，headthrownback，facepalebutfearless。
\"Idon\'tbelieve，\"venturedMr。Caryll，\"thatyoucouldbeifyoudesiredit。Leastwaysnothereandnowandbythis。\"AndhejerkedacontemptuousthumbsidewaysatMr。Jenkins，towardwhomhehadturnedhisshoulder。\"Perhapsyouhaverealizeditforyourself。\"
Ashudderranthroughher；colorfloodedintoherfaceandoutagain，leavingitpalerthanbefore；yetshemaintainedabravefrontthatmovedMr。Caryllprofoundlytoanevengreateradmirationofher。
Rotherby，hisgreatjawset，hishandsclenchedandeyesblazing，stoodirresolutebetweenherandMr。Caryll。
Jenkins，insheerterror，nowsanklimplytoachair，whilstGaskelllookedon-aperfectservant-asimmovableoutwardlyandunconcernedasifhehadbeenapieceoffurniture。ThenhislordshipturnedagaintoCaryll。
\"Youtakeadealuponyourself，sir，\"saidhemenacingly。
\"Adealofwhat？\"wonderedMr。Caryllblandly。
ThequestionnonplussedRotherby。Hesworeferociously。\"ByGod！\"hefumed，\"I\'llhaveyoumakegoodyourinsinuations。
Youshalldisabusethislady\'smind。Youshall-damnyou！-
orI\'llcompelyou！\"
Mr。Caryllsmiledveryengagingly。Thematterwasspeedingexcellently-acomedythelikeofwhichhedidnotremembertohaveplayedapartinsincehisstudentdaysatOxford，tenyearsandmoreago。
\"Ihadthought，\"saidhe，\"thatthewomanwhosummonedmetobeawitnessofthis-this-ahwedding\"-therewasawholevolumeofcriticisminhisutteranceoftheword-\"wasthelandladyofthe`AdamandEve。\'Ibegintothinkthatshewasthislady\'sgoodangel；Fate，clothed，foronce，matronlyandbenign。\"Thenhedroppedtheeasy，banteringmannerwithasuddennessthatwasstartling。GallicfireblazedupthroughBritishtraining。\"Letusspeakplainly，myLordRotherby。
Thismarriageisnomarriage。Itisamockeryandavillainy。
Andthatscoundrel-worthyservantofhismaster-isnoparson；no，notsomuchasahedge-parsonishe。Madame，\"heproceeded，turningnowtothefrightenedlady，\"youhavebeengrosslyabusedbythesevillains。\"
\"Sir！\"blazedRotherbyatlast，breakinginuponhisdenunciation，handclappedtosword。\"Doyedareusesuchwordstome？\"
Mr。Jenkinsgottohisfeet，inaslow，foolishfashion。Heputoutahandtostayhislordship。Thelady，inthebackground，lookedonwithwideeyes，verybreathless，onehandtoherbosomasiftocontrolitsheave。
Mr。Caryllproceeded，undismayed，tomakegoodhisaccusation。
Hehaddroppedbackintohisslightlylistlessairofthinlyveiledpersiflage，andheappearedtoaddressthelady，toexplainthesituationtoher，ratherthantojustifythechargehehadmade。
\"Ablindmancouldhaveperceived，fromtherustlingofhisprayerbookwhenhefumbledatit，thatthecontentswerestrangetohim。Andobservethevolume，\"hecontinued，pickingitupandflauntingitaloft。\"Fire-new；notathumbmarkanywhere；purchasedexpresslyforthisfoulventure。
Isthereaughtelsesocleanandfreshaboutthescurvythief？\"
\"Youshallmoderateyourtones，sir-\"beganhislordshipinasnarl。
\"Hesetsyoueachonthewrongsideofhim，\"continuedMr。
Caryll，allimperturbable，\"lackingeventhesensetoreadthedirectionswhichthebookcontains，andhehasnothoughtforthecircumstancethatthetimeofdayisuncanonical。Ismoreneeded，madame？\"
\"Somuchwasnotneeded，\"saidshe，\"thoughIamyourdebtor，sir。\"
Hervoicewasmarvelouslysteady，ice-coldwithscorn，aroyalangerincreasingthegloryofhereyes。
Rotherby\'shandfellawayfromhissword。Herealizedthatblusterwasnotthemostconvenientweaponhere。HeaddressedMr。Caryllveryhaughtily。\"YouarefromFrance，sir，andsomethingmaybeexcusedyou。Butnotquiteall。Youhaveusedexpressionsthatarenottobeofferedtoapersonofmyquality。Ifearyouscarcelyapprehendit。\"
\"Aswell，nodoubt，asthosewhoavoidyou，sir，\"answeredMr。
Caryll，withcoolcontempt，hisdislikeofthemanandofthebusinessinwhichhehadfoundhimengagedmountingaboveeveryotherconsideration。
Hislordshipfrownedinquiry。\"Andwhomaythosebe？\"
\"Mostdecentfolk，Ishouldconceive，ifthisbeanexampleofyourways。\"
\"ByGod，sir！Youareathoughttoopert。We\'llmendthatpresently。Iwillfirstconvinceyouofyourerror，andyou，Hortensia。\"
\"Itwillbeinteresting，\"saidMr。Caryll，andmeantit。
Rotherbyturnedfromhim，keepingatightreinuponhisanger；
andsomuchrestraintinsotempestuousamanwaslittleshortofwonderful。\"Hortensia，\"hesaid，\"thisisfool\'stalk。
WhatobjectcouldIseektoserve？\"Shedrewbackanotherstep，contemptandloathinginherface。\"Thisman，\"hecontinued，flingingahandtowardJenkins，andcheckedupontheword。Heswungrounduponthefellow。\"Haveyoufooledme，knave？\"hebawled。\"Isittruewhatthismansaysofyou-thatye\'renoparsonatall？\"
Jenkinsquailedandshriveled。Herewasamoveforwhichhewasallunprepared，andknewnothowtoplaytoit。Onthebridegroom\'spartitwasexcellentlyacted；yetitcametoolatetobeconvincing。
\"You\'llhavethelicenseinyourpocket，nodoubt，mylord，\"
putinMr。Caryll。\"Itwillhelptoconvincetheladyofthehonestyofyourintentions。Itwillshowherthatyewereabusedbythisthiefforthesakeoftheguineayeweretopayhim。\"
Thatwascheckmate，andLordRotherbyrealizedit。Thereremainedhimnothingbutviolence，andinviolencehewasexceedinglyathome-beingamemberoftheHellFireClubandhavingservedintheBoldBucksunderhisGraceofWharton。
\"Youdamned，infernalmarplot！Youblastedmeddler！\"heswore，andsomeotherthingsbesides，frothonhislips，theveinsofhisbrowcongested。\"Whataffairwasthisofyours？\"
\"Ithoughtyoudesiredmeforawitness，\"Mr。Caryllremindedhim。
\"Idid，letmeperish！\"saidRotherby。\"AndIwishtothedevilIhadbitmytongueoutfirst。\"
\"Thelosstoeloquencehadbeenirreparable，\"sighedMr。
Caryll，hiseyesuponabeamoftheceiling。
Rotherbystaredandchoked。\"Istherenosenseinyou，yougibberingparrot？\"heinquired。\"Whatareyou-anactororafool？\"
\"Agentleman，Ihope，\"saidMr。Caryllurbanely。\"Whatareyou？\"
\"I\'lllearnyou，\"saidhislordship，andpluckedathissword。
\"Isee，\"saidMr。Caryllinthesamequietvoicethatthinlyveiledhisinwardlaughter-\"abully！\"
Withmoreoaths，mylordheavedhimselfforward。Mr。Caryllwaswithoutweapons。Hehadlefthisswordabove-stairs，notdeemingthathewouldbeneedingitatawedding。HenevermovedhandorfootasRotherbyboredownuponhim，buthisgreenisheyesgrewkeenandverywatchful。Hebegantowonderhadheindulgedhisamusementoverlong，andimperceptiblyheadjustedhisbalanceforaspring。
Rotherbystretchedouttolunge，murderinhisinflamedeyes。
\"I\'llsilenceyou，you-\"
Therewasaswiftrustlebehindhim。Hishand-drawnbacktothrust-wassuddenlycaught，andereherealizedittheswordwaswrenchedfromfingersthathelditlightly，unpreparedforthis。
\"Youdog！\"saidthelady\'svoice，stridentnowwithangeranddisdain。Shehadhissword。
Hefacedaboutwithahorribleoath。Mr。Caryllconceivedthathewasbecomingathoughtdisgusting。
Hoofsandwheelsgroundonthecobblesoftheyardandcametoahaltoutside，butwentunheededintheexcitementofthemoment。Rotherbystoodfacingher，shefacinghim，theswordinherhandandalookinhereyesthatpromisedshewoulduseituponhimdidheurgeher。
Amomentthus-ofutter，breathlesssilence。Then，asifherpassionmountedandsweptallaside，sheraisedthesword，andusingitasawhip，shelashedhimwithituntilatthethirdblowitreboundedtothetableandwassnapped。Instinctivelyhislordshiphadputuphishandstosavehisface，andacrossoneofthemaredlinegrewandgrewandoozedforthbloodwhichspreadtoenvelopit。
Gaskelladvancedwithasharpcryofconcern。ButRotherbywavedhimback，andthegestureshookbloodfromhishandlikeraindrops。Hisfacewaslivid；hiseyeswereuponthewomanhehadgonesonearbetrayingwithalookthatnonemightread。Jenkinsswayed，sickly，againstthetable，whilstMr。
Caryllobservedallwithacriticaleyeandcametotheconclusionthatshemusthavelovedthisvillain。
Thehiltandstumpofswordclatteredinthefireplace，whithershehurledit。Amomentshecaughtherfaceinherhands，andasobshookheralmostfiercely。Thenshecamepasthislordship，acrosstheroomtoMr。Caryll，Rotherbymakingnoshifttodetainher。
\"Takemeaway，sir！Takemeaway，\"shebeggedhim。
Mr。Caryll\'sgloomyfacelightenedsuddenly。\"Yourservant，ma\'am，\"saidhe，andmadeherabow。\"Ithinkyouareverywelladvised，\"headdedcheerfullyandofferedherhisarm。
Shetookit，andmovedasteportwotowardthedoor。Itopenedatthatmoment，andaburly，elderlymancameinheavily。
Theladyhalted，acryescapedher-acryofpainalmost-
andshefelltoweepingthereandthen。Mr。Caryllwasverymystified。
Thenewcomerpausedatthesightthatmethim，considereditwithadullblueeye，and，forallthathelookedstupid，itseemedhehadwitenoughtotakeinthesituation。
\"So！\"saidhe，withheavymockery。\"Imighthavesparedmyselfthetroubleofcomingafteryou。Foritseemsthatshehasfoundyououtintime，youvillain！\"
Rotherbyturnedsharplyatthatvoice。Hefellbackastep，hisbrowseemingtogrowblackerthanithadbeen。\"Father！\"
heexclaimed；buttherewaslittlethatwasfilialintheaccent。
Mr。Caryllstaggeredandrecoveredhimself。Ithadbeenindeedastaggeringshock；forhere，ofcourse，washisownfather，too。
CHAPTERIV
Mr。GREEN
Therewasaquickpatteroffeet，therustleofahoopedpetticoat，andtheladywasinthearmsofmyLordOstermore。
\"Forgiveme，mylord！\"shewascrying。\"Oh，forgiveme！I
wasalittlefool，andIhavebeenpunishedenoughalready！\"
ToMr。Caryllthiswasasurprisingdevelopment。Theearl，whosearmsseemedtohaveopenedreadilyenoughtoreceiveher，waspattinghersoothinglyupontheshoulder。\"Pish！
What\'sthis？What\'sthis？\"hegrumbled；yethisvoice，Mr。
Caryllnoticed，wasifanythingkindly；butitmustbeconfessedthatitwasadull，gruffvoice，seldomindicatinganyshadeofemotion，unless-assometimeshappened-itwasraisedinanger。Hewasfrowningnowuponhissonoverthegirl\'shead，hisbushy，grizzledbrowscontracted。
Mr。Caryllobserved-andwithwhatinterestyoushouldwellimagine-thatLordOstermorewasstillinageneralwayahandsomeman。Ofagoodheight，butslightlyexcessivebulk，hehadafacethatstillretainedafairshape。Short-necked，floridandplethoric，hehadtheairofthemanwhoseldommakesalongillnessattheend。Hiseyeswereveryblue，andthelidswerepuffedandheavy，whilstthemouth，Mr。Caryllremarkedinacritical，detachedspirit，wasstupidratherthansensuous。Hemadehissurveyswiftly，andtheresultlefthimwondering。
Meanwhiletheearlwasaddressinghisson，whosehandwasbeingbandagedbyGaskell。Therewaslittlevarietyinhisinvective。\"Youvillain！\"hebawledathim。\"Youdamnedvillain！\"Thenhepattedthegirl\'shead。\"Youfoundthescoundreloutbeforeyoumarriedhim，\"saidhe。\"Iamgladon\'t；gladon\'t！\"
\"\'Tissuchareversingoftheusualorderofthingsthatitcallsforwonder，\"saidMr。Caryll。
\"Eh？\"quothhislordship。\"Whothedevilareyou？Oneofhisfriends？\"
\"Yourlordshipoverwhelmsme，\"saidMr。Caryllgravely，makingabow。HeobservedthebewildermentinOstermore\'seyes，andbegantorealizeatthatearlystageoftheiracquaintancethattospeakironicallytotheEarlofOstermorewasnottospeakatall。
ItwasHortensia-averytearfulHortensianowwhoexplained。
\"Thisgentlemansavedme，mylord，\"shesaid。
\"Savedyou？\"quothhedully。\"Howdidhecometosaveyou？\"
\"Hediscoveredtheparson，\"sheexplained。
Theearllookedmoreandmorebewildered。\"Justso，\"saidMr。
Caryll。\"Itwasmyprivilegetodiscoverthattheparsonisnoparson。\"
\"Theparsonisnoparson？\"echoedhislordship，scowlingmoreandmore。\"Thenwhatthedevilistheparson？\"
Hortensiafreedherselffromhisprotectingarms。\"Heisavillain，\"shesaid，\"whowashiredbymyLordRotherbytocomehereandpretendtobeaparson。\"Hereyesflamed，hercheekswerescarlet。\"Godhelpmeforafool，mylord，tohaveputmyfaithinthatman！Oh！\"shechoked。\"Theshame-theburningshameofit！IwouldIhadabrothertopunishhim！\"
LordOstermorewascrimson，too，withindignation。Mr。Caryllwasrelievedtoseethathewascapableofsomuchemotion。
\"DidInotwarnyouagainsthim，Hortensia？\"saidhe。\"CouldyounothavetrustedthatIknewhim-I，hisfather，tomyeverlastingshame？\"ThenheswunguponRotherby。\"Youdog！\"
hebegan，andthere-beingamanoflittleinvention-wordsfailedhim，andwrathaloneremained，veryintense，butentirelyinarticulate。
Rotherbymovedforwardtillhereachedthetable，thenstoodleaninguponit，scowlingatthecompanyfromunderhisblackbrows。\"\'Tisyourlordshipaloneistoblameforthis，\"heinformedhisfather，withavainpretenceatcomposure。
\"Iamtoblame！\"gurgledhislordship，veinsswellingathisbrow。\"Iamtoblamethatyoushouldhavecarriedheroffthus？And-byGod！-hadyoumeanttomarryherhonestlyandfittingly，Imightfinditinmyhearttoforgiveyou。Buttopracticesuchvillainy！Toattempttoputthisfoultrickuponthechild！\"
Mr。Caryllthoughtforaninstantofanotherchildwhosechildhewas，andapassionofangrymockeryattheforgetfulnessofagewelledupfromthebittersoulofhim。Outwardlyheremainedaverymirrorforplacidity。
\"YourlordshiphadthreatenedtodisinheritmeifImarriedher，\"saidRotherby。
\"\'Twastosaveherfromyou，\"Ostermoreexplained，entirelyunnecessarily。\"Andyouthoughtto-to-ByGod！sir，I
marvelyouhavethecouragetoconfrontme。Imarvel！\"
\"Takemeaway，mylord，\"Hortensiabeggedhim，touchinghisarm。
\"Aye，wewerebestaway，\"saidtheearl，drawinghertohim。
ThenheflungahandoutatRotherbyinagestureofrepudiation，ofanathema。\"But\'tisnottheendon\'tforyou，youknave！WhatIthreatened，Iwillperform。I\'lldisinherityou。Notapennyofmineshallcometoyou。YeshallstarveforaughtIcare；starve，and-and-theworldbewellridofavillain。I-Idisownyou。Ye\'renosonofmine。I\'lltakeoathye\'renosonofmine！\"
Mr。Caryllthoughtthat，onthecontrary，Rotherbywasverymuchhisfather\'sson，andheaddedtohisobservationsuponhumannaturethereflectionthatsinnersareoddlyblessedwithshortmemories。Hewasentirelydispassionateagainbynow。
AsforRotherby，hereceivedhisfather\'sangerwithascornfulsmileandacurlinglip。\"You\'lldisinheritme？\"
quothheinmockery。\"Andofwhat，pray？Ifreportspeakstrue，you\'llbeneedingtoinheritsomethingyourselftobearyouthroughyourpresentstraitness。\"Heshruggedandproducedhissnuff-boxwithanoffensivesimulationofnonchalance。\"Yecannotcuttheentail，\"heremindedhisalmostapoplecticsire，andtooksnuffdelicately，saunteringwindowwards。
\"Cuttheentail？Theentail？\"criedtheearl，andlaughedinamannerthatseemedtobodenogood。\"Haveyouevertroubledtoascertainwhatitamountsto？Youfool，itwouldn\'tkeepyouin-in-insnuff！\"
LordRotherbyhaltedinhisstride，half-turnedandlookedathisfatheroverhisshoulder。Thesneeringmaskwaswipedfromhisface，whichbecameblank。\"Mylord-\"hebegan。
Theearlwavedasilencinghand，andturnedwithdignitytoHortensia。
\"Come，child，\"saidhe。Thenherememberedsomething。\"Gad！\"
heexclaimed。\"Ihadforgottheparson。I\'llhavehimgaoled！I\'llhavehimhangedifthelawwillhelpme。Comeforth，man！\"
Ignoringtheinvitation，Mr。Jenkinsscuttled，ratlike，acrosstheroom，mountedthewindow-seat，andwasgoneinaflashthroughtheopenwindow。HedroppedplumpuponMr。Green，whowascrouchingunderneath。Thepairrolledovertogetherinthemouldofaflowerbed；thenMr。GreenclutchedMr。Jenkins，andMr。Jenkinssquealedlikeatrappedrabbit。Mr。Greenthrusthisfistcarefullyintothemockparson\'smouth。
\"Sh！Youblubberingfool！\"hesnappedinhisear。\"Mybusinessisnotwithyou。Liestill！\"
Withintheroomallstoodatgaze，followingthesuddenflightofMr。Jenkins。ThenLordOstermoremadeasiftoapproachthewinnow，butHortensiarestrainedhim。
\"Letthewretchgo，\"shesaid。\"Theblameisnothis。Whatishebutmylord\'stool？\"AndhereyesscorchedRotherbywithsuchaglanceofscornasmusthavekilledanybutashamelessman。Thenturningtothedemurelyobservantgentlemanwhohaddonehersuchgoodservice，\"Mr。Caryll。\"
shesaid，\"Iwanttothankyou。Iwantmylord，here，tothankyou。\"
Mr。Caryllbowedtoher。\"Ibegthatyouwillnotthinkofit，\"saidhe。\"ItisIwhowillremaininyourdebt。\"
\"IsyournameCaryll，sir？\"quoththeearl。Hehadatrickoffasteningupontheinconsequent，thoughthatwasscarcelythecasenow。
\"That，mylord，ismyname。IbelieveIhavethehonorofsharingitwithyourlordship。\"
\"Ye\'llbelongtosomeyoungerbranchofthefamily，\"theearlsupposed。
\"Likeenough-someoutlyingbranch，\"answeredtheimperturbableCaryll-ajestwhichonlyhimselfcouldappreciate，andthatbitterly。
\"Andhowcameyouintothis？\"
Rotherbysneeredaudibly-inself-mockery，nodoubt，ashecametoreflectthatitwashe，himself，hadhadhimfetched。
\"Theyneededanotherwitness，\"saidMr。Caryll，\"andhearingtherewasattheinnagentlemannewlycrossedfromFrance，hislordshipnodoubtopinedthatatraveller，hereto-dayandgoneforgoodtomorrow，wouldbejustthewitnessthatheneededforthebusinessheproposed。Thatcircumstancearousedmysuspicions，and-\"
Buttheearl，asusual，seemedtohavefastenedupontheminorpoint，althoughagainitwasnotso。\"YouarenewlycrossedfromFrance？\"saidhe。\"Ay，andyournameisthesameasmine。\'TwaswhatIwasadvised。\"
Mr。CaryllflashedasidelongglanceatRotherby，whohadturnedtostareathisfather，andinhishearthecursedthestupidityofmyLordOstermore。Ifthisproposedtobeamemberofaconspiracy，Heavenhelpthatsameconspiracy！
\"Wereyou，byanychance，goingtoseekmeintown，Mr。
Caryll？\"
Mr。Caryllsuppressedadesiretolaugh。HerewasawaytodealwithStatesecrets。\"I，mylord？\"heinquired，withanassumedairofsurprise。
Theearllookedathim，andfromhimtoRotherby，bethoughthimself，andstartedsoovertlythatRotherby\'seyesgrewnarrow，thelinesofhismouthtightened。\"Nay，ofcoursenot；ofcoursenot，\"heblusteredclumsily。
ButRotherbylaughedaloud。\"Nowwhataplagueisallthismystery？\"heinquired。
\"Mystery？\"quothmylord。\"Whatmysteryshouldtherebe？\"
\"\'TiswhatIwouldfainbeinformed，\"heansweredinavoicethatshowedhemeanttogaintheinformation。HesaunteredforwardtowardsCaryll，hiseyeplayingmockinglyoverthisgentlemanfromFrance。\"Now，sir，\"saidhe，\"whosemessengermayyoube，eh？What\'sallthis-\"
\"Rotherby！\"theearlinterruptedinavoiceintendedtobecompelling。\"Comeaway，Mr。Caryll，\"headdedquickly。\"I\'llnothaveanygentlemanwhohasshownhimselfafriendtomyward，here，affrontedbythatrascal。Comeaway，sir！\"
\"Notsofast！Notsofast，ecod！\"
Itwasanothervoicethatbrokeinuponthem。Rotherbystartedround。Gaskell，intheshadowsofthecowledfireplacejumpedinsheeralarm。Allstaredatthewindowwhencethevoiceproceeded。
Theybeheldaplump，chubby-facedlittleman，astridethesill，apistoldisplayedwithostentationinhishand。
Mr。Caryllwastheonlyonewiththepresenceofmindtowelcomehim。\"Ha！\"saidhe，smilingengagingly。\"Mylittlefriend，thebrewerofale。\"
\"Letnooneleavethisroom，\"saidMr。Greenwithagreatdignity。Then，withratherlessdignity，hewhistledshrillythroughhisfingers，andgotdownlightlyintotheroom。
\"Sir，\"blusteredtheearl，\"thisisanintrusion；aanimpertinence。Whatdoyouwant？\"
\"Thepapersthisgentlemancarries，\"saidMr。Green，indicatingCaryllwiththehandthatheldthepistol。Theearllookedalarmed，whichwasfoolishinhim，thoughtMr。
Caryll。Rotherbycoveredhismouthwithhishand，afterthefashionofonewhomasksasmile。
\"Ye\'rerightlyservedformeddling，\"saidhewithrelish。
\"Outwiththem，\"thechubbymandemanded。\"Ye\'llgainnothingbyresistance。Sodon\'tbeobstinate，now。\"
\"Icouldbenothingsodiscourteous，\"saidMr。Caryll。\"Woulditbepryingonmyparttoinquirewhatmaybeyourinterestinmypapers？\"
Hisserenitylessenedtheearl\'sanxieties，butbewilderedhim；andittooktheedgeoffthemaliciouspleasurewhichRotherbywasbeginningtoexperience。
\"IamobeyingtheordersofmyLordCarteret，theSecretaryofState，\"saidMr。Green。\"IwastowatchforagentlemanfromFrancewithlettersformyLordOstermore。Hehadamessengeraweekagototellhimtolookforsuchavisitor。Hetookthemessenger，ifyoumustknow，and-well，weinducedhimtotelluswhatwasthemessagehehadcarried。ThereissomuchmysteryinallthisthatmyLordCarteretdesiresmoreknowledgeonthesubject。IthinkyouarethegentlemanIamlookingfor。\"
Mr。Carylllookedhimoverwithanamusedeye，andlaughed。
\"Itdistressesme，\"saidhe，\"toseesomuchgoodthoughtwasted。\"
Mr。Greenwasabashedamoment。Butherecoveredquickly；nodoubthehadmetthecooltypebefore。\"Come，come！\"saidhe。
\"Noblustering。Outwithyourpapers，myfinefellow。\"
Thedooropened，andacoupleofmencamein；overtheirshoulders，erethedoorclosedagain，Mr。Caryllhadaglimpseofthelandlady\'srosyface，alarminherglance。Thenewcomersweredirtyrogues；tipstaves，recognizableataglance。Oneofthemworearaggedbob-wig-thecast-off，nodoubt，ofsomegentleman\'sgentleman，fishedoutofthesixpennytubinRosemaryLane；itwasill-fitting，andwispsofthefellow\'sownunkempthairhungoutinplaces。Theotherworenowigatall；hisyellowthatchfellinstreaksfromunderhisshabbyhat，whichhehadtheill-mannerstoretainuntilLordOstermoreknockeditfromhisheadwithablowofhiscane。Bothwerefierilybottle-nosed，andneitherappearedtohaveshavedforaweekorso。
\"Now，\"quothMr。Green，\"willyouhandthemoverofyourownaccord，ormustIhaveyousearched？\"Andawaveofthehandtowardstheadvancingmyrmidonsindicatedthesearchers。
\"Yougotoofar，sir，\"blusteredtheearl。
\"Ay，surely，\"putinMr。Caryll。\"Youaremadtothinkagentlemanistosubmittobeingsearchedbyanyknavethatcomestohimwithacock-and-bulltaleabouttheSecretaryofState。\"
Mr。Greenleeredagain，andproducedapaper。\"There，\"saidhe，\"ismyLordCarteret\'swarrant，signedandsealed。\"
Mr。Caryllglancedoveritwithadisdainfuleye。\"Itisinblank，\"saidhe。
\"Justso，\"agreedMr。Green。\"Carteblanche，asyousayoverthewater。Ifyouinsist，\"heofferedobligingly，\"I\'llfillinyournamebeforeweproceed。\"
Mr。Caryllshruggedhisshoulders。\"Itmightbewell，\"saidhe，\"ifyouaretosearchmeatall。\"
Mr。Greenadvancedtothetable。Thewritingimplementsprovidedfortheweddingwerestillthere。Hetookupapen，scrawledanameacrosstheblank，dusteditwithsand，andpresenteditagaintoMr。Caryll。Thelatternodded。
\"I\'llnottroubleyoutosearchme，\"saidhe。\"Iwouldassoonnothavethesenoblemenofyoursformyvalets。\"Hethrusthishandsintothepocketsofhisfinecoat，andbroughtforthseveralpapers。TheseheprofferedtoMr。
Green，whotookthembetweensatisfactionandamazement。
Ostermorestared，toostrickenforwordsatthismeeksurrender；andwellwasitforMr。Caryllthathewassostricken，forhadhespokenhehadassuredlybetrayedhimself。
Hortensia，Mr。Caryllobserved，watchedhiscowardlyyieldingwithaneyeofsterncontempt。Rotherbylookedonwithadarkfacethatbetrayednothing。
MeanwhileMr。Greenwasrunningthroughthepapers，andasfastasheranthroughthemhepermittedhimselfcertaincommentsthatpassedforhumorwithhisfollowers。TherecouldbenodoubtthatinhisownsocialstratumMr。Greenmusthavebeenaccountedsomethingofawag。
\"Ha！What\'sthis？Abill！Abillforsnuff！MyLordCarteret\'llsnuffyou，sir。He\'lltobaccoyou，ecod！He\'llsmokeyoufirst，andsnuffyouafterwards。\"Heflungthebillaside。\"Phew！\"hewhistled。\"Verses！`ToTheocritusuponsailingforALbion。\'That\'smightychoice！D\'yewriteverses，sir？\"
\"Heyday！\'TisanoccupationtowhichIhavesuccumbedinmomentsofweakness。Icraveyourindulgence，Mr。Green。\"
Mr。Greenperceivedthatherewasaweakattemptatirony，andwentonwithhisinvestigations。HecametothelastofthepapersMr。Caryllhadhandedhim，glancedatit，sworecoarsely，anddroppedit。
\"D\'yethinkyecanbubbleme？\'\"hecried，redintheface。
LordOstermoreheavedasighofrelief；thehardlookhadfadedfromHortensia\'seyes。
\"Whatis\'tyemean，givingmethisrubbish？\"
\"Iofferyoumyexcusesforthecontentsofmypockets，\"saidMr。Caryll。\"Yesee，Ididnotexpecttobehonoredbyyourinquisition。HadIbutknown-\"
Mr。Greenstruckanattitude。\"Nowattendtome，sir！IamaservantofHisMajesty\'sGovernment。\"
\"HisMajesty\'sGovernmentcannotbesufficientlycongratulated，\"saidMr。Caryll，theirrepressible。
Mr。Greenbangedthetable。\"Areyerallyingme，ecod！\"
\"Youhaveupsettheink，\"Mr。Caryllpointedouttohim。
\"Damntheink！\"sworethespy。\"AnddamnyouforaTomo\'
Bedlam！Iaskyouagain-whatd\'yemean，givingmethisrubbish？\"
\"Youaskedmetoturnoutmypockets。\"
\"IaskedyoufortheletteryehavebroughtLordOstermore。\"
\"Iamsorry，\"saidMr。Caryll，andeyedtheothersympathetically。\"Iamsorrytodisappointyou。But，then，youassumedtoomuchwhenyouassumedthatIhadsuchaletter。Ihaveobligedyoutothefullestextentinmypower。
Idonotthinkyoushowabecominggratitude。\"
Mr。Greeneyedhimblanklyamoment；thenexploded。\"Ecod，sir！Youarecool。\"
\"Itisaconditionwedonotappeartoshare。\"
\"D\'yesayye\'vebroughthislordshipnoletterfromFrance？\"
thunderedthespy。\"Whatelseha\'yecometoEnglandfor？\"
\"Tostudymanners，sir，\"saidMr。Caryll，bowing。
ThatwasthelastdropinthecupofMr。Green\'sendurance。
HewavedhismentowardsthegentlemanfromFrance。\"Findit，\"hebadethemshortly。
Mr。Carylldrewhimselfupwithagreatdignity，andwavedthebailiffsback，hiswhitefaceset，anunpleasantglimmerinhiseyes。\"Amoment！\"hecried。\"Youhavenoauthoritytogotosuchextremes。Imakenoobjectiontobeingsearched；buteveryobjectiontobeingsoiled，andI\'llnothavethefingersofthesescavengersaboutmyperson。\"
\"Andyouareright，egad！\"criedLordOstermore，advancing。
\"Harkee，youdirtyspy，thisisnowaytodealwithgentlemen。
Beoff，now，andtakeyourcarrion-crowswithyou，orI\'llhavemygroomsinwiththeirwhipstoyou。\"
\"Tome？\"roaredGreen。\"IrepresenttheSecretaryofState。\"
\"Ye\'llrepresentasideofrawvenisonifyoutarryhere，\"theearlpromisedhim。\"D\'yedarelookmeintheeye？D\'yedare，yerogue？D\'yeknowwhoIam？Anddon\'twagthatpistol，myfinefellow！Beoff，now！Awaywithyou！\"
Mr。Greenlookedhisname。Therosinesswasalldepartedfromhischeeks；hequiveredwithsuppressedwrath。\"IfIgo-
givingwaytoconstraint-whatshallyousaytomyLordCarteret？\"heasked。
\"Whatconcernmaythatbeofyours，sirrah？\'\'
\"Itwillbesomeconcernofyours，mylord。\"
Mr。Caryllinterposed。\"Theknaveisright，\"saidhe。\"Itweretoimplicateyourlordship。Itweretogivecolortohissillysuspicions。Lethimmakehissearch。Butbesogoodastosummonmyvalet。Heshallhandyoumygarmentsthatyoumaydoyourwilluponthem。Butunlessyoujustifyyourselfbyfindingtheletteryouareseeking，youshallhavetoreckonwiththeconsequencesofdiscomposingagentlemanfornothing。Now，sir！Isitabargain？\"Mr。Greenlookedhimover，andifhewasshakenbythecalmassuranceofMr。
Caryll\'stoneandmanner，heconcealeditveryeffectively。
\"We\'llmakenobargains，\"saidhe。\"Ihavemydutytodo。\"
Hesignedtooneofthebailiffs。\"Fetchthegentleman\'sservant，\"saidhe。
\"Sobeit，\"saidMr。Caryll。\"Butyoutaketoomuchuponyourself，sir。Yourduty，Ithink，wouldhavebeentoarrestmeandcarrymetoLordCarteret\'s，theretobesearchedifhislordshipconsidereditnecessary。\"
\"IhavenocausetoarrestyouuntilIfindit，\"Mr。Greensnappedimpatiently。
\"Yourlogicisfaultless。\"
\"IamfollowingmyLordCarteret\'sorderstotheletter。IamtoeffectnoarrestuntilIhavepositiveevidence。\"
\"Yetyouaredetainingme。Whatdoesthisamounttobutanarrest？\"
Mr。Greendisdainedtoanswer。Leducentered，andMr。CaryllturnedtoLordOstermore。
\"ThereisnoreasonwhyIshoulddetainyourlordship，\"saidhe，\"andtheseoperations-Thelady-\"Hewavedanexpressivehand，bentanexpressiveeyeupontheearl。
LordOstermoreseemedtowaver。Hewasnot-hehadneverbeen-amantothinkforothers。ButHortensiacutinbeforehecouldreply。
\"Wewillwait，\"shesaid。\"Sinceyouaretravellingtotown，Iamsurehislordshipwillbegladofyourcompany，sir。\"
Mr。Carylllookeddeepintothosegreatbrowneyes，andbowedhisthanks。\"Ifitwillnotdiscomposeyourlordship-\"
\"No，no，\"saidOstermore，gruffofvoiceandmanner。\"Wewillwait。Ishallbehonored，sir，ifyouwilljourneywithusafterwards。\"
Mr。Caryllbowedagain，andwenttoholdthedoorforthem，Mr。Green\'seyeskeenlyalertforanattemptatevasion。Buttherewasnone。Whenhislordshipandhiswardhaddeparted，Mr。CaryllturnedtoRotherby，whohadtakenachair，hismanGaskellbehindhim。HelookedfromtheviscounttoMr。Green。
\"Dowerequirethisgentleman？\"heaskedthespy。
AsmilebrokeoverRotherby\'sswamface。\"Byyourleave，sir，I\'llremaintoseefairplay。Youmayfindmeuseful，Mr。
Green。Ihavenocausetowishthismarplotwell，\"heexplained。
Mr。Caryllturnedhisbackuponhim，tookoffhiscoatandwaistcoat。HesatdownwhileMr。Greenspreadthegarmentsuponthetable，emptiedoutthepockets，turneddownthecuffs，rippedupthesatinlinings。Hediditinaconsummatefashion，verythoroughly。Yet，thoughhepartedtheliningsfromthecloth，hedidsoinsuchamannerastoleavethegarmentseasilyrepairable。
Mr。Caryllwatchedhimwithinterestandappreciation，andwhattimehewatchedhewaswonderingmightitnotbebetterstraightwaytoplacethespyinpossessionoftheletter，andthusdestroyhimselfandLordOstermore，atthesametime-
andhavedonewiththetaskonwhichhewascometoEngland。
Itseemedalmostaneasywayoutoftheaffair。Hisbetrayaloftheearlwouldbelessuglyifhe，himself，weretosharetheconsequencesofthatbetrayal。
Thenhecheckedhisthoughts。Whatmannerofmoodwasthis？
Besides，hisinclinationwasalltobecomebetteracquaintedwiththisoddfamilyuponwhichhehadstumbledinsoextraordinaryamanner。Downinhisheartofheartshehadafeelingthatthethinghewascometodowouldneverbedone-
leastways，notbyhim。Itwasinvainthathemightattempttosteelhimselftothetask。Itrepelledhim。Itwentnotwithanaturesuchashis。
HethoughtofEverard，afirewiththeideaofvengenceandtosuchanextentthathehadsucceededininfectingJustinhimselfwithasparkofit。Hethoughtofhimwithpityalmost；pitythatamanshouldobsesshislifebysuchaphantasmasthissamevengeancemusthavebeentohim。Wasitworthwhile？Wasanythingworthwhile，hewondered。
LordRotherbyapproachedthetable，andtookupthegarmentsuponwhichMr。Greenhadfinished。HeturnedthemoverandsupplementedMr。Green\'ssearch。
\"Ye\'rewelcometoallthatyecanfind，\"sneeredMr。Green，andturnedtoMr。Caryll。\"Letushaveyourshoes，sir。\"
Mr。Caryllremovedhisshoes，insilence，andMr。GreenproceededtoexaminetheminamannerthatprovokedMr。
Caryll\'sprofoundadmiration。HeseparatedtheliningfromtheSpanishleather，andprobedslowlyandcarefullyinthespacebetween。Heexaminedtheheelsveryclosely，goingovertothewindowforthepurpose。Thatdone，hedroppedthem。
\"Yourbreechesnow，\"saidhelaconically。
MeanwhileLeduchadtakenupthecoat，andwithaneedleandthreadwherewithhehadequippedhimselfhewasindustriouslyrestoringthestitchesthatMr。Greenhadtakenout。
Mr。Caryllsurrenderedhisbreeches。HisfineHollandshirtwentnext，hisstockingsandwhatothertrifleshewore，untilhestoodasnakedasAdambeforethefall。Yetallinvain。
Hisgarmentswererestoredtohim，onebyone，andonebyone，withLeduc\'said，heresumedthem。Mr。Greenwaslookingcrestfallen。
\"Areyousatisfied？\"inquiredMr。Caryllpleasantly，hisgoodtemperinexhaustible。
Thespylookedathimwithamoodyeye，pluckingthoughtfullyathislipwiththumbandforefinger。Thenhebrightenedsuddenly。\"There\'syourman，\"saidhe，flashingaquickeyeuponLeduc，wholookedupwithaquietsmile。
\"True，\"saidMr。Caryll，\"andthere\'smyportmantleabove-stairs，andmysaddleonmyhorseinthestables。Itisevenpossible，foraughtyouknow，thattheremaybeahollowtoothortwoinmyhead。Prayletyoursearchbethorough。\"
Mr。Greenconsideredhimagain。\"Ifyouhadit，itwouldbeuponyourperson。\"
\"Yetconsider，\"Mr。Caryllbeggedhim，holdingouthisfootthatLeducmightputonhisshoeagain，\"Imighthavesupposedthatyouwouldsupposethat，anddisposedaccordingly。Youhadbetterinvestigatetothebitterend。\"
Mr。Green\'ssmalleyescontinuedtoscrutinizeLeducatintervals。Thevaletwasasilent，serious-facedfellow。
\"I\'llsearchyourservant，leastways，\"thespyannounced。
\"Byallmeans。Leduc，Ibegthatyouwillplaceyourselfatthisinterestinggentleman\'sdisposal。\"
WhattimeMr。Caryll，unaidednow，completedtheresumptionofhisgarments，Leduc，silentandexpressionless，submittedtobeingsearched。
\"Youwillobserve，Leduc，\"saidMr。Caryll，\"thatwehavenotcometothiscountryinvain。Weareundergoingexperiencesthatwouldbeinterestingiftheywerenotquitesodull，amusingiftheyentailedlessdiscomforttoourselves。
Assuredly，itwasworthwhiletocrosstoEnglandtostudymanners。AndtherearesightsforyouthatyouwillneverseeinFrance。Youwouldnot，forinstance，hadyounotcomehither，havehadanopportunityofobservingamemberofthenoblessesecondingandassistingatipstaffinthedischargeofhisduty。Anddoingitjustasahogwallowsinfoulness-
fortheloveofit。
\"Thegentlemeninyourcountry，Leduc，aretoofastidioustoenjoylifeasitshouldbeenjoyed；theyaretoopronetoadheretotheamusementsoftheirclass。Youhavehereanopportunityofperceivinghowdeeplytheyaremistaken，whatrelishmaylieinsettingone\'srankononeside，inforgettingattimesthatbyanaccident-asheer，incredibleaccident，Iassureyou，Leduc-onemayhavebeenborntoagentleman\'sestate。\"
Rotherbyhaddrawnhimselfup，hisdarkfacecrimsoning。
\"D\'yetalkatme，sir？\"hedemanded。\"D\'yedarediscussmewithyourlackey？\"
\"Butwhynot，sinceyousearchmewithmytipstaff！Ifyoucanperceiveadifference，youaretoosubtleforme，sir。\"
Rotherbyadvancedastep；thenchecked。Heinheritedmentalsluggishnessfromhisfather。\"Youareinsolent！\"hechargedCaryll。\"Youinsultme。\"
\"Indeed！Ha！Iamworkingmiracles。\"
Rotherbygovernedhisangerbyaneffort。\"Therewasenoughbetweenuswithoutthis，\"saidhe。
\"Therecouldnotbetoomuchbetweenus-toomuchspace，I
mean。\"
Theviscountlookedathimfuriously。\"Ishalldiscussthisfurtherwithyou，\"saidhe。\"Thepresentisnotthetimenorplace。ButIshallknowwheretolookforyou。\"
\"Leduc，Iamsure，willalwaysbepleasedtoseeyou。He，too，isstudyingmanner\'s。\"
Rotherbyignoredtheinsult。\"Weshallsee，then，whetheryoucandoanythingmorethantalk。\"
\"Ihopethatyourlordship，too，ismasterofotheraccomplishments。Asatalker，Idonotfindyouverygifted。
ButperhapsLeducwillbelessexigentthanI。\"
\"Bah！\"hislordshipflungathim，andwentout，cursinghimprofusely，Gaskellfollowingathismaster\'sheels。
CHAPTERV
MOONSHINE
MyLordOstermore，thoughpuzzled，entertainednotormentinganxietyonthescoreofthesearchtowhichMr。Caryllwastobesubmitted。Heassuredhimselffromthatgentleman\'sconfident，easymanner-beingamanwhoalwaysdrewfromthingstheinferencethatwasobvious-thateitherhecarriednosuchletterasmylordexpected，orelsehehadsodisposedofitastobafflesearch。
So，forthemoment，hedismissedthesubjectfromhismind。
WithHortensiaheenteredtheparloracrossthestone-flaggedpassage，towhichthelandladyusheredthem，andturnedwhole-heartedlytothematterofhisward\'selopementwithhisson。
\"Hortensia，\"saidhe，whentheywerealone。\"Youhavebeenfoolish；veryfoolish。\"Hehadatrickofrepeatinghimself，conceiving，nodoubt，thatthecommonplaceachievesdistinctionbyrepetition。
Hortensiasatinanarm-chairbythewindow，andsighed，lookingoutoverthedowns。\"DoInotknowit？\"shecried，andtheeyeswhichwereavertedfromhislordshipwerecharredwithtears-tearsofhotanger，shameandmortification。
\"Godhelpallwomen！\"sheaddedbitterly，afteramoment，asmanyanotherwomanundersimilarandworsecircumstanceshascriedbeforeandsince。
Amorefeelingmanmighthaveconceivedthatthiswasamomentinwhichtoleavehertoherselfandherownthoughts，andinthatitispossiblethatamorefeelingmanhadbeenmistaken。
Ostermore，stolidandunimaginative，butnotaltogetherwithoutsympathyforhisward，ofwhomhewasreasonablyfond-asfond，nodoubt，asitwashiscapacitytobeforanyotherthanhimself-approachedherandsetaplumphanduponthebackofherchair。
\"Whatwasitdroveyoutothis？\"
Sheturneduponhimalmostfiercely。\"MyLadyOstermore，\"sheansweredhim。
Hislordshipfrowned，andhiseyesshifteduneasilyfromherface。Inhishearthedislikedhiswifeexcessively，dislikedherbecauseshewastheonepersonintheworldwhogovernedhim，whoroderough-shodoverhisfeelingsanddesires；
because，perhaps，shewasthemotherofhisunfeeling，detestableson。ShemaynothavebeentheonlypersonlivingtodespiseLordOstermore；butshewascertainlytheonlyonewiththecouragetomanifesthercontempt，andthatinnocircumscribedterms。Andyet，dislikingherashedid，returningwithinteresthercontemptofhim，heveiledit，andwasloyaltohistermagant，neversufferinghimselftoutteracomplaintofhertoothers，neversufferingotherstocensureherwithinhishearing。Thisloyaltymayhavehaditsrootsinpride-indeed，noothersoilcanbeassignedtothem-apridethatwouldallownostrangerstopryintothesoreplacesofhisbeing。HefrownednowtohearHortensia\'sangrymentionofherladyship\'sname；andifhisblueeyesmoveduneasilyunderhisbeetlingbrows，itwasbecausethesituationirkedhim。HowshouldhestandasjudgebetweenMistressWinthrop-towardswhom，aswehaveseen，hehadakindness-andhiswife，whomhehated，yettowardswhomhewouldnotbedisloyal？
Hewishedthesubjectdropped，since，didheasktheobviousquestion-inwhatmyLadyOstermorecouldhavebeenthecauseofHortensia\'sflight-hewouldprovoke，heknew，astormofcensurefromhiswife。Thereforehefellsilent。
Hortensia，however，feltthatshehadsaidtoomuchnottosaymore。
\"Herladyshiphasneverfailedtomakemefeelmyposition-
my-mypoverty，\"shepursued。\"Thereisnoslightherladyshiphasnotputuponme，untilnotevenyourservantsusemewiththerespectthatisduetomyfather\'sdaughter。Andmyfather，\"sheadded，withareproachfulglance，\"wasyourfriend，mylord。\"
Heshifteduncomfortablyonhisfeet，deploringnowthequestionwithwhichhehadfiredthetrainoffemininecomplaint。\"Pish，pish！\"hedeprecated，\"\'tisfancy，child-
purefancy！\"
\"SoherLadyshipwouldsay，didyoutaxherwithit。YetyourlordshipknowsIamnotfancifulinotherthings。ShouldI，then，befancifulinthis？\"
\"Butwhathasherladyshipeverdone，child？\"hedemanded，thinkingthustobaffleher-sincehewasacquaintedwiththesubtletyofherladyship\'smethods。
\"Athousandthings，\"repliedHortensiahotly，\"andyetnotoneuponwhichImayfasten。\'Tisthussheworks：bywords，half-words，looks，sneers，shrugs，andsometimesfoulabuseentirelydisproportionatetothelittlecauseImayunwittinglyhavegiven。\"
\"Herladyshipisalittlehot，\"theearladmitted，\"butagoodheart；\'tisanexcellentheart，Hortensia。\"
\"Forhating-ay，mylord。\"
\"Nay，plagueon\'t！That\'swomanishinyou。\'Ponhonoritis！
Womanish！\"
\"Whatelsewouldyouhaveawoman？Mannishandraffish，likemyLadyOstermore？\"
\"I\'llnotlistentoyou，\"hesaid。\"Ye\'renotjust，Hortensia。Ye\'reheated；heated！I\'llnotlistentoyou。
Besides，whenallissaid，whatreasonsbetheseforthefollyye\'vecommitted？\"
\"Reasons？\"sheechoedscornfully。\"Reasonsandtospare！Herladyshiphasmademylifesohard，hassoshamedandcrushedme，putsuchindignitiesuponme，thatexistencegrewunbearableunderyourroof。Itcouldnotcontinue，mylord，\"
shepursued，risingundertheswayofherindignation。\"Itcouldnotcontinue。Iamnotofthestuffthatgoestomakingmartyrs。Iamweak，and-and-asyourlordshiphassaid-
womanish。\"
\"Indeed，youtalkadeal，\"saidhislordshippeevishly。Butshedidnotheedthesarcasm。
\"LordRotherby，\"shecontinued，\"offeredmethemeanstoescape。Heurgedmetoelopewithhim。Hisreasonwasthatyouwouldneverconsenttoourmarriage；butthatifwetookthematterintoourhands，andweremarriedfirst，wemightdependuponyoursanctionafterwards；thatyouhadtoogreatakindnessformetowithholdyourpardon。Iwasweak，mylord-womanish，\"shethrewthewordathimagain\"andithappened-Godhelpmeforafool！-thatIthoughtIlovedLordRotherby。Andso-andso-\"
Shesatdownagain，weakly，miserably，avertingherfacethatshemighthidehertears。Hewastouched，andheevenwentsofarastoshowsomethingofhissympathy。Heapproachedheragain，andlaidabenignhandlightlyuponhershoulder。
\"But-but-inthatcase-Oh，thedamnedvillain！-whythismock-parson？\"
\"Doesyourlordshipnotperceive？MustIdieofshame？Doyounotsee？\"
\"See？No！\"Hewasthoughtfulasecond；thenrepeated，\"No！\"
\"Iunderstood，\"sheinformedhim，asmile-acruellybittersmile-liftingandsteadyingthecornerofherlatelyquiveringlip，\"whenhealludedtoyourlordship\'sstraitenedcircumstances。Hehasnodisinheritancetofearbecausehehasnoinheritancetolookforbeyondtheentail，ofwhichyoucannotdisinherithim。MyLordRotherbysetsahighvalueuponhimself。Hemay-Idonotknow-hemayhavebeeninlovewithme-thoughnotasIknowlove，whichisallsacrifice，allself-denial。Butbyhislightshemayhavecaredforme；hemusthavedone，byhislights。HadIbeenaladyoffortune，notadoubtbuthewouldhavemademehiswife；asitwas，hemustaimatamoreprofitablemarriage，andmeanwhile，togratifyhisloveforme-baseasitwas-
hewould-hewould-OGod！Icannotsayit。Youunderstand，mylord。\"
Mylordsworestrenuously。\"Thereisapunishmentforsuchacrimeasthis。\"
\"Ay，mylord-andawaytoavoidpunishmentforagentlemaninyourson\'sposition，evendidIflauntmyshameinsomevainendeavortohavejustice-athingheknewInevercouldhavedone。\"
Mylordsworeagain。\"Heshallbepunished，\"hedeclaredemphatically。
\"Nodoubt。Godwillseetothat，\"shesaid，aworldoffaithinherquiveringvoice。
Mylord\'seyesexpressedhisdoubtofdivineintervention。Hepreferredtospeakforhimself。\"I\'lldisownthedog。Heshallnotentermyhouseagain。Youshallnotberemindedofwhathashappenedhere。Gad！Youwereshrewdtohavesmokedhismotivesso！\"hecriedinaburstofadmirationforherinsight。\"Gad，child！Shouldsthavebeenalawyer！A
lawyer！\"
\"IfithadnotbeenforMr。Caryll-\"shebegan，buttowhatelseshesaidhelentnoear，beingsuddenlybroughtbacktohisfearsatthementionofthatgentleman\'sname。
\"Mr。Caryll！Saveus！Whatiskeepinghim？\"hecried。\"Canthey-canthey-\"
Thedooropened，andMr。Caryllwalkedin，usheredbythehostess。Bothturnedtoconfronthim，Hortensia\'seyesswollenfromherweeping。
\"Well？\"quothhislordship。\"Didtheyfindnothing？\"
Mr。Carylladvancedwiththeeasy，gracefulcarriagethatwasoneofhismaincharms，hisclothessoskilfullyrestoredbyLeducthatnonecouldhaveguessedtheseverityoftheexaminationtheyhadundergone。
\"SinceIamhere，andalone，yourlordshipmayconcludesuchtobethecase。Mr。Greenispreparingfordeparture。Heisveryabject；verychap-fallen。IamalmostsorryforMr。
Green。Iambynaturesympathetic。IhavepromisedtomakemycomplainttomyLordCarteret。Andso，Itrustthereisanendtoatiresomematter。\"
\"Butthen，sir？\"quothhislordship。\"Butthen-areyouthebearerofnoletter？\"
Mr。Caryllshotaswiftglanceoverhisshoulderatthedoor。
Hedeliberatelywinkedattheearl。\"Didyourlordshipexpectletters？\"heinquired。\"Thatwasscarcelyreasonenoughtosupposemeacourier。Thereissomemistake，Iimagine。\"
Betweenthewinkandthewordshislordshipwasbewildered。
Mr。Caryllturnedtothelady，bowing。Thenhewavedahandoverthedowns。\"Afineview，\"saidheairily，andshestaredathim。\"IshalltreasuresweetmemoriesofMaidstone。\"Herstaregrewstonier。Didhemeanthelandscapeorsomeothermatter？Histonewasdifficulttoread-afeaturepeculiartohistone。
\"NotsoshallI，sir，\"shemadeanswer。\"Ishallneverthinkofitotherthanwithburningcheeks-unlessitbewithgratitudetoyourshrewdnesswhichsavedme。\"
\"Nomore，Ibeg。Itisamatterpainfultoyoutodwellon。
Letmeexhortyoutoforgetit。Ihavealreadydoneso。\"
\"Thatisasweetcourtesyinyou。\"
\"Iamcompoundedofsweetcourtesy，\"heinformedhermodestly。
Hislordshipspokeofdeparture，renewinghisoffertocarryMr。Carylltotowninhischaise。Meanwhile，Mr。Caryllwasbehavingcuriously。Hewastiptoeingtowardsthedoor，alongthewall，wherehewasoutoflinewiththekeyhole。Hereacheditsuddenly，andabruptlypulleditopen。Therewasasqueal，andMr。Greenrolledforwardintotheroom。Mr。
Caryllkickedhimoutagainbeforehecouldrise，andcalledLeductothrowhimoutside。AndthatwasthelasttheysawofMr。GreenatMaidstone。
Theysetoutsoonafterwards，Mr。Carylltravellinginhislordship\'schaise，andLeducfollowinginhismaster\'s。
Itwasanhourorsoaftercandle-lightingtimewhentheyreachedCroydon，thecountrylyingallwhiteunderafullmoonthatsailedinaclear，calmsky。Hislordshipsworethathewouldgonofartherthatnight。Thetravellingfatiguedhim；
indeed，forthelastfewmilesofthejourneyhehadbeendozinginhiscornerofthecarriage，conversationhavinglongsincebeenabandonedastoogreataneffortonsobadaroad，whichshookandjoltedthembeyondendurance。Hislordship\'schaisewasofanold-fashionedpattern，andthespringsfarfromwhatmighthavebeendesiredorexpectedinanobleman\'sconveyance。
Theyalightedatthe\"Bells。\"Hislordshipbespokesupper，invitedMr。Carylltojointhem，and，whattimethemealwaspreparing，wentintoanoisydozeintheparlor\'sbestchair。
MistressWinthropsaunteredoutintothegarden。Thecalmandfragranceofthenightinvitedher。Alonewithherthoughts，shepacedthelawnawhile，untilhersolitudewasdisturbedbytheadventofMr。Caryll。He，too，hadneedtothink，andhehadcomeoutintothepeaceofthenighttoindulgehisneed。Seeingher，hemadeasiftowithdrawagain；butsheperceivedhim，andcalledhimtoherside。Hewentmostreadily。Yetwhenhestoodbeforeherinanattitudeofcourteousdeference，shewasatalosswhatsheshouldsaytohim，or，rather，whatwordssheshouldemploy。Atlast，withahalf-laughofnervousness，\"Iambynatureveryinquisitive，sir，\"sheprefaced。
\"Ihadalreadyjudgedyoutobeanexceptionalwoman，\"Mr。
Caryllcommentedsoftly。
Shemusedaninstant。\"Areyouneverserious？\"sheaskedhim。
\"Isitworthwhile？\"hecounter-questioned，and，whetherintentoraccident，heletherseesomethingofhimself。\"Isitevenamusing-tobeserious？\"
\"Isthereinlifenothingbutamusement？\"
\"Oh，yes-butnothingsovital。Ispeakwithknowledge。Thegiftoflaughterhasbeenmysalvation。\"
\"Fromwhat，sir？\"
\"Ah-whoshallsaythat？MyhistoryandmyrearinghavebeensuchthathadIbowedbeforethem，Ihadbecomethemostgloomy，melancholymanthatstepsthisgloomy，melancholyworld。BynowImighthavefoundexistenceinsupportable，andso-whoknows？Imighthavesetatermtoit。ButIhadthewisdomtopreferlaughter。Humanityisadelectablespectacleifwebuthavethegifttoobserveitinadispassionatespirit。SuchagifthaveIcultivated。Thesquirmingofthehumanwormisinterestingtoobserve，andthepracticeofobservingithasthisadvantage，thatwhileweobserveitweforgettosquirmourselves。\"
\"Thebitternessofyourwordsbeliestheirpurport。\"
Heshruggedandsmiled。\"Butprovesmycontention。ThatI
mightexplainmyself，youmademeforamomentserious，setmesquirminginmyturn。\"
Shemovedalittle，andhefellintostepbesideher。A
littlewhiletherewassilence。
Presently-\"Youfindme，nodoubt，asamusingasanyotherofyourhumanworms，\"saidshe。
\"Godforbid！\"heansweredsoberly。
Shelaughed。\"Youmakeanexceptioninmycase，then。Thatisasubtleflattery！\"
\"HaveInotsaidthatIhadjudgedyoutobeanexceptionalwoman？\"
\"Exceptionallyfoolish，notadoubt。\"
\"Exceptionallybeautiful；exceptionallyadmirable，\"hecorrected。
\"Aclumsycompliment，devoidofwit！\"
\"Whenwegrowtruthful，itmaybeforgivenusifwefallshortofwit。\"
\"Thatwereanargumentinfavorofavoidingtruth。\"
\"Wereitnecessary，\"saidhe。\"Fortruthisseldomsointrusiveastoneedavoiding。Butwearestraying。Therewasascoreuponwhichyouwereinquisitive，yousaid；fromwhichItakeitthatyousoughtknowledgeatmyhands。Prayseekit；Iamawell，ofknowledge。\"
\"Idesiredtoknow-Nay，butIhaveaskedyoualready。I
desiredtoknowdidyoudeemmeaverypitifullittlefool？\"
Theyhadreachedtheprivethedge，andturned。Theypausednowbeforeresumingtheirwalk。Hepaused，also，beforereplying。Then：
\"Ishouldjudgeyouwiseinmostthings，\"heansweredslowly，critically。\"ButinthemattertowhichIowetheblessingofhavingservedyou，Idonotthinkyouwise。Didyou-doyouloveLordRotherby？\"
\"Whatifso？\"
\"Afterwhatyouhavelearned，Ishouldaccountyoustilllesswise。\"
\"Youareimpertinent，sir，\"shereprovedhim。
\"Nay，mostpertinent。Didyounotaskmetositinjudgmentuponthismatter？Andunlessyouconfesstome，howamItoabsolveyou？\"
\"Ididnotcraveyourabsolution。Youtaketoomuchuponyourself。\"
\"SosaidLordRotherby。Youseemtohavesomethingincommonwhenallissaid。\"
Shebitherlipinchagrin。Theypacedinsilencetothelawn\'send，andturnedagain。Then：\"Youtreatmelikeafool，\"shereprovedhim。
\"Howisthatpossible，when，alreadyIthinkIloveyou。\"
Shestartedfromhim，andstaredathimforalongmoment。
\"Youinsultme！\"shecriedangrily，conceivingthatsheunderstoodhismind。\"DoyouthinkthatbecauseImayhavecommittedafollyIhaveforfeitedallclaimtoberespected-
thatIamasubjectforinsolentspeeches？\"
\"Youareillogical，\"saidMr。Caryll，theimperturbable。\"I
havetoldyouthatIloveyou。ShouldIinsultthewomanI
havesaidIlove？\"
\"Youloveme？\"Shelookedathim，herfaceverywhiteinthewhitemoonlight，herlipsparted，akindlingangerinhereyes。\"Areyoumad？\"
\"Ia\'n\'tsure。TherehavebeenmomentswhenIhavealmostfearedit。Thisisnotoneofthem。\"
\"Youwishmetothinkyouserious？\"Shelaughedathoughtstridentlyinherindignation。\"Ihaveknownyoujustfourhours，\"saidshe。
\"PreciselythetimeIthinkIhavelovedyou。\"
\"Youthink？\"sheechoedscornfully。\"Oh，youmakethatreservation！Youarenotquitesure？\"
\"Canwebesureofanything？\"hedeprecated。
\"Ofsomethings，\"sheansweredicily。\"AndIamsureofone-
thatIambeginningtounderstandyou。\"
\"Ienvyyou。Sincethatisso，helpme-ofyourcharity！-
tounderstandmyself。\"
\"Thenunderstandyourselfforanimpudent，fleeringcoxcomb，\"
sheflungathim，andturnedtoleavehim。
\"Thatisnotexplanation，\"saidMr。Caryllthoughtfully。\"Itismereabuse。\"
\"Whatelsedoyoudeserve？\"sheaskedhimoverhershoulder。
\"Thatyoushouldhavedared！\"shewitheredhim。
\"Toloveyouquitesosuddenly？\"heinquired，andmisquoted：
\"`Whoeverlovedatall，thatlovednotatfirstsight？\'
Hortensia！\"
\"Youhavenottherighttomyname，sir。\"
\"YetIofferyoutherighttomine，\"heanswered，withhumblereproach。
\"Youshallbepunished，\"shepromisedhim，andinhighdudgeonlefthim。
\"Punished？Oh，cruel！Canyouthenbe-
\"`Unsofttohimwho\'ssmoothtothee？
Tigersandbears，I\'veheardsomesay，Forprofferedlovewillloverepay。\"\'
Butshewasgone。Helookedupatthemoon，andtookitintohisconfidencetoreproachit。\"\'Twasyourwhitefacebeglamoredme，\"hetolditaloud。\"See，howexecrableabeginningI\'vemade，and，therefore，howexcellent！\"Andhelaughed，butentirelywithoutmirth。
Heremainedpacinginthemoonlight，verythoughtful，and，foronce，itseemed，notatallamused。Hislifeappearedtobetanglingitselfbeyondunravelling，andhisvauntedhabitoflaughterscarceservedatpresenttoshowhimthewayout。