AllthatMr。Caryllrealizedatfirstwasthathehadbeenstruckablowbetweentheshoulderblades；andthen，erehecouldturntoinquireintothecause，hewasamazedtoseesomethreeinchesofsteelcomethroughhisshirtinfront。
Thenextinstantanexquisite，burning，searingpainwentthroughandthroughhimasthebladewasbeingwithdrawn。Hecoughedandswayed，thenhurtledsidewaysintothearmsofMajorGascoigne。Hissensesswam。Theturfheavedandrolledasifanearthquakemovedit；thehousesfrontingthesquareandthetreesimmediatelybeforehimleapedanddancedasifsuddenlylaunchedintogrotesqueanimation，whileabouthimswirledawild，incoherentnoiseofvoices，risingandfalling，nowloud，nowsilent，andreachinghimthroughamurmuringhumthatsurgedabouthisearsuntilitshutoutallelseandconsciousnessdesertedhim。
Aroundhim，meanwhile，awildscenewastoward。
HisGraceofWhartonhadwrenchedawaytheswordfromRotherby，andmasteredbyanefforthisownimpulsetouseituponthemurderer。CaptainMainwaring-Rotherby\'sownsecond，amanofquick，fiercepassions-utterlyunabletocontrolhimself，felluponhislordshipandbeathimtothegroundwithhishands，cursinghimandheapingabuseuponhimwitheveryblow；whilstdelicateMr。Falgate，inthebackground，sicktothepointoffaintness，stooddabbinghislipswithhishandkerchiefandswearingthathewouldrotbeforeheallowedhimselfagaintobedraggedintoanaffairofhonor。
\"Yedamnedcutthroat！\"sworethemilitiacaptain，standingoverthemanhehadfelled。\"D\'yeknowwhat\'llbethefruitsofthis？Ye\'llswingatTyburnlikethedirtythiefy\'are。
Godhelpme！I\'dgiveahundredguineassoonerthanbemixedinthisfilthybusiness。\"
\"\'Tisnomatterforthatnow，\"saidtheduke，touchinghimontheshoulderanddrawinghimawayfromhislordship。\"Getup，Rotherby。\"
Heavily，mechanically，Rotherbygottohisfeet。Nowthatthefitofragewasover，hewashimselfallstrickenatthethinghehaddone。Helookedatthelimpfigureontheturf，huddledagainstthekneeofMajorGascoigne；lookedatthewhiteface，theclosedeyesandthestainofbloodoozingfartherandfartheracrosstheHollandshirt，and，aswhitehimselfasthestrickenman，heshudderedandhismouthwasdrawnwidewithhorror。
Butpitifulthoughhelooked，heinspirednopityintheDukeofWharton，whoconsideredhimwithaneyeofunspeakableseverity。\"IfMr。Carylldies，\"saidhecoldly，\"Ishallseetoitthatyouhang，mylord。I\'llnotrestuntilIbringyoutothegallows。\"
Andthen，beforemorecouldbesaid，therecameasoundofrunningstepsandlaboredbreathing，andhisgracesworesoftlytohimselfashebeheldnootherthanLordOstermoreadvancingrapidly，alloutofbreathandapoplecticofface，acoupleoffootmenpressingcloseuponhisheels，and，behindthese，ascoreofsightseerswhohadfollowedthem。
\"What\'shere？\"criedtheearl，withoutglancingathisson。
\"Ishedead？Ishedead？\"
Gascoigne，whowasbusilyendeavoringtostanchthebleeding，answeredwithoutlookingup：\"ItisinGod\'shands。Ithinkheisveryliketodie。\"
OstermoreswungrounduponRotherby。Hehadpaledsuddenly，andhismouthtrembled。Heraisedhisclenchedhand，anditseemedthathewasabouttostrikehisson；thenheletitfallagain。\"Youvillain！\"hepanted，breathlessfromrunningandfromrage。\"Isawit！Isawitall。Itwasmurder，and，asGod\'smylife，ifMr。Carylldies，Ishallseetoitthatyouhang-I，yourownfather。\"
Thusassailedoneveryside，someofthecowering，shrinkingmannerlefttheviscount。Hisantagonismtohisfatherspurredhimtoaproudercarriage。Heshruggedindifferently。
\"Sobeit，\"hesaid。\"Ihavebeentoldthatalready。Idon\'tgreatlycare。\"
Mainwaring，whohadbeenstoopingoverMr。Caryll，andwhohadperhapsmoreknowledgeofwoundsthananypresent，shookhisheadominously。
\"\'Twouldbedangeroustomovehimfar，\"saidhe。\"\'Twillincreasethehemorrhage。\"
\"MymenshallcarryhimacrosstoStrettonHouse，\"saidLordOstermore。\"Lendahandhere，yougapingoafs。\"
Thefootmenadvanced。Thecrowd，whichwasgrowingrapidlyandwaswatchingalmostinsilence，awed，pressedascloseasitdareduponthesegentlemen。Mainwaringprocuredacoupleofcloaksandimprovisedastretcherwiththem。Ofthishetookonecornerhimself，Gascoigneanother，andthefootmentheremainingtwo。Thus，asgentlyasmightbe，theyborethewoundedmanfromtheenclosure，throughthecrowdthathadbynowassembledinthestreet，andoverthethresholdofStrettonHouse。
Agroomhadbeendispatchedforadoctor，andhisGraceofWhartonhadcompelledRotherbytoaccompanythemintohisfather\'shouse，sternlythreateningtohandhimovertoaconstableatonceifherefused。
WithinthecoolhallofStrettonHousetheyweremetbyherladyshipandMistressWinthrop，bothpale，buttheeyesofeachwearingavastlydifferentexpression。
\"What\'sthis？\"demandedherladyship，astheytroopedin。
\"Whydoyoubringhimhere？\"
\"Because，madam，\"answeredOstermoreinavoiceashardasiron，\"itimportstosavehislife；forifhedies，yoursondiesassurely-andonthescaffold。\"
Herladyshipstaggeredandflungahandtoherbreast。Butherrecoverywasalmostimmediate。\"\'Twasaduel-\"shebeganstoutly。
\"\'Twasmurder，\"hislordshipcorrected，interrupting-
\"murder，asanyofthesegentlemencanandwillbearwitness。
RotherbyranMr。CaryllthroughthebackafterMr。Caryllhadsparedhislife。\"
\"\'Tisalie！\"screamedherladyship，herlipsashen。SheturnedtoRotherby，whostoodthereinshirtandbreechesandshoeless，ashehadfought。\"Whydon\'tyousaythatitisalie？\"shedemanded。
Rotherbyendeavoredtomasterhimself。\"Madam，\"hesaid，\"hereisnoplaceforyou。\"
\"Butisittrue？Isittruewhatisbeingsaid？\"
Hehalf-turnedfromher，withadespairingmovement，andcaughtthesharphissofherindrawnbreath。Thenshesweptpasthimtothesideofthewoundedman，whohadbeenlaidonasettle。\"Whatishishurt？\"sheinquiredwildly，lookingabouther。Butnoonespoke。Tragedy-morefarthanthetragedyofthatman\'spossibledeath-wasintheair，andstruckthemallsilent。\"Willnooneanswerme？\"sheinsisted。\"Isitmortal？Isit？\"
HisGraceofWhartonturnedtoherwithanunusualgravityinhisblueeyes。\"Wehopenot，ma\'am，\"hesaid。\"ButitisasGodwills。\"
Herlimbsseemedtofailher，andshesankdownonherkneesbesidethesettle。\"Wemustsavehim，\"shemutteredfearfully。\"Wemustsavehislife。Whereisthedoctor？Hewon\'tdie！Oh，hemustnotdie！\"
Theystoodgroupedabout，lookingoninsilence，Rotherbyinthebackground。Behindhimagain，onthetopmostofthethreestepsthatledupintotheinnerhall，stoodMistressWinthrop，whiteofface，awildhorrorintheeyessheriveteduponthewoundedandunconsciousman。Sherealizedthathewasliketodie。Therewasaninfinitepityinhersoul-
and，maybe，somethingmore。Herimpulsewastogotohim；hereveryinstincturgedher。Butherreasonheldherback。
Then，asshelooked，shesawwithafeelingalmostofterrorthathiseyesweresuddenlywideopen。
\"Wha-what？\"cameinfeebleaccentsfromhislips。
Therewasastirabouthim。
\"Nevermove，Justin，\"saidGascoigne，whostoodbyhishead。
\"Youarehurt。Liestill。Thedoctorhasbeensummoned。\"
\"Ah！\"Itwasasigh。Thewoundedmanclosedhiseyesamoment，thenre-openedthem。\"Iremember。Iremember，\"hesaidfeebly。\"Itis-itisgrave？\"heinquired。\"Itwentrightthroughme。Iremember！\"Hesurveyedhimself。
\"There\'sbeenadealofbloodlost。Iamliketodie，Itakeit。\"
\"Nay，sir，wehopenot-wehopenot！\"Itwasthecountesswhospoke。
Awrysmiletwistedhislips。\"Yourladyshipisverygood，\"
saidhe。\"Ihadnotthoughtyouquitesomuchmywell-wisher。
I-Ihavedoneyouawrong，madam。\"Hepausedforbreath，anditwasnotplainwhetherhespokeinsincerityorinsarcasm。Thenwithastartlingsuddennesshebrokeintoasoftlaughandtothoserisen，whocouldnotthinkwhathadoccasionedit，itsoundedmoredreadfulthananyplainthecouldhaveuttered。
HehadbethoughthimthattherewasnolongertheneedforhimtocometoadecisioninthematterthathadbroughthimtoEngland，andhislaughwasalmostofrelief。Theriddlehecouldneverhavesolvedforhimselfinamannerthathadnotshatteredhisfuturepeaceofmind，wassolvedandwellsolvedifthisweredeath。
\"Where-whereisRotherby？\"heinquiredpresently。
Therewasastir，andmendrewback，leavinganopenlanetotheplacewhereRotherbystood。Mr。Caryllsawhim，andsmiled，andhissmileheldnotingeofmockery。\"YouarethebestfriendIeverhad，Rotherby，\"hestartledallbysaying。
\"Lethimapproach，\"hebegged。
Rotherbycameforwardlikeonewhowalksinhissleep。\"Iamsorry，\"hesaidthickly，\"cursedsorry。\"
\"There\'sscarcetheneed，\"saidMr。Caryll。\"Liftmeup，Tom，\"hebeggedGascoigne。\"There\'sscarcetheneed。Youhaveclearedupsomethingthatwasplaguingme，mylord。Iamyourdebtorfor-forthat。ItdisposesofsomethingIcouldneverhavedisposedofhadIlived。\"HeturnedtotheDukeofWharton。\"Itwasanaccident，\"hesaidsignificantly。\"Youallsawthatitwasanaccident。\"
Adenialrangout。\"Itwasnoaccident！\"criedLordOstermore，andsworeanoath。\"Weallsawwhatitwas。\"
\"I\'faith，then，youreyesdeceivedyou。Itwasanaccident，I
say-andwhoshouldknowbetterthanI？\"Hewassmilinginthatwhimsicalenigmaticwayofhis。SmilingstillhesankbackintoGascoigne\'sarms。
\"Youaretalkingtoomuch，\"saidtheMajor。
\"Whatodds？Iamnotliketotalkmuchlonger。\"
Thedooropenedtoadmitagentlemaninblack，wearingagrizzlewigandcarryingagold-headedcane。MenmovedasidetoallowhimtoapproachMr。Caryll。Thelatter，notnoticinghim，hadmetatlastthegazeofHortensia\'seyes。Hecontinuedtosmile，buthissmilewasnowchangedtowistfulnessunderthatpitifulregardofhers。
\"Itisbetterso，\"hewassaying。\"Betterso！\"
Hisglancewasuponher，andsheunderstoodwhatnoneothertheresuspected-thatthosewordswereforheralone。
Heclosedhiseyesandswoonedagain，asthedoctorstoopedtoremovethetemporarybandagesfromhiswound。
Hortensia，asobbeatinginherthroat，turnedandfledtoherownroom。
CHAPTERXII
SUNSHINEANDSHADOW
Mr。Caryllwasalmosthappy。
Hereclinedonalongchair，supportedbypillowscunninglysetforhimbythedefthandsofLeduc，andtookhiseaseandindulgedhisday-dreamsinLordOstermore\'sgarden。Hesatwithinthecool，fragrantshadeofaprivetarbor，interlacedwithfloweringlilacandlaburnum，andhelookedoutuponthelongsweepofemeraldlawnandthelittlepatchofornamentalwaterwherethewater-liliesgapedtheirivorychalicestothemorningsun。
Helookedthinner，palerandmorefrailthanwashishabit，whichisnotwonderful，consideringthathehadbeenfourweeksabedwhilehiswoundwasmending。Hewasdressed，againbythehandsoftheincomparableLeduc，inadeshabilleofsomeartistry。Adark-bluedressing-gownoffloweredsatinfellopenatthewaist；disclosingsky-bluebreechesandpearl-coloredstockings，elegantshoesofSpanishleatherwithredheelsanddiamondbuckles。Hischestnuthairhadbeendressedwithasgreatcareasthoughhewereattendingalevee，andLeduchadinsisteduponplacingasmallroundpatchunderhislefteye，thatitmight-saidLeduc-impartvivacitytoacountenancethatlookedover-wanfromhislongconfinement。
Hereclinedthere，and，asIhavesaid，wasalmosthappy。
Thecreatureofsunshinethatwashimselfatheart，hadbrokenthroughtheheavycloudsthathadbeenobscuringhim。Anoppressiveburdenwasliftedfromhismindandconscience。
Thatsword-thrustthroughthebackamonthagohadbeenguided，heopined，bythehandofabefriendingProvidence；
foralthoughhehad，asyousee，survivedit，ithadnonethelesssolvedforhimthathatefulproblemhecouldneverhavesolvedforhimself，thatproblemwhosesolution，-nomatterwhichalternativehehadadopted-musthavebroughthimuntoldmiseryafterwards。
Asitwas，duringtheweeksthathehadlainhelpless，hislifeattachedtohimbybutthemerestthread，thechanceofbetrayingLordOstermorewasgone，nor-thecircumstancesbeingsuchastheywere-couldSirRichardEverardblamehimthathehadletitpass。
Thusheknewpeace；knewitasonlythoseknowitwhohavesustainedunrestandcanappreciaterelieffromit。
Naturehadmadehimavoluptuary，andrecliningthereinaneasewhichthelanguorbornofhislongillnessrenderedthemoredelicious，inhalingthetepidsummerairthatcametohimladenwithamostsweetattarfromthefloweringrose-garden，herealizedthatwithallitscareslifemaybesweettoliveinyouthandinthemonthofJune。
Hesighed，andsmiledpensivelyatthewater-lilies；norwashishappinessentirelyandsolelytheessenceofhismaterialease。Thiswashisthirdmorningoutofdoors，andoneachofthetwomorningsthatweregoneHortensiahadbornehimcompany，comingwiththecharitableintentoflighteninghistediumbyreadingtohim，butremainingtotalkinstead。
Themostperfectfriendlinesshadprevailedbetweenthem；acamaraderiewhichMr。Caryllhadbeencarefulnottodispelbyanyreturntosuchspeechesasthosewhichhadoriginallyoffendedbutwhichseemednowmercifullyforgotten。
Hewasawaitingher，andhisexpectancyheightenedforhimthegloryofthemorning，increasedthemeedofhappinessthatwashis。Buttherewasmorebesides。Leduc，whostoodslightlybehindhim，fussily，busyaboutalittletableonwhichwerebooksandcordials，flowersandcomfits，apipeandatobacco-jar，hadjustinformedhimforthefirsttimethatduringthemoredangerousperiodofhisillnessMistressWinthrophadwatchedbyhisbedsideformanyhourstogetheruponmanyoccasions，andonce-onthedayafterhehadbeenwounded，andwhilehisfeverwasatitsheight-Leduc，enteringsuddenlyandquietly，hadsurprisedherintears。
AllthiswasmostsweetnewstoMr。Caryll。Hefoundthatbetweenhimselfandhishalf-brothertherelayanevendeeperdebtthathehadatfirstsupposed，andalreadyacknowledged。
InthedeliciouscontemplationofHortensiaintearsbesidehimstrickenallbuttothepointofdeath，heforgotentirelyhiserstwhilescruplesthatbeingnamelesshehadnonametoofferher。Inimaginationheconjuredupthescene。Itmade，hefound，averyprettypicture。Hewouldsmokeuponit。
\"Leduc，ifyouweretofillmeapipeofSpanish-\"
\"Monsieurhassmokedonepipealready，\"Leducremindedhim。
\"Youareinconsequent，Leduc。Itisasignofadvancingage。
Repressit。Thepipe！\"Andheflickedimpatientfingers。
\"Monsieurisforgettingthatthedoctor-\"
\"Thedeviltakethedoctor，\"saidMr。Caryllwithfinality。
\"\"Parfaitement！\"answeredthesmoothLeduc。\"Overthebridgewelaughatthesaint。Nowthatwearecured，thedeviltakethedoctorbyallmeans。\"
ArippleoflaughtercametoapplaudLeduc\'sexcursionintoirony。Thearborhadanother，narrowerentrance，ontheleft。
Hortensiahadapproachedthis，allunheardonthesoftturf，andstoodtherenow，aheavenlyapparitioninwhiteflimsygarments，headslightlya-tilt，eyesmocking，lipslaughing，aheavycurlofherdarkhairfallingcaressinglyintothehollowwherewhitenecksprangfromwhitershoulder。
\"Youmaketoorapidarecovery，sir，\"saidshe。
\"ItcomesoflearninghowwellIhavebeennursed，\"heanswered，makingshifttorise，andhelaughedinwardlytoseetheredflushofconfusionspreadoverthemilk-whiteskin，thereproachfulshafthereyesletlooseuponLeduc。
Shecameforwardswiftlytocheckhisrising；buffhewasalreadyonhisfeet，proudofhisreturntostrength，vaintodisplayit。\"Nay，\"shereprovedhim。\"Ifyouaresoheadstrong，Ishallleaveyou。\"
\"Ifyoudo，ma\'am。Ivowhere，asIam，Ihope，agentleman，thatIshallgohometo-day，andonfoot。\"
\"Youwouldkillyourself，\"shetoldhim。
\"Imightkillmyselfforless，andyetbejustified。\"
Shelookedherdespairofhim。\"WhatmustIdotomakeyoureasonable？\"
\"Setmetheexamplebybeingreasonableyourself，andlettherebenomoreofthiswildtalkofleavingmetheverymomentyouarecome。Leduc，achairforMistressWinthrop！\"
hecommanded，asthoughchairsaboundedinagardennook。ButLeduc，thediplomat，hadeffacedhimself。
Shelaughedathisgrandair，and，herself，drewforwardthestoolthathadbeenLeduc\'s，andsatdown。Satisfied，Mr。
Caryllmadeherabow，andseatedhimselfsidewaysonhislongchair，sothathefacedher。Shebeggedthathewoulddisposehimselfmorecomfortably；buthescornedtheverynotion。
\"UnaidedIwalkedherefromthehouse，\"heinformedherwithaboastfulair。\"Ihadneedtobegintofeelmyfeetagain。
Youarepamperingmehere，andtopamperaninvalidisbad；itkeepshimaninvalid。NowIamaninvalidnolonger。\"
\"Butthedoctor-\"shebegan。
\"Thedoctor，ma\'am，isdisposedofalready，\"heassuredher。
\"Verydefinitelydisposedof。AskLeduc。Hewilltellyou。\"
\"Notadoubtofthat，\"sheanswered。\"Leductalkstoomuch。\"
\"YouhaveaspiteagainsthimfortheinformationhegavemeonthescoreofhowandbywhomIwasnursed。SohaveI。
Becausehedidnottellmebefore，andbecausewhenhetoldmehewouldnottellmeenough。Hehasnoeyes，thisLeduc。Heisadolt，whoonlyseesthehalfofwhathappens，andonlyremembersthehalfofwhathehasseen。\"
\"Iamsureofit，\"saidshe。
Helookedsurprisedaninstant。Thenhelaughed。\"Iamgladthatweagree。\"
\"Butyouhaveyettolearnthecause。HadthisLeducusedhiseyesorhisearstobetterpurpose，hehadbeenabletotellyousomethingoftheextenttowhichIaminyourdebt。\"
\"Ah？\"saidhe，mystified。Then：\"Thenewswillbenonethelesswelcomefromyourlips，ma\'am，\"saidhe。\"Isitthatyouareinterestedintheravingsofdelirium，andwelcomedtheopportunityofobservingthematfirsthand？IhopeIravedengagingly，ifsobethatIdidrave。Wouldit，perchance，beofaladythatItalkedinmyfeveredwanderings？-ofaladypaleasalentenrose，withsoftbrowneyes，andlipsthat-\"
\"Yourguessesareallwild，\"shecheckedhim。\"Mydebtisofamorerealkind。Itconcernsmy-myreputation。\"
\"Fanme，yewinds！\"heejaculated。
\"Thosefineladiesandgentlemenofthetownhadmademynameaby-word，\"sheexplainedinalow，tensevoice，hereyelidslowered。\"MyfoolishnessinrunningoffwithmyLordRotherby-thatImightatallcostescapethetyrannyofmyLadyOstermore\"Mr。Caryll\'seyelidsflickeredsuddenlyatthatexplanation-\"hadmademeabuttandajestandanobjectforslander。Youremember，yourself，sir，thesneersandoglings，thestaringsandsimperingsintheparkthatdaywhenyoumadeyourfirstattempttochampionmycause，inducingtheLadyMaryDellertocomeandspeaktome。\"
\"Nay，nay-thinkofthesethingsnomore。Gnatswillsting；
\'tisintheirnature。Iadmit\'tisveryvexingatthetime；
butitsoonwearsoffifthefleshtheyhavestungbehealthy。
Sothinknomoreon\'t。\"
\"Butyoudonotknowwhatfollows。HerladyshipinsistedthatIshoulddrivewithheraweekafteryourhurt，whenthedoctorfirstproclaimedyououtofdanger，andwhilethetownwasstillallagogwiththeaffair。Nodoubtherladyshipthoughttoputafreshandgreaterhumiliationuponme；youwouldnotbepresenttoblunttheedgeoftheinsultofthosecreatures\'glances。ShecarriedmetoVauxhall，whereafullerscopemightbegiventothepursuitofmyshameandmortification。Instead，whatthinkyouhappened？\"
\"Herladyship，Itrust，wasdisappointed。\"
\"Thewordistoopoortodescribehercondition。Shebrokeafan，beatherblackboyanddismissedafootman，thatshemightventsomeofthespleenitmovedinher。Neverwassuchrespect，neversuchhomageshowntoanywomanaswasshowntomethatevening。Wewereallbutmobbedbytheverypeoplewhohadearlierslightedme。
\"\'TwasallsomysteriousthatImustseektheexplanationofit。AndIhadit，atlength，fromhisGraceofWharton，whowasatmysideformostofthetimewewalkedinthegardens。
Iaskedhimfranklytowhatwasthischangeowing。Andhetoldme，sir。\"
Shelookedathimasthoughnomoreneedbesaid。Buthisbrowswereknit。\"Hetoldyou，ma\'am？\"hequestioned。\"Hetoldyouwhat？\"
\"WhatyouhaddoneatWhite\'s。HowtoallpresentandtomyLordRotherby\'sownfaceyouhadrelatedthetruestoryofwhatbefellatMaidstone-howIhadgonethither，aninnocent，foolishmaid，tobemarriedtoavillain，whom，likethesillychildIwas，IthoughtIloved；howthatvillain，takingadvantageofmyinnocenceandignorance，intendedtohoodwinkmewithamock-marriage。
\"Thatwasthestorythatwasoneverylip；ithadgoneroundthetownlikefire；anditsaysmuchforthetownthatwhatbetweenthatandthefoulbusinessoftheduel，myLordRotherbywasreceivingoneveryhandthecondemnationhedeserves，whileformetherewasoncemore-andwithheavyinterestforthelapsefromit-therespectwhichmyindiscretionhadforfeited，andwhichwouldhavecontinuedtobedeniedmebutforyournoblechampioningofmycause。
\"That，sir，istheextenttowhich。Iaminyourdebt。Doyouthinkitsmall？ItissogreatthatIhavenowordsinwhichtoattempttoexpressmythanks。\"
Mr。Carylllookedatheramomentwitheyesthatwereverybright。Thenhebrokeintoasoftlaughthathadanoteofslyness。
\"Inmytime，\"saidhe，\"Ihaveseenmanyattemptstochangeaninconvenienttopic。Somehavebeenartful；othersartless；
othersutterlyclumsy。Butthis，Ithink，istheclumsiestofthemall。MistressWinthrop，\'tisnotworthyinyou。\"
Shelookedpuzzled，intriguedbyhismood。
\"MistressWinthrop，\"heresumed，withanentirechangeofvoice。\"Tospeakofthistrifleisbutasubterfugeofyourstopreventmefromexpressingmydeepgratitudeforyourcareofme。\"
\"Indeed，no-\"shebegan。
\"Indeed，yes，\"saidhe。\"Howcanthiscomparewithwhatyouhavedoneforme？ForIhavelearnthowgreatlyitistoyou，yourself，thatIowemyrecovery-thesavingofmylife。\"
\"Ah，butthatisnottrue。It-\"
\"Letmethinkso，whetheritbetrueornot，\"heimploredher，eyesbetweentendernessandwhimsicalityintentuponherface。
\"Letmebelieveit，forthebeliefhasbroughtmehappiness-
thegreatesthappiness，Ithink，thatIhaveeverknown。I
canknowbutonegreater，andthat-\"
Hebrokeoffsuddenly，andsheobservedthatthehandhehadstretchedouttrembledamomentereitwasabruptlyloweredagain。Itwasasamanwhohadreachedforthtograspsomethingthathecraves，andcheckedhisdesireuponasuddenthought。
Shefeltoddlystirred，despiteherself，andoddlyconstrained。Itmayhavebeentodisguisethisthatshehalfturnedtothetable，saying：\"YouwereabouttosmokewhenI
came。\"Andshetookuphispipeandtobacco-jartoofferthem。
\"Ah，butsinceyou\'vecome，Iwouldnotdream，\"hesaid。
Shelookedathim。Thecompletechangeoftopicpermittedit。
\"IfIdesiredyousotodo？\"sheinquired，andadded：\"Ilovethefragranceofit。\"
Heraisedhisbrows。\"Fragrance？\"quothhe。\"MyLadyOstermorehasanotherwordforit。\"Hetookthepipeandjarfromher。\"\'Tisnohumoring，this，ofamanyouimaginesick-nosillychivalryofyours？\"hequestioneddoubtfully。\"DidIthinkthat，I\'dneversmokeanotherpipeagain。\"
Sheshookherhead，andlaughedathissolemnity。\"Ilovethefragrance，\"sherepeated。
\"Ah！Why，then，I\'llpleasureyou，\"saidhe，withtheairofoneconferringfavors，andfilledhispipe。Presentlyhespokeagaininamusingtone。\"Inaweekorso，Ishallbewellenoughtotravel。\"
\"\'Tisyourintenttotravel？\"sheinquired。
Hesetdownthejar，andreachedforthetinderbox。\"ItistimeIwasreturninghome，\"heexplained。
\"Ah，yes。YourhomeisinFrance。\"
\"AtMaligny；thesweetestnookinNormandy。\'Twasmymother\'sbirthplace，and\'twasthereshedied。\"
\"Youhavefeltthelossofher，Imakenodoubt。\"
\"ThatmighthavebeenthecaseifIhadknownher，\"answeredhe。\"Butasitis，Ineverdid。Iwasbuttwoyearsold-
she，herself，buttwenty-whenshedied。\"
Hepulledathispipeinsilenceamomentortwo，hisfaceovercastandthoughtful。Ashallowerwomanwouldhavebrokeninwithexpressionsofregret；Hortensiaofferedhimthenoblersympathyofsilence。Moreover，shehadfeltfromhistonethattherewasmoretocome；thatwhathehadsaidwasbuttheprefacetosomestorythathedesiredhertobeacquaintedwith。Andpresently，assheexpected，hecontinued\"Shedied，MistressWinthrop，ofabrokenheart。Myfatherhadabandonedhertwoyearsandmorebeforeshedied。Inthoseyearsofrepining-ay，andworse，ofactualwant-herhealthwasbrokensothat，poorsoul，shedied。\"
\"Opitiful！\"criedHortensia，paininherface。
\"Pitiful，indeed-themorepitifulthatherdeathwasasourceofsomeslighthappinesstothosewholovedher；theonlyhappinesstheycouldhaveinherwastoknowthatshewasatrest。\"
\"And-andyourfather？\"
\"Iamcomingtohim。Mymotherhadafriend-averynoble，lofty-mindedgentlemanwhohadlovedherwithagreatandhonestlovebeforetheprofligatewhowasmyfathercameforwardasasuitor。Recognizinginthelatter-ashethoughtinhishonestheart-amaninbettercasetomakeherhappy，thisgentlemanIspeakofwenthisways。Hecameuponherafterwards，brokenandabandoned，andhegatheredupthepoorshardsofhershatteredlife，andsoughtwithtenderbutunavailinghandstopiecethemtogetheragain。AndwhenshediedhevowedtostandmyfriendandtomakeuptomeforthewantIhadofparents。\'Tisbyhisbountythatto-dayIamlordofMalignythatwasforgenerationsthepropertyofmymother\'speople。\'TisbyhisbountyandlovingcarethatIamwhatIam，andnotwhatsoeasilyImighthavebecomehadtheseedsownbymyfatherbeenallowedtoputoutshoots。\"
Hepaused，asifbethinkinghimself，andlookedatherwithawistful，inquiringsmile。\"Butwhyplagueyou，\"hecried，\"withthispoortaleofyesterdaythatwillbeforgotto-morrow？\"
\"Nay-ah，nay，\"shebegged，andputoutahandinimpulsivesympathytotouchhisown，sotransparentnowinitsemaciation。\"Tellme；tellme！\"
Hissmilesoftened。Hesighedgentlyandcontinued。\"Thisgentlemanwhoadoptedmelivedforonesinglepurpose，withonesingleaiminview-toavengemymother，whomhehadloved，uponthemanwhomshehadlovedandwhohadsoillrepaidher。Herearedmeforthatpurpose，asmuch，Ithink，asoutofanyotherfeeling。Thirtyyearshavesped，andstillthehandoftheavengerhasnotfallenuponmyfather。
Itshouldhavefallenamonthago；butIwasweak；I
hesitated；andthenthissword-thrustputmeoutofallcaseofdoingwhatIhadcrossedfromFrancetodo。\"
Shelookedathimwithsomethingofhorrorinherface。\"Wereyou-wereyoutohavebeentheinstrument？\"sheinquired。
\"Wereyoutohaveavengedthisthinguponyourownfather？\"
Henoddedslowly。\"\'TwastothatendthatIwasreared，\"heanswered，andputasidehispipe，whichhadgoneout。\"ThespiritofrevengewaseducatedintomeuntilIcametolookuponrevengeasthebestandholiestofemotions；untilI
believedthatifIfailedtowreakitImustbeacravenandadastard。Allthisseemedsountilthemomentcametosetmyhandtothetask。Andthen-\"Heshrugged。
\"Andthen？\"shequestioned。
\"Icouldn\'t。Thefullhorrorofitburstuponme。Isawthethinginitstrueandhideousproportions，anditrevoltedme。\"
\"Itmusthavebeenso，\"sheapprovedhim。
\"Itoldmyfoster-father；butImetwithneithersympathynorunderstanding。Herenewedhisold-timearguments，andagainheseemedtoprovetomethatdidIfailIshouldbefalsetomydutyandtomymother\'smemory-aweakling，athingofshame。\"
\"Themonster！Oh，themonster！Heisanevilmanforallthatyouhavesaidofhim。\"
\"Notso。Thereisnonoblergentlemaninalltheworld。I
whoknowhim，knowthat。Itisthroughtheverynobilityofitthatthiswarphascomeintohisnature。Saneinallthingselse，heis-Iseeitnow，Iunderstanditatlast-
insaneonthisonesubject。Muchbroodinghasmadehimmaduponthismatter-afanaticwhosegospelisVengeance，and，likeallfanatics，heisharshandintolerantwhenresistedonthepointofhisfanaticism。ThisissomethingIhavecometorealizeinthesepastdays，whenIlaywithnaughtelsetodobutponder。
\"Inallthingselseheseesasdeepandclearasanyman；inthishisvisionisdistorted。Hehaslookedatnothingelseforthirtyyears；canyouwonderthathissightisblurred？\"
\"Heistobepitiedthen，\"shesaid，\"deeplytobepitied。\"
\"True。AndbecauseIpitiedhim，becauseIvaluedhisregard-howevermistakenhemightbe-aboveallelse，Iwashesitatingagain-thistimebetweenmydutytomyselfandmydutytohim。Iwassohesitating-thoughIscarcecandoubtwhichhadprevailedintheend-whencamethissword-thrustsoveryopportunelytoputmeoutofcaseofdoingonethingortheother。\"
\"Butnowthatyouarewellagain？\"sheasked。
\"NowthatIamwellagain-IthankHeaventhatitwillbetoolate。Theopportunitythatwasoursislost。His-myfathershouldnowbebeyondourpower。\"
Thereensuedaspellofsilence。Hesatwitheyesavertedfromherface-thoseeyeswhichshehadneverknownotherthanwhimsicalandmocking，nowfullofgloomandpain-
rivetedupontheglareofsunshineonthepondoutyonder。A
greatsympathywelledupfromherheartforthismanwhomshewasstillfarfromunderstanding，andwho，nevertheless-
becauseofit，perhaps，forthereismuchfascinationinthatwhichpuzzles-wasalreadygrowingverydeartoher。Thestoryhehadtoldherdrewherinfinitelyclosertohim，softeningherheartforhimevenmoreperhapsthanithadalreadybeensoftenedwhenshehadseenhim-asshehadthought-uponthepointofdying。Awonderflittedthroughhermindastowhyhehadtoldher；thenanotherquestionsurged。Shegaveittongue。
\"Youhavetoldmesomuch，Mr。Caryll，\"shesaid，\"thatIamemboldenedtoasksomethingmore。\"Hiseyesinvitedhertoputherquestion。\"Your-yourfather？WasherelatedtoLordOstermore？\"
Notamuscleofhisfacemoved。\"Whythat？\"heasked。
\"BecauseyournameisCaryll，\"saidshe。
\"Myname？\"helaughedsoftlyandbitterly。\"Myname？\"Hereachedforanebonycanethatstoodbesidehischair。\"Ihadthoughtyouunderstood。\"Heheavedhimselftohisfeet，andsheforgottocautionhimagainstexertion。\"Ihavenorighttoanyname，\"hetoldher。\"Myfatherwasamantoofullofworldlyaffairstothinkoftrifles。Andsoitbefellthatbeforehewenthiswaysheforgottomarrythepoorladywhowasmymother。ImighttakewhatnameIchose。IchoseCaryll。Butyouwillunderstand，MistressWinthrop，\"andhelookedherfullyintheface，attemptinginvaintodissembletheagonyinhiseyes-hewhoalittlewhileagohadbeenalmosthappy-\"thatifeveritshouldhappenthatIshouldcometoloveawomanwhoisworthyofbeingloved，Iwhoamnamelesshavenonametoofferher。\"
Revelationilluminedhermindasinaflash。Shelookedathim。
\"Was-wasthatwhatyoumeant，thatdaywethoughtyoudying，whenyousaidtome-foritwastomeyouspoke，tomealone-thatitwasbetterso？\"
Heinclinedhishead。\"ThatiswhatImeant，\"heanswered。
Herlidsdrooped；hercheekswereverywhite，andheremarkedtheswift，agitatedsurgeofherbosom，thefingersthatwerepluckingatoneanotherinherlap。Withoutlookingup，shespokeagain。\"Ifyouhadthelovetooffer，whatwouldtherestmatter？Whatisanamethatitshouldweighsomuch？\"
\"Heyday！\"Hesighed，andsmiledverywistfully。\"Youareyoung，child。IntimeyouwillunderstandwhatplacetheworldassignstosuchmenasI。ItisaplaceIcouldasknowomantoshare。SuchasIam，couldIspeakoflovetoanywoman？\"
\"Yetyouspokeofloveoncetome，\"sheremindedhim，scarcelyaboveherbreath，andstabbedhimwiththerecollection。
\"Inanhourofmoonshine，anhourofmadness，whenIwasarecklessfoolthatmustgivetonguetoeveryimpulse。Youreprovedmetheninjustthetermsmycasedeserved。
Hortensia，\"hebenttowardsher，leaningonhiscane，\"\'tisverysweetandmercifulinyoutorecallitwithoutreproach。
Recallitnomore，savetothinkwithscornofthefleeringcoxcombwhowassolosttotherespectthatisduetososweetalady。Ihavetoldyousomuchofmyselfto-daythatyoumay\"
\"Decidedly，\"cameashrill，ironicalvoicefromthearbor\'sentrance，\"Imaycongratulateyou，sir，upontheprodigiousstridesofyourrecovery。\"
Mr。Caryllstraightenedhimselffromhisstoopingposture，turnedandmadeLadyOstermoreabow，hiswholemannerchangedagaintothatwhichwashabitualtohim。\"Andnolessdecidedly，mylady，\"saidhewithatight-lippedsmile，\"mayI
congratulateyourladyship\'ssonuponthathappycircumstance，whichis-asIhavelearned-sogreatlyduetothestepsyourladyshiptook-forwhichIshallbeevergrateful-toensurethatIshouldbemadewholeagain。\"
CHAPTERXIII
THEFORLORNHOPE
Herladyshipstoodamoment，leaninguponhercane，herheadthrownback，herthinlipcurling，andhereyesplayingoverMr。Caryllwithalookofdislikethatshemadenoattempttodissemble。
Mr。Caryllfoundthesituationredolentwithcomedy。Hehadaquickeyeforsuchmatters；soquickaneyethathedeploredonthepresentoccasionherladyship\'sentirelackofasenseofhumor。Butforthatlamentableshortcoming，shemighthaveenjoyedwithhimthegrotesquenessofherhaving-she，whodislikedhimsoexceedingly-toiledandanguished，robbedherselfofsleep，andhopedandprayedwithmorefervor，perhaps，thanshehadeveryethopedandprayedforanything，thathislifemightbespared。
HerglanceshiftedpresentlyfromhimtoHortensia，whohadrisenandwhostoodindeepconfusionathavingbeensofoundbyherladyship，andindeepagitationstillarisingfromthethingshehadsaidandfromthosewhichhehadbeenhinderedfromaddingbythecomingofthecountess。
Theexplanationsthathadbeeninterruptedmightneverberenewed；shefelttheyneverwouldbe；hewouldaccountthathehadsaidenough；sincehewasdeterminedtoaskfornothing。Andunlessthematterwerebroachedagain，whatchancehadsheofcombattinghisfoolishscruples；forfoolishsheaccountedthem；theywereofnoweightwithher，unless，indeed，toheightenthewarmfeelingthatalreadyshehadconceivedforhim。
Herladyshipmovedforwardasteportwo，herfangoinggentlytoandfro，stirringthebarbsofthewhiteplumethatformedpartofhertallhead-dress。
\"Whatwereyoudoinghere，child？\"sheinquired，verycoldly。
MistressWinthroplookedup-asudden，almostscaredglanceitwas。
\"I，madam？Why-Iwaswalkinginthegarden，andseeingMr。
Caryllhere，Icametoaskhimhowhedid；tooffertoreadtohimifhewouldhaveme。\"
\"AndtheMaidstonematternotyetcoldinitsgrave！\"
commentedherladyshipsourly。\"AsI\'mawoman，itismonstrousIshouldbeinflictedwiththecareofyouthathavenocareforyourself。\"
Hortensiabitherlip，controllingherselfbravely，aspotofredineithercheek。Mr。Caryllcamepromptlytoherrescue。
\"YourladyshipmustconfessthatMistressWinthrophasassistednoblyinthecareofme，andso，hasplacedyourladyshipinherdebt。\"
\"Inmydebt？\"shrilledthecountess，eyebrowsaloft，head-dressnodding。\"Andwhatofyours？\"
\"Inmyclumsyway，ma\'am，Ihavealreadyattemptedtoconveymythankstoher。Itmightbegracefulinyourladyshiptofollowmyexample。\"
MentallyMr。CaryllobservedthatitisunwisetorougesoheavilyasdidLadyOstermorewhenpronetoangerandtopalingunderit。Thefalsecolorlookssoveryfalseonsuchoccasions。
Herladyshipstruckthegroundwithhercane。\"ForwhathaveItothankher，sir？Willyoutellmethat，youwhoseemsoverywellinformed。\"
\"Why，forherpartinsavingyourson\'slife，ma\'am，ifyoumusthaveit。Heavenknows，\"hecontinuedinhischaracteristic，half-banteringmanner，underwhichitwassodifficulttocatchaglimpseofhisrealfeelings，\"Iamnotonetothrowservicesdoneinthefaceoffolk，butherehaveMistressWinthropandIbeendoingourbestforyoursoninthismatter；shebysodiligentlynursingme；Ibyrespondingtohernursing-andyourladyship\'s-andso，recoveringfrommywound。Idonotthinkthatyourladyshipshowsusabecominggratitude。Itisbutnaturalthatwefellow-workersinyourladyship\'sandLordRotherby\'sinterests，shouldhaveawordtosaytoeachotheronthescoreofthoselaborswhichhavemadeuscolleagues。\"
Herladyshipmeasuredhimwithamalignanteye。\"Areyouquitemad，sir？\"sheaskedhim。
Heshruggedandsmiled。\"Ithasbeenallegedagainstmeonoccasion。ButIthinkitwaspurespite。\"Thenhewavedhishandtowardsthelongseatthatstoodatthebackofthearbor。\"Willyourladyshipnotsit？YouwillforgivethatI
urgeitinmyowninterest。Theytellmethatitisnotgoodformetostandtoolongjustyet。\"
Itwashishopethatshewoulddepart。Notso。\"Icryyoumercy！\"saidsheacidly，andrustledtothebench。\"Beseated，pray。\"Shecontinuedtowatchthemwithherbalefulglance。\"Wehaveheardfinethingsfromyou，sir，ofwhatyouhavebothdoneformyLordRotherby，\"shegibed，mockinghim。
withthespiritofhishalf-jest。\"ShallItellyoumorepreciselywhat\'tisheowesyou？\"
\"Cantherebemore？\"quothMr。Caryll，smilingsoamiablythathemusthavedisarmedaGorgon。
Herladyshipignoredhim。\"Heowesittoyouboththatyouhaveestrangedhimfromhisfather，setupabreachbetweenthemthatisneverliketobehealed。\'Tiswhatheowesyou。\"
\"Doeshenotoweit，rather，tohisabandonedways？\"askedHortensia，inacalm，clearvoice，bravelygivingbackherladyshiplookforlook。
\"Abandonedways？\"screamedthecountess。\"Is\'tyouthatspeakofabandonedways，yeshamelessbaggage？Faith，yemaybesomejudgeofthem。Yefooledhimintorunningoffwithyou。
\'Twasthatbeganallthis。Justaswithyourairsandsimpers，andprettily-playedinnocencesyoufooledthisother，here，intobeingyourchampion。\"
\"Madam，youinsultme！\"Hortensiawasonherfeet，eyesflashing，cheeksaflame。
\"Iamwitnesstothat，\"saidLordOstermore，cominginthroughtheside-entrance。
Mr。Caryllwastheonlyonewhohadseenhimapproach。Theearl\'sfacethathadwonttobesoflorid，wasnowpaleandcareworn，andheseemedtohavelostfleshduringthepastmonth。Heturnedtoherladyship。
\"Outonyou！\"hesaidtestily，\"tochidethepoorchildso！\"
\"Poorchild！\"sneeredherladyship，eyesraisedtoheaventoinvokeitstestimonytothisabsurdity。\"Poorchild。\"
\"Lettherebeanendtoit，madam，\"hesaidwithattemptedsternness。\"Itisunjustandunreasonableinyou。\"
\"Ifitwerethat-whichitisnot-itwouldbebutfollowingtheexamplethatyousetme。Whatareyoubutunreasonableandunjust-totreatyoursonasyouaretreatinghim？\"
Hislordshipcrimsoned。Onthesubjectofhissonhecouldbeangryinearnest，evenwithherladyship，asalreadywehaveseen。
\"Ihavenoson，\"hedeclared，\"thereisalewd，drunken，bullyingprofligatewhobearsmyname，andwhowillbeLordOstermoresomeday。Ican\'tstriphimofthat。ButI\'llstriphimofallelsethat\'smine，Godhelpingme。Ibeg，mylady，thatyou\'llletmehearnomoreofthis，Ibegit。LordRotherbyleavesmyhouseto-day-nowthatMr。Caryllisrestoredtohealth。Indeed，hehasstayedlongerthanwasnecessary。Heleavesto-day。Hehasmyorders，andmyservantshaveorderstoseethatheobeysthem。Idonotwishtoseehimagain-never。Lethimgo，andlethimbethankful-andbeyourladyshipthankful，too，sinceitseemsyoumusthaveakindnessforhiminspiteofallhehasdonetodisgraceanddiscreditus-thathegoesnotbywayofHolbornHillandTyburn。\"
Shelookedathim，verywhitefromsuppressedfury。\"Idobelieveyouhadbeengladhaditbeenso。\"
\"Nay，\"heanswered，\"IhadbeensorryforMr。Caryll\'ssake。\"
\"Andforhisown？\"
\"Pshaw！\"
\"Areyouafather？\"shewonderedcontemptuously。
\"Tomyeternalshame，ma\'am！\"heflungbackather。Heseemed，indeed，achangedmaninmorethanbodysinceMr。
Caryll\'sduelwithLordRotherby。\"Nomore，ma\'am-nomore！\"
hecried，seemingsuddenlytorememberthepresenceofMr。
Caryll，whosatlanguidlydrawingfiguresonthegroundwiththeferruleofhiscane。Heturnedtoasktheconvalescenthowhedid。Herladyshiprosetowithdraw，andatthatmomentLeducmadehisappearancewithasalver，onwhichwasabowlofsoup，aflaskofHock，andaletter。Settingthisdowninsuchamannerthattheletterwasimmediatelyunderhismaster\'seyes，hefurtherproceededtodrawMr。Caryll\'sattentiontoit。ItwasaddressedinSirRichardEverard\'shand。Mr。Carylltookit，andslippeditintohispocket。
Herladyship\'seyebrowswentup。
\"Willyounotreadyourletter，Mr。Caryll？\"sheinvitedhim，withanamazinglysuddenchangetoamiability。
\"Itwillkeep，ma\'am，towhileawayanhourthatislesspleasantlyengaged。\"AndhetookthenapkinLeducwasproffering。
\"Youpayyourcorrespondentapoorcompliment，\"saidshe。
\"Mycorrespondentisnotonetolookforthemorneedthem，\"
heansweredlightly，anddippedhisspooninthebroth。
\"Isshenot？\"quothherladyship。
Mr。Carylllaughed。\"Sofeminine！\"saidhe。\"Ha，ha！Soveryfeminine-toassumethesexsoreadily。\"
\"\'Tisaneasyassumptionwhenthesuperscriptioniswritinawoman\'shand。\"
Mr。Caryll，thepictureofamiability，smiledbetweenspoonfuls。\"Yourladyship\'seyespreservenotonlytheirbeautybutakeennessbeyondbelief。\"
\"Howcouldyouhaveseenitfromthatdistance，Sylvia？\"
inquiredhispracticallordship。
\"Thenagain，\"saidherladyship，ignoringbothremarks，\"thereistheassiduityofthisfairwritersinceMr。Caryllhasbeenincasetoreceiveletters。Fivebilletsinsixdays！Denyitifyoucan，Mr。Caryll。\"
Herplayfulness，soill-assumed，satmoreawkwardlyuponherthanherusualandmoreovertmalicetowardshim。
\"TowhatendshouldIdenyit？\"hereplied，andaddedinhismostingratiatingmanneranotherofhistwo-edgedcompliments。
\"Yourladyshipisthemodelchatelaine。Nohappeninginyourhouseholdcanescapeyourknowledge。Hislordshipisgreatlytobeenvied。\"
\"Yet，yousee，\"shecried，appealingtoherhusband，andeventoHortensia，whosatapart，scarceheedingthistrivialmatterofwhichsomuchwasbeingmade，\"youseethatheevadesthepoint，avoidsadirectanswertothequestionthatisraised。\"
\"Sinceyourladyshipperceivesit，itweremoremercifultosparemyinventionthelaboroffashioningfurthersubterfuges。Iamasickmanstill，andmywitsarefarfrombrisk。\"HetookuptheglassofwineLeduchadpouredforhim。
Thecountesslookedathimagainthroughnarrowingeyelids，theplayfulnessallvanished。\"Youdoyourselfinjustice，sir，asIamawoman。Yourwitswantnothingmoreinbriskness。\"Sherose，andlookeddownuponhimengrossedinhisbroth。\"Foradissembler，sir，\"shepronounceduponhimacidly，\"Ithinkitwouldbedifficulttomeetyourmatch。\"
Hedroppedhisspoonintothebowlwithaclatter。Helookedup，theverypictureofamazementandconsternation。
\"Adissembler，I？\"quothheinearnestprotest；thenlaughedandquoted，adapting\"\'TisnotmytalenttoconcealmythoughtsOrcarrysmilesandsunshineinmyfaceShoulddiscontentsitheavyatmyheart\"
Shelookedhimover，pursingherlips。\"I\'veoftenthoughtyoumighthavebeenaplayer，\"saidshecontemptuously。
\"I\'faith，\"helaughed，\"I\'dsoonerplaythantoil。\"
\"Ay；butyoumakeatoilofplay，sir。\"
\"Compassionateme，ma\'am，\"heimploredinthebestofhumors。
\"Iambutasickman。Yourladyship\'stookeenforme。\"
Shemovedacrosstotheexitwithoutansweringhim。\"Come，child，\"shesaidtoHortensia。\"WearetiringMr。Caryll，I
fear。Letusleavehimtohisletter，ereitsetshispocketafire。\"
Hortensiarose。Loaththoughshemightbetodepart，therewasnoreasonshecouldurgeforlingering。
\"Isnotyourlordshipcoming？\"saidshe。
\"Ofcourseheis，\"herladyshipcommanded。\"IneedtospeakwithyouyetconcerningRotherby，\"sheinformedhim。
\"Hem！\"Hislordshipcoughed。Plainlyhewasnotathisease。
\"Iwillfollowsoon。Donotstayforme。IhaveawordtosaytoMr。Caryll。\"
\"Willitnotkeep？Whatcanyouhavetosaytohimthatissopressing？\"
\"Butaword-nomore。\"
\"Why，then，we\'llstayforyou，\"saidherladyship，andthrewhimintoconfusion，hopelessdissemblerthathewas。
\"Nay，nay！Ibegthatyouwillnot。\"
Herladyship\'sbrowswentup；hereyesnarrowedagain，andafrowncamebetweenthem。\"Youaremightymysterious，\"saidshe，lookingfromonetotheotherofthemen，andbethinkingherthatitwasnotthefirsttimeshehadfoundthemso；
bethinkingher，too-jumping，woman-like，torashconclusions-thatinthismysterythatlinkedthemmightliethetruesecretofherhusband\'saversiontohissonandofhisoathamonthagotoseethatsamesonhangifMr。Caryllsuccumbedtothewoundhehadtaken。Withsomewomen，tosuspectathingistobelievethatthing。Herladyshipwasofthese。Shesettoohighvalueuponheracumen，uponthekeennessofherinstincts。
Andifaughtwereneededtocementherpresentsuspicions，Mr。
Caryllhimselfaffordedthatcement，byseemingtobetraythesameeagernesstobealonewithhislordshipthathislordshipwasbetrayingtobealonewithhim；though，intruth，henomorethandesiredtolendassistancetotheearloutofcuriositytolearnwhatitwashislordshipmighthavetosay。
\"Indeed，\"saidhe，\"ifyoucouldgivehislordshipleave，ma\'am，forafewmoments，Ishouldmyselfbegladon\'t。\"
\"Come，Hortensia，\"saidherladyshipshortly，andsweptout，MistressWinthropfollowing。
Insilencetheycrossedthelawntogether。Onceonlyeretheyreachedthehouse，herladyshiplookedback。\"IwouldIknewwhattheyareplotting，\"shesaidthroughherteeth。
\"Plotting？\"echoedHortensia。
\"Ay-plotting，simpleton。Isaidplotting。Imindme\'tisnotthefirsttimeIhaveseenthemsomysterioustogether。
ItbeganonthedaythatfirstMr。CaryllsetfootatStrettonHouse。There\'sadealofmysteryaboutthatman-toomuchforhonesty。Andthentheseletterstouchingwhichheissoclose-oneaday-andhisFrenchlackeyalwaysathandtopounceuponthemthemomenttheyarrive。Iwonderwhat\'satbottomon\'t！Iwonder！AndI\'dgivetheseearstoknow，\"shesnappedinconclusionastheywentindoors。
Inthearbor，meanwhile，hislordshiphadtakentherusticseatherladyshiphadvacated。Hesatdownheavily，likeamanwhoiswearyinbodyandinmind，likeamanwhoisbearingaloadtooheavyforhisshoulders。Mr。Caryll，watchinghim，observedallthis。
\"AglassofHock？\"hesuggested，wavinghishandtowardstheflask。\"Letmeplayhosttoyououtofthecontentsofyourowncellar。\"
Hislordship\'seyebrightenedatthesuggestion，whichconfirmedtheimpressionMr。Caryllhadformedthatallwasfarfromwellwithhislordship。Leducbrimmedaglass，andhandedittomylord，whoemptieditatadraught。Mr。Caryllwavedanimpatienthand。\"Awaywithyou，Leduc。Gowatchthegoldfishinthepond。I\'llcallyouifIneedyou。\"
AfterLeduchaddepartedasilencefellbetweenthem，andenduredsomemoments。Hislordshipwasleaningforward，elbowsonknees，hisfaceinshadow。Atlengthhesatback，andlookedathiscompanionacrossthelittleinterveningspace。
\"Ihavehesitatedtospeaktoyoubefore，Mr。Caryll，uponthematterthatyouknowof，lestyourrecoveryshouldnotbesofaradvancedthatyoumightbearthestrainandfatigueofconversinguponserioustopics。ItrustthatthatcauseisnowsofarremovedthatImayputasidemyscruples。\"
\"Assuredly-Iamgladtosay-thankstothegreatcareyouhavehadofmehereatStrettonHouse。\"
\"Thereisnodebtbetweenusonthatscore，\"answeredhislordshipshortly，brusquelyalmost。\"Well，then-\"Hechecked，andlookedabouthim。\"Wemightbeapproachedwithouthearinganyone，\"hesaid。
Mr。Caryllsmiled，andshookhishead。\"Iamnotwonttoneglectsuchdetails，\"heobserved。\"TheeyesofArguswerenotsovigilantasmyLeduc\'s；andheunderstandsthatweareprivate。Hewillgiveuswarningshouldanyattempttoapproach。Beassuredofthat，andbelieve，therefore，thatwearemoresnugherethanweshouldbeeveninyourlordship\'scloset。\"
\"Thatbeingso，sir-hem！Youarereceivinglettersdaily。
DotheyconcernthebusinessofKingJames？\"
\"Inameasure；or，rather，theyarefromoneconcernedinit。\"
Ostermore\'seyeswereonthegroundagain。Therefellapause，Mr。Caryllfrowningslightlyandfullofcuriosityastowhatmightbecoming。
\"Howsoon，thinkyou，\"askedhislordshippresently，\"youwillbeincasetotravel？\"
\"Inaweek，Ihope，\"wasthereply。
\"Good。\"Theearlnoddedthoughtfully。\"Thatmaybeintime。
Iprayitmaybe。\'Tisnowthebestthatwecando。You\'llbearaletterformetotheking？\"
Mr。Caryllpassedahandacrosshischin，hisfaceverygrave。
\"YouranswertotheletterthatIbroughtyou？\"
\"Myanswer。Myacceptanceofhismajesty\'sproposals。\"
\"Ha！\"Mr。Caryllseemedtobebreathinghard。
\"Yourletters，sir-thelettersthatyouhavebeenreceivingwillhavetoldyou，perhaps，somethingofhowhismajesty\'saffairsarespeedinghere？\"
\"Verylittle；andfromthatlittleIfearthattheyspeednonetoowell。Iwouldcounselyourlordship，\"hecontinuedslowly-hewasthinkingashewent-\"towaitawhilebeforeyouburnyourboats。FromwhatIgather，mattersareintheairjustnow。\"
Theearlmadeagesture，brusqueandimpatient。\"Yourinformationisveryscant，then，\"saidhe。
Mr。Carylllookedaskanceathim。
\"Pho，sir！Whileyouhavebeenabed，Ihavebeenupanddoing；upanddoing。Mattersarebeingpushedforwardrapidly。IhaveseenAtterbury。Heknowsmymind。Therelatelycameanagentfromtheking，itseems，toenjointhebishoptoabandonthisconspiracy，tellinghimthatthetimewasnotyetripe。Atterburyscornstoactuponthatorder。
Hewillworkintheking\'sinterestsagainsttheking\'sowncommandseven。\"
\"Then，\'tispossiblehemayworktohisownundoing，\"saidMr。
Caryll，towhomthiswas，afterall，nonews。
\"Nay，nay；youhavebeensick；youdonotknowhowthingshavespedinthispastmonth。Atterburyholds，andheisright，I
dareswear-heholdsthatneverwilltherebesuchanotheropportunity。Thefinancesofthecountryarestillinchaos，inspiteofallWalpole\'seffortsandfinepromises。TheSouthSeabubblehassappedtheconfidenceinthegovernmentofallmenofweight。TheveryWhigsthemselvesareshaken。
\'TistoKingJames，Englandbeginstolookforsalvationfromthistopsy-turveydom。Thetiderunsstronglyinourfavor。
Strongly，sir！Ifwestayfortheebb，wemaystayforgood；
fortheremayneverbeanotherflowwithinourlifetime。\"
\"Yourlordshipisgrownstrangelyhotuponthisquestion，\"
saidCaryll，veryfullofwonder。
AsheunderstoodOstermore，theearlwasscarcelythesentimentalisttogivewaytosuchapassionofloyaltyforaweakerside。Yethislordshiphadspoken，notwiththecoldcalmofthepracticalmanwhoseeksadvantage，butwithallthefervoroftheenthusiast。
\"Suchismyinterest，\"answeredhislordship。\"EvenasthefortunesofthecountryarebeggaredbytheSouthSeaCompany，soaremyown；evenasthecountrymustlooktoKingJamesforitssalvation，somustI。Atbest\'tisbutaforlornhope，I
confess；yet\'tistheonlyhopeIsee。\"
Mr。Carylllookedathim，smiledtohimself，andnodded。So！
Allthisfireandenthusiasmwasaboutthemendingofhispersonalfortunes-thegrubbingofrichesforhimself。Well，well！Itwasgoodmatterwastedonapaltrycause。ButitsortedexcellentlywithwhatMr。Caryllknewofthenatureofthisfatherofhis。Itnevercouldtranscendthepractical；
therewasnoimaginationtocarryitbeyondthosenarrowsordidconfines，andMr。Caryllhadbeenafooltohavesupposedthatanyotherspringswerepushinghere。Egotism，egotism，egotism！Itsname，hethought，wassurelyOstermore。
Andagain，asoncebefore，underthelikecircumstances，hefoundmorepitythanscornawakinginhisheart。Thewholewasted，sterilelifethatlaybehindthisman；theunhappy，lovelesshomethatstoodabouthimnowinhisdecliningyearswerethefruitshehadgarneredfromthatconsumingloveofselfwithwhichthegodshadcursedhim。
TheonlyraytoilluminetheblackdesertofOstermore\'sexistencewastheaffectionofhisward，HortensiaWinthrop，becauseinthatoneinstancehehadsunkhisegotismalittle，sparingacrumbofpity-foronceinhislife-forthechild\'sorphanhood。HadOstermorebeenotherthanthemanhewas，hisexistencemusthaveprovedaburdenbeyondhisstrength。Itwassobarrenofgooddeeds，sosterileofaffection。Yetencrustedashewasinthategotismofhis-
likethelimpetinitsshell-mylordperceivednothingofthis，sufferednothingofit，understandingnothing。Hewasall-sufficienttohimself。Givingnothing，helookedfornothing，andsoughthishappiness-withoutknowingthequestvain-inwhathehad。Thefearoflosingthishadnowinhisdecliningyearscast，atlength，ashadowuponhisexistence。
Mr。Carylllookedathimalmostsorrowfully。Thenheputbyhisthoughts，andbrokethesilence。\"AllthisIhadunderstoodwhenfirstIsoughtyouout，\"saidhe。\"Yetyourlordshipdidnotseemtorealizeitquitesokeenly。IsitthatAtterburyandhisfriends-？\"
\"No，no，\"Ostermorebrokein。\"Look\'ee！Iwillbefrank-
quitefrankandopenwithyou，Mr。Caryll。Thingswerebadwhenfirstyoucametome。YetnotsobadthatIwasdriventoachoiceofevils。Ihadlostheavily。Butenoughremainedtobearmethroughmytime，thoughRotherbymighthavefoundlittleenoughleftafterIhadgone。Whilethatwasso，Ihesitatedtotakearisk。Iamanoldman。IthadbeendifferenthadIbeenyoungwithambitionsthatcravedsatisfying。Iamanoldman；andIdesiredpeaceandmycomforts。Deemingtheseassured，IpausedereIriskedtheirlossagainstthestakewhichinKingJames\'snameyousetupontheboard。Butithappensto-daythattheseareassurednolonger，\"heended，hisvoicebreakingalmost，hiseyeshaggard。\"Theyareassurednolonger。\"
\"Youmean？\"inquiredCaryll。
\"ImeanthatIamconfrontedbythedangerofbeggary，ruin，shame，andthesponging-house，atbest。\"
Mr。Caryllwasstirredoutofhiscalm。\"Mylord！\"hecried。
\"Howisthispossible？Whatcanhavecometopass？\"