CHAPTERXVII
AMIDTHEGRAVES
WhattimeSirRichardhadbeendyingintheinnerroom，Mr。
GreenandtwoofhisacolyteshadimprovedtheoccasionbymakingathoroughsearchinSirRichard\'swriting-tableandathoroughinvestigationofeveryscrapofpaperfoundthere。
FromwhichyouwillunderstandhowmuchMr。Greenwasagentlemanwhosetbusinessaboveeveryotherconsideration。
ThemanwhohadshotSirRichardhadbeenorderedbyMr。Greentotakehimselfoff，andhadbeenurgedtogodownonhisknees，foronceinaway，andprayHeaventhathisrashnessmightnotbringhimtothegallowsashesorichlydeserved。
HisfourthmyrmidonMr。GreenhaddispatchedwithanotetomyLordRotherby，anditwasentirelyupontheanswerheshouldreceivethatitmustdependwhetherheproceededornot，forthwith，totheapprehensionofMr。Caryll。Meanwhilethesearchwentonamain，andwasextendedpresentlytotheverybedroomwherethedeadSirRichardlay。Everynookandcrannywasransacked；theverymattressunderthedeadmanwasremoved，andinvestigated，andevenMr。CaryllandBentleyhadtosubmittobeingsearched。Butitallprovedfruitless。
Notalineoftreasonablematterwastobefoundanywhere。TothecertificatesuponMr。Caryllthesearchermadethemistakeofpayingbutlittleheedinviewoftheirnature。
Butiftherewerenoproofsofplotsandtreasonabledealings，therewas，atleast，abundantproofofSirRichard\'sidentity，andMr。Greenappropriatedtheseagainstanyawkwardinquiriestouchingthemannerinwhichthebaronethadmethisdeath。
Ofsuchinquiries，however，therewerenone。ItwasformallysworntoLordCarteretbyGreenandhismenthatthesecretary\'smessenger，Jerry-thefellowownednosurname-
hadshotSirRichardinself-defence，whenSirRichardhadproducedfirearmsuponbeingarrestedonachargeofhightreason，forwhichtheyheldthesecretary\'sownwarrant。
AtfirstLordCarteretconsidereditathousandpitiesthattheyshouldnothavecontrivedmattersbettersoastotakeSirRichardalive；butuponreflectionhewascarefulnottoexaggeratetohimselfthelossoccasionedbyhisdeath，forSirRichard，afterall，wasanotoriouslystubbornman，notintheleastlikelytohavemadeanyavowalsworthhaving。Sothathistrial，whilstprobablyresultingsterileofsuchresultsasthegovernmentcoulddesire，wouldhavegivenpublicitytothematterofaplotthatwashatching；andsuchpublicityatatimeofsomuchunrestwasthelastthingthegovernmentdesired。WhereJacobitismwasconcerned，LordCarterethadthewisediscretiontoproceedwiththeextremestcaution。Publicitymightservetofanthesmoulderingembersintoablaze，whereasitwashiscunningaimquietlytostiflethemashecameuponthem。
So，uponthewhole，hewasbynomeanssurebutthatJerryhaddonethestatethebestpossibleserviceindisposingthussummarilyofthatnotoriousJacobiteagent，SirRichardEverard。Andhislordshipsawtoitthattherewasnoinquiryandthatnothingfurtherwasheardofthematter。
AsforLordRotherby，hadtheaffairtranspiredtwenty-fourhoursearlier，hewouldcertainlyhavereturnedMr。GreenamessagetoeffectthearrestofMr。Carylluponsuspicion。
Butasitchanced，hehadthatveryafternoonreceivedavisitfromhismother，whocameingreatexcitementtoinformhimthatshehadforcedfromLordOstermoreanacknowledgmentthathewasplottingwithMr。CarylltogoovertoKingJames。
So，beforetheycouldmovefurtheragainstMr。Caryll，itbehoovedthemtoascertainpreciselytowhatextentLordOstermoremightnotbeincriminated，asotherwisethearrestofCaryllmightleadtoexposuresthatwouldruintheearlmorethoroughlythancouldanySouthSeabubblerevelations。
Thusherladyshiptoherson。Heturneduponher。
\"Why，madam，\"saidhe，\"thesebetheveryargumentsIusedt\'otherdaywhenwetalkedofthis；andallyouansweredmethenwastocallmeadull-wittedclod，fornotseeinghowthethingmightbedonewithoutinvolvingmylord。\"
\"Tcha！\"snappedherladyship，beatingherknucklesimpatientlywithherfan。\"Adull-wittedcloddidIcallyou？\'Twasflattery-sheerflattery；forIthinkye\'resomethingworse。
Fool，canyenotseethedifferencethatliesbetwixtyourdisclosingaplottothesecretaryofstate，andcausingthisCarylltodiscloseit-asmighthappenifhewereseized？
Firstdiscovertheplot-findoutinwhatitmayconsist，andthengotoLordCarterettomakeyourterms。\"
Helookedather，outoftemperbyherrebuke。\"Imaybeasdullasyourladyshipsays-butIdonotseeinwhatthepositionnowisdifferentfromwhatitwas。\"
\"Itisn\'tdifferent-butwethoughtitwasdifferent，\"sheexplainedimpatiently。\"Weassumedthatyourfatherwouldnothavebetrayedhimself，countinguponhischaracteristiccaution。Butitseemswearemistook。HehasbetrayedhimselftoCaryll。Andbeforewecanmoveinthismatter，wemusthaveproofsofaplottolaybeforethesecretaryofstate。\"
LordRotherbyunderstood，andaccountedhimselfbetweenScyllaandCharybdis，andwhenthateveningGreen\'smessengerfoundhim，hegnashedhisteethinrageathavingtoallowthischancetopass，atbeingforcedtotemporizeuntilheshouldbelessparlouslysituated。HereturnedMr。GreenanurgentmessagetotakenostepsconcerningMr。Carylluntiltheyshouldhaveconcertedtogether。
Mr。Greenwasrelieved。Mr。CaryllarrestedmightstirupmattersagainsttheslayerofSirRichard，andthiswasabusinesswhichMr。Greenhadprevisionenoughtoseehismaster，LordCarteret，wouldprefershouldnotbestirredup。
Hehadanotion，fortherest，thatifMr。Caryllwerelefttogohisways，hewouldnotbelikelytogivetroubletouchingthatsamematter。Andhewasrightinthis。Beforehisoverwhelmingsenseofloss，Mr。Caryllhadfewthoughtstobestowuponthemannerinwhichthatlosshadbeensustained。
Moreover，ifhehadaquarrelwithanyoneonthataccount，itwaswiththegovernmentwhoserepresentativehadissuedthewarrantforSirRichard\'sarrest，andnomorewiththewretchedtipstaffwhohadfiredthepistolthanwiththepistolitself。Bothalikewerebutinstruments，ofslightlydifferentdegreesofinsensibility。
Fortwenty-fourhoursMr。Caryll\'sgriefwasoverwhelminginitspoignancy。Hissenseofsolitudewasawful。Gonewastheonlylivingmanwhohadstoodtohimforkithandkin。Hewasleftaloneintheworld；utterlyalone。Thatwastheselfishnessofhissorrow-theconsiderationofSirRichard\'sdeathasitconcernedhimself。
PresentlyanalloyofconsolationwassuppliedbythereflectionofSirRichard\'sowncase-asSirRichardhimselfhadstatedituponhisdeathbed。Hislifehadnotbeenhappy；
ithadbeenpoisonedbyamonomania，which，likeaworminthebud，hadconsumedthesweetnessofhisexistence。SirRichardwasatrest。Andsincehehadbeendiscovered，thatshotwas，indeed，themostmercifulendthatcouldhavebeenmeasuredouttohim。Thealternativemighthavebeenthegibbetandthegapingcrowd，andamoraltorturetoprecedetheend。
Better-athousandtimesbetter-asitwas。
SomuchdidallthisweighwithhimthatwhenonthefollowingMondayheaccompaniedthebodytoitsgrave，hefoundhiserstwhilepassionategriefsucceededbyanoddthankfulnessthatthingswereastheywere，althoughitmustbeconfessedthatapangofreturninganguishsmotehimwhenheheardtheearthclatteringdownuponthewoodenboxthatheldallthatremainedofthemanwhohadbeenfather，mother，brotherandallelsetohim。
Heturnedawayatlast，andwasleavingthegraveyard，whensomeonetouchedhimonthearm。Itwasatimidtouch。Heturnedsharply，andfoundhimselflookingintothesweetfaceofHortensiaWinthrop，wonderinghowcameshethere。Sheworealong，darkcloakandhood，butherveilwasturnedback。A
chairwaswaitingnotfiftypacesfromthemalongthechurchyardwall。
\"IcamebuttotellyouhowmuchIfeelforyouinthisgreatloss，\"shesaid。
Helookedatherinamazement。\"Howdidyouknow？\"heaskedher。
\"Iguessed，\"saidshe。\"Iheardthatyouwerewithhimattheend，andIcaughtstraywordsfromherladyshipofwhathadpassed。LordRotherbyhadtheinformationfromthetipstaffwhowenttoarrestSirRichardEverard。Iguessedhewasyour-yourfoster-father，asyoucalledhim；andIcametotellyouhowdeeplyIsorrowforyouinyoursorrow。\"
Hecaughtherhandsinhisandborethemtohislips，recklessofwhomightseetheact。\"Ah，thisissweetandkindinyou，\"saidhe。
Shedrewhimbackintothechurchyardagain。Alongthewalltherewasanavenueoflimes-acoolandpleasantwalkwhereinidlersloungedonSundaysinsummerafterservice。
Thithershedrewhim。Hewentalmostmechanically。Hersympathystirredhissorrowagain，assympathysooftendoes。
\"Ihaveburiedmyheartyonder，Ithink，\"saidhe，withawaveofhishandtowardsthatspotamidthegraveswherethemenweretoilingwiththeirshovels。\"Hewastheonlylivingbeingthatlovedme。\"
\"Ah，surelynot，\"saidshe，sorrowratherthanreproachinhergentlevoice。
\"Indeed，yes。Mineisaselfishgrief。ItisformyselfthatIsorrow，formyselfandmyownloneliness。Itisthuswithallofus。Whenwearguethatweweepthedead，itwouldbemoretruetosaythatwebewailtheliving。Forhim-itisbetterasitis。Nodoubtitisbettersoformostmen，whenallissaid，andwedowrongtoweeptheirpassing。\"
\"Donottalkso，\"shesaid。\"Ithurts。\"
\"Ay-itisthewayoftruthtohurt，whichiswhy，hatingpain，weshuntruthsooften。\"Hesighed。\"But，oh，itwasgoodinyoutoseekme，tobringmewordwithyourownlipsofyoursweetsympathy。Ifaughtcouldlightenthegloomofmysorrow，surelyitisthat。\"
Theysteppedalonginsilenceuntiltheycametotheendoftheavenue，andturned。Itwasnoidlesilence：thesilenceoftwobeingswhohavenaughttosay。Itwasagrave，portentoussilence，occasionedbytheunutterablemuchinthemindofone，andbytheother\'sapprehensionofit。Atlastshespoke，toaskhimwhathemeanttodo。
\"IshallreturntoFrance，\"hesaid。\"IthadperhapsbeenbetterhadInevercrossedtoEngland。\"
\"Icannotthinkso，\"shesaid，simply，franklyandwithnotouchofacoquetrythathadbeenharshlyatdiscordwithtimeandplace。
Heshotheraswift，sidelongglance；thenstopped，andturned。\"Iamgladon\'t，\"saidhe。\"\'Twillmakemygoingtheeasier。\"
\"Imeannotthat，\"shecried，andheldoutherhandstohim。
\"Imeantnotwhatyouthink-youknow，youknowwhat\'twasI
meant。Youknow-youmust-whatimpulsebroughtmetoyouinthishour，whenIknewyoumustneedcomfort。Andinreturnhowcruel，wereyounot-totellmethatyonderlayburiedtheonlylivingbeingthat-thatlovedyou？\"
Hisfingerswereclencheduponherarm。\"Don\'t-don\'t！\"heimploredhoarsely，astrangefireinhiseyes，ahecticflushoneithercheek。\"Don\'t！OrI\'llforgetwhatIam，andtakeadvantageofthismidsummerfollythatisuponyou。\"
\"Isitnomorethanfolly，Justin？\"sheaskedhim，browneyeslookingupintogray-green。
\"Ay，somethingmore-starkmadness。Allgreatemotionsare。
Itwillpass，andyouwillbethankfulthatIwasmanenough-
strongenough-toallowitthechanceofpassing。\"
Shehungherhead，shakingitsorrowfully。Thenverysoftly：
\"Isitnomorethanthematterof-ofthat，thatstandsbetweenus？\"sheinquired。
\"Nomorethanthat，\"heanswered，\"andyetmorethanenough。
Ihavenonametoofferanywoman。\"
\"Aname？\"sheechoedscornfully。\"WhatstoredoyouthinkI
laybythat？Whenyoutalkso，youobeysomefoolishprejudice；nomore。\"
\"Obediencetoprejudicesisthewholeartofliving，\"heanswered，sighing。
Shemadeagestureofimpatience，andwenton。\"Justin，yousaidyoulovedme；andwhenyousaidsomuch，yougavemetheright-orsoIunderstoodit-tospeaktoyouasIamdoingnow。Youarealoneintheworld，withoutkithorkin。Theonlyoneyouhad-theonewhorepresentedallforyou-liesburiedthere。Wouldyoureturnthus，lonelyandalone，toFrance？\"
\"Ah，nowIunderstand！\"hecried。\"NowIunderstand。Pityistheimpulsethathasurgedyou-pityformyloneliness，is\'tnot，Hortensia？\"
\"I\'llnotdenythatwithoutthepitytheremightnothavebeenthecourage。WhyshouldI-sinceitisapitythatgivesyounooffense，apitythatisrootedfirmlyin-inloveforyou，myJustin？\"
Hesethishandsuponhershoulders，andwithglowingeyesregardedher。\"Ah，sweet！\"saidhe，\"youmakemevery，veryproud。\"
Andthenhisarmsdroppedagainlimplytohissides。Hesighed，andshookhisheaddrearily。\"Andyet-reflect。
WhenIcometobegyourhandinmarriageofyourguardian，whatshallIanswerhimofthequestionshewillaskmeofmyself-touchingmyfamily，myparentageandalltherestthathewillcravetoknow？\"
Sheobservedthathewasverywhiteagain。\"Needyouenterintothat？Amanishimself；nothisfatherorhisfamily。\"
Andthenshechecked。\"Youmakemepleadtoomuch，\"shesaid，acrimsonfloodinherfaircheeks。\"I\'llsaynomorethanI
havesaid。AlreadyhaveIsaidmorethanIintended。Andyouhavewantedmercythatyoucoulddrivemetoit。Youknowmymind-my-myinmostheart。YouknowthatIcarenothingforyournamelessness。Itisyourstodecidewhatyouwilldo。
Come，now；mychairisstayingforme。\"
Hebowed；hesoughtagaintoconveysomesenseofhisappreciationofhergreatnobility；thenledherthroughthegateandtoherwaitingchair。
\"WhateverImaydecide，Hortensia\'\'wasthelastthinghesaidtoher，\"andIshalldecideasIaccountbestforyou，ratherthanformyself；andformyselfthereneedsnothoughtorhesitation-whateverImaydecide，believemewhenIsayfrommysoulthatallmylifeshallbethesweeterforthishour。\"
CHAPTERXVIII
THEGHOSTOFTHEPAST
TemptationhadseizedMr。Caryllinathrottlinggrip，andfortwowholedayshekeptthehouse，shunningallcompanyandwrestlingwiththatsameTemptation。Intheendhetookawhimsicalresolve，entirelyworthyofhimself。
HewouldgotoLordOstermoreformallytoaskinmarriagethehandofMistressWinthrop，andhewouldbeentirelyfrankwiththeearl，statinghisexactcondition，butsuppressingthenamesofhisparents。
Hewasgreatlytakenwiththenotion。Itwouldcreateasituationironicalbeyondany，grotesquebeyondbelief；anditsdevelopmentshouldbestupendouslyinteresting。Itattractedhimirresistibly。Thatheshouldleaveittohisownfathertosaywhetheramanbornashewasbornmightaspiretomarryhisfather\'sward，hadinitsomethingthatsavoredoftragi-comedy。Itwasaprettyproblem，thatoncesetcouldnotbeleftunsolvedbyamanofMr。Caryll\'stemperament。And，indeed，nosoonerwastheideaconceivedthanitquickenedintoaresolveuponwhichhesetouttoact。
HebadeLeduccallachair，and，dressedinmourning，butwithhishabitualcare，hehadhimselfcarriedtoLincoln\'sInnFields。
Engrossedashewasinhisownthoughts，hepaidlittleheedtothehumofexcitementaboutthethresholdofStrettonHouse。Withintherailedenclosurethatfrontedthemansiontwocoachesweredrawnup，andalittleknotofidlersstoodbyoneoftheseinbusygossip。
Payingnoattentiontothem，Mr。Caryllmountedthesteps，nornoticedthegravityoftheporter\'scountenanceashepassedwithin。
Inthehallhefoundalittleflockofservantsgatheredtogether，andmutteringamongthemselveslikeconspiratorsinatragedy；andsoengrossedthattheypaidnoheedtohimasheadvanced，noruntilhehadtappedoneofthemontheshoulderwithhiscane-andtappedhimathoughtperemptorily。
\"Hownow？\"saidhe。\"Doesnoonewaithere？\"
Theyfellapartalittle，andstoodatattention，withsomethingcuriousintheirbearing，oneandall。
\"Myservicetohislordship，andsaythatIdesiretospeakwithhim。\"
Theylookedatoneanotherinhesitationforamoment；thenHumphries，thebutler，cameforward。\"Yourhonor\'llnothaveheardthenews？\"saidhe，asolemngravityinfaceandtone。
\"News？\"quothMr。Caryllsharply，intriguedbysomuchshowofmystery。\"Whatnews？\"
\"Hislordshipisveryill，sir。Hehadaseizurethismorningwhentheycameforhim。\"
\"Aseizure？\"saidMr。Caryll。Andthen：\"Whentheycameforhim？\"heechoed，struckbysomethingoddintheman\'sutteranceofthosefivewords。\"Whenwhocameforhim？\"
\"Themessengers，sir，\"repliedthebutlerdejectedly。\"Hasyourhonornotheard？\"AndseeingtheblanklookonMr。
Caryll\'sface，heproceededwithoutwaitingforananswer：
\"HislordshipwasimpeachedyesterdaybyhisGraceofWhartononamatterconcerningtheSouthSeaCompany，andLordCarteret-thesecretaryofstate，yourhonor-sentthismorningtoarresthim。\"
\"\'Sdeath！\"ejaculatedMr。Caryllinhissurprise，asurprisethatwastemperedwithsomedismay。\"Andhehadaseizure，yesay？\"
\"Anapoplexy，yourhonor。Thedoctorsarewithhimnow；SirJames，himself，ishere。They\'recuppinghim-soIhearfromMr。Tom，hislordship\'sman。I\'dha\'thoughtyourhonorwouldha\'heard。\'Tistowntalk，theysay。\"
Mr。Caryllwouldhavefounditdifficulttohavesaidexactlywhatimpressionthisnewsmadeuponhim。Inthemain，however，hefeareditlefthimcold。
\"\'Tisveryregrettable，\"saidhe。Hefellthoughtfulamoment。Then：\"WillyousendwordtoMistressWinthropthatI
amhere，andwouldspeakwithher，Humphries？\"
HumphriesconductedMr。Carylltothelittlewhiteandgoldwithdrawing-roomthatwasHortensia\'s。There，inthelittletimethathewaited，herevolvedthesituationasitnowstood，andthetemptationthathadbeenwithhimforthepastthreedaysroseupnowwithagreatervigor。ShouldLordOstermoredie，Temptationargued，heneednolongerhesitate。
Hortensiawouldbeasmuchaloneintheworldashewas；
worse，forlifeatStrettonHousewithherladyship-fromwhichevenintheearl\'slifetimeshehadbeenledtoattempttoescape-mustbeathingunbearable，andwhatalternativecouldhesuggestbutthatsheshouldbecomehiswife？
Shecametohimpresently，white-facedandwithstartledeyes。
Asshetookhisoutstretchedhands，sheattemptedasmile。
\"Itiskindinyoutocometomeatsuchatime，\"shesaid。
\"Youmistake，\"saidhe，\"asisbutnatural。Ihadnotheardwhathadbefallen。Icametoaskyourhandinmarriageofhislordship。\"
Somefaintcolortingedhercheeks。\"Youhaddecided，then？\"
\"Ihaddecidedthathislordshipmustdecide，\"heanswered。
\"Andnow？\"
\"Andnowitseemswemustdecideforourselvesifhislordshipdies。\"
Hermindswungtothegravermatter。\"SirJameshaseveryhope，\"shesaid，andaddedmiserably：\"Iknownotwhichtoprayfor，hisrecoveryorhisdeath。\"
\"Whythat？\"
\"Becauseifhesurviveitmaybeforworse。Thesecretary\'sagentisevennowseekingevidenceagainsthimamonghisownpapers。Heisinthelibraryatthismoment，goingthroughhislordship\'sdesk。\"
Mr。Caryllstarted。ThatmentionofOstermore\'sdeskbroughtvividlybeforehismindtherecollectionofthesecretdrawerwhereintheearlhadlockedawaytheletterhehadreceivedfromKingJamesandhisownreply，allpackedasitwas，withtreason。Ifthatdrawerwerediscovered，andthosepapersfound，thenwasOstermorelostindeed，anddidhesurvivethisapoplexy，itwouldbetosurrenderhisheaduponthescaffold。
Amomentheconsideredthis，dispassionately。Thenitbrokeuponhismindthatwerethistohappen，Ostermore\'sbloodwouldindirectlybeuponhisownhead，sinceforthepurposeofbetrayalhadhesoughthimoutwiththatletterfromtheexiledStuart-which，beitremembered，KingJameshimselfhadnolongerwisheddelivered。
Itturnedhimcoldwithhorror。Hecouldnotremainidleandletmattersruntheircourse。Hemustavertthesediscoveriesifitlaywithinhispowertodoso，orelsehemustsubmittoalifetimeofremorseshouldOstermoresurvivetobeattaintedoftreason。Hehadmadeanend-adefiniteend-longsinceofhisintentionofworkingOstermore\'sruin；hecouldnotstandbynowandseethatruinwroughtasaresultofthelittlethatalreadyhehaddonetowardsencompassingit。
\"Hispapersmustbesaved，\"hesaidshortly。\"I\'llgotothelibraryatonce。\"
\"Butthesecretary\'sagentistherealready，\"sherepeated。
\"\'Tisnomatterforthat，\"saidhe，movingtowardsthedoor。
\"Hisdeskcontainsthatwhichwillcosthimhisheadifdiscovered。Iknowit，\"heassuredher，andlefthercoldwithfear。
\"But，then，you-you？\"shecried。\"IsittruethatyouareaJacobite？\"
\"Trueenough，\"heanswered。
\"LordRotherbyknowsit，\"sheinformedhim。\"Hetoldmeitwasso。If-ifyouinterfereinthis，it-itmaymeanyourruin。\"Shecametohimswiftly，agreatfearwrittenorherwinsomeface。
\"Sh，\"saidhe。\"Iamnotconcernedtothinkofthatatpresent。IfLordOstermoreperishesthroughhisconnectionwiththecause，itwillmeanworsethanruinforme-thoughnottheruinthatyouarethinkingof。\"
\"Butwhatcanyoudo？\"
\"ThatIgotolearn。\"
\"Iwillcomewithyou，then。\"
Hehesitatedamoment，lookingather；thenheopenedthedoor，andhelditforher，followingafter。Heledthewayacrossthehalltothelibrary，andtheywentintogether。
LordOstermore\'ssecretairestoodopen，andleaningoverit，hisbacktowardsthemwasashort，stiffly-builtmaninasnuff-coloredcoat。Heturnedatthesoundoftheclosingdoor，andrevealedthepleasant，chubbyfaceofMr。Green。
\"Ha！\"saidMr。Caryll。\"Mr。Greenagain。Ideclare，sir，ye\'vethegiftofubiquity。\"
Thespystooduptoregardhim，andforallthathisvoiceinclinedtosharpnesswhenhespoke，thehabitualgrinsatlikeamaskuponthemobilefeatures。\"Whatd\'yeseekhere？\"
\"\"TiswhatIwasabouttoaskyou-whatyouareseeking；forthatyouseekisplain。IthoughtperhapsImightassistyou。\"
\"Inothingdoubtyoucould，\"answeredMr。Greenwithafreshleer，thatcontainedthistimesomethingironic。\"Inothingdoubtit！Butbyyourleave，I\'llpursuemyquestwithoutyourassistance。\"
Mr。Caryllcontinued，nevertheless，toadvancetowardshim，MistressHortensiaremaininginthebackground，aquietspectator，betrayingnothingoftheanxietiesbywhichshewasbeingracked。
\"Ye\'remightycurtthismorning，Mr。Green，\"saidMr。Caryll，veryairy。\"Ye\'remightycurt，andye\'reentirelywrongsotobe。Youmightfindmeaveryusefulfriend。\"
\"I\'vefoundyousobefore，\"saidMr。Greensourly。
\"Ye\'veanicesenseofhumor，\"saidMr。Caryll，headononeside，contemplatingthespywithadmirationinhisglance。
\"AndanicersenseofaJacobite，\"answeredMr。Green。
\"Hewillhavethelastword，youperceive，\"saidMr。CarylltoHortensia。
\"Harkee，Mr。Caryll，\"quothMr。Green，quitegrimlynow。\"I\'dha\'laidyoubytheheelsamonthormoreago，butforcertainfriendso\'minewhohaveotherendstoserve。\"
\"Sir，whatyoutellmeshocksme。Itshakestheveryfoundationsofmyfaithinhumannature。Ihaveesteemedyouanhonestman，Mr。Green，anditseems-onyourownconfessing-thatye\'renobetterthanadamnedroguewhoneglectshisdutytothestate。I\'veamindtoseeLordCarteret，andtellhimthetruthofthematter。\"
\"Yeshallhaveanopportunitybeforelong，ecod！\"saidMr。
Green。\"Good-morningtoyou！I\'veworktodo。\"Andheturnedbacktothedesk。
\"\'Tiswastedlabor，\"saidMr。Caryll，producinghissnuff-box，andtappingit。\"Youmightseekfromnowtillthecrackofdoom，andnotfindwhatyeseek-notthoughyouhackthedesktopieces。Ithasasecret，Mr。Green。I\'llmakeabargainwithyouforthatsecret。\"
Mr。Greenturnedagain，andhisshrewd，brighteyesscannedmorecloselythatleanface，whosekeennesswasalldissemblednowinaneasy，languidsmile。\"Abargain？\"grumbledthespy。
\"I\'faith，then，thesecret\'sworthless。\"
\"Yethinkthat？Pho！\'Tisnotlikeyourusualwit，Mr。
Green。TheletterthatIcarriedintoEngland，andthatyouwereatsuchsplendidpainstofindatMaidstone，isinhere。\"
Andhetappedtheveneeredtopofthesecretairewithhisforefinger。\"Butye\'llnotfinditwithoutmyhelp。Itisconcealedaseffectively-aseffectivelyasitwasuponmypersonwhenyesearchedme。Now，sir，willyetreatwithme？
It\'llsaveyouaworldoflabor。\"
Mr。Greenstilllookedathim。Helickedhislipsthoughtfully，cat-like。\"Whattermsd\'yemake？\"heinquired，buthistonewasverycold。HisbusybrainwasendeavoringtoconjecturewhatexactlymightbeMr。Caryll\'sobjectinthisfranknesswhichMr。Greenwasnotfoolenoughtobelievesincere。
\"Ah，\"saidMr。Caryll。\"ThatismorethemanIknow。\"Hetappedhissnuff-box，andinthatmomentmemoryratherthaninspirationshowedhimthethingheneeded。\"Didyeeversee`TheConstantCouple，\'Mr。Green？\"heinquired。
\"`TheConstantCouple\'？\"echoedMr。Green，andthoughmystified，hemustairhislittlejest。\"Ineversawanycouplethatwasconstant-leastways，notforlong。\"
\"Ha！Ye\'rearoguishwag！But`TheConstantCouple\'Imeanisaplay。\"
\"Oh，aplay！Ay，ImindmeIsawitsomeyearsago，when\'twasfirstacted。Butwhathasthattodowith-\"
\"Ye\'llunderstandinamoment，\"saidMr。Caryll，withasmilethespydidnotrelish。\"D\'yerecallaruseofSirHarryWildairstoridhimselfofthecompanyofanintrusiveoldfoolwhowasnotwanted？D\'yerememberwhat\'twashedid？\"
Mr。Green，hisheadslightlyononeside，waswatchingMr。
Caryllveryclosely，andnotwithoutanxiety。\"Idon\'t，\"saidhe，anddroppedahandtothepocketwhereapistollay，thathemightbepreparedforemergencies。\"Whatdidhedo？\"
\"I\'llshowyou，\"saidMr。Caryll。\"Hedidthis。\"Andwithaswiftupwardmovement，heemptiedhissnuff-boxfullintothefaceofMr。Green。
Mr。Greenleaptback，withascreamofpain，handstohiseyes，andquiteunconsciouslysethimselftoplaytothelifethepartoftheintrusiveoldfellowinthecomedy。Dancingwildlyabouttheroom，hiseyessmartingandburningsothathecouldnotopenthem，hebellowedofhell-fireandotherhotthingsofwhichhewasbeingsointenselyreminded。
\"\'Twillpass，\"Mr。Caryllconsoledhim。\"Alittlewater，andallwillbewellwithyou。\"Hesteppedtothedoorasbespoke，andflungitopen。\"Ho，there！Whowaits？\"hecalled。
Twoorthreefootmensprangtoanswerhim。HetookMr。Green，stillblindandvociferous，bytheshoulders，andthrusthimintotheircare。\"Thisgentlemanhashadamostunfortunateaccident。Gethimwatertowashhiseyes-warmwater。So！
Takehim。\'Twillpass，Mr。Green。\'Twillsoonpass，Iassureyou。\"
Heshutthedooruponthem，lockedit，andturnedtoHortensia，smilinggrimly。Thenhecrossedquicklytothedesk，andHortensiafollowedhim。Hesatdown，andpulledoutbodilythebottomdrawerontherightinsideoftheupperpartofthedesk，ashehadseenLordOstermoredothatday，alittleoveraweekago。Hethrusthishandintotheopening，andfeltalongthesidesforsomemomentsinvain。Hewentoverthegroundagainslowly，inchbyinch，exertingconstantpressure，untilhewassuddenlyrewardedbyaclick。Thesmalltrapdiscloseditself。Hepulleditup，andtooksomepapersfromtherecess。Hespreadthembeforehim。Theywerethedocumentshesought-theking\'slettertoOstermore，andOstermore\'sreply，signedandreadyfordispatch。\"Thesemustbeburnt，\"hesaid，\"andburntatonce，forthatfellowGreenmayreturn，orhemaysendothers。CallHumphries。Getataperfromhim。\"
Shespedtothedoor，anddidhisbidding。Thenshereturned。
Shewasplainlyagitated。\"Youmustgoatonce，\"shesaid，imploringly。\"YoumustreturntoFrancewithoutaninstant\'sdelay。\"
\"Why，indeed，itwouldmeanmyruintoremainnow，\"headmitted。\"Andyet-\"Heheldouthishandstoher。
\"Iwillfollowyou，\"shepromisedhim。\"Iwillfollowyouassoonashislordshipisrecovered，or-oratpeace。\"
\"Youhavewellconsidered，sweetheart？\"heaskedher，holdinghertohim，andlookingdownintohergentleeyes。
\"Thereisnohappinessformeapartfromyou。\"
Againhisscruplestookhim。\"TellLordOstermore-tellhimall，\"hebeggedher。\"Beguidedbyhim。Hisdecisionforyouwillrepresentthedecisionoftheworld。\"
\"Whatistheworldtome？Youaretheworldtome，\"shecried。
Therewasarapuponthedoor。Heputherfromhim，andwenttoopen。ItwasHumphrieswithalightedtaper。Hetookit，thankedthemanwithaword，andshutthedoorinhisface，ignoringthefactthatthefellowwasattemptingtotellhimsomething。
Hereturnedtothedesk。\"Letusmakequitesurethatthisisall，\"hesaid，andheldthetapersothatthelightshoneintotherecess。Itseemedemptyatfirst；then，asthelightpenetratedfarther，hesawsomethingthatshowedwhiteatthebackofthecachette。Hethrustinhishand，anddrewoutasmallpackageboundwitharibbonthatoncemighthavebeengreenbutwasfadednowtoyellow。Hesetitonthedesk，andreturnedtohissearch。Therewasnothingelse。Therecesswasempty。Heclosedthetrapandreplacedthedrawer。Thenhesatdownagain，thetaperathiselbow，MistressWinthroplookingon，facinghimacrossthetopofthesecretaire，andhetookupthepackage。
Theribboncameawayeasily，andsomehalf-dozensheetsfelloutandscattereduponthedesk。Theygaveoutacuriousperfume，halfofage，halfofsomeessencewithwhichyearsagotheyhadbeenimbued。SomethingtookMr。Caryllinthethroat，andhecouldneverexplainwhetheritwasthatperfumeorsomepremonitoryemotion，somepropheticapprehensionofwhathewasabouttosee。
Heopenedthefirstofthosefoldedsheets，andfoundittobealetterwritteninFrenchandinaninkthathadpaledtoyellowwiththeyearsthatweregonesinceithadbeenpenned。
Thefine，pointedwritingwascuriouslyfamiliartoMr。
Caryll。Helookedatthesignatureatthebottomofthepage。
Itswambeforehiseyes-ANTOINETTE-\"Cellequil\'adore，Antoinette，\"heread，andthewholeworldseemedblottedoutforhim；allconsciousness，hiswholebeing，hiseverysense，seemedconcentratedintohiseyesastheygazeduponthatrelicofadeludedwoman\'sdream。
Hedidnotread。Itwasnotforhimtocommitthesacrilegeofreadingwhatthatgirlwhohadbeenhismotherhadwrittenthirtyyearsagotothemansheloved-themanwhohadprovedfalseashell。
Heturnedtheotherlettersover；openedthemonebyone，tomakesurethattheywereofthesamenatureasthefirst，andwhattimehedidsohefoundhimselfspeculatinguponthestrangenessofOstermore\'shavingsotreasuredthem。Perhapshehadthrustthemintothatsecretrecess，andthereforgottenthem；\'twasanexplanationthatsortedbetterwithwhatMr。Caryllknewofhisfather，thanthesuppositionthatsodullandpracticalandself-centeredanaturecouldhavebeenirradiatedbyagleamofsuchtendernessasthehoardingofthoselettersmighthaveargued。
Hecontinuedtoturnthemover，half-mechanically，forgetfuloftheurgentneedtoburnthetreasonabledocumentshehadsecured，forgetfulofeverything，evenHortensia\'spresence。
Andmeantimeshewatchedhiminsilence，marvellingatthisdelay，andstillmoreatthegraylookthathadcreptintohisface。
\"Whathaveyoufound？\"sheaskedatlast。
\"Aghost，\"heanswered，andhisvoicehadastrained，metallicring。Heevenventedanoddlaugh。\"Abundleofoldlove-letters。\"
\"Fromherladyship？\"
\"Herladyship？\"Helookedup，anexpressiononhisfacewhichseemedtoshowthathecouldnotatthemomentthinkwhoherladyshipmightbe。Thenasthepictureofthatbedaubed，bedizenedandharsh-featuredJezebelaroseinhismindtostandbesidethesweetgirl-imageofhismother-asheknewherfromtheportraitthathungatMaligny-helaughedagain。
\"No，notfromherladyship，\"saidhe。\"Fromawomanwholovedhimyearsago。\"Andheturnedtotheseventhandlastofthosepoorghosts-theseventh，afatefulnumber。
Hespreaditbeforehim；frowneddownonitamomentwithasharphissofindrawnbreath。Thenhetwistedoddlyonhischair，andsatboltupright，staringstraightbeforehimwithunseeingeyes。Presentlyhepassedahandacrosshisbrow，andmadeaqueersoundinhisthroat。
\"Whatisit？\"sheasked。
Buthedidnotanswer；hewasstaringatthepaperagain。A
whilehesatthus；thenwithswiftfeveredfingershetookuponcemoretheotherletters。Heunfoldedone，andbegantoread。Afewlinesheread，andthen-\"OGod！\"hecried，andflungouthisarmsunderstressof\'hisemotions。Oneofthemcaughtthetaperthatstooduponthedesk；andsweptit，extinguished，tothefloor。Heneverheededit，nevergaveathoughttothepurposeforwhichithadbeenfetched，apurposenotyetserved。Herose。Hewaswhiteasthedeadarewhite，andsheobservedthathewastrembling。Hetookupthebundleofoldletters，andthrustthemintoaninsidepocketofhiscoat。
\"Whatareyoudoing？\"shecried，seekingatlasttoarousehimfromthespellunderwhichheappearedtohavefallen。\"Thoseletters-\"
\"ImustseeLordOstermore，\"heansweredwildly，andmadeforthedoor，reelinglikeadrunkardinhiswalk。
CHAPTERXIX
THEENDOFLORDOSTERMORE
Intheante-roomcommunicatingwithLordOstermore\'sbedroomthecountesswasinconsultationwithRotherby，whohadbeensummonedbyhismotherwhenmylordwasstricken。
Herladyshipoccupiedthewindow-seat；Rotherbystoodbesideher，leaningslightlyagainsttheframeoftheopenwindow。
Theirconversationwasearnestandconductedinalowkey，andonewouldnaturallyhaveconjecturedthatithadforsubjectthedangerousconditionoftheearl。Andsoithad-thedangerousconditionoftheearl\'spolitical，ifnotphysical，affairs。Toherladyshipandherson，thematteroftheirownfuturewasofgreatergravitythanthematterofwhetherhislordshiplivedordied-which，whateveritmaybe，isnotunreasonable。Sincetheimpeachmentofmylordandthecomingofthemessengerstoarresthim，thedangerofruinandbeggarywerebecomemoreimminent-indeed，theyimpended，andmeasuresmustbeconcertedtoaverttheseevils。Bycomparisonwiththat，theearl\'ssuccumbingorsurvivingwasatrivialmatter；andtheconcerntheyhadmanifestedinSirJames\'news-whentheimportant，well-nourishedphysicianwhohadbledhislordshipcametoinformthemthattherewashope-wasoutwardonly，andassumedforpuredecorum\'ssake。
\"Whetherhelivesordies，\"saidtheviscountpertinently，afterthedoctorhaddepartedtoreturntohispatient，\"themeasurestobetakenarethesame。\"Andherepeatedthesubstanceoftheirearlierdiscussionsuponthissametopic。
\"IfwecanbutsecuretheevidenceofhistreasonwithCaryll，\"hewoundup，\"IshallbeabletomaketermswithLordCarterettoarresttheproceedingsthegovernmentmayintend，andthusaverttherestitutionitwouldotherwiseenforce。\"
\"Butifheweretodie，\"saidherladyship，ascoldly，horriblycalculatingasthoughhewerenoneofhers，\"therewouldbeanendtothisdanger。Theycouldnotdemandrestitutionofthedead，norimposefinesuponhim。\"
Rotherbyshookhishead。\"Believenotthat，madam，\"saidhe。
\"Theycandemandrestitutionofhisheirsandimposetheirfinesupontheestate。\'TwasdoneinthecaseofChancellorCraggs，thoughheshothimself。\"
Sheraisedahaggardfacetohis。\"AnddoyoudreamthatLordCarteretwouldmaketermswithyou？\"
\"IfIcanshowhim-byactualproof-thataconspiracydoesexist，thattheStuartsupportersareplottingarising。
ProofofthatshouldbeofvaluetoLordCarteret，ofsufficientvaluetothegovernmenttowarrantthepaymentofthepaltrypriceIask-thattheimpeachmentagainstmyfatherforhisdealingswiththeSouthSeaCompanyshallnotbeallowed。
\"Butitmightinvolvetheworsebetrayalofyourfather，Charles，andifheweretolive-\"
\"\'Sdeath，mother，whymustyouharponthat？Ia\'n\'tthefoolyouthinkme，\"hecried。\"Ishallmakeitafurtherconditionthatmyfatherhaveimmunity。Therewillbenolackofvictimsoncetheplotisdisclosed；andtheymaybeginuponthatcoxcombCaryll-thedamnedmeddlerwhoisatthebottomofallthisgarboil。\"
Shesatbemused，hereyesuponthesunlitgardensbelow，whereafaintbreezewasstirringtheshrubtops。
\"Thereis，\"shesaidpresently，\"asecretdrawersomewhereinhisdesk。Ifhehaspaperstheywill，nodoubt，bethere。
Hadyounotbestbemakingsearchforthem？\"
Hesmileddarkly。\"Ihaveseentothatalready，\"hereplied。
\"How？\"excitedly。\"Youhavegotthepapers？\"
\"No；butIhavesetanexperiencedhandtofindthem，andone，moreover，whohastherightbyvirtueofhiswarrant-themessengerofthesecretaryofstate。\"
Shesatup，rigid。\"\'Sdeath！Whatis\'tyemean？\"
\"Noneedforalarm，\"hereassuredher。\"ThisfellowGreenisinmypay，aswellasinthesecretary\'s，anditwillprofithimmosttokeepfaithwithme。He\'saself-seekingdog，contenttorunwiththehareandhuntwiththehounds，sothattherebeprofitinit，andhe\'dsacrificehisearstobringMr。Carylltothegallows。Ihavepromisedhimthatandathousandpoundsifwesavetheestatesfromconfiscation。\"
Shelookedathim，betweenwonderandfear。\"Canyetrusthim？\"sheaskedbreathlessly。
Helaughedsoftlyandconfidently。\"Icantrusthimtoearnathousandpounds，\"heanswered。\"Whenheheardoftheimpeachment，heusedsuchinfluenceashehastobeentrustedwiththearrestofhislordship；andhavingobtainedhiswarrant，hecamefirsttometotellmeofit。Athousandpoundsisthepriceofhim，bodyandsoul。Ibadehimseeknotonlyevidenceofmylord\'shavingreceivedthatplagueystock，butalsopapersrelatingtothisJacobiteplotintowhichhislordshiphasbeendrawnbyourfriendCaryll。Heisathisworkatpresent。AndIshallhearfromhimwhenitisaccomplished。\"
Shenoddedslowly，thoughtfully。\"Youhaveverywelldisposed，Charles，\"sheapprovedhim。\"Ifyourfatherlives，itshouldnotbeadifficultmatter-\"
Shecheckedsuddenlyandturned，whileRotherby，too，lookedupandsteppedquicklyfromthewindow-embrasurewherehehadstood。
Thedoorofthebedroomhadbeensuddenlypulledopen，andSirJamescameout，verypaleanddiscomposed。
\"Madam-yourladyship-mylord！\"hegasped，hismouthworking，hishandswavingfoolishly。
Thecountessrosetoconfronthim，tall，severeandharsh。
Theviscountscowledaquestion。SirJamesquailedbeforethem，evidentlyinaffliction。
\"Madam-hislordship，\"hesaid，andbyhiseloquentgestureofdejectionannouncedwhathehadsomedifficultyinputtingintowords。
Shesteppedforward，andtookhimbythewrist。\"Ishedying？\"sheinquired。
\"Havecourage，madam，\"thedoctorbesoughther。
Theapparentirrelevancyoftherequestatsuchamoment，angeredher。Hermoodwasdangerouslytesty。Andhadthedoctorbutknownit，sympathywasathingshehadnotbornewellthesemanyyears。
\"Iaskedyouwashedying，\"sheremindedhim，withacoldsternnessthatbeatasideallhisattemptsatsubterfuge。
\"Yourladyship-heisdead，\"hefaltered，withloweredeyes。
\"Dead？\"sheechoeddully，andherhandwenttotheregionofherheart，herfaceturnedlividunderitsrouge。\"Dead？\"shesaidagain，andbehindher，Rotherbyechoedthedreadwordinastuporalmostequaltoherown。Herlipsmovedtospeak，butnowordscame。Shestaggeredwhereshestood，andputherhandtoherbrow。Herson\'sarmswerequicklyabouther。Hesupportedhertoachair，whereshesankasifallherjointswereloosened。
SirJamesflewforrestoratives；bathedherbrowwithadampenedhandkerchief；heldstrongsaltstohernostrils，andmurmuredwordsoffoolish，banalconsolation，whilstRotherby，inahalf-dreamingcondition，stunnedbythesuddennessoftheblow，stoodbesideher，mechanicallylendinghisassistanceandsupportingher。
Graduallyshemasteredheragitation。Itwasoddthatsheshouldfeelsomuchatlosingwhatshevaluedsolittle。
Leastways，itwouldhavebeenodd，haditbeenthat。Itwasnot-itwassomethingmore。Intheawful，augustpresenceofdeath，steppedsosuddenlyintotheirmidst，shefeltherselfappalled。
FornighuponthirtyyearsshehadbeenboundbylegalandchurchlytiesinalovelessunionwithLordOstermore-
marriedforthehandsomeportionthathadbeenhers，aportionwhichhehadgamedawayandsquandereduntil，fortheirstation，theircircumstanceswerenowabsolutelystraitened。
Theyhadledaharsh，discordantlife，andthecomingofason，whichshouldhavebridgedthelovelessgulfbetweenthem，seemedbuttohaveservedtodigitwider。Andthesonhadbeenjusttheharsh，unfeelingoffspringthatmightbelookedforfromsuchaunion。Thirtyyearsofslaveryhadbeenherladyship\'s，andinthosethirtyyearshernaturehadbeensouredandwarped，andwhatinherentsweetnessitmayoncehaveknownhadlongsincebeensmotheredanddestroyed。Shehadnocausetolovethatmanwhohadneverlovedher，neverlovedaughtofhersbeyondherjointure。Andyet，therewasthehabitofthirtyyears。Forthirtyyearstheyhadbeenyoke-fellows，howeverdetestabletheyoke。Butyesterdayhehadbeenaliveandstrong，astupid，querulousthingmaybe，butaliving。Andnowhewassomuchcarrionthatshouldbegiventotheearth。Insomesuchchannelranherladyship\'sreflectionsduringthosefewsecondsinwhichshewasrecovering。Foraninstantshewassoftened。Thelong-sincedried-upspringsoftendernessseemedliketopushanewundertheshockofthisevent。Sheputoutahandtotakeherson\'s。
\"Charles！\"shesaid，andsurprisedhimbythetendernote。
Amomentthus；thenshewasherselfagain。\"Howdidhedie？\"
sheaskedthedoctor；andtheabruptnessoftheresumptionofherusualmannerstartledSirJamesmorethanaughtinhisexperienceofsuchscenes。
\"Itwasmostsudden，madam，\"answeredhe。\"Ihadthebestgroundsforhope。Iwasbeingpersuadedweshouldsavehim。
Andthen，quitesuddenly，withoutaninstant\'swarning，hesuccumbed。Hejustheavedasigh，andwasgone。Icouldscarcelybelievemysenses，madam。\"
Hewouldhaveaddedmoreparticularsofhisfeelingsandemotions-forhewasofthosewhobelievethattheirownimpressionsofaphenomenonarethatphenomenon\'smostinterestingmanifestations-butherladyshipwavedhimperemptorilyintosilence。
Hedrewback，washinghishandsintheair，anexpressionofpoliteconcernuponhisface。\"IsthereaughtelseIcandotobeofservicetoyourladyship？\"heinquired，solicitous。
\"Whatelse？\"sheasked，withafullerreturntoheroldself。
\"Ye\'vekilledhim。Whatmoreisthereyoucando？\"
\"Oh，madam-nay，madam！Iammostdeeplygrievedthatmy-my-\"
\"Hislordshipwillwaituponyoutothedoor，\"saidshe，designatingherson。
Theeminentphysicianeffacedhimselffromherladyship\'sattention。Itwashisboastthathecouldtakeahintwhenonewasgivenhim；andsohecould，provideditwerebroadenough，asinthepresentinstance。
Hegathereduphishatandgold-headedcane-theunfailinginsigniaofhisorder-andwasgone，swiftlyandsilently。
Rotherbyclosedthedoorafterhim，andreturnedslowly，headbowed，tothewindowwherehismotherwasstillseated。Theylookedateachothergravelyforalongmoment。
\"Thismakesmatterseasierforyou，\"shesaidatlength。
\"Mucheasier。Itdoesnotmatternowhowfarhiscomplicitymaybebetrayedbyhispapers。Iamglad，madam，toseeyousofarrecoveredfromyourweakness。\"
Sheshivered，asmuchperhapsathistoneasattherecollectionsheevoked。\"Youareveryindifferent，Charles，\"
saidshe。
Helookedathersteadily，thenslightlyshrugged。\"Whatneedtowearamask？Bah！Didheevergivemecausetofeelforhim？\"heasked。\"Mother，ifonedayIhaveasonofmyown，I
shallseetoitthathelovesme。\"
\"Youwillbehardputtoit，withyournature，Charles，\"shetoldhimcritically。Thensherose。\"Willyougotohimwithme？\"sheasked。
Hemadeasiftoacquiesce，thenhalted。\"No，\"hesaid，andtherewasrepugnanceinhistoneandface。\"Not-notnow。\"
Therecameaknockingatthedoor，rapid，insistent。Gratefulfortheinterruption，Rotherbywenttoopen。
Mr。Greenstaggeredforwardwithswolleneyes，hisfaceinflamedwithrage，andwithsomethingelsethatwasnotquiteapparenttoRotherby。
\"Mylord！\"hecriedinaloud，angryvoice。
Rotherbycaughthiswristandcheckedhim。\"Sh！sir，\"hesaidgravely。\"Nothere。\"Andhepushedhimoutagain，herladyshipfollowingthem。
Itwasinthegallery-abovethehall，inwhichtheservantsstillstoodidlyabout-thatMr。Greenspatteredouthiswrathfultaleofwhathadbefalleninthelibrary。
Rotherbyshookhimasifhehadbeenarat。\"Youcursedfool！\"hecried。\"Youlefthimthere-atthedesk？\"
\"WhathelphadI？\'demandedGreenwithspirit。\"Myeyeswereonfire。Icouldn\'tsee，andthepainofthemmademehelpless。\"
\"Thenwhydidyenotsendwordtomeatonce，youfool？\"
\"BecauseIwasconcernedonlytostopmyeyesfromburning，\"
answeredMr。Green，inatoweringrageatfindingreproofwherehehadcomeinquestofsympathy。\"Ihavecometoyouatthefirstmoment，damnyou！\"heburstout，infullrebellion。\"Andyou\'llusemecivillynowthatIamcome，or-ecod！-it\'llbetheworseforyourlordship。\"
Rotherbyconsideredhimthroughafaintmistthatragehadsetbeforehiseyes。Tobesospokento-damnedindeed！-byadirtyspy！Hadhebeenalonewiththeman，therecanbelittledoubtbutthathewouldhavejeopardizedhisveryprecariousfuturebykickingMr。Greendownstairs。Buthismothersavedhimfromthatrashness。Itmaybethatshesawsomethingofhisangerinhiskindlingeye，andthoughtitwelltointervene。
Shesetahandonhissleeve。\"Charles！\"shesaidtohiminavoicethatwasdeadcoldwithwarning。
Herespondedtoit，andchosediscretion。HelookedGreenover，nevertheless。\"IvowI\'mverypatientwithyou，\"saidhe，andGreenhadthediscretiononhissidetoholdhistongue。\"Come，man，whilewestandtalkingherethatknavemaybedestroyingpreciousevidence。\"
Andhislordshipwentquicklydownthestairs，Mr。Greenfollowingharduponhisheels，andherladyshipbringinguptherear。
AtthedoorofthelibraryRotherbycametoahalt，andturnedthehandle。Thedoorwaslocked。Hebeckonedacoupleoffootmenacrossthehall，andbadethembreakitopen。
CHAPTERXX
Mr。CARYLL\'SIDENTITY
ImustseeLordOstermore！\"hadbeenMr。Caryll\'swildcry，ashestrodetothedoor。
>Fromtheothersideofittherecameasoundofstepsandvoices。Someonewasturningthehandle。
HortensiacaughtMr。Caryllbythesleeve。\"Buttheletters！\"
shecriedfrantically，andpointedtotheincriminatingpaperswhichhehadleft，forgotten，uponthedesk。
Hestaredatheramoment，andmemorysweptuponhiminaflood。Hemasteredthewildagitationthathadbeenswayinghim，thrustthepaperthathewascarryingintohispocket，andturnedtogobackforthetreasonableletters。
\"Thetaper！\"heexclaimed，andpointedtotheextinguishedcandleonthefloor。\"Whatcanwedo？\"
Asharpblowfelluponthelockofthedoor。Hestoodstill，lookingoverhisshoulder。
\"Quick！Makehaste！\"Hortensiaadmonishedhiminherexcitement。\"Getthem！Concealthem，atleast！Dothebestyoucansincewehavenotthemeanstoburnthem。\"
Asecondblowwasstruck，succeededinstantlybyathird，andsomethingwasheardtosnap。Thedoorswungopen，andGreenandRotherbysprangintotheroom，abraceoffootmenattheirheels。Theywerefollowedmoreleisurelybythecountess；
whilstalittleflockofservantsbroughtuptherear，butcheckeduponthethreshold，andhungtheretowitnesseventsthatheldoutsuchpromiseofbeingunusual。
Mr。Caryllsworethroughsetteeth，andmadeadashforthedesk。Buthewastoolatetoaccomplishhisobject。Hishandhadscarcelyclosedupontheletters，whenhewas，himself，seized。RotherbyandGreen，oneithersideofhim，heldhimintheirgrasp，eachwithonehanduponhisshoulderandtheotherathiswrist。Thusstoodhe，powerlessbetweenthem，and，afterthefirstshockofit，coolandmakingnoefforttodisengagehimself。Hisrighthandwastightlyclenchedupontheletters。
Rotherbycalledaservantforward。\"Takethosepapersfromthethief\'shand，\"hecommanded。
\"Stop！\"criedMr。Caryll。\"LordRotherby，mayIspeakwithyoualonebeforeyougofurtherinamatteryouwillbitterlyregret？\"
\"Takethosepapersfromhim，\"Rotherbyrepeated，swearing；andtheservantbenttothetask。ButMr。CaryllsuddenlywrenchedthehandawayfromthefellowandthewristoutofLordRotherby\'sgrip。
\"Amoment，mylord，asyouvalueyourhonorandyourpossessions！\"heinsisted。\"LetmespeakwithLordOstermorefirst。Takemebeforehim。\"
\"Youarebeforehimnow，\"saidRotherby。\"Sayon！\"
\"IdemandtoseeLordOstermore。\"
\"IamLordOstermore，\"saidRotherby。
\"You？Sincewhen？\"saidMr。Caryll，notevenbeginningtounderstand。
\"Sincetenminutesago，\"wasthecallousanswerthatfirstgavethathouseholdthenewsofmylord\'spassing。
Therewasamovement，amutteringamongtheservants。OldHumphriesbrokethroughthegroupbythedoor，hisheavychopswhiteandtrembling，andinthatmomentHortensiaturned，awe-stricken，toaskherladyshipwasthistrue。Herladyshipnoddedinsilence。Hortensiacriedout，andsanktoachairasifbeatendownbythenews，whilsttheoldservant，answered，too，withdrew，wringinghishandsandmakingfoolishlaments；andthetearsofthoseweretheonlytearsthatwateredthegraveofJohnCaryll，fifthEarlofOstermore。
AsforMr。Caryll，theshockofthatannouncementseemedtocastaspelluponhim。Hestoodstill，limpandalmostnumbed。Oh，thenever-ceasingironyofthings！Thathisfathershouldhavediedatsuchamoment。
\"Dead？\"quothhe。\"Dead？Ismylorddead？Theytoldmehewasrecovering。\"
\"Theytoldyoufalse，\"answeredRotherby。\"Sonow-thosepapers！\"
Mr。Caryllrelinquishedthem。\"Takethem，\"hesaid。\"Sincethatisso-takethem。\"
Rotherbyreceivedthemhimself。\"Removehissword，\"hebadeafootman。
Mr。Carylllookedsharplyroundathim。\"Mysword？\"quothhe。
\"Whatdoyoumeanbythat？Whatright\"
\"Wemeantokeepyoubyus，sir，\"saidMr。Greenonhisotherside，\"untilyouhaveexplainedwhatyouweredoingwiththosepapers-whatisyourinterestinthem。\"
Meanwhileaservanthaddonehislordship\'sbidding，andMr。
Caryllstoodweaponlessamidhisenemies。Hemasteredhimselfatonce。Hereitwasplainthathemustwalkwithcaution，fortheground，heperceived，wasofasuddengrownmostinsecureandtreacherous。RotherbyandGreeninleague！Itgavehimmatterformuchthought。
\"There\'snottheneedtoholdme，\"saidhequietly。\"Iamnotlikelytotiremyselfbyviolence。There\'sscarcelynecessityforsomuch。\"
Rotherbylookedupsharply。Thecool，self-possessedtonehadanintimidatingnote。ButMr。Greenlaughedmaliciously，ashecontinuedtomophisstillwateringeyes。HewasacquaintedwithMr。Caryll\'smethods，andknewthat，probably，themoreateaseheseemed，thelessateasehewas。
Rotherbyspreadthelettersonthedesk，andscannedthemwithaglowingeye，Mr。Greenathiselbowreadingwithhim。Thecountesssweptforwardthatshe，too，mightinspectthisfind。
\"They\'llservetheirturn，\"saidherson，andaddedtoCaryll：
\"Andthey\'llhelptohangyou。\"
\"Nodoubtyoufindmementionedinthem，\"saidMr。Caryll。
\"Ay，sir，\"snappedGreen，\"ifnotbyname，atleastasthemessengerwhoistoexplainthatwhichthewriters-theroyalwriterandtheother-haveoutofprudenceseenfittoexclude。\"
Hortensialookedupandacrosstheroomatthat，awildfearclutchingatherheart。ButMr。Carylllaughedpleasantly，eyebrowsraisedasifinmildsurprise。\"Themostexcellentrelationsappeartoprevailbetweenyou，\"saidhe，lookingfromRotherbytoGreen。\"Areyou，too，mylord，inthesecretary\'spay。\"
Hislordshipflusheddarkly。\"You\'llclownittotheend，\"hesneered。
\"Andthat\'snonesofaroff，\"snarledMr。Green，whosincethepepperingofhiseyes，hadflungasidehisusualcherubicair。
\"Oh，youmaysneer，sir，\"hemockedtheprisoner。\"Butwehaveyoufast。Thisletterwasbroughthitherbyyou，andthisonewastohavebeencarriedhencebyyou。\"
\"Thelatter，sir，wasamatterforthefuture，andyoucanhardlyprovewhatamanwilldo；sowe\'llletthatpass。Asfortheformer-theletterwhichyousayIbrought-you\'llrememberthatyousearchedmeatMaidstone-\"
\"AndIhaveyouradmissionthattheletterwasuponyouatthetime，\"roaredthespy，interruptinghim-\"youradmissioninthepresenceofthatlady，asshecanbemadetowitness。\"
MistressWinthroprose。\"\'Tisalie，\"shesaidfirmly。\"I
cannotbemadetowitness。\"
Mr。Caryllsmiled，andnoddedacrosstoher。\"\'Tisvastlykindinyou，MistressWinthrop。Butthegentlemanismistook。\"HeturnedtoGreen。\"Harkee，sirrahdidIadmitthatIhadcarriedthatletter？\"
Mr。Greenshrugged。\"Youadmittedthatyoucarriedaletter。
Whatotherlettershouldithavebeenbutthat？\"
\"Nay，\"smiledMr。Caryll。\"\'Tisnotforyoutoaskme。
RatherisitforyoutoprovethattheletterIadmittedhavingcarriedandthatletterareoneandthesame。\'Twilltakeadealofproving，Idareswear。\"
\"Ye\'llbeforsworn，then，\"putinherladyshipsourly。\"ForI
canwitnesstotheletterthatyoubore。NotonlydidIseeit-aletteronthatsamefinepaper-inmyhusband\'shandsonthedayyoucamehereandduringyourvisit，butIhavehislordship\'sownwordforitthathewasintheplotandthatyouwerethego-between。\"
\"Ah！\"chuckledMr。Green。\"Whatnow，sir？Whatnow？Bywhatfreshpieceofacrobaticswillyougetoutofthat？\"
\"Ye\'reafool，\"saidMr。Caryllwithcalmcontempt，andfetchedouthissnuff-box。\"D\'yedreamthatonewitnesswillsufficetoestablishsograveacharge？Pah！\"Heopenedhissnuff-boxtofinditempty，andviciouslysnappeddownthelidagain。\"Pah！\"hesaidagain，\"ye\'vecostmeawholeboxfullofBurgamot。\"
\"Whydidyethrowitinmyface？\"demandedMr。Green。\"Whatpurposedidyelooktoservebutoneoftreason？Answermethat！\"
\"Ididn\'tlikethewayyelookedatme。\'Twaswantingrespect，andIbethoughtmeIwouldlessentheimpudenceofyourexpression。Haveyeanyotherfoolishquestionsforme？\"
AndhelookedagainfromGreentoRotherby，includingbothinhisinquiry。\"No？\"Herose。\"Inthatcase，ifyou\'llgivemeleave，and-\"
\"Youdonotleavethishouse，\"Rotherbyinformedhim。
\"Ithinkyoupushhospitalitytoofar。Willyoudesireyourlackeytoreturnmemysword？Ihaveaffairselsewhere。\"
\"Mr。Caryll，Ibegthatyouwillunderstand，\"saidhislordship，withacalmthathewasatsomepainstomaintain，\"thatyoudonotleavethishousesaveinthecareofthemessengersfromthesecretaryofstate。\"
Mr。Carylllookedathim，andyawnedinhisface。\"Ye\'reprodigiouslytiresome，\"saidhe，\"didyebutknowhowIdetestdisturbances。Whatshallthesecretaryofstaterequireofme？\"
\"He\'llrequireyouonachargeofhightreason，\"saidMr。
Green。
\"Haveyouawarranttotakeme？\"
\"Ihavenot，but-\"
\"Thenhowdoyoudaredetainme，sir？\"demandedMr。Caryllsharply。\"D\'yethinkIdon\'tknowthelaw？\"
\"Ithinkyou\'llknowadealmoreofitshortly，\"counteredMr。
Green。
\"Meanwhile，sirs，Idepart。Offermeviolenceatyourperil。\"
Hemovedastep，andthen，atasignfromRotherby，thelackey\'shandsfellonhimagain，andforcedhimbackanddownintohischair。
\"Awaywithyouforthewarrant，\"saidRotherbytoGreen。
\"We\'llkeephimheretillyoureturn。\"
Mr。Greengrinnedattheprisoner，andwasgoneingreathaste。
Mr。Caryllloungedbackinhischair，andthrewonelegovertheother。\"Ihavealwaysendeavored，\"saidhe，\"tosufferfoolsasgladlyasaChristianshould。Sosinceyouinsist，I\'llbepatientuntilIhavetheearofmyLordCarteret-
who，Itakeit，isamanofsense。ButifIwereyou，mylord，andyou，mylady，Ishouldnotinsist。Believeme，you\'llcutpoorfigures。Asforyou，mylord，ye\'reinnonesuchgoododor，asitis。\"