THEFANATIC
Mr。Caryll，latelyfromRome，stoodbythewindow，lookingoutovertherainswept，steamingquaystoNotreDameontheislandyonder。OverheadrolledandcrackledtheartilleryofanAprilthunderstorm，andMr。Caryll，lookingoutuponParisinhershroudofrain，underherpallofthundercloud，felthimselfatharmonywithNature。Overhisheart，too，thegloomofstormwaslowering，justasinhisheartitwasstilllittlemorethanApriltime。
Behindhim，inthatchamberfurnishedindarkoakandleatherofareignortwoago，satSirRichardEverardatavastwriting-tablealla-litterwithbooksandpapers；andSirRichardwatchedhisadoptivesonwithfierce，melancholyeyes，watchedhimuntilhegrewimpatientofthispause。
"Well？"demandedtheoldbaronetharshly。"Willyouundertakeit，Justin，nowthatthechancehascome？"Andheadded：
"You'llneverhesitateifyouarethemanIhavesoughttomakeyou。"
Mr。Caryllturnedslowly。"ItisbecauseIamthemanthatyou-thatGodandyou-havemademethatIdohesitate。"
Hisvoicewasquietandpleasantlymodulated，andhespokeEnglishwiththefaintestslur-perceptible，perhaps，onlytothekeenestear-ofaFrenchaccent。Toearslesskeenitwouldmerelyseemthathearticulatedwithaprecisionsosingularastovergeonpedantry。
Thelightfallingfulluponhisprofilerevealedtherathersingularcountenancethatwashisown。Itwasnotinanyremarkablebeautythatitsdistinctionlay，forbythecanonsofbeautythatprevailitwasnotbeautiful。Thefeatureswereirregularandinclinedtoharshness，thenosewastooabruptlyarched，thechintoolongandsquare，thecomplexiontoopallid。Yetacertaindignityhauntedthatyouthfulface，ofsuchaqualityastostampituponthememoryofthemerestpasser-by。Themouthwasdifficulttoreadandfullofcontradictions；thelipswerefullandred，andyouwoulddeclarethemthelipsofasensualistbutforthelineofstern，almostgrim，determinationinwhichtheymet；andyet，somewherebehindthatgrimness，thereappearedtolurkahauntingwhimsicality；asmileseemedevertoimpend，butwhethersweetorbitternonecouldhavetolduntilitbroke。
Theeyeswereasremarkable；wide-setandslow-moving，asbecomestheeyesofanobservantman，theywereofanalmostgreenishcolor，andsolevelintheirordinaryglanceastoseemimbuedwithanuncannypenetration。Hishair-hedaredtowearhisown，andclubbeditinabroadribbonofwateredsilk-wasalmostofthehueofbronze，withhereandthereaglintofgold，andasluxuriantasanywig。
Fortherest，hewasscarcelyabovethemiddleheight，ofanalmostfrailbutverygracefulslenderness，andverygraceful，too，inallhismovements。Indresshewassupremelyelegant，withtheeleganceofFrance，thatinEnglandwouldbeaccountedfoppishness。Heworeasuitofdarkbluecloth，withwhitesatinliningsthatwererevealedwhenhemoved；itwasheavilylacedwithgold，andaramiformpatternbroideredingoldthreadranupthesidesofhissilkstockingsofapalerblue。JewelsgleamedintheBrusselsathisthroat，andtherewerediamondbucklesonhislacquered，red-heeledshoes。
SirRichardconsideredhimwithanxietyandsomechagrin。
"Justin！"hecried，aworldofreproachinhisvoice。"Whatcanyouneedtoponder？"
"Whateveritmaybe，"saidMr。Caryll，"itwillbebetterthatIponderitnowthanafterIhavepledgedmyself。"
"Butwhatisit？What？"demandedthebaronet。
"Iammarvelling，foronething，thatyoushouldhavewaitedthirtyyears。"
SirRichard'sfingersstirredthepapersbeforehiminanidle，absentmanner。Intohisbroodingeyesthereleapttheglittertobeseenintheeyesofthefeveredofbodyorofmind。
"Vengeance，"saidheslowly，"isadishbestrelishedwhen'tiseatencold。"Hepausedaninstant；thencontinued："I
mighthavecrossedtoEnglandatthetime，andslainhim。
Shouldthathavesatisfiedme？Whatisdeathbutpeaceandrest？"
"Thereisahell，wearetold，"Mr。Caryllremindedhim。
"Ay，"wastheanswer，"wearetold。ButIdursn'triskitsbeingfalsewhereOstermoreisconcerned。SoIpreferredtowaituntilIcouldbrewhimsuchacupofbitternessasnomaneverdrankerehewasgladtodie。"Inaquieter，retrospectivevoicehecontinued："Hadweprevailedinthe'15，Imighthavefoundawaytopunishhimthathadbeenworthyofthecrimethatcallsforit。Wedidnotprevail。
Moreover，Iwastaken，andtransported。
"Whatthinkyou，Justin，gavemecouragetoenduretherigorsoftheplantations，cunningandenergytoescapeafterfivesuchyearsofitashadassuredlykilledastrongermanlessstrongofpurpose？Whatbutthetaskthatwasawaitingme？
ItimportedthatIshouldliveandbefreetocallareckoninginfullwithmyLordOstermorebeforeIgotomyownaccount。
"Opportunityhasgonelameuponthisjourney。Butithasarrivedatlast。Unless-"Hepaused，hisvoicesankfromthehighnoteofexaltationtowhichithadsoared；itbecamechargedwithdread，asdidthefierceeyeswithwhichherakedhiscompanion'sface。"Unlessyouprovefalsetothedutythatawaitsyou。AndthatI'llnotbelieve！Youareyourmother'sson，Justin。"
"Andmyfather's，too，"answeredJustininathickvoice；"andtheEarlofOstermoreisthatsamefather。"
"Themoresweetlyshallyourmotherbeavenged，"criedtheother，andagainhiseyesblazedwiththatunhealthy，fanaticallight。"Whatfitterthanthehandofthatpoorlady'ssontopullyourfatherdowninruins？"Helaughedshortandfiercely。"Itseldomchancesinthisworldthatjusticeisdonesonicely。"
"Youhatehimverydeeply，"saidMr。Caryllpensively，andthelookinhiseyesbetrayedthetrendofhisthoughts；theywereofpity-butofpityatthefutilityofsuchstrongemotions。
"AsdeeplyasIlovedyourmother，Justin。"Thesharp，ruggedfeaturesofthatsearedoldfaceseemedofasuddentransfiguredandsoftened。Thewildeyeslostsomeoftheirglitterinalookofwistfulness，asheponderedamomenttheonesweetmemoryinawastedlife，alifewreckedoverthirtyyearsago-wreckedwantonlybythatsameOstermoreofwhomtheyspoke，whohadbeenhisfriend。
Agroanbrokefromhislips。Hetookhisheadinhishands，and，elbowsonthetable，hesatverystillamoment，reviewingasinaflashtheeventsofthirtyandmoreyearsago，whenheandViscountRotherby-asOstermorewasthen-
hadbeenyoungmenattheSt。Germain'sCourtofJamesII。
ItwasonanexcursionintoNormandythattheyhadmetMademoiselledeMaligny，thedaughterofanimpoverishedgentlemanofthechetivenoblesseofthatprovince。Bothhadlovedher。Shehadpreferred-aswomenwill-theoutwardhandsomenessofViscountRotherbytothesounderheartandbrainthatwereDickEverard's。Asboldanddominantasanyrufflerofthemallwheremenandperilswereconcerned，youngEverardwastimid，bashfulandwithoutassertivenesswithwomen。Hehadwithdrawnfromthecontestereitwaswelllost，leavinganeasyvictorytohisfriend。
Andhowhadthatfriendusedit？Mostfoully，asyoushalllearn。
LeavingRotherbyinNormandy，EverardhadreturnedtoParis。
TheaffairsofhiskinggavehimcausetocrossatoncetoIreland。Forthreeyearsheabodethere，workingsecretlyinhismaster'sinterest，tolittlepurposebeitconfessed。AttheendofthattimehereturnedtoParis。Rotherbywasgone。
Itappearedthathisfather，LordOstermore，hadprevaileduponBentincktousehisinfluencewithWilliamontheerrantyouth'sbehalf。Rotherbyhadbeenpardonedhisloyaltytothefallendynasty。Adeserterineverysense，hehadabandonedthefortunesofKingJames-whichinEverard'seyeswasbadenough-andhehadabandonedthesweetladyhehadfetchedoutofNormandysixmonthsbeforehisgoing，ofwhomitseemedthatinhislordlywayhewasgrowntired。
>Fromthebeginningitwouldappeartheywereill-matched。Itwasherbeautyhadmadeappealtohim，evenashisbeautyhadenamouredher。Elementalshadbroughtabouttheirunion；andwhentheseelementalsshrankwithhabit，aselementalswill，theyfoundthemselveswithoutatieofsympathyorcommoninteresttolinkthemeachtotheother。Shewasbynatureblythe；athingofsunshine，flowersandmusic，whocravedaverypoetforherlover；andby"apoet"Imeannotyourmererhymer。Hewasdownrightstolidandstupidunderhisfineexterior；theworsttypeofBriton，withoutthesavinggraceofaBriton'shonor。Andsoshehadweariedhim，whosawinhernomorethanasweetlovelinessthathadcloyedhimpresently。AndwhenthechancewasofferedhimbyBentinckandhisfather，hetookitandwenthisways，andthissweetflowerthathehadpluckedfromitsNormandygardentoadornhimforabriefsummer'sdaywaslefttowilt，discarded。
ThetalethatgreetedEverardonhisreturnfromIrelandwasthat，broken-hearted，shehaddied-crushedneathherloadofshame。Foritwassaidthattherehadbeennomarriage。
Therumorofherdeathhadgoneabroad，andithadbeencarriedtoEnglandandmyLordRotherbybyacousinofhers-
thelastlivingMaligny-whocrossedthechanneltodemandofthatstolidgentlemansatisfactionforthedishonorputuponhishouse。Allthesatisfactionthepoorfellowgotwasafootorsoofsteelthroughthelungs，ofwhichhedied；andthere，mayithaveseemedtoRotherby，thematterended。
ButEverardremained-Everard，whohadlovedherwithagreatandalmostsacredlove；Everard，whosworeblackruinformyLordRotherby-therumorofwhichmayalsohavebeencarriedtohislordshipandstimulatedhisactivitiesinhavingEverardhunteddownaftertheBraemarfiascoof1715。
ButbeforethatcametopassEverardhaddiscoveredthattherumorofherdeathwasfalse-putabout，nodoubt，outoffearofthatsamecousinwhohadmadehimselfchampionandavengerofherhonor。Everardsoughtherout，andfoundherperishingofwantinanatticintheCourdesMiraclessomefourmonthslater-eightmonthsafterRotherby'sdesertion。
Inthatsordid，wind-sweptchamberofParis'mostabandonedhaunt，asonhadbeenborntoAntoinettedeMalignytwodaysbeforeEverardhadcomeuponher。Bothweredying；bothhadassuredlydiedwithintheweekbutthathecamesotimelytoheraid。Andthataidherenderedlikethenoble-heartedgentlemanhewas。HehadcontrivedtosavehisfortunefromthewreckofJames'kingship，andthiswassafelyinvestedinFrance，inHollandandelsewhereabroad。WithaportionofitherepurchasedthechateauandestatesofMaligny，whichonthedeathofAntoinette'sfatherhadbeenseizeduponbycreditors。
Thitherhesentherandherchild-Rotherby'schild-makingthatnobledomainachristening-gifttotheboy，forwhomhehadstoodsponsoratthefont。Andhedidhisworkofloveinthebackground。Hewasthegodinthemachine；nomore。Nosingleopportunityofthankinghimdidheaffordher。Heeffacedhimselfthatshemightnotseethesorrowsheoccasionedhim，lestitshouldincreaseherown。
FortwoyearsshedweltatMalignyinsuchpeaceasthebroken-heartedmayknow，thelittleoflifethatwasleftherirradiatedbyEverard'snoblefriendship。Hewrotetoherfromtimetotime，nowfromItaly，nowfromHolland。Buthenevercametovisither。Adelicacy，whichmayormaynothavebeenfalse，restrainedhim。Andshe，respectingwhatinstinctivelysheknewtobehisfeelings，neverbadehimcometoher。IntheirletterstheyneverspokeofRotherby；notoncedidhisnamepassbetweenthem；itwasasifhehadneverlivedornevercrossedtheirlives。Meanwhilesheweakenedandfadeddaybyday，despiteallthecarewithwhichshewassurrounded。ThatwinterofcoldandwantintheCourdesMiracleshadsownitsseeds，andDeathwassharpeninghisscytheagainsttheharvest。
WhentheendwascomeshesenturgentlyforEverard。Hecameatonceinanswertohersummons；buthecametoolate。Shediedtheeveningbeforehearrived。Butshehadleftaletter，writtendaysbefore，againstthechanceofhisnotreachingherbeforetheend。Thatletter，inherfineFrenchhand，wasbeforehimnow。
"Iwillnottrytothankyou，dearestfriend，"shewrote。
"Forthethingthatyouhavedone，whatpaymentisthereinpoorthanks？Oh，Everard，Everard！HaditbutpleasedGodtohavehelpedmetoawiserchoicewhenitwasminetochoose！"
shecriedtohimfromthatletter，andpoorEverarddeemedthatthethinrayofjoyherwordssentthroughhisanguishedsoulwaspaymentmorethanenoughforthelittlethathehaddone。"God'swillbedone！"shecontinued。"ItisHiswill。
Heknowswhyitisbestso，thoughwediscernitnot。Butthereistheboy；thereisJustin。Ibequeathhimtoyouwhoalreadyhavedonesomuchforhim。Lovehimalittleformysake；cherishandrearhimasyourown，andmakeofhimsuchagentlemanasareyou。Hisfatherdoesnotsomuchasknowofhisexistence。That，too，isbestso，forIwouldnothavehimclaimmyboy。NeverlethimlearnthatJustinexists，unlessitbetopunishhimbytheknowledgeforhiscrueldesertionofme。"
Choking，thewritingblurredbytearsthatheaccountednodisgracetohisyoungmanhood，EverardhadsworninthathourthatJustinshouldbeasasontohim。Hewoulddoherwill，andhesetuponitamoredefinitemeaningthansheintended。
Rotherbyshouldremaininignoranceofhisson'sexistenceuntilsuchseasonasshouldmaketheknowledgeaveryanguishtohim。HewouldrearJustininbitterhatredofthefoulvillainwhohadbeenhisfather；andwiththeboy'shelp，whenthetimeshouldberipe，hewouldlaymyLordRotherbyinruins。Thusshouldmylord'ssincometofindhimout。
ThisEverardhadsworn，andthishehaddone。HehadtoldJustinthestoryalmostassoonasJustinwasofanagetounderstandit。Hehadrepeateditatveryfrequentintervals，andastheladgrew，Everardwatchedinhim-fosteringitbyeverymeansinhispower-thegrowthofhisexecrationfortheauthorofhisdays，andofhisreverenceforthesweet，departedsaintthathadbeenhismother。
Fortherest，hehadlavishedJustinnoblyforhismother'ssake。TherepurchasedestatesofMaligny，withtheirhandsomerentroll，remainedJustin'sown，administeredbySirRichardduringthelad'sminorityandvastlyenrichedbythecareofthatadministration。HehadsenttheladtoOxford，andafterwards-themorethoroughlytocompletehiseducation-
onatwoyears'tourofEurope；andonhisreturn，agrownandculturedman，hehadattachedhimtothecourtinRomeofthePretender，whoseagenthewashimselfinParis。
Hehaddonehisdutybytheboyasheunderstoodhisduty，alwayswiththatgrimpurposeofrevengeforhishorizon。AndtheresulthadbeenastrangercompoundthanevenEverardknew，forallthatheknewtheladexceedinglywell。ForhehadscarcelyreckonedsufficientlyuponJustin'smixednationalityandthecircumstancethatinsoulandmindhewasentirelyhismother'schild，withnothing-oranimperceptiblelittle-ofhisfather。Ashismother'snaturehadbeen，sowasJustin's-joyous。ButEverard'strainingofhimhadsuppressedallinbornvivacity。ThemirthanddiableriethatwerehisbirthrighthadbeenoverlaidwithBritishphlegm，untilintheirstead，andthroughtheblend，acertainsardonichumorhaddeveloped，anironicalattitudetowardallthingswhethersacredorprofane。Thishadbeenhelpedonbyculture，and-inastillgreatermeasure-bytheoddtraininginworldlinesswhichhehadfromEverard。
Hisillusionswereshatterederehehadcuthiswisdomteeth，thankstothetutelageofSirRichard，whoingivinghimtheuglystoryofhisownexistence，taughthimthemisanthropicallessonthatallmenareknaves，allwomenfools。Hedeveloped，asaconsequence，thatsardonicoutlookupontheworld。Hesoughttotakevosnonvobisforhismotto，affectedtoaspectatorinthetheatreofLife，withtheobviousresultthathebecamethegreatestactorofthemall。
Sowefindhimevennow，hismainemotionpityforSirRichard，whosatsilentforsomemoments，reviewingthatthirty-yeardeadpast，untilthetearsscaldedhisoldeyes。
Thebaronetmadeaqueernoiseinhisthroat，somethingbetweenasnarlandasob，andheflunghimselfsuddenlybackinhischair。
Justinsatdown，abecominggravityinhiscountenance。"Tellmeall，"hebeggedhisadoptivefather。"Tellmehowmattersstandprecisely-howyouproposetoact。"
"Withallmyheart，"thebaronetassented。"LordOstermore，havingturnedhiscoatonceforprofit，isreadynowtoturnitagainforthesameend。FromtheinformationthatreachesmefromEngland，itwouldappearthatintherageofspeculationthathasbeentowardinLondon，hislordshiphassufferedheavily。HowheavilyIamnotpreparedtosay。Butheavilyenough，Idareswear，tohavecausedthisoffertoreturntohisking；forhelooks，nodoubt，tosellhisservicesatapricethatwillhelphimmendthewreckageofhisfortunes。Aweekagoagentlemanwhogoesbetweenhismajesty'scourtatRomeandhisfriendshereinParisbroughtmewordfromhismajestythatOstermorehadsignifiedtohimhiswillingnesstorejointheStuartcause。
"Togetherwiththatinformation，thismessengerbroughtmelettersfromhismajestytoseveralofhisfriends，whichI
wastosendtoEnglandbyasafehandatthefirstopportunity。Now，amongsttheseletters-deliveredtomeunsealed-isonetomyLordOstermore，makinghimcertainadvantageousproposalswhichheissuretoacceptifhiscircumstancesbeascrippledasIamgiventounderstand。
Atterburyandhisfriends，itseems，havealreadytamperedwithmylord'sloyaltytoDutchGeorgetosomepurpose，andthereislittledoubtbutthatthisletter"-andhetappedadocumentbeforehim-"willdowhatelseistobedone。
"But，sincetheseletterswereleftwithme，comeyouwithhismajesty'sfreshinjunctionsthatIamtosuppressthemandcrosstoEnglandatoncemyself，toprevailuponAtterburyandhisassociatestoabandontheundertaking。"
Mr。Caryllnodded。"Because，asIhavetoldyou，"saidhe，"KingJamesinRomehasreceivedpositiveinformationthatinLondontheplotisalreadysuspected，littlethoughAtterburymaydreamit。ButwhathasthistodowithmyLordOstermore？"
"This，"saidEverardslowly，leaningacrosstowardJustin，andlayingahanduponhissleeve。"IamtocounseltheBishoptostayhishandagainstamorefavorableopportunity。ThereisnoreasonwhyyoushouldnotdotheveryoppositewithOstermore。"
Mr。Caryllknithisbrows，hiseyesintentupontheother'sface；buthesaidnoword。
"Itis，"urgedEverard，"anopportunitysuchastheremayneverbeanother。WedestroyOstermore。Byaturnofthehandwebringhimtothegallows。"Hechuckledoverthewordwithajoyalmostdiabolical。
"Buthow-howdowedestroyhim？"quothJustin，whosuspectedyetdarednotencouragehissuspicions。
"How？Doyouaskhow？Is'tnotplain？"snappedSirRichard，andwhatheavoidedputtingintowords，hiseloquentglancemadecleartohiscompanion。
Mr。Caryllroseathoughtquickly，afaintflushstirringinhischeeks，andhethrewoffEverard'sgraspwithagesturethatwasalmostofrepugnance。"YoumeanthatIamtoenmeshhim……"
SirRichardsmiledgrimly。"Ashismajesty'saccreditedagent，"heexplained。"Iwillequipyouwithpapers。WordshallgoaheadofyoutoOstermorebyasafehandtobidhimlookforthecomingofamessengerbearinghisownfamilyname。Nomorethanthat；nothingthatcanbetrayus；yetenoughtowhethislordship'sappetite。Youshallbetheambassadortobearhimthetemptingoffersfromtheking。Youwillobtainhisanswers-accepting。Thoseyouwilldelivertome，andIshalldothetriflethatmaystillbeneededtosettheropeabouthisneck。"
Alittlewhiletherewassilence。Outside，therain，drivenbygusts，smotethewindowaswithascourge。Thethunderwasgrumblinginthedistancenow。Mr。Caryllresumedhischair。
Hesatverythoughtful，butwithnoemotionshowinginhisface。Britishstoliditywasintheascendantwithhimthen。
Hefeltthathehadtheneedofit。
"Itis……ugly，"hesaidatlastslowly。
"ItisGod'sownwill，"wasthehotanswer，andSirRichardsmotethetable。
"HasGodtakenyouintoHisconfidence？"wonderedMr。Caryll。
"IknowthatGodisjustice。"
"Yetisitnotwrittenthat`vengeanceisHisown'？"
"Aye，butHeneedshumaninstrumentstoexecuteit。Suchinstrumentsarewe。Canyou-Oh，canyouhesitate？"
Mr。Caryllclenchedhishandshard。"Doit，"heansweredthroughsetteeth。"Doit！Ishallapproveitwhen'tisdone。Butfindotherhandsforthework，SirRichard。Heismyfather。"
SirRichardremainedcool。"ThatistheargumentIemployforinsistinguponthetaskbeingyours，"hereplied。Then，inablazeofpassion，he-whohadschooledhisadoptivesonsoablyinself-control-marshalledoncemorehisarguments。
"Itisyourdutytoyourmothertoforgetthatheisyourfather。Thinkofhimonlyasthemanwhowrongedyourmother；
themantowhomherruinedlife，herearlydeatharedue-hermurdererandworse。Considerthat。Yourfather，yousay！"
Hemockedalmost。"Yourfather！Inwhatisheyourfather？
Youhaveneverseenhim；hedoesnotknowthatyouexist，thatyoueverexisted。Isthattobeafather？Father，yousay！A
word，aname-nomorethanthat；anamethatgivesrisetoasentiment，andasentimentistostandbetweenyouandyourclearduty；asentimentistosetaprotectingshieldoverthemanwhokilledyourmother！
"IthinkIshalldespiseyou，Justin，ifyoufailmeinthis。
Ihavelivedforit，"heranontempestuously。"Ihaverearedyouforit，andyoushallnotfailme！"
Thenhisvoicedroppedagain，andinquietertones"YouhatetheverynameofJohnCaryll，EarlofOstermore，"
saidhe，"asmusteverydecentmanwhoknowsthetruthofwhatthelifeofthatsatyrholds。IfIhavesufferedyoutobearhisname，itistotheendthatitshouldremindyoudailythatyouhavenorighttoit，thatyouhavenorighttoanyname。"
Whenhesaidthathethrusthisfingerconsciouslyintoarawwound。HesawJustinwince，andwithpitilesscunninghecontinuedtoprodthattenderplaceuntilhehadaggravatedthesmartofitintoaveryagony。
"Thatiswhatyouoweyourfather；thatisthefullextentofwhatliesbetweenyou-thatyouareofthoseatwhomtheworldisgiventosneerandpointscorn'sreadyfinger。"
"Nonehaseverdared，"saidMr。Caryll。
"Becausenonehaseverknown。Wehavekeptthesecretwell。
Youdisplaynocoatofarmsthatnobarsinistermaybedisplayed。Butthetimemaycomewhenthesecretmustout。
Youmight，forinstance，thinkofmarryingaladyofquality，aladyofyourownsupposedstation。Whatshallyoutellherofyourself？Thatyouhavenonametoofferher；thatthenameyoubearisyoursbyassumptiononly？Ah！Thatbringshomeyourownwrongstoyou，Justin！Considerthem；havethemeverpresentinyourmind，togetherwithyourmother'sblightedlife，thatyoumaynotshrinkwhenthehourstrikestopunishtheevildoer。"
Heflunghimselfbackinhischairagain，andwatchedtheyoungermanwithbroodingeye。Mr。Caryllwasplainlymoved。
Hehadpaledalittle，andhesatnowwithbrowscontractedandsetteeth。
SirRichardpushedbackhischairandrose，recapitulating。
"Heisyourmother'sdestroyer，"hesaid，withasadsternness。"Istheruinofthatfairlifetogounpunished？
Isit，Justin？"
Mr。Caryll'sGallicspiritburstabruptlythroughitsBritishglaze。Hecrushedfistintopalm，andswore："No，byGod！Itshallnot，SirRichard！"
SirRichardheldouthishands，andtherewasafiercejoyinhisgloomyeyesatlast。"You'llcrosstoEnglandwithme，Justin？"
ButMr。Caryll'ssoulfelloncemoreintotravail。"Wait！"hecried。"Ah，wait！"HislevelglancemetSirRichard'sinearnestnessandentreaty。"Answermethetruthuponyoursoulandconscience：Doyouinyourheartbelievethatitiswhatmymotherwouldhavehadmedo？"
Therewasaninstant'spause。ThenEverard，thefanaticofvengeance，themanwhoseminduponthatonesubjectwasbecomeunsoundwithexcessofbrooding，answeredwithconviction："AsIhaveasoultobesaved，Justin，Idobelieveit。More-I
knowit。Here！"TremblinghandstookuptheoldletterfromthetableandprofferedittoJustin。"Hereisherownmessagetoyou。Readitagain。"
Andwhattimetheyoungman'seyesresteduponthatfine，pointedwriting，SirRichardrecitedaloudthewordsheknewbyheart，thewordsthathadbeenringinginhisearssincethatdaywhenhehadseenherloweredtorest："`NeverlethimlearnthatJustinexistsunlessitbetopunishhimbytheknowledgeforhiscrueldesertionofme。'Itisyourmother'svoicespeakingtoyoufromthegrave，"thefanaticpursued，andsoinfectedJustinatlastwithsomethingofhisfanaticism。
Thegreeneyesflasheduncannily，thewhiteyoungfacegrewcruellysardonic。"Youbelieveit？"heasked，andtheeagernessthatnowinvestedhisvoiceshowedhowitreallywaswithhim。
"AsIhaveasoultobesaved，"SirRichardrepeated。
"ThengladlywillIsetmyhandtoit。"FirestirredthroughJustinnow，afireofrighteouspassion。"Anidea-nomorethananidea-dauntedme。Youhaveshownmethat。IcrosstoEnglandwithyou，SirRichard，andletmyLordOstermorelooktohimself，formyname-Iwhohavenorighttoanyname-mynameisjudgment！"
Theexaltationfellfromhimassuddenlyasithadmounted。
Hedroppedintoachair，thoughtfulagainandslightlyashamedofhissuddenoutburst。
SirRichardEverardwatchedwithaneyeofgloomyjoythemanwhomhehadbeenatsuchpainstoschoolinself-control。
Overheadtherewasasuddencrackleofthunder，sharpandstaccatoasapealofdemoniaclaughter。
CHAPTERII
ATTHE"ADAMANDEVE"
Mr。Caryll，alightedfromhistravelingchaiseintheyardofthe"AdamandEve，"atMaidstone，onasunnyafternooninMay。
LandedatDoverthenightbefore，hehadpartedcompanywithSirRichardEverardthatmorning。HisadoptivefatherhadturnedasidetowardRochester，todischargehisking'sbusinesswithplottingBishopAtterbury，whattimeJustinwastopushontowardtownasKingJames'ambassadortotheEarlofOstermore，who，advisedofhiscoming，wasexpectinghim。
HereatMaidstoneitwasMr。Caryll'sintenttodine，resuminghisjourneyinthecooloftheevening，whenhehopedtogetatleastasfarasFarnboroughereheslept。
Landlady，chamberlain，ostlerandaposseofunderlingshastenedtogivewelcometosofineagentleman，andaprivateroomabove-stairswasplacedathisdisposal。Beforeascending，however，Mr。Caryllsaunteredintothebarforawhettingglasstogivehimanappetite，andfurtherforthepurposeofbespeakingindetailhisdinnerwiththehostess。
Itwasoneofhistraitsthathegavethegreatestattentiontodetail，andheldthatthemanwholefttheorderingofhisediblestohisservantswasnobetterthanananimalwhosawnomorethannourishmentinfood。Norwasthematteronetobesettledsummarily；itaskedthoughtandtime。SohesippedhisHock，listeningtothelandlady'sproposals，andamendingthemwherenecessarywithsuggestionsofhisown，andwhattimehewassoengaged，thereambledintotheinnyardasturdycobbearingasturdylittlemaninsnuff-coloredclothesthathadseensomewear。
Thenewcomerthrewhisreinstothestable-boy-apersonofalltheimportancenecessarytoreceivesoindifferentaguest。Hegotdownnimblyfromhishorse，producedanenormoushandkerchiefofmanycolors，andremovedhisthree-corneredhatthathemightthebettermophisbrowandyouthful，almostcherubicface。Whattimehedidso，apairofbrightlittleblueeyeswereverybusywith。Mr。Caryll'scarriage，fromwhichLeduc，Mr。Caryll'svalet，wasintheactofremovingaportmantle。Hismobilemouthfellintolinesofsatisfaction。
Stillmoppinghimself，heenteredtheinn，and，guidedbythedroneofvoices，saunteredintothebar。AtsightofMr。
Caryllleaningthere，hislittleeyesbeamedaninstant，asdotheeyesofonewhoespiesafriend，or-apterfigure-theeyesofthehunterwhentheysightthequarry。
Headvancedtothebar，bowingtoMr。Caryllwithanairalmostapologetic，andtothelandladywithanairscarcelylessso，asheaskedforanipperkinofaletowashthedustoftheroadfromhisthroat。Thehostesscalledadrawertoservehim，anddepartedherselfuponthemomentousbusinessofMr。Caryll'sdinner。
"Awarmday，sir，"saidthechubbyman。
Mr。Caryllagreedwithhimpolitely，andfinishedhisglass，theothersippingmeanwhileathisale。
"Afinebrew，sir，"saidhe。"Aprodigiousfinebrew！Withallrespect，sir，yourhonorshouldtryawhetofourEnglishale。"
Mr。Caryll，settingdownhisglass，lookedlanguidlyattheman。"Whydoyouexcludeme，sir，fromthenationofthisbeverage？"heinquired。
Thechubbyman'sfaceexpressedastonishment。"Ye'reEnglish，sir！Ecod！IhadthoughtyeFrench！"
"Itisanhonor，sir，thatyoushouldhavethoughtmeanything。"
Theotherabasedhimself。"'Twasanunwarrantablepresumption，Codso！whichIhopeyourhonor'llpardon。"Thenhesmiledagain，hislittleeyestwinklinghumorously。"Anyewouldtrytheale，Idareswearyourhonorwouldforgiveme。
Iknowale，ecod！Iamabrewermyself。Greenismyname，sir-TomGreen-yourveryobedientservant，sir。"Andhedrankasifpledgingthatsameserviceheprofessed。
Mr。Caryllobservedhimcalmlyandathoughtindifferently。
"Ye'redeterminedtohonorme，"saidhe。"Iamyourdebtorforyourreflectionsuponwhettingglasses；butale，sir，isabeverageIdon'taffect，norshallwhiletherearevinesinFrance。"
"Ah！"sighedMr。Greenrapturously。"'Tisagreatcountry，France；isitnot，sir？"
"'Tisnotthegeneralopinionhereatpresent。ButImakenodoubtthatitdeservesyourpraise。"
"AndParis，now，"persistedMr。Green。"Theytellme'tisagreatcity；amarvelo'th'ages。Therebethose，ecod！thatsayLondon'sbutakennelto't。"
"Bethereso？"quothMr。Caryllindifferently。
"Yedon'tagreewiththem，belike？"askedMr。Green，witheagerness。
"Pooh！Menwillsayanything，"Mr。Caryllreplied，andaddedpointedly："Menwilltalk，yesee。"
"Notalways，"wastheretortinaslytone。"I'veknownmentobeprodigiousshortwhentheyhadaughttohide。"
"Haveyeso？Yeseemtohavehadawideexperience。"AndMr。
Caryllsaunteredout，hummingaFrenchairthroughclosedlips。
Mr。Greenlookedafterhimwithhardenedeyes。Heturnedtothedrawerwhostoodby。"He'smightyclose，"saidhe。
"Mightyclose！"
"Ye'renotperhapsquitethecompanyhecaresfor，"thedrawersuggestedcandidly。
Mr。Greenlookedathim。"Verylike，"hesnapped。"Howlongdoeshestayhere？"
"Yelostararechanceoffindingoutwhenyelethimgowithoutinquiring，"saidthedrawer。
Mr。Green'sfacelostsomeofitschubbiness。"Whend'yelooktomarrythelandlady？"washisnextquestion。
Themanstared。"Cod！"saidhe。"Marrythe-Areyedaft？"
Mr。Greenaffectedsurprise。"I'mmistook，itseems。Yemisledmebyyourpertness。Getmeanothernipperkin。"
MeanwhileMr。Caryllhadtakenhiswayabovestairstotheroomsetapartforhim。Hedinedtohissatisfaction，andthereafter，hisshapely，silk-cladlegsthrownoverasecondchair，hiswaistcoatallunbuttoned，forthedaywasofanalmostmidsummerwarmth-hesatmightilyathisease，adecanterofsherryathiselbow，apipeinonehandandabookofMr。Gay'spoemsintheother。Buttheeasewentnofurtherthanthebody，aswitnessedthecircumstancesthathispipewascold，thedecantertolerablyfull，andMr。Gay'spleasantrhymesandquaintconceitsoffancyallunheeded。Thelight，mercurialspiritwhichhehadfromnatureandhisunfortunatemother，andwhichhehadretainedinspiteofthesterntraininghehadreceivedathisadoptivefather'shands，washeavy-fetterednow。
Themildfatigueofhisjourneythroughtheheatofthedayhadledhimtolookforwardtoavoluptuoushourofindolencefollowingupondinner，withpipeandbookandglass。Thehourwascome，theelementswerethere，butsincehecouldnotabandonhimselftotheirdominionthevoluptuousnesswaswanting。Thetaskbeforehimhauntedhimwithanticipatoryremorse。Ithunguponhisspiritlikeasickman'sdream。Itobtrudeditselfuponhisconstantthought，andthemorehepondereditthemoredidhesickenatwhatlaybeforehim。
WroughtuponbyEverard'sfanaticismthatdayinParissomethreeweeksago，infectedforthetimebeingbysomethingofhisadoptivefather'sfever，hehadsethishandstothetaskinaglowofpassionateexaltation。Butwiththehour，theexaltationwent，andreactionstartedinhissoul。Andyetdrawbackhedarednot；toolongandsedulouslyhadEverardtrainedhisspirittolookupontheavengingofhismotherasaduty。Believingthatitwashisduty，hethirstedontheonehandtofulfillit，whilst，ontheother，herecoiledinhorroratthethoughtthatthemanuponwhomhewastowreakthatvengeancewashisfather-albeitafatherwhomhedidnotknow，whohadneverseenhim，whowasnotsomuchasawareofhisexistence。
HesoughtforgetfulnessinMr。Gay。Hehadthedelicate-mindedman'sinherenttasteforverse，aquickearforthemelodyofwords，theaesthete'sloveofbeautyinphraseasofbeautyinallelse；andculturehadquickenedhisperceptions，developedhiscapacityforappreciation。ForthetenthtimehecalledLeductolighthispipe；and，thatdone，hesethiseyetothepageoncemore。Butitwaslikeharnessingabullocktoacart；unmindfulofthewayitwentandoverwhatittravelled，hiseyeambledheavilyalongthelines，andwhenhecametoturnthepageherealizedwithastartthathehadnoimpressionofwhathehadreaduponit。
Insheerdisgusthetossedthebookaside，andkickingawaythesecondchair，roselythely。Hecrossedtothewindow，andstoodtheregazingoutatnothing，norconsciousoftheincensethatcametohimfromgarden，fromorchard，andfrommeadow。
Itneededaclatterofhoofsandacloudofdustapproachingfromthenorthtodrawhismindfromitsobsessingthoughts。
Hewatchedtheyellowbodyofthecoachasitcamefuriouslyonward，itsfourhorsesstretchedtothegallop，postillionlustyoflungsandwhip，andthegreattrailofdustleftbehinditspreadingtorightandleftoverthefloweringhedge-rowstoloseitselfabovethegold-fleckedmeadowland。
Onitcame，todrawupthere，attheveryentrancetoMaidstone，atthesignofthe"AdamandEve。"
Mr。Caryll，leaningonthesillofhiswindow，lookeddownwithinteresttoseewhatmanneroftravellerswerethesethatwentatsored-hotapace。Fromtherumblealackeyswunghimselftotheroughcobblesoftheyard。Fromwithintheinncameagainlandladyandchamberlain，andfromthestableostlerandboy，obsequiousallandofnointeresttoMr。
Caryll。
Thenthedoorofthecoachwasopened，thestepswereletdown，andthereemerged-hishandupontheshoulderoftheservant-averyferretofamaninblack，withaparson'sbandsandneckcloth，acoal-blackfull-bottomedwig，andunderthisawhiteface，ratherdrawnandhaggard，andthinlipsperpetuallyagrintoflaunttworowsofyellowteethdisproportionatelylarge。Afterhim，andthemoreremarkablebycontrast，cameatall，black-facedfellow，verybraveinbuff-coloredcloth，withafortuneinlaceatwristandthroat，andaheavilypowderedtie-wig。
Lackey，chamberlainandparsonattendedhisalighting，andthenhejoinedtheirrankstoattendinhisturn-hatunderarm-thelastoftheseoddtravellers。
Theinterestgrew。Mr。Caryllfeltthattheclimaxwasabouttobepresented，andheleanedfartherforwardthathemightobtainabetterviewoftheawaitedpersonage。Inthesilencehecaughtarustleofsilk。Afloweredpetticoatappeared-
asmuchofitasmaybeseenfromthekneedownwards-andfrombeneaththisthedaintiestfootconceivablewasseentogropeaninstantforthestep。Anothersecondandtherestofheremerged。
Mr。Caryllobserved-andbeitknownthathehadtheveryshrewdesteyeforawoman，asbecameoneoftheracefromwhichonhismother'ssidehesprang-thatshewasmiddlingtall，chastelyslender，having，ashejudgedfromherhighwaist，afine，cleanlengthoflimb。Allthisheobservedandapproved，andprayedforaglimpseofthefacewhichhersilkenhoodobscuredandscreenedfromhisdesiringgaze。Sheraiseditatthatmoment-raiseditinatimid，frightenedfashion，asonewholooksfearfullyabouttoseethatsheisnotremarked-andMr。Caryllhadaglimpseofanovalface，palewithawarmpallor-likethepallorofthepeach，hethought，andtouched，likethepeach，withafainthintofpinkineithercheek。Apairofeyes，large，brown，andgentleasasaint's，methis，andMr。Caryllrealizedthatshewasbeautifulandthatitmightbegoodtolookintothoseeyesatcloserquarters。
Seeinghim，afaintexclamationescapedher，andsheturnedawayinsuddenhastetoentertheinn。Thefinegentlemanlookedupandscowled；theparsonlookedupandtrembled；theostlerandhisboylookedupandgrinned。ThenallsweptforwardandwerescreenedbytheporchfromthewonderingeyesofMr。Caryll。
Heturnedfromthewindowwithasigh，andsteppedbacktothetableforthetinder-box，thatfortheeleventhtimehemightrelighthispipe。Hesatdown，blewacloudofsmoketotheceiling，andconsidered。Hisnaturetriumphednowoverhisrecentpreoccupation；thematterofthemoment，whichconcernedhimnotatall，engrossedhimbeyondanyothermatterofhislife。Hewasintriguedtoknowinwhatrelationonetotheotherstoodthethreesooddlyassortedtravellershehadseenarrive。Hebethoughthimthat，afterall，theoddassortmentarosefromthepresenceoftheparson；andhewonderedwhattheplagueshouldanyChristian-andseeminglyagentlemanatthat-bedoingtravellingwithaparson。Thentherewasthewildspeedatwhichtheyhadcome。
Thematterabsorbedandvexedhim。Ifearhewasinquisitivebynature。Therecameamomentwhenhewentsofarastoconsidermakinghiswaybelowtopursuehisinvestigationsinsitu。Itwouldhavebeenatgreatcosttohisdignity，andthishewasdestinedtobespared。
Aknockfelluponhisdoor，andthelandladycamein。Shewasgenial，buxomandapple-faced，asbecomesalandlady。
"Thereisagentlemanbelow-"shewasbeginning，whenMr。
Caryllinterruptedher。
"Iwouldratherthatyoutoldmeofthelady，"said"La，sir！"shecried，displayingivoryteeth，hereyescastupwards，handsupraisedingentle，mirthfulprotest。"La，sir！ButIcomefromthelady，too。"
Helookedather。"Agoodambassador，"saidhe，"shouldbeginwiththebestnews；notadditasanafterthought。Butproceed，Ibeg。Yougivemehope，mistress。"
"Theysendtheircompliments，andwouldbeprodigiouslyobligedifyouwastogiveyourselfthetroubleofsteppingbelow。"
"Ofsteppingbelow？"heinquired，headononeside，solemneyesuponthehostess。"Woulditbeimpertinenttoinquirewhattheymaywantwithme？"
"Ithinktheywantyouforawitness，sir。"
"Forawitness？AmItotestifytothelady'sperfectionoffaceandshape，totheheaventhatsitsinhereyes，tothemiracleshecallsherankle？AretheseandotherthingsbesidesofthesamekindwhatIamrequiredtowitness？Ifso，theycouldnothavesentforonemorequalified。Iamanexpert，ma'am。"
"Oh，sir，nay！"shelaughed。"'Tisamarriagetheyneedyoufor。"
Mr。Caryllopenedhisqueereyesalittlewider。"Soho！"saidhe。"Theparsonisexplained。"Thenhefellthoughtful，histonelostitsnoteofflippancy。"Thisgentlemanwhosendshiscompliments，doeshesendhisname？"
"Hedoesnot，sir；butIoverheardit。"
"Confideinme，"Mr。Caryllinvitedher。
"Heisagreatgentleman，"shepreparedhim。
"Nomatter。Ilovegreatgentlemen。"
"TheycallhimLordRotherby。"
Atthatsuddenandutterlyunexpectedmentionofhishalf-brother'sname-hisunknownhalf-brother-Mr。Caryllcametohisfeetwithanalacritywhichamoreshrewdobserverwouldhavesetdowntosomecauseotherthanmererespectforaviscount。Thehostesswasshrewd，butnotshrewdenough，andifMr。Caryll'sexpressionchangedforaninstant，itresumeditshabitualhalf-scornfulcalmsoswiftlythatitwouldhaveneededeyesofanexceptionalquicknesstohavereadit。
"Enough！"hesaid。"Whocoulddenyhislordship？"
"ShallItellthemyouarecoming？"sheinquired，herhandalreadyuponthedoor。
"Amoment，"hebegged，detainingher。"'Tisarunawaymarriagethis，eh？"
Herfull-heartedsmilebeamedonhimagain；shewasaverywoman，withatastefortheromantic，lovinglove。"Whatelse，sir？"shelaughed。
"Andwhy，mistress，"heinquired，eyingher，hisfingerspluckingathisnetherlip，"dotheydesiremytestimony？"
"Hislordship'sownmanwillstandwitness，forone；butthey'llneedanother，"sheexplained，hervoicereflectingastonishmentathisquestion。
"True。Butwhydotheyneedme？"hepressedher。"Heardyounoreasongivenwhytheyshouldprefermetoyourchamberlain，yourostleroryourdrawer？"
Sheknitherbrowsandshruggedimpatientshoulders。Herewasadealofpotheraboutatriflingaffair。"Hislordshipsawyouasheentered，sir，andinquiredofmewhoyoumightbe。"
"Hislordshipflattersmebythisinterest。Mylookspleasedhim，letushope。Andyouansweredhim-what？"
"ThatyourhonorisagentlemannewlycrossedfromFrance。"
"Youarewell-informed，mistress，"saidMr。Caryll，athoughttartly，forifhisspeechwastaintedwithaFrenchaccentitwasinsoslightadegreeassurelytobeimperceptibletothevulgar。
"Yourclothes，sir，"thelandladyexplained，andhebethoughthim，then，thatthegreatereleganceandrefinementofhisFrenchapparelmustindeedproclaimhisorigintoonewhohadsomanyoccasionsofseeingtravelersfromGaul。ThatmightevenaccountforMr。Green'sattemptstotalktohimofFrance。Hismindreturnedtothematterofthebridalpairbelow。
"Youtoldhimthat，eh？"saidhe。"Andwhatsaidhislordshipthen？"
"Heturnedtotheparson。`Theverymanforus，Jenkins，'
sayshe。"
"Andtheparson-thisJenkins-whatanswerdidhemake？"
"`Excellentlythought，'hesays，grinning。"
"Hum！Andyouyourself，mistress，whatinferencedidyoudraw？"
"Inference，sir？"
"Aye，inference，ma'am。Didyounotgatherthatthiswasnotonlyarunawaymatch，butaclandestineone？Mylordcandependuponthediscretionofhisservant，nodoubt；forotherwitnesshewouldprefersomepasser-by，somestrangerwhowillgohiswaysto-morrow，andnotbeliketobeheardofagain。"
"Lard，sir！"criedthelandlady，hereyeswidewithastonishment。
Mr。Caryllsmiledenigmatically。"'Tisso，Iassureye，ma'am。MyLordRotherbyisofafamilysingularlycautiousintheunionsitcontracts。Inenteringmatrimonyheprefers，nodoubt，toleaveabackdooropenforquietretreatshouldherepenthimlater。"
"Yourhonorhashislordship'sacquaintance，then？"quoththelandlady。
"ItisamisfortunefromwhichHeavenhashithertopreservedme，butwhichthedevil，itseems，nowthrustsuponme。Itwill，nevertheless，interestmetoseehimatclosequarters。
Come，ma'am。"
Astheyweregoingout，Mr。Caryllcheckedsuddenly。"Why，what'so'clock？"saidhe。
Shestared，soabruptlycamethequestion。"Pastfour，sir，"
sheanswered。
Heutteredashortlaugh。"Decidedly，"saidhe，"hislordshipmustbeviewedatcloserquarters。"Andheledthewaydownstairs。
Inthepassagehewaitedforhertocomeupwithhim。"Youhadbestannouncemebyname，"hesuggested。"ItisCaryll。"
Shenodded，and，goingforward，threwopenadoor，invitinghimtoenter。
"Mr。Caryll，"sheannounced，obedienttohisinjunction，andashewentinsheclosedthedoorbehindhim。
>Fromthegroupofthreethathadbeensittingaboutthepolishedwalnuttable，thetallgentlemaninbuffandsilverroseswiftly，andadvancedtothenewcomer；whattimeMr。
Caryllmadearapidobservationofthisbrotherwhomhewasmeetingundercircumstancessooddandbyachancesopeculiar。
Hebeheldamanoftwenty-five，orperhapsalittlemore，tallandwellmade，ifalreadyincliningtoheaviness，withaswarthyface，full-lipped，big-nosed，black-eyed，anobstinatechin，andadeplorablebrow。Atsight，byinstinct，hedislikedhisbrother。HewonderedvaguelywasLordRotherbyinappearanceatallliketheircommonfather；butbeyondthathegavelittlethoughttothetiethatboundthem。Indeed，hehasplacedituponrecordthat，savinginsuchmomentsofhighstressasfollowedintheirlaterconnection，henevercouldrememberthattheywerethesonsofthesameparent。
"Ithought，"wasRotherby'sgreeting，anotealmostofirritationinhisvoice，"thatthewomansaidyouwerefromFrance。"
Itwasanoddwelcome，butitsoddnessatthemomentwentunheeded。Hisswiftscrutinyofhisbrotherover，Mr。
Caryll'sglancepassedontobecomeriveteduponthefaceoftheladyatthetable'shead。Inadditiontothebeautieswhichfromabovehehaddescried，henowperceivedthathermouthwassensitiveandkindly，herwholeexpressiononeofgentlewistfulness，exceedingsweettocontemplate。Whatdidsheinthisgalley，hewondered；andhehasconfessedthatjustasatsighthehaddislikedhisbrother，sofromthathour-fromtheveryinstantofhiseyes'alightingonherthere-helovedtheladywhomhisbrotherwastowed，feltasurpassingneedofher，conceivedthatinthemeetingoftheireyestheirverysoulshadmet，sothatitwastohimasifhehadknownhersincehehadknownanything。Meanwhiletherewashislordship'squestiontobeanswered。Heanswereditmechanically，hiseyesuponthelady，andshereturningthegazeofthosequeer，greenisheyeswithasweetnessthatgaveplacetonoconfusion。
"IamfromFrance，sir。"
"ButnotFrench？"hislordshipcontinued。
Mr。Caryllfetchedhiseyesfromthelady'stomeetLordRotherby's。"MorethanhalfFrench，"hereplied，theFrenchtaintinhisaccentgrowingslightlymorepronounced。"ItwasbutanaccidentthatmyfatherwasanEnglishman。"
Rotherbylaughedsoftly，athoughtcontemptuously。Foreignerswerethingswhichinhisuntraveled，unletteredignorancehedespised。ThedifferencebetweenaFrenchmanandaSouthSeaIslanderwasathingneverquiteappreciatedbyhislordship。
Somesubtledifferencehehadnodoubtexisted；butforhimitwasenoughtoknowthatbothwereforeigners；therefore，itlogicallyfollowed，bothwerekin。
"Yourwords，sir，mightbeoddlyinterpreted。'Ponhonor，theymight！"saidhe，andlaughedsoftlyagainwithsingularinsolence。
"IftheyhaveamusedyourlordshipIamhappy，"saidMr。
CaryllinsuchatonethatRotherbylookedtoseewhetherhewasbeingroasted。"Youwantedme，Ithink。Ibegthatyou'llnotthankmeforhavingdescended。Itwasanhonor。"
ItoccurredtoRotherbythatthiswasaveiledreprooffortheillmannersoftheomission。Againhelookedsharplyatthismanwhowasscanninghimwithsuchinterest，buthedetectedinthecalm，high-bredfacenothingtosuggestthatanymockerywasintended。BelatedlyhefelltodoingtheverythingthatMr。Caryllhadbeggedhimtoleaveundone：hefelltothankinghim。AsforMr。Caryllhimself，noteventhequeerpositionintowhichhehadbeenthrustcouldrepresshischaracteristics。Whattimehislordshipthankedhim，helookedabouthimattheotheroccupantsoftheroom，andfoundthat，besidestheparson，sittingpaleandwide-eyedatthetable，therewaspresentinthebackgroundhislordship'sman-aquietfellow，quietlygarbedingray，withashrewdfaceandshrewd，shiftyeyes。Mr。Caryllsaw，andregistered，forfutureuse，thereflectionthateyesthatareovershrewdareseldomwonttolookoutofhonestheads。
"Youaredesired，"hislordshipinformedhim，"tobewitnesstoamarriage。"
"Somuchthelandladyhadmadeknowntome。"
"Itisnot，Itrust，ataskthatwilloccasionyouanyscruples。"
"None。Onthecontrary，itistheabsenceofthemarriagemightdothat。"Thesmooth，easytonesomaskedtheinnermeaningoftheanswerthathislordshipscarceattendedtothewords。
"Thenwehadbestgeton。Weareinhaste。"
"'Tisthecharacteristicrashnessoffolkabouttoenterwedlock，"saidMr。Caryll，asheapproachedthetablewithhislordship，hiseyesashespoketurningfulluponthebride。
Mylordlaughed，musicallyenough，butoverloudforamanofbrainsorbreeding。"Marryinhaste，eh？"quothhe。
"Youarepenetrationitself，"Mr。Caryllpraisedhim。
"'Twilltakeashrewdroguetobetterme，"hislordshipagreed。
"Yetanhonestmanmightworstyou。Oneneverknows。Butthelady'spatienceisbeingtaxed。"
Itwasaswellheaddedthat，forhislordshiphadturnedwithintenttoaskhimwhathemeant。
"Aye！Come，Jenkins。Getonwithyourpatter。Gaskell，"hecalledtohisman，"standforwardhere。"Thenhetookhisplacebesidethelady，whohadrisen，andstoodpale，witheyescastdownand-asMr。Caryllalonesaw-thefaintestquiveratthecornersofherlips。ThisservedtoincreaseMr。Caryll'salreadyconsiderablecogitations。
Theparsonfacedthem，fumblingathisbook，Mr。Caryll'seyeswatchinghimwiththatcold，levelglanceoftheirs。Theparsonlookedup，metthatuncannygaze，displayedhisteethinagrinofterror，felltotrembling，anddroppedthebookinhisconfusion。Mr。Caryll，smilingsardonically，stoopedtorestoreithim。
Therefollowedafreshpause。Mr。Jenkins，havinglosthisplace，seemedatsomepainstofinditagain-amazing，indeed，inonewhoseprofessionshouldhaverenderedhimsofamiliarwithitspages。
Mr。Caryllcontinuedtowatchhim，insilence，and-asanobservermighthavethought，as，indeed，Gaskelldidthink，thoughhesaidnothingatthetime-withwickedrelish。
CHAPTERIII
THEWITNESS
AtlastthepagewasfoundagainbyMr。Jenkins。Havingfoundit，hehesitatedstillamoment，thenclearedhisthroat，andinthemannerofonehurlinghimselfforwarduponadesperateventure，hebegantoread。
"Dearlybeloved，wearegatheredhereinthesightofGod，"
heread，andoninanasal，whiningvoice，whichnotonlywastheveryvoiceyouwouldhaveexpectedfromsuchaman，butinaccordance，too，withsoundclericalconvention。Thebridalpairstoodbeforehim，thegroomwithaslightflushonhischeeksandabrightglitterinhisblackeyes，whichwerenotnicetosee；thebridewithbowedheadandbosomheavingasinresponsetoinwardtumult。
Theclericcametotheendofhisexordium，pausedamoment，andwhetherbecausehegatheredconfidence，whetherbecauseherealizedtheimpressivecharacterofthefreshmatteruponwhichheentered，heproceedednowinafirmer，moresonorousvoice："Irequireandchargeyoubothasyewillansweronthedreadfuldayofjudgment"
"Ye'veforgotsomething，"Mr。Caryllinterruptedblandly。
Hislordshipswungroundwithanimpatientgestureandanimpatientsnort；thelady，too，lookedupsuddenly，whilstMr。
Jenkinsseemedtofallintoanutterpanic。
"Wha-what？"hestammered。"WhathaveIforgot？"
"Toreadthedirections，Ithink。"
HislordshipscowleddarklyuponMr。Caryll，whoheededhimnotatall，butwatchedtheladysideways。
Mr。Jenkinsturnedfirstscarlet，thenpalerthanhehadbeenbefore，andbenthiseyestothebooktoreadinaslightlypuzzledvoicetheitalicizedwordsabovetheperiodhehadembarkedupon。"Andalsospeakinguntothepersonsthatshallbemarried，heshallsay："heread，andlookedupinquiry，hisfaintly-colored，prominenteyesendeavoringtosustainMr。
Caryll'ssteadyglance，butfailingmiserably。
"'Tisfartherback，"Mr。Caryllinformedhiminanswertothatmutequestion；andasthefellowmoistenedhisthumbtoturnbackthepages，Mr。Caryllsavedhimthetrouble。"Itsays，I
think，thatthemanshouldbeonyourrighthandandthewomanonyourleft。Yeseemtohavereversedmatters，Mr。Jenkins。
Butperhapsye'releft-handed。"
"Stabme！"wasMr。Jenkins'mostuncanonicalcomment。"IvowIamover-flustered。Yourlordshipissoimpatientwithme。
Thisgentlemanisright。ButthatIwassoflustered。Willyounotchangeplaceswithhislordship，ma'am？"
Theychangedplaces，aftertheviscounthadthankedMr。Caryllshortlyandcursedtheparsonwithcircumstanceandfervor。
Itwaswelldoneonhislordship'spart，buttheladydidnotseemconvincedbyit。Herfacelookedwhiter，andhereyeshadanalarmed，half-suspiciousexpression。
"Wemustbeginagain，"saidMr。Jenkins。Andhebeganagain。
Mr。Carylllistenedandwatched，andhebegantoenjoyhimselfexceedingly。Hehadnotreckoneduponsorichanentertainmentwhenhehadconsentedtocomedowntowitnessthisoddceremony。Hissenseofhumorconqueredeveryotherconsideration，andthecircumstancethatLordRotherbywashisbrother，ifrememberedatall，servedbuttoaddaspicetothesituation。
OutofsheerdeviltryhewaiteduntilMr。Jenkinshadlaboredforasecondtimethroughtheopeningperiods。Againheallowedhimtogetasfaras"Ichargeandrequireyouboth-，"beforeagainheinterruptedhim。
"Thereissomethingelseye'veforgot，"saidheinthatsweet，quietvoiceofhis。
ThiswastoomuchforRotherby。"Damnyou！"heswore，turningalividfaceuponMr。Caryll，andfailedtoobservethatatthesoundofthatharshoathandatthesightofhisfuriousface，theladyrecoiledfromhim，thesuspicionlatelyinherfaceturningfirsttoconvictionandthentoabsolutehorror。
"Idonotthinkyouarecivil，"saidMr。Caryllcritically。
"ItwasinyourintereststhatIspoke。"
"ThenI'llthankyou，inmyinterests，toholdyourtongue！"
hislordshipstormed。
"Inthatcase，"saidMr。Caryll，"Imuststillspeakintheinterestsofthelady。Sinceyou'vedesiredmetobeawitness，I'lldomydutybyyoubothandseeyouproperlywed。"
"Now，whatthedevilmayyoumeanbythat？"demandedhislordship，betrayinghimselfmoreandmoreateveryword。
Mr。Jenkins，inaspasmofterror，soughttopouroiluponthesewaters。"Mylord，"hebleated，teethandeyeballsprotrudingfromhispallidface。"Mylord！Perhapsthegentlemanisright。Perhaps-Perhaps-"Hegulped，andturnedtoMr。Caryll。"Whatis'tyethinkwehaveforgotnow？"heasked。
"Thetimeofday，"Mr。Caryllreplied，andwatchedthepuzzledlookthatcameintoboththeirfaces。
"Doyedealinriddleswithus？"quothhislordship。"Whathavewetodowiththetimeofday？"
"Bestasktheparson，"suggestedMr。Caryll。