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