CHAPTERVI
　　HORTENSIA'SRETURN
　　Mr。Caryllneedsexplainingashewalksthereinthemoonlight；thatis，ifweareatalltounderstandhim-amatterbynomeanseasy，consideringthathehasconfessedhedidnotunderstandhimself。Didevermanmakeasinceredeclarationofsuddenpassionasflippantlyashehaddone，orinterms-bettercalculatedtoalienatetheregardhesoughttowin？Didevermanchoosehistimewithlessdiscrimination，orhiswordswithlessdiscretion？Assuredlynot。TosupposethatMr。Caryllwasunawareofthis，wouldbetosupposehimafool，andthathemostcertainlywasnot。
　　Hismoodwasextremelycomplex；itsanalysis，Ifear，maybaffleus。Itmusthaveseemedtoyou-asitcertainlyseemedtoMistressWinthrop-thathemadeamockofher；thatintruthhewastheimpudent，fleeringcoxcombshepronouncedhim，andnothingmore。Notso。Mockhemostcertainlydid；
　　buthismockerywasallaimedtostrikehimselfontherecoil-himselfandthesentimentswhichhadsprungtobeinginhissoul，andtowhich-namelessashewas，pledgedashewastoataskthatwouldmostlikelyinvolvehisruin-heconceivedthathehadnoright。Hegaveexpressiontohisfeelings，yetchoseforthemtheexpressionbestcalculatedtorenderthembarrenofallconsequencewhereMistressWinthropwasconcerned。Whereanotherwouldhavehiddenthoseemotions，Mr。Caryllelectedtoflauntthemhalf-derisively，thatHortensiamighttramplethemunderfootinsheerdisgust。
　　Itwas，perhaps，theknowledgethatdidhewait，andcometoherasanhonest，devoutlover，hemustinhonestytellheralltherewastoknowofhisoddhistoryandofhisbastardy，andthussetupbetweenthemabarrierinsurmountable。
　　Better，hemayhavethought，tomakefromtheoutsetamockeryofapassionforwhichtherecouldbenohope。Andso，underthatmocking，impertinentexterior，Ihopeyoucatchsomeglimpseofthereal，sufferingman-themanwhoboastedthathehadthegiftoflaughter。
　　Hecontinuedawhiletopacethedewylawnaftershehadlefthim，andadeepdespondencydescendeduponthespiritofthismanwhoaccountedseriousnessafolly。Hithertohisrancoragainsthisfatherhadbeenatheoreticalrancor，athingeducatedintohimbyEverard，andacceptedbyhimasweacceptapropositioninEuclidthatisprovedtous。Initswayithadbeenamake-believerancor，arancoronprinciple，forhehadbeenmadetoseethatunlesshewasinflamedbyit，hewasnotworthytobehismother'sson。Tonighthadchangedallthis。Nolongerwashisgrievancesentimental，theoreticalorabstract。Itwassuddenlybecomerealandverybitter。Itwasnolongeraquestionofthewrongdonehismotherthirtyyearsago；itbecamethequestionofawrongdonehimselfincastinghimnamelessupontheworld，athingofscorntocruel，unjusthumanity。CouldMistressWinthrophaveguessedthebitterself-derisionwithwhichhehad，inapparentlevity，offeredherhisname，shemighthavefeltsomepityforhimwhohadnopityforhimself。
　　Andso，to-nighthefelt-asonceforamomentEverardhadmadehimfeel-thathehadaveryrealwrongofhisowntoavengeuponhisfather；andthetaskbeforehimlostmuchoftherepugnancethatithadheldforhimhitherto。
　　AllthisbecausefourhoursagohehadlookedintothebrowndepthsofMistressWinthrop'seyes。Hesighed，anddeclaimedalineofCongreve's：
　　"`Womanisafairimageinapool；wholeapsatitissunk。'"
　　Thelandlordcametobidhimintosupper。Heexcusedhimself。Senthislordshipwordthathewasover-tired，andwentofftobed。
　　Theymetatbreakfast，atanearlyhouruponthemorrow，MistressWinthropcoolanddistant；hislordshipgrumpyandmute；Mr。Caryllairyandtalkativeaswashishabit。Theysetoutsoonafterwards。Butmatterswerenowiseimproved。
　　Hislordshipdozedinacornerofthecarriage，whileMistressWinthropfoundmoreinterestinthefloweringhedgerowsthaninMr。Caryll，ignoredhimwhenhetalked，anddidnotanswerhimwhenhesetquestions；till，intheend，he，too，lapsedintosilence，andasasolatiumforhissorenessassuredhimselfbylengthy，wordlessargumentsthatmatterswerebestso。
　　TheyenteredtheoutlyingpartsofLondonsometwohourslater，anditstillwantedonhourorsotonoonwhenthechaisebroughtupinsidetherailingsbeforetheearl'shouseinLincoln'sInnFields。
　　Therecamearushoffootmen，abustleofservice，amidwhichtheyalightedandenteredthesplendidresidencethatwaspartofthelittlethatremainedLordOstermorefromthewreckhisfortuneshadsufferedontheshoalsoftheSouthSea。
　　Mr。CaryllpausedamomenttodismissLeductotheaddressinOldPalaceYardwherehehadhiredalodging。Thatdone，hefollowedhislordshipandHortensiawithindoors。
　　>Fromtheinnerhallafootmanusheredhimacrossanante-chambertoaroomontheright，whichprovedtobethelibrary，andwashislordship'shabitualretreat。Itwasaspacious，pillaredchamber，veryrichlypanelledindamasksilk，andveryrichlyfurnished，havinglongFrenchwindowsthatopenedonaterraceabovethegarden。
　　Astheyenteredtherecameaswiftrustleofpetticoatsattheirheels，andMr。Caryllstoodaside，bowing，togivepassagetoatallladywhosweptbywithnomoreregardforhimthanhadhebeenoneofthehouse'slackeys。Shewas，heobserved，ofmiddle-age，leanandaquiline-featured，withanexaggeratedchin，thatendedsquarelyasboot。Hersallowcheekswereraddledtoahecticcolor，amonstroushead-dress-likethatofsomehorseinalordmayor'sshow-coiffedher，andherdresswasamixtureofextravaganceandincongruity，thepetticoatabsurdlyhooped。
　　Shesweptintotheroomlikeabattleshipintoaction，andletflyherfirstbroadsideatMistressWinthropfromthethreshold。
　　"Codso！"sheshrilled。"Youhavecomeback！Andforwhathaveyoucomeback？AmItoliveinthesamehousewithyou，youshamelessmadam-thathavenomorethoughtforyourreputationthanaslutinasmock-race？"
　　Hortensiaraisedindignanteyesfromoutofafacethatwasverypale。Herlipsweretightlypressed-inresolution，thoughtMr。Caryll，whowasveryobservantofher-nottoanswerherladyship；forMr。Caryllhadlittledoubtastotheidentityofthisdragon。
　　"Mylove-mydear-"beganhislordship，advancingastep，histoneaverysalve。Then，seekingtocreateadiversion，hewavedahandtowardsMr。Caryll。"Letmepresent-"
　　"DidIspeaktoyou？"sheturnedtobombardhim。"Haveyounotdoneharmenough？Hadyoubeenaughtbutafool-hadyourespectedmeasahusbandshould-youhadleftwellaloneandlethergoherways。"
　　"Therewasmydutytoherfather，tosayaughtof-"
　　"Andwhatofyourdutytome？"sheblazed，hereyespuckeringmostmalignantly。SheremindedMr。Caryllofnothingsomuchasavulture。"Hadyeforgottenthat？Haveyenothoughtfordecency-norespectforyourwife？"
　　Herstridentvoicewasechoingthroughthehouseanddrawingalittlecrowdofgapingservantstothehall。TospareMistressWinthrop，Mr。Carylltookituponhimselftoclosethedoor。Thecountessturnedatthesound。
　　"Whoisthis？"sheasked，measuringtheelegantfigurewithanevileye。AndMr。Caryllfeltitinhisbonesthatshehaddonehimthehonortodislikehimatsight。
　　"Itisagentlemanwho-who-"Hislordshipthoughtitbetter，apparently，nottoexplaintheexactcircumstancesunderwhichhehadmetthegentleman。Heshiftedground。"I
　　wasabouttopresenthim，mylove。ItisMr。Caryll-Mr。
　　JustinCaryll。This，sir，ismyLadyOstermore。"
　　Mr。Caryllmadeheraprofoundbow。Herladyshipretortedwithasniff。
　　"Isitakinsmanofyours，mylord？"andthecontemptofthequestionwasladenwithasuggestionthatsmoteMr。Caryllhard。Whatsheimpliedinwantonoffensivemockerywasnomorethanhealonepresentknewtobetheexactandhideoustruth。
　　"Someremotekinsman，Imakenodoubt，"theearlexplained。
　　"UntilyesterdayIhadnotthehonorofhisacquaintance。Mr。
　　CaryllisfromFrance。"
　　"Ye'llbeaJacobite，nodoubt，then，"wereherfirst，uncompromisingwordstotheguest。
　　Mr。Caryllmadeheranotherbow。"IfIwere，Ishouldmakenosecretofitwithyourladyship，"heansweredwiththatirritatingsuavityinwhichheclothedhismostobvioussarcasms。
　　Herladyshipopenedhereyesalittlewider。Herewasatoneshewasunusedto。"Andwhatmayyourbusinesswithhislordshipbe？"
　　"Hislordship'sbusiness，Ithink，"answeredMr。Caryllinatoneofsuchexquisitepolitenessanddeferencethatthewordsseemedpurgedofalltheirrudeness。
　　"Willyouanswermeso，sir？"shedemanded，nevertheless，hervoicequivering。
　　"Mylove！"interpolatedhislordshiphurriedly，hisfloridfaceaflush。"WearevastlyindebtedtoMr。Caryll，asyoushalllearn。ItwashewhosavedHortensia。"
　　"Savedthedrab，didhe？Andfromwhat，pray？"
　　"Madam！"ItwasHortensiawhospoke。Shehadrisen，palewithanger，andshemadeappealnowtoherguardian。"Mylord，I'llnotremaintobesospokenof。Suffermetogo。
　　Thatherladyshipshouldsospeakofmetomyface-andtoastranger！"
　　"Stranger！"crowedherladyship。"Lard！Andwhatd'yesupposewillhappen？AreyousoniceaboutastrangerhearingwhatImayhavetosayofyou-youthatwillbethetalkofthewholelewdtownforthisfineescapade？Andwhat'llthetownsayofyou？"
　　"Mylove！"hislordshipsoughtagaintosootheher。"Sylvia，letmeimploreyou！Alittlemoderation！Alittlecharity！
　　Hortensiahasbeenfoolish。Sheconfessessomuch，herself。
　　Yet，whenallissaid，'tisnotsheistoblame。"
　　"AmI？"
　　"Mylove！Wasitsuggested？"
　　"Imarvelitwasnot。Indeed，Imarvel！Oh，Hortensiaisnottoblame，thesweet，puredove！Whatisshe，then？"
　　"Tobepitied，ma'am，"saidhislordship，stirredtosuddenanger，"thatsheshouldhavelentaneartoyourdisreputableson。"
　　"Myson？Myson？"criedherladyship，hervoicemoreandmorestrident，herfaceflushingtilltherougeuponitwasputtoshame，revealedinallitsunnaturalhideousness。"Andishenotyourson，mylord？"
　　"Therearemoments，"heansweredhardily，"whenIfinditdifficulttobelieve。"
　　Itwasmuchforhimtosay，andtoherladyship，ofallpeople。Itwaspuremutiny。Shegaspedforair；pumpedherbrainforwords。Meantime，hislordshipcontinuedwithaneloquenceentirelyunusualinhimandpromptedentirelybyhisstrongfeelingsinthematterofhisson。"Heisadisgracetohisname！Healwayshasbeen。Whenaboy，hewasaliarandathief，andhadhehadhisdesertshehadbeenlodgedinNewgatelongago-orworse。Nowthathe'saman，he'sanabandonedprofligate，abrawler，adrunkard，arakehell。SomuchIhavelongknownhimfor；butto-dayhehasshownhimselfforsomethingevenworse。Ihadthoughtthatmyward，atleast，hadbeensacredfromhisvillainy。Thatisthelastdrop。I'llnotcondoneit。Damnme！Ican'tcondoneit。
　　I'lldisownhim。Heshallnotsetfootinhouseofmineagain。LethimkeepthecompanyofhisGraceofWhartonandhisotherabandonedfriendsoftheHellFireClub；hekeepsnotmine。Hekeepsnotmine，Isay！"
　　Herladyshipswallowedhard。Fromredthatshehadbeen，shewasnowashenunderherrouge。"And，isthiswantonbaggagetokeepmine？Isshetodisgraceahouseholdthathasgrowntoonicetocontainyourson？"
　　"Mylord！Oh，mylord，givemeleavetogo，"Hortensiaentreated。
　　"Ay，go，"sneeredherladyship。"Go！Youhadbestgo-backtohim。Whatfordidyeleavehim？Didyedreamtherecouldbeaughttoreturnto？"
　　Hortensiaturnedtoherguardianagainappealingly。Butherladyshipboredownuponher，incensedbythisignoring；shecaughtthegirl'swristinherclaw-likehand。"Answerme，youdrab！Whatfordidyoureturn？Whatistobedonewithyounowthaty'aresoiledgoods？Whereshallwefindahusbandforyou？"
　　"Idonotwantahusband，madam，"answeredHortensia。
　　"Willyeleadapesinhell，then？Bah！'Tisnotwhatyewant，myfinemadam；'tiswhatwecangetyou；andwhereshallwefindyouahusbandnow？"
　　HereyefelluponMr。Caryll，standingbyoneofthewindows，alookofprofounddisgustoverplayingtheusuallyimmobileface。"PerhapsthegentlemanfromFrance-thegentlemanwhosavedyou，"shesneered，"willproposetotaketheoffice。"
　　"Withallmyheart，ma'am，"Mr。Caryllstartledthemandhimselfbyanswering。Then，perceivingthathehadspokentoomuchuponimpulse-givenutterancetowhatwaspassinginhismind-"Ibutmentionittoshowyourladyshiphowmistakenareyourconclusions，"headded。
　　ThecountessloosedherholdofHortensia'swristinheramazement，andlookedthegentlemanfromFranceupanddowninamightyscornfulmanner。"Codso！"sheswore，"Imaytakeit，then，thatyoursavingher-asyecallit-wasnoaccident。"
　　"Indeeditwas，ma'am-andamostfortunateaccidentforyourson。"
　　"Formyson？Ashow？"
　　"Itsavedhimfromhanging，ma'am，"Mr。Caryllinformedher，andgavehersomethingotherthanthebaitingofHortensiatooccupyhermind。
　　"Hang？"shegasped。"AreyouspeakingofLordRotherby？"
　　"Ay，ofLordRotherby-andnotawordmorethanistrue，"putintheearl。"Doyouknow-butyoudonot-theextentofyourpreciousson'svillainy？AtMaidstone，whereIovertookthem-attheAdamandEve-hehadamake-believeparson，andhewasluringthispoorchildintoamock-marriage。"
　　Herladyshipstared。"Mock-marriage？"sheechoed。"Marriage？
　　La！"Andagainsheventedherunpleasantlaugh。"Didsheinsistonthat，theprude？Y'amazeme！"
　　"Surely，mylove，youdonotapprehend。HadLordRotherby'sparsonnotbeendetectedandunmaskedbyMr。Caryll，here-"
　　"Wouldyouha'mebelieveshedidnotknowthefellowwasnoparson？"
　　"Oh！"criedHortensia。"Yourladyshiphasaverywickedsoul。
　　MayGodforgiveyou！"
　　"Andwhoistoforgiveyou？"snappedthecountess。
　　"Ineednoforgiveness，forIhavedonenowrong。Afolly，I
　　confessto。Iwasmadtohaveheededsuchavillain。"
　　Herladyshipgatheredforcesforafreshassault。ButMr。
　　Caryllanticipatedit。Itwasnodoubtagreatimpertinenceinhim；buthesawHortensia'surgentneed，andhefelt，moreover，thatnotevenLordOstermorewouldresenthiscrossingswordsamomentwithherladyship。
　　"Youwoulddowell，ma'am，toremember，"saidhe，inhissingularlyprecisevoice，"thatLordRotherbyevennow-andasthingshavefallenout-isbynomeansquitofalldanger。"
　　Shelookedatthissmoothgentleman，andhiswordsburnedthemselvesintoherbrain。Shequiveredwithminglingfearandanger。
　　"Wha'-whatis'tyemean？"quothshe。
　　"Thatevenatthishour，ifthematterwereputabout，hislordshipmightbebroughttoaccountforit，anditmightfareveryillwithhim。ThelawofEnglanddealsheavilywithanoffensesuchasLordRotherby's，andtheattemptatamock-marriage，ofwhichthereisnolackofevidence，wouldsoaggravatethecrimeofabduction，ifhewereinformedagainst，thatitmightgoveryhardwithhim。"
　　Herjawfell。Shecaughtmorethananadmonitioninhiswords。Italmostseemedtoherthathewasthreatening。
　　"Who-whoistoinform？"sheaskedpoint-blank，hertoneachallenge；andyettheoddchangeinitfromitsrecentaggressivenesswasalmostludicrous。
　　"Ah-who？"saidMr。Caryll，raisinghiseyesandfetchingasigh。"ItwouldappearthatamessengerfromtheSecretaryofState-onanothermatter-wasattheAdamandEveatthetimewithtwoofhiscatchpolls，andhewasawitnessofthewholeaffair。Thenagain，"andhewavedahanddoorwards，"servantsareservants。Imakenodoubttheyarelistening，andyourladyship'svoicehasscarcebeencontrolled。Youcanneversaywhenaservantmayceasetobeaservant，andbecomeanactiveenemy。"
　　"Damntheservants！"sheswore，dismissingthemfromconsideration。"Whoisthismessengerofthesecretary's？Whoishe？"
　　"HewasnamedGreen。'TisallIknow。"
　　"Andwheremayhebefound？"
　　"Icannotsay。"
　　SheturnedtoLordOstermore。"WhereisRotherby？"sheinquired。Shewasathoughtbreathless。
　　"Idonotknow，"saidhe，inavoicethatsignifiedhowlittlehecared。
　　"Hemustbefound。Thisfellow'ssilencemustbebought。
　　I'llnothavemysondisgraced，andgaoled，perhaps。Hemustbefound。"
　　Heralarmwasveryrealnow。Shemovedtowardsthedoor，thenpaused，andturnedagain。"Meantime，letyourlordshipconsiderwhatdispositionsyouaretomakeforthiswretchedgirtwhoisthecauseofallthisgarboil。"
　　Andshesweptout，slammingthedoorviolentlyafterher。
　　CHAPTERVII
　　FATHERANDSON
　　Mr。CaryllstayedtodineatStrettonHouse。AlthoughtheyhadjourneyedbutfromCroydonthatmorning，hewouldhavepreferredtohavegonefirsttohislodgingtohavemade-
　　fastidiousashewas-asuitablechangeinhisapparel。Buttheurgencythathistaskdictatedcausedhimtowaivethepoint。
　　Hehadahalf-hourorsotohimselfafterthestormyscenewithherladyship，inwhichhehadplayedagain-thoughinalesserdegree-thepartofsaviortoMistressWinthrop，amatterforwhichtheladyhadrewardedhim，erewithdrawing，withafriendlysmile，whichcausedhimtothinkherdisposedtoforgivehimhisyesternight'sfolly。
　　Inthathalf-hourhegavehimselfagainveryseriouslytothecontemplationofhisposition。HehadnoillusionsonthescoreofLordOstermore，andheratedhisfathernohigherthanhedeserved。Buthewasjustandshrewdinhisjudgment，andhewasforcedtoconfessthathehadfoundthisfatherofhisvastlydifferentfromthemanhehadbeenledtoexpect。
　　Hehadlookedtofindadebauchedoldrake，avilecreaturesteepedinviceandwickedness。Instead，hefoundaweak，easy-natured，commonplacefellow，whoseworstsinseemedtobetheselfishnessthatisusuallyinseparablefromthoseothercharacteristics。IfOstermorewasnotamanofthetypethatinspiresstrongaffection，neitherwasheofthetypethatprovokesstrongdislike。Hiscolorlessnatureleftoneindifferenttohim。
　　Mr。Caryll，somewhattohisdismay，foundhimselfinclinedtoextendthemansomesympathy；caughthimselfuponthevergeofpityinghimforbeingburdenedwithsoveryunfilialasonandsoverycursedawife。Itwasoneofhischerishedbeliefsthattheevilthatmendohasatrickoffindingthemoutinthislife，andhere，hebelieved，asshrew-riddenhusbandanddespisedfather，theEarlofOstermorewasbeingmadetoexpiatethatsinofhisearlyyears。
　　AnotherofMr。Caryll'sphilosophieswasthat，whenallissaid，manislittleofafreeagent。Hisviciousnessorsanctityistemperamental；andnottheman，buthisnature-
　　whichisnotself-imbued-mustbeartheresponsibilityofaman'sdeeds，betheygoodorbad。
　　Intheabstractsuchbeliefsarewellenough；theyareexcellentstandardsbywhichtojudgewhereothersufferersthanourselvesareconcerned。Butwhenweourselvesaretouched，theyarediscountedbythemeasureinwhichaman'sdeedsormisdeedsmayaffectus。AndalthoughtoanextentthismightbethecasenowwithMr。Caryll，yet，inspiteofit，hefoundhimselfexcusinghisfatheronthescoreoftheman'sweaknessandstupidity，untilhecaughthimselfupwiththereflectionthatthiswasadisloyaltytoEverard，tohistraining，andtohismother。Andyet-hereverted-insuchamanasOstermore，sheerstupidity，alackofimagination，ofinsightintothingsastheyreallyare，alackoffeelingthatwoulddisablehimfromappreciatingtheextentofanywronghedid，seemedtoMr。Carylltobeextenuatingcircumstances。
　　Heconceivedthathewasamazinglydispassionateinhisjudgment，andhewonderedwasherightorwrongsotobe。
　　Thenthethoughtofhistaskaroseinhismind，anditbathedhiminasweatofhorror。OverinFrancehehadallowedhimselftobepersuaded，andhadpledgedhimselftodothisthing。Everard，therelentless，unforgivingfanaticofvengeance，had-aswehaveseen-trainedhimtobelievethattheavengingofhismother'swrongswastheonlythingthatcouldjustifyhisownexistence。Besides，ithadallseemedremotethen，andeasyasremotethingsareapttoseem。Butnow-nowthathehadmetinthefleshthismanwhowashisfather-hishesitationwasturnedtoveryhorror。Itwasnotthathedidnotconceive，inspiteofhisoddideasupontemperamentanditsresponsibilities，thathismother's'
　　wrongscriedoutforvengeance，andthattheavengingofthemwouldbearighteous，fittingdeed；butitwasthatheconceivedthathisownwasnotthehandtodotheworkoftheexecutionerupononewho-afterall-wasstillhisownfather。Itwashideouslyunnatural。
　　Hesatinthelibrary，awaitinghislordshipandtheannouncementofdinner。Therewasabookbeforehim；buthiseyeswereuponthewindow，thesmoothlawnsbeyond，alldrenchedinsummersunshine，andhisthoughtswereintrospective。Helookedintohisshudderingsoul，andsawthathecouldnot-thathewouldnot-dothethingwhichhewascometodo。HewouldawaitthecomingofEverard，totellhimso。Therewouldbeastormtoface，heknew。Butsoonerthatthancarrythisvilethingthrough。Itwasvile-mostdamnablyvile-henowopined。
　　Thedecisiontaken，heroseandcrossedtothewindow。Hismindhadbeenintravail；hissoulhadknownthepangsoflabor。Butnowthatthisstrongresolvehadbeenbroughtforth，aneaseandpeacewerehisthatseemedtoprovetohimhowrighthewas，howwrongmustaughtelsehavebeen。
　　LordOstermorecamein。Heannouncedthattheywouldbediningalonetogether。"Herladyship，"heexplained，"hasgoneforthinpersontoseekLordRotherby。Shebelievesthatsheknowswheretofindhim-insomedisreputablehaunt，nodoubt，whitherherladyshipwouldhavebeenbetteradvisedtohavesentaservant。Butwomenarewaywardcattle-wayward，headstrongcattle！Haveyounotfoundthemso，Mr。Caryll？"
　　"Ihavefoundthattheopinioniscommontomosthusbands，"
　　saidMr。Caryll，thenaddedaquestiontouchingMistressWinthrop，andwonderedwouldshenotbejoiningthemattable。
　　"Thepoorchildkeepsherchamber，"saidtheearl。"Sheisoverwrought-overwrought！Iamafraidherladyship-"Hebrokeoffabruptly，andcoughed。"Sheisoverwrought，"herepeatedinconclusion。"Sothatwedinealone。"
　　Andalonetheydined。Ostermore，despitethehavocsufferedbyhisfortunes，keptanexcellenttableandaclevercook，andMr。Caryllwasgladtodiscoverinhissirethisonecommendabletrait。
　　Theconversationwasdesultorythroughouttherepast；butwhentheclothwasraisedandthetableclearedofallbutthedishesoffruitandthedecantersofOporto，CanaryandMadeira，therecameamomentofexpansion。
　　Mr。Caryllwasleaningbackinhischair，fingeringthestemofhiswine-glass，watchingtheplayofsunlightthroughtheruddyamberofthewine，andconsideringtheextraordinarilyoddpositionofamansittingattable，bythemerestchance，almost，withafatherwhowasnotawarethathehadbegottenhim。Aquestionfromhislordshipcametostirhimpartiallyfromthereverieintowhichhewasbeginningtolapse。
　　"DoyoulooktomakealongsojourninEngland，Mr。Caryll？"
　　"Itwilldepend，"wasthevagueandhalf-unconsciousanswer，"uponthesuccessofthematterIamcometotransact。"
　　Thereensuedabriefpause，duringwhichMr。Caryllfellagainintohisabstraction。
　　"WheredoyoudwellwheninFrance，sir？"inquiredmylord，asiftomakepoliteconversation。
　　Mr。Carylllulledbyhismusingsintocarelessness，answeredtruthfully，"AtMaligny，inNormandy。"
　　Thenextmomenttherewasatinkleofbreakingglass，andMr。
　　Caryllrealizedhisindiscretionandturnedcold。
　　LordOstermore，whohadbeenintheactofraisinghisglass，fetcheditdownagainsosuddenlythatthestembrokeinhisfingers，andthemahoganywasfloodedwiththeliquor。A
　　servanthastenedforward，andsetafreshglassforhislordship。Thatdone，Ostermoresignedtothemantowithdraw。
　　Thefellowwent，closingthedoor，andleavingthosetwoalone。
　　ThepausehadbeensufficienttoenableMr。Carylltorecover，andforallthathispulsesthrobbedmorequicklythantheirhabit，outwardlyhemaintainedhislazilyindifferentpose，asifentirelyunconsciousthatwhathehadsaidhadoccasionedhisfathertheleastdisturbance。
　　"You-youdweltatMaligny？"saidhislordship，theusualhighcolorallvanishedfromhisface。Andagain："YoudweltatMaligny，and-and-yournameisCaryll。"
　　Mr。Carylllookedupquickly，asifsuddenlyawarethathislordshipwasexpressingsurprise。"Why，yes，"saidhe。"Whatisthereoddinthat？"
　　"Howdoesithappenthatyoucometolivethere？AreyouatallconnectedwiththefamilyofMaligny？Onyourmother'sside，perhaps？"
　　Mr。Carylltookuphiswine-glass。"Itakeit，"saidheeasily，"thattherewassomesuchfamilyatsometime。Butitisclearitmusthavefallenuponevildays。"Hesippedathiswine。"Therearenoneleftnow，"heexplained，ashesetdownhisglass。"Thelastofthemdied，Ibelieve，inEngland。"Hiseyesturnedfullupontheearl，buttheirglanceseemedentirelyidle。"Itwasinconsequenceofthatthatmyfatherwasenabledtopurchasetheestate。"
　　Mr。Caryllaccounteditnoliethathesuppressedthefactthatthefathertowhomhereferredwasbuthisfatherbyadoption。
　　ReliefspreadinstantlyuponLordOstermore'scountenance。
　　Clearly，hesaw，herewaspurecoincidence，andnothingmore。
　　Indeed，whatelseshouldtherehavebeen？Whatwasitthathehadfeared？Hedidnotknow。Stillheaccounteditanoddmatter，andsaidso。
　　"Whatisodd？"inquiredMr。Caryll。"Doesithappenthatyourlordshipwasacquaintedatanytimewiththatvanishedfamily？"
　　"Iwas，sir-slightlyacquainted-atonetimewithoneortwoofitsmembers。'Tisthatthatisodd。Yousee，sir，myname，too，happenstobeCaryll。"
　　"True-yetIseenothingsooddlycoincidentinthematter，particularlyifyouracquaintancewiththeseMalignyswasbutslight。"
　　"Indeed，youareright。Youareright。Thereisnosuchgreatcoincidence，whenallissaid。Thenameremindedmeofa-afollyofmyyouth。'Twasthatthatmadeimpression。"
　　"Afolly？"quothMr。Caryll，hiseyebrowsraised。
　　"Ay，afolly-afollythatwentnearundoingme，forhaditcometomyfather'sears，hehadbrokemewithoutmercy。Hewasahardman，myfather；apuritaninhisideas。"
　　"Agreaterthanyourlordship？"inquiredMr。Caryllblandly，maskingtheragethatseethedinhim。
　　Hislordshiplaughed。"Ye'reawag，Mr。Caryll-adamnedwag！"Thenrevertingtothematterthatwasuppermostinhismind。"'Tisafact，though-'ponhonor。Myfatherwouldha'
　　brokeme。Luckilyshedied。"
　　"Whodied？"askedMr。Caryll，withashowofinterest。
　　"Thegirl。DidInottellyoutherewasagirl？'Twasshewasthefolly-AntoinettedeMaligny。Butshedied-mostopportunely，egad！'Twasaverydamnedmercythatshedid。It-cutthe-the-whatd'yecallit-knot？"
　　"TheGordianknot？"suggestedMr。Caryll。
　　"Ay-theGordianknot。Hadshelivedandhadmyfathersmokedtheaffair-Gad！hewouldha'brokeme；hewouldso！"
　　herepeated，andemptiedhisglass。
　　Mr。Caryll，whitetothelips，satverystillamoment。Thenhedidacuriousthing；diditwithacurioussuddenness。Hetookaknifefromthetable，andhackedoffthelowestbuttonfromhiscoat。Thishepushedacrosstheboardtohisfather。
　　"Toturntoothermatters，"saidhe；"thereistheletteryouwereexpectingfromabroad。"
　　"Eh？What？"LordOstermoretookupthebutton。Itwasofsilk，interwovenwithgoldthread。Heturneditoverinhisfingers，lookingatitwithaheavyeye，andthenathisguest。"Eh？Letter？"hemuttered，puzzled。
　　"Ifyourlordshipwillcutthatopen，youwillseewhathismajestyhastopropose。"Hementionedthekinginavoicechargedwithsuggestion，sothatnodoubtcouldlingeronthescoreofthekinghemeant。
　　"Gad！"criedhislordship。"Gad！'TwasthusyebubbledMr。
　　Green？Shrewd，onmysoul。Andyouarethemessenger，then？"
　　"Iamthemessenger，"answeredMr。Caryllcoldly。
　　"Andwhydidyounotsaysobefore？"
　　ForthefractionofasecondMr。Caryllhesitated。Then：
　　"BecauseIdidnotjudgethatthetimewascome，"saidhe。
　　CHAPTERVIII
　　TEMPTATION
　　Hislordshiprippedawaythesilkcoveringofthebuttonwithapenknife，anddisembowelleditofasmallpacket，whichconsistedofasheetoffineandveryclosely-foldedandtightly-compressedpaper。Thishespread，castaneyeover，andthenlookedupathiscompanion，whowaswatchinghimwithsimulatedindolence。
　　Hislordshiphadpaledalittle，andtherewasaboutthelinesofhismouthalookofpreternaturalgravity。Helookedfurtivelytowardsthedoor，hisheavyeyebrowslowering。
　　"Ithink，"hesaid，"thatweshallbemoresnuginthelibrary。Willyoubearmecompany，Mr。Caryll？"
　　Mr。Caryllroseinstantly。Theearlfoldedtheletter，andturnedtogo。Hiscompanionpausedtopickupthefragmentsofthebuttonandslipthemintohispocket。Heperformedtheofficewithasmileonhislipsthatwashalfpity，halfcontempt。ItdidnotseemtohimthattherewouldbetheleastneedtobetrayLordOstermoreoncehislordshipwasweddedtotheStuartfaction。Hewouldnotfailtobetrayhimselfthroughsomeactofthoughtlessstupiditysuchasthis。
　　Inthelibrary-thedoor，andthatoftheante-roombeyondit，carefullyclosed-hislordshipunlockedasecretaireofwalnut，veryhandsomelyinlaid，and，drawingupachair，hesatdowntotheperusaloftheking'sletter。Whenhehadreaditthrough，heremainedlostinthoughtawhile。AtlengthhelookedupandacrosstowardsMr。Caryll，whowasstandingbyoneofthewindows。
　　"Youarenodoubtaconfidentialagent，sir，"saidhe。"Andyouwillbefullyawareofthecontentsofthisletterthatyouhavebroughtme。"
　　"Fully，mylord，"answeredMr。Caryll，"andIventuretohopethathismajesty'spromiseswillovercomeanyhesitationthatyoumayfeel。"
　　"Hismajesty'spromises？"saidmylordthoughtfully。"Hismajestymayneverhaveachanceoffulfillingthem。"
　　"Verytrue，sir。Butwhogamblesmustsetastakeupontheboard。Yourlordshiphasbeensomethingofagamesteralready，and-orsoIgather-withlittleprofit。Hereisachancetoplayanothergamethatmaymendtheevilfortunesofthelast。"
　　Theearlscannedhiminsurprise。"Youareexcellentwellinformed，"saidhe，betweensurpriseandirony。
　　"Mytradedemandsit。Knowledgeismybuckler。"
　　Hislordshipnoddedslowly，andfellverythoughtful，theletterbeforehim，hiseyeswanderingeverandanontoconagainsomeportionofit。"ItisagameinwhichIstakemyhead，"hemutteredpresently。
　　"Hasyourlordshipanythingelsetostake？"inquiredMr。
　　Caryll。
　　Theearllookedathimagainwithagloomyeye，andsighed，butsaidnothing。Mr。Caryllresumed。"Itisforyourlordshiptodeclare，"hesaidquitecoolly，"whetherhismajestyhascoveredyourstake。Ifyouthinknot，itisevenpossiblethathemaybeinducedtoimprovehisoffer。Thoughifyouthinknot，formyownpartIconsiderthatyousettoohighavalueonthatsameheadofyours。"
　　Touchedinhisvanity，Ostermorelookedupathimwithasuddenfrown。"Youtakeaboldtone，sir，"saidhe，"averyboldtone！"
　　"Boldnessistheattributenexttoknowledgemostessentialtomycalling，"Mr。Caryllremindedhim。
　　Hislordship'seyefellbeforetheother'scoldglance，andagainhelapsedintothoughtfulness，hischeeknowuponhishand。Suddenlyhelookedupagain。"Tellme，"saidhe。"Whoelseisinthisthing？MensaythatAtterburyisnotabovesuspicion。Isit-"
　　Mr。Caryllbentforwardtotaptheking'sletterwitharigidforefinger。"Whenyourlordshiptellsmethatyouarereadytoconcertuponembarkingyourfortunesinthisbottom，youshallfindmedisposed，perhaps，toanswerquestionsconcerningothers。Meanwhile，ourconcerniswithyourself。"
　　"Donsandthedevil！"sworehislordshipangrily。"Isthisawaytospeaktome？"Hescowledattheagent。"Tellme，myfinefellow，whatwouldhappenifIweretolaythisletteryouhavebroughtmebeforethenearestjustice？"
　　"Icannotsayforsure，"answeredMr。Caryllquietly，"butitisveryprobableitwouldhelpyourlordshiptothegallows。
　　Forifyouwillgiveyourselfthetroubleofreadingitagain-andmorecarefully-youwillseethatitmakesacknowledgmentoftheofferofservicesyouwrotehismajestyamonthorsoago。"
　　Hislordship'seyesdroppedtotheletteragain。Hecaughthisbreathinsuddenfear。
　　"WereIyourlordship，Ishouldleavethenearestjusticetoenjoyhisdinnerinpeace，"saidMr。Caryll，smiling。
　　Hislordshiplaughedinasicklymanner。Hefeltfoolish-arareconditioninhim，asinmostfools。"Well，well，"saidhegruffly。"Thematterneedsreflection。Itneedsreflection。"
　　Behindthemthedooropenednoiselessly，andherladyshipappearedincloakandwimple。Shepausedthere，unperceivedbyeither，arrestedbythewordsshehadcaught，andwaitinginthehopeofhearingmore。
　　"Imustsleepon't，atleast，"hislordshipwascontinuing。
　　"'Tistoograveamattertobedeterminedthusinhaste。"
　　AfaintsoundcaughtthekeenearsofMr。Caryll。Heturnedwithaleisurelinessthatborewitnesstohismiraculousself-control。Perceivingthecountess，hebowed，andcasuallyputhislordshiponhisguard。
　　"Ah！"saidhe。"Hereisherladyshipreturned。"
　　LordOstermoregaspedaudiblyandswungroundinanalarmthanwhichnothingcouldhavebetrayedhimmoreeffectively。"My-
　　mylove！"hecried，stammering，andbyhiswildhastetoconcealtheletterthatheheld，drewherattentiontoit。
　　Mr。Caryllsteppedbetweenthem，hisbacktohislordship，thathemightactasascreenundercoverofwhichtodisposesafelyofthatdangerousdocument。Buthewastoolate。Herladyship'squickeyeshadflashedtoit，andifthedistanceprecludedthepossibilityofherdiscoveringanythingthatmightbewrittenuponit，she，nevertheless，couldseethecuriousnatureofthepaper，whichwasoftheflimsiesttissueofasortextremelyuncommon。
　　"Whatis'tyehide？"saidshe，asshecameforward。"Why，weareveryclose，surely！Whatmischiefis'tyehatch，mylord？"'
　　"Mis-mischief，mylove？"Hesmiledpropitiatingly-hatinghermorethaneverinthatmoment。Hehadstuffedtheletterintoaninnerpocketofhiscoat，andbutthatshehadanothermattertoconcernheratthemomentshewouldnothaveallowedthequestionshehadaskedtobesoputaside。Butthisothermatteruponhermindtouchedherveryclosely。
　　"Deviltakeit，whateveritmaybe！Rotherbyishere。"
　　"Rotherby？"Hisdemeanorchanged；fromconciliatingitwasofasuddentransformedtoindignant。"Whatmakeshehere？"hedemanded。"DidInotforbidhimmyhouse？"
　　"Ibroughthim，"sheansweredpregnantly。
　　Butforoncehewasnottobeputdown。"Thenyoumaytakehimhenceagain，"saidhe。"I'llnothavehimundermyroof-
　　underthesameroofwiththatpoorchildheusedsoinfamously。I'llnotsufferit！"
　　TheGorgoncannothavelookedmorecoldlywickedthanherladyshipjustthen。"Haveacare，mylord！"shemutteredthreateningly。"Oh，haveacare，Idobeseechyou。Iamnotsotobecrossed！"
　　"NoramI，ma'am，"herejoined，andthen，beforemorecouldbesaid，Mr。Caryllsteppedforwardtoremindthemofhispresence-whichtheyseemedtostandindangerofforgetting。
　　"IfearthatIintrude，mylord，"saidhe，andbowedinleave-taking。"Ishallwaituponyourlordshiplater。Yourmostdevoted。Ma'am，yourveryhumbleservant。"Andhebowedhimselfout。
　　Intheante-roomhecameuponLordRotherby，stridingtoandfro，hisbrowallfurrowedwithcare。AtsightofMr。Caryll，theviscount'sscowlgrewblacker。"Oonsandthedevil！"hecried。"Whatmakeyouhere？"
　　"That，"saidMr。Caryllpleasantly，"istheveryquestionyourfatherisaskingherladyshipconcerningyourself。Yourservant，sir。"Andairy，graceful，smilingthatdamnableclosesmileofhis，hewasgone，leavingRotherbyveryhotandangry。
　　OutsideMr。Caryllhailedachair，andhadhimselfcarriedtohislodginginOldPalaceYard，whereLeducawaitedhim。Ashisbearersswungbrisklyalong，Mr。Caryllsatbackandgavehimselfuptothought。
　　LordOstermoreinterestedhimvastly。Foramomentthatdaytheearlhadarousedhisanger，asyoumayhavejudgedfromthesuddenresolveuponwhichhehadactedwhenhedeliveredhimthatletter，thusembarkingattheeleventhhouruponataskwhichhehadalreadydeterminedtoabandon。Heknewnotnowwhethertorejoiceordeplorethathehadacteduponthatangryimpulse。Heknewnot，indeed，whethertopityordespisethismanwhowasswayedbynosuchhighmotivesasmusthaveaffectedmostofthosewhowerefaithfultotheexiledJames。Thosemotives-motivesofchivalryandromanticisminmostcases-LordOstermorewouldhavedespisedifhecouldhaveunderstoodthem；forhewasamanofthetypethatdespisesallthingsthatarenotessentiallypractical，whoseresultsarenotimmediatelyobvious。BeingallbutruinedbyhisassociationwiththeSouthSeaCompany，hewaswillingforthesakeofprofittoturntraitortothekingdefacto，evenasthirtyyearsago，actuatedbysimilarmotives，hehadturnedtraitortothekingdejure。
　　Whatwasonetomakeofsuchaman，wonderedMr。Caryll。Ifhewereequippedwithwitenoughtoapprehendthebasenessofhisconduct，hewouldbeeasilyunderstoodanditwouldbeeasytodespisehim。ButMr。Caryllperceivedthathewasdealingwithonewhoneverprobedintothedeepsofanything-
　　himselfandhisownconductleastofall-andthatadeplorablelackofperception，ofunderstandingalmost，deprivedhislordshipofthepowertofeelasmostmenfeel，tojudgeasmostmenjudge。AndhencewasitthatMr。Caryllthoughthimasubjectforpityratherthancontempt。Eveninthatotherthirty-year-oldmatterthatsocloselytouchedMr。
　　Caryll，thelatterwassurethatthesamepitifulshortcomingsmightbeurgedintheman'sexcuse。
　　Meanwhile，behindhimatStrettonHouse，Mr。CaryllhadleftasceneofstrifebetweenLadyOstermoreandhersonononesideandLordOstermoreontheother。Weakandvacillatingashewasinmostthings，itseemedthattheearlcouldbestronginhisdislikeofhisson，andfirminhisdeterminationnottocondonetheinfamyofhisbehaviortowardHortensiaWinthrop。
　　"Thefaultisyours，"Rotherbysoughttoexcusehimselfagain-employingtheoldargument，andinanangry，contemptuoustonethatwasentirelyunfilial。"I'dha'marriedthegirlinearnest，butforyourthreatstodisinheritme。"
　　"Youfool！"hisfatherstormedathim，"didyousupposethatifIshoulddisinherityouformarryingher，Ishouldbelikelytodolessforyourluringherintoamockmarriage？
　　I'vedonewithyou！Goyourwaysforadamnedprofligate-ascandaltotheverynameofgentleman。I'vedonewithyou！"
　　AndtothattheearladheredinspiteofallthatRotherbyandhismothercouldurge。Hestampedoutofthelibrarywithafinalcommandtohissontoquithishouseandneverdisgraceitagainbyhispresence。Rotherbylookedruefullyathismother。
　　"Hemeansit，"'saidhe。"Heneverlovedme。Hewasneverafathertome。"
　　"Wereyouevergreatlyasontohim？"askedherladyship。
　　"Asmuchashewouldha'mebe，"heanswered，hisblackfaceverysullen。"Oh，'sdeath！Iamdamnablyusedbyhim。"Hepacedthechamber，storming。"Allthisgarboilaboutnothing！"，hecomplained。"Washeneveryounghimself？Andwhenallissaid，there'snoharmdone。Thegirl'sbeenfetchedhomeagain。"
　　"Pshaw！Ye'reafool，Rotherby-afool，andthere'sanendon't，"saidhismother。"Isometimeswonderwhichisthegreaterfool-youoryourfather。Andyethecanmarvelthatyouarehisson。Whatdoyethinkwouldhavehappenedifyouhadhadyourwaywiththatbread-and-buttermiss？Ithadbeenmatterenoughtohangyou。"
　　"Pooh！"saidtheviscount，droppingintoachairandstaringsullenlyatthecarpet。Thensullenlyheadded："Hislordshipwouldhavebeengladon't-sosomeonewouldhavebeenpleased。Asitis-"
　　"Asitis，ye'dbetterfindthemanGreenwhowasatMaidstone，andstophismouthwithguineas。Heisawareofwhatpassed。"
　　"Bah！Greenwasthereonotherbusiness。"AndhetoldherofthesuspicionsthemessengerentertainedagainstMr。Caryll。
　　Itsetherladyshipthinking。"Why，"shesaidpresently，"'twillbethat！"
　　"'Twillbewhat，ma'am？"askedRotherby，lookingup。
　　"Why，thisfellowCaryllmustha'bubbledthemessengerinspiteofthesearchhemayhavemade。Ifoundthepopinjayherewithyourfather，thepairasthickasthieves-andyourfatherwithapaperinhishandasfineasacobweb。'Sdeath！
　　I'llbeswornhe'sadamnedJacobite。"
　　Rotherbywasonhisfeetinaninstant。HerememberedsuddenlyallthathehadoverheardatMaidstone。"Oho！"hecrowed。"Whatcausehaveyetothinkthat？"
　　"Cause？Why，whatIhaveseen。Besides，Ifeelitinmybones。Myeveryinstincttellsme'tisso。"
　　"Ifyoushouldproveright！Oh，ifyoushouldproveright！
　　Death！I'dfindawaytosettlethescoreofthatpertfellowfromFrance，andtodictatetermstohislordshipatthesametime。"
　　Herladyshipstaredathim。"Ye'reanunnaturalhound，Rotherby。Wouldyebetrayyourownfather？"
　　"Betrayhim？No！ButI'llsetatermtohisplotting。Egad！
　　HashenotlostenoughintheSouthSeaBubble，withoutsinkingthelittlethatisleftinsomewild-gooseJacobiteplot？"
　　"Howshallitmattertoyou，sincehe'ssworntodisinherityou？"
　　"How，madam？"Rotherbylaughedcunningly。"I'llpreventtheoneandtheother-andpayoffMr。Caryllatthesametime。
　　Threebirdswithonestone，letmeperish！"Hereachedforhishat。"ImustfindthisfellowGreen。"
　　"Whatwillyoudo？"sheasked，aslightanxietytremblinginhervoice。
　　"StiruphissuspicionsofCaryll。He'llbereadyenoughtoactafterhisdiscomfitureatMaidstone。I'llwarranthe'ssmartingunderit。IfoncewecanfindcausetolayCaryllbytheheels，thefearoftheconsequencesshouldbringhislordshiptohissenses。'Twillbemyturnthen。"
　　"Butyou'lldonothingthat-thatwillhurtyourfather？"sheenjoinedhim，herhanduponhisshoulder。
　　"Trustme，"helaughed，andaddedcynically："Itwouldhardlysortwithmyintereststoinvolvehim。Itwillservemebesttofrightenhimintoreasonandasenseofhispaternalduty。"
　　CHAPTERIX
　　THECHAMPION
　　Mr。Caryllwaswellandhandsomelyhoused，asbecamethemanoffashion，inthelodginghehadtakeninOldPalaceYard。
　　Knowinghimfromabroad，itwasnotimpossiblethatthegovernment-fearfulofseditionsincethedisturbancecausedbytheSouthSeadistress，andawareofanundercurrentofJacobitism-mightforatime，atleast，keepaneyeuponhim。
　　Itbehoovedhim，therefore，toappearneithermorenorlessthanalounger，agentlemanofpleasurewhohadcometoLondoninquestofdiversion。Tosupportthisappearance，Mr。Caryllhadsoughtoutsomefriendsofhisintown。TherewereStapletonandCollis，whohadbeenatOxfordwithhim，andwithwhomhehadeversincemaintainedacorrespondenceandafriendship。Hesoughtthemoutontheveryeveningofhisarrival-afterhisinterviewwithLordOstermore。Hehadthesatisfactionofbeinghandsomelywelcomedbythem，andwasplungedundertheirguidanceintothegaietiesthatthetownaffordedliberallyforpeopleofquality。
　　Mr。Caryllwas-asIhopeyouhavegathered-anagreeablefellow，veryfree，moreover，withthecontentsofhiswell-equippedpurse；andsoyoumayconceivethatthetownshowedhimaveryfriendly，cordialcountenance。Hefellintothehabitsofthemenwhosecompanyhefrequented；hisdayswereasidleastheirs，andspentattheparade，theRing，theplay，thecoffeehouseandtheordinary。
　　Butunderthegayexteriorheaffectedhecarriedaspiritofmostvileunrest。Theangerwhichhadpromptedhisimpulsetoexecute，afterall，thebusinessonwhichhewascome，andtodeliverhisfathertheletterthatwastoworkhisruin，wasallspent。Hehadcooled，andcoolitwasidleforhimtotellhimselfthatLordOstermore，byhisheartlessallusiontothecrimeofhisearlyyears，hadprovedhimselfworthyofnothingbutthepitMr。Caryllhadbeensenttodigforhim。
　　Thereweremomentswhenhesoughttocompelhimselfsotothink，tosteelhimselfagainstallotherconsiderations。Butitwasidle。Thereflectionthatthetaskbeforehimwasunnaturalcameevertorevolthim。Togainease，themostthathecoulddo-andhehadthefacultyofitdevelopedinapreternaturaldegree-wastoputthebusinessfromhimforthetime，endeavortoforgetit。Andhehadanothermattertoconsiderandtoplaguehim-thematterofHortensiaWinthrop。
　　Hethoughtofheragreatdealmorethanwasgoodforhispeaceofmind，forallthathepretendedtoagladnessthatthingswereastheywere。EachmorningthatheloungedattheparadeinSt。James'sPark，eacheveningthathevisitedtheRing，itwasinthehopeofcatchingsomeglimpseofheramongthefashionablewomenthatwentabroadtoseeandtobeseen。
　　Andonthethirdmorningafterhisarrivalthethinghehopedforcametopass。
　　Ithadhappenedthatmyladyhadorderedhercarriagethatmorning，dressedherselfwiththehabitualsplendor，whichbutsetofftheshortcomingsofherleanandangularperson，egregiouslycoiffed，pulvilledandtopknotted，andshehadsentamessageamountingtoacommandtoMistressWinthropthatsheshoulddriveintheparkwithher。
　　PoorHortensia，whoseonedesirewastohideherfacefromthetown'suncharitablesightjustthen，fearing，indeed，thatRumor'sunscrupuloustonguewouldbeasbusyaboutherreputationasherladyshiphadrepresented，attemptedtoassertherselfbyrefusingtoobeythecommand。Itwasinvain。Herladyshipdispensedwithambassadors，andwentinpersontoconveyherorderstoherhusband'sward，andtoenforcethem。
　　"What'sthisIamtold？"quothshe，asshesailedintoHortensia'sroom。"Domywishescountfornothing，thatyousendmepertanswersbymywoman？"
　　Hortensiarose。Shehadbeensittingbythewindow，abookinherlap。"Notso，indeed，madam。Notpert，Itrust。Iamnonesowell，andIfearthesun。"
　　"'Tislittlewonder，"laughedherladyship；"andI'mgladon't，foritshowsyehaveaconsciencesomewhere。But'tisnomatterforthat。Iamtenderforyourreputation，mistress，andI'llnothaveyoushunningdaylightliketheguiltythingyeknowyourselftobe。"
　　"'Tisfalse，madam，"saidHortensia，withindignation。"Yourladyshipknowsittobefalse。"
　　"Harkee，ninny，ifyou'dhavethetownbelieveitfalse，you'llshowyourself-showthatyehavenocauseforshame，nocausetohideyoufromtheeyesofhonestfolk。Come，girl；bidyourwomangetyourhoodandtippet。Thecarriagestaysforus。"
　　ToHortensiaherladyship'sseemed，afterall，agoodargument。Didshehide，whatmustthetownthinkbutthatitconfirmedthetalkthatshemadenodoubtwasgoingroundalready。Bettertogoforthandbraveit，andsurelyitshoulddisarmthebackbitersifsheshowedherselfintheparkwithLordRotherby'sownmother。
　　Itneveroccurredtoherthatthisseemingtendernessforherreputationmightbebutwantoncrueltyonherladyship'spart；
　　agratifyingofherspleenagainstthegirlbysettingherinthepilloryofpublicsighttotheendthatsheshouldexperiencetheinsultofsuperciliousglancesandlipsthatsmilewithanostentationoffurtiveness；adesiretoputdownherprideandbreakthespiritwhichmyladyaccountedinsolentandstubborn。
　　Suspectingnaughtofthis，sheconsented，anddroveoutwithherladyshipasshewasdesiredtodo。Butunderstandingofherladyship'scruelmotives，andrepentanceofherownacquiescence，werenotlonginfollowing。Soon-verysoon-
　　sherealizedthatanythingwouldhavebeenbetterthantheordealshewasforcedtoundergo。
　　Itwasawarm，sunnymorning，andtheparkwascrowdedwithfashionableloungers。LadyOstermorelefthercarriageatthegates，andenteredtheenclosureonfoot，accompaniedbyHortensiaandfollowedatarespectfuldistancebyafootman。
　　Herarrivalprovedsomethingofasensation。Hatsweresweptofftoherladyship，slyglancesflashedathercompanion，whowentpale，butapparentlyserene，eyeslookingstraightbeforeher；andtherewasanobviousconcealingofsmilesatfirst，whichlatergrewtobeallunconcealed，and，laterstill，becamesupplementedbyremarksthatallmighthear，remarkswhichdidnotescape-astheyweremeantnottoescape-herladyshipandMistressWinthrop。
　　"Madam，"murmuredthegirl，inheragonyofshame，"wewerenotwell-advisedtocome。Willnotyourladyshipturnback？"
　　Herladyshipdisplayedavinegarysmile，andlookedathercompanionoverthetopofherslowlymovingfan。"Why？Is'tnotpleasanthere？"quothshe。"'Twillbemoreagreeableunderthetreesyonder。Thesunwillnotreachyouthere，child。"
　　"'TisnotthesunImind，madam，"saidHortensia，butreceivednoanswer。Perforceshemustpaceonbesideherladyship。
　　LordRotherbycameby，arminarmwithhisfriend，theDukeofWharton。Itwasaone-sidedfriendship。LordRotherbywasbutoneofthemanyofhistypewhofurnishedacourt，avaletaille，tothegay，dissolute，handsome，wittyduke，whomighthavebeengreathadhenotpreferredhisvicestohisworthierparts。
　　Astheywentby，LordRotherbybaredhisheadandbowed，asdidhiscompanion。Herladyshipsmileduponhim，butHortensia'seyeslookedrigidlyahead，herfaceastone。Sheheardhisgrace'sinsolentlaughastheypassedon；sheheardhisvoice-nowisesubdued，forhewasamanwholovedtolettheworldhearwhathemighthavetosay"Gad！Rotherby，thewindhaschanged！YourDulcineaflieswithyouo'Wednesday，andhasne'eraglanceforyouo'
　　Saturday！I'faith！yedeservenobetter。Artaclumsygallanttohavebeenovertaken，andthemaid'sintherighton'ttoresentyourclumsiness。"
　　Rotherby'sreplywaslostinasplutteroflaughterfromagroupofsycophantswhohadoverheardhisgrace'scriticismandwerebuttooreadytolaughataughthisgracemightdeigntoutter。Hercheeksburned；itwasbyaneffortthatshesuppressedthetearsthatangerwasforcingtohereyes。
　　Theduke，'twasplain，hadsetthefashion。Emulatorswerenotwanting。Straywordsshecaught；byinstinctwassheconsciousoftheoglings，theflutteringoffansfromthewomen，theflashingofquizzing-glassesfromthemen。Andeverywherewasthereasuppressedlaugh，astifledexclamationofsurpriseatherappearanceinpublic-yetnotsostifledbutthatitreachedher，asitwasintendedthatitshould。
　　Intheshadowofagreatelm，aroundwhichtherewasaseat，alittlegrouphadgathered，ofwhichthecentrewasthesometimetoastofthetownandqueenofmanyWells，theLadyMaryDeller，stillbeautifulandstillunwed-asissooftenthewayofreigningtoasts-butalreadypastherpristinefreshness，alreadyleaninguponthesupportofarttomaintaintheendowmentsshehadhadfromnature。Shewasaccountedwittybythewitless，andbysomeothers。
　　Ofthegroupthatpaiditscourttoherandhercompanions-
　　twogigglingcousinsintheirfirstseasonwereMr。Caryllandhisfriends，SirHarryCollisandMr。EdwardStapleton，theformerofwhom-hewasthelady'sbrother-in-law-hadjustpresentedhim。Mr。Caryllwasdressedwithevenmorethanhisordinarymagnificence。Hewasindove-coloredcloth，hiscoatveryrichlylacedwithgold，hiswaistcoat-ofwhitebrocadewithjeweledbuttons，theflower-patternoutlinedinfinestgoldthread-descendedmidwaytohisknees，whilsttherufflesathiswristsandtheSteinkirkathisthroatwereofthefinestpoint。Hecutafigureofsupremestelegance，ashestoodthere，hischestnutheadslightlybowedindeferenceasmyLadyMaryspoke，hishattuckedunderhisarm，hisrighthandoutstretchedbesidehimtorestuponthegoldheadofhisclouded-ambercane。
　　Tothegeneralhewasastrangerstillintown，andofthesortthatdrawstheeyeandprovokesinquiry。LadyMary，theonlygoalofwhoseshallowexistencewastheattentionofthesternersex，wholovedtobreakheartsasachildbreakstoys，forthefunofseeinghowtheylookwhenbroken-andwho，becauseofthat，hadsucceededinbreakingfarfewerthanshefondlyimagined-lookedupintohisfacewiththe"mostperditiouslyalluring"eyesinEngland-soMr。Craske，thepoet，whostoodatherelbownow，haddescribedtheminthededicatorysonnetofhislastbookofpoems。Wherefore，inparenthesisbeitobserved，shehadrewardedhimwithtwentyguineas，ashehadcalculatedthatshewould。
　　Therewasasuddenstirinthegroup。Mr。CraskehadcaughtsightofLadyOstermoreandMistressWinthrop，andhefelltogiggling，aflimsyhandkerchieftohispaintedlips。"Oh，'Sbud！"hebleated。"Letmedie！Theaudaciousnessofthecreature！Andbeholdmetheportandglanceofher！Coldasavestal，letmeperish！"
　　LadyMaryturnedwiththeotherstolookinthedirectionhewaspointing-pointingopenly，withnothoughtofdissembling。
　　Mr。Caryll'seyesfelluponMistressWinthrop，andhisglancewasoddlyperceptive。HeobservedthosemattersofwhichMr。
　　Craskehadseemedtomakesardoniccomment：theerectstiffnessofhercarriage，theeyesthatlookedneithertorightnorleft，andthepallorofherface。Heobserved，too，thecomplacentairwithwhichherladyshipadvancedbesideherhusband'sward，herfanmovinglanguidly，herheadnoddingtoheracquaintance，asinsupremeunconcernofthestirhercominghadeffected。
　　Mr。Caryllhadbeendullindeed，knowingwhatheknew，hadhenotunderstoodtothefullthehumiliationtowhichMistressHortensiawasbeingofpurposesetsubmitted。
　　AndjustthenRotherby，whohadturned，withWhartonandanothernow，camebythemagain。Thistimehehalted，andhiscompanionswithhim，forjustamoment，toaddresshismother。
　　Sheturned；therewasanexchangeofgreetings，inwhichMistressHortensiastandingrigidasstone-tooknopart。A
　　silencefellabout；quizzing-glasseswentup；alleyeswerefocusseduponthegroup。ThenRotherbyandhisfriendsresumedtheirway。
　　"Thedog！"saidMr。Caryll，betweenhisteeth，butwentunheardbyany，forinthatmomentDorothyDeller-theyoungeroftheLadyMary'scousins-gaveexpressiontothegenerousandasyetunsulliedlittleheartthatwasherown。
　　"Oh，'tisshameful！"shecried。"Willyounotgospeakwithher，Molly？"
　　TheLadyMarystiffened。Shelookedatthecompanyaboutherwithanapologeticsmile。"Ibegthatye'llnotheedthechild，"saidshe。"'Tisnotthatsheiswithoutmorals-butwithoutknowledge。Aninnocentlittlefool；noworse。"
　　"'Tisbadenough，Ivow，"laughedanoldbeau，whosoughtfameasamanofacynicalturnofhumor。
　　"Butfortunatelyrare，"saidMr。Carylldryly。"Likecharity，almostunknowninthisBabylon。"
　　Histonewasnotquitenice，althoughperhapstheLadyMarywastheonlyonetoperceivethenoteofchallengeinit。ButMr。Craske，thepoet，divertedattentiontohimselfbyaprolonged，maliciouschuckle。Rotherbywasjustmovingawayfromhismotheratthatmoment。
　　"They'veneverawordforeachotherto-day！"hecried。"Oh，'Sbud！notsomuchasthemercyofaglancewilltheladyaffordhim。"AndheburstintotheballadofKingFrancis：
　　"Souventfemmevarie，Bien，folestquis'yfie！"
　　andlaughedhisprodigiousdelightattheaptnessofhisquotation。
　　Mr。Caryllputuphisgold-rimmedquizzing-glass，anddirectedthroughthatpowerfulweaponofoffenceaneyeofsupremedispleasureuponthesinger。Hecouldnotcontainhisrage，yetfromhislanguidtonenonewouldhavesuspectedit。
　　"Sir，"saidhe，"ye'veasingularunpleasantvoice。"
　　Mr。Craske，thrownoutofcountenancebysomuchdirectness，couldonlystare；thesamedidtheothers，thoughsomefewtittered，forMr。Craske，whenallwassaid，washeldinnogreatesteembythediscriminant。
　　Mr。Caryllloweredhisglass。"I'vehearditsaidbytheuncharitablethatyewerealackeybeforeyebecameaplagiarist。'TisarumorIshallcontradictinfuture；'tisplainlyalie，foryourvoicebetraysyoutolavebeenachairman。"
　　"Sir-sir-"splutteredthepoetaster，crimsonwithangerandmortification。"Isthis-isthis-seemly-betweengentlemen？"
　　"Betweengentlemenitwouldnotbeseemly，"Mr。Caryllagreed。
　　Mr。Craske，quivering，yetcontrollinghimself，bowedstiffly。
　　"Ihavetoomuchrespectformyself-"hegasped。
　　"Ye'llbesingularinthat，nodoubt，"saidMr。Caryll，andturnedhisshoulderuponhim。
　　AgainMr。Craskeappearedtomakeaneffortatself-control；
　　againhebowed。"Iknow-Ihope-whatisduetotheLadyMaryDeller，to-toansweryouas-asbefits。Butyoushallhearfromme，sir。Youshallhearfromme。"
　　Hebowedathirdtime-abowthattookintheentirecompany-andwithdrewinhighdudgeonandwithagreatshowofdignity。Apauseensued，andthentheLadyMaryreprovedMr。
　　Caryll。
　　"Oh，'twascruelinyou，sir，"shecried。"PoorMr。Craske！
　　Andtodubhimplagiarist！'Twastheunkindestcutofall！"
　　"Truth，madam，isneverkind。"
　　"Oh，fie！Youmakebadworse！"shecried。
　　"He'llputyouinthepilloryofhisverseforthis，"laughedCollis。"Ye'llbemostscurvilylampoonedfor't。"
　　"PoorMr。Craske！"sighedtheLadyMaryagain。
　　"Poor，indeed；butnotinthesensetodeservepity。Anupstartimpostorsuchasthattosoilaladywithhiscriticism！"
　　LadyMary'sbrowswentup。"Youuseasingularseverity，sir，"sheopined，"andIthinkitunwiseinyoutogrowsohotinthedefenceofareputationwhoseownerhassolittlecareforitherself。"
　　Mr。Carylllookedatheroutofhislevelgray-greeneyes；ahotanswerquiveredonhistongue，ananswerthathadcrushedhervenomforsometimeandhadprobablylefthimwithaquarrelonhishands。Yethissmile，asheconsideredher，wasverysweet，sosweetthatherladyship，guessingnothingofthebitternessitwasusedtocover，wentasnearasmirkasitwaspossibleforonesoelegant。Hewas，shejudged，anothervictimripeforimmolationonthealtarofhergoddessship。AndMr。Caryll，whohadtakenhermeasureverythoroughly，seeingsomethingofhowherthoughtswererunning，bethoughthimofasweetervengeance。
　　"LadyMary，"hecried，asoftreproachinhisvoice，"Ihavebeensoremistookinyouifyouareonetobeguidedbytherabble。"Andhewavedahandtowardthemodishthrong。
　　Sheknitherfinebrows，bewildered。
　　"Ah！"hecried，interpretingherglancetosuithisends，"perishthethought，indeed！IknewthatIcouldnotbewrong。Iknewthatonesopeerlessinallelsemustbepeerless，too，inheropinions；judgingforherself，andstandingfirmuponherjudgmentindisdainofmeanersouls-
　　meresheeptofollowtheirbell-wether。"
　　Sheopenedhermouthtospeak，butsaidnothing，beingtoointriguedbythissuddenandmostsweetflattery。Hermerebeautyhadoftbeenpraised，andintermsthatglowedlikefire。Butwhatwasthatcomparedwiththisfineappreciationofherlessobviousmentalparts-andthatfromonewhohadseentheworld？
　　Mr。Caryllwasbendingoverher。"Whatachanceishere，"hewasmurmuring，"tomarkyourloftydetachment-toshowhowutterisyourindifferencetowhatthecommonherdmaythink。"
　　"As-ashow？"sheasked，blinkingupathim。