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