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