THETWOWOMEN。
　　ITwasadarknight。Therainwaspouringintorrents。
　　LateintheeveningaskirmishingpartyoftheFrenchandaskirmishingpartyoftheGermanshadmet，byaccident，nearthelittlevillageofLagrange，closetotheGermanfrontier。Inthestrugglethatfollowed，theFrenchhadforoncegotthebetteroftheenemy。Forthetime，atleast，afewhundredsoutofthehostoftheinvadershadbeenforcedbackoverthefrontier。Itwasatriflingaffair，occurringnotlongafterthegreatGermanvictoryofWeissenbourg，andthenewspaperstooklittleornonoticeofit。
　　CaptainArnault，commandingontheFrenchside，sataloneinoneofthecottagesofthevillage，inhabitedbythemillerofthedistrict。TheCaptainwasreading，bythelightofasolitarytallow-candle，someintercepteddispatchestakenfromtheGermans。Hehadsufferedthewoodfire，scatteredoverthelargeopengrate，toburnlow；theredembersonlyfaintlyilluminatedapartoftheroom。Onthefloorbehindhimlaysomeofthemiller'semptysacks。Inacorneroppositetohimwasthemiller'ssolidwalnut-woodbed。Onthewallsallaroundhimwerethemiller'scoloredprints，representingahappymixtureofdevotionalanddomesticsubjects。Adoorofcommunicationleadingintothekitchenofthecottagehadbeentornfromitshinges，andusedtocarrythemenwoundedintheskirmishfromthefield。Theywerenowcomfortablylaidatrestinthekitchen，underthecareoftheFrenchsurgeonandtheEnglishnurseattachedtotheambulance。Apieceofcoarsecanvasscreenedtheopeningbetweenthetworoomsinplaceofthedoor。Aseconddoor，leadingfromthebed-chamberintotheyard，waslocked；andthewoodenshutterprotectingtheonewindowoftheroomwascarefullybarred。Sentinels，doubledinnumber，wereplacedatalltheoutposts。TheFrenchcommanderhadneglectednoprecautionwhichcouldreasonablyinsureforhimselfandforhismenaquietandcomfortablenight。
　　Stillabsorbedinhisperusalofthedispatches，andnowandthenmakingnotesofwhathereadbythehelpofwritingmaterialsplacedathisside，CaptainArnaultwasinterruptedbytheappearanceofanintruderintheroom。SurgeonSurville，enteringfromthekitchen，drewasidethecanvasscreen，andapproachedthelittleroundtableatwhichhissuperiorofficerwassitting。
　　"Whatisit？"saidthecaptain，sharply。
　　"Aquestiontoask，"repliedthesurgeon。"Arewesafeforthenight？"
　　"Whydoyouwanttoknow？"inquiredthecaptain，suspiciously。
　　Thesurgeonpointedtothekitchen，nowthehospitaldevotedtothewoundedmen。
　　"Thepoorfellowsareanxiousaboutthenextfewhours，"hereplied。"Theydreadasurprise，andtheyaskmeifthereisanyreasonablehopeoftheirhavingonenight'srest。Whatdoyouthinkofthechances？"
　　Thecaptainshruggedhisshoulders。Thesurgeonpersisted。
　　"Surelyyououghttoknow？"hesaid。
　　"Iknowthatweareinpossessionofthevillageforthepresent，"retortedCaptainArnault，"andIknownomore。Herearethepapersoftheenemy。"Heheldthemupandshookthemimpatientlyashespoke。"TheygivemenoinformationthatIcanrelyon。ForallIcantelltothecontrary，themainbodyoftheGermans，outnumberingustentoone，maybenearerthiscottagethanthemainbodyoftheFrench。Drawyourownconclusions。Ihavenothingmoretosay。"
　　Havingansweredinthosediscouragingterms，CaptainArnaultgotonhisfeet，drewthehoodofhisgreat-coatoverhishead，andlitacigaratthecandle。
　　"Whereareyougoing？"askedthesurgeon。
　　"Tovisittheoutposts。"
　　"Doyouwantthisroomforalittlewhile？"
　　"Notforsomehourstocome。Areyouthinkingofmovinganyofyourwoundedmeninhere？"
　　"IwasthinkingoftheEnglishlady，"answeredthesurgeon。"Thekitchenisnotquitetheplaceforher。Shewouldbemorecomfortablehere；andtheEnglishnursemightkeephercompany。"
　　CaptainArnaultsmiled，notverypleasantly。"Theyaretwofinewomen，"hesaid，"andSurgeonSurvilleisaladies'man。Letthemcomein，iftheyarerashenoughtotrustthemselvesherewithyou。"Hecheckedhimselfonthepointofgoingout，andlookedbackdistrustfullyatthelightedcandle。"Cautionthewomen，"hesaid，"tolimittheexerciseoftheircuriositytotheinsideofthisroom。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　Thecaptain'sforefingerpointedsignificantlytotheclosedwindow-shutter。
　　"Didyoueverknowawomanwhocouldresistlookingoutofwindow？"heasked。"Darkasitis，soonerorlatertheseladiesofyourswillfeeltemptedtoopenthatshutter。TellthemIdon'twantthelightofthecandletobetraymyheadquarterstotheGermanscouts。Howistheweather？Stillraining？"
　　"Pouring。"
　　"Somuchthebetter。TheGermanswon'tseeus。"Withthatconsolatoryremarkheunlockedthedoorleadingintotheyard，andwalkedout。
　　Thesurgeonliftedthecanvasscreenandcalledintothekitchen：
　　"MissMerrick，haveyoutimetotakealittlerest？"
　　"Plentyoftime，"answeredasoftvoicewithanunderlyingmelancholyinit，plainlydistinguishablethoughithadonlyspokenthreewords。
　　"Comein，then，"continuedthesurgeon，"andbringtheEnglishladywithyou。Hereisaquietroomalltoyourselves。"
　　Heheldbackthecanvas，andthetwowomenappeared。
　　Thenurseledtheway——tall，lithe，graceful——attiredinheruniformdressofneatblackstuff，withplainlinencollarandcuffs，andwiththescarletcrossoftheGenevaConventionembroideredonherleftshoulder。Paleandsad，herexpressionandmannerbotheloquentlysuggestiveofsuppressedsufferingandsorrow，therewasaninnatenobilityinthecarriageofthiswoman'shead，aninnategrandeurinthegazeofherlargegrayeyesandinthelinesofherfinelyproportionedface，whichmadeherirresistiblystrikingandbeautiful，seenunderanycircumstancesandcladinanydress。Hercompanion，darkerincomplexionandsmallerinstature，possessedattractionswhichwerequitemarkedenoughtoaccountforthesurgeon'spoliteanxietytoshelterherinthecaptain'sroom。Thecommonconsentofmankindwouldhavedeclaredhertobeanunusuallyprettywoman。Sheworethelargegraycloakthatcoveredherfromheadtofootwithagracethatlentitsownattractionstoaplainandevenashabbyarticleofdress。Thelanguorinhermovements，andtheuncertaintyoftoneinhervoiceasshethankedthesurgeonsuggestedthatshewassufferingfromfatigue。Herdarkeyessearchedthedimly-lightedroomtimidly，andsheheldfastbythenurse'sarmwiththeairofawomanwhosenerveshadbeenseverelyshakenbysomerecentalarm。
　　"Youhaveonethingtoremember，ladies，"saidthesurgeon。"Bewareofopeningtheshutter，forfearofthelightbeingseenthroughthewindow。Fortherest，wearefreetomakeourselvesascomfortablehereaswecan。Composeyourself，dearmadam，andrelyontheprotectionofaFrenchmanwhoisdevotedtoyou！"HegallantlyemphasizedhislastwordsbyraisingthehandoftheEnglishladytohislips。Atthemomentwhenhekisseditthecanvasscreenwasagaindrawnaside。Apersonintheserviceoftheambulanceappeared，announcingthatabandagehadslipped，andthatoneofthewoundedmenwastoallappearancebleedingtodeath。Thesurgeon，submittingtodestinywiththeworstpossiblegrace，droppedthecharmingEnglishwoman'shand，andreturnedtohisdutiesinthekitchen。Thetwoladieswerelefttogetherintheroom。
　　"Willyoutakeachair，madam？"askedthenurse。
　　"Don'tcallme'madam，'"returnedtheyounglady，cordially。"MynameisGraceRoseberry。Whatisyourname？"
　　Thenursehesitated。"Notaprettyname，likeyours，"shesaid，andhesitatedagain。"Callme'MercyMerrick，'"sheadded，afteramoment'sconsideration。
　　Hadshegivenanassumedname？Wastheresomeunhappycelebrityattachedtoherownname？MissRoseberrydidnotwaittoaskherselfthesequestions。"HowcanIthankyou，"sheexclaimed，gratefully，"foryoursisterlykindnesstoastrangerlikeme？"
　　"Ihaveonlydonemyduty，"saidMercyMerrick，alittlecoldly。"Don'tspeakofit。"
　　"Imustspeakofit。WhatasituationyoufoundmeinwhentheFrenchsoldiershaddriventheGermansaway！Mytraveling-carriagestopped；thehorsesseized；Imyselfinastrangecountryatnightfall，robbedofmymoneyandmyluggage，anddrenchedtotheskinbythepouringrain！Iamindebtedtoyouforshelterinthisplace——Iamwearingyourclothes——Ishouldhavediedofthefrightandtheexposurebutforyou。WhatreturncanImakeforsuchservicesasthese？"
　　Mercyplacedachairforherguestnearthecaptain'stable，andseatedherself，atsomelittledistance，onanoldchestinacorneroftheroom。"MayIaskyouaquestion？"shesaid，abruptly。
　　"Ahundredquestions，"criedGrace，"ifyoulike。"Shelookedattheexpiringfire，andatthedimlyvisiblefigureofhercompanionseatedintheobscurestcorneroftheroom。"Thatwretchedcandlehardlygivesanylight，"shesaid，impatiently。"Itwon'tlastmuchlonger。Can'twemaketheplacemorecheerful？Comeoutofyourcorner。Callformorewoodandmorelights。"
　　Mercyremainedinhercornerandshookherhead。"Candlesandwoodarescarcethingshere，"sheanswered。"Wemustbepatient，evenifweareleftinthedark。Tellme，"shewenton，raisingherquietvoicealittle，"howcameyoutoriskcrossingthefrontierinwartime？"
　　Grace'svoicedroppedwhensheansweredthequestion。Grace'smomentarygayetyofmannersuddenlylefther。
　　"Ihadurgentreasons，"shesaid，"forreturningtoEngland。"
　　"Alone？"rejoinedtheother。"Withoutanyonetoprotectyou？"
　　Grace'sheadsankonherbosom。"Ihaveleftmyonlyprotector——myfather——intheEnglishburial-groundatRome，"sheansweredsimply。"Mymotherdied，yearssince，inCanada。"
　　Theshadowyfigureofthenursesuddenlychangeditspositiononthechest。ShehadstartedasthelastwordpassedMissRoseberry'slips。
　　"DoyouknowCanada？"askedGrace。
　　"Well，"wasthebriefanswer——reluctantlygiven，shortasitwas。
　　"WereyouevernearPortLogan？"
　　"IoncelivedwithinafewmilesofPortLogan。"
　　"When？"
　　"Sometimesince。"WiththosewordsMercyMerrickshrankbackintohercornerandchangedthesubject。"YourrelativesinEnglandmustbeveryanxiousaboutyou，"shesaid。
　　Gracesighed。"IhavenorelativesinEngland。YoucanhardlyimagineapersonmorefriendlessthanIam。WewentawayfromCanada，whenmyfather'shealthfailed，totrytheclimateofItaly，bythedoctor'sadvice。Hisdeathhasleftmenotonlyfriendlessbutpoor。"Shepaused，andtookaleatherletter-casefromthepocketofthelargegraycloakwhichthenursehadlenttoher。"Myprospectsinlife，"sheresumed，"areallcontainedinthislittlecase。HereistheonetreasureIcontrivedtoconcealwhenIwasrobbedofmyotherthings。"
　　Mercycouldjustseetheletter-caseasGracehelditupinthedeepeningobscurityoftheroom。"Haveyougotmoneyinit？"sheasked。
　　"No；onlyafewfamilypapers，andaletterfrommyfather，introducingmetoanelderlyladyinEngland——aconnectionofhisbymarriage，whomIhaveneverseen。Theladyhasconsentedtoreceivemeashercompanionandreader。IfIdon'treturntoEnglandsoon，someotherpersonmaygettheplace。"
　　"Haveyounootherresource？"
　　"None。Myeducationhasbeenneglected——weledawildlifeinthefarWest。Iamquiteunfittogooutasagoverness。Iamabsolutelydependentonthisstranger，whoreceivesmeformyfather'ssake。"Sheputtheletter-casebackinthepocketofhercloak，andendedherlittlenarrativeasunaffectedlyasshehadbegunit。"Mineisasadstory，isitnot？"shesaid。
　　Thevoiceofthenurseansweredhersuddenlyandbitterlyinthesestrangewords：
　　"Therearesadderstoriesthanyours。Therearethousandsofmiserablewomenwhowouldaskfornogreaterblessingthantochangeplaceswithyou。"
　　Gracestarted。"Whatcantherepossiblybetoenvyinsuchalotasmine？"
　　"Yourunblemishedcharacter，andyourprospectofbeingestablishedhonorablyinarespectablehouse。"
　　Graceturnedinherchair，andlookedwonderinglyintothedimcorneroftheroom。
　　"Howstrangelyyousaythat！"sheexclaimed。Therewasnoanswer；theshadowyfigureonthechestnevermoved。Graceroseimpulsively，anddrawingherchairafterher，approachedthenurse。"Istheresomeromanceinyourlife？"sheasked。"WhyhaveyousacrificedyourselftotheterribledutieswhichIfindyouperforminghere？Youinterestmeindescribably。Givemeyourhand。"
　　Mercyshrankback，andrefusedtheofferedhand。
　　"Arewenotfriends？"Graceasked，inastonishment。
　　"Wecanneverbefriends。"
　　"Whynot？"
　　Thenursewasdumb。Gracecalledtomindthehesitationthatshehadshownwhenshehadmentionedhername，anddrewanewconclusionfromit。"ShouldIbeguessingright，"sheasked，eagerly，"ifIguessedyoutobesomegreatladyindisguise？"
　　Mercylaughedtoherself——lowandbitterly。"Iagreatlady！"shesaid，contemptuously。"ForHeaven'ssake，letustalkofsomethingelse！"
　　Grace'scuriositywasthoroughlyroused。Shepersisted。"Oncemore，"shewhispered，persuasively，"letusbefriends。"ShegentlylaidherhandasshespokeonMercy'sshoulder。Mercyroughlyshookitoff。Therewasarudenessintheactionwhichwouldhaveoffendedthemostpatientwomanliving。Gracedrewbackindignantly。"Ah！"shecried，"youarecruel。"
　　"Iamkind，"answeredthenurse，speakingmoresternlythanever。
　　"Isitkindtokeepmeatadistance？Ihavetoldyoumystory。"
　　Thenurse'svoiceroseexcitedly。"Don'ttemptmetospeakout，"shesaid；"youwillregretit。"
　　Gracedeclinedtoacceptthewarning。"Ihaveplacedconfidenceinyou，"shewenton。"Itisungeneroustolaymeunderanobligation，andthentoshutmeoutofyourconfidenceinreturn。"
　　"Youwillhaveit？"saidMercyMerrick。"Youshallhaveit！Sitdownagain。"Grace'sheartbegantoquickenitsbeatinexpectationofthedisclosurethatwastocome。Shedrewherchairclosertothechestonwhichthenursewassitting。WithafirmhandMercyputthechairbacktoadistancefromher。"Notsonearme！"shesaid，harshly。
　　"Whynot？"
　　"Notsonear，"repeatedthesternlyresolutevoice。"WaittillyouhaveheardwhatIhavetosay。"
　　Graceobeyedwithoutawordmore。Therewasamomentarysilence。Afaintflashoflightleapedupfromtheexpiringcandle，andshowedMercycrouchingonthechest，withherelbowsonherknees，andherfacehiddeninherhands。Thenextinstanttheroomwasburiedinobscurity。Asthedarknessfellonthetwowomenthenursespoke。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter2CHAPTERII。
　　MAGDALEN——INMODERNTIMES。
　　"WHENyourmotherwasalivewereyoueveroutwithherafternightfallinthestreetsofagreatcity？"
　　InthoseextraordinarytermsMercyMerrickopenedtheconfidentialinterviewwhichGraceRoseberryhadforcedonher。Graceanswered，simply，"Idon'tunderstandyou。"
　　"Iwillputitinanotherway，"saidthenurse。Itsunnaturalhardnessandsternnessoftonepassedawayfromhervoice，anditsnativegentlenessandsadnessreturned，asshemadethatreply。"Youreadthenewspapersliketherestoftheworld，"shewenton；"haveyoueverreadofyourunhappyfellow-creaturesthestarvingoutcastsofthepopulationwhomWanthasdrivenintoSin？"
　　Stillwondering，Graceansweredthatshehadreadofsuchthingsoften，innewspapersandinbooks。
　　"Haveyouheard——whenthosestarvingandsinningfellow-creatureshappenedtobewomen——ofRefugesestablishedtoprotectandreclaimthem？"
　　ThewonderinGrace'smindpassedaway，andavaguesuspicionofsomethingpainfultocometookitsplace。"Theseareextraordinaryquestions，"shesaid，nervously。"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　"Answerme，"thenurseinsisted。"HaveyouheardoftheRefuges？HaveyouheardoftheWomen？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Moveyourchairalittlefurtherawayfromme。"Shepaused。Hervoice，withoutlosingitssteadiness，felltoitslowesttones。"Iwasonceofthosewomen，"shesaid，quietly。
　　Gracesprangtoherfeetwithafaintcry。Shestoodpetrified——incapableofutteringaword。
　　"IhavebeeninaRefuge，"pursuedthesweet，sadvoiceoftheotherwoman。"IhavebeeninaPrison。Doyoustillwishtobemyfriend？Doyoustillinsistonsittingclosebymeandtakingmyhand？"Shewaitedforareply，andnoreplycame。"Youseeyouwerewrong，"shewenton，gently，"whenyoucalledmecruel——andIwasrightwhenItoldyouIwaskind。"
　　AtthatappealGracecomposedherself，andspoke。"Idon'twishtooffendyou——"shebegan，confusedly。
　　MercyMerrickstoppedherthere。
　　"Youdon'toffendme，"shesaid，withoutthefaintestnoteofdispleasureinhertone。"Iamaccustomedtostandinthepilloryofmyownpastlife。Isometimesaskmyselfifitwasallmyfault。IsometimeswonderifSocietyhadnodutiestowardmewhenIwasachildsellingmatchesinthestreet——whenIwasahard-workinggirlfaintingatmyneedleforwantoffood。"Hervoicefalteredalittleforthefirsttimeasitpronouncedthosewords；shewaitedamoment，andrecoveredherself。"It'stoolatetodwellonthesethingsnow，"shesaid，resignedly。"Societycansubscribetoreclaimme；butSocietycan'ttakemeback。Youseemehereinaplaceoftrust——patiently，humbly，doingallthegoodIcan。Itdoesn'tmatter！Here，orelsewhere，whatIamcanneveralterwhatIwas。ForthreeyearspastallthatasincerelypenitentwomancandoIhavedone。Itdoesn'tmatter！Onceletmypaststorybeknown，andtheshadowofitcoversme；thekindestpeopleshrink。"
　　Shewaitedagain。Wouldawordofsympathycometocomfortherfromtheotherwoman'slips？No！MissRoseberrywasshocked；MissRoseberrywasconfused。"Iamverysorryforyou，"wasallthatMissRoseberrycouldsay。
　　"Everybodyissorryforme，"answeredthenurse，aspatientlyasever；"everybodyiskindtome。Butthelostplaceisnottoberegained。Ican'tgetback！Ican'tgetback？"shecried，withapassionateoutburstofdespair——checkedinstantlythemomentithadescapedher。"ShallItellyouwhatmyexperiencehasbeen？"sheresumed。"WillyouhearthestoryofMagdalen——inmoderntimes？"
　　Gracedrewbackastep；Mercyinstantlyunderstoodher。
　　"Iamgoingtotellyounothingthatyouneedshrinkfromhearing，"shesaid。"AladyinyourpositionwouldnotunderstandthetrialsandthestrugglesthatIhavepassedthrough。MystoryshallbeginattheRefuge。ThematronsentmeouttoservicewiththecharacterthatIhadhonestlyearned——thecharacterofareclaimedwoman。Ijustifiedtheconfidenceplacedinme；Iwasafaithfulservant。Onedaymymistresssentforme——akindmistress，ifevertherewasoneyet。'Mercy，Iamsorryforyou；ithascomeoutthatItookyoufromaRefuge；Ishallloseeveryservantinthehouse；youmustgo。'Iwentbacktothematron——anotherkindwoman。Shereceivedmelikeamother。'Wewilltryagain，Mercy；don'tbecastdown。'ItoldyouIhadbeeninCanada？"
　　Gracebegantofeelinterestedinspiteofherself。Sheansweredwithsomethinglikewarmthinhertone。Shereturnedtoherchair——placedatitssafeandsignificantdistancefromthechest。
　　Thenursewenton：
　　"MynextplacewasinCanada，withanofficer'swife：gentlefolkswhohademigrated。Morekindness；and，thistime，apleasant，peacefullifeforme。Isaidtomyself，'Isthelostplaceregained？HaveIgotback？'Mymistressdied。Newpeoplecameintoourneighborhood。Therewasayoungladyamongthem——mymasterbegantothinkofanotherwife。Ihavethemisfortuneinmysituationtobewhatiscalledahandsomewoman；Irousethecuriosityofstrangers。Thenewpeopleaskedquestionsaboutme；mymaster'sanswersdidnotsatisfythem。Inaword，theyfoundmeout。Theoldstoryagain！'Mercy，Iamverysorry；scandalisbusywithyouandwithme；weareinnocent，butthereisnohelpforit——wemustpart。'Ilefttheplace；havinggainedoneadvantageduringmystayinCanada，whichIfindofusetomehere。"
　　"Whatisit？"
　　"OurnearestneighborswereFrench-Canadians。IlearnedtospeaktheFrenchlanguage。"
　　"DidyoureturntoLondon？"
　　"WhereelsecouldIgo，withoutacharacter？"saidMercy，sadly。"Iwentbackagaintothematron。SicknesshadbrokenoutintheRefuge；Imademyselfusefulasanurse。Oneofthedoctorswasstruckwithme——'fellinlove'withme，asthephraseis。Hewouldhavemarriedme。Thenurse，asanhonestwoman，wasboundtotellhimthetruth。Heneverappearedagain。Theoldstory！Ibegantobewearyofsayingtomyself，'Ican'tgetback！Ican'tgetback！'Despairgotholdofme，thedespairthathardenstheheart。Imighthavecommittedsuicide；Imightevenhavedriftedbackintomyoldlife——butforoneman。"
　　Atthoselastwordshervoice——quietandeventhroughtheearlierpartofhersadstory——begantofalteroncemore。Shestopped，followingsilentlythememoriesandassociationsrousedinherbywhatshehadjustsaid。Hadsheforgottenthepresenceofanotherpersonintheroom？Grace'scuriosityleftGracenoresourcebuttosayawordonherside。
　　"Whowastheman？"sheasked。"Howdidhebefriendyou？"
　　"Befriendme？Hedoesn'tevenknowthatsuchapersonasIamisinexistence。"
　　Thatstrangeanswer，naturallyenough，onlystrengthenedtheanxietyofGracetohearmore。"Yousaidjustnow——"shebegan。
　　"Isaidjustnowthathesavedme。Hedidsaveme；youshallhearhow。OneSundayourregularclergymanattheRefugewasnotabletoofficiate。Hisplacewastakenbyastranger，quiteayoungman。Thematrontoldusthestranger'snamewasJulianGray。Isatinthebackrowofseats，undertheshadowofthegallery，whereIcouldseehimwithouthisseeingme。Histextwasfromthewords，'Joyshallbeinheavenoveronesinnerthatrepenteth，morethanoverninetyandninejustpersons，whichneednorepentance。'WhathappierwomenmighthavethoughtofhissermonIcannotsay；therewasnotadryeyeamongusattheRefuge。Asforme，hetouchedmyheartasnomanhastoucheditbeforeorsince。Theharddespairmeltedinmeatthesoundofhisvoice；thewearyroundofmylifeshoweditsnoblersideagainwhilehespoke。FromthattimeIhaveacceptedmyhardlot，Ihavebeenapatientwoman。Imighthavebeensomethingmore，Imighthavebeenahappywoman，ifIcouldhaveprevailedonmyselftospeaktoJulianGray。"
　　"Whathinderedyoufromspeakingtohim？"
　　"Iwasafraid。"
　　"Afraidofwhat？"
　　"Afraidofmakingmyhardlifeharderstill。"
　　Awomanwhocouldhavesympathizedwithherwouldperhapshaveguessedwhatthosewordsmeant。Gracewassimplyembarrassedbyher；andGracefailedtoguess。
　　"Idon'tunderstandyou，"shesaid。
　　TherewasnoalternativeforMercybuttoownthetruthinplainwords。Shesighed，andsaidthewords。"IwasafraidImightinteresthiminmysorrows，andmightsetmyheartonhiminreturn。"Theutterabsenceofanyfellow-feelingwithheronGrace'ssideexpresseditselfunconsciouslyintheplainestterms。
　　"You！"sheexclaimed，inatoneofblankastonishment。
　　Thenurseroseslowlytoherfeet。Grace'sexpressionofsurprisetoldherplainly——almostbrutally——thatherconfessionhadgonefarenough。
　　"Iastonishyou？"shesaid。"Ah，myyounglady，youdon'tknowwhatroughusageawoman'sheartcanbear，andstillbeattruly！BeforeIsawJulianGrayIonlyknewmenasobjectsofhorrortome。Letusdropthesubject。ThepreacherattheRefugeisnothingbutaremembrancenow——theonewelcomeremembranceofmylife！Ihavenothingmoretotellyou。Youinsistedonhearingmystory——youhaveheardit。"
　　"Ihavenotheardhowyoufoundemploymenthere，"saidGrace，continuingtheconversationwithuneasypoliteness，asshebestmight。
　　Mercycrossedtheroom，andslowlyrakedtogetherthelastlivingembersofthefire。
　　"ThematronhasfriendsinFrance，"sheanswered，"whoareconnectedwiththemilitaryhospitals。Itwasnotdifficulttogetmetheplace，underthosecircumstances。Societycanfindauseformehere。Myhandisaslight，mywordsofcomfortareaswelcome，amongthosesufferingwretches"shepointedtotheroominwhichthewoundedmenwerelying"asifIwasthemostreputablewomanbreathing。Andifastrayshotcomesmywaybeforethewarisover——well！Societywillberidofmeoneasyterms。"
　　Shestoodlookingthoughtfullyintothewreckofthefire——asifshesawinitthewreckofherownlife。Commonhumanitymadeitanactofnecessitytosaysomethingtoher。Graceconsidered——advancedasteptowardher——stopped——andtookrefugeinthemosttrivialofallthecommonphraseswhichonehumanbeingcanaddresstoanother。
　　"IfthereisanythingIcandoforyou——"shebegan。Thesentence，haltingthere，wasneverfinished。MissRoseberrywasjustmercifulenoughtowardthelostwomanwhohadrescuedandshelteredhertofeelthatitwasneedlesstosaymore。
　　Thenurseliftedhernobleheadandadvancedslowlytowardthecanvasscreentoreturntoherduties。"MissRoseberrymighthavetakenmyhand！"shethoughttoherself，bitterly。No！MissRoseberrystoodthereatadistance，atalosswhattosaynext。"Whatcanyoudoforme？"Mercyasked，stungbythecoldcourtesyofhercompanionintoamomentaryoutbreakofcontempt。"Canyouchangemyidentity？Canyougivemethenameandtheplaceofaninnocentwoman？IfIonlyhadyourchance！IfIonlyhadyourreputationandyourprospects！"Shelaidonehandoverherbosom，andcontrolledherself。"Stayhere，"sheresumed，"whileIgobacktomywork。Iwillseethatyourclothesaredried。Youshallwearmyclothesasshortatimeaspossible。"
　　Withthosemelancholywords——touchingly，notbitterlyspoken——shemovedtopassintothekitchen，whenshenoticedthatthepatteringsoundoftherainagainstthewindowwasaudiblenomore。Droppingthecanvasforthemoment，sheretracedhersteps，and，unfasteningthewoodenshutter，lookedout。
　　Themoonwasrisingdimlyinthewaterysky；therainhadceased；thefriendlydarknesswhichhadhiddentheFrenchpositionfromtheGermanscoutswaslesseningeverymoment。InafewhoursmoreifnothinghappenedtheEnglishladymightresumeherjourney。Inafewhoursmorethemorningwoulddawn。
　　Mercyliftedherhandtoclosetheshutter。Beforeshecouldfastenitthereportofarifle-shotreachedthecottagefromoneofthedistantposts。Itwasfollowedalmostinstantlybyasecondreport，nearerandlouderthanthefirst。Mercypaused，withtheshutterinherhand，andlistenedintentlyforthenextsound。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter3CHAPTERIII。
　　THEGERMANSHELL。
　　ATHIRDrifle-shotrangthroughthenightair，closetothecottage。Gracestartedandapproachedthewindowinalarm。
　　"Whatdoesthatfiringmean？"sheasked。
　　"Signalsfromtheoutposts，"thenursequietlyreplied。
　　"Isthereanydanger？HavetheGermanscomeback？"
　　SurgeonSurvilleansweredthequestion。Heliftedthecanvasscreen，andlookedintotheroomasMissRoseberryspoke。
　　"TheGermansareadvancingonus，"hesaid。"Theirvanguardisinsight。"
　　Gracesankonthechairnearher，tremblingfromheadtofoot。Mercyadvancedtothesurgeon，andputthedecisivequestiontohim。
　　"Dowedefendtheposition？"sheinquired。
　　SurgeonSurvilleominouslyshookhishead。
　　"Impossible！Weareoutnumberedasusual——tentoone。"
　　TheshrillrolloftheFrenchdrumswasheardoutside。
　　"Thereistheretreatsounded！"saidthesurgeon。"Thecaptainisnotamantothinktwiceaboutwhathedoes。Wearelefttotakecareofourselves。Infiveminuteswemustbeoutofthisplace。"
　　Avolleyofrifle-shotsrangoutashespoke。TheGermanvanguardwasattackingtheFrenchattheoutposts。Gracecaughtthesurgeonentreatinglybythearm。"Takemewithyou，"shecried。"Oh，sir，IhavesufferedfromtheGermansalready！Don'tforsakeme，iftheycomeback！"Thesurgeonwasequaltotheoccasion；heplacedthehandoftheprettyEnglishwomanonhisbreast。"Fearnothing，madam，"hesaid，lookingasifhecouldhaveannihilatedthewholeGermanforcewithhisowninvinciblearm。"AFrenchman'sheartbeatsunderyourhand。AFrenchman'sdevotionprotectsyou。"Grace'sheadsankonhisshoulder。MonsieurSurvillefeltthathehadassertedhimself；helookedroundinvitinglyatMercy。She，too，wasanattractivewoman。TheFrenchmanhadanothershoulderatherservice。Unhappilytheroomwasdark——thelookwaslostonMercy。Shewasthinkingofthehelplessmenintheinnerchamber，andshequietlyrecalledthesurgeontoasenseofhisprofessionalduties。
　　"Whatistobecomeofthesickandwounded？"sheasked。
　　MonsieurSurvilleshruggedoneshoulder——theshoulderthatwasfree。
　　"Thestrongestamongthemwecantakeawaywithus，"hesaid。"Theothersmustbelefthere。Fearnothingforyourself，dearlady。Therewillbeaplaceforyouinthebaggage-wagon。"
　　"Andforme，too？"Gracepleaded，eagerly。
　　Thesurgeon'sinvinciblearmstoleroundtheyounglady'swaist，andansweredmutelywithasqueeze。
　　"Takeherwithyou，"saidMercy。"Myplaceiswiththemenwhomyouleavebehind。"
　　Gracelistenedinamazement。"Thinkwhatyourisk，"shesaid"ifyoustophere。"
　　Mercypointedtoherleftshoulder。
　　"Don'talarmyourselfonmyaccount，"sheanswered；"theredcrosswillprotectme。"
　　Anotherrollofthedrumwarnedthesusceptiblesurgeontotakehisplaceasdirector-generaloftheambulancewithoutanyfurtherdelay。HeconductedGracetoachair，andplacedbothherhandsonhisheartthistime，toreconcilehertothemisfortuneofhisabsence。"WaitheretillIreturnforyou，"hewhispered。"Fearnothing，mycharmingfriend。Saytoyourself，'Survilleisthesoulofhonor！Survilleisdevotedtome！'"Hestruckhisbreast；heagainforgottheobscurityintheroom，andcastonelookofunutterablehomageathischarmingfriend。"Abientot！"hecried，andkissedhishandanddisappeared。
　　Asthecanvasscreenfelloverhimthesharpreportoftherifle-firingwassuddenlyandgrandlydominatedbytheroarofcannon。Theinstantafterashellexplodedinthegardenoutside，withinafewyardsofthewindow。
　　Gracesankonherkneeswithashriekofterror。Mercy，withoutlosingherself-possession，advancedtothewindowandlookedout。
　　"Themoonhasrisen，"shesaid。"TheGermansareshellingthevillage。"
　　Gracerose，andrantoherforprotection。
　　"Takemeaway！"shecried。"Weshallbekilledifwestayhere。"Shestopped，lookinginastonishmentatthetallblackfigureofthenurse，standingimmovablybythewindow。"Areyoumadeofiron？"sheexclaimed。"Willnothingfrightenyou？"
　　Mercysmiledsadly。"WhyshouldIbeafraidoflosingmylife？"sheanswered。"Ihavenothingworthlivingfor！"
　　Theroarofthecannonshookthecottageforthesecondtime。Asecondshellexplodedinthecourtyard，ontheoppositesideofthebuilding。
　　Bewilderedbythenoise，panic-strickenasthedangerfromtheshellsthreatenedthecottagemoreandmorenearly，Gracethrewherarmsroundthenurse，andclung，intheabjectfamiliarityofterror，tothewomanwhosehandshehadshrunkfromtouchingnotfiveminutessince。"Whereisitsafest？"shecried。"WherecanIhidemyself？"
　　"HowcanItellwherethenextshellwillfall？"Mercyanswered，quietly。
　　Thesteadycomposureoftheonewomanseemedtomaddentheother。Releasingthenurse，Gracelookedwildlyroundforawayofescapefromthecottage。Makingfirstforthekitchen，shewasdrivenbackbytheclamorandconfusionattendingtheremovalofthoseamongthewoundedwhowerestrongenoughtobeplacedinthewagon。Asecondlookroundshowedherthedoorleadingintotheyard。Sherushedtoitwithacryofrelief。Shehadjustlaidherhandonthelockwhenthethirdreportofcannonburstovertheplace。
　　Startingbackastep，Graceliftedherhandsmechanicallytoherears。Atthesamemomentthethirdshellburstthroughtheroofofthecottage，andexplodedintheroom，justinsidethedoor。Mercysprangforward，unhurt，fromherplaceatthewindow。Theburningfragmentsoftheshellwerealreadyfiringthedrywoodenfloor，andinthemidstofthem，dimlyseenthroughthesmoke，laytheinsensiblebodyofhercompanionintheroom。Evenatthatdreadfulmomentthenurse'spresenceofminddidnotfailher。Hurryingbacktotheplacethatshehadjustleft，nearwhichshehadalreadynoticedthemiller'semptysackslyinginaheap，sheseizedtwoofthem，and，throwingthemonthesmolderingfloor，trampledoutthefire。Thatdone，shekneltbythesenselesswoman，andliftedherhead。
　　Wasshewounded？ordead？
　　Mercyraisedonehelplesshand，andlaidherfingersonthewrist。Whileshewasstillvainlytryingtofeelforthebeatingofthepulse，SurgeonSurvillealarmedfortheladieshurriedintoinquireifanyharmhadbeendone。
　　Mercycalledtohimtoapproach。"Iamafraidtheshellhasstruckher，"shesaid，yieldingherplacetohim。"Seeifsheisbadlyhurt。"
　　Thesurgeon'sanxietyforhischarmingpatientexpresseditselfbrieflyinanoath，withaprodigiousemphasislaidononeofthelettersinit——theletterR。"Takeoffhercloak，"hecried，raisinghishandtoherneck。"Poorangel！Shehasturnedinfalling；thestringistwistedroundherthroat。"
　　Mercyremovedthecloak。ItdroppedonthefloorasthesurgeonliftedGraceinhisarms。"Getacandle，"hesaid，impatiently；"theywillgiveyouoneinthekitchen。"Hetriedtofeelthepulse：hishandtrembled，thenoiseandconfusioninthekitchenbewilderedhim。"JustHeaven！"heexclaimed。"Myemotionsoverpowerme！"Mercyapproachedhimwiththecandle。ThelightdisclosedthefrightfulinjurywhichafragmentoftheshellhadinflictedontheEnglishwoman'shead。SurgeonSurville'smanneralteredontheinstant。Theexpressionofanxietylefthisface；itsprofessionalcomposurecovereditsuddenlylikeamask。Whatwastheobjectofhisadmirationnow？Aninertburdeninhisarms——nothingmore。
　　ThechangeinhisfacewasnotlostonMercy。Herlargegrayeyeswatchedhimattentively。"Istheladyseriouslywounded？"sheasked。
　　"Don'ttroubleyourselftoholdthelightanylonger，"wasthecoolreply。"It'sallover——Icandonothingforher。"
　　"Dead？"
　　SurgeonSurvillenoddedandshookhisfistinthedirectionoftheoutposts。"AccursedGermans！"hecried，andlookeddownatthedeadfaceonhisarm，andshruggedhisshouldersresignedly。"Thefortuneofwar！"hesaidasheliftedthebodyandplaceditonthebedinonecorneroftheroom。"Nexttime，nurse，itmaybeyouorme。Whoknows？Bah！theproblemofhumandestinydisgustsme。"Heturnedfromthebed，andillustratedhisdisgustbyspittingonthefragmentsoftheexplodedshell。"Wemustleaveherthere，"heresumed。"Shewasonceacharmingperson——sheisnothingnow。Comeaway，MissMercy，beforeitistoolate。"
　　Heofferedhisarmtothenurse；thecreakingofthebaggage-wagon，startingonitsjourney，washeardoutside，andtheshrillrollofthedrumswasrenewedinthedistance。Theretreathadbegun。
　　Mercydrewasidethecanvas，andsawthebadlywoundedmen，lefthelplessatthemercyoftheenemy，ontheirstrawbeds。SherefusedtheofferofMonsieurSurville'sarm。
　　"IhavealreadytoldyouthatIshallstayhere，"sheanswered。
　　MonsieurSurvilleliftedhishandsinpoliteremonstrance。Mercyheldbackthecurtain，andpointedtothecottagedoor。
　　"Go，"shesaid。"Mymindismadeup。"
　　EvenatthatfinalmomenttheFrenchmanassertedhimself。Hemadehisexitwithunimpairedgraceanddignity。"Madam，"hesaid，"youaresublime！"Withthatpartingcomplimentthemanofgallantry——truetothelasttohisadmirationofthesex——bowed，withhishandonhisheart，andleftthecottage。
　　Mercydroppedthecanvasoverthedoorway。Shewasalonewiththedeadwoman。
　　Thelasttrampoffootsteps，thelastrumblingofthewagonwheels，diedawayinthedistance。Norenewaloffiringfromthepositionoccupiedbytheenemydisturbedthesilencethatfollowed。TheGermansknewthattheFrenchwereinretreat。Afewminutesmoreandtheywouldtakepossessionoftheabandonedvillage：thetumultoftheirapproachshouldbecomeaudibleatthecottage。Inthemeantimethestillnesswasterrible。Eventhewoundedwretcheswhowereleftinthekitchenwaitedtheirfateinsilence。
　　Aloneintheroom，Mercy'sfirstlookwasdirectedtothebed。
　　Thetwowomenhadmetintheconfusionofthefirstskirmishatthecloseoftwilight。Separated，ontheirarrivalatthecottage，bythedutiesrequiredofthenurse，theyhadonlymetagaininthecaptain'sroom。Theacquaintancebetweenthemhadbeenashortone；andithadgivennopromiseofripeningintofriendship。ButthefatalaccidenthadrousedMercy'sinterestinthestranger。Shetookthecandle，andapproachedthecorpseofthewomanwhohadbeenliterallykilledatherside。
　　Shestoodbythebed，lookingdowninthesilenceofthenightatthestillnessofthedeadface。
　　Itwasastrikingface——onceseeninlifeorindeathnottobeforgottenafterward。Theforeheadwasunusuallylowandbroad；theeyesunusuallyfarapart；themouthandchinremarkablysmall。WithtenderhandsMercysmoothedthedisheveledhairandarrangedthecrumpleddress。"Notfiveminutessince，"shethoughttoherself，"Iwaslongingtochangeplaceswithyou！"Sheturnedfromthebedwithasigh。"IwishIcouldchangeplacesnow！"
　　Thesilencebegantooppressher。Shewalkedslowlytotheotherendoftheroom。
　　Thecloakonthefloor——herowncloak，whichshehadlenttoMissRoseberry——attractedherattentionasshepassedit。Shepickeditupandbrushedthedustfromit，andlaiditacrossachair。Thisdone，sheputthelightbackonthetable，andgoingtothewindow，listenedforthefirstsoundsoftheGermanadvance。Thefaintpassageofthewindthroughsometreesnearathandwastheonlysoundthatcaughtherears。Sheturnedfromthewindow，andseatedherselfatthetable，thinking。WasthereanydutystillleftundonethatChristiancharityowedtothedead？WasthereanyfurtherservicethatpressedforperformanceintheintervalbeforetheGermansappeared？
　　Mercyrecalledtheconversationthathadpassedbetweenherill-fatedcompanionandherself。MissRoseberryhadspokenofherobjectinreturningtoEngland。Shehadmentionedalady——aconnectionbymarriage，towhomshewaspersonallyastranger——whowaswaitingtoreceiveher。Someonecapableofstatinghowthepoorcreaturehadmetwithherdeathoughttowritetoheronlyfriend。Whowastodoit？Therewasnobodytodoitbuttheonewitnessofthecatastrophenowleftinthecottage——Mercyherself。
　　Sheliftedthecloakfromthechaironwhichshehadplacedit，andtookfromthepockettheleatherletter-casewhichGracehadshowntoher。TheonlywayofdiscoveringtheaddresstowritetoinEnglandwastoopenthecaseandexaminethepapersinside。Mercyopenedthecase——andstopped，feelingastrangereluctancetocarrytheinvestigationanyfarther。
　　Amoment'sconsiderationsatisfiedherthatherscruplesweremisplaced。Ifsherespectedthecaseasinviolable，theGermanswouldcertainlynothesitatetoexamineit，andtheGermanswouldhardlytroublethemselvestowritetoEngland。Whichwerethefittesteyestoinspectthepapersofthedeceasedlady——theeyesofmenandforeigners，ortheeyesofherowncountrywoman？Mercy'shesitationlefther。Sheemptiedthecontentsofthecaseonthetable。
　　Thattriflingactiondecidedthewholefuturecourseofherlife。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter4CHAPTERIV。
　　THETEMPTATION。
　　Someletters，tiedtogetherwitharibbon，attractedMercy'sattentionfirst。Theinkinwhichtheaddresseswerewrittenhadfadedwithage。Theletters，directedalternatelytoColonelRoseberryandtotheHonorableMrs。Roseberry，containedacorrespondencebetweenthehusbandandwifeatatimewhentheColonel'smilitarydutieshadobligedhimtobeabsentfromhome。Mercytiedthelettersupagain，andpassedontothepapersthatlaynextinorderunderherhand。
　　Theseconsistedofafewleavespinnedtogether，andheadedinawoman'shandwriting"MyJournalatRome。"AbriefexaminationshowedthatthejournalhadbeenwrittenbyMissRoseberry，andthatitwasmainlydevotedtoarecordofthelastdaysofherfather'slife。
　　Afterreplacingthejournalandthecorrespondenceinthecase，theonepaperleftonthetablewasaletter。Theenvelope，whichwasunclosed，borethisaddress："LadyJanetRoy，MablethorpeHouse，Kensington，London。"Mercytooktheinclosurefromtheopenenvelope。ThefirstlinesshereadinformedherthatshehadfoundtheColonel'sletterofintroduction，presentinghisdaughtertoherprotectressonherarrivalinEnglandMercyreadtheletterthrough。Itwasdescribedbythewriterasthelasteffortsofadyingman。ColonelRoseberrywroteaffectionatelyofhisdaughter'smerits，andregretfullyofherneglectededucation——ascribingthelattertothepecuniarylosseswhichhadforcedhimtoemigratetoCanadainthecharacterofapoorman。Ferventexpressionsofgratitudefollowed，addressedtoLadyJanet。"Ioweittoyou，"theletterconcluded，"thatIamdyingwithmymindateaseaboutthefutureofmydarlinggirl。ToyourgenerousprotectionIcommittheonetreasureIhavelefttomeonearth。Throughyourlonglifetimeyouhavenoblyusedyourhighrankandyourgreatfortuneasameansofdoinggood。Ibelieveitwillnotbecountedamongtheleastofyourvirtueshereafterthatyoucomfortedthelasthoursofanoldsoldierbyopeningyourheartandyourhometohisfriendlesschild。"
　　Sotheletterended。Mercylaiditdownwithaheavyheart。Whatachancethepoorgirlhadlost！Awomanofrankandfortunewaitingtoreceiveher——awomansomercifulandsogenerousthatthefather'smindhadbeeneasyaboutthedaughteronhisdeathbed——andtherethedaughterlay，beyondthereachofLadyJanet'skindness，beyondtheneedofLadyJanet'shelp！
　　TheFrenchcaptain'swriting-materialswereleftonthetable。MercyturnedtheletteroversothatshemightwritethenewsofMissRoseberry'sdeathontheblankpageattheend。Shewasstillconsideringwhatexpressionssheshoulduse，whenthesoundofcomplainingvoicesfromthenextroomcaughtherear。Thewoundedmenleftbehindweremoaningforhelp——thedesertedsoldierswerelosingtheirfortitudeatlast。
　　Sheenteredthekitchen。Acryofdelightwelcomedherappearance——themeresightofhercomposedthemen。Fromonestrawbedtoanothershepassedwithcomfortingwordsthatgavethemhope，withskilledandtenderhandsthatsoothedtheirpain。Theykissedthehemofherblackdress，theycalledhertheirguardianangel，asthebeautifulcreaturemovedamongthem，andbentovertheirhardpillowshergentle，compassionateface。"IwillbewithyouwhentheGermanscome，"shesaid，assheleftthemtoreturntoherunwrittenletter。"Courage，mypoorfellows！youarenotdesertedbyyournurse。"
　　"Courage，madam！"themenreplied；"andGodblessyou！"
　　Ifthefiringhadbeenresumedatthatmoment——ifashellhadstruckherdeadintheactofsuccoringtheafflicted，whatChristianjudgmentwouldhavehesitatedtodeclarethattherewasaplaceforthiswomaninheaven？Butifthewarendedandleftherstillliving，wherewastheplaceforheronearth？Wherewereherprospects？Wherewasherhome？
　　Shereturnedtotheletter。Instead，however，ofseatingherselftowrite，shestoodbythetable，absentlylookingdownatthemorselofpaper。
　　Astrangefancyhadsprungtolifeinhermindonre-enteringtheroom；sheherselfsmiledfaintlyattheextravaganceofit。WhatifsheweretoaskLadyJanetRoytolethersupplyMissRoseberry'splace？ShehadmetwithMissRoseberryundercriticalcircumstances，andshehaddoneforherallthatonewomancoulddotohelpanother。Therewasinthiscircumstancesomelittleclaimtonotice，perhaps，ifLadyJanethadnoothercompanionandreaderinview。Supposesheventuredtopleadherowncause——whatwouldthenobleandmercifulladydo？Shewouldwriteback，andsay，"Sendmereferencestoyourcharacter，andIwillseewhatcanbedone。"Hercharacter！Herreferences！Mercylaughedbitterly，andsatdowntowriteinthefewestwordsallthatwasneededfromher——aplainstatementofthefacts。
　　No！Notalinecouldsheputonthepaper。Thatfancyofherswasnottobedismissedatwill。HermindwasperverselybusynowwithanimaginativepictureofthebeautyofMablethorpeHouseandthecomfortandeleganceofthelifethatwasledthere。OncemoreshethoughtofthechancewhichMissRoseberryhadlost。Unhappycreature！whatahomewouldhavebeenopentoheriftheshellhadonlyfallenonthesideofthewindow，insteadofonthesideoftheyard！
　　Mercypushedtheletterawayfromher，andwalkedimpatientlytoandfrointheroom。
　　Theperversityinherthoughtswasnottobemasteredinthatway。Hermindonlyabandonedoneuselesstrainofreflectiontooccupyitselfwithanother。Shewasnowlookingbyanticipationatherownfuture。Whatwereherprospectsifshelivedthroughitwhenthewarwasover？Theexperienceofthepastdelineatedwithpitilessfidelitythedrearyscene。Gowhereshemight，dowhatshemight，itwouldalwaysendinthesameway。Curiosityandadmirationexcitedbyherbeauty；inquiriesmadeabouther；thestoryofthepastdiscovered；Societycharitablysorryforher；Societygenerouslysubscribingforher；andstill，throughalltheyearsofherlife，thesameresultintheend——theshadowoftheolddisgracesurroundingheraswithapestilence，isolatingheramongotherwomen，brandingher，evenwhenshehadearnedherpardoninthesightofGod，withthemarkofanindelibledisgraceinthesightofman：therewastheprospect！Andshewasonlyfive-and-twentylastbirthday；shewasintheprimeofherhealthandherstrength；shemightlive，inthecourseofnature，fiftyyearsmore！
　　Shestoppedagainatthebedside；shelookedagainatthefaceofthecorpse。
　　Towhatendhadtheshellstruckthewomanwhohadsomehopeinherlife，andsparedthewomanwhohadnone？ThewordsshehadherselfspokentoGraceRoseberrycamebacktoherasshethoughtofit。"IfIonlyhadyourchance！IfIonlyhadyourreputationandyourprospects！"Andtherewasthechancewasted！thereweretheenviableprospectsthrownaway！Itwasalmostmaddeningtocontemplatethatresult，feelingherownpositionasshefeltit。Inthebittermockeryofdespairshebentoverthelifelessfigure，andspoketoitasifithadearstohearher。"Oh！"shesaid，longingly，"ifyoucouldbeMercyMerrick，andifIcouldbeGraceRoseberry，now！"
　　Theinstantthewordspassedherlipsshestartedintoanerectposition。Shestoodbythebedwithhereyesstaringwildlyintoemptyspace；withherbraininaflame；withherheartbeatingasifitwouldstifleher。"IfyoucouldbeMercyMerrick，andifIcouldbeGraceRoseberry，now！"Inonebreathlessmomentthethoughtassumedanewdevelopmentinhermind。Inonebreathlessmomenttheconvictionstruckherlikeanelectricshock。ShemightbeGraceRoseberryifshedared！TherewasabsolutelynothingtostopherfrompresentingherselftoLadyJanetRoyunderGrace'snameandinGrace'splace！
　　Whatweretherisks？Wherewastheweakpointinthescheme？
　　Gracehadsaiditherselfinsomanywords——sheandLadyJanethadneverseeneachother。HerfriendswereinCanada；herrelationsinEnglandweredead。Mercyknewtheplaceinwhichshehadlived——theplacecalledPortLogan——aswellasshehadknownitherself。MercyhadonlytoreadthemanuscriptjournaltobeabletoansweranyquestionsrelatingtothevisittoRomeandtoColonelRoseberry'sdeath。Shehadnoaccomplishedladytopersonate：Gracehadspokenherself——herfather'sletterspokealsointheplainestterms——ofherneglectededucation。Everything，literallyeverything，wasinthelostwoman'sfavor。Thepeoplewithwhomshehadbeenconnectedintheambulancehadgone，toreturnnomore。HerownclotheswereonMissRoseberryatthatmoment——markedwithherownname。MissRoseberry'sclothes，markedwithhername，weredrying，atMercy'sdisposal，inthenextroom。Thewayofescapefromtheunendurablehumiliationofherpresentlifelayopenbeforeheratlast。Whataprospectitwas！Anewidentity，whichshemightownanywhere！anewname，whichwasbeyondreproach！anewpastlife，intowhichalltheworldmightsearch，andbewelcome！Hercolorrose，hereyessparkled；shehadneverbeensoirresistiblybeautifulasshelookedatthemomentwhenthenewfuturediscloseditself，radiantwithnewhope。
　　Shewaitedaminute，untilshecouldlookatherowndaringprojectfromanotherpointofview。Wherewastheharmofit？whatdidherconsciencesay？
　　AstoGrace，inthefirstplace。Whatinjurywasshedoingtoawomanwhowasdead？Thequestionanswereditself。Noinjurytothewoman。Noinjurytoherrelations。Herrelationsweredeadalso。
　　AstoLadyJanet，inthesecondplace。Ifsheservedhernewmistressfaithfully，ifshefilledhernewspherehonorably，ifshewasdiligentunderinstructionandgratefulforkindness——if，inoneword，shewasallthatshemightbeandwouldbeintheheavenlypeaceandsecurityofthatnewlife——whatinjurywasshedoingtoLadyJanet？Oncemorethequestionanswereditself。Shemight，andwould，giveLadyJanetcausetoblessthedaywhenshefirstenteredthehouse。
　　ShesnatchedupColonelRoseberry'sletter，andputitintothecasewiththeotherpapers。Theopportunitywasbeforeher；thechanceswereallinherfavor；herconsciencesaidnothingagainsttryingthedaringscheme。Shedecidedthenandthere——"I'lldoit！"
　　Somethingjarredonherfinersense，somethingoffendedherbetternature，assheputthecaseintothepocketofherdress。Shehaddecided，andyetshewasnotatease；shewasnotquitesureofhavingfairlyquestionedherconscienceyet。Whatifshelaidtheletter-caseonthetableagain，andwaiteduntilherexcitementhadallcooleddown，andthenputthecontemplatedprojectsoberlyonitstrialbeforeherownsenseofrightandwrong？
　　Shethoughtonce——andhesitated。Beforeshecouldthinktwice，thedistanttrampofmarchingfootstepsandthedistantclatterofhorses'hoofswerewaftedtoheronthenightair。TheGermanswereenteringthevillage！Inafewminutesmoretheywouldappearinthecottage；theywouldsummonhertogiveanaccountofherself。Therewasnotimeforwaitinguntilshewascomposedagain。Whichshoulditbe——thenewlife，asGraceRoseberry？ortheoldlife，asMercyMerrick？
　　Shelookedforthelasttimeatthebed。Grace'scoursewasrun；Grace'sfuturewasatherdisposal。Herresolutenature，forcedtoachoiceontheinstant，heldbythedaringalternative。ShepersistedinthedeterminationtotakeGrace'splace。
　　ThetrampingfootstepsoftheGermanscamenearerandnearer。Thevoicesoftheofficerswereaudible，givingthewordsofcommand。
　　Sheseatedherselfatthetable，waitingsteadilyforwhatwastocome。
　　Theineradicableinstinctofthesexdirectedhereyestoherdress，beforetheGermansappeared。Lookingitovertoseethatitwasinperfectorder，hereyesfellupontheredcrossonherleftshoulder。Inamomentitstruckherthathernurse'scostumemightinvolveherinaneedlessrisk。Itassociatedherwithapublicposition；itmightleadtoinquiriesatalatertime，andthoseinquiriesmightbetrayher。
　　Shelookedround。ThegraycloakwhichshehadlenttoGraceattractedherattention。Shetookitup，andcoveredherselfwithitfromheadtofoot。
　　Thecloakwasjustarrangedroundherwhensheheardtheouterdoorthrustopen，andvoicesspeakinginastrangetongue，andarmsgroundedintheroombehindher。Shouldshewaittobediscovered？orshouldsheshowherselfofherownaccord？Itwaslesstryingtosuchanatureasherstoshowherselfthantowait。Sheadvancedtoenterthekitchen。Thecanvascurtain，asshestretchedoutherhandtoit，wassuddenlydrawnbackfromtheotherside，andthreemenconfrontedherintheopendoorway。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter5CHAPTERV。
　　THEGERMANSURGEON。
　　THEyoungestofthethreestrangers——judgingbyfeatures，complexion，andmanner——wasapparentlyanEnglishman。Heworeamilitarycapandmilitaryboots，butwasotherwisedressedasacivilian。NexttohimstoodanofficerinPrussianuniform，andnexttotheofficerwasthethirdandtheoldestoftheparty。Healsowasdressedinuniform，buthisappearancewasfarfrombeingsuggestiveoftheappearanceofamilitaryman。Hehaltedononefoot，hestoopedattheshoulders，andinsteadofaswordathissidehecarriedastickinhishand。Afterlookingsharplythroughalargepairoftortoise-shellspectacles，firstatMercy，thenatthebed，thenallroundtheroom，heturnedwithacynicalcomposureofmannertothePrussianofficer，andbrokethesilenceinthesewords：
　　"Awomanillonthebed；anotherwomaninattendanceonher，andnooneelseintheroom。Anynecessity，major，forsettingaguardhere？"
　　"Nonecessity，"answeredthemajor。Hewheeledroundonhisheelandreturnedtothekitchen。TheGermansurgeonadvancedalittle，ledbyhisprofessionalinstinct，inthedirectionofthebedside。TheyoungEnglishman，whoseeyeshadremainedrivetedinadmirationonMercy，drewthecanvasscreenoverthedoorwayandrespectfullyaddressedherintheFrenchlanguage。
　　"MayIaskifIamspeakingtoaFrenchlady？"hesaid。
　　"IamanEnglishwoman，"Mercyreplied。
　　Thesurgeonheardtheanswer。Stoppingshortonhiswaytothebed，hepointedtotherecumbentfigureonit，andsaidtoMercy，ingoodEnglish，spokenwithastrongGermanaccent。
　　"CanIbeofanyusethere？"
　　Hismannerwasironicallycourteous，hisharshvoicewaspitchedinonesardonicmonotonyoftone。Mercytookaninstantaneousdisliketothishobbling，uglyoldman，staringatherrudelythroughhisgreattortoiseshellspectacles。
　　"Youcanbeofnouse，sir，"shesaid，shortly。"Theladywaskilledwhenyourtroopsshelledthiscottage。"
　　TheEnglishmanstarted，andlookedcompassionatelytowardthebed。TheGermanrefreshedhimselfwithapinchofsnuff，andputanotherquestion。
　　"Hasthebodybeenexaminedbyamedicalman？"heasked。
　　Mercyungraciouslylimitedherreplytotheonenecessaryword"Yes。"
　　Thepresentsurgeonwasnotamantobedauntedbyalady'sdisapprovalofhim。Hewentonwithhisquestions。
　　"Whohasexaminedthebody？"heinquirednext。
　　Mercyanswered，"ThedoctorattachedtotheFrenchambulance。"
　　TheGermangruntedincontemptuousdisapprovalofallFrenchmen，andallFrenchinstitutions。TheEnglishmanseizedhisfirstopportunityofaddressinghimselftoMercyoncemore。
　　"Istheladyacountrywomanofours？"heasked，gently。
　　Mercyconsideredbeforesheansweredhim。Withtheobjectshehadinview，theremightbeseriousreasonsforspeakingwithextremecautionwhenshespokeofGrace。
　　"Ibelieveso，"shesaid。"Wemetherebyaccident。Iknownothingofher。"
　　"Notevenhername？"inquiredtheGermansurgeon。
　　Mercy'sresolutionwashardlyequalyettogivingherownnameopenlyasthenameofGrace。Shetookrefugeinflatdenial。
　　"Notevenhername，"sherepeatedobstinately。
　　Theoldmanstaredathermorerudelythanever，consideredwithhimself，andtookthecandlefromthetable。Hehobbledbacktothebedandexaminedthefigurelaidonitinsilence。TheEnglishmancontinuedtheconversation，nolongerconcealingtheinterestthathefeltinthebeautifulwomanwhostoodbeforehim。
　　"Pardonme，"hesaid，"youareveryyoungtobealoneinwar-timeinsuchaplaceasthis。"
　　ThesuddenoutbreakofadisturbanceinthekitchenrelievedMercyfromanyimmediatenecessityforansweringhim。Sheheardthevoicesofthewoundedmenraisedinfeebleremonstrance，andtheharshcommandoftheforeignofficersbiddingthembesilent。Thegenerousinstinctsofthewomaninstantlyprevailedovereverypersonalconsiderationimposedonherbythepositionwhichshehadassumed。RecklesswhethershebetrayedherselfornotasnurseintheFrenchambulance，sheinstantlydrewasidethecanvastoenterthekitchen。AGermansentinelbarredthewaytoher，andannounced，inhisownlanguage，thatnostrangerswereadmitted。TheEnglishmanpolitelyinterposing，askedifshehadanyspecialobjectinwishingtoentertheroom。
　　"ThepoorFrenchmen！"shesaid，earnestly，herheartupbraidingherforhavingforgottenthem。"ThepoorwoundedFrenchmen！"
　　TheGermansurgeonadvancedfromthebedside，andtookthematterupbeforetheEnglishmancouldsayawordmore。
　　"YouhavenothingtodowiththewoundedFrenchmen，"hecroaked，intheharshestnotesofhisvoice。"ThewoundedFrenchmenaremybusiness，andnotyours。Theyareourprisoners，andtheyarebeingmovedtoourambulance。IamIngatiusWetzel，chiefofthemedicalstaff——andItellyouthis。Holdyourtongue。"HeturnedtothesentinelandaddedinGerman，"Drawthecurtainagain；andifthewomanpersists，putherbackintothisroomwithyourownhand。"
　　Mercyattemptedtoremonstrate。TheEnglishmanrespectfullytookherarm，anddrewheroutofthesentinel'sreach。
　　"Itisuselesstoresist，"hesaid。"TheGermandisciplinenevergivesway。ThereisnottheleastneedtobeuneasyabouttheFrenchmen。TheambulanceunderSurgeonWetzelisadmirablyadministered。Ianswerforit，themenwillbewelltreated。"Hesawthetearsinhereyesashespoke；hisadmirationforherrosehigherandhigher。"Kindaswellasbeautiful，"hethought。"Whatacharmingcreature！"
　　"Well！"saidIgnatiusWetzel，eyingMercysternlythroughhisspectacles。"Areyousatisfied？Andwillyouholdyourtongue？"
　　Sheyielded：itwasplainlyuselesstoresist。Butforthesurgeon'sresistance，herdevotiontothewoundedmenmighthavestoppedheronthedownwardwaythatshewasgoing。Ifshecouldonlyhavebeenabsorbedagain，mindandbody，inhergoodworkasanurse，thetemptationmightevenyethavefoundherstrongenoughtoresistit。ThefatalseverityoftheGermandisciplinehadsnappedasunderthelasttiethatboundhertoherbetterself。HerfacehardenedasshewalkedawayproudlyfromSurgeonWetzel，andtookachair。
　　TheEnglishmanfollowedher，andrevertedtothequestionofherpresentsituationinthecottage。
　　"Don'tsupposethatIwanttoalarmyou，"hesaid。"Thereis，Irepeat，noneedtobeanxiousabouttheFrenchmen，butthereisseriousreasonforanxietyonyourownaccount。Theactionwillberenewedroundthisvillagebydaylight；yououghtreallytobeinaplaceofsafety。IamanofficerintheEnglisharmy——mynameisHoraceHolmcroft。Ishallbedelightedtobeofusetoyou，andIcanbeofuse，ifyouwillletme。MayIaskifyouaretraveling？"
　　Mercygatheredthecloakwhichconcealedhernurse'sdressmorecloselyroundher，andcommittedherselfsilentlytoherfirstovertactofdeception。Shebowedherheadintheaffirmative。
　　"AreyouonyourwaytoEngland？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"InthatcaseIcanpassyouthroughtheGermanlines，andforwardyouatonceonyourjourney。"
　　Mercylookedathiminunconcealedsurprise。Hisstrongly-feltinterestinherwasrestrainedwithinthestrictestlimitsofgood-breeding：hewasunmistakablyagentleman。Didhereallymeanwhathehadjustsaid？
　　"YoucanpassmethroughtheGermanlines？"sherepeated。"Youmustpossessextraordinaryinfluence，sir，tobeabletodothat。"
　　Mr。HoraceHolmcroftsmiled。
　　"Ipossesstheinfluencethatnoonecanresist，"heanswered——"theinfluenceofthePress。IamservinghereaswarcorrespondentofoneofourgreatEnglishnewspapers。IfIaskhim，thecommandingofficerwillgrantyouapass。Heisclosetothiscottage。Whatdoyousay？"
　　Shesummonedherresolution——notwithoutdifficulty，evennow——andtookhimathisword。
　　"Igratefullyacceptyouroffer，sir。"
　　Headvancedasteptowardthekitchen，andstopped。
　　"Itmaybewelltomaketheapplicationasprivatelyaspossible，"hesaid。"IshallbequestionedifIpassthroughthatroom。Istherenootherwayoutofthecottage？"
　　Mercyshowedhimthedoorleadingintotheyard。Hebowed——andlefther。
　　ShelookedfurtivelytowardtheGermansurgeon。IgnatiusWetzelwasstillatthebed，bendingoverthebody，andapparentlyabsorbedinexaminingthewoundwhichhadbeeninflictedbytheshell。Mercy'sinstinctiveaversiontotheoldmanincreasedtenfold，nowthatshewasleftalonewithhim。Shewithdrewuneasilytothewindow，andlookedoutatthemoonlight。
　　Hadshecommittedherselftothefraud？Hardly，yet。ShehadcommittedherselftoreturningtoEngland——nothingmore。Therewasnonecessity，thusfar，whichforcedhertopresentherselfatMablethorpeHouse，inGrace'splace。Therewasstilltimetoreconsiderherresolution——stilltimetowritetheaccountoftheaccident，asshehadproposed，andtosenditwiththeletter-casetoLadyJanetRoy。Supposeshefinallydecidedontakingthiscourse，whatwastobecomeofherwhenshefoundherselfinEnglandagain？Therewasnoalternativeopenbuttoapplyoncemoretoherfriendthematron。TherewasnothingforhertodobuttoreturntotheRefuge！
　　TheRefuge！Thematron！Whatpastassociationwiththesetwowasnowpresentingitselfuninvited，andtakingtheforemostplaceinhermind？Ofwhomwasshenowthinking，inthatstrangeplace，andatthatcrisisinherlife？Ofthemanwhosewordshadfoundtheirwaytoherheart，whoseinfluencehadstrengthenedandcomfortedher，inthechapeloftheRefuge。OneofthefinestpassagesinhissermonhadbeenespeciallydevotedbyJulianGraytowarningthecongregationwhomheaddressedagainstthedegradinginfluencesoffalsehoodanddeceit。Thetermsinwhichhehadappealedtothemiserablewomenroundhim——termsofsympathyandencouragementneveraddressedtothembefore——camebacktoMercyMerrickasifshehadheardthemanhoursince。Sheturneddeadlypaleastheynowpleadedwithheroncemore。"Oh！"shewhisperedtoherself，asshethoughtofwhatshehadproposedandplanned，"whathaveIdone？whathaveIdone？"
　　SheturnedfromthewindowwithsomevagueideainhermindoffollowingMr。Holmcroftandcallinghimback。AsshefacedthebedagainshealsoconfrontedIgnatiusWetzel。Hewasjuststeppingforwardtospeaktoher，withawhitehandkerchief——thehandkerchiefwhichshehadlenttoGrace——heldupinhishand。
　　"Ihavefoundthisinherpocket，"hesaid。"Hereishernamewrittenonit。Shemustbeacountrywomanofyours。"Hereadthelettersmarkedonthehandkerchiefwithsomedifficulty。"Hernameis——MercyMerrick。"