Hislipshadsaidit——nothers！Hehadgivenherthename。
　　"'MercyMerrick'isanEnglishname？"pursuedIgnatiusWetzel，withhiseyessteadilyfixedonher。"Isitnotso？"
　　TheholdonhermindofthepastassociationwithJulianGraybegantorelax。Onepresentandpressingquestionnowpossesseditselfoftheforemostplaceinherthoughts。ShouldshecorrecttheerrorintowhichtheGermanhadfallen？Thetimehadcome——tospeak，andassertherownidentity；ortobesilent，andcommitherselftothefraud。
　　HoraceHolmcroftenteredtheroomagainatthemomentwhenSurgeonWetzel'sstaringeyeswerestillfastenedonher，waitingforherreply。
　　"Ihavenotoverratedmyinterest，"hesaid，pointingtoalittleslipofpaperinhishand。"Hereisthepass。Haveyougotpenandink？Imustfilluptheform。"
　　Mercypointedtothewritingmaterialsonthetable。Horaceseatedhimself，anddippedthepenintheink。
　　"Praydon'tthinkthatIwishtointrudemyselfintoyouraffairs，"hesaid。"Iamobligedtoaskyouoneortwoplainquestions。Whatisyourname？"
　　Asuddentremblingseizedher。Shesupportedherselfagainstthefootofthebed。Herwholefutureexistencedependedonheranswer。Shewasincapableofutteringaword。
　　IgnatiusWetzelstoodherfriendforonce。Hiscroakingvoicefilledtheemptygapofsilenceexactlyattherighttime。Hedoggedlyheldthehandkerchiefunderhereyes。Heobstinatelyrepeated："MercyMerrickisanEnglishname。Isitnotso？"
　　HoraceHolmcroftlookedupfromthetable。"MercyMerrick？"hesaid。"WhoisMercyMerrick？"
　　SurgeonWetzelpointedtothecorpseonthebed。
　　"Ihavefoundthenameonthehandkerchief，"hesaid。"Thislady，itseems，hadnotcuriosityenoughtolookforthenameofherowncountrywoman。"HemadethatmockingallusiontoMercywithatonewhichwasalmostatoneofsuspicion，andalookwhichwasalmostalookofcontempt。Herquicktemperinstantlyresentedthediscourtesyofwhichshehadbeenmadetheobject。Theirritationofthemoment——sooftendothemosttriflingmotivesdeterminethemostserioushumanactions——decidedheronthecoursethatsheshouldpursue。Sheturnedherbackscornfullyontherudeoldman，andlefthiminthedelusionthathehaddiscoveredthedeadwoman'sname。Horacereturnedtothebusinessoffillinguptheform。
　　"Pardonmeforpressingthequestion，"hesaid。"YouknowwhatGermandisciplineisbythistime。Whatisyourname？"
　　Sheansweredhimrecklessly，defiantly，withoutfairlyrealizingwhatshewasdoinguntilitwasdone。
　　"GraceRoseberry，"shesaid。
　　Thewordswerehardlyoutofhermouthbeforeshewouldhavegiveneverythingshepossessedintheworldtorecallthem。
　　"Miss？"askedHorace，smiling。
　　Shecouldonlyanswerhimbybowingherhead。
　　Hewrote："MissGraceRoseberry"——reflectedforamoment——andthenadded，interrogatively，"ReturningtoherfriendsinEngland？"HerfriendsinEngland？Mercy'sheartswelled：shesilentlyrepliedbyanothersign。Hewrotethewordsafterthename，andshookthesandboxoverthewetink。"Thatwillbeenough，"hesaid，risingandpresentingthepasstoMercy；"Iwillseeyouthroughthelinesmyself，andarrangeforyourbeingsentonbytherailway。Whereisyourluggage？"
　　Mercypointedtowardthefrontdoorofthebuilding。"Inashedoutsidethecottage，"sheanswered。"Itisnotmuch；Icandoeverythingformyselfifthesentinelwillletmepassthroughthekitchen。"
　　Horacepointedtothepaperinherhand。"Youcangowhereyoulikenow，"hesaid。"ShallIwaitforyouhereoroutside？"
　　MercyglanceddistrustfullyatIgnatiusWetzel。Hewasagainabsorbedinhisendlessexaminationofthebodyonthebed。IfshelefthimalonewithMr。Holmcroft，therewasnoknowingwhatthehatefuloldmanmightnotsayofher。Sheanswered：
　　"Waitformeoutside，ifyouplease。"
　　Thesentineldrewbackwithamilitarysaluteatthesightofthepass。AlltheFrenchprisonershadbeenremoved；therewerenotmorethanhalf-a-dozenGermansinthekitchen，andthegreaterpartofthemwereasleep。MercytookGraceRoseberry'sclothesfromthecornerinwhichtheyhadbeenlefttodry，andmadefortheshed——aroughstructureofwood，builtoutfromthecottagewall。Atthefrontdoorsheencounteredasecondsentinel，andshowedherpassforthesecondtime。Shespoketothisman，askinghimifheunderstoodFrench。Heansweredthatheunderstoodalittle。Mercygavehimapieceofmoney，andsaid："Iamgoingtopackupmyluggageintheshed。Bekindenoughtoseethatnobodydisturbsme。"Thesentinelsaluted，intokenthatheunderstood。Mercydisappearedinthedarkinterioroftheshed。
　　LeftalonewithSurgeonWetzel，HoracenoticedthestrangeoldmanstillbendingintentlyovertheEnglishladywhohadbeenkilledbytheshell。
　　"Anythingremarkable，"heasked，"inthemannerofthatpoorcreature'sdeath？"
　　"Nothingtoputinanewspaper，"retortedthecynic，pursuinghisinvestigationsasattentivelyasever。
　　"Interestingtoadoctor——eh？"saidHorace。
　　"Yes。Interestingtoadoctor，"wasthegruffreply。
　　Horacegood-humoredlyacceptedthehintimpliedinthosewords。Hequittedtheroombythedoorleadingintotheyard，andwaitedforthecharmingEnglishwoman，ashehadbeeninstructed，outsidethecottage。
　　Leftbyhimself，IgnatiusWetzel，afterafirstcautiouslookallroundhim，openedtheupperpartofGrace'sdress，andlaidhislefthandonherheart。Takingalittlesteelinstrumentfromhiswaistcoatpocketwiththeotherhand，heapplieditcarefullytothewound，raisedamorselofthebrokenanddepressedboneoftheskull，andwaitedfortheresult。"Aha！"hecried，addressingwithaterriblegayetythesenselesscreatureunderhishands。"TheFrenchmansaysyouaredead，mydear——doeshe？TheFrenchmanisaQuack！TheFrenchmanisanAss！"Heliftedhishead，andcalledintothekitchen。"Max！"AsleepyyoungGerman，coveredwithadresser'sapronfromhischintohisfeet，drewthecurtain，andwaitedforhisinstructions。"Bringmemyblackbag，"saidIgnatiusWetzel。Havinggiventhatorder，herubbedhishandscheerfully，andshookhimselflikeadog。"NowIamquitehappy，"croakedtheterribleoldman，withhisfierceeyesleeringsidelongatthebed。"Mydear，deadEnglishwoman，IwouldnothavemissedthismeetingwithyouforallthemoneyIhaveintheworld。Ha！youinfernalFrenchQuack，youcallitdeath，doyou？Icallitsuspendedanimationfrompressureonthebrain！"
　　Maxappearedwiththeblackbag。
　　IgnatiusWetzelselectedtwofearfulinstruments，brightandnew，andhuggedthemtohisbosom。"Mylittleboys，"hesaid，tenderly，asiftheywerehischildren；"myblessedlittleboys，cometowork！"Heturnedtotheassistant。"DoyourememberthebattleofSolferino，Max——andtheAustriansoldierIoperatedonforawoundonthehead？"
　　Theassistant'ssleepyeyesopenedwide；hewasevidentlyinterested。"Iremember，"hesaid。"Iheldthecandle。"
　　Themasterledthewaytothebed。
　　"IamnotsatisfiedwiththeresultofthatoperationatSolferino，"hesaid；"Ihavewantedtotryagaineversince。It'struethatIsavedtheman'slife，butIfailedtogivehimbackhisreasonalongwithit。Itmighthavebeensomethingwrongintheoperation，oritmighthavebeensomethingwrongintheman。Whicheveritwas，hewillliveanddiemad。Nowlookhere，mylittleMax，atthisdearyoungladyonthebed。ShegivesmejustwhatIwanted；hereisthecaseatSolferinooncemore。Youshallholdthecandleagain，mygoodboy；standthere，andlookwithallyoureyes。IamgoingtotryifIcansavethelifeandthereasontoothistime。"
　　Hetuckedupthecuffsofhiscoatandbegantheoperation。AshisfearfulinstrumentstouchedGrace'shead，thevoiceofthesentinelatthenearestoutpostwasheard，givingthewordinGermanwhichpermittedMercytotakethefirststeponherjourneytoEngland：
　　"PasstheEnglishlady！"
　　Theoperationproceeded。Thevoiceofthesentinelatthenextpostwasheardmorefaintly，initsturn："PasstheEnglishlady！"
　　Theoperationended。IgnatiusWetzelhelduphishandforsilenceandputhisearclosetothepatient'smouth。
　　ThefirsttremblingbreathofreturninglifeflutteredoverGraceRoseberry'slipsandtouchedtheoldman'swrinkledcheek。"Aha！"hecried。"Goodgirl！youbreathe——youlive！"Ashespoke，thevoiceofthesentinelatthefinallimitoftheGermanlinesbarelyaudibleinthedistancegavethewordforthelasttime：
　　"PasstheEnglishlady！"
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter6SECONDSCENE。
　　MablethorpeHouse。
　　PREAMBLE。
　　THEplaceisEngland。
　　Thetimeiswinter，intheyeareighteenhundredandseventy。
　　Thepersonsare，JulianGray，HoraceHolmcroft，LadyJanetRoy，GraceRoseberry，andMercyMerrick。
　　CHAPTERVI。
　　LADYJANET'SCOMPANION。
　　ITisagloriouswinter'sday。Theskyisclear，thefrostishard，theicebearsforskating。
　　Thedining-roomoftheancientmansioncalledMablethorpeHouse，situatedintheLondonsuburbofKensington，isfamousamongartistsandotherpersonsoftasteforthecarvedwood-work，ofItalianorigin，whichcoversthewallsonthreesides。Onthefourthsidethemarchofmodernimprovementhasbrokenin，andhasvariedandbrightenedthescenebymeansofaconservatory，forminganentrancetotheroomthroughawinter-gardenofrareplantsandflowers。Onyourrighthand，asyoustandfrontingtheconservatory，themonotonyofthepaneledwallisrelievedbyaquaintlypatterneddoorofoldinlaidwood，leadingintothelibrary，andthence，acrossthegreathall，totheotherreception-roomsofthehouse。Acorrespondingdooronthelefthandgivesaccesstothebilliard-room，tothesmoking-roomnexttoit，andtoasmallerhallcommandingoneofthesecondaryentrancestothebuilding。Ontheleftsidealsoistheamplefireplace，surmountedbyitsmarblemantelpiece，carvedintheprofuselyandconfusedlyornatestyleofeightyyearssince。Totheeducatedeyethedining-room，withitsmodernfurnitureandconservatory，itsancientwallsanddoors，anditsloftymantelpieceneitherveryoldnorverynew，presentsastartling，almostarevolutionary，mixtureofthedecorativeworkmanshipofwidelydifferingschools。Totheignoranteyetheoneresultproducedisanimpressionofperfectluxuryandcomfort，unitedinthefriendliestcombination，anddevelopedonthelargestscale。
　　Theclockhasjuststrucktwo。Thetableisspreadforluncheon。
　　Thepersonsseatedatthetablearethreeinnumber。First，LadyJanetRoy。Second，ayoungladywhoisherreaderandcompanion。Third，agueststayinginthehouse，whohasalreadyappearedinthesepagesunderthenameofHoraceHolmcroft——attachedtotheGermanarmyaswarcorrespondentofanEnglishnewspaper。
　　LadyJanetRoyneedsbutlittleintroduction。EverybodywiththeslightestpretensiontoexperienceinLondonsocietyknowsLadyJanetRoy。
　　Whohasnotheardofheroldlaceandherpricelessrubies？Whohasnotadmiredhercommandingfigure，herbeautifullydressedwhitehair，herwonderfulblackeyes，whichstillpreservetheiryouthfulbrightness，afterfirstopeningontheworldseventyyearssince？Whohasnotfeltthecharmofherfrank，easilyflowingtalk，herinexhaustiblespirits，hergood-humored，gracioussociabilityofmanner？Whereisthemodernhermitwhoisnotfamiliarlyacquainted，byhearsayatleast，withthefantasticnoveltyandhumorofheropinions；withhergenerousencouragementofrisingmeritofanysort，inallranks，highorlow；withhercharities，whichknownodistinctionbetweenabroadandathome；withherlargeindulgence，whichnoingratitudecandiscourage，andnoservilitypervert？Everybodyhasheardofthepopularoldlady——thechildlesswidowofalong-forgottenlord。EverybodyknowsLadyJanetRoy。
　　Butwhoknowsthehandsomeyoungwomansittingonherrighthand，playingwithherluncheoninsteadofeatingit？Nobodyreallyknowsher。
　　Sheisprettilydressedingraypoplin，trimmedwithgrayvelvet，andsetoffbyaribbonofdeepredtiedinabowatthethroat。SheisnearlyastallasLadyJanetherself，andpossessesagraceandbeautyoffigurenotalwaysseeninwomenwhoriseabovethemediumheight。Judgingbyacertaininnategrandeurinthecarriageofherheadandintheexpressionofherlargemelancholygrayeyes，believersinbloodandbreedingwillbeapttoguessthatthisisanothernoblelady。Alas！sheisnothingbutLadyJanet'scompanionandreader。Herhead，crownedwithitslovelylightbrownhair，bendswithagentlerespectwhenLadyJanetspeaks。HerfinefirmhandiseasilyandincessantlywatchfultosupplyLadyJanet'sslightestwants。Theoldlady——affectionatelyfamiliarwithher——speakstoherasshemightspeaktoanadoptedchild。Butthegratitudeofthebeautifulcompanionhasalwaysthesamerestraintinitsacknowledgmentofkindness；thesmileofthebeautifulcompanionhasalwaysthesameunderlyingsadnesswhenitrespondstoLadyJanet'sheartylaugh。Istheresomethingwronghere，underthesurface？Isshesufferinginmind，orsufferinginbody？Whatisthematterwithher？
　　Thematterwithherissecretremorse。Thisdelicateandbeautifulcreaturepinesundertheslowtormentofconstantself-reproach。
　　Tothemistressofthehouse，andtoallwhoinhabititorenterit，sheisknownasGraceRoseberry，theorphanrelativebymarriageofLadyJanetRoy。ToherselfalonesheisknownastheoutcastoftheLondonstreets；theinmateoftheLondonRefuge；thelostwomanwhohasstolenherwayback——aftervainlytryingtofightherwayback——toHomeandName。Thereshesitsinthegrimshadowofherownterriblesecret，disguisedinanotherperson'sidentity，andestablishedinanotherperson'splace。MercyMerrickhadonlytodare，andtobecomeGraceRoseberryifshepleased。Shehasdared，andshehasbeenGraceRoseberryfornearlyfourmonthspast。
　　Atthismoment，whileLadyJanetistalkingtoHoraceHolmcroft，somethingthathaspassedbetweenthemhassetherthinkingofthedaywhenshetookthefirstfatalstepwhichcommittedhertothefraud。
　　Howmarvelouslyeasyofaccomplishmenttheactofpersonationhadbeen！AtfirstsightLadyJanethadyieldedtothefascinationofthenobleandinterestingface。Noneedtopresentthestolenletter；noneedtorepeattheready-madestory。Theoldladyhadputtheletterasideunopened，andhadstoppedthestoryatthefirstwords。"Yourfaceisyourintroduction，mydear；yourfathercansaynothingforyouwhichyouhavenotalreadysaidforyourself。"Therewasthewelcomewhichestablishedherfirmlyinherfalseidentityattheoutset。Thankstoherownexperience，andthankstothe"Journal"ofeventsatRome，questionsaboutherlifeinCanadaandquestionsaboutColonelRoseberry'sillnessfoundherreadywithanswerswhichevenifsuspicionhadexistedwouldhavedisarmedsuspiciononthespot。WhilethetrueGracewasslowlyandpainfullywinningherwaybacktolifeonherbedinaGermanhospital，thefalseGracewaspresentedtoLadyJanet'sfriendsastherelativebymarriageoftheMistressofMablethorpeHouse。FromthattimeforwardnothinghadhappenedtorouseinherthefaintestsuspicionthatGraceRoseberrywasotherthanadead-and-buriedwoman。Sofarasshenowknew——sofarasanyonenowknew——shemightliveoutherlifeinperfectsecurityifherconsciencewouldlether，respected，distinguished，andbeloved，inthepositionwhichshehadusurped。
　　Sheroseabruptlyfromthetable。Theeffortofherlifewastoshakeherselffreeoftheremembranceswhichhauntedherperpetuallyastheywerehauntinghernow。Hermemorywasherworstenemy；heronerefugefromitwasinchangeofoccupationandchangeofscene。
　　"MayIgointotheconservatory，LadyJanet？"sheasked。
　　"Certainly，mydear。"
　　Shebentherheadtoherprotectress，lookedforamomentwithasteady，compassionateattentionatHoraceHolmcroft，and，slowlycrossingtheroom，enteredthewinter-garden。TheeyesofHoracefollowedher，aslongasshewasinview，withacuriouscontradictoryexpressionofadmirationanddisapproval。Whenshehadpassedoutofsighttheadmirationvanished，butthedisapprovalremained。Thefaceoftheyoungmancontractedintoafrown：hesatsilent，withhisforkinhishand，playingabsentlywiththefragmentsonhisplate。
　　"TakesomeFrenchpie，Horace，"saidLadyJanet。
　　"No，thankyou。"
　　"Somemorechicken，then？"
　　"Nomorechicken。"
　　"Willnothingtemptyou？"
　　"Iwilltakesomemorewine，ifyouwillallowme。"
　　Hefilledhisglassforthefifthorsixthtimewithclaret，andemptieditsullenlyatadraught。LadyJanet'sbrighteyeswatchedhimwithsardonicattention；LadyJanet'sreadytonguespokeoutasfreelyasusualwhatwaspassinginhermindatthetime。
　　"TheairofKensingtondoesn'tseemtosuityou，myyoungfriend，"shesaid。"Thelongeryouhavebeenmyguest，theofteneryoufillyourglassandemptyyourcigar-case。Thosearebadsignsinayoungman。Whenyoufirstcamehereyouarrivedinvalidedbyawound。Inyourplace，Ishouldnothaveexposedmyselftobeshot，withnootherobjectinviewthandescribingabattleinanewspaper。Isupposetastesdiffer。Areyouill？Doesyourwoundstillplagueyou？"
　　"Notintheleast。"
　　"Areyououtofspirits？"
　　HoraceHolmcroftdroppedhisfork，restedhiselbowsonthetable，andanswered：
　　"Awfully。"
　　EvenLadyJanet'slargetolerationhaditslimits。Itembracedeveryhumanoffenseexceptabreachofgoodmanners。Shesnatchedupthenearestweaponofcorrectionathand——atablespoon——andrappedheryoungfriendsmartlywithitonthearmthatwasnearesttoher。
　　"Mytableisnottheclubtable，"saidtheoldlady。"Holdupyourhead。Don'tlookatyourfork——lookatme。IallownobodytobeoutofspiritsinMyhouse。IconsiderittobeareflectiononMe。Ifourquietlifeheredoesn'tsuityou，saysoplainly，andfindsomethingelsetodo。Thereisemploymenttobehad，Isuppose——ifyouchoosetoapplyforit？Youneedn'tsmile。Idon'twanttoseeyourteeth——Iwantananswer。"
　　Horaceadmitted，withallneedfulgravity，thattherewasemploymenttobehad。ThewarbetweenFranceandGermany，heremarked，wasstillgoingon：thenewspaperhadofferedtoemployhimagaininthecapacityofcorrespondent。
　　"Don'tspeakofthenewspapersandthewar！"criedLadyJanet，withasuddenexplosionofanger，whichwasgenuineangerthistime。"Idetestthenewspapers！Iwon'tallowthenewspaperstoenterthishouse。IlaythewholeblameofthebloodshedbetweenFranceandGermanyattheirdoor。"
　　Horace'seyesopenedwideinamazement。Theoldladywasevidentlyinearnest。"Whatcanyoupossiblymean？"heasked。"Arethenewspapersresponsibleforthewar？"
　　"Entirelyresponsible，"answeredLadyJanet。"Why，youdon'tunderstandtheageyoulivein！Doesanybodydoanythingnowadaysfightingincludedwithoutwishingtoseeitinthenewspapers？Isubscribetoacharity；thouartpresentedwithatestimonial；hepreachesasermon；wesufferagrievance；youmakeadiscovery；theygotochurchandgetmarried。AndI，thou，he；we，you，they，allwantoneandthesamething——wewanttoseeitinthepapers。Arekings，soldiers，anddiplomatistsexceptionstothegeneralruleofhumanity？Notthey！Itellyouseriously，ifthenewspapersofEuropehadoneandalldecidednottotakethesmallestnoticeinprintofthewarbetweenFranceandGermany，itismyfirmconvictionthewarwouldhavecometoanendforwantofencouragementlongsince。Letthepenceasetoadvertisethesword，andI，forone，canseetheresult。Noreport——nofighting。"
　　"Yourviewshavethemeritofperfectnovelty，ma'am，"saidHorace。"Wouldyouobjecttoseetheminthenewspapers？"
　　LadyJanetworstedheryoungfriendwithhisownweapons。
　　"Don'tIliveinthelatterpartofthenineteenthcentury？"sheasked。"Inthenewspapers，didyousay？Inlargetype，Horace，ifyouloveme！"
　　Horacechangedthesubject。
　　"Youblamemeforbeingoutofspirits，"hesaid；"andyouseemtothinkitisbecauseIamtiredofmypleasantlifeatMablethorpeHouse。Iamnotintheleasttired，LadyJanet。"Helookedtowardtheconservatory：thefrownshoweditselfonhisfaceoncemore。"Thetruthis，"heresumed，"IamnotsatisfiedwithGraceRoseberry。"
　　"WhathasGracedone？"
　　"Shepersistsinprolongingourengagement。Nothingwillpersuadehertofixthedayforourmarriage。"
　　Itwastrue！Mercyhadbeenmadenoughtolistentohim，andtolovehim。ButMercywasnotvileenoughtomarryhimunderherfalsecharacter，andinherfalsename。BetweenthreeandfourmonthshadelapsedsinceHoracehadbeensenthomefromthewar，wounded，andhadfoundthebeautifulEnglishwomanwhomhehadbefriendedinFranceestablishedatMablethorpeHouse。InvitedtobecomeLadyJanet'sguesthehadpassedhisholidaysasaschool-boyunderLadyJanet'sroof——freetospendtheidletimeofhisconvalescencefrommorningtonightinMercy'ssociety——theimpressionoriginallyproducedonhiminaFrenchcottagesoonstrengthenedintolove。BeforethemonthwasoutHoracehaddeclaredhimself，andhaddiscoveredthathespoketowillingears。Fromthatmomentitwasonlyaquestionofpersistinglongenoughintheresolutiontogainhispoint。Themarriageengagementwasratified——mostreluctantlyonthelady'sside——andtherethefurtherprogressofHoraceHolmcroft'ssuitcametoanend。Tryashemight，hefailedtopersuadehisbetrothedwifetofixthedayforthemarriage。Therewerenoobstaclesinherway。Shehadnonearrelationsofherowntoconsult。AsaconnectionofLadyJanet'sbymarriage，Horace'smotherandsisterswerereadytoreceiveherwithallthehonorsduetoanewmemberofthefamily。Nopecuniaryconsiderationsmadeitnecessary，inthiscase，towaitforafavorabletime。Horacewasanonlyson；andhehadsucceededtohisfather'sestatewithanampleincometosupportit。Onbothsidesaliketherewasabsolutelynothingtopreventthetwoyoungpeoplefrombeingmarriedassoonasthesettlementscouldbedrawn。Andyet，toallappearance，herewasalongengagementinprospect，withnobetterreasonthanthelady'sincomprehensibleperversitytoexplainthedelay。"CanyouaccountforGrace'sconduct？"askedLadyJanet。Hermannerchangedassheputthequestion。Shelookedandspokelikeapersonwhowasperplexedandannoyed"Ihardlyliketoownit，"Horaceanswered，"butIamafraidshehassomemotivefordeferringourmarriagewhichshecannotconfideeithertoyouortome。"
　　LadyJanetstarted。
　　"Whatmakesyouthinkthat？"sheasked。
　　"Ihaveonceortwicecaughtherintears。Everynowandthen——sometimeswhensheistalkingquitegayly——shesuddenlychangescolorandbecomessilentanddepressed。Justnow，whensheleftthetabledidn'tyounoticeit？，shelookedatmeinthestrangestway——almostasifshewassorryforme。Whatdothesethingsmean？"
　　Horace'sreply，insteadofincreasingLadyJanet'sanxiety，seemedtorelieveit。Hehadobservednothingwhichshehadnotnoticedherself。"Youfoolishboy！"shesaid，"themeaningisplainenough。Gracehasbeenoutofhealthforsometimepast。Thedoctorrecommendschangeofair。Ishalltakeherawaywithme。"
　　"Itwouldbemoretothepurpose，"Horacerejoined，"ifItookherawaywithme。Shemightconsent，ifyouwouldonlyuseyourinfluence。Isitaskingtoomuchtoaskyoutopersuadeher？Mymotherandmysistershavewrittentoher，andhaveproducednoeffect。Domethegreatestofallkindnesses——speaktoherto-day！"Hepaused，andpossessinghimselfofLadyJanet'shand，presseditentreatingly。"Youhavealwaysbeensogoodtome，"hesaid，softly，andpresseditagain。
　　Theoldladylookedathim。ItwasimpossibletodisputethattherewereattractionsinHoraceHolmcroft'sfacewhichmadeitwellworthlookingat。Manyawomanmighthaveenviedhimhisclearcomplexion，hisbrightblueeyes，andthewarmambertintinhislightSaxonhair。Men——especiallymenskilledinobservingphysiognomy——mighthavenoticedintheshapeofhisforeheadandinthelineofhisupperlipthesignsindicativeofamoralnaturedeficientinlargenessandbreadth——ofamindeasilyaccessibletostrongprejudices，andobstinateinmaintainingthoseprejudicesinthefaceofconvictionitself。
　　Totheobservationofwomentheseremotedefectsweretoofarbelowthesurfacetobevisible。Hecharmedthesexingeneralbyhisrarepersonaladvantages，andbythegracefuldeferenceofhismanner。ToLadyJanethewasendeared，notbyhisownmeritsonly，butbyoldassociationsthatwereconnectedwithhim。Hisfatherhadbeenoneofhermanyadmirersinheryoungdays。Circumstanceshadpartedthem。Hermarriagetoanothermanhadbeenachildlessmarriage。Inpasttimes，whentheboyHoracehadcometoherfromschool，shehadcherishedasecretfancytooabsurdtobecommunicatedtoanylivingcreaturethatheoughttohavebeenherson，andmighthavebeenherson，ifshehadmarriedhisfather！Shesmiledcharmingly，oldasshewas——sheyieldedashismothermighthaveyielded——whentheyoungmantookherhandandentreatedhertointerestherselfinhismarriage。"MustIreallyspeaktoGrace？"sheasked，withagentlenessoftoneandmannerfarfromcharacteristic，onordinaryoccasions，oftheladyofMablethorpeHouse。Horacesawthathehadgainedhispoint。Hesprangtohisfeet；hiseyesturnedeagerlyinthedirectionoftheconservatory；hishandsomefacewasradiantwithhope。LadyJanetwithhermindfullofhisfatherstolealastlookathim，sighedasshethoughtofthevanisheddays，andrecoveredherself。
　　"Gotothesmoking-room，"shesaid，givinghimapushtowardthedoor。"Awaywithyou，andcultivatethefavoriteviceofthenineteenthcentury。"Horaceattemptedtoexpresshisgratitude。"Goandsmoke！"wasallshesaid，pushinghimout。"Goandsmoke！"
　　Leftbyherself，LadyJanettookaturnintheroom，andconsideredalittle。
　　Horace'sdiscontentwasnotunreasonable。Therewasreallynoexcuseforthedelayofwhichhecomplained。Whethertheyoungladyhadaspecialmotiveforhangingback，orwhethershewasmerelyfrettingbecauseshedidnotknowherownmind，itwas，ineithercase，necessarytocometoadistinctunderstanding，soonerorlater，ontheseriousquestionofthemarriage。Thedifficultywas，howtoapproachthesubjectwithoutgivingoffense。"Idon'tunderstandtheyoungwomenofthepresentgeneration，"thoughtLadyJanet。"Inmytime，whenwewerefondofaman，wewerereadytomarryhimatamoment'snotice。Andthisisanageofprogress！Theyoughttobereadierstill。"
　　Arriving，byherownprocessofinduction，atthisinevitableconclusion，shedecidedtotrywhatherinfluencecouldaccomplish，andtotrusttotheinspirationofthemomentforexertingitintherightway。"Grace！"shecalledout，approachingtheconservatorydoor。Thetall，lithefigureinitsgraydressglidedintoview，andstoodrelievedagainstthegreenbackgroundofthewinter-garden。
　　"Didyourladyshipcallme？"
　　"Yes；Iwanttospeaktoyou。Comeandsitdownbyme。"
　　WiththosewordsLadyJanetledthewaytoasofa，andplacedhercompanionbyherside。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter7CHAPTERVII。
　　THEMANISCOMING。
　　"Youlookverypalethismorning，mychild。"
　　Mercysighedwearily。"Iamnotwell，"sheanswered。"Theslightestnoisesstartleme。IfeeltiredifIonlywalkacrosstheroom。"
　　LadyJanetpattedherkindlyontheshoulder。"Wemusttrywhatachangewilldoforyou。Whichshallitbe？theContinentorthesea-side？"
　　"Yourladyshipistookindtome。"
　　"Itisimpossibletobetookindtoyou。"
　　Mercystarted。Thecolorflowedcharminglyoverherpaleface。"Oh！"sheexclaimed，impulsively。"Saythatagain！"
　　"Sayitagain？"repeatedLadyJanet，withalookofsurprise。
　　"Yes！Don'tthinkmepresuming；onlythinkmevain。Ican'thearyousaytoooftenthatyouhavelearnedtolikeme。Isitreallyapleasuretoyoutohavemeinthehouse？HaveIalwaysbehavedwellsinceIhavebeenwithyou？"
　　Theoneexcusefortheactofpersonation——ifexcusetherecouldbe——layintheaffirmativeanswertothosequestions。Itwouldbesomething，surely，tosayofthefalseGracethatthetrueGracecouldnothavebeenworthierofherwelcome，ifthetrueGracehadbeenreceivedatMablethorpeHouse！
　　LadyJanetwaspartlytouched，partlyamused，bytheextraordinaryearnestnessoftheappealthathadbeenmadetoher。
　　"Haveyoubehavedwell？"sherepeated。"Mydear，youtalkasifyouwereachild！"ShelaidherhandcaressinglyonMercy'sarm，andcontinued，inagravertone："Itishardlytoomuchtosay，Grace，thatIblessthedaywhenyoufirstcametome。IdobelieveIcouldbehardlyfonderofyouifyouweremyowndaughter。"
　　Mercysuddenlyturnedherheadaside，soastohideherface。LadyJanet，stilltouchingherarm，feltittremble。"Whatisthematterwithyou？"sheasked，inherabrupt，downrightmanner。"Iamonlyverygratefultoyourladyship——thatisall。"
　　Thewordswerespokenfaintly，inbrokentones。ThefacewasstillavertedfromLadyJanet'sview。"WhathaveIsaidtoprovokethis？"wonderedtheoldlady。"Issheinthemeltingmoodto-day？Ifsheis，nowisthetimetosayawordforHorace！"Keepingthatexcellentobjectinview，LadyJanetapproachedthedelicatetopicwithallneedfulcautionatstarting。
　　"Wehavegotonsowelltogether，"sheresumed，"thatitwillnotbeeasyforeitherofustofeelreconciledtoachangeinourlives。Atmyage，itwillfallhardestonme。WhatshallIdo，Grace，whenthedaycomesforpartingwithmyadopteddaughter？"
　　Mercystarted，andshowedherfaceagain。Thetracesoftearswereinhereyes。"WhyshouldIleaveyou？"sheasked，inatoneofalarm。
　　"Surelyyouknow！"exclaimedLadyJanet。
　　"IndeedIdon't。Tellmewhy。"
　　"AskHoracetotellyou。"
　　Thelastallusionwastooplaintobemisunderstood。Mercy'sheaddrooped。Shebegantotrembleagain。LadyJanetlookedatherinblankamazement。
　　"IsthereanythingwrongbetweenHoraceandyou？"sheasked。
　　"No。"
　　"Youknowyourownheart，mydearchild？YouhavesurelynotencouragedHoracewithoutlovinghim？"
　　"Ohno！"
　　"Andyet——"
　　ForthefirsttimeintheirexperienceofeachotherMercyventuredtointerruptherbenefactress。"DearLadyJanet，"sheinterposed，gently，"Iaminnohurrytobemarried。Therewillbeplentyoftimeinthefuturetotalkofthat。Youhadsomethingyouwishedtosaytome。Whatisit？"
　　ItwasnoeasymattertodisconcertLadyJanetRoy。Butthatlastquestionfairlyreducedhertosilence。Afterallthathadpassed，theresatheryoungcompanion，innocentofthefaintestsuspicionofthesubjectthatwastobediscussedbetweenthem！"Whataretheyoungwomenofthepresenttimemadeof？"thoughttheoldlady，utterlyatalosstoknowwhattosaynext。Mercywaited，onherside，withanimpenetrablepatiencewhichonlyaggravatedthedifficultiesoftheposition。Thesilencewasfastthreateningtobringtheinterviewtoasuddenanduntimelyend，whenthedoorfromthelibraryopened，andaman-servant，bearingalittlesilversalver，enteredtheroom。
　　LadyJanet'srisingsenseofannoyanceinstantlyseizedontheservantasavictim。"Whatdoyouwant？"sheasked，sharply。"Ineverrangforyou。"
　　"Aletter，mylady。Themessengerwaitsforananswer。"
　　Themanpresentedhissalverwiththeletteronit，andwithdrew。
　　LadyJanetrecognizedthehandwritingontheaddresswithalookofsurprise。"Excuseme，mydear，"shesaid，pausing，withherold-fashionedcourtesy，beforesheopenedtheenvelope。Mercymadethenecessaryacknowledgment，andmovedawaytotheotherendoftheroom，littlethinkingthatthearrivalofthelettermarkedacrisisinherlife。LadyJanetputonherspectacles。"Oddthatheshouldhavecomebackalready！"shesaidtoherself，asshethrewtheemptyenvelopeonthetable。
　　Thelettercontainedtheselines，thewriterofthembeingnootherthanthemanwhohadpreachedinthechapeloftheRefuge：
　　"DEARAUNT——IambackagaininLondonbeforemytime。Myfriendtherectorhasshortenedhisholiday，andhasresumedhisdutiesinthecountry。Iamafraidyouwillblamemewhenyouhearofthereasonswhichhavehastenedhisreturn。ThesoonerImakemyconfession，theeasierIshallfeel。Besides，Ihaveaspecialobjectinwishingtoseeyouassoonaspossible。MayIfollowmylettertoMablethorpeHouse？AndmayIpresentaladytoyou——aperfectstranger——inwhomIaminterested？PraysayYes，bythebearer，andobligeyouraffectionatenephew，"JULIANGRAY。"
　　LadyJanetreferredagainsuspiciouslytothesentenceintheletterwhichalludedtothe"lady。"
　　JulianGraywasheronlysurvivingnephew，thesonofafavoritesisterwhomshehadlost。Hewouldhaveheldnoveryexaltedpositionintheestimationofhisaunt——whoregardedhisviewsinpoliticsandreligionwiththestrongestaversion——butforhismarkedresemblancetohismother。Thispleadedforhimwiththeoldlady，aidedasitwasbythepridethatshesecretlyfeltintheearlycelebritywhichtheyoungclergymanhadachievedasawriterandapreacher。Thankstothesemitigatingcircumstances，andtoJulian'sinexhaustiblegood-humor，theauntandthenephewgenerallymetonfriendlyterms。Apartfromwhatshecalled"hisdetestableopinions，"LadyJanetwassufficientlyinterestedinJuliantofeelsomecuriosityaboutthemysterious"lady"mentionedintheletter。Hadhedeterminedtosettleinlife？Washischoicealreadymade？Andifso，woulditprovetobeachoiceacceptabletothefamily？LadyJanet'sbrightfaceshowedsignsofdoubtassheaskedherselfthatlastquestion。Julian'sliberalviewswerecapableofleadinghimtodangerousextremes。Hisauntshookherheadominouslyassherosefromthesofaandadvancedtothelibrarydoor。
　　"Grace，"shesaid，pausingandturninground，"Ihaveanotetowritetomynephew。Ishallbebackdirectly。"
　　Mercyapproachedher，fromtheoppositeextremityoftheroom，withanexclamationofsurprise。
　　"Yournephew？"sherepeated。"Yourladyshipnevertoldmeyouhadanephew。"
　　LadyJanetlaughed。"Imusthavehaditonthetipofmytonguetotellyou，overandoveragain，"shesaid。"Butwehavehadsomanythingstotalkabout——and，toownthetruth，mynephewisnotoneofmyfavoritesubjectsofconversation。Idon'tmeanthatIdislikehim；Idetesthisprinciples，mydear，that'sall。However，youshallformyourownopinionofhim；heiscomingtoseemeto-day。WaitheretillIreturn；IhavesomethingmoretosayaboutHorace。"
　　Mercyopenedthelibrarydoorforher，closeditagain，andwalkedslowlytoandfroaloneintheroom，thinking。
　　WashermindrunningonLadyJanet'snephew？No。LadyJanet'sbriefallusiontoherrelativehadnotledherintoalludingtohimbyhisname。MercywasstillasignorantaseverthatthepreacherattheRefugeandthenephewofherbenefactresswereoneandthesameman。HermemorywasbusynowwiththetributewhichLadyJanethadpaidtoherattheoutsetoftheinterviewbetweenthem："Itishardlytoomuchtosay，Grace，thatIblessthedaywhenyoufirstcametome。"Forthemomenttherewasbalmforherwoundedspiritintheremembranceofthosewords。GraceRoseberryherselfcouldsurelyhaveearnednosweeterpraisethanthepraisethatshehadwon。Thenextinstantshewasseizedwithasuddenhorrorofherownsuccessfulfraud。Thesenseofherdegradationhadneverbeensobitterlypresenttoherasatthatmoment。Ifshecouldonlyconfessthetruth——ifshecouldinnocentlyenjoyherharmlesslifeatMablethorpeHouse——whatagrateful，happywomanshemightbe！Wasitpossibleifshemadetheconfessiontotrusttoherowngoodconducttopleadherexcuse？No！Hercalmersensewarnedherthatitwashopeless。Theplaceshehadwon——honestlywon——inLadyJanet'sestimationhadbeenobtainedbyatrick。Nothingcouldalter，nothingcouldexcuse，that。Shetookoutherhandkerchiefanddashedawaytheuselesstearsthathadgatheredinhereyes，andtriedtoturnherthoughtssomeotherway。WhatwasitLadyJanethadsaidongoingintothelibrary？ShehadsaidshewascomingbacktospeakaboutHorace。Mercyguessedwhattheobjectwas；sheknewbuttoowellwhatHoracewantedofher。Howwasshetomeettheemergency？InthenameofHeaven，whatwastobedone？Couldsheletthemanwholovedher——themanwhomsheloved——driftblindfoldintomarriagewithsuchawomanasshehadbeen？No！itwasherdutytowarnhim。How？Couldshebreakhisheart，couldshelayhislifewastebyspeakingthecruelwordswhichmightpartthemforever？"Ican'ttellhim！Iwon'ttellhim！"sheburstout，passionately。"Thedisgraceofitwouldkillme！"Hervaryingmoodchangedasthewordsescapedher。Arecklessdefianceofherownbetternature——thatsaddestofalltheformsinwhichawoman'smiserycanexpressitself——filledherheartwithitspoisoningbitterness。Shesatdownagainonthesofawitheyesthatglitteredandcheekssuffusedwithanangryred。"Iamnoworsethananotherwoman！"shethought。"Anotherwomanmighthavemarriedhimforhismoney。"Thenextmomentthemiserableinsufficiencyofherownexcusefordeceivinghimshoweditshollowness，self-exposed。Shecoveredherfacewithherhands，andfoundrefuge——whereshehadoftenfoundrefugebefore——inthehelplessresignationofdespair。"Oh，thatIhaddiedbeforeIenteredthishouse！Oh，thatIcoulddieandhavedonewithitatthismoment！"Sothestrugglehadendedwithherhundredsoftimesalready。Soitendednow。
　　Thedoorleadingintothebilliard-roomopenedsoftly。HoraceHolmcrofthadwaitedtoheartheresultofLadyJanet'sinterferenceinhisfavoruntilhecouldwaitnolonger。
　　Helookedincautiously，readytowithdrawagainunnoticedifthetwowerestilltalkingtogether。TheabsenceofLadyJanetsuggestedthattheinterviewhadcometoanend。Washisbetrothedwifewaitingalonetospeaktohimonhisreturntotheroom？Headvancedafewsteps。Shenevermoved；shesatheedless，absorbedinherthoughts。Weretheythoughtsofhim？Headvancedalittlenearer，andcalledtoher。
　　"Grace！"
　　Shesprangtoherfeet，withafaintcry。"Iwishyouwouldn'tstartleme，"shesaid，irritably，sinkingbackonthesofa。"Anysuddenalarmsetsmyheartbeatingasifitwouldchokeme。"
　　Horacepleadedforpardonwithalover'shumility。Inherpresentstateofnervousirritationshewasnottobeappeased。Shelookedawayfromhiminsilence。Entirelyignorantoftheparoxysmofmentalsufferingthroughwhichshehadjustpassed，heseatedhimselfbyherside，andaskedhergentlyifshehadseenLadyJanet。Shemadeanaffirmativeanswerwithanunreasonableimpatienceoftoneandmannerwhichwouldhavewarnedanolderandmoreexperiencedmantogivehertimebeforehespokeagain。Horacewasyoung，andwearyofthesuspensethathehadenduredintheotherroom。Heunwiselypressedherwithanotherquestion。
　　"HasLadyJanetsaidanythingtoyou——"
　　Sheturnedonhimangrilybeforehecouldfinishthesentence。"Youhavetriedtomakeherhurrymeintomarryingyou，"sheburstout。"Iseeitinyourface！"
　　Plainasthewarningwasthistime，Horacestillfailedtointerpretitintherightway。"Don'tbeangry！"hesaid，good-humoredly。"IsitsoveryinexcusabletoaskLadyJanettointercedeforme？Ihavetriedtopersuadeyouinvain。Mymotherandmysistershavepleadedforme，andyouturnadeafear——"
　　Shecouldendureitnolonger。Shestampedherfootonthedoorwithhystericalvehemence。"Iamwearyofhearingofyourmotherandyoursisters！"shebrokeinviolently。"Youtalkofnothingelse。"
　　Itwasjustpossibletomakeonemoremistakeindealingwithher——andHoracemadeit。Hetookoffense，onhisside，androsefromthesofa。Hismotherandsisterswerehighauthoritiesinhisestimation；theyvariouslyrepresentedhisidealofperfectioninwomen。Hewithdrewtotheoppositeextremityoftheroom，andadministeredtheseverestreproofthathecouldthinkofonthespurofthemoment。
　　"Itwouldbewell，Grace，ifyoufollowedtheexamplesetyoubymymotherandmysisters，"hesaid。"Theyarenotinthehabitofspeakingcruellytothosewholovethem。"
　　Toallappearancetherebukefailedtoproducetheslightesteffect。Sheseemedtobeasindifferenttoitasifithadnotreachedherears。Therewasaspiritinher——amiserablespirit，bornofherownbitterexperience——whichroseinrevoltagainstHorace'shabitualglorificationoftheladiesofhisfamily。"Itsickensme，"shethoughttoherself，"tohearofthevirtuesofwomenwhohaveneverbeentempted！Whereisthemeritoflivingreputably，whenyourlifeisonecourseofprosperityandenjoyment？Hashismotherknownstarvation？Havehissistersbeenleftforsakeninthestreet？"Ithardenedherheart——italmostreconciledhertodeceivinghim——whenhesethisrelativesupaspatternsforher。Wouldheneverunderstandthatwomendetestedhavingotherwomenexhibitedasexamplestothem？Shelookedroundathimwithasenseofimpatientwonder。Hewassittingattheluncheon-table，withhisbackturnedonher，andhisheadrestingonhishand。Ifhehadattemptedtorejoinher，shewouldhaverepelledhim；ifhehadspoken，shewouldhavemethimwithasharpreply。Hesatapartfromher，withoututteringaword。Inaman'shandssilenceisthemostterribleofallproteststothewomanwholoveshim。Violenceshecanendure。Wordssheisalwaysreadytomeetbywordsonherside。Silenceconquersher。Afteramoment'shesitation，Mercyleftthesofaandadvancedsubmissivelytowardthetable。Shehadoffendedhim——andshealonewasinfault。Howshouldheknowit，poorfellow，whenheinnocentlymortifiedher？Stepbystepshedrewcloserandcloser。Heneverlookedround；henevermoved。Shelaidherhandtimidlyonhisshoulder。"Forgiveme，Horace，"shewhisperedinhisear。"Iamsufferingthismorning；Iamnotmyself。Ididn'tmeanwhatIsaid。Prayforgiveme。"Therewasnoresistingthecaressingtendernessofvoiceandmannerwhichaccompaniedthosewords。Helookedup；hetookherhand。Shebentoverhim，andtouchedhisforeheadwithherlips。"AmIforgiven？"sheasked。
　　"Oh，mydarling，"hesaid，"ifyouonlyknewhowIlovedyou！"
　　"Idoknowit，"sheanswered，gently，twininghishairroundherfinger，andarrangingitoverhisforeheadwherehishandhadruffledit。
　　Theywerecompletelyabsorbedineachother，ortheymust，atthatmoment，haveheardthelibrarydooropenattheotherendoftheroom。
　　LadyJanethadwrittenthenecessaryreplytohernephew，andhadreturned，faithfultoherengagement，topleadthecauseofHorace。Thefirstobjectthatmetherviewwasherclientpleading，withconspicuoussuccess，forhimself！"Iamnotwanted，evidently，"thoughttheoldlady。Shenoiselesslyclosedthedooragainandlefttheloversbythemselves。
　　Horacereturned，withunwisepersistency，tothequestionofthedeferredmarriage。Atthefirstwordsthathespokeshedrewbackdirectly——sadly，notangrily。
　　"Don'tpressmeto-day，"shesaid；"Iamnotwellto-day。"
　　Heroseandlookedatheranxiously。"Maylspeakaboutitto-morrow？"
　　"Yes，to-morrow。"Shereturnedtothesofa，andchangedthesubject。"WhatatimeLadyJanetisaway！"shesaid。"Whatcanbekeepinghersolong？"
　　HoracedidhisbesttoappearinterestedinthequestionofLadyJanet'sprolongedabsence。"Whatmadeherleaveyou？"heasked，standingatthebackofthesofaandleaningoverher。
　　"Shewentintothelibrarytowriteanotetohernephew。By-the-by，whoishernephew？"
　　"Isitpossibleyoudon'tknow？"
　　"Indeed，Idon't。"
　　"Youhaveheardofhim，nodoubt，"saidHorace。"LadyJanet'snephewisacelebratedman。"Hepaused，andstoopingnearertoher，liftedalove-lockthatlayoverhershoulderandpressedittohislips。"LadyJanet'snephew，"heresumed，"isJulianGray。"
　　Shestartedoffherseat，andlookedroundathiminblank，bewilderedterror，asifshedoubtedtheevidenceofherownsenses。
　　Horacewascompletelytakenbysurprise。"MydearGrace！"heexclaimed；"whathaveIsaidordonetostartleyouthistime？"
　　Sheheldupherhandforsilence。"LadyJanet'snephewisJulianGray，"sherepeated；"andIonlyknowitnow！"
　　Horace'sperplexityincreased。"Mydarling，nowyoudoknowit，whatistheretoalarmyou？"heasked。
　　Therewasenoughtoalarmtheboldestwomanliving——insuchaposition，andwithsuchatemperamentashers。TohermindthepersonationofGraceRoseberryhadsuddenlyassumedanewaspect：theaspectofafatality。IthadledherblindfoldtothehouseinwhichsheandthepreacherattheRefugeweretomeet。Hewascoming——themanwhohadreachedherinmostheart，whohadinfluencedherwholelife！Wasthedayofreckoningcomingwithhim？
　　"Don'tnoticeme，"shesaid，faintly。"Ihavebeenillallthemorning。Yousawityourselfwhenyoucameinhere；eventhesoundofyourvoicealarmedme。Ishallbebetterdirectly。IamafraidIstartledyou？"
　　"MydearGrace，italmostlookedasifyouwereterrifiedatthesoundofJulian'sname！Heisapubliccelebrity，Iknow；andIhaveseenladiesstartandstareathimwhenheenteredaroom。Butyoulookedperfectlypanic-stricken。"
　　Sheralliedhercouragebyadesperateeffort；shelaughed——aharsh，uneasylaugh——andstoppedhimbyputtingherhandoverhismouth。"Absurd！"shesaid，lightly。"AsifMr。JulianGrayhadanythingtodowithmylooks！Iambetteralready。Seeforyourself！"Shelookedroundathimagainwithaghastlygayety；andreturned，withadesperateassumptionofindifference，tothesubjectofLadyJanet'snephew。"OfcourseIhaveheardofhim，"shesaid。"Doyouknowthatheisexpectedhereto-day？Don'tstandtherebehindme——it'ssohardtotalktoyou。Comeandsitdown。"
　　Heobeyed——butshehadnotquitesatisfiedhimyet。Hisfacehadnotlostitsexpressionofanxietyandsurprise。Shepersistedinplayingherpart，determinedtosetatrestinhimanypossiblesuspicionthatshehadreasonsofherownforbeingafraidofJulianGray。"Tellmeaboutthisfamousmanofyours，"shesaid，puttingherarmfamiliarlythroughhisarm。"Whatishelike？"
　　ThecaressingactionandtheeasytonehadtheireffectonHorace。Hisfacebegantoclear；heansweredherlightlyonhisside。
　　"Prepareyourselftomeetthemostunclericalofclergymen，"hesaid。"Julianisalostsheepamongtheparsons，andathorninthesideofhisbishop。Preaches，iftheyaskhim，inDissenters'chapels。Declinestosetupanypretensionstopriestlyauthorityandpriestlypower。Goesaboutdoinggoodonaplanofhisown。Isquiteresignednevertorisetothehighplacesinhisprofession。Saysit'srisinghighenoughforhimtobetheArchdeaconoftheafflicted，theDeanofthehungry，andtheBishopofthepoor。Withallhisoddities，asgoodafellowaseverlived。Immenselypopularwiththewomen。Theyallgotohimforadvice。Iwishyouwouldgo，too。"
　　Mercychangedcolor。"Whatdoyoumean？"sheasked，sharply。
　　"Julianisfamousforhispowersofpersuasion，"saidHorace，smiling。"Ifhespoketoyou，Grace，hewouldprevailonyoutofixtheday。SupposeIaskJuliantopleadforme？"
　　Hemadetheproposalinjest。Mercy'sunquietmindaccepteditasaddressedtoherinearnest。"Hewilldoit，"shethought，withasenseofindescribableterror，"ifIdon'tstophim！"Thereisbutonechanceforher。TheonlycertainwaytopreventHoracefromappealingtohisfriendwastograntwhatHoracewishedforbeforehisfriendenteredthehouse。Shelaidherhandonhisshoulder；shehidtheterribleanxietiesthatweredevouringherunderanassumptionofcoquetrypainfulandpitiabletosee。
　　"Don'ttalknonsense！"shesaid，gayly。"Whatwerewesayingjustnow——beforewebegantospeakofMr。JulianGray？"
　　"WewerewonderingwhathadbecomeofLadyJanet，"Horacereplied。
　　Shetappedhimimpatientlyontheshoulder。"No！no！Itwassomethingyousaidbeforethat。"
　　Hereyescompletedwhatherwordshadleftunsaid。Horace'sarmstoleroundherwaist。
　　"IwassayingthatIlovedyou，"heanswered，inawhisper。
　　"Onlythat？"
　　"Areyoutiredofhearingit？"
　　Shesmiledcharmingly。"Areyousoverymuchinearnestabout——about——"Shestopped，andlookedawayfromhim。
　　"Aboutourmarriage？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Itistheonedearestwishofmylife。"
　　"Really？"
　　"Really。"
　　Therewasapause。Mercy'sfingerstoyednervouslywiththetrinketsatherwatch-chain。"Whenwouldyoulikeittobe？"shesaid，verysoftly，withherwholeattentionfixedonthewatch-chain。
　　Shehadneverspoken，shehadneverlooked，asshespokeandlookednow。Horacewasafraidtobelieveinhisowngoodfortune。"Oh，Grace！"heexclaimed，"youarenottriflingwithme？"
　　"WhatmakesyouthinkIamtriflingwithyou？"
　　Horacewasinnocentenoughtoanswerherseriously。"Youwouldnotevenletmespeakofourmarriagejustnow，"hesaid。
　　"NevermindwhatIdidjustnow，"sheretorted，petulantly。"Theysaywomenarechangeable。Itisoneofthedefectsofthesex。"
　　"Heavenbepraisedforthedefectsofthesex！"criedHorace，withdevoutsincerity。"Doyoureallyleavemetodecide？"
　　"Ifyouinsistonit。"
　　Horaceconsideredforamoment——thesubjectbeingthelawofmarriage。"Wemaybemarriedbylicenseinafortnight，"hesaid。"Ifixthisdayfortnight。"
　　Sheheldupherhandsinprotest。
　　"Whynot？Mylawyerisready。Therearenopreparationstomake。Yousaidwhenyouacceptedmethatitwastobeaprivatemarriage。"
　　Mercywasobligedtoownthatshehadcertainlysaidthat。
　　"Wemightbemarriedatonce——ifthelawwouldonlyletus。Thisdayfortnight！Say——Yes！"Hedrewherclosertohim。Therewasapause。Themaskofcoquetry——badlywornfromthefirst——droppedfromher。Hersadgrayeyesrestedcompassionatelyonhiseagerface。"Don'tlooksoserious！"hesaid。"Onlyonelittleword，Grace！OnlyYes。"
　　Shesighed，andsaidit。Hekissedherpassionately。Itwasonlybyaresoluteeffortthatshereleasedherself。
　　"Leaveme！"shesaid，faintly。"Prayleavemebymyself！"
　　Shewasinearnest——strangelyinearnest。Shewastremblingfromheadtofoot。Horacerosetoleaveher。"IwillfindLadyJanet，"hesaid；"IlongtoshowthedearoldladythatIhaverecoveredmyspirits，andtotellherwhy。"Heturnedroundatthelibrarydoor。"Youwon'tgoaway？Youwillletmeseeyouagainwhenyouaremorecomposed？"
　　"Iwillwaithere，"saidMercy。
　　Satisfiedwiththatreply，helefttheroom。
　　Herhandsdroppedonherlap；herheadsankbackwearilyonthecushionsattheheadofthesofa。Therewasadazedsensationinher：hermindfeltstunned。Shewonderedvacantlywhethershewasawakeordreaming。HadshereallysaidthewordwhichpledgedhertomarryHoraceHolmcroftinafortnight？Afortnight！Somethingmighthappeninthattimetopreventit：shemightfindherwayinafortnightoutoftheterriblepositioninwhichshestood。Anyway，comewhatmightofit，shehadchosenthepreferablealternativetoaprivateinterviewwithJulianGray。Sheraisedherselffromherrecumbentpositionwithastart，astheideaoftheinterview——dismissedforthelastfewminutes——possesseditselfagainofhermind。HerexcitedimaginationfiguredJulianGrayaspresentintheroomatthatmoment，speakingtoherasHoracehadproposed。Shesawhimseatedcloseatherside——thismanwhohadshakenhertothesoulwhenhewasinthepulpit，andwhenshewaslisteningtohimunseenattheotherendofthechapel——shesawhimclosebyher，lookinghersearchinglyintheface；seeinghershamefulsecretinhereyes；hearingitinhervoice；feelingitinhertremblinghands；forcingitoutofherwordbyword，tillshefellprostrateathisfeetwiththeconfessionofthefraud。Herheaddroppedagainonthecushions；shehidherfaceinhorrorofthescenewhichherexcitedfancyhadconjuredup。Evennow，whenshehadmadethatdreadedinterviewneedless，couldshefeelsuremeetinghimonlyonthemostdistanttermsofnotbetrayingherself？Shecouldnotfeelsure。Somethinginhershudderedandshrankatthebareideaoffindingherselfinthesameroomwithhim。Shefeltit，sheknewit：herguiltyconscienceownedandfeareditsmasterinJulianGray！
　　Theminutespassed。Theviolenceofheragitationbegantotellphysicallyonherweakenedframe。
　　Shefoundherselfcryingsilentlywithoutknowingwhy。Aweightwasonherhead，awearinesswasinallherlimbs。Shesankloweronthecushions——hereyesclosed——themonotonoustickingoftheclockonthemantelpiecegrewdrowsilyfainterandfainteronherear。Littlebylittleshedroppedintoslumber——slumbersolightthatshestartedwhenamorselofcoalfellintothegrate，orwhenthebirdschirpedandtwitteredintheiraviaryinthewinter-garden。
　　LadyJanetandHoracecamein。Shewasfaintlyconsciousofpersonsintheroom。Afteranintervalsheopenedhereyes，andhalfrosetospeaktothem。Theroomwasemptyagain。Theyhadstolenoutsoftlyandlefthertorepose。Hereyesclosedoncemore。Shedroppedbackintoslumber，andfromslumber，inthefavoringwarmthandquietoftheplace，intodeepanddreamlesssleep。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter8CHAPTERVIII。
　　THEMANAPPEARS。
　　AfteranintervalofrestMercywasarousedbytheshuttingofaglassdooratthefarendoftheconservatory。Thisdoor，leadingintothegarden，wasusedonlybytheinmatesofthehouse，orbyoldfriendsprivilegedtoenterthereception-roomsbythatway。AssumingthateitherHoraceorLadyJanetwasreturningtothedining-room，Mercyraisedherselfalittleonthe'sofaandlistened。
　　Thevoiceofoneofthemen-servantscaughtherear。Itwasansweredbyanothervoice，whichinstantlysethertremblingineverylimb。
　　Shestartedup，andlistenedagaininspeechlessterror。Yes！therewasnomistakingit。ThevoicethatwasansweringtheservantwastheunforgottenvoicewhichshehadheardattheRefuge。Thevisitorwhohadcomeinbytheglassdoorwas——JulianGray！
　　Hisrapidfootstepsadvancednearerandnearertothedining-room。Sherecoveredherselfsufficientlytohurrytothelibrarydoor。Herhandshooksothatshefailedatfirsttoopenit。Shehadjustsucceededwhensheheardhimagain——speakingtoher。
　　"Praydon'trunaway！Iamnothingveryformidable。OnlyLadyJanet'snephew——JulianGray。"
　　Sheturnedslowly，spell-boundbyhisvoice，andconfrontedhiminsilence。
　　Hewasstanding，hatinhand，attheentrancetotheconservatory，dressedinblack，andwearingawhitecravat，butwithastudiousavoidanceofanythingspeciallyclericalinthemakeandformofhisclothes。Youngashewas，thereweremarksofcarealreadyonhisface，andthehairwasprematurelythinandscantyoverhisforehead。Hisslight，activefigurewasofnomorethanthemiddleheight。Hiscomplexionwaspale。Thelowerpartofhisface，withoutbeardorwhiskers，wasinnowayremarkable。Anaverageobserverwouldhavepassedhimbywithoutnoticebutforhiseyes。Thesealonemadeamarkedmanofhim。Theunusualsizeoftheorbitsinwhichtheyweresetwasenoughofitselftoattractattention；itgaveagrandeurtohishead，whichthehead，broadandfirmasitwas，didnotpossess。Astotheeyesthemselves，thesoft，lustrousbrightnessofthemdefiedanalysisNotwopeoplecouldagreeabouttheircolor；dividedopiniondeclaringalternatelythattheyweredarkgrayorblack。Paintershadtriedtoreproducethem，andhadgivenuptheeffort，indespairofseizinganyoneexpressioninthebewilderingvarietyofexpressionswhichtheypresentedtoview。Theywereeyesthatcouldcharmatonemomentandterrifyatanother；eyesthatcouldsetpeoplelaughingorcryingalmostatwill。Inactionandinreposetheywereirresistiblealike。WhentheyfirstdescriedMercyrunningtothedoor，theybrightenedgaylywiththemerrimentofachild。Whensheturnedandfacedhim，theychangedinstantly，softeningandglowingastheymutelyownedtheinterestandtheadmirationwhichthefirstsightofherhadrousedinhim。Histoneandmanneralteredatthesametime。Headdressedherwiththedeepestrespectwhenhespokehisnextwords。
　　"Letmeentreatyoutofavormebyresumingyourseat，"hesaid。"AndletmeaskyourpardonifIhavethoughtlesslyintrudedonyou。"
　　Hepaused，waitingforherreplybeforeheadvancedintotheroom。Stillspell-boundbyhisvoice，sherecoveredself-controlenoughtobowtohimandtoresumeherplaceonthesofa。Itwasimpossibletoleavehimnow。Afterlookingatherforamoment，heenteredtheroomwithoutspeakingtoheragain。Shewasbeginningtoperplexaswellastointeresthim。"Nocommonsorrow，"hethought，"hassetitsmarkonthatwoman'sface；nocommonheartbeatsinthatwoman'sbreast。Whocanshebe？"
　　Mercyralliedhercourage，andforcedherselftospeaktohim。
　　"LadyJanetisinthelibrary，Ibelieve，"shesaid，timidly。"ShallItellheryouarehere？"
　　"Don'tdisturbLadyJanet，anddon'tdisturbyourself。"Withthatanswerheapproachedtheluncheon-table，delicatelygivinghertimetofeelmoreatherease。HetookupwhatHoracehadleftofthebottleofclaret，andpoureditintoaglass。"Myaunt'sclaretshallrepresentmyauntforthepresent，"hesaid，smiling，asheturnedtowardheroncemore。"Ihavehadalongwalk，andImayventuretohelpmyselfinthishousewithoutinvitation。Isituselesstoofferyouanything？"
　　Mercymadethenecessaryreply。Shewasbeginningalready，afterherremarkableexperienceofhim，towonderathiseasymannersandhislightwayoftalking。
　　Heemptiedhisglasswiththeairofamanwhothoroughlyunderstoodandenjoyedgoodwine。"Myaunt'sclaretisworthyofmyaunt，"hesaid，withcomicgravity，ashesetdowntheglass。"BotharethegenuineproductsofNature。"Heseatedhimselfatthetableandlookedcriticallyatthedifferentdishesleftonit。Onedishespeciallyattractedhisattention。"Whatisthis？"hewenton。"AFrenchpie！ItseemsgrosslyunfairtotasteFrenchwineandtopassoverFrenchpiewithoutnotice。"Hetookupaknifeandfork，andenjoyedthepieascriticallyashehadenjoyedthewine。"WorthyoftheGreatNation！"heexclaimed，withenthusiasm。"VivelaFrance！"
　　Mercylistenedandlooked，ininexpressibleastonishment。Hewasutterlyunlikethepicturewhichherfancyhaddrawnofhimineverydaylife。Takeoffhiswhitecravat，andnobodywouldhavediscoveredthatthisfamouspreacherwasaclergyman！
　　Hehelpedhimselftoanotherplatefulofthepie，andspokemoredirectlytoMercy，alternatelyeatingandtalkingascomposedlyandpleasantlyasiftheyhadknowneachotherforyears。
　　"IcameherebywayofKensingtonGardens，"hesaid。"ForsometimepastIhavebeenlivinginaflat，ugly，barren，agriculturaldistrict。Youcan'tthinkhowpleasantIfoundthepicturepresentedbytheGardens，asacontrast。Theladiesintheirrichwinterdresses，thesmartnurserymaids，thelovelychildren，theevermovingcrowdskatingontheiceoftheRoundPond；itwasallsoexhilaratingafterwhatIhavebeenusedto，thatIactuallycaughtmyselfwhistlingasIwalkedthroughthebrilliantscene！Inmytimeboysusedalwaystowhistlewhentheywereingoodspirits，andIhavenotgotoverthehabityet。WhodoyouthinkImetwhenIwasinfullsong？"
　　Aswellasheramazementwouldlether，Mercyexcusedherselffromguessing。ShehadneverinallherlifebeforespokentoanylivingbeingsoconfusedlyandsounintelligentlyasshenowspoketoJulianGray！
　　Hewentonmoregaylythanever，withoutappearingtonoticetheeffectthathehadproducedonher。
　　"WhomdidImeet，"herepeated，"whenIwasinfullsong？Mybishop！IfIhadbeenwhistlingasacredmelody，hislordshipmightperhapshaveexcusedmyvulgarityoutofconsiderationformymusic。Unfortunately，thecompositionIwasexecutingatthemomentIamoneoftheloudestoflivingwhistlerswasbyVerdi——"LaDonnaeMobile"——familiar，nodoubt，tohislordshiponthestreetorgans。Herecognizedthetune，poorman，andwhenItookoffmyhattohimhelookedtheotherway。Strange，inaworldthatisburstingwithsinandsorrow，totreatsuchatrifleseriouslyasacheerfulclergymanwhistlingatune！"Hepushedawayhisplateashesaidthelastwords，andwentonsimplyandearnestlyinanalteredtone。"Ihaveneverbeenable，"hesaid，"toseewhyweshouldassertourselvesamongothermenasbelongingtoaparticularcaste，andasbeingforbidden，inanyharmlessthing，todoasotherpeopledo。Thedisciplesofoldsetusnosuchexample；theywerewiserandbetterthanweare。Iventuretosaythatoneoftheworstobstaclesinthewayofourdoinggoodamongourfellow-creaturesisraisedbythemereassumptionoftheclericalmannerandtheclericalvoice。Formypart，IsetupnoclaimtobemoresacredandmorereverendthananyotherChristianmanwhodoeswhatgoodhecan。"HeglancedbrightlyatMercy，lookingathiminhelplessperplexity。Thespiritoffuntookpossessionofhimagain。"AreyouaRadical？"heasked，withahumoroustwinkleinhislargelustrouseyes。"Iam！"
　　Mercytriedhardtounderstandhim，andtriedinvain。Couldthisbethepreacherwhosewordshadcharmed，purified，ennobledher？Wasthisthemanwhosesermonhaddrawntearsfromwomenaboutherwhomsheknewtobeshamelessandhardenedincrime？Yes！Theeyesthatnowrestedonherhumorouslywerethebeautifuleyeswhichhadoncelookedintohersoul。Thevoicethathadjustaddressedajestingquestiontoherwasthedeepandmellowvoicewhichhadoncethrilledhertotheheart。Inthepulpithewasanangelofmercy；outofthepulpithewasaboyletloosefromschool。
　　"Don'tletmestartleyou，"hesaid，good-naturedly，noticingherconfusion。"Publicopinionhascalledmebyhardernamesthanthenameof'Radical。'Ihavebeenspendingmytimelately——asItoldyoujustnow——inanagriculturaldistrict。Mybusinesstherewastoperformthedutyfortherectoroftheplace，whowantedaholiday。Howdoyouthinktheexperimenthasended？TheSquireoftheparishcallsmeaCommunist；thefarmersdenouncemeasanIncendiary；myfriendtherectorhasbeenrecalledinahurry，andIhavenowthehonorofspeakingtoyouinthecharacterofabanishedmanwhohasmadearespectableneighborhoodtoohottoholdhim。"
　　Withthatfrankavowalhelefttheluncheontable，andtookachairnearMercy。
　　"Youwillnaturallybeanxious，"hewenton，"toknowwhatmyoffensewas。DoyouunderstandPoliticalEconomyandtheLawsofSupplyandDemand？"
　　Mercyownedthatshedidnotunderstandthem。
　　"NomoredoI——inaChristiancountry，"hesaid。"Thatwasmyoffense。Youshallhearmyconfessionjustasmyauntwillhearitintwowords。"Hepausedforalittlewhile；hisvariablemannerchangedagain。Mercy，shylylookingathim，sawanewexpressioninhiseyes——anexpressionwhichrecalledherfirstremembranceofhimasnothinghadrecalledityet。"Ihadnoidea，"heresumed，"ofwhatthelifeofafarm-laborerreallywas，insomepartsofEngland，untilIundertooktherector'sduties。NeverbeforehadIseensuchdirewretchednessasIsawinthecottages。NeverbeforehadImetwithsuchnoblepatienceundersufferingasIfoundamongthepeople。Themartyrsofoldcouldendure，anddie。Iaskedmyselfiftheycouldendure，andlive，likethemartyrswhomIsawroundme？——live，weekafterweek，monthaftermonth，yearafteryear，onthebrinkofstarvation；live，andseetheirpiningchildrengrowinguproundthem，toworkandwantintheirturn；live，withthepoorman'sparishprisontolooktoastheend，whenhungerandlaborhavedonetheirworst！WasGod'sbeautifulearthmadetoholdsuchmiseryasthis？Icanhardlythinkofit，Icanhardlyspeakofit，evennow，withdryeyes！"
　　Hisheadsankonhisbreast。Hewaited——masteringhisemotionbeforehespokeagain。Now，atlast，sheknewhimoncemore。Nowhewastheman，indeed，whomshehadexpectedtosee。Unconsciouslyshesatlistening，withhereyesfixedonhisface，withhishearthangingonhiswords，intheveryattitudeoftheby-gonedaywhenshehadheardhimforthefirsttime！