"IdidallIcouldtopleadforthehelplessones，"heresumed。"Iwentroundamongtheholdersofthelandtosayawordforthetillersoftheland。'Thesepatientpeopledon'twantmuch'Isaid；'inthenameofChrist，givethemenoughtoliveon！'PoliticalEconomyshriekedatthehorridproposal；theLawsofSupplyandDemandveiledtheirmajesticfacesindismay。Starvationwagesweretherightwages，Iwastold。Andwhy？Becausethelaborerwasobligedtoacceptthem！Idetermined，sofarasonemancoulddoit，thatthelaborershouldnotbeobligedtoacceptthem。Icollectedmyownresources——Iwrotetomyfriends——andIremovedsomeofthepoorfellowstopartsofEnglandwheretheirworkwasbetterpaid。Suchwastheconductwhichmadetheneighborhoodtoohottoholdme。Soletitbe！Imeantogoon。IamknowninLondon；Icanraisesubscriptions。ThevileLawsofSupplyandDemandshallfindlaborscarceinthatagriculturaldistrict；andpitilessPoliticalEconomyshallspendafewextrashillingsonthepoor，ascertainlyasIamthatRadical，Communist，andIncendiary——JulianGray！"
　　Herose——makingalittlegestureofapologyforthewarmthwithwhichhehadspoken——andtookaturnintheroom。Firedbyhisenthusiasm，Mercyfollowedhim。Herpursewasinherhand，whenheturnedandfacedher。
　　"Prayletmeoffermylittletribute——suchasitis！"shesaid，eagerly。
　　Amomentaryflushspreadoverhispalecheeksashelookedatthebeautifulcompassionatefacepleadingwithhim。
　　"No！no！"hesaid，smiling；"thoughIamaparson，Idon'tcarrythebegging-boxeverywhere。"Mercyattemptedtopressthepurseonhim。Thequainthumorbegantotwinkleagaininhiseyesasheabruptlydrewbackfromit。"Don'ttemptme！"hesaid。"Thefrailestofallhumancreaturesisaclergymantemptedbyasubscription。"Mercypersisted，andconquered；shemadehimprovethetruthofhisownprofoundobservationofclericalhumannaturebytakingapieceofmoneyfromthepurse。"IfImusttakeit——Imust！"heremarked。"Thankyouforsettingthegoodexample！thankyouforgivingthetimelyhelp！WhatnameshallIputdownonmylist？"
　　Mercy'seyeslookedconfusedlyawayfromhim。"Noname，"shesaid，inalowvoice。"Mysubscriptionisanonymous。"
　　Asshereplied，thelibrarydooropened。Toherinfiniterelief——toJulian'ssecretdisappointment——LadyJanetRoyandHoraceHolmcroftenteredtheroomtogether。
　　"Julian！"exclaimedLadyJanet，holdingupherhandsinastonishment。
　　Hekissedhisauntonthecheek。"Yourladyshipislookingcharmingly。"HegavehishandtoHorace。Horacetookit，andpassedontoMercy。Theywalkedawaytogetherslowlytotheotherendoftheroom。Julianseizedonthechancewhichlefthimfreetospeakprivatelytohisaunt。
　　"Icameinthroughtheconservatory，"hesaid。"AndIfoundthatyoungladyintheroom。Whoisshe？"
　　"Areyouverymuchinterestedinher？"askedLadyJanet，inhergravelyironicalway。
　　Julianansweredinoneexpressiveword。"Indescribably！"
　　LadyJanetcalledtoMercytojoinher。
　　"Mydear，"shesaid，"letmeformallypresentmynephewtoyou。Julian，thisisMissGraceRoseberry——"Shesuddenlycheckedherself。Theinstantshepronouncedthename，Julianstartedasifitwasasurprisetohim。"Whatisit？"sheasked，sharply。
　　"Nothing，"heanswered，bowingtoMercy，withamarkedabsenceofhisformereaseofmanner。Shereturnedthecourtesyalittlerestrainedlyonherside。She，too，hadseenhimstartwhenLadyJanetmentionedthenamebywhichshewasknown。Thestartmeantsomething。Whatcoulditbe？Whydidheturnaside，afterbowingtoher，andaddresshimselftoHorace，withanabsentlookinhisface，asifhisthoughtswerefarawayfromhiswords？Acompletechangehadcomeoverhim；anditdatedfromthemomentwhenhisaunthadpronouncedthenamethatwasnothername——thenamethatshehadstolen！
　　LadyJanetclaimedJulian'sattention，andleftHoracefreetoreturntoMercy。"Yourroomisreadyforyou，"shesaid。"Youwillstayhere，ofcourse？"Julianacceptedtheinvitation——stillwiththeairofamanwhosemindwaspreoccupied。Insteadoflookingathisauntwhenhemadehisreply，helookedroundatMercywithatroubledcuriosityinhisface，verystrangetosee。LadyJanettappedhimimpatientlyontheshoulder。"Iexpectpeopletolookatmewhenpeoplespeaktome，"shesaid。"Whatareyoustaringatmyadopteddaughterfor？"
　　"Youradopteddaughter？"Julianrepeated——lookingathisauntthistime，andlookingveryearnestly。
　　"Certainly！AsColonelRoseberry'sdaughter，sheisconnectedwithmebymarriagealready。DidyouthinkIhadpickedupafoundling？"
　　Julian'sfacecleared；helookedrelieved。"IhadforgottentheColonel，"heanswered。"Ofcoursetheyoungladyisrelatedtous，asyousay。"
　　"Charmed，Iamsure，tohavesatisfiedyouthatGraceisnotanimpostor，"saidLadyJanet，withsatiricalhumility。ShetookJulian'sarmanddrewhimoutofhearingofHoraceandMercy。"Aboutthatletterofyours？"sheproceeded。"Thereisonelineinitthatrousesmycuriosity。Whoisthemysterious'lady'whomyouwishtopresenttome？"
　　Julianstarted，andchangedcolor。
　　"Ican'ttellyounow，"hesaid，inawhisper。
　　"Whynot？"
　　ToLadyJanet'sunutterableastonishment，insteadofreplying，Julianlookedroundatheradopteddaughteroncemore。
　　"Whathasshegottodowithit？"askedtheoldlady，outofallpatiencewithhim。
　　"Itisimpossibleformetotellyou，"heanswered，gravely，"whileMissRoseberryisintheroom。"
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter9CHAPTERIX。
　　NEWSFROMMANNHEIM。
　　LADYJANET'Scuriositywasbythistimethoroughlyaroused。Summonedtoexplainwhothenamelessladymentionedinhislettercouldpossiblybe，Julianhadlookedatheradopteddaughter。Askednexttoexplainwhatheradopteddaughterhadgottodowithit，hehaddeclaredthathecouldnotanswerwhileMissRoseberrywasintheroom。
　　Whatdidhemean？LadyJanetdeterminedtofindout。
　　"Ihateallmysteries，"shesaidtoJulian。"Andasforsecrets，Iconsiderthemtobeoneoftheformsofill-breeding。Peopleinourrankoflifeoughttobeabovewhisperingincorners。Ifyoumusthaveyourmystery，Icanofferyouacornerinthelibrary。Comewithme。"
　　Julianfollowedhisauntveryreluctantly。Whateverthemysterymightbe，hewasplainlyembarrassedbybeingcalledupontorevealitatamoment'snotice。LadyJanetsettledherselfinherchair，preparedtoquestionandcross-questionhernephew，whenanobstacleappearedattheotherendofthelibrary，intheshapeofaman-servantwithamessage。OneofLadyJanet'sneighborshadcalledbyappointmenttotakehertothemeetingofacertaincommitteewhichassembledthatday。Theservantannouncedthattheneighbor——anelderlylady——wasthenwaitinginhercarriageatthedoor。
　　LadyJanet'sreadyinventionsettheobstacleasidewithoutamoment'sdelay。Shedirectedtheservanttoshowhervisitorintothedrawing-room，andtosaythatshewasunexpectedlyengaged，butthatMissRoseberrywouldseetheladyimmediately。ShethenturnedtoJulian，andsaid，withhermostsatiricalemphasisoftoneandmanner："WoulditbeanadditionalconvenienceifMissRoseberrywasnotonlyoutoftheroombeforeyoudiscloseyoursecret，butoutofthehouse？"
　　Juliangravelyanswered："ItmaypossiblybequiteaswellifMissRoseberryisoutofthehouse。"
　　LadyJanetledthewaybacktothedining-room。
　　"MydearGrace，"shesaid，"youlookedflushedandfeverishwhenIsawyouasleeponthesofaalittlewhilesince。Itwilldoyounoharmtohaveadriveinthefreshair。Ourfriendhascalledtotakemetothecommitteemeeting。IhavesenttotellherthatIamengaged——andIshallbemuchobligedifyouwillgoinmyplace。"
　　Mercylookedalittlealarmed。"DoesyourladyshipmeanthecommitteemeetingoftheSamaritanConvalescentHome？Themembers，asIunderstandit，aretodecideto-daywhichoftheplansforthenewbuildingtheyaretoadopt。Icannotsurelypresumetovoteinyourplace？"
　　"Youcanvote，mydearchild，justaswellasIcan，"repliedtheoldlady。"Architectureisoneofthelostarts。Youknownothingaboutit；Iknownothingaboutit；thearchitectsthemselvesknownothingaboutit。Oneplanis，nodoubt，justasbadastheother。Vote，asIshouldvote，withthemajority。OraspoordearDr。Johnsonsaid，'Shoutwiththeloudestmob。'Awaywithyou——anddon'tkeepthecommitteewaiting。"
　　HoracehastenedtoopenthedoorforMercy。
　　"Howlongshallyoubeaway？"hewhispered，confidentially。"Ihadathousandthingstosaytoyou，andtheyhaveinterruptedus。"
　　"Ishallbebackinanhour。"
　　"Weshallhavetheroomtoourselvesbythattime。Comeherewhenyoureturn。Youwillfindmewaitingforyou。"
　　Mercypressedhishandsignificantlyandwentout。LadyJanetturnedtoJulian，whohadthusfarremainedinthebackground，still，toallappearance，asunwillingasevertoenlightenhisaunt。
　　"Well？"shesaid。"Whatistyingyourtonguenow？Graceisoutoftheroom；whywon'tyoubegin？IsHoraceintheway？"
　　"Notintheleast。Iamonlyalittleuneasy——"
　　"Uneasyaboutwhat？"
　　"Iamafraidyouhaveputthatcharmingcreaturetosomeinconvenienceinsendingherawayjustatthistime"
　　Horacelookedupsuddenly，withaflushonhisface。
　　"Whenyousay'thatcharmingcreature，'"heasked，sharply，"IsupposeyoumeanMissRoseberry？"
　　"Certainly，"answeredJulian。"Whynot？"
　　LadyJanetinterposed。"Gently，Julian，"shesaid。"Gracehasonlybeenintroducedtoyouhithertointhecharacterofmyadopteddaughter——"
　　"Anditseemstobehightime，"Horaceadded，haughtily，"thatIshouldpresenthernextinthecharacterofmyengagedwife。"
　　JulianlookedatHoraceasifhecouldhardlycredittheevidenceofhisownears。"Yourwife！"heexclaimed，withanirrepressibleoutburstofdisappointmentandsurprise。
　　"Yes。Mywife，"returnedHorace。"Wearetobemarriedinafortnight。MayIask，"headded，withangryhumility，"ifyoudisapproveofthemarriage？"
　　LadyJanetinterposedoncemore。"Nonsense，Horace，"shesaid。"Juliancongratulatesyou，ofcourse。"
　　Juliancoldlyandabsentlyechoedthewords。"Oh，yes！Icongratulateyou，ofcourse。"
　　LadyJanetreturnedtothemainobjectoftheinterview。
　　"Nowwethoroughlyunderstandoneanother，"shesaid，"letusspeakofaladywhohasdroppedoutoftheconversationforthelastminuteortwo。Imean，Julian，themysteriousladyofyourletter。Wearealone，asyoudesired。Lifttheveil，myreverendnephew，whichhidesherfrommortaleyes！Blush，ifyoulike——andcan。IsshethefutureMrs。JulianGray？"
　　"Sheisaperfectstrangertome，"Juliananswered，quietly。
　　"Aperfectstranger！Youwrotemewordyouwereinterestedinher。"
　　"Iaminterestedinher。And，whatismore，youareinterestedinher，too。"
　　LadyJanet'sfingersdrummedimpatientlyonthetable。"HaveInotwarnedyou，Julian，thatIhatemysteries？Willyou，orwillyounot，explainyourself？"
　　Beforeitwaspossibletoanswer，Horacerosefromhischair。"PerhapsIamintheway？"hesaid。
　　Juliansignedtohimtositdownagain。
　　"IhavealreadytoldLadyJanetthatyouarenotintheway，"heanswered。"Inowtellyou——asMissRoseberry'sfuturehusband——thatyou，too，haveaninterestinhearingwhatIhavetosay。"
　　Horaceresumedhisseatwithanairofsuspicioussurprise。JulianaddressedhimselftoLadyJanet。
　　"Youhaveoftenheardmespeak，"hebegan，"ofmyoldfriendandschool-fellow，JohnCressingham？"
　　"Yes。TheEnglishconsulatMannheim？"
　　"Thesame。WhenIreturnedfromthecountryIfoundamongmyotherlettersalongletterfromtheconsul。Ihavebroughtitwithme，andIproposetoreadcertainpassagesfromit，whichtellaverystrangestorymoreplainlyandmorecrediblythanIcantellitinmyownwords。"
　　"Willitbeverylong？"inquiredLadyJanet，lookingwithsomealarmatthecloselywrittensheetsofpaperwhichhernephewspreadopenbeforehim。
　　Horacefollowedwithaquestiononhisside。
　　"YouaresureIaminterestedinit？"heasked。"TheconsulatMannheimisatotalstrangertome。"
　　"Ianswerforit，"repliedJulian，gravely，"neithermyaunt'spatiencenoryours，Horace，willbethrownawayifyouwillfavormebylisteningattentivelytowhatIamabouttoread。"
　　Withthosewordshebeganhisfirstextractfromtheconsul'sletter。
　　***"'Mymemoryisabadonefordates。ButfullthreemonthsmusthavepassedsinceinformationwassenttomeofanEnglishpatient，receivedatthehospitalhere，whosecaseI，asEnglishconsul，mightfeelaninterestininvestigating。
　　"'Iwentthesamedaytothehospital，andwastakentothebedside。
　　"'Thepatientwasawoman——young，andwheninhealth，Ishouldthink，verypretty。WhenIfirstsawhershelooked，tomyuninstructedeye，likeadeadwoman。Inoticedthatherheadhadabandageoverit，andIaskedwhatwasthenatureoftheinjurythatshehadreceived。Theanswerinformedmethatthepoorcreaturehadbeenpresent，nobodyknewwhyorwherefore，ataskirmishornightattackbetweentheGermansandtheFrench，andthattheinjurytoherheadhadbeeninflictedbyafragmentofaGermanshell。'"
　　Horace——thusfarleaningbackcarelesslyinhischair——suddenlyraisedhimselfandexclaimed，"Goodheavens！canthisbethewomanIsawlaidoutfordeadintheFrenchcottage？"
　　"Itisimpossibleformetosay，"repliedJulian。"Listentotherestofit。Theconsul'slettermayansweryourquestion。"
　　Hewentonwithhisreading：
　　"'Thewoundedwomanhadbeenreporteddead，andhadbeenleftbytheFrenchintheirretreat，atthetimewhentheGermanforcestookpossessionoftheenemy'sposition。ShewasfoundonabedinacottagebythedirectoroftheGermanambulance——"
　　"IgnatiusWetzel？"criedHorace。
　　"IgnatiusWetzel，"repeatedJulian，lookingattheletter。
　　"Itisthesame！"saidHorace。"LadyJanet，wearereallyinterestedinthis。YouremembermytellingyouhowIfirstmetwithGrace？Andyouhaveheardmoreaboutitsince，nodoubt，fromGraceherself？"
　　"Shehasahorrorofreferringtothatpartofherjourneyhome，"repliedLadyJanet。"Shementionedherhavingbeenstoppedonthefrontier，andherfindingherselfaccidentallyinthecompanyofanotherEnglishwoman，aperfectstrangertoher。Inaturallyaskedquestionsonmyside，andwasshockedtohearthatshehadseenthewomankilledbyaGermanshellalmostcloseatherside。NeithershenorIhavehadanyrelishforreturningtothesubjectsince。Youwerequiteright，Julian，toavoidspeakingofitwhileshewasintheroom。Iunderstanditallnow。Grace，Isuppose，mentionedmynametoherfellow-traveler。Thewomanis，nodoubt，inwantofassistance，andsheappliestomethroughyou。Iwillhelpher；butshemustnotcomehereuntilIhavepreparedGraceforseeingheragain，alivingwoman。Forthepresentthereisnoreasonwhytheyshouldmeet。"
　　"Iamnotsureaboutthat，"saidJulian，inlowtones，withoutlookingupathisaunt。
　　"Whatdoyoumean？Isthemysterynotatanendyet？"
　　"Themysteryhasnotevenbegunyet。Letmyfriendtheconsulproceed。"
　　Julianreturnedforthesecondtimetohisextractfromtheletter：
　　"'Afteracarefulexaminationofthesupposedcorpse，theGermansurgeonarrivedattheconclusionthatacaseofsuspendedanimationhadinthehurryoftheFrenchretreatbeenmistakenforacaseofdeath。Feelingaprofessionalinterestinthesubject，hedecidedonputtinghisopiniontothetest。Heoperatedonthepatientwithcompletesuccess。Afterperformingtheoperationhekeptherforsomedaysunderhisowncare，andthentransferredhertothenearesthospital——thehospitalatMannheim。Hewasobligedtoreturntohisdutiesasarmysurgeon，andhelefthispatientintheconditioninwhichIsawher，insensibleonthebed。Neitherhenorthehospitalauthoritiesknewanythingwhateveraboutthewoman。Nopaperswerefoundonher。Allthedoctorscoulddo，whenIaskedthemforinformationwithaviewtocommunicatingwithherfriends，wastoshowmeherlinenmarkedwithher，name。Ileftthehospitalaftertakingdownthenameinmypocket-book。Itwas"MercyMerrick。"'"
　　LadyJanetproducedherpocket-book。"Letmetakethenamedowntoo，"shesaid。"Ineverhearditbefore，andImightotherwiseforgetit。Goon，Julian。"
　　Julianadvancedtohissecondextractfromtheconsul'sletter：
　　"'Underthesecircumstances，Icouldonlywaittohearfromthehospitalwhenthepatientwassufficientlyrecoveredtobeabletospeaktome。Someweekspassedwithoutmyreceivinganycommunicationfromthedoctors。OncallingtomakeinquiriesIwasinformedthatfeverhadsetin，andthatthepoorcreature'sconditionnowalternatedbetweenexhaustionanddelirium。Inherdeliriousmomentsthenameofyouraunt，LadyJanetRoy，frequentlyescapedher。Otherwiseherwanderingswereforthemostpartquiteunintelligibletothepeopleatherbedside。Ithoughtonceortwiceofwritingtoyou，andofbeggingyoutospeaktoLadyJanet。Butasthedoctorsinformedmethatthechancesoflifeordeathwereatthistimealmostequallybalanced，Idecidedtowaituntiltimeshoulddeterminewhetheritwasnecessarytotroubleyouornot。'"
　　"Youknowbest，Julian，"saidLadyJanet。"ButIownIdon'tquiteseeinwhatwayIaminterestedinthispartofthestory。"
　　"JustwhatIwasgoingtosay，"addedHorace。"Itisverysad，nodoubt。Butwhathavewetodowithit？"
　　"Letmereadmythirdextract，"Juliananswered，"andyouwillsee。"
　　Heturnedtothethirdextract，andreadasfollows：
　　"'AtlastIreceivedamessagefromthehospitalinformingmethatMercyMerrickwasoutofdanger，andthatshewascapablethoughstillveryweakofansweringanyquestionswhichImightthinkitdesirabletoputtoher。Onreachingthehospital，Iwasrequested，rathertomysurprise，topaymyfirstvisittotheheadphysicianinhisprivateroom。"Ithinkitright，"saidthisgentleman，"towarnyou，beforeyouseethepatient，tobeverycarefulhowyouspeaktoher，andnottoirritateherbyshowinganysurpriseorexpressinganydoubtsifshetalkstoyouinanextravagantmanner。Wedifferinopinionaboutherhere。Someofusmyselfamongthenumberdoubtwhethertherecoveryofhermindhasaccompaniedtherecoveryofherbodilypowers。Withoutpronouncinghertobemad——sheisperfectlygentleandharmless——weareneverthelessofopinionthatsheissufferingunderaspeciesofinsanedelusion。BearinmindthecautionwhichIhavegivenyou——andnowgoandjudgeforyourself。"Iobeyed，insomelittleperplexityandsurprise。Thesufferer，whenIapproachedherbed，lookedsadlyweakandworn；but，sofarasIcouldjudge，seemedtobeinfullpossessionofherself。Hertoneandmannerwereunquestionablythetoneandmannerofalady。Afterbrieflyintroducingmyself，IassuredherthatIshouldbeglad，bothofficiallyandpersonally，ifIcouldbeofanyassistancetoher。InsayingthesetriflingwordsIhappenedtoaddressherbythenameIhadseenmarkedonherclothes。Theinstantthewords"MissMerrick"passedmylipsawild，vindictiveexpressionappearedinhereyes。Sheexclaimedangrily，"Don'tcallmebythathatefulname！It'snotmyname。AllthepeopleherepersecutemebycallingmeMercyMerrick。AndwhenIamangrywiththemtheyshowmetheclothes。SaywhatImay，theypersistinbelievingtheyaremyclothes。Don'tyoudothesame，ifyouwanttobefriendswithme。"Rememberingwhatthephysicianhadsaidtome，Imadethenecessaryexcusesandsucceededinsoothingher。Withoutrevertingtotheirritatingtopicofthename，Imerelyinquiredwhatherplanswere，andassuredherthatshemightcommandmyservicesifsherequiredthem。"Whydoyouwanttoknowwhatmyplansare？"sheasked，suspiciously。IremindedherinreplythatIheldthepositionofEnglishconsul，andthatmyobjectwas，ifpossible，tobeofsomeassistancetoher。"Youcanbeofthegreatestassistancetome，"shesaid，eagerly。"FindMercyMerrick！"Isawthevindictivelookcomebackintohereyes，andanangryflushrisingonherwhitecheeks。Abstainingfromshowinganysurprise，IaskedherwhoMercyMerrickwas。"Avilewoman，byherownconfession，"wasthequickreply。"HowamItofindher？"Iinquirednext。"Lookforawomaninablackdress，withtheRedGenevaCrossonhershoulder；sheisanurseintheFrenchambulance。""Whathasshedone？""Ihavelostmypapers；Ihavelostmyownclothes；MercyMerrickhastakenthem。""HowdoyouknowthatMercyMerrickhastakenthem？""Nobodyelsecouldhavetakenthem——that'showIknowit。Doyoubelievemeornot？"Sheasbeginningtoexciteherselfagain；IassuredherthatIwouldatoncesendtomakeinquiriesafterMercyMerrick。Sheturnedroundcontentedonthepillow。"There'sagoodman！"shesaid。"Comebackandtellmewhenyouhavecaughther。"SuchwasmyfirstinterviewwiththeEnglishpatientatthehospitalatMannheim。ItisneedlesstosaythatIdoubtedtheexistenceoftheabsentpersondescribedasanurse。However，itwaspossibletomakeinquiriesbyapplyingtothesurgeon，IgnatiusWetzel，whosewhereaboutswasknowntohisfriendsinMannheim。Iwrotetohim，andreceivedhisanswerinduetime。AfterthenightattackoftheGermanshadmadethemmastersoftheFrenchposition，hehadenteredthecottageoccupiedbytheFrenchambulance。HehadfoundthewoundedFrenchmenleftbehind，buthadseennosuchpersoninattendanceonthemasthenurseintheblackdresswiththeredcrossonhershoulder。TheonlylivingwomanintheplacewasayoungEnglishlady，inagraytravelingcloak，whohadbeenstoppedonthefrontier，andwhowasforwardedonherwayhomebythewarcorrespondentofanEnglishjournal。'"
　　"ThatwasGrace，"saidLadyJanet。
　　"AndIwasthewarcorrespondent，"addedHorace。
　　"Afewwordsmore，"saidJulian，"andyouwillunderstandmyobjectinclaimingyourattention。"
　　Hereturnedtotheletterforthelasttime，andconcludedhisextractsfromitasfollows：
　　"'Insteadofattendingatthehospitalmyself，Icommunicatedbyletterthefailureofmyattempttodiscoverthemissingnurse。ForsomelittletimeafterwardIheardnomoreofthesickwoman，whomIshallstillcallMercyMerrick。ItwasonlyyesterdaythatIreceivedanothersummonstovisitthepatient。Shehadbythistimesufficientlyrecoveredtoclaimherdischarge，andshehadannouncedherintentionofreturningforthwithtoEngland。Theheadphysician，feelingasenseofresponsibility，hadsentforme。Itwasimpossibletodetainheronthegroundthatshewasnotfittobetrustedbyherselfatlarge，inconsequenceofthedifferenceofopinionamongthedoctorsonthecase。Allthatcouldbedonewastogivemeduenotice，andtoleavethematterinmyhands。Onseeingherforthesecondtime，Ifoundhersullenandreserved。Sheopenlyattributedmyinabilitytofindthenursetowantofzealforherinterestsonmypart。Ihad，onmyside，noauthoritywhatevertodetainher。Icouldonlyinquirewhethershehadmoneyenoughtopayhertravelingexpenses。Herreplyinformedmethatthechaplainofthehospitalhadmentionedherforlornsituationinthetown，andthattheEnglishresidentshadsubscribedasmallsumofmoneytoenablehertoreturntoherowncountry。Satisfiedonthishead，IaskednextifshehadfriendstogotoinEngland。"Ihaveonefriend，"sheanswered，"whoisahostinherself——LadyJanetRoy。"YoumayimaginemysurprisewhenIheardthis。Ifounditquiteuselesstomakeanyfurtherinquiriesastohowshecametoknowyouraunt，whetheryourauntexpectedher，andsoon。Myquestionsevidentlyoffendedher；theywerereceivedinsulkysilence。Underthesecircumstances，wellknowingthatIcantrustimplicitlytoyourhumanesympathyformisfortune，Ihavedecidedaftercarefulreflectiontoinsurethepoorcreature'ssafetywhenshearrivesinLondonbygivingheralettertoyou。Youwillhearwhatshesays，andyouwillbebetterabletodiscoverthanIamwhethershereallyhasanyclaimonLadyJanetRoy。Onelastwordofinformation，whichitmaybenecessarytoadd，andIshallclosethisinordinatelylongletter。AtmyfirstinterviewwithherIabstained，asIhavealreadytoldyou，fromirritatingherbyanyinquiriesonthesubjectofhername。Onthissecondoccasion，however，Idecidedonputtingthequestion。'"
　　Ashereadthoselastwords，Julianbecameawareofasuddenmovementonthepartofhisaunt。LadyJanethadrisensoftlyfromherchairandhadpassedbehindhimwiththepurposeofreadingtheconsul'sletterforherselfoverhernephew'sshoulder。JuliandetectedtheactionjustintimetofrustrateLadyJanet'sintentionbyplacinghishandoverthelasttwolinesoftheletter。
　　"Whatdoyoudothatfor？"inquiredhisaunt，sharply。
　　"Youarewelcome，LadyJanet，toreadthecloseoftheletterforyourself，"Julianreplied。"ButbeforeyoudosoIamanxioustoprepareyouforaverygreatsurprise。Composeyourselfandletmereadonslowly，withyoureyeonme，untilIuncoverthelasttwowordswhichclosemyfriend'sletter。"
　　Hereadtheendoftheletter，ashehadproposed，intheseterms：
　　"'Ilookedthewomanstraightintheface，andIsaidtoher，"Youhavedeniedthatthenamemarkedontheclotheswhichyouworewhenyoucameherewasyourname。IfyouarenotMercyMerrick，whoareyou？"Sheanswered，instantly，"Mynameis——"'"
　　Julianremovedhishandfromthepage。LadyJanetlookedatthenexttwowords，andstartedbackwithaloudcryofastonishment，whichbroughtHoraceinstantlytohisfeet。
　　"Tellme，oneofyou！"hecried。"Whatnamedidshegive？"
　　Juliantoldhim。
　　"GRACEROSEBERRY。"
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter10CHAPTERX。
　　ACOUNCILOFTHREE。FORamomentHoracestoodthunderstruck，lookinginblankastonishmentatLadyJanet。Hisfirstwords，assoonashehadrecoveredhimself，wereaddressedtoJulian。
　　"Isthisajoke？"heasked，sternly。"Ifitis，Iforonedon'tseethehumorofit。"
　　Julianpointedtothecloselywrittenpagesoftheconsul'sletter。"Amanwritesinearnest，"hesaid，"whenhewritesatsuchlengthasthis。ThewomanseriouslygavethenameofGraceRoseberry，andwhensheleftMannheimshetraveledtoEnglandfortheexpresspurposeofpresentingherselftoLadyJanetRoy。"Heturnedtohisaunt。"Yousawmestart，"hewenton，"whenyoufirstmentionedMissRoseberry'snameinmyhearing。Nowyouknowwhy。"HeaddressedhimselfoncemoretoHorace。"Youheardmesaythatyou，asMissRoseberry'sfuturehusband，hadaninterestinbeingpresentatmyinterviewwithLadyJanet。Nowyouknowwhy。"
　　"Thewomanisplainlymad，"saidLadyJanet。"Butitiscertainlyastartlingformofmadnesswhenonefirsthearsofit。Ofcoursewemustkeepthematter，forthepresentatleast，asecretfromGrace。"
　　"Therecanbenodoubt，"Horaceagreed，"thatGracemustbekeptinthedark，inherpresentstateofhealth。Theservantshadbetterbewarnedbeforehand，incaseofthisadventuressormadwoman，whichevershemaybe，attemptingtomakeherwayintothehouse。"
　　"Itshallbedoneimmediately，"saidLadyJanet。"WhatsurprisesmeJulianringthebell，ifyouplease，isthatyoushoulddescribeyourselfinyourletterasfeelinganinterestinthisperson。"
　　Juliananswered——withoutringingthebell。
　　"Iammoreinterestedthanever，"hesaid，"nowIfindthatMissRoseberryherselfisyourguestatMablethorpeHouse。"
　　'Youwerealwaysperverse，Julian，asachild，inyourlikingsanddislikings，"LadyJanetrejoined。"Whydon'tyouringthebell？"
　　"Foronegoodreason，mydearaunt。Idon'twishtohearyoutellyourservantstoclosethedooronthisfriendlesscreature。"
　　LadyJanetcastalookathernephewwhichplainlyexpressedthatshethoughthehadtakenalibertywithher。
　　"Youdon'texpectmetoseethewoman？"sheasked，inatoneofcoldsurprise。
　　"Ihopeyouwillnotrefusetoseeher，"Juliananswered，quietly。"Iwasoutwhenshecalled。Imusthearwhatshehastosay——andIshouldinfinitelypreferhearingitinyourpresence。WhenIgotyourreplytomyletter，permittingmetopresenthertoyou，Iwrotetoherimmediately，appointingameetinghere。"
　　LadyJanetliftedherbrightblackeyesinmuteexpostulationtothecarvedCupidsandwreathsonthedining-roomceiling。
　　"WhenamItohavethehonorofthelady'svisit？"sheinquired，withironicalresignation。
　　"To-day，"answeredhernephew，withimpenetrablepatience。
　　"Atwhathour？"
　　Juliancomposedlyconsultedhiswatch。"Sheistenminutesafterhertime，"hesaid，andputhiswatchbackinhispocketagain。
　　Atthesamemomenttheservantappeared，andadvancedtoJulian，carryingavisitingcardonhislittlesilvertray。
　　"Aladytoseeyou，sir。"
　　Juliantookthecard，and，bowing，handedittohisaunt。
　　"Heresheis，"hesaid，justasquietlyasever。
　　LadyJanetlookedatthecard，andtosseditindignantlybacktohernephew。"MissRoseberry！"sheexclaimed。"Printed——actuallyprintedonhercard！Julian，evenMYpatiencehasitslimits。Irefusetoseeher！"
　　Theservantwasstillwaiting——notlikeahumanbeingwhotookaninterestintheproceedings，butasbecameaperfectlybredfootmanlikeanarticleoffurnitureartfullyconstructedtocomeandgoatthewordofcommand。Juliangavethewordofcommand，addressingtheadmirablyconstructedautomatonbythenameof"James。"
　　"Whereistheladynow？"heasked。
　　"Inthebreakfast-room，sir。"
　　"Leaveherthere，ifyouplease，andwaitoutsidewithinhearingofthebell。"
　　Thelegsofthefurniture-footmanacted，andtookhimnoiselesslyoutoftheroom。Julianturnedtohisaunt。
　　"Forgiveme，"hesaid，"forventuringtogivethemanhisordersinyourpresence。Iamveryanxiousthatyoushouldnotdecidehastily。Surelyweoughttohearwhatthisladyhastosay？"
　　Horacedissentedwidelyfromhisfriend'sopinion。"It'saninsulttoGrace，"hebrokeout，warmly，"tohearwhatshehastosay！"
　　LadyJanetnoddedherheadinhighapproval。"Ithinkso，too，"saidherladyship，crossingherhandsomeoldhandsresolutelyonherlap。
　　JulianappliedhimselftoansweringHoracefirst。
　　"Pardonme，"hesaid。"IhavenointentionofpresumingtoreflectonMissRoseberry，orofbringingherintothematteratall——Theconsul'sletter，"hewenton，speakingtohisaunt，"mentions，ifyouremember，thatthemedicalauthoritiesofMannheimweredividedinopinionontheirpatient'scase。Someofthem——thephysician-in-chiefbeingamongthenumber——believethattherecoveryofhermindhasnotaccompaniedtherecoveryofherbody。"
　　"Inotherwords，"LadyJanetremarked，"amadwomanisinmyhouse，andIamexpectedtoreceiveher！"
　　"Don'tletusexaggerate，"saidJulian，gently。"Itcanservenogoodinterest，inthisseriousmatter，toexaggerateanything。Theconsulassuresus，ontheauthorityofthedoctor，thatsheisperfectlygentleandharmless。Ifsheisreallythevictimofamentaldelusion，thepoorcreatureissurelyanobjectofcompassion，andsheoughttobeplacedunderpropercare。Askyourownkindheart，mydearaunt，ifitwouldnotbedownrightcrueltytoturnthisforlornwomanadriftintheworldwithoutmakingsomeinquiryfirst。"
　　LadyJanet'sinbredsenseofjusticeadmittednotoverwillingly——thereasonablenessaswellasthehumanityoftheviewexpressedinthosewords。"Thereissometruthinthat，Julian，"shesaid，shiftingherpositionuneasilyinherchair，andlookingatHorace。"Don'tyouthinkso，too？"sheadded。
　　"Ican'tsayIdo，"answeredHorace，inthepositivetoneofamanwhoseobstinacyisproofagainsteveryformofappealthatcanbeaddressedtohim。
　　ThepatienceofJulianwasfirmenoughtobeamatchfortheobstinacyofHorace。"Atanyrate，"heresumed，withundiminishedgoodtemper，"weareallthreeequallyinterestedinsettingthismatteratrest。Iputittoyou，LadyJanet，ifwearenotfavored，atthisluckymoment，withtheveryopportunitythatwewant？MissRoseberryisnotonlyoutoftheroom，butoutofthehouse。Ifweletthischanceslip，whocansaywhatawkwardaccidentmaynothappeninthecourseofthenextfewdays？"
　　"Letthewomancomein，"criedLadyJanet，decidingheadlong，withhercustomaryimpatienceofalldelay。"Atonce，Julian——beforeGracecancomeback。Willyouringthebellthistime？"
　　ThistimeJulianrangit。"MayIgivethemanhisorders？"herespectfullyinquiredofhisaunt。
　　"Givehimanythingyoulike，andhavedonewithit！"retortedtheirritableoldlady，gettingbrisklyonherfeet，andtakingaturnintheroomtocomposeherself。
　　Theservantwithdrew，withorderstoshowthevisitorin。
　　Horacecrossedtheroomatthesametime——apparentlywiththeintentionofleavingitbythedoorattheoppositeend。
　　"Youarenotgoingaway？"exclaimedLadyJanet。
　　"Iseenouseinmyremaininghere，"repliedHorace，notverygraciously。
　　"Inthatcase，"retortedLadyJanet，"remainherebecauseIwishit。"
　　"Certainly——ifyouwishit。Onlyremember，"headded，moreobstinatelythanever，"thatIdifferentirelyfromJulian'sview。Inmyopinionthewomanhasnoclaimonus。"
　　ApassingmovementofirritationescapedJulianforthefirsttime。"Don'tbehard，Horace，"hesaid，sharply。"Allwomenhaveaclaimonus。"
　　Theyhadunconsciouslygatheredtogether，intheheatofthelittledebate，turningtheirbacksonthelibrarydoor。AtthelastwordsofthereproofadministeredbyJuliantoHorace，theirattentionwasrecalledtopassingeventsbytheslightnoiseproducedbytheopeningandclosingofthedoor。Withoneaccordthethreeturnedandlookedinthedirectionfromwhichthesoundshadcome。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter11CHAPTERXI。
　　THEDEADALIVE。
　　JUSTinsidethedoorthereappearedthefigureofasmallwomandressedinplainandpoorblackgarments。Shesilentlyliftedherblacknetveilanddisclosedadull，pale，worn，wearyface。Theforeheadwaslowandbroad；theeyeswereunusuallyfarapart；thelowerfeatureswereremarkablysmallanddelicate。InhealthastheconsulatMannheimhadremarkedthiswomanmusthavepossessed，ifnotabsolutebeauty，atleastrareattractionspeculiarlyherown。Asitwasnow，suffering——sullen，silent，self-containedsuffering——hadmarreditsbeauty。Attentionandevencuriosityitmightstillrouse。Admirationorinterestitcouldexcitenolonger。
　　Thesmall，thin，blackfigurestoodimmovablyinsidethedoor。Thedull，worn，whitefacelookedsilentlyatthethreepersonsintheroom。
　　Thethreepersonsintheroom，ontheirside，stoodforamomentwithoutmoving，andlookedsilentlyatthestrangeronthethreshold。Therewassomethingeitherinthewomanherself，orinthesuddenandstealthymannerofherappearanceintheroom，whichfroze，asifwiththetouchofaninvisiblecoldhand，thesympathiesofallthree。Accustomedtotheworld，habituallyattheireaseineverysocialemergency，theywerenowsilencedforthefirsttimeintheirlivesbythefirstserioussenseofembarrassmentwhichtheyhadfeltsincetheywerechildreninthepresenceofastranger。
　　HadtheappearanceofthetrueGraceRoseberryarousedintheirmindsasuspicionofthewomanwhohadstolenhername，andtakenherplaceinthehouse？
　　NotsomuchastheshadowofasuspicionofMercywasatthebottomofthestrangesenseofuneasinesswhichhadnowdeprivedthemalikeoftheirhabitualcourtesyandtheirhabitualpresenceofmind。Itwasaspracticallyimpossibleforanyoneofthethreetodoubttheidentityoftheadopteddaughterofthehouseasitwouldbeforyouwhoreadtheselinestodoubttheidentityofthenearestanddearestrelativeyouhaveintheworld。CircumstanceshadfortifiedMercybehindthestrongestofallnaturalrights——therightoffirstpossession。C！circumstanceshadarmedherwiththemostirresistibleofallnaturalforces——theforceofpreviousassociationandprevioushabit。Notbysomuchasahair-breadthwasthepositionofthefalseGraceRoseberryshakenbythefirstappearanceofthetrueGraceRoseberrywithinthedoorsofMablethorpeHouse。LadyJanetfeltsuddenlyrepelled，withoutknowingwhy。JulianandHoracefeltsuddenlyrepelled，withoutknowingwhy。Askedtodescribetheirownsensationsatthemoment，theywouldhaveshakentheirheadsindespair，andwouldhaveansweredinthosewords。Thevaguepresentimentofsomemisfortunetocomehadenteredtheroomwiththeentranceofthewomaninblack。Butitmovedinvisibly；anditspokeasallpresentimentsspeak，intheUnknownTongue。
　　Amomentpassed。Thecracklingofthefireandthetickingoftheclockweretheonlysoundsaudibleintheroom。
　　Thevoiceofthevisitor——hard，clear，andquiet——wasthefirstvoicethatbrokethesilence。
　　"Mr。JulianGray？"shesaid，lookinginterrogativelyfromoneofthetwogentlementotheother。
　　Julianadvancedafewsteps，instantlyrecoveringhisself-possession。"IamsorryIwasnotathome，"hesaid，"whenyoucalledwithyourletterfromtheconsul。Praytakeachair。"
　　Bywayofsettingtheexample，LadyJanetseatedherselfatsomelittledistance，withHoraceinattendancestandingnear。Shebowedtothestrangerwithstudiouspoliteness，butwithoututteringaword，beforeshesettledherselfinherchair。"Iamobligedtolistentothisperson，"thoughttheoldlady。"ButIamnotobligedtospeaktoher。ThatisJulian'sbusiness——notmine。Don'tstand，Horace！Youfidgetme。Sitdown。"Armedbeforehandinherpolicyofsilence，LadyJanetfoldedherhandsomehandsasusual，andwaitedfortheproceedingstobegin，likeajudgeonthebench。
　　"Willyoutakeachair？"Julianrepeated，observingthatthevisitorappearedneithertoheednortohearhisfirstwordsofwelcometoher。
　　Atthissecondappealshespoketohim。"IsthatLadyJanetRoy？"sheasked，withhereyesfixedonthemistressofthehouse。
　　Juliananswered，anddrewbacktowatchtheresult。
　　Thewomaninthepoorblackgarmentschangedherpositionforthefirsttime。ShemovedslowlyacrosstheroomtotheplaceatwhichLadyJanetwassitting，andaddressedherrespectfullywithperfectself-possessionofmanner。Herwholedemeanor，fromthemomentwhenshehadappearedatthedoor，hadexpressed——atonceplainlyandbecomingly——confidenceinthereceptionthatawaitedher。
　　"Almostthelastwordsmyfathersaidtomeonhisdeath-bed，"shebegan，"werewords，madam，whichtoldmetoexpectprotectionandkindnessfromyou。"
　　ItwasnotLadyJanet'sbusinesstospeak。Shelistenedwiththeblandestattention。Shewaitedwiththemostexasperatingsilencetohearmore。
　　GraceRoseberrydrewbackastep——notintimidated——onlymortifiedandsurprised。"Wasmyfatherwrong？"sheasked，withasimpledignityoftoneandmannerwhichforcedLadyJanettoabandonherpolicyofsilence，inspiteofherself。
　　"Whowasyourfather？"sheasked，coldly。
　　GraceRoseberryansweredthequestioninatoneofsternsurprise。
　　"Hastheservantnotgivenyoumycard？"shesaid。"Don'tyouknowmyname？"
　　"Whichofyournames？"rejoinedLadyJanet。
　　"Idon'tunderstandyourladyship。"
　　"Iwillmakemyselfunderstood。YouaskedmeifIknewyourname。Iaskyou，inreturn，whichnameitis？Thenameonyourcardis'MissRoseberry。'Thenamemarkedonyourclothes，whenyouwereinthehospital，was'MercyMerrick。'"
　　Theself-possessionwhichGracehadmaintainedfromthemomentwhenshehadenteredthedining-room，seemednow，forthefirsttime，tobeonthepointoffailingher。Sheturned，andlookedappealinglyatJulian，whohadthusfarkepthisplaceapart，listeningattentively。
　　"Surely，"shesaid，"yourfriend，theconsul，hastoldyouinhisletteraboutthemarkontheclothes？"
　　SomethingofthegirlishhesitationandtimiditywhichhadmarkedherdemeanoratherinterviewwithMercyintheFrenchcottagere-appearedinhertoneandmannerasshespokethosewords。Thechanges——mostlychangesfortheworse——wroughtinherbythesufferingthroughwhichshehadpassedsincethattimewerenowforthemomenteffaced。AllthatwasleftofthebetterandsimplersideofhercharacterasserteditselfinherbriefappealtoJulian。Shehadhithertorepelledhim。Hebegantofeelacertaincompassionateinterestinhernow。
　　"Theconsulhasinformedmeofwhatyousaidtohim，"heanswered，kindly。"But，ifyouwilltakemyadvice，IrecommendyoutotellyourstorytoLadyJanetinyourownwords。"
　　GraceagainaddressedherselfwithsubmissivereluctancetoLadyJanet。
　　"Theclothesyourladyshipspeaksof，"shesaid，"weretheclothesofanotherwoman。Therainwaspouringwhenthesoldiersdetainedmeonthefrontier。Ihadbeenexposedforhourstotheweather——Iwaswettotheskin。Theclothesmarked'MercyMerrick'weretheclotheslenttomebyMercyMerrickherselfwhilemyownthingsweredrying。Iwasstruckbytheshellinthoseclothes。Iwascarriedawayinsensibleinthoseclothesaftertheoperationhadbeenperformedonme。"
　　LadyJanetlistenedtoperfection——anddidnomore。SheturnedconfidentiallytoHorace，andsaidtohim，inhergracefullyironicalway："Sheisreadywithherexplanation。"
　　Horaceansweredinthesametone："Agreatdealtooready。"
　　Gracelookedfromoneofthemtotheother。Afaintflushofcolorshoweditselfinherfaceforthefirsttime。
　　"AmItounderstand，"sheasked，withproudcomposure，"thatyoudon'tbelieveme？"
　　LadyJanetmaintainedherpolicyofsilence。ShewavedonehandcourteouslytowardJulian，asiftosay，"Addressyourinquiriestothegentlemanwhointroducesyou。"Julian，noticingthegesture，andobservingtherisingcolorinGrace'scheeks，interfereddirectlyintheinterestsofpeace"LadyJanetaskedyouaquestionjustnow，"hesaid；"LadyJanetinquiredwhoyourfatherwas。"
　　"MyfatherwasthelateColonelRoseberry。"
　　LadyJanetmadeanotherconfidentialremarktoHorace。"Herassuranceamazesme！"sheexclaimed。
　　Julianinterposedbeforehisauntcouldaddawordmore。"Prayletushearher，"hesaid，inatoneofentreatywhichhadsomethingoftheimperativeinitthistime。HeturnedtoGrace。"Haveyouanyprooftoproduce，"headded，inhisgentlervoice，"whichwillsatisfyusthatyouareColonelRoseberry'sdaughter？"
　　Gracelookedathimindignantly。"Proof！"sherepeated。"Ismywordnotenough？"
　　Juliankepthistemperperfectly。"Pardonme，"herejoined，"youforgetthatyouandLadyJanetmeetnowforthefirsttime。Trytoputyourselfinmyaunt'splace。HowisshetoknowthatyouarethelateColonelRoseberry'sdaughter？"
　　Grace'sheadsunkonherbreast；shedroppedintothenearestchair。Theexpressionofherfacechangedinstantlyfromangertodiscouragement。"Ah，"sheexclaimed，bitterly，"ifIonlyhadthelettersthathavebeenstolenfromme！"
　　"Letters，"askedJulian，"introducingyoutoLadyJanet？"
　　"Yes。"SheturnedsuddenlytoLadyJanet。"LetmetellyouhowIlostthem，"shesaid，inthefirsttonesofentreatywhichhadescapedheryet。
　　LadyJanethesitated。Itwasnotinhergenerousnaturetoresisttheappealthathadjustbeenmadetoher。ThesympathiesofHoracewerefarlesseasilyreached。Helightlylaunchedanewshaftofsatire——intendedfortheprivateamusementofLadyJanet。"Anotherexplanation！"heexclaimed，withalookofcomicresignation。
　　Julianoverheardthewords。HislargelustrouseyesfixedthemselvesonHoracewithalookofunmeasuredcontempt。
　　"Theleastyoucando，"hesaid，sternly，"isnottoirritateher。Itissoeasytoirritateher！"HeaddressedhimselfagaintoGrace，endeavoringtohelpherthroughherdifficultyinanewway。"Nevermindexplainingyourselfforthemoment，"hesaid。"Intheabsenceofyourletters，haveyouanyoneinLondonwhocanspeaktoyouridentity？"Graceshookherheadsadly。"IhavenofriendsinLondon，"sheanswered。
　　ItwasimpossibleforLadyJanet——whohadneverinherlifeheardofanybodywithoutfriendsinLondon——topassthisoverwithoutnotice。"NofriendsinLondon！"sherepeated，turningtoHorace。
　　Horaceshotanothershaftoflightsatire。"Ofcoursenot！"herejoined。
　　Gracesawthemcomparingnotes。"MyfriendsareinCanada，"shebrokeout，impetuously。"Plentyoffriendswhocouldspeakforme，ifIcouldonlybringthemhere。"
　　Asaplaceofreference——mentionedinthecapitalcityofEngland——Canada，thereisnodenyingit，isopentoobjectiononthegroundofdistance。Horacewasreadywithanothershot。"Farenoughoff，certainly，"hesaid。
　　"Farenoughoff，asyousay，"LadyJanetagreed。
　　OncemoreJulian'sinexhaustiblekindnessstrovetoobtainahearingforthestrangerwhohadbeenconfidedtohiscare。"Alittlepatience，LadyJanet，"hepleaded。"Alittleconsideration，Horace，forafriendlesswoman。"
　　"Thankyou，sir，"saidGrace。"Itisverykindofyoutotryandhelpme，butitisuseless。Theywon'tevenlistentome。"Sheattemptedtorisefromherchairasshepronouncedthelastwords。Juliangentlylaidhishandonhershoulderandobligedhertoresumeherseat。
　　"Iwilllistentoyou，"hesaid。"Youreferredmejustnowtotheconsul'sletter。Theconsultellsmeyoususpectedsomeoneoftakingyourpapersandyourclothes。"
　　"Idon'tsuspect，"wasthequickreply；"Iamcertain！ItellyoupositivelyMercyMerrickwasthethief。ShewasalonewithmewhenIwasstruckdownbytheshell。ShewastheonlypersonwhoknewthatIhadlettersofintroductionaboutme。Sheconfessedtomyfacethatshehadbeenabadwoman——shehadbeeninaprison——shehadcomeoutofarefuge——"
　　Julianstoppedhertherewithoneplainquestion，whichthrewadoubtonthewholestory。
　　"TheconsultellsmeyouaskedhimtosearchforMercyMerrick，"hesaid。"Isitnottruethathecausedinquiriestobemade，andthatnotraceofanysuchpersonwastobeheardof？"
　　"Theconsultooknopainstofindher，"Graceanswered，angrily。"Hewas，likeeverybodyelse，inaconspiracytoneglectandmisjudgeme。"
　　LadyJanetandHoraceexchangedlooks。ThistimeitwasimpossibleforJuliantoblamethem。Thefurtherthestranger'snarrativeadvanced，thelessworthyofseriousattentionhefeltittobe。Thelongershespoke，themoredisadvantageouslyshechallengedcomparisonwiththeabsentwoman，whosenameshesoobstinatelyandsoaudaciouslypersistedinassumingasherown。
　　"Grantingallthatyouhavesaid，"Julianresumed，withalasteffortofpatience，"whatusecouldMercyMerrickmakeofyourlettersandyourclothes？"
　　"Whatuse？"repeatedGrace，amazedathisnotseeingthepositionasshesawit。"Myclothesweremarkedwithmyname。Oneofmypaperswasaletterfrommyfather，introducingmetoLadyJanet。Awomanoutofarefugewouldbequitecapableofpresentingherselfhereinmyplace。"
　　Spokenentirelyatrandom，spokenwithoutsomuchasafragmentofevidencetosupportthem，thoselastwordsstillhadtheireffect。TheycastareflectiononLadyJanet'sadopteddaughterwhichwastoooutrageoustobeborne。LadyJanetroseinstantly。"Givemeyourarm，Horace，"shesaid，turningtoleavetheroom。"Ihaveheardenough。"
　　Horacerespectfullyofferedhisarm。"Yourladyshipisquiteright，"heanswered。"Amoremonstrousstoryneverwasinvented。"
　　Hespoke，inthewarmthofhisindignation，loudenoughforGracetohearhim。"Whatistheremonstrousinit？"sheasked，advancingasteptowardhim，defiantly。
　　Juliancheckedher。Hetoo——thoughhehadonlyonceseenMercy——feltanangrysenseoftheinsultofferedtothebeautifulcreaturewhohadinterestedhimathisfirstsightofher。"Silence！"hesaid，speakingsternlytoGraceforthefirsttime。"Youareoffending——justlyoffending——LadyJanet。Youaretalkingworsethanabsurdly——youaretalkingoffensively——whenyouspeakofanotherwomanpresentingherselfhereinyourplace。"
　　Grace'sbloodwasup。StungbyJulian'sreproof，sheturnedonhimalookwhichwasalmostalookoffury。
　　"Areyouaclergyman？Areyouaneducatedman？"sheasked。"Haveyouneverreadofcasesoffalsepersonation，innewspapersandbooks？IblindlyconfidedinMercyMerrickbeforeIfoundoutwhathercharacterreallywas。Sheleftthecottage——Iknowit，fromthesurgeonwhobroughtmetolifeagain——firmlypersuadedthattheshellhadkilledme。Mypapersandmyclothesdisappearedatthesametime。Istherenothingsuspiciousinthesecircumstances？TherewerepeopleattheHospitalwhothoughtthemhighlysuspicious——peoplewhowarnedmethatImightfindanimpostorinmyplace。"Shesuddenlypaused。Therustlingsoundofasilkdresshadcaughtherear。LadyJanetwasleavingtheroom，withHorace，bywayoftheconservatory。Withalastdesperateeffortofresolution，Gracesprungforwardandplacedherselfinfrontofthem。
　　"Oneword，LadyJanet，beforeyouturnyourbackonme，"shesaid，firmly。"Oneword，andIwillbecontent。HasColonelRoseberry'sletterfounditswaytothishouseornot？Ifithas，didawomanbringittoyou？"
　　LadyJanetlooked——asonlyagreatladycanlook，whenapersonofinferiorrankhaspresumedtofailinrespecttowardher。
　　"Youaresurelynotaware，"shesaid，withicycomposure，"thatthesequestionsareaninsulttoMe？"
　　"Andworsethananinsult，"Horaceadded，warmly，"toGrace！"
　　Thelittleresoluteblackfigurestillbarringthewaytotheconservatorywassuddenlyshakenfromheadtofoot。Thewoman'seyestraveledbackwardandforwardbetweenLadyJanetandHoracewiththelightofanewsuspicioninthem。
　　"Grace！"sheexclaimed。"WhatGrace？That'smyname。LadyJanet，youhavegottheletter！Thewomanishere！"
　　LadyJanetdroppedHorace'sarm，andretracedherstepstotheplaceatwhichhernephewwasstanding。
　　"Julian，"shesaid。"Youforceme，forthefirsttimeinmylife，toremindyouoftherespectthatisduetomeinmyownhouse。Sendthatwomanaway。"
　　Withoutwaitingtobeanswered，sheturnedbackagain，andoncemoretookHorace'sarm。
　　"Standback，ifyouplease，"shesaid，quietly，toGrace。
　　Graceheldherground。
　　"Thewomanishere！"sherepeated。"Confrontmewithher——andthensendmeaway，ifyoulike。"
　　Julianadvanced，andfirmlytookherbythearm。"YouforgetwhatisduetoLadyJanet，"hesaid，drawingheraside。"Youforgetwhatisduetoyourself。"
　　Withadesperateeffort，Gracebrokeawayfromhim，andstoppedLadyJanetonthethresholdoftheconservatorydoor。
　　"Justice！"shecried，shakingherclinchedhandwithhystericalfrenzyintheair。"Iclaimmyrighttomeetthatwomanfacetoface！Whereisshe？Confrontmewithher！Confrontmewithher！"
　　Whilethosewildwordswerepouringfromherlips，therumblingofcarriagewheelsbecameaudibleonthedriveinfrontofthehouse。Intheall-absorbingagitationofthemoment，thesoundofthewheelsfollowedbytheopeningofthehousedoorpassedunnoticedbythepersonsinthedining-room。Horace'svoicewasstillraisedinangryprotestagainsttheinsultofferedtoLadyJanet；LadyJanetherselfleavinghimforthesecondtimewasvehementlyringingthebelltosummontheservants；Julianhadoncemoretakentheinfuriatedwomanbythearmsandwastryingvainlytocomposeher——whenthelibrarydoorwasopenedquietlybyayoungladywearingamantleandabonnet。MercyMerricktruetotheappointmentwhichshehadmadewithHoraceenteredtheroom。
　　ThefirsteyesthatdiscoveredherpresenceonthesceneweretheeyesofGraceRoseberry。StartingviolentlyinJulian'sgrasp，shepointedtowardthelibrarydoor。"Ah！"shecried，withashriekofvindictivedelight。"Theresheis！"
　　Mercyturnedasthesoundofthescreamrangthroughtheroom，andmet——restingonherinsavagetriumph——thelivinggazeofthewomanwhoseidentityshehadstolen，whosebodyshehadleftlaidoutfordead。Ontheinstantofthatterriblediscovery——withhereyesfixedhelplesslyonthefierceeyesthathadfoundher——shedroppedsenselessonthefloor。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter12CHAPTERXII。
　　EXITJULIAN。
　　JULIANhappenedtobestandingnearesttoMercy。Hewasthefirstathersidewhenshefell。
　　Inthecryofalarmwhichburstfromhim，asheraisedherforamomentinhisarms，intheexpressionofhiseyeswhenhelookedatherdeath-likeface，thereescapedtheplain——tooplain——confessionoftheinterestwhichhefeltinher，oftheadmirationwhichshehadarousedinhim。Horacedetectedit。TherewasthequicksuspicionofjealousyinthemovementbywhichhejoinedJulian；therewasthereadyresentmentofjealousyinthetoneinwhichhepronouncedthewords，"Leavehertome。"Julianresignedherinsilence。AfaintflushappearedonhispalefaceashedrewbackwhileHoracecarriedhertothesofa。Hiseyessunktotheground；heseemedtobemeditatingself-reproachfullyonthetoneinwhichhisfriendhadspokentohim。Afterhavingbeenthefirsttotakeanactivepartinmeetingthecalamitythathadhappened，hewasnow，toallappearance，insensibletoeverythingthatwaspassingintheroom。
　　Atouchonhisshoulderrousedhim。
　　Heturnedandlookedround。Thewomanwhohaddonethemischief——thestrangerinthepoorblackgarments——wasstandingbehindhim。Shepointedtotheprostratefigureonthesofa，withamercilesssmile。
　　"Youwantedaproofjustnow，"shesaid。"Thereitis！"
　　Horaceheardher。HesuddenlyleftthesofaandjoinedJulian。Hisface，naturallyruddy，waspalewithsuppressedfury。
　　"Takethatwretchaway！"hesaid。"Instantly！orIwon'tanswerforwhatImaydo。"
　　ThosewordsrecalledJuliantohimself。Helookedroundtheroom。LadyJanetandthehousekeeperweretogether，inattendanceontheswooningwoman。Thestartledservantswerecongregatedinthelibrarydoorway。Oneofthemofferedtoruntothenearestdoctor；anotheraskedifheshouldfetchthepolice。Juliansilencedthembyagesture，andturnedtoHorace。"Composeyourself，"hesaid。"Leavemetoremoveherquietlyfromthehouse。"HetookGracebythehandashespoke。Shehesitated，andtriedtoreleaseherself。Julianpointedtothegroupatthesofa，andtotheservantslookingon。"Youhavemadeanenemyofeveryoneinthisroom，"hesaid，"andyouhavenotafriendinLondon。Doyouwishtomakeanenemyofme？Herheaddrooped；shemadenoreply；shewaited，dumblyobedienttothefirmerwillthanherown。Julianorderedtheservantscrowdingtogetherinthedoorwaytowithdraw。Hefollowedthemintothelibrary，leadingGraceafterhimbythehand。Beforeclosingthedoorhepaused，andlookedbackintothedining-room。
　　"Issherecovering？"heasked，afteramoment'shesitation。
　　LadyJanet'svoiceansweredhim。"Notyet。"
　　"ShallIsendforthenearestdoctor？"
　　Horaceinterposed。HedeclinedtoletJulianassociatehimself，eveninthatindirectmanner，withMercy'srecovery。
　　"Ifthedoctoriswanted，"hesaid，"Iwillgoforhimmyself。"
　　Julianclosedthelibrarydoor。HeabsentlyreleasedGrace；hemechanicallypointedtoachair。Shesatdowninsilentsurprise，followinghimwithhereyesashewalkedslowlytoandfrointheroom。
　　Forthemomenthismindwasfarawayfromher，andfromallthathadhappenedsinceherappearanceinthehouse。ItwasimpossiblethatamanofhisfinenessofperceptioncouldmistakethemeaningofHorace'sconducttowardhim。Hewasquestioninghisownheart，onthesubjectofMercy，sternlyandunreservedlyasitwashishabittodo。"Afteronlyonceseeingher，"hethought，"hassheproducedsuchanimpressiononmethatHoracecandiscoverit，beforeIhaveevensuspecteditmyself？CanthetimehavecomealreadywhenIoweittomyfriendtoseehernomore？"Hestoppedirritablyinhiswalk。Asamandevotedtoaseriouscallinginlife，therewassomethingthatwoundedhisself-respectinthebaresuspicionthathecouldbeguiltyofthepurelysentimentalextravagancecalled"loveatfirstsight。"
　　HehadpausedexactlyoppositetothechairinwhichGracewasseated。Wearyofthesilence，sheseizedtheopportunityofspeakingtohim。
　　"Ihavecomeherewithyouasyouwished，"shesaid。"Areyougoingtohelpme？AmItocountonyouasmyfriend？"
　　Helookedathervacantly。Itcosthimaneffortbeforehecouldgivehertheattentionthatshehadclaimed。
　　"Youhavebeenhardonme，"Gracewenton。"Butyoushowedmesomekindnessatfirst；youtriedtomakethemgivemeafairhearing。Iaskyou，asajustman，doyoudoubtnowthatthewomanonthesofainthenextroomisanimpostorwhohastakenmyplace？CantherebeanyplainerconfessionthatsheisMercyMerrickthantheconfessionshehasmade？Yousawit；theysawit。Shefaintedatthesightofme。"
　　Juliancrossedtheroom——stillwithoutansweringher——andrangthebell。Whentheservantappeared，hetoldthemantofetchacab。
　　Gracerosefromherchair。"Whatisthecabfor？"sheasked，sharply。
　　"Foryouandforme，"Julianreplied。"Iamgoingtotakeyoubacktoyourlodgings。"
　　"Irefusetogo。Myplaceisinthishouse。NeitherLadyJanetnoryoucangetovertheplainfacts。AllIaskedwastobeconfrontedwithher。Andwhatdidshedowhenshecameintotheroom？Shefaintedatthesightofme。"
　　Reiteratingheronetriumphantassertion，shefixedhereyesonJulianwithalookwhichsaidplainly：Answerthatifyoucan。Inmercytoher，Juliananswereditonthespot。
　　"AsfarasIunderstand，"hesaid，"youappeartotakeitforgrantedthatnoinnocentwomanwouldhavefaintedonfirstseeingyou。Ihavesomethingtotellyouwhichwillalteryouropinion。OnherarrivalinEnglandthisladyinformedmyauntthatshehadmetwithyouaccidentallyontheFrenchfrontier，andthatshehadseenyousofarassheknewstruckdeadathersidebyashell。Rememberthat，andrecallwhathappenedjustnow。Withoutawordtowarnherofyourrestorationtolife，shefindsherselfsuddenlyfacetofacewithyou，alivingwoman——andthisatatimewhenitiseasyforanyonewholooksathertoseethatsheisindelicatehealth。Whatistherewonderful，whatisthereunaccountable，inherfaintingundersuchcircumstancesasthese？"
　　Thequestionwasplainlyput。Wherewastheanswertoit？
　　Therewasnoanswertoit。Mercy'swiselycandidstatementofthemannerinwhichshehadfirstmetwithGrace，andoftheaccidentwhichhadfollowedhadservedMercy'spurposebuttoowell。Itwassimplyimpossibleforpersonsacquaintedwiththatstatementtoattachaguiltymeaningtotheswoon。ThefalseGraceRoseberrywasstillasfarbeyondthereachofsuspicionasever，andthetrueGracewasquickenoughtoseeit。Shesankintothechairfromwhichshehadrisen；herhandsfellinhopelessdespaironherlap。
　　"Everythingisagainstme，"shesaid。"Thetruthitselfturnsliar，andtakesherside。"Shepaused，andralliedhersinkingcourage。"No！"shecried，resolutely，"Iwon'tsubmittohavemynameandmyplacetakenfrommebyavileadventuress！Saywhatyoulike，Iinsistonexposingher；Iwon'tleavethehouse！"
　　Theservantenteredtheroom，andannouncedthatthecabwasatthedoor。
　　GraceturnedtoJulianwithadefiantwaveofherhand。"Don'tletmedetainyou，"shesaid。"IseeIhaveneitheradvicenorhelptoexpectfromMr。JulianGray。"
　　Julianbeckonedtotheservanttofollowhimintoacorneroftheroom。
　　"Doyouknowifthedoctorhasbeensentfor？"heasked。
　　"Ibelievenot，sir。Itissaidintheservants'hallthatthedoctorisnotwanted。"
　　Julianwastooanxioustobesatisfiedwithareportfromtheservants'hall。Hehastilywroteonaslipofpaper："Hassherecovered？"andgavethenotetotheman，withdirectionstotakeittoLadyJanet。
　　"DidyouhearwhatIsaid？"Graceinquired，whilethemessengerwasabsentinthediningroom。
　　"Iwillansweryoudirectly，"saidJulian。
　　Theservantappearedagainashespoke，withsomelinesinpencilwrittenbyLadyJanetonthebackofJulian'snote。"ThankGod，wehaverevivedher。Inafewminuteswehopetobeabletotakehertoherroom。"
　　ThenearestwaytoMercy'sroomwasthroughthelibrary。Grace'simmediateremovalhadnowbecomeanecessitywhichwasnottobetrifledwith。JulianaddressedhimselftomeetingthedifficultytheinstanthewasleftalonewithGrace。
　　"Listentome，"hesaid。"Thecabiswaiting，andIhavemylastwordstosaytoyou。Youarenowthankstotheconsul'srecommendationinmycare。Decideatoncewhetheryouwillremainundermycharge，orwhetheryouwilltransferyourselftothechargeofthepolice。"
　　Gracestarted。"Whatdoyoumean？"sheasked，angrily。
　　"Ifyouwishtoremainundermycharge，"Julianproceeded，"youwillaccompanymeatoncetothecab。InthatcaseIwillundertaketogiveyouanopportunityoftellingyourstorytomyownlawyer。HewillbeafitterpersontoadviseyouthanIam。Nothingwillinducewetobelievethattheladywhomyouhaveaccusedhascommitted，oriscapableofcommitting，suchafraudasyouchargeherwith。Youwillhearwhatthelawyerthinks，ifyoucomewithme。Ifyourefuse，Ishallhavenochoicebuttosendintothenextroom，andtellthemthatyouarestillhere。Theresultwillbethatyouwillfindyourselfinchargeofthepolice。Takewhichcourseyoulike：Iwillgiveyouaminutetodecidein。Andrememberthis——ifIappeartoexpressmyselfharshly，itisyourconductwhichforcesmetospeakout。Imeankindlytowardyou；Iamadvisingyouhonestlyforyourgood。"
　　Hetookouthiswatchtocounttheminute。