"Ihavenodesiretooffendyou，ortoactharshlytowardyou，"herladyshipbegan，veryquietly。"Ionlysuggestthatyourvisitstomyhousecannotpossiblyleadtoanysatisfactoryresult。Ihopeyouwillnotobligemetosayanyharderwordsthanthese——IhopeyouwillunderstandthatIwishyoutowithdraw。"
　　Theorderofdismissalcouldhardlyhavebeenissuedwithmorehumaneconsiderationforthesupposedmentalinfirmityofthepersontowhomitwasaddressed。Graceinstantlyresisteditintheplainestpossibleterms。
　　"Injusticetomyfather'smemoryandinjusticetomyself，"sheanswered，"Iinsistonahearing。Irefusetowithdraw。"Shedeliberatelytookachairandseatedherselfinthepresenceofthemistressofthehouse。
　　LadyJanetwaitedamoment——steadilycontrollinghertemper。IntheintervalofsilenceJulianseizedtheopportunityofremonstratingwithGrace。
　　"Isthiswhatyoupromisedme？"heasked，gently。"YougavemeyourwordthatyouwouldnotreturntoMablethorpeHouse。"
　　BeforehecouldsaymoreLadyJanethadgothertemperundercommand。ShebeganheranswertoGracebypointingwithaperemptoryforefingertothelibrarydoor。
　　"IfyouhavenotmadeupyourmindtotakemyadvicebythetimeIhavewalkedbacktothatdoor，"shesaid，"Iwillputitoutofyourpowertosetmeatdefiance。Iamusedtobeobeyed，andIwillbeobeyed。Youforcemetousehardwords。Iwarnyoubeforeitistoolate。Go！"
　　Shereturnedslowlytowardthelibrary。Julianattemptedtointerferewithanotherwordofremonstrance。Hisauntstoppedhimbyagesturewhichsaid，plainly，"Iinsistonactingformyself。"HelookednextatMercy。Wouldsheremainpassive？Yes。Sheneverliftedherhead；shenevermovedfromtheplaceinwhichshewasstandingapartfromtherest。Horacehimselftriedtoattractherattention，andtriedinvain。
　　Arrivedatthelibrarydoor，LadyJanetlookedoverhershoulderatthelittleimmovableblackfigureinthechair。
　　"Willyougo？"sheasked，forthelasttime。
　　Gracestartedupangrilyfromherseat，andfixedherviperisheyesonMercy。
　　"Iwon'tbeturnedoutofyourladyship'shouseinthepresenceofthatimpostor，"shesaid。"Imayyieldtoforce，butIwillyieldtonothingelse。Iinsistonmyrighttotheplacethatshehasstolenfromme。It'snousescoldingme，"sheadded，turningdoggedlytoJulian。"AslongasthatwomanishereundermynameIcan'tandwon'tkeepawayfromthehouse。Iwarnher，inyourpresence，thatIhavewrittentomyfriendsinCanada！Idareherbeforeyoualltodenythatsheistheoutcastandadventuress，MercyMerrick！"
　　ThechallengeforcedMercytotakepartintheproceedingsinherowndefense。ShehadpledgedherselftomeetanddefyGraceRoseberryonherownground。Sheattemptedtospeak——Horacestoppedher。
　　"Youdegradeyourselfifyouanswerher，"hesaid。"Takemyarm，andletusleavetheroom。"
　　"Yes！Takeherout！"criedGrace。"Shemaywellbeashamedtofaceanhonestwoman。It'sherplacetoleavetheroom——notmine！"
　　MercydrewherhandoutofHorace'sarm。"Ideclinetoleavetheroom，"shesaid，quietly。
　　Horacestilltriedtopersuadehertowithdraw。"Ican'tbeartohearyouinsulted，"herejoined。"Thewomanoffendsme，thoughIknowsheisnotresponsibleforwhatshesays。"
　　"Nobody'sendurancewillbetriedmuchlonger，"saidLadyJanet。SheglancedatJulian，andtakingfromherpocketthecardwhichhehadgiventoher，openedthelibrarydoor。
　　"Gotothepolicestation，"shesaidtotheservantinanundertone，"andgivethatcardtotheinspectoronduty。Tellhimthereisnotamomenttolose。"
　　"Stop！"saidJulian，beforehisauntcouldclosethedooragain。
　　"Stop？"repeatedLadyJanet，sharply。"Ihavegiventhemanhisorders。Whatdoyoumean？"
　　"BeforeyousendthecardIwishtosayawordinprivatetothislady，"repliedJulian，indicatingGrace。"Whenthatisdone，"hecontinued，approachingMercy，andpointedlyaddressinghimselftoher，"Ishallhavearequesttomake——Ishallaskyoutogivemeanopportunityofspeakingtoyouwithoutinterruption。"
　　Histonepointedtheallusion。Mercyshrankfromlookingathim。Thesignsofpainfulagitationbegantoshowthemselvesinhershiftingcolorandheruneasysilence。RousedbyJulian'ssignificantlydistantreferencetowhathadpassedbetweenthem，herbetterimpulseswerestrugglingalreadytorecovertheirinfluenceoverher。Shemight，atthatcriticalmoment，haveyieldedtothepromptingsofherownnoblernature——shemighthaverisensuperiortothegallingremembranceoftheinsultsthathadbeenheapeduponher——ifGrace'smalicehadnotseeninherhesitationameansofreferringoffensivelyonceagaintoherinterviewwithJulianGray。
　　"Praydon'tthinktwiceabouttrustinghimalonewithme，"shesaid，withasardonicaffectationofpoliteness。"IamnotinterestedinmakingaconquestofMr。JulianGray。"
　　ThejealousdistrustinHoracealreadyawakenedbyJulian'srequestnowattemptedtoassertitselfopenly。Beforehecouldspeak，Mercy'sindignationhaddictatedMercy'sanswer。
　　"Iammuchobligedtoyou，Mr。Gray，"shesaid，addressingJulianbutstillnotraisinghereyestohis。"Ihavenothingmoretosay。Thereisnoneedformetotroubleyouagain。"
　　Inthoserashwordssherecalledtheconfessiontowhichshestoodpledged。Inthoserashwordsshecommittedherselftokeepingthepositionthatshehadusurped，inthefaceofthewomanwhomshehaddeprivedofit！
　　Horacewassilenced，butnotsatisfied。HesawJulian'seyesfixedinsadandsearchingattentiononMercy'sfacewhileshewasspeaking。HeheardJuliansightohimselfwhenshehaddone。HeobservedJulian——afteramoment'sseriousconsideration，andamoment'sglancebackwardatthestrangerinthepoorblackclothes——lifthisheadwiththeairofamanwhohadtakenasuddenresolution。
　　"Bringmethatcarddirectly，"hesaidtotheservant。Histoneannouncedthathewasnottobetrifledwith。Themanobeyed。
　　WithoutansweringLadyJanet——whostillperemptorilyinsistedonherrighttoactforherself——Juliantookthepencilfromhispocketbookandaddedhissignaturetothewritingalreadyinscribedonthecard。Whenhehadhandeditbacktotheservanthemadehisapologiestohisaunt。
　　"Pardonmeforventuringtointerfere，"hesaid"ThereisaseriousreasonforwhatIhavedone，whichIwillexplaintoyouatafittertime。InthemeanwhileIoffernofurtherobstructiontothecoursewhichyouproposetaking。Onthecontrary，Ihavejustassistedyouingainingtheendthatyouhaveinview。"
　　Ashesaidthatheheldupthepencilwithwhichhehadsignedhisname。
　　LadyJanet，naturallyperplexed，andwithsomereason，perhapsoffendedaswell，madenoanswer。Shewavedherhandtotheservant，andsenthimawaywiththecard。
　　Therewassilenceintheroom。TheeyesofallthepersonspresentturnedmoreorlessanxiouslyonJulian。Mercywasvaguelysurprisedandalarmed。Horace，likeLadyJanet，feltoffended，withoutclearlyknowingwhy。EvenGraceRoseberryherselfwassubduedbyherownpresentimentofsomecominginterferenceforwhichshewascompletelyunprepared。Julian'swordsandactions，fromthemomentwhenhehadwrittenonthecard，wereinvolvedinamysterytowhichnotoneofthepersonsroundhimheldtheclew。
　　Themotivewhichhadanimatedhisconductmay，nevertheless，bedescribedintwowords：JulianstillheldtohisfaithintheinbrednobilityofMercy'snature。
　　Hehadinferred，withlittledifficulty，fromthelanguagewhichGracehadusedtowardMercyinhispresence，thattheinjuredwomanmusthavetakenpitilessadvantageofherpositionattheinterviewwhichhehadinterrupted。InsteadofappealingtoMercy'ssympathiesandMercy'ssenseofright——insteadofacceptingtheexpressionofhersincerecontrition，andencouraginghertomakethecompletestandthespeediestatonement——Gracehadevidentlyoutragedandinsultedher。Asanecessaryresult，herendurancehadgivenway——underherownsenseofintolerableseverityandintolerablewrong。
　　Theremedyforthemischiefthusdonewas，asJulianhadfirstseenit，tospeakprivatelywithGrace，tosootheherbyowningthathisopinionofthejusticeofherclaimshadundergoneachangeinherfavor，andthentopersuadeher，inherowninterests，tolethimcarrytoMercysuchexpressionsofapologyandregretasmightleadtoafriendlyunderstandingbetweenthem。
　　Withthosemotives，hehadmadehisrequesttobepermittedtospeakseparatelytotheoneandtheother。Thescenethathadfollowed，thenewinsultofferedbyGrace，andtheanswerwhichithadwrungfromMercy，hadconvincedhimthatnosuchinterferenceashehadcontemplatedwouldhavetheslightestprospectofsuccess。
　　Theonlyremedynowlefttotrywasthedesperateremedyoflettingthingstaketheircourse，andtrustingimplicitlytoMercy'sbetternaturefortheresult。
　　Letherseethepoliceofficerinplainclothesentertheroom。Letherunderstandclearlywhattheresultofhisinterferencewouldbe。LetherconfrontthealternativeofconsigningGraceRoseberrytoamad-houseorofconfessingthetruth——andwhatwouldhappen？IfJulian'sconfidenceinherwasaconfidencesoundlyplaced，shewouldnoblypardontheoutragesthathadbeenheapeduponher，andshewoulddojusticetothewomanwhomshehadwronged。
　　If，ontheotherhand，hisbeliefinherwasnothingbetterthantheblindbeliefofaninfatuatedman——ifshefacedthealternativeandpersistedinassertingherassumedidentity——whatthen？
　　Julian'sfaithinMercyrefusedtoletthatdarkersideofthequestionfindaplaceinhisthoughts。Itrestedentirelywithhimtobringtheofficerintothehouse。HehadpreventedLadyJanetfrommakinganymischievoususeofhiscardbysendingtothepolicestationandwarningthemtoattendtonomessagewhichtheymightreceiveunlessthecardproducedborehissignature。Knowingtheresponsibilitythathewastakingonhimself——knowingthatMercyhadmadenoconfessiontohimtowhichitwaspossibletoappeal——hehadsignedhisnamewithoutaninstant'shesitation：andtherehestoodnow，lookingatthewomanwhosebetternaturehewasdeterminedtovindicate，theonlycalmpersonintheroom。
　　Horace'sjealousysawsomethingsuspiciouslysuggestiveofaprivateunderstandinginJulian'searnestattentionandinMercy'sdowncastface。Havingnoexcuseforopeninterference，hemadeanefforttopartthem。
　　"Youspokejustnow，"hesaidtoJulian，"ofwishingtosayawordinprivatetothatperson。"HepointedtoGrace。"Shallweretire，orwillyoutakeherintothelibrary？"
　　"Irefusetohaveanythingtosaytohim，"Graceburstout，beforeJuliancouldanswer。"Ihappentoknowthatheisthelastpersontodomejustice。Hehasbeeneffectuallyhoodwinked。IfIspeaktoanybodyprivately，itoughttobetoyou。Youhavethegreatestinterestofanyoftheminfindingoutthetruth。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　"Doyouwanttomarryanoutcastfromthestreets？"
　　Horacetookonestepforwardtowardher。Therewasalookinhisfacewhichplainlybetrayedthathewascapableofturningheroutofthehousewithhisownhands。LadyJanetstoppedhim。
　　"YouwererightinsuggestingjustnowthatGracehadbetterleavetheroom，"shesaid。"Letusallthreego。Julianwillremainhereandgivethemanhisdirectionswhenhearrives。Come。"
　　No。ByastrangecontradictionitwasHoracehimselfwhonowinterferedtopreventMercyfromleavingtheroom。Intheheatofhisindignationhelostallsenseofhisowndignity；hedescendedtothelevelofawomanwhoseintellecthebelievedtobederanged。Tothesurpriseofeveryonepresent，hesteppedbackandtookfromthetableajewel-casewhichhehadplacedtherewhenhecameintotheroom。Itwastheweddingpresentfromhismotherwhichhehadbroughttohisbetrothedwife。Hisoutragedself-esteemseizedtheopportunityofvindicatingMercybyapublicbestowalofthegift。
　　"Wait！"hecalledout，sternly。"Thatwretchshallhaveheranswer。Shehassenseenoughtoseeandsenseenoughtohear。Letherseeandhear！"
　　Heopenedthejewel-case，andtookfromitamagnificentpearlnecklaceinanantiquesetting。
　　"Grace，"hesaid，withhishighestdistinctionofmanner，"mymothersendsyouherloveandhercongratulationsonourapproachingmarriage。Shebegsyoutoaccept，aspartofyourbridaldress，thesepearls。Shewasmarriedinthemherself。Theyhavebeeninourfamilyforcenturies。Asoneofthefamily，honoredandbeloved，mymotheroffersthemtomywife。"
　　HeliftedthenecklacetoclaspitroundMercy'sneck。
　　Julianwatchedherinbreathlesssuspense。WouldshesustaintheordealthroughwhichHoracehadinnocentlycondemnedhertopass？
　　Yes！IntheinsolentpresenceofGraceRoseberry，whatwastherenowthatshecouldnotsustain？Herpridewasinarms。Herlovelyeyeslightedupasonlyawoman'seyescanlightupwhentheyseejewelry。Hergrandheadbentgracefullytoreceivethenecklace。Herfacewarmedintocolor；herbeautyrallieditscharms。HertriumphoverGraceRoseberrywascomplete！Julian'sheadsank。Foronesadmomenthesecretlyaskedhimselfthequestion："HaveIbeenmistakeninher？"
　　Horacearrayedherinthepearls。
　　"Yourhusbandputsthesepearlsonyourneck，love，"hesaid，proudly，andpausedtolookather。"Now，"headded，withacontemptuousbackwardglanceatGrace，"wemaygointothelibrary。Shehasseen，andshehasheard。"
　　Hebelievedthathehadsilencedher。Hehadsimplyfurnishedhersharptonguewithanewsting。
　　"Youwillhear，andyouwillsee，whenmyproofscomefromCanada，"sheretorted。"Youwillhearthatyourwifehasstolenmynameandmycharacter！Youwillseeyourwifedismissedfromthishouse！"
　　Mercyturnedonherwithanuncontrollableoutburstofpassion。
　　"Youaremad！"shecried。
　　LadyJanetcaughttheelectricinfectionofangerintheairoftheroom。She，too，turnedonGrace。She，too，saidit：
　　"Youaremad！"
　　HoracefollowedLadyJanet。Hewasbesidehimself。HefixedhispitilesseyesonGrace，andechoedthecontagiouswords：
　　"Youaremad！"
　　Shewassilenced，shewasdauntedatlast。Thetrebleaccusationrevealedtoher，forthefirsttime，thefrightfulsuspiciontowhichshehadexposedherself。Sheshrankbackwithalowcryofhorror，andstruckagainstachair。ShewouldhavefallenifJulianhadnotsprungforwardandcaughther。
　　LadyJanetledthewayintothelibrary。Sheopenedthedoor——started——andsuddenlysteppedaside，soastoleavetheentrancefree。
　　Amanappearedintheopendoorway。
　　Hewasnotagentleman；hewasnotaworkman；hewasnotaservant。Hewasvilelydressed，inglossyblackbroadcloth。Hisfrockcoathungonhiminsteadoffittinghim。Hiswaistcoatwastooshortandtootightoverthechest。Histrouserswereapairofshapelessblackbags。Hisglovesweretoolargeforhim。Hishighly-polishedbootscreakeddetestablywheneverhemoved。Hehadodiouslywatchfuleyes——eyesthatlookedskilledinpeepingthroughkey-holes。Hislargeears，setforwardliketheearsofamonkey，pleadedguiltytomeanlylisteningbehindotherpeople'sdoors。Hismannerwasquietlyconfidentialwhenhespoke，impenetrablyself-possessedwhenhewassilent。Alurkingairofsecretserviceenvelopedthefellow，likeanatmosphereofhisown，fromheadtofoot。Helookedallroundthemagnificentroomwithoutbetrayingeithersurpriseoradmiration。Hecloselyinvestigatedeverypersoninitwithoneglanceofhiscunninglywatchfuleyes。MakinghisbowtoLadyJanet，hesilentlyshowedher，ashisintroduction，thecardthathadsummonedhim。Andthenhestoodatease，self-revealedinhisownsinisteridentity——apoliceofficerinplainclothes。
　　Nobodyspoketohim。Everybodyshrankinwardlyasifareptilehadcrawledintotheroom。
　　Helookedbackwardandforward，perfectlyunembarrassed，betweenJulianandHorace。
　　"IsMr。JulianGrayhere？"heasked。
　　JulianledGracetoaseat。Hereyeswerefixedontheman。Shetrembled——shewhispered，"Whoishe？"Julianspoketothepoliceofficerwithoutansweringher。
　　"Waitthere，"hesaid，pointingtoachairinthemostdistantcorneroftheroom。"Iwillspeaktoyoudirectly。"
　　Themanadvancedtothechair，marchingtothediscordofhiscreakingboots。Heprivatelyvaluedthecarpetatsomuchayardashewalkedoverit。Heprivatelyvaluedthechairatsomuchthedozenashesatdownonit。Hewasquiteathisease：itwasnomattertohimwhetherhewaitedanddidnothing，orwhetherhepriedintotheprivatecharacterofeveryoneintheroom，aslongashewaspaidforit。
　　EvenLadyJanet'sresolutiontoactforherselfwasnotproofagainsttheappearanceofthepolicemaninplainclothes。Sheleftittohernephewtotakethelead。JulianglancedatMercybeforehestirredfurtherinthematter。Healoneknewthattheendrestednownotwithhimbutwithher。
　　Shefelthiseyeonherwhileherowneyeswerelookingattheman。Sheturnedherhead——hesitated——andsuddenlyapproachedJulian。LikeGraceRoseberry，shewastrembling。LikeGraceRoseberry，shewhispered，"Whoishe？"
　　Juliantoldherplainlywhohewas。
　　"Whyishehere？"
　　"Can'tyouguess？"
　　"No！"
　　HoraceleftLadyJanet，andjoinedMercyandJulian——impatientoftheprivatecolloquybetweenthem。
　　"AmIintheway？"heinquired。
　　Juliandrewbackalittle，understandingHoraceperfectly。HelookedroundatGrace。Nearlythewholelengthofthespaciousroomdividedthemfromtheplaceinwhichshewassitting。Shehadnevermovedsincehehadplacedherinachair。Thedirestofallterrorswasinpossessionofher——terroroftheunknown。Therewasnofearofherinterfering，andnofearofherhearingwhattheysaidsolongastheywerecarefultospeakinguardedtones。Juliansettheexamplebyloweringhisvoice。
　　"AskHoracewhythepoliceofficerishere？"hesaidtoMercy。
　　Sheputthequestiondirectly。"Whyishehere？"
　　HoracelookedacrosstheroomatGrace，andanswered，"Heisheretorelieveusofthatwoman。"
　　"Doyoumeanthathewilltakeheraway？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Wherewillhetakeherto？"
　　"Tothepolicestation。"
　　Mercystarted，andlookedatJulian。Hewasstillwatchingtheslightestchangesinherface。ShelookedbackagainatHorace。
　　"Tothepolicestation！"sherepeated。"Whatfor？"
　　"Howcanyouaskthequestion？"saidHorace，irritably。"Tobeplacedunderrestraint，ofcourse。"
　　"Doyoumeanprison？"
　　"Imeananasylum。"
　　AgainMercyturnedtoJulian。Therewashorrornow，aswellassurprise，inherface。"Oh！"shesaidtohim，"Horaceissurelywrong？Itcan'tbe？"
　　JulianleftittoHoracetoanswer。EveryfacilityinhimseemedtobestillabsorbedinwatchingMercy'sface。ShewascompelledtoaddressherselftoHoraceoncemore。
　　"Whatsortofasylum？"sheasked。"Youdon'tsurelymeanamadhouse？"
　　"Ido，"herejoined。"Theworkhousefirst，perhaps——andthenthemadhouse。Whatistheretosurpriseyouinthat？Youyourselftoldhertoherfaceshewasmad。GoodHeavens！howpaleyouare！Whatisthematter？"
　　SheturnedtoJulianforthethirdtime。Theterriblealternativethatwasofferedtoherhadshoweditselfatlast，withoutreserveordisguise。Restoretheidentitythatyouhavestolen，orshutherupinamadhouse——itrestswithyoutochoose！Inthatformthesituationshapeditselfinhermind。Shechoseontheinstant。BeforesheopenedherlipsthehighernatureinherspoketoJulian，inhereyes。Thesteadyinnerlightthathehadseeninthemoncealreadyshoneinthemagain，brighterandpurerthanbefore。Theconsciencethathehadfortified，thesoulthathehadsaved，lookedathimandsaid，Doubtusnomore！
　　"Sendthatmanoutofthehouse。"
　　Thosewereherfirstwords。Shespokepointingtothepoliceofficerinclear，ringing，resolutetones，audibleintheremotestcorneroftheroom。
　　Julian'shandstoleunobservedtohers，andtoldher，initsmomentarypressure，tocountonhisbrotherlysympathyandhelp。Alltheotherpersonsintheroomlookedatherinspeechlesssurprise。Gracerosefromherchair。Eventhemaninplainclothesstartedtohisfeet。LadyJanethurriedlyjoiningHorace，andfullysharinghisperplexityandalarmtookMercyimpulsivelybythearm，andshookit，asiftorousehertoasenseofwhatshewasdoing。Mercyheldfirm；Mercyresolutelyrepeatedwhatshehadsaid："Sendthatmanoutofthehouse。"
　　LadyJanetlostallherpatiencewithher。"Whathascometoyou？"sheasked，sternly。"Doyouknowwhatyouaresaying？Themanishereinyourinterest，aswellasinmine；themanisheretospareyou，aswellasme，furtherannoyanceandinsult。Andyouinsist——insist，inmypresence——onhisbeingsentaway！Whatdoesitmean？"
　　"Youshallknowwhatitmeans，LadyJanet，inhalfanhour。Idon'tinsist——Ionlyreiteratemyentreaty。Letthemanbesentaway。"
　　Juliansteppedasidewithhisaunt'seyesangrilyfollowinghimandspoketothepoliceofficer。"Gobacktothestation，"hesaid，"andwaittheretillyouhearfromme。"
　　ThemeanlyvigilanteyesofthemaninplainclothestraveledsidelongfromJuliantoMercy，andvaluedherbeautyastheyhadvaluedthecarpetandthechairs。"Theoldstory，"hethought。"Thenice-lookingwomanisalwaysatthebottomofit；and，soonerorlater，thenice-lookingwomanhasherway。"Hemarchedbackacrosstheroom，tothediscordofhisowncreakingboots，bowed，withavillainoussmilewhichputtheworstconstructiononeverything，andvanishedthroughthelibrarydoor。
　　LadyJanet'shighbreedingrestrainedherfromsayinganythinguntilthepoliceofficerwasoutofhearing。Then，andnottillthen，sheappealedtoJulian。
　　"Ipresumeyouareinthesecretofthis？"shesaid。"Isupposeyouhavesomereasonforsettingmyauthorityatdefianceinmyownhouse？"
　　"Ihaveneveryetfailedtorespectyourladyship，"Juliananswered。"BeforelongyouwillknowthatIamnotfailinginrespecttowardyounow。"
　　LadyJanetlookedacrosstheroom。Gracewaslisteningeagerly，consciousthateventshadtakensomemysteriousturninherfavorwithinthelastminute。
　　"Isitpartofyournewarrangementofmyaffairs，"herladyshipcontinued，"thatthispersonistoremaininthehouse？"
　　TheterrorthathaddauntedGracehadnotlostallholdofheryet。SheleftittoJuliantoreply。BeforehecouldspeakMercycrossedtheroomandwhisperedtoher，"Givemetimetoconfessitinwriting。Ican'townitbeforethem——withthisroundmyneck。"Shepointedtothenecklace。Gracecastathreateningglanceather，andsuddenlylookedawayagaininsilence。
　　MercyansweredLadyJanet'squestion。"Ibegyourladyshiptopermithertoremainuntilthehalfhourisover，"shesaid。"Myrequestwillhaveexplaineditselfbythattime。"
　　LadyJanetraisednofurtherobstacles。ForsomethinginMercy'sface，orinMercy'stone，seemedtohavesilencedher，asithadsilencedGrace。Horacewasthenextwhospoke。IntonesofsuppressedrageandsuspicionheaddressedhimselftoMercy，standingfrontinghimbyJulian'sside。
　　"AmIincluded，"heasked，"inthearrangementwhichengagesyoutoexplainyourextraordinaryconductinhalfanhour？"
　　Hishandhadplacedhismother'sweddingpresentroundMercy'sneck。AsharppangwrungherasshelookedatHorace，andsawhowdeeplyshehadalreadydistressedandoffendedhim。Thetearsroseinhereyes；shehumblyandfaintlyansweredhim。
　　"Ifyouplease，"wasallshecouldsay，beforethecruelswellingatherheartroseandsilencedher。
　　Horace'ssenseofinjuryrefusedtobesoothedbysuchsimplesubmissionasthis。
　　"Idislikemysteriesandinnuendoes，"hewenton，harshly。"Inmyfamilycircleweareaccustomedtomeeteachotherfrankly。WhyamItowaithalfanhourforanexplanationwhichmightbegivennow？WhatamItowaitfor？"
　　LadyJanetrecoveredherselfasHoracespoke。
　　"Ientirelyagreewithyou，"shesaid。"Iask，too，whatarewetowaitfor？"
　　EvenJulian'sself-possessionfailedhimwhenhisauntrepeatedthatcruellyplainquestion。HowwouldMercyanswerit？Wouldhercouragestillholdout？
　　"Youhaveaskedmewhatyouaretowaitfor，"shesaidtoHorace，quietlyandfirmly。"WaittohearsomethingmoreofMercyMerrick"
　　LadyJanetlistenedwithalookofwearydisgust。
　　"Don'treturntothat！"shesaid。"WeknowenoughaboutMercyMerrickalready。"
　　"Pardonme——yourladyshipdoesnotknow。Iamtheonlypersonwhocaninformyou。"
　　"You？"
　　Shebentherheadrespectfully。
　　"Ihavebeggedyou，LadyJanet，togivemehalfanhour，"shewenton。"InhalfanhourIsolemnlyengagemyselftoproduceMercyMerrickinthisroom。LadyJanetRoy，Mr。HoraceHolmcroft，youaretowaitforthat。"
　　Steadilypledgingherselfinthosetermstomakeherconfession，sheunclaspedthepearlsfromherneck，putthemawayintheircasesandplaceditinHorace'shand。"Keepit，"shesaid，withamomentaryfalteringinhervoice，"untilwemeetagain。"
　　Horacetookthecaseinsilence；helookedandactedlikeamanwhosemindwasparalyzedbysurprise。Hishandmovedmechanically。HiseyesfollowedMercywithavacant，questioninglook。LadyJanetseemed，inherdifferentway，tosharethestrangeoppressionthathadfallenonhim。Avaguesenseofdreadanddistresshunglikeacloudoverhermind。Atthatmemorablemomentshefeltherage，shelookedherage，asshehadneverfeltitorlookedityet。
　　"HaveIyourladyship'sleave，"saidMercy，respectfully，"togotomyroom？"
　　LadyJanetmutelygrantedtherequest。Mercy'slastlook，beforeshewentout，wasalookatGrace。"Areyousatisfiednow？"thegrandgrayeyesseemedtosay，mournfully。Graceturnedherheadaside，withaquick，petulantaction。Evenhernarrownatureopenedforamomentunwillingly，andletpityinalittleway，inspiteofitself。
　　Mercy'spartingwordsrecommendedGracetoJulian'scare：
　　"Youwillseethatsheisallowedaroomtowaitin？Youwillwarnheryourselfwhenthehalfhourhasexpired？"
　　Julianopenedthelibrarydoorforher。
　　"Welldone！Noblydone！"hewhispered。"Allmysympathyiswithyou——allmyhelpisyours。"
　　Hereyeslookedathim，andthankedhim，throughhergatheringtears。Hisowneyesweredimmed。Shepassedquietlydowntheroom，andwaslosttohimbeforehehadshutthedooragain。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter21CHAPTERXXI。
　　THEFOOTSTEPINTHECORRIDOR。
　　MERCYwasalone。
　　Shehadsecuredonehalfhourofretirementinherownroom，designingtodevotethatintervaltothewritingofherconfession，intheformofaletteraddressedtoJulianGray。
　　Norecentchangeinherpositionhad，asyet，mitigatedherhorrorofacknowledgingtoHoraceandtoLadyJanetthatshehadwonherwaytotheirheartsindisguise。ThroughJulianonlycouldshesaythewordswhichweretoestablishGraceRoseberryinherrightpositioninthehouse。
　　Howwasherconfessiontobeaddressedtohim？Inwriting？orbywordofmouth？
　　Afterallthathadhappened，fromthetimewhenLadyJanet'sappearancehadinterruptedthem，shewouldhavefeltreliefratherthanembarrassmentinpersonallyopeningherhearttothemanwhohadsodelicatelyunderstoodher，whohadsofaithfullybefriendedherinhersorestneed。ButtherepeatedbetrayalsofHorace'sjealoussuspicionofJulianwarnedherthatshewouldonlybesurroundingherselfwithnewdifficulties，andbeplacingJulianinapositionofpainfulembarrassment，ifsheadmittedhimtoaprivateinterviewwhileHoracewasinthehouse。
　　Theonecourselefttotakewasthecoursethatshehadadopted。DeterminingtoaddressthenarrativeoftheFraudtoJulianintheformofaletter，shearrangedtoadd，attheclose，certaininstructions，pointingouttohimthelineofconductwhichshewishedhimtopursue，TheseinstructionscontemplatedthecommunicationofherlettertoLadyJanetandtoHoraceinthelibrary，whileMercy——self-confessedasthemissingwomanwhomshehadpledgedherselftoproduce——awaitedintheadjoiningroomwhateversentenceitpleasedthemtopronounceonher。HerresolutionnottoscreenherselfbehindJulianfromanyconsequenceswhichmightfollowtheconfessionhadtakenrootinhermindfromthemomentwhenHoracehadharshlyaskedherandwhenLadyJanethadjoinedhiminaskingwhyshedelayedherexplanation，andwhatshewaskeepingthemwaitingfor。Outoftheverypainwhichthosequestionsinflicted，theideaofwaitinghersentenceinherownpersoninoneroom，whileherlettertoJulianwasspeakingforherinanother，hadsprungtolife。"Letthembreakmyheartiftheylike，"shehadthoughttoherself，intheself-abasementofthatbittermoment；"itwillbenomorethanIhavedeserved。"
　　Shelockedherdoorandopenedherwriting-desk。Knowingwhatshehadtodo，shetriedtocollectherselfanddoit。
　　Theeffortwasinvain。Thosepersonswhostudywritingasanartareprobablytheonlypersonswhocanmeasurethevastdistancewhichseparatesaconceptionasitexistsinthemindfromthereductionofthatconceptiontoformandshapeinwords。TheheavystressofagitationthathadbeenlaidonMercyforhourstogetherhadutterlyunfittedherforthedelicateanddifficultprocessofarrangingtheeventsofanarrativeintheirduesequenceandtheirdueproportiontowardeachother。Againandagainshetriedtobeginherletter，andagainandagainshewasbaffledbythesamehopelessconfusionofideas。Shegaveupthestruggleindespair。
　　Asenseofsinkingatherheart，aweightofhystericaloppressiononherbosom，warnedhernottoleaveherselfunoccupied，apreytomorbidself-investigationandimaginaryalarms。
　　Sheturnedinstinctively，foratemporaryemploymentofsomekind，totheconsiderationofherownfuture。Heretherewerenointricaciesorentanglements。TheprospectbeganandendedwithherreturntotheRefuge，ifthematronwouldreceiveher。ShedidnoinjusticetoJulianGray；thatgreatheartwouldfeelforher，thatkindhandwouldbeheldouttoher，sheknew。Butwhatwouldhappenifshethoughtlesslyacceptedallthathissympathymightoffer？Scandalwouldpointtoherbeautyandtohisyouth，andwouldplaceitsownvileinterpretationonthepurestfriendshipthatcouldexistbetweenthem。Andhewouldbethesufferer，forhehadacharacter——aclergyman'scharacter——tolose。No。Forhissake，outofgratitudetohim，thefarewelltoMablethorpeHousemustbealsothefarewelltoJulianGray。
　　Thepreciousminuteswerepassing。SheresolvedtowritetothematronandaskifshemighthopetobeforgivenandemployedattheRefugeagain。Occupationovertheletterthatwaseasytowritemighthaveitsfortifyingeffectonhermind，andmightpavethewayforresumingtheletterthatwashardtowrite。Shewaitedamomentatthewindow，thinkingofthepastlifetowhichshewassoontoreturn，beforeshetookupthepenagain。
　　Herwindowlookedeastward。TheduskyglareoflightedLondonmetherashereyesrestedonthesky。Itseemedtobeckonherbacktothehorrorofthecruelstreets——topointherwaymockinglytothebridgesovertheblackriver——tolurehertothetopoftheparapet，andthedreadfulleapintoGod'sarms，orintoannihilation——whoknewwhich？
　　Sheturned，shuddering，fromthewindow。"Willitendinthatway，"sheaskedherself，"ifthematronsaysNo？"
　　Shebeganherletter。
　　"DEARMADAM——SolongatimehaspassedsinceyouheardfrommethatIalmostshrinkfromwritingtoyou。Iamafraidyouhavealreadygivenmeupinyourownmindasahard-hearted，ungratefulwoman。
　　"Ihavebeenleadingafalselife；Ihavenotbeenfittowritetoyoubeforeto-day。Now，whenIamdoingwhatIcantoatonetothosewhomIhaveinjured——now，whenIrepentwithmywholeheart——mayIaskleavetoreturntothefriendwhohasbornewithmeandhelpedmethroughmanymiserableyears？Oh，madam，donotcastmeoff！Ihavenoonetoturntobutyou。
　　"Willyouletmeowneverythingtoyou？WillyouforgivemewhenyouknowwhatIhavedone？WillyoutakemebackintotheRefuge，ifyouhaveanyemploymentformebywhichImayearnmyshelterandmybread？
　　"BeforethenightcomesImustleavethehousefromwhichIamnowwriting。Ihavenowheretogoto。Thelittlemoney，thefewvaluablepossessionsIhave，mustbeleftbehindme：theyhavebeenobtainedunderfalsepretenses；theyarenotmine。NomoreforlorncreaturethanIamlivesatthismoment。YouareaChristianwoman。Notformysake——forChrist'ssake——pitymeandtakemeback。
　　"Iamagoodnurse，asyouknow，andIamaquickworkerwithmyneedle。Inonewayortheothercanyounotfindoccupationforme？
　　"Icouldalsoteach，inaveryunpretendingway。Butthatisuseless。Whowouldtrusttheirchildrentoawomanwithoutacharacter？Thereisnohopeformeinthisdirection。AndyetIamsofondofchildren！IthinkIcouldbe，nothappyagain，perhaps，butcontentwithmylot，ifIcouldbeassociatedwiththeminsomeway。Aretherenotcharitablesocietieswhicharetryingtohelpandprotectdestitutechildrenwanderingaboutthestreets？Ithinkofmyownwretchedchildhood——andoh！IshouldsoliketobeemployedinsavingotherchildrenfromendingasIhaveended。Icouldwork，forsuchanobjectasthat，frommorningtonight，andneverfeelweary。Allmyheartwouldbeinit；andIshouldhavethisadvantageoverhappyandprosperouswomen——Ishouldhavenothingelsetothinkof。Surelytheymighttrustmewiththepoorlittlestarvingwanderersofthestreets——ifyousaidawordforme？IfIamaskingtoomuch，pleaseforgiveme。Iamsowretched，madam——solonelyandsowearyofmylife。
　　"Thereisonlyonethingmore。Mytimehereisveryshort。Willyoupleasereplytothislettertosayyesornobytelegram？
　　"ThenamebywhichyouknowmeisnotthenamebywhichIhavebeenknownhere。Imustbegyoutoaddressthetelegramto'TheReverendJulianGray，MablethorpeHouse，Kensington。'Heishere，andhewillshowittome。NowordsofminecandescribewhatIowetohim。Hehasneverdespairedofme——hehassavedmefrommyself。Godblessandrewardthekindest，truest，bestmanIhaveeverknown！
　　"Ihavenomoretosay，excepttoaskyoutoexcusethislongletter，andtobelievemeyourgratefulservant，。"
　　Shesignedandinclosedtheletter，andwrotetheaddress。Then，forthefirsttime，anobstaclewhichsheoughttohaveseenbeforeshoweditself，standingstraightinherway。
　　Therewasnotimetoforwardherletterintheordinarymannerbypost。Itmustbetakentoitsdestinationbyaprivatemessenger。LadyJanet'sservantshadhithertobeen，oneandall，atherdisposal。Couldshepresumetoemploythemonherownaffairs，whenshemightbedismissedfromthehouse，adisgracedwoman，inhalfanhour'stime？Ofthetwoalternativesitseemedbettertotakeherchance，andpresentherselfattheRefugewithoutaskingleavefirst。
　　Whileshewasstillconsideringthequestionshewasstartledbyaknockatherdoor。OnopeningitsheadmittedLadyJanet'smaid，withamorseloffoldednote-paperinherhand。
　　"Frommylady，miss，"saidthewoman，givingherthenote。"Thereisnoanswer。"
　　Mercystoppedherasshewasabouttoleavetheroom。Theappearanceofthemaidsuggestedaninquirytoher。Sheaskedifanyoftheservantswerelikelytobegoingintotownthatafternoon。
　　"Yes，miss。Oneofthegroomsisgoingonhorseback，withamessagetoherladyship'scoach-maker。"
　　TheRefugewasclosebythecoach-maker'splaceofbusiness。Underthecircumstances，Mercywasemboldenedtomakeuseoftheman。Itwasapardonablelibertytoemployhisservicesnow。
　　"Willyoukindlygivethegroomthatletterforme？"shesaid。"Itwillnottakehimoutofhisway。Hehasonlytodeliverit——nothingmore。"
　　Thewomanwillinglycompliedwiththerequest。Leftoncemorebyherself，Mercylookedatthelittlenotewhichhadbeenplacedinherhands。
　　Itwasthefirsttimethatherbenefactresshademployedthisformalmethodofcommunicatingwithherwhentheywerebothinthehouse。Whatdidsuchadeparturefromestablishedhabitsmean？Hadshereceivedhernoticeofdismissal？HadLadyJanet'squickintelligencefounditswayalreadytoasuspicionofthetruth？Mercy'snerveswereunstrung。Shetrembledpitiablyassheopenedthefoldednote。
　　Itbeganwithoutaformofaddress，anditendedwithoutasignature。Thusitran：
　　"Imustrequestyoutodelayforalittlewhiletheexplanationwhichyouhavepromisedme。Atmyage，painfulsurprisesareverytryingthings。Imusthavetimetocomposemyself，beforeIcanhearwhatyouhavetosay。YoushallnotbekeptwaitinglongerthanIcanhelp。Inthemeanwhileeverythingwillgoonasusual。MynephewJulian，andHoraceHolmcroft，andtheladywhomIfoundinthedining-room，will，bymydesire，remaininthehouseuntilIamabletomeetthem，andtomeetyou，again。"
　　Therethenoteended。Towhatconclusiondiditpoint？
　　HadLadyJanetreallyguessedthetruth？orhadsheonlysurmisedthatheradopteddaughterwasconnectedinsomediscreditablemannerwiththemysteryof"MercyMerrick"？Thelineinwhichshereferredtotheintruderinthedining-roomas"thelady"showedveryremarkablythatheropinionshadundergoneachangeinthatquarter。ButwasthephraseenoughofitselftojustifytheinferencethatshehadactuallyanticipatedthenatureofMercy'sconfession？Itwasnoteasytodecidethatdoubtatthemoment——anditprovedtobeequallydifficulttothrowanylightonitatanaftertime。TotheendofherlifeLadyJanetresolutelyrefusedtocommunicatetoanyonetheconclusionswhichshemighthaveprivatelyformed，thegriefswhichshemighthavesecretlystifled，onthatmemorableday。
　　Amidmuch，however，whichwasbesetwithuncertainty，onethingatleastwasclear。ThetimeatMercy'sdisposalinherownroomhadbeenindefinitelyprolongedbyMercy'sbenefactress。Hoursmightpassbeforethedisclosuretowhichshestoodcommittedwouldbeexpectedfromher。InthosehoursshemightsurelycomposehermindsufficientlytobeabletowriteherletterofconfessiontoJulianGray。
　　Oncemoresheplacedthesheetofpaperbeforeher。Restingherheadonherhandasshesatatthetable，shetriedtotraceherwaythroughthelabyrinthofthepast，beginningwiththedaywhenshehadmetGraceRoseberryintheFrenchcottage，andendingwiththedaywhichhadbroughtthemfacetoface，forthesecondtime，inthedining-roomatMablethorpeHouse。
　　Thechainofeventsbegantounrollitselfinhermindclearly，linkbylink。
　　Sheremarked，asshepursuedtheretrospect，howstrangelyChance，orFate，hadpavedthewayfortheactofpersonation，inthefirstplace。
　　Iftheyhadmetunderordinarycircumstances，neitherMercynorGracewouldhavetrustedeachotherwiththeconfidenceswhichhadbeenexchangedbetweenthem。Astheeventhadhappened，theyhadcometogether，underthoseextraordinarycircumstancesofcommontrialandcommonperil，inastrangecountry，whichwouldespeciallypredisposetwowomenofthesamenationtoopentheirheartstoeachother。InnootherwaycouldMercyhaveobtainedatafirstinterviewthatfatalknowledgeofGrace'spositionandGrace'saffairswhichhadplacedtemptationbeforeherasthenecessaryconsequencethatfollowedtheburstingoftheGermanshell。
　　Advancingfromthispointthroughthesucceedingseriesofeventswhichhadsonaturallyandyetsostrangelyfavoredtheperpetrationofthefraud，MercyreachedthelaterperiodwhenGracehadfollowedhertoEngland。Hereagainsheremarked，inthesecondplace，howChance，orFate，hadoncemorepavedthewayforthatsecondmeetingwhichhadconfrontedthemwithoneanotheratMablethorpeHouse。
　　Shehad，asshewellremembered，attendedatacertainassemblyconvenedbyacharitablesocietyinthecharacterofLadyJanet'srepresentative，atLadyJanet'sownrequest。ForthatreasonshehadbeenabsentfromthehousewhenGracehadenteredit。Ifherreturnhadbeendelayedbyafewminutesonly，JulianwouldhavehadtimetotakeGraceoutoftheroom，andtheterriblemeetingwhichhadstretchedMercysenselessonthefloorwouldneverhavetakenplace。Astheeventhadhappened，theperiodofherabsencehadbeenfatallyshortenedbywhatappearedatthetimetobe，thecommonestpossibleoccurrence。The，personsassembledatthesociety'sroomshaddisagreedsoseriouslyonthebusinesswhichhadbroughtthemtogetherastorenderitnecessarytotaketheordinarycourseofadjourningtheproceedingstoafutureday。AndChance，orFate，hadsotimedthatadjournmentastobringMercybackintothedining-roomexactlyatthemomentwhenGraceRoseberryinsistedonbeingconfrontedwiththewomanwhohadtakenherplace。
　　Shehadneveryetseenthecircumstancesinthissinisterlight。Shewasaloneinherroom，atacrisisinherlife。Shewaswornandweakenedbyemotionswhichhadshakenhertothesoul。
　　Littlebylittleshefelttheenervatinginfluencesletlooseonher，inherlonelyposition，byhernewtrainofthought。Littlebylittleherheartbegantosinkunderthestealthychillofsuperstitiousdread。Vaguelyhorriblepresentimentsthrobbedinherwithherpulses，flowedthroughherwithherblood。Mysticoppressionsofhiddendisasterhoveredoverherintheatmosphereoftheroom。Thecheerfulcandle-lightturnedtraitortoherandgrewdim。Supernaturalmurmurstrembledroundthehouseinthemoaningofthewinterwind。Shewasafraidtolookbehindher。Onasuddenshefeltherowncoldhandscoveringherface，withoutknowingwhenshehadliftedthemtoit，orwhy。
　　Stillhelpless，underthehorrorthatheldher，shesuddenlyheardfootsteps——aman'sfootsteps——inthecorridoroutside。Atothertimesthesoundwouldhavestartledher：nowitbrokethespell。Thefootstepssuggestedlife，companionship，humaninterposition——nomatterofwhatsort。Shemechanicallytookupherpen；shefoundherselfbeginningtorememberherlettertoJulianGray。
　　Atthesamemomentthefootstepsstoppedoutsideherdoor。Themanknocked。
　　Shestillfeltshaken。Shewashardlymistressofherselfyet。Afaintcryofalarmescapedheratthesoundoftheknock。Beforeitcouldberepeatedshehadralliedhercourage，andhadopenedthedoor。
　　ThemaninthecorridorwasHoraceHolmcroft。
　　Hisruddycomplexionhadturnedpale。Hishairofwhichhewasespeciallycarefulatothertimeswasindisorder。Thesuperficialpolishofhismannerwasgone；theundisguisedman，sullen，distrustful，irritatedtothelastdegreeofendurance，showedthrough。Helookedatherwithawatchfullysuspiciouseye；hespoketoher，withoutprefaceorapology，inacoldlyangryvoice。
　　"Areyouaware，"heasked，"ofwhatisgoingondownstairs？"
　　"Ihavenotleftmyroom，"sheanswered。"IknowthatLadyJanethasdeferredtheexplanationwhichIhadpromisedtogiveher，andIknownomore。"
　　"HasnobodytoldyouwhatLadyJanetdidafteryouleftus？Hasnobodytoldyouthatshepolitelyplacedherownboudoiratthedisposaloftheverywomanwhomshehadorderedhalfanhourbeforetoleavethehouse？DoyoureallynotknowthatMr。JulianGrayhashimselfconductedthissuddenly-honoredguesttoherplaceofretirement？andthatIamleftaloneinthemidstofthesechanges，contradictions，andmysteries——theonlypersonwhoiskeptoutinthedark？"
　　"Itissurelyneedlesstoaskmethesequestions，"saidMercy，gently。"Whocouldpossiblyhavetoldmewhatwasgoingonbelowstairsbeforeyouknockedatmydoor？"
　　Helookedatherwithanironicalaffectationofsurprise。
　　"Youarestrangelyforgetfulto-day，"hesaid。"SurelyyourfriendMr。JulianGraymighthavetoldyou？Iamastonishedtohearthathehasnothadhisprivateinterviewyet。"
　　"Idon'tunderstandyou，Horace。"
　　"Idon'twantyoutounderstandme，"heretorted，irritably。"TheproperpersontounderstandmeisJulianGray。Ilooktohimtoaccounttomefortheconfidentialrelationswhichseemtohavebeenestablishedbetweenyoubehindmyback。Hehasavoidedmethusfar，butIshallfindmywaytohimyet。"
　　Hismannerthreatenedmorethanhiswordsexpressed。InMercy'snervousconditionatthemoment，itsuggestedtoherthathemightattempttofastenaquarrelonJulianGray。
　　"Youareentirelymistaken，"shesaid，warmly。"Youareungratefullydoubtingyourbestandtruestfriend。Isaynothingofmyself。YouwillsoondiscoverwhyIpatientlysubmittosuspicionswhichotherwomenwouldresentasaninsult。"
　　"Letmediscoveritatonce。Now！Withoutwastingamomentmore！"
　　Therehadhithertobeensomelittledistancebetweenthem。Mercyhadlistened，waitingonthethresholdofherdoor；Horacehadspoken，standingagainsttheoppositewallofthecorridor。Whenhesaidhislastwordshesuddenlysteppedforward，andwithsomethingimperativeinthegesturelaidhishandonherarm。Thestronggraspofitalmosthurther。Shestruggledtoreleaseherself。
　　"Letmego！"shesaid。"Whatdoyoumean？"
　　Hedroppedherarmassuddenlyashehadtakenit。
　　"YoushallknowwhatImean，"hereplied。"Awomanwhohasgrosslyoutragedandinsultedyou——whoseonlyexcuseisthatsheismad——isdetainedinthehouseatyourdesire，Imightalmostsayatyourcommand，whenthepoliceofficeriswaitingtotakeheraway。Ihavearighttoknowwhatthismeans。Iamengagedtomarryyou。Ifyouwon'ttrustotherpeople，youareboundtoexplainyourselftoMe。IrefusetowaitforLadyJanet'sconvenience。Iinsistifyouforcemetosayso——Iinsistonknowingtherealnatureofyourconnectionwiththisaffair。Youhaveobligedmetofollowyouhere；itismyonlyopportunityofspeakingtoyou。Youavoidme；youshutyourselfupfrommeinyourownroom。Iamnotyourhusbandyet——Ihavenorighttofollowyouin。Butthereareotherroomsopentous。Thelibraryisatourdisposal，andIwilltakecarethatwearenotinterrupted。Iamnowgoingthere，andIhavealastquestiontoask。Youaretobemywifeinaweek'stime：willyoutakemeintoyourconfidenceornot？"
　　Tohesitatewas，inthiscase，literallytobelost。Mercy'ssenseofjusticetoldherthatHoracehadclaimednomorethanhisdue。Sheansweredinstantly：
　　"Iwillfollowyoutothelibrary，Horace，infiveminutes。"
　　Herpromptandfrankcompliancewithhiswishessurprisedandtouchedhim。Hetookherhand。
　　Shehadenduredallthathisangrysenseofinjurycouldsay。Hisgratitudewoundedhertothequick。Thebitterestmomentshehadfeltyetwasthemomentinwhichheraisedherhandtohislips，andmurmuredtenderly，"MyowntrueGrace！"Shecouldonlysigntohimtoleaveher，andhurrybackintoherownroom。
　　Herfirstfeeling，whenshefoundherselfaloneagain，waswonder——wonderthatitshouldneverhaveoccurredtoher，untilhehadhimselfsuggestedit，thatherbetrothedhusbandhadtheforemostrighttoherconfession。HerhorroratowningtoeitherofthemthatshehadcheatedthemoutoftheirlovehadhithertoplacedHoraceandLadyJanetonthesamelevel。Shenowsawforthefirsttimethattherewasnocomparisonbetweentheclaimswhichtheyrespectivelyhadonher。SheownedanallegiancetoHoracetowhichLadyJanetcouldassertnoright。Costherwhatitmighttoavowthetruthtohimwithherownlips，thecruelsacrificemustbemade。
　　Withoutamoment'shesitationsheputawayherwritingmaterials。ItamazedherthatsheshouldeverhavethoughtofusingJulianGrayasaninterpreterbetweenthemantowhomshewasbetrothedandherself。Julian'ssympathyshethoughtmusthavemadeastrongimpressiononherindeedtoblindhertoadutywhichwasbeyondallcompromise，whichadmittedofnodispute！
　　ShehadaskedforfiveminutesofdelaybeforeshefollowedHorace。Itwastoolongatime。
　　Heronechanceoffindingcouragetocrushhimwiththedreadfulrevelationofwhoshereallywas，ofwhatshehadreallydone，wastoplungeheadlongintothedisclosurewithoutgivingherselftimetothink。Theshameofitwouldoverpowerherifshegaveherselftimetothink。
　　Sheturnedtothedoortofollowhimatonce。
　　Evenatthatterriblemomentthemostineradicableofallawoman'sinstincts——theinstinctofpersonalself-respect——broughthertoapause。Shehadpassedthroughmorethanoneterribletrialsinceshehaddressedtogodownstairs。Rememberingthis，shestoppedmechanically，retracedhersteps，andlookedatherselfintheglass。
　　Therewasnomotiveofvanityinwhatshenowdid。Theactionwasasunconsciousasifshehadbuttonedanunfastenedglove，orshakenoutacrumpleddress。Notthefaintestideacrossedhermindoflookingtoseeifherbeautymightstillpleadforher，andoftryingtosetitoffatitsbest。
　　Amomentarysmile，themostweary，themosthopeless，thateversaddenedawoman'sface，appearedinthereflectionwhichhermirrorgaveherback。"Haggard，ghastly，oldbeforemytime！"shesaidtoherself。"Well！betterso。Hewillfeelitless——hewillnotregretme。"
　　Withthatthoughtshewentdownstairstomeethiminthelibrary。
　　[NextChapter]
　　[TableofContents]TheNewMagdalen，Chapter22CHAPTERXXII
　　THEMANINTHEDINING-ROOM。
　　INthegreatemergenciesoflifewefeel，orweact，asourdispositionsinclineus。Butweneverthink。Mercy'smindwasablankasshedescendedthestairs。Onherwaydownshewasconsciousofnothingbuttheoneheadlongimpulsetogettothelibraryintheshortestpossiblespaceoftime。Arrivedatthedoor，theimpulsecapriciouslylefther。Shestoppedonthemat，wonderingwhyshehadhurriedherself，withtimetospare。Herheartsank；thefeverofherexcitementchangedsuddenlytoachillasshefacedthecloseddoor，andaskedherselfthequestion，DareIgoin？
　　Herownhandansweredher。Sheliftedittoturnthehandleofthelock。Itdroppedagainhelplesslyatherside。
　　Thesenseofherownirresolutionwrungfromheralowexclamationofdespair。Faintasitwas，ithadapparentlynotpassedunheard。Thedoorwasopenedfromwithin——andHoracestoodbeforeher。
　　Hedrewasidetoletherpassintotheroom。Butheneverfollowedherin。Hestoodinthedoorway，andspoketoher，keepingthedooropenwithhishand。
　　"Doyoumindwaitinghereforme？"heasked。
　　Shelookedathim，invacantsurprise，doubtingwhethershehadheardhimaright。
　　"Itwillnotbeforlong，"hewenton。"Iamfartooanxioustohearwhatyouhavetotellmetosubmittoanyneedlessdelays。Thetruthis，IhavehadamessagefromLadyJanet。"
　　FromLadyJanet！WhatcouldLadyJanetwantwithhim，atatimewhenshewasbentoncomposingherselfintheretirementofherownroom？
　　"Ioughttohavesaidtwomessages，"Horaceproceeded。"Thefirstwasgiventomeonmywaydownstairs。LadyJanetwishedtoseemeimmediately。Isentanexcuse。Asecondmessagefollowed。LadyJanetwouldacceptnoexcuse。IfIrefusedtogotoherIshouldbemerelyobliginghertocometome。Itisimpossibletoriskbeinginterruptedinthatway；myonlyalternativeistogetthethingoverassoonaspossible。Doyoumindwaiting？"
　　"Certainlynot。HaveyouanyideaofwhatLadyJanetwantswithyou？"
　　"No。Whateveritis，sheshallnotkeepmelongawayfromyou。Youwillbequitealonehere；Ihavewarnedtheservantsnottoshowanyonein。"Withthosewordshelefther。
　　Mercy'sfirstsensationwasasensationofrelief——soonlostinafeelingofshameattheweaknesswhichcouldwelcomeanytemporaryreliefinsuchapositionashers。Theemotionthusrousedmerged，initsturn，intoasenseofimpatientregret。"ButforLadyJanet'smessage，"shethoughttoherself，"Imighthaveknownmyfatebythistime！"
　　Theslowminutesfollowedeachotherdrearily。Shepacedtoandfrointhelibrary，fasterandfaster，undertheintolerableirritation，themaddeninguncertainty，ofherownsuspense。Erelong，eventhespaciousroomseemedtobetoosmallforher。Thesobermonotonyofthelongbook-linedshelvesoppressedandoffendedher。Shethrewopenthedoorwhichledintothedining-room，anddashedin，eagerforachangeofobjects，athirstformorespaceandmoreair。
　　Atthefirststepshecheckedherself；rootedtothespot，underasuddenrevulsionoffeelingwhichquietedherinaninstant。
　　Theroomwasonlyilluminatedbythewaningfire-light。Amanwasobscurelyvisible，seatedonthesofa，withhiselbowsonhiskneesandhisheadrestingonhishands。Helookedupastheopendoorletinthelightfromthelibrarylamps。ThemellowglowreachedhisfaceandrevealedJulianGray。
　　Mercywasstandingwithherbacktothelight；herfacebeingnecessarilyhiddenindeepshadow。Herecognizedherbyherfigure，andbytheattitudeintowhichitunconsciouslyfell。Thatunsoughtgrace，thatlithelongbeautyofline，belongedtobutonewomaninthehouse。Herose，andapproachedher。
　　"Ihavebeenwishingtoseeyou，"hesaid，"andhopingthataccidentmightbringaboutsomesuchmeetingasthis。"
　　Heofferedherachair。Mercyhesitatedbeforeshetookherseat。ThiswastheirfirstmeetingalonesinceLadyJanethadinterruptedheratthemomentwhenshewasabouttoconfidetoJulianthemelancholystoryofthepast。Washeanxioustoseizetheopportunityofreturningtoherconfession？Thetermsinwhichhehadaddressedherseemedtoimplyit。Sheputthequestiontohiminplainwords"Ifeelthedeepestinterestinhearingallthatyouhavestilltoconfidetome，"heanswered。"ButanxiousasImaybe，Iwillnothurryyou。Iwillwait，ifyouwishit。"
　　"IamafraidImustownthatIdowishit，"Mercyrejoined。"Notonmyaccount——butbecausemytimeisatthedisposalofHoraceHolmcroft。Iexpecttoseehiminafewminutes。"
　　"Couldyougivemethosefewminutes？"Julianasked。"IhavesomethingonmysidetosaytoyouwhichIthinkyououghttoknowbeforeyouseeanyone——Horacehimselfincluded。"
　　Hespokewithacertaindepressionoftonewhichwasnotassociatedwithherpreviousexperienceofhim。Hisfacelookedprematurelyoldandcarewornintheredlightofthefire。Somethinghadplainlyhappenedtosaddenandtodisappointhimsincetheyhadlastmet。
　　"IwillinglyofferyouallthetimethatIhaveatmyowncommand，"Mercyreplied。"DoeswhatyouhavetotellmerelatetoLadyJanet？"
　　Hegavehernodirectreply。"WhatIhavetotellyouofLadyJanet，"hesaid，gravely，"issoontold。Sofarassheisconcernedyouhavenothingmoretodread。LadyJanetknowsall。"
　　EventheheavyweightofoppressioncausedbytheimpendinginterviewwithHoracefailedtoholditsplaceinMercy'smindwhenJulianansweredherinthosewords。
　　"Comeintothelightedroom，"shesaid，faintly。"Itistooterribletohearyousaythatinthedark。"
　　Julianfollowedherintothelibrary。Herlimbstrembledunderher。Shedroppedintoachair，andshrankunderhisgreatbrighteyes，ashestoodbyhersidelookingsadlydownonher。
　　"LadyJanetknowsall！"sherepeated，withherheadonherbreast，andthetearsfallingslowlyoverhercheeks。"Haveyoutoldher？"
　　"IhavesaidnothingtoLadyJanetortoanyone。Yourconfidenceisasacredconfidencetome，untilyouhavespokenfirst。"
　　"HasLadyJanetsaidanythingtoyou？"
　　"Notaword。Shehaslookedatyouwiththevigilanteyesoflove；shehaslistenedtoyouwiththequickhearingoflove——andshehasfoundherownwaytothetruth。Shewillnotspeakofittome——shewillnotspeakofittoanylivingcreature。Ionlyknownowhowdearlyshelovedyou。Inspiteofherselfsheclingstoyoustill。Herlife，poorsoul，hasbeenabarrenone；unworthy，miserablyunworthy，ofsuchanatureashers。Hermarriagewaslovelessandchildless。Shehashadadmirers，butnever，inthehighersenseoftheword，afriend。Allthebestyearsofherlifehavebeenwastedintheunsatisfiedlongingforsomethingtolove。AttheendofherlifeYouhavefilledthevoid。Herhearthasfounditsyouthagain，throughYou。Atherage——atanyage——issuchatieasthistoberudelybrokenatthemerebiddingofcircumstances？No！Shewillsufferanything，riskanything，forgiveanything，ratherthanown，eventoherself，thatshehasbeendeceivedinyou。Thereismorethanherhappinessatstake；thereispride，anoblepride，insuchloveashers，whichwillignoretheplainestdiscoveryanddenythemostunanswerabletruth。Iamfirmlyconvinced——frommyownknowledgeofhercharacter，andfromwhatIhaveobservedinherto-day——thatshewillfindsomeexcuseforrefusingtohearyourconfession。Andmorethanthat，Ibelieveiftheexertionofherinfluencecandoitthatshewillleavenomeansuntriedofpreventingyoufromacknowledgingyourtruepositionheretoanylivingcreature。Itakeaseriousresponsibilityonmyselfintellingyouthis——andIdon'tshrinkfromit。Yououghttoknow，andyoushallknow，whattrialsandwhattemptationsmayyetliebeforeyou。"
　　Hepaused——leavingMercytimetocomposeherself，ifshewishedtospeaktohim。
　　Shefeltthattherewasanecessityforherspeakingtohim。HewasplainlynotawarethatLadyJanethadalreadywrittentohertodeferherpromisedexplanation。Thiscircumstancewasinitselfaconfirmationoftheopinionwhichhehadexpressed。Sheoughttomentionittohim；shetriedtomentionittohim。Butshewasnotequaltotheeffort。ThefewsimplewordsinwhichhehadtouchedonthetiethatboundLadyJanettoherhadwrungherheart。Hertearschokedher。Shecouldonlysigntohimtogoon。
　　"Youmaywonderatmyspeakingsopositively，"hecontinued，"withnothingbetterthanmyownconvictiontojustifyme。IcanonlysaythatIhavewatchedLadyJanettoocloselytofeelanydoubt。Isawthemomentinwhichthetruthflashedonher，asplainlyasInowseeyou。Itdidnotdiscloseitselfgradually——itburstonher，asitburstonme。Shesuspectednothing——shewasfranklyindignantatyoursuddeninterferenceandyourstrangelanguage——untilthetimecameinwhichyoupledgedyourselftoproduceMercyMerrick。Thenandthenonlythetruthbrokeonhermind，treblyrevealedtoherinyourwords，yourvoice，andyourlook。ThenandthenonlyIsawamarkedchangecomeoverher，andremaininherwhilesheremainedintheroom。Idreadtothinkofwhatshemaydointhefirstrecklessdespairofthediscoverythatshehasmade。Idistrust——thoughGodknowsIamnotnaturallyasuspiciousman——themostapparentlytriflingeventsthatarenowtakingplaceaboutus。Youhaveheldnoblytoyourresolutiontoownthetruth。Prepareyourself，beforetheeveningisover，tobetriedandtemptedagain。"
　　Mercyliftedherhead。Feartooktheplaceofgriefinhereyes，astheyrestedinstartledinquiryonJulian'sface。
　　"Howisitpossiblethattemptationcancometomenow？"sheasked。
　　"Iwillleaveittoeventstoanswerthatquestion，"hesaid。"Youwillnothavelongtowait。InthemeantimeIhaveputyouonyourguard。"Hestooped，andspokehisnextwordsearnestly，closeatherear。"Holdfastbytheadmirablecouragewhichyouhaveshownthusfar，"hewenton。"Sufferanythingratherthansufferthedegradationofyourself。BethewomanwhomIoncespokeof——thewomanIstillhaveinmymind——whocannoblyrevealthenoblenaturethatisinher。Andneverforgetthis——myfaithinyouisasfirmasever！"
　　Shelookedathimproudlyandgratefully。
　　"Iampledgedtojustifyyourfaithinme，"shesaid。"Ihaveputitoutofmyownpowertoyield。HoracehasmypromisethatIwillexplaineverythingtohim，inthisroom。"
　　Julianstarted。
　　"HasHoracehimselfaskeditofyou？"heinquired。"He，atleast，hasnosuspicionofthetruth。"
　　"Horacehasappealedtomydutytohimashisbetrothedwife，"sheanswered。"Hehasthefirstclaimtomyconfidence——heresentsmysilence，andhehasarighttoresentit。Terribleasitwillbetoopenhiseyestothetruth，Imustdoitifheasksme。"
　　ShewaslookingatJulianwhileshespoke。Theoldlongingtoassociatewiththehardtrialoftheconfessiontheonemanwhohadfeltforher，andbelievedinher，revivedunderanotherform。Ifshecouldonlyknow，whileshewassayingthefatalwordstoHorace，thatJulianwaslisteningtoo，shewouldbeencouragedtomeettheworstthatcouldhappen！Astheideacrossedhermind，sheobservedthatJulianwaslookingtowardthedoorthroughwhichtheyhadlatelypassed。Inaninstantshesawthemeanstoherend。Hardlywaitingtohearthefewkindexpressionsofsympathyandapprovalwhichheaddressedtoher，shehintedtimidlyattheproposalwhichshehadnowtomaketohim。
　　"Areyougoingbackintothenextroom？"sheasked。
　　"Notifyouobjecttoit，"hereplied。
　　"Idon'tobject。Iwantyoutobethere。"
　　"AfterHoracehasjoinedyou？"
　　"Yes。AfterHoracehasjoinedme。"
　　"Doyouwishtoseemewhenitisover？"
　　Shesummonedherresolution，andtoldhimfranklywhatshehadinhermind。
　　"IwantyoutobenearmewhileIamspeakingtoHorace，"shesaid。"ItwillgivemecourageifIcanfeelthatIamspeakingtoyouaswellastohim。Icancountonyoursympathy——andsympathyissoprecioustomenow！AmIaskingtoomuch，ifIaskyoutoleavethedoorunclosedwhenyougobacktothedining-room？Thinkofthedreadfultrial——tohimaswellastome！Iamonlyawoman；IamafraidImaysinkunderit，ifIhavenofriendnearme。AndIhavenofriendbutyou。"
　　Inthosesimplewordsshetriedherpowersofpersuasiononhimforthefirsttime。
　　BetweenperplexityanddistressJulianwas，forthemoment，atalosshowtoanswerher。TheloveforMercywhichhedarednotacknowledgewasasvitalafeelinginhimasthefaithinherwhichhehadbeenfreetoavow。Torefuseanythingthatsheaskedofhiminhersoreneed——and，moreeventhanthat，torefusetoheartheconfessionwhichithadbeenherfirstimpulsetomaketohim——thesewerecruelsacrificestohissenseofwhatwasduetoHoraceandofwhatwasduetohimself。Butshrinkashemight，evenfromtheappearanceofdesertingher，itwasimpossibleforhimexceptunderareservewhichwasalmostequivalenttoadenialtograntherrequest。
　　"AllthatIcandoIwilldo，"hesaid。"Thedoorsshallbeleftunclosed，andIwillremaininthenextroom，onthiscondition，thatHoraceknowsofitaswellasyou。IshouldbeunworthyofyourconfidenceinmeifIconsentedtobealisteneronanyotherterms。Youunderstandthat，Iamsure，aswellasIdo。"
　　Shehadneverthoughtofherproposaltohiminthislight。Woman-like，shehadthoughtofnothingbutthecomfortofhavinghimnearher。Sheunderstoodhimnow。Afaintflushofshameroseonherpalecheeksasshethankedhim。Hedelicatelyrelievedherfromherembarrassmentbyputtingaquestionwhichnaturallyoccurredunderthecircumstances。
　　"WhereisHoraceallthistime？"heasked。"Whyishenothere？"
　　"Hehasbeencalledaway，"sheanswered，"byamessagefromLadyJanet。"
　　ThereplymorethanastonishedJulian；itseemedalmosttoalarmhim。HereturnedtoMercy'schair；hesaidtoher，eagerly，"Areyousure？"
　　"HoracehimselftoldmethatLadyJanethadinsistedonseeinghim。"
　　"When？"
　　"Notlongago。Heaskedmetowaitforhimherewhilehewentupstairs。"