Atlastthetroublesomedeceasedwasgotintotheground，tobeburiednomore，andthestatelystalkerstalkedbackbeforethesolitarydressmaker，asifshewereboundinhonourtohavenonotionofthewayhome。ThoseFuries，theconventionalities，beingthusappeased，helefther。
　　'Imusthaveaveryshortcry，godmother，beforeIcheerupforgood，'saidthelittlecreature，comingin。'Becauseafterallachildisachild，youknow。'
　　Itwasalongercrythanmighthavebeenexpected。Howbeit，itworeitselfoutinashadowycorner，andthenthedressmakercameforth，andwashedherface，andmadethetea。'Youwouldn'tmindmycuttingoutsomethingwhileweareattea，wouldyou?'sheaskedherJewishfriend，withacoaxingair。
　　'Cinderella，dearchild，'theoldmanexpostulated，'willyouneverrest?'
　　'Oh！It'snotwork，cuttingoutapatternisn't，'saidMissJenny，withherbusylittlescissorsalreadysnippingatsomepaper。'Thetruthis，godmother，IwanttofixitwhileIhaveitcorrectinmymind。'
　　'Haveyouseenitto-daythen?'askedRiah。
　　'Yes，godmother。Sawitjustnow。It'sasurplice，that'swhatitis。
　　Thingourclergymenwear，youknow，'explainedMissJenny，inconsiderationofhisprofessinganotherfaith。
　　'Andwhathaveyoutodowiththat，Jenny?'
　　'Why，godmother，'repliedthedressmaker，'youmustknowthatweProfessorswholiveuponourtasteandinvention，areobligedtokeepoureyesalwaysopen。AndyouknowalreadythatIhavemanyextraexpensestomeetjustnow。So，itcameintomyheadwhileIwasweepingatmypoorboy'sgrave，thatsomethinginmywaymightbedonewithaclergyman。'
　　'Whatcanbedone?'askedtheoldman。
　　'Notafuneral，neverfear！'returnedMissJenny，anticipatinghisobjectionwithanod。'Thepublicdon'tliketobemademelancholy，Iknowverywell。Iamseldomcalledupontoputmyyoungfriendsintomourning；notintorealmourning，thatis；Courtmourningtheyareratherproudof。Butadollclergyman，mydear，——glossyblackcurlsandwhiskers——unitingtwoofmyyoungfriendsinmatrimony，'saidMissJenny，shakingherforefinger，'isquiteanotheraffair。Ifyoudon'tseethosethreeatthealtarinBondStreet，inajiffy，myname'sJackRobinson！'
　　Withherexpertlittlewaysinsharpaction，shehadgotadollintowhitey-brownpaperorders，beforethemealwasover，andwasdisplayingitfortheedificationoftheJewishmind，whenaknockwasheardatthestreet-door。Riahwenttoopenit，andpresentlycameback，usheringin，withthegraveandcourteousairthatsatsowelluponhim，agentleman。
　　Thegentlemanwasastrangertothedressmaker；buteveninthemomentofhiscastinghiseyesuponher，therewassomethinginhismannerwhichbroughttoherremembranceMrEugeneWrayburn。
　　'Pardonme，'saidthegentleman。'Youarethedolls'dressmaker?'
　　'Iamthedolls'dressmaker，sir。'
　　'LizzieHexam'sfriend?'
　　'Yes，sir，'repliedMissJenny，instantlyonthedefensive。'AndLizzieHexam'sfriend。'
　　'Hereisanotefromher，entreatingyoutoaccedetotherequestofMrMortimerLightwood，thebearer。MrRiahchancestoknowthatIamMrMortimerLightwood，andwilltellyouso。'
　　Riahbenthisheadincorroboration。
　　'Willyoureadthenote?'
　　'It'sveryshort，'saidJenny，withalookofwonder，whenshehadreadit。
　　'Therewasnotimetomakeitlonger。Timewassoveryprecious。
　　MydearfriendMrEugeneWrayburnisdying。'
　　Thedressmakerclaspedherhands，andutteredalittlepiteouscry。
　　'Isdying，'repeatedLightwood，withemotion，'atsomedistancefromhere。Heissinkingunderinjuriesreceivedatthehandsofavillainwhoattackedhiminthedark。Icomestraightfromhisbedside。Heisalmostalwaysinsensible。Inashortrestlessintervalofsensibility，orpartialsensibility，Imadeoutthatheaskedforyoutobebroughttositbyhim。Hardlyrelyingonmyowninterpretationoftheindistinctsoundshemade，IcausedLizzietohearthem。Wewerebothsurethatheaskedforyou。'
　　Thedressmaker，withherhandsstillclasped，lookedaffrightedlyfromtheonetotheotherofhertwocompanions。
　　'Ifyoudelay，hemaydiewithhisrequestungratified，withhislastwish——intrustedtome——wehavelongbeenmuchmorethanbrothers——unfulfilled。Ishallbreakdown，ifItrytosaymore。
　　Inafewmomentstheblackbonnetandthecrutch-stickwereonduty，thegoodJewwasleftinpossessionofthehouse，andthedolls'dressmaker，sidebysideinachaisewithMortimerLightwood，waspostingoutoftown。
　　Chapter10
　　THEDOLLS'DRESSMAKERDISCOVERSAWORD
　　Adarkenedandhushedroom；theriveroutsidethewindowsflowingontothevastocean；afigureonthebed，swathedandbandagedandbound，lyinghelplessonitsback，withitstwouselessarmsinsplintsatitssides。Onlytwodaysofusagesofamiliarizedthelittledressmakerwiththisscene，thatitheldtheplaceoccupiedtwodaysagobytherecollectionsofyears。
　　Hehadscarcelymovedsinceherarrival。Sometimeshiseyeswereopen，sometimesclosed。Whentheywereopen，therewasnomeaningintheirunwinkingstareatonespotstraightbeforethem，unlessforamomentthebrowknittedintoafaintexpressionofanger，orsurprise。Then，MortimerLightwoodwouldspeaktohim，andonoccasionshewouldbesofarrousedastomakeanattempttopronouncehisfriend'sname。But，inaninstantconsciousnesswasgoneagain，andnospiritofEugenewasinEugene'scrushedouterform。
　　TheyprovidedJennywithmaterialsforplyingherwork，andshehadalittletableplacedatthefootofhisbed。Sittingthere，withherrichshowerofhairfallingoverthechair-back，theyhopedshemightattracthisnotice。Withthesameobject，shewouldsing，justaboveherbreath，whenheopenedhiseyes，orshesawhisbrowknitintothatfaintexpression，soevanescentthatitwaslikeashapemadeinwater。Butasyethehadnotheeded。The'they'
　　herementionedwerethemedicalattendant；Lizzie，whowasthereinallherintervalsofrest；andLightwood，whoneverlefthim。
　　Thetwodaysbecamethree，andthethreedaysbecamefour。Atlength，quiteunexpectedly，hesaidsomethinginawhisper。
　　'Whatwasit，mydearEugene?'
　　'Willyou，Mortimer——'
　　'WillI——?——
　　'Sendforher?'
　　'Mydearfellow，sheishere。'
　　Quiteunconsciousofthelongblank，hesupposedthattheywerestillspeakingtogether。
　　Thelittledressmakerstoodupatthefootofthebed，humminghersong，andnoddedtohimbrightly。'Ican'tshakehands，Jenny，'
　　saidEugene，withsomethingofhisoldlook；'butIamverygladtoseeyou。'
　　Mortimerrepeatedthistoher，foritcouldonlybemadeoutbybendingoverhimandcloselywatchinghisattemptstosayit。Inalittlewhile，headded:
　　'Askherifshehasseenthechildren。'
　　Mortimercouldnotunderstandthis，neithercouldJennyherself，untilheadded:
　　'Askherifshehassmelttheflowers。'
　　'Oh！Iknow！'criedJenny。'Iunderstandhimnow！'Then，Lightwoodyieldedhisplacetoherquickapproach，andshesaid，bendingoverthebed，withthatbetterlook:'Youmeanmylongbrightslantingrowsofchildren，whousedtobringmeeaseandrest?Youmeanthechildrenwhousedtotakemeup，andmakemelight?'
　　Eugenesmiled，'Yes。'
　　'IhavenotseenthemsinceIsawyou。Ineverseethemnow，butI
　　amhardlyeverinpainnow。'
　　'Itwasaprettyfancy，'saidEugene。
　　'ButIhaveheardmybirdssing，'criedthelittlecreature，'andI
　　havesmeltmyflowers。Yes，indeedIhave！AndbothweremostbeautifulandmostDivine！'
　　'Stayandhelptonurseme，'saidEugene，quietly。'Ishouldlikeyoutohavethefancyhere，beforeIdie。'
　　Shetouchedhislipswithherhand，andshadedhereyeswiththatsamehandasshewentbacktoherworkandherlittlelowsong。
　　Heheardthesongwithevidentpleasure，untilshealloweditgraduallytosinkawayintosilence。
　　'Mortimer。'
　　'MydearEugene。'
　　'Ifyoucangivemeanythingtokeepmehereforonlyafewminutes——'
　　Tokeepyouhere，Eugene?'
　　'TopreventmywanderingawayIdon'tknowwhere——forIbegintobesensiblethatIhavejustcomeback，andthatIshalllosemyselfagain——doso，dearboy！'
　　Mortimergavehimsuchstimulantsascouldbegivenhimwithsafetytheywerealwaysathand，ready，andbendingoverhimoncemore，wasabouttocautionhim，whenhesaid:
　　'Don'ttellmenottospeak，forImustspeak。IfyouknewtheharassinganxietythatgnawsandwearsmewhenIamwanderinginthoseplaces——wherearethoseendlessplaces，Mortimer?Theymustbeatanimmensedistance！'
　　Hesawinhisfriend'sfacethathewaslosinghimself；forheaddedafteramoment:'Don'tbeafraid——Iamnotgoneyet。Whatwasit?'
　　'Youwantedtotellmesomething，Eugene。Mypoordearfellow，youwantedtosaysomethingtoyouroldfriend——tothefriendwhohasalwayslovedyou，admiredyou，imitatedyou，foundedhimselfuponyou，beennothingwithoutyou，andwho，Godknows，wouldbehereinyourplaceifhecould！'
　　'Tut，tut！'saidEugenewithatenderglanceastheotherputhishandbeforehisface。'Iamnotworthit。IacknowledgethatIlikeit，dearboy，butIamnotworthit。Thisattack，mydearMortimer；
　　thismurder——'
　　Hisfriendleanedoverhimwithrenewedattention，saying:'YouandIsuspectsomeone。'
　　'Morethansuspect。But，Mortimer，whileIliehere，andwhenIlieherenolonger，Itrusttoyouthattheperpetratorisneverbroughttojustice。'
　　'Eugene?'
　　'Herinnocentreputationwouldberuined，myfriend。Shewouldbepunished，nothe。Ihavewrongedherenoughinfact；Ihavewrongedherstillmoreinintention。Yourecollectwhatpavementissaidtobemadeofgoodintentions。Itismadeofbadintentionstoo。Mortimer，Iamlyingonit，andIknow！'
　　'Becomforted，mydearEugene。'
　　'Iwill，whenyouhavepromisedme。DearMortimer，themanmustneverbepursued。Ifheshouldbeaccused，youmustkeephimsilentandsavehim。Don'tthinkofavengingme；thinkonlyofhushingthestoryandprotectingher。Youcanconfusethecase，andturnasidethecircumstances。ListentowhatIsaytoyou。Itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。Doyouhearme?
　　Twice；itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。Doyouhearme?Threetimes；itwasnottheschoolmaster，BradleyHeadstone。'
　　Hestopped，exhausted。Hisspeechhadbeenwhispered，broken，andindistinct；butbyagreatefforthehadmadeitplainenoughtobeunmistakeable。
　　'Dearfellow，Iamwanderingaway。Staymeforanothermoment，ifyoucan。'
　　Lightwoodliftedhisheadattheneck，andputawine-glasstohislips。Herallied。
　　'Idon'tknowhowlongagoitwasdone，whetherweeks，days，orhours。Nomatter。Thereisinquiryonfoot，andpursuit。Say！Istherenot?'
　　'Yes。'
　　'Checkit；divertit！Don'tletherbebroughtinquestion。Shieldher。Theguiltyman，broughttojustice，wouldpoisonhername。
　　Lettheguiltymangounpunished。Lizzieandmyreparationbeforeall！Promiseme！'
　　'Eugene，Ido。Ipromiseyou！'
　　Intheactofturninghiseyesgratefullytowardshisfriend，hewanderedaway。Hiseyesstoodstill，andsettledintothatformerintentunmeaningstare。
　　Hoursandhours，daysandnights，heremainedinthissamecondition。Thereweretimeswhenhewouldcalmlyspeaktohisfriendafteralongperiodofunconsciousness，andwouldsayhewasbetter，andwouldaskforsomething。Beforeitcouldhegivenhim，hewouldbegoneagain。
　　Thedolls'dressmaker，allsoftenedcompassionnow，watchedhimwithanearnestnessthatneverrelaxed。Shewouldregularlychangetheice，orthecoolingspirit，onhishead，andwouldkeepherearatthepillowbetweenwhiles，listeningforanyfaintwordsthatfellfromhiminhiswanderings。Itwasamazingthroughhowmanyhoursatatimeshewouldremainbesidehim，inacrouchingattitude，attentivetohisslightestmoan。Ashecouldnotmoveahand，hecouldmakenosignofdistress；but，throughthisclosewatchingifthroughnosecretsympathyorpowerthelittlecreatureattainedanunderstandingofhimthatLightwooddidnotpossess。Mortimerwouldoftenturntoher，asifshewereaninterpreterbetweenthissentientworldandtheinsensibleman；andshewouldchangethedressingofawound，oreasealigature，orturnhisface，oralterthepressureofthebedclothesonhim，withanabsolutecertaintyofdoingright。Thenaturallightnessanddelicacyoftouchwhichhadbecomeveryrefinedbypracticeinherminiaturework，nodoubtwasinvolvedinthis；butherperceptionwasatleastasfine。
　　Theoneword，Lizzie，hemutteredmillionsoftimes。Inacertainphaseofhisdistressfulstate，whichwastheworsttothosewhotendedhim，hewouldrollhisheaduponthepillow，incessantlyrepeatingthenameinahurriedandimpatientmanner，withthemiseryofadisturbedmind，andthemonotonyofamachine。
　　Equally，whenhelaystillandstaring，hewouldrepeatitforhourswithoutcessation，butthen，alwaysinatoneofsubduedwarningandhorror。Herpresenceandhertouchuponhisbreastorfacewouldoftenstopthis，andthentheylearnedtoexpectthathewouldforsometimeremainstill，withhiseyesclosed，andthathewouldbeconsciousonopeningthem。But，theheavydisappointmentoftheirhope——revivedbythewelcomesilenceoftheroom——was，thathisspiritwouldglideawayagainandbelost，inthemomentoftheirjoythatitwasthere。
　　Thisfrequentrisingofadrowningmanfromthedeep，tosinkagain，wasdreadfultothebeholders。But，graduallythechangestoleuponhimthatitbecamedreadfultohimself。Hisdesiretoimpartsomethingthatwasonhismind，hisunspeakableyearningtohavespeechwithhisfriendandmakeacommunicationtohim，sotroubledhimwhenherecoveredconsciousness，thatitstermwastherebyshortened。Asthemanrisingfromthedeepwoulddisappearthesoonerforfightingwiththewater，soheinhisdesperatestrugglewentdownagain。
　　Oneafternoonwhenhehadbeenlyingstill，andLizzie，unrecognized，hadjuststolenoutoftheroomtopursueheroccupation，heutteredLightwood'sname。
　　'MydearEugene，Iamhere。'
　　'Howlongisthistolast，Mortimer?'
　　Lightwoodshookhishead。'Still，Eugene，youarenoworsethanyouwere。'
　　'ButIknowthere'snohope。YetIprayitmaylastlongenoughforyoutodomeonelastservice，andformetodoonelastaction。
　　Keepmehereafewmoments，Mortimer。Try，try！'
　　Hisfriendgavehimwhataidhecould，andencouragedhimtobelievethathewasmorecomposed，thougheventhenhiseyeswerelosingtheexpressiontheysorarelyrecovered。
　　'Holdmehere，dearfellow，ifyoucan。Stopmywanderingaway。
　　Iamgoing！'
　　'Notyet，notyet。Tellme，dearEugene，whatisitIshalldo?'
　　'Keepmehereforonlyasingleminute。Iamgoingawayagain。
　　Don'tletmego。Hearmespeakfirst。Stopme——stopme！'
　　'MypoorEugene，trytobecalm。'
　　'Idotry。Itrysohard。Ifyouonlyknewhowhard！Don'tletmewandertillIhavespoken。Givemealittlemorewine。'
　　Lightwoodcomplied。Eugene，withamostpatheticstruggleagainsttheunconsciousnessthatwascomingoverhim，andwithalookofappealthataffectedhisfriendprofoundly，said:
　　'YoucanleavemewithJenny，whileyouspeaktoherandtellherwhatIbeseechofher。YoucanleavemewithJenny，whileyouaregone。There'snotmuchforyoutodo。Youwon'tbelongaway。'
　　'No，no，no。ButtellmewhatitisthatIshalldo，Eugene！'
　　'Iamgoing！Youcan'tholdme。'
　　'Tellmeinaword，Eugene！'
　　Hiseyeswerefixedagain，andtheonlywordthatcamefromhislipswasthewordmillionsoftimesrepeated。Lizzie，Lizzie，Lizzie。
　　But，thewatchfullittledressmakerhadbeenvigilantaseverinherwatch，andshenowcameupandtouchedLightwood'sarmashelookeddownathisfriend，despairingly。
　　'Hush！'shesaid，withherfingeronherlips。'Hiseyesareclosing。
　　He'llbeconsciouswhenhenextopensthem。ShallIgiveyoualeadingwordtosaytohim?'
　　'OJenny，ifyoucouldonlygivemetherightword！'
　　'Ican。Stoopdown。'
　　Hestooped，andshewhisperedinhisear。Shewhisperedinhisearoneshortwordofasinglesyllable。Lightwoodstarted，andlookedather。
　　'Tryit，'saidthelittlecreature，withanexcitedandexultantface。
　　Shethenbentovertheunconsciousman，and，forthefirsttime，kissedhimonthecheek，andkissedthepoormaimedhandthatwasnearesttoher。Then，shewithdrewtothefootofthebed。
　　Sometwohoursafterwards，MortimerLightwoodsawhisconsciousnesscomeback，andinstantly，butverytranquilly，bentoverhim。
　　'Don'tspeak，Eugene。Donomorethanlookatme，andlistentome。YoufollowwhatIsay。'
　　Hemovedhisheadinassent。
　　'Iamgoingonfromthepointwherewebrokeoff。Isthewordweshouldsoonhavecometo——isit——Wife?'
　　'OGodblessyou，Mortimer！'
　　'Hush！Don'tbeagitated。Don'tspeak。Hearme，dearEugene。
　　Yourmindwillbemoreatpeace，lyinghere，ifyoumakeLizzieyourwife。Youwishmetospeaktoher，andtellherso，andentreathertobeyourwife。Youaskhertokneelatthisbedsideandbemarriedtoyou，thatyourreparationmaybecomplete。Isthatso?'
　　'Yes。Godblessyou！Yes。'
　　'Itshallbedone，Eugene。Trustittome。Ishallhavetogoawayforsomefewhours，togiveeffecttoyourwishes。Youseethisisunavoidable?'
　　'Dearfriend，Isaidso。'
　　'True。ButIhadnotthecluethen。HowdoyouthinkIgotit?'
　　Glancingwistfullyaround，EugenesawMissJennyatthefootofthebed，lookingathimwithherelbowsonthebed，andherheaduponherhands。Therewasatraceofhiswhimsicalairuponhim，ashetriedtosmileather。
　　'Yesindeed，'saidLightwood，'thediscoverywashers。ObservemydearEugene；whileIamawayyouwillknowthatIhavedischargedmytrustwithLizzie，byfindingherhere，inmypresentplaceatyourbedside，toleaveyounomore。AfinalwordbeforeI
　　go。Thisistherightcourseofatrueman，Eugene。AndIsolemnlybelieve，withallmysoul，thatifProvidenceshouldmercifullyrestoreyoutous，youwillbeblessedwithanoblewifeinthepreserverofyourlife，whomyouwilldearlylove。'
　　'Amen。Iamsureofthat。ButIshallnotcomethroughit，Mortimer。'
　　'Youwillnotbethelesshopefulorlessstrong，forthis，Eugene。'
　　'No。Touchmyfacewithyours，incaseIshouldnotholdouttillyoucomeback。Iloveyou，Mortimer。Don'tbeuneasyformewhileyouaregone。Ifmydearbravegirlwilltakeme，IfeelpersuadedthatIshalllivelongenoughtobemarried，dearfellow。'
　　MissJennygaveupaltogetheronthispartingtakingplacebetweenthefriends，andsittingwithherbacktowardsthebedinthebowermadebyherbrighthair，weptheartily，thoughnoiselessly。
　　MortimerLightwoodwassoongone。Astheeveninglightlengthenedtheheavyreflectionsofthetreesintheriver，anotherfigurecamewithasoftstepintothesickroom。
　　'Isheconscious?'askedthelittledressmaker，asthefiguretookitsstationbythepillow。For，Jennyhadgivenplacetoitimmediately，andcouldnotseethesufferer'sface，inthedarkroom，fromhernewandremovedposition。
　　'Heisconscious，Jenny，'murmuredEugeneforhimself。'Heknowshiswife。'
　　Chapter11
　　EFFECTISGIVENTOTHEDOLLS'DRESSMAKER'SDISCOVERY
　　MrsJohnRokesmithsatatneedleworkinherneatlittleroom，besideabasketofneatlittlearticlesofclothing，whichpresentedsomuchoftheappearanceofbeinginthedolls'dressmaker'swayofbusiness，thatonemighthavesupposedshewasgoingtosetupinoppositiontoMissWren。WhethertheCompleteBritishFamilyHousewifehadimpartedsagecounselanentthem，didnotappear，butprobablynot，asthatcloudyoraclewasnowherevisible。Forcertain，however，MrsJohnRokesmithstitchedatthemwithsodexterousahand，thatshemusthavetakenlessonsofsomebody。
　　Loveisinallthingsamostwonderfulteacher，andperhapslovefromapictorialpointofview，withnothingonbutathimble，hadbeenteachingthisbranchofneedleworktoMrsJohnRokesmith。
　　ItwasnearJohn'stimeforcominghome，butasMrsJohnwasdesiroustofinishaspecialtriumphofherskillbeforedinner，shedidnotgoouttomeethim。Placidly，thoughratherconsequentiallysmiling，shesatstitchingawaywitharegularsound，likeasortofdimpledlittlecharmingDresden-chinaclockbytheverybestmaker。
　　Aknockatthedoor，andaringatthebell。NotJohn；orBellawouldhaveflownouttomeethim。Thenwho，ifnotJohn?Bellawasaskingherselfthequestion，whenthatflutteringlittlefoolofaservantflutteredin，saying，'MrLightwood！'
　　Ohgoodgracious！
　　Bellahadbuttimetothrowahandkerchiefoverthebasket，whenMrLightwoodmadehisbow。TherewassomethingamisswithMrLightwood，forhewasstrangelygraveandlookedill。
　　WithabriefreferencetothehappytimewhenithadbeenhisprivilegetoknowMrsRokesmithasMissWilfer，MrLightwoodexplainedwhatwasamisswithhimandwhyhecame。HecamebearingLizzieHexam'searnesthopethatMrsJohnRokesmithwouldseehermarried。
　　Bellawassoflutteredbytherequest，andbytheshortnarrativehehadfeelinglygivenher，thatthereneverwasamoretimelysmelling-bottlethanJohn'sknock。'Myhusband，'saidBella；'I'llbringhimin。'
　　But，thatturnedouttobemoreeasilysaidthandone；for，theinstantshementionedMrLightwood'sname，Johnstopped，withhishanduponthelockoftheroomdoor。
　　'Comeupstairs，mydarling。'
　　Bellawasamazedbytheflushinhisface，andbyhissuddenturningaway。'Whatcanitmean?'shethought，assheaccompaniedhimupstairs。
　　'Now，mylife，'saidJohn，takingheronhisknee，'tellmeallaboutit。'
　　Allverywelltosay，'Tellmeallaboutit；'butJohnwasverymuchconfused。Hisattentionevidentlytrailedoff，nowandthen，evenwhileBellatoldhimallaboutit。YetsheknewthathetookagreatinterestinLizzieandherfortunes。Whatcoulditmean?
　　'Youwillcometothismarriagewithme，Johndear?'
　　'N——no，mylove；Ican'tdothat。'
　　'Youcan'tdothat，John?'
　　'No，mydear，it'squiteoutofthequestion。Nottobethoughtof。'
　　'AmItogoalone，John?'
　　'No，mydear，youwillgowithMrLightwood。'
　　'Don'tyouthinkit'stimewewentdowntoMrLightwood，Johndear?'Bellainsinuated。
　　'Mydarling，it'salmosttimeyouwent，butImustaskyoutoexcusemetohimaltogether。'
　　'Younevermean，Johndear，thatyouarenotgoingtoseehim?
　　Why，heknowsyouhavecomehome。Itoldhimso。'
　　'That'salittleunfortunate，butitcan'tbehelped。Unfortunateorfortunate，Ipositivelycannotseehim，mylove。'
　　Bellacastaboutinhermindwhatcouldbehisreasonforthisunaccountablebehaviour；asshesatonhiskneelookingathiminastonishmentandpoutingalittle。Aweakreasonpresenteditself。
　　'Johndear，younevercanbejealousofMrLightwood?'
　　'Why，mypreciouschild，'returnedherhusband，laughingoutright:
　　'howcouldIbejealousofhim?WhyshouldIbejealousofhim?'
　　'Because，youknow，John，'pursuedBella，poutingalittlemore，'thoughhedidratheradmiremeonce，itwasnotmyfault。'
　　'ItwasyourfaultthatIadmiredyou，'returnedherhusband，withalookofprideinher，'andwhynotyourfaultthatheadmiredyou?
　　But，Ijealousonthataccount?Why，Imustgodistractedforlife，ifIturnedjealousofeveryonewhousedtofindmywifebeautifulandwinning！'
　　'Iamhalfangrywithyou，Johndear，'saidBella，laughingalittle，'andhalfpleasedwithyou；becauseyouaresuchastupidoldfellow，andyetyousaynicethings，asifyoumeantthem。Don'tbemysterious，sir。WhatharmdoyouknowofMrLightwood?'
　　'None，mylove。'
　　'Whathasheeverdonetoyou，John?'
　　'Hehasneverdoneanythingtome，mydear。IknownomoreagainsthimthanIknowagainstMrWrayburn；hehasneverdoneanythingtome；neitherhasMrWrayburn。AndyetIhaveexactlythesameobjectiontobothofthem。'
　　'Oh，John！'retortedBella，asifsheweregivinghimupforabadjob，assheusedtogiveupherself。'Youarenothingbetterthanasphinx！Andamarriedsphinxisn'ta——isn'taniceconfidentialhusband，'saidBella，inatoneofinjury。
　　'Bella，mylife，'saidJohnRokesmith，touchinghercheek，withagravesmile，asshecastdownhereyesandpoutedagain；'lookatme。Iwanttospeaktoyou。'
　　'Inearnest，BlueBeardofthesecretchamber?'askedBella，clearingherprettyface。
　　'Inearnest。AndIconfesstothesecretchamber。Don'tyourememberthatyouaskedmenottodeclarewhatIthoughtofyourhigherqualitiesuntilyouhadbeentried?'
　　'Yes，Johndear。AndIfullymeantit，andIfullymeanit。'
　　'Thetimewillcome，mydarling——Iamnoprophet，butIsayso，——
　　whenyouWILLbetried。Thetimewillcome，Ithink，whenyouwillundergoatrialthroughwhichyouwillneverpassquitetriumphantlyforme，unlessyoucanputperfectfaithinme。'
　　'Thenyoumaybesureofme，Johndear，forIcanputperfectfaithinyou，andIdo，andIalways，alwayswill。Don'tjudgemebyalittlethinglikethis，John。Inlittlethings，Iamalittlethingmyself——Ialwayswas。Butingreatthings，Ihopenot；Idon'tmeantoboast，Johndear，butIhopenot！'
　　Hewasevenbetterconvincedofthetruthofwhatshesaidthanshewas，ashefeltherlovingarmsabouthim。IftheGoldenDustman'sricheshadbeenhistostake，hewouldhavestakedthemtothelastfarthingonthefidelitythroughgoodandevilofheraffectionateandtrustingheart。
　　'Now，I'llgodownto，andgoawaywith，MrLightwood，'saidBella，springingup。'YouarethemostcreasingandtumblingClumsy-Bootsofapacker，John，thateverwas；butifyou'requitegood，andwillpromisenevertodosoanymorethoughIdon'tknowwhatyouhavedone！youmaypackmealittlebagforanight，whileIgetmybonneton。'
　　Hegailycomplied，andshetiedherdimpledchinup，andshookherheadintoherbonnet，andpulledoutthebowsofherbonnet-
　　strings，andgothergloveson，fingerbyfinger，andfinallygotthemonherlittleplumphands，andbadehimgood-byeandwentdown。MrLightwood'simpatiencewasmuchrelievedwhenhefoundherdressedfordeparture。
　　'MrRokesmithgoeswithus?'hesaid，hesitating，withalooktowardsthedoor。
　　'Oh，Iforgot！'repliedBella。'Hisbestcompliments。Hisfaceisswollentothesizeoftwofaces，andheistogotobeddirectly，poorfellow，towaitforthedoctor，whoiscomingtolancehim。'
　　'Itiscurious，'observedLightwood，'thatIhaveneveryetseenMrRokesmith，thoughwehavebeenengagedinthesameaffairs。'
　　'Really?'saidtheunblushingBella。
　　'Ibegintothink，'observedLightwood，'thatInevershallseehim。'
　　'Thesethingshappensooddlysometimes，'saidBellawithasteadycountenance，'thatthereseemsakindoffatalityinthem。ButIamquiteready，MrLightwood。'
　　Theystarteddirectly，inalittlecarriagethatLightwoodhadbroughtwithhimfromnever-to-be-forgottenGreenwich；andfromGreenwichtheystarteddirectlyforLondon；andinLondontheywaitedatarailwaystationuntilsuchtimeastheReverendFrankMilvey，andMargarettahiswife，withwhomMortimerLightwoodhadbeenalreadyinconference，shouldcomeandjointhem。
　　Thatworthycoupleweredelayedbyaportentousoldparishionerofthefemalegender，whowasoneoftheplaguesoftheirlives，andwithwhomtheyborewithmostexemplarysweetnessandgood-
　　humour，notwithstandingherhavinganinfectionofabsurdityabouther，thatcommunicateditselftoeverythingwithwhich，andeverybodywithwhom，shecameincontact。ShewasamemberoftheReverendFrank'scongregation，andmadeapointofdistinguishingherselfinthatbody，byconspicuouslyweepingateverything，howevercheering，saidbytheReverendFrankinhispublicministration；alsobyapplyingtoherselfthevariouslamentationsofDavid，andcomplaininginapersonallyinjuredmannermuchinarrearoftheclerkandtherestoftherespondents
　　thatherenemieswerediggingpit-fallsabouther，andbreakingherwithrodsofiron。Indeed，thisoldwidowdischargedherselfofthatportionoftheMorningandEveningServiceasifshewerelodgingacomplaintonoathandapplyingforawarrantbeforeamagistrate。
　　Butthiswasnothermostinconvenientcharacteristic，forthattooktheformofanimpression，usuallyrecurringininclementweatherandataboutdaybreak，thatshehadsomethingonhermindandstoodinimmediateneedoftheReverendFranktocomeandtakeitoff。Manyatimehadthatkindcreaturegotup，andgoneouttoMrsSprodgkinsuchwasthedisciple'sname，suppressingastrongsenseofhercomicalitybyhisstrongsenseofduty，andperfectlyknowingthatnothingbutacoldwouldcomeofit。
　　However，beyondthemselves，theReverendFrankMilveyandMrsMilveyseldomhintedthatMrsSprodgkinwashardlyworththetroubleshegave；butbothmadethebestofher，astheydidofalltheirtroubles。
　　Thisveryexactingmemberofthefoldappearedtobeendowedwithasixthsense，inregardofknowingwhentheReverendFrankMilveyleastdesiredhercompany，andwithpromptitudeappearinginhislittlehall。Consequently，whentheReverendFrankhadwillinglyengagedthatheandhiswifewouldaccompanyLightwoodback，hesaid，asamatterofcourse:'Wemustmakehastetogetout，Margaretta，mydear，orweshallbedescendedonbyMrsSprodgkin。'TowhichMrsMilveyreplied，inherpleasantlyemphaticway，'OhYES，forsheISsuchamarplot，Frank，andDOESworryso！'Wordsthatwerescarcelyutteredwhentheirthemewasannouncedasinfaithfulattendancebelow，desiringcounselonaspiritualmatter。ThepointsonwhichMrsSprodkginsoughtelucidationbeingseldomofapressingnatureasWhobegatWhom，orsomeinformationconcerningtheAmorites，MrsMilveyonthisspecialoccasionresortedtothedeviceofbuyingheroffwithapresentofteaandsugar，andaloafandbutter。ThesegiftsMrsSprodgkinaccepted，butstillinsistedondutifullyremaininginthehall，tocurtseytotheReverendFrankashecameforth。Who，incautiouslysayinginhisgenialmanner，'Well，Sally，thereyouare！'involvedhimselfinadiscursiveaddressfromMrsSprodgkin，revolvingaroundtheresultthatsheregardedteaandsugarinthelightofmyrrhandfrankincense，andconsideredbreadandbutteridenticalwithlocustsandwildhoney。
　　Havingcommunicatedthisedifyingpieceofinformation，MrsSprodgkinwasleftstillunadjournedinthehall，andMrandMrsMilveyhurriedinaheatedconditiontotherailwaystation。AllofwhichishererecordedtothehonourofthatgoodChristianpair，representativesofhundredsofothergoodChristianpairsasconscientiousandasuseful，whomergethesmallnessoftheirworkinitsgreatness，andfeelinnodangeroflosingdignitywhentheyadaptthemselvestoincomprehensiblehumbugs。
　　'Detainedatthelastmomentbyonewhohadaclaimuponme，'
　　wastheReverendFrank'sapologytoLightwood，takingnothoughtofhimself。TowhichMrsMilveyadded，takingthoughtforhim，likethechampioninglittlewifeshewas；'Ohyes，detainedatthelastmoment。ButAStotheclaim，Frank，IMUSTsaythatIDO
　　thinkyouareOVER-consideratesometimes，andallowTHATtobeaLITTLEabused。'
　　Bellafeltconscious，inspiteofherlatepledgeforherself，thatherhusband'sabsencewouldgivedisagreeableoccasionforsurprisetotheMilveys。NorcouldsheappearquiteathereasewhenMrsMilveyasked:
　　'HOWisMrRokesmith，andIShegonebeforeus，orDOEShefollowus?'
　　Itbecomingnecessary，uponthis，tosendhimtobedagainandholdhiminwaitingtobelancedagain，Belladidit。Butnothalfaswellonthesecondoccasionasonthefirst；for，atwice-toldwhiteoneseemsalmosttobecomeablackone，whenyouarenotusedtoit'OhDEAR！'saidMrsMilvey，'IamSOsorry！MrRokesmithtookSUCHaninterestinLizzieHexam，whenweweretherebefore。
　　AndifwehadONLYknownofhisface，weCOULDhavegivenhimsomethingthatwouldhavekeptitdownlongenoughforsoSHORTapurpose。'
　　Bywayofmakingthewhiteonewhiter，Bellahastenedtostipulatethathewasnotinpain。MrsMilveywasSOgladofit。
　　'Idon'tknowHOWitis，'saidMrsMilvey，'andIamSUREyoudon't，Frank，buttheclergyandtheirwivesseemtoCAUSE
　　swelledfaces。WheneverItakenoticeofachildintheschool，itseemstomeasifitsfaceswelledINSTANTLY。FrankNEVER
　　makesacquaintancewithanewoldwoman，butshegetstheface-
　　ache。Andanotherthingis，weDOmakethepoorchildrensniffso。Idon'tknowHOWwedoit，andIshouldbesogladnotto；buttheMOREwetakenoticeofthem，theMOREtheysniff。Justastheydowhenthetextisgivenout——Frank，that'saschoolmaster。I
　　haveseenhimsomewhere。'
　　Thereferencewastoayoungmanofreservedappearance，inacoatandwaistcoatofblack，andpantaloonsofpepperandsalt。Hehadcomeintotheofficeofthestation，fromitsinterior，inanunsettledway，immediatelyafterLightwoodhadgoneouttothetrain；andhehadbeenhurriedlyreadingtheprintedhillsandnoticesonthewall。Hehadhadawanderinginterestinwhatwassaidamongthepeoplewaitingthereandpassingtoandfro。Hehaddrawnnearer，ataboutthetimewhenMrsMilveymentionedLizzieHexam，andhadremainednear，since:thoughalwaysglancingtowardsthedoorbywhichLightwoodhadgoneout。Hestoodwithhisbacktowardsthem，andhisglovedhandsclaspedbehindhim。Therewasnowsoevidentafalteringuponhim，expressiveofindecisionwhetherornoheshouldexpresshishavingheardhimselfreferredto，thatMrMilveyspoketohim。
　　'Icannotrecallyourname，'hesaid，'butIremembertohaveseenyouinyourschool。'
　　'MynameisBradleyHeadstone，sir，'hereplied，backingintoamoreretiredplace。
　　'Ioughttohaverememberedit，'saidMrMilvey，givinghimhishand。'Ihopeyouarewell?Alittleoverworked，Iamafraid?'
　　'Yes，Iamoverworkedjustatpresent，sir。'
　　'Hadnoplayinyourlastholidaytime?'
　　'No，sir。'
　　'Allworkandnoplay，MrHeadstone，willnotmakedulness，inyourcase，Idaresay；butitwillmakedyspepsia，ifyoudon'ttakecare。'
　　'Iwillendeavourtotakecare，sir。MightIbegleavetospeaktoyou，outside，amoment?'
　　'Byallmeans。'
　　Itwasevening，andtheofficewaswelllighted。Theschoolmaster，whohadneverremittedhiswatchonLightwood'sdoor，nowmovedbyanotherdoortoacornerwithout，wheretherewasmoreshadowthanlight；andsaid，pluckingathisgloves:
　　'Oneofyourladies，sir，mentionedwithinmyhearinganamethatI
　　amacquaintedwith；Imaysay，wellacquaintedwith。Thenameofthesisterofanoldpupilofmine。Hewasmypupilforalongtime，andhasgotonandgoneupwardrapidly。ThenameofHexam。
　　ThenameofLizzieHexam。'Heseemedtobeashyman，strugglingagainstnervousness，andspokeinaveryconstrainedway。Thebreakhesetbetweenhislasttwosentenceswasquiteembarrassingtohishearer。
　　'Yes，'repliedMrMilvey。'Wearegoingdowntoseeher。'
　　'Igatheredasmuch，sir。Ihopethereisnothingamisswiththesisterofmyoldpupil?Ihopenobereavementhasbefallenher。I
　　hopesheisinnoaffliction?Haslostno——relation?'
　　MrMilveythoughtthisamanwithaveryoddmanner，andadarkdownwardlook；butheansweredinhisusualopenway。
　　'Iamgladtotellyou，MrHeadstone，thatthesisterofyouroldpupilhasnotsustainedanysuchloss。YouthoughtImightbegoingdowntoburysomeone?'
　　'Thatmayhavebeentheconnexionofideas，sir，withyourclericalcharacter，butIwasnotconsciousofit——Thenyouarenot，sir?'
　　Amanwithaveryoddmannerindeed，andwithalurkinglookthatwasquiteoppressive。
　　'No。Infact，'saidMrMilvey，'sinceyouaresointerestedinthesisterofyouroldpupil，ImayaswelltellyouthatIamgoingdowntomarryher。'
　　Theschoolmasterstartedback。
　　'Nottomarryher，myself，'saidMrMilvey，withasmile，'becauseI
　　haveawifealready。Toperformthemarriageserviceatherwedding。'
　　BradleyHeadstonecaughtholdofapillarbehindhim。IfMrMilveyknewanashyfacewhenhesawit，hesawitthen。
　　'Youarequiteill，MrHeadstone！'
　　'Itisnotmuch，sir。Itwillpassoververysoon。Iamaccustomedtobeseizedwithgiddiness。Don'tletmedetainyou，sir；Istandinneedofnoassistance，Ithankyou。Muchobligedbyyoursparingmetheseminutesofyourtime。'
　　AsMrMilvey，whohadnomoreminutestospare，madeasuitablereplyandturnedbackintotheoffice，heobservedtheschoolmastertoleanagainstthepillarwithhishatinhishand，andtopullathisneckclothasifheweretryingtotearitoff。TheReverendFrankaccordinglydirectedthenoticeofoneoftheattendantstohim，bysaying:'Thereisapersonoutsidewhoseemstobereallyill，andtorequiresomehelp，thoughhesayshedoesnot。'
　　Lightwoodhadbythistimesecuredtheirplaces，andthedeparture-
　　bellwasabouttoberung。Theytooktheirseats，andwerebeginningtomoveoutofthestation，whenthesameattendantcamerunningalongtheplatform，lookingintoallthecarriages。
　　'Oh！Youarehere，sir！'hesaid，springingonthestep，andholdingthewindow-framebyhiselbow，asthecarriagemoved。'Thatpersonyoupointedouttomeisinafit。'
　　'Iinferfromwhathetoldmethatheissubjecttosuchattacks。Hewillcometo，intheair，inalittlewhile。'
　　Hewastookverybadtobesure，andwasbitingandknockingabouthimthemansaidfuriously。Wouldthegentlemangivehimhiscard，ashehadseenhimfirst?Thegentlemandidso，withtheexplanationthatheknewnomoreofthemanattackedthanthathewasamanofaveryrespectableoccupation，whohadsaidhewasoutofhealth，ashisappearancewouldofitselfhaveindicated。
　　Theattendantreceivedthecard，watchedhisopportunityforslidingdown，sliddown，andsoitended。
　　Then，thetrainrattledamongthehouse-tops，andamongtheraggedsidesofhousestorndowntomakewayforit，andovertheswarmingstreets，andunderthefruitfulearth，untilitshotacrosstheriver:burstingoverthequietsurfacelikeabomb-shell，andgoneagainasifithadexplodedintherushofsmokeandsteamandglare。Alittlemore，andagainitroaredacrosstheriver，agreatrocket:spurningthewateryturningsanddoublingswithineffablecontempt，andgoingstraighttoitsend，asFatherTimegoestohis。Towhomitisnomatterwhatlivingwatersrunhighorlow，reflecttheheavenlylightsanddarknesses，producetheirlittlegrowthofweedsandflowers，turnhere，turnthere，arenoisyorstill，aretroubledoratrest，fortheircoursehasonesuretermination，thoughtheirsourcesanddevicesaremany。
　　Then，acarriageridesucceeded，nearthesolemnriver，stealingawaybynight，asallthingsstealaway，bynightandbyday，soquietlyyieldingtotheattractionoftheloadstonerockofEternity；
　　andthenearertheydrewtothechamberwhereEugenelay，themoretheyfearedthattheymightfindhiswanderingsdone。Atlasttheysawitsdimlightshiningout，anditgavethemhope:thoughLightwoodfalteredashethought:'Ifheweregone，shewouldstillbesittingbyhim。'
　　Buthelayquiet，halfinstupor，halfinsleep。Bella，enteringwitharaisedadmonitoryfinger，kissedLizziesoftly，butsaidnotaword。
　　Neitherdidanyofthemspeak，butallsatdownatthefootofthebed，silentlywaiting。Andnow，inthisnight-watch，minglingwiththeflowoftheriverandwiththerushofthetrain，camethequestionsintoBella'smindagain:WhatcouldbeinthedepthsofthatmysteryofJohn's?WhywasitthathehadneverbeenseenbyMrLightwood，whomhestillavoided?Whenwouldthattrialcome，throughwhichherfaithin，andherdutyto，herdearhusband，wastocarryher，renderinghimtriumphant?For，thathadbeenhisterm。Herpassingthroughthetrialwastomakethemanshelovedwithallherheart，triumphant。TermnottosinkoutofsightinBella'sbreast。
　　Faroninthenight，Eugeneopenedhiseyes。Hewassensible，andsaidatonce:'Howdoesthetimego?HasourMortimercomeback?'
　　Lightwoodwasthereimmediately，toanswerforhimself。'Yes，Eugene，andallisready。'
　　'Dearboy！'returnedEugenewithasmile，'weboththankyouheartily。Lizzie，tellthemhowwelcometheyare，andthatIwouldbeeloquentifIcould。'
　　'Thereisnoneed，'saidMrMilvey。'Weknowit。Areyoubetter，MrWrayburn?'
　　'Iammuchhappier，'saidEugene。
　　'Muchbettertoo，Ihope?'
　　EugeneturnedhiseyestowardsLizzie，asiftospareher，andanswerednothingThen，theyallstoodaroundthebed，andMrMilvey，openinghisbook，begantheservice；sorarelyassociatedwiththeshadowofdeath；soinseparableinthemindfromaflushoflifeandgaietyandhopeandhealthandjoy。Bellathoughthowdifferentfromherownsunnylittlewedding，andwept。MrsMilveyoverflowedwithpity，andwepttoo。Thedolls'dressmaker，withherhandsbeforeherface，weptinhergoldenbower。Readinginalowclearvoice，andbendingoverEugene，whokepthiseyesuponhim，MrMilveydidhisofficewithsuitablesimplicity。Asthebridegroomcouldnotmovehishand，theytouchedhisfingerswiththering，andsoputitonthebride。Whenthetwoplightedtheirtroth，shelaidherhandonhisandkeptitthere。Whentheceremonywasdone，andalltherestdepartedfromtheroom，shedrewherarmunderhishead，andlaidherownheaddownuponthepillowbyhisside。
　　'Undrawthecurtains，mydeargirl，'saidEugene，afterawhile，'andletusseeourwedding-day。'
　　Thesunwasrising，andhisfirstraysstruckintotheroom，asshecameback，andputherlipstohis。'Iblesstheday！'saidEugene。
　　'Iblesstheday！'saidLizzie。
　　'Youhavemadeapoormarriageofit，mysweetwife，'saidEugene。'Ashatteredgracelessfellow，stretchedathislengthhere，andnexttonothingforyouwhenyouareayoungwidow。'
　　'IhavemadethemarriagethatIwouldhavegivenalltheworldtodaretohopefor，'shereplied。
　　'Youhavethrownyourselfaway，'saidEugene，shakinghishead。
　　'Butyouhavefollowedthetreasureofyourheart。Myjustificationis，thatyouhadthrownthatawayfirst，deargirl！'
　　'No。Ihadgivenittoyou。'
　　'Thesamething，mypoorLizzie！'
　　'Hush！hush！Averydifferentthing。'
　　Thereweretearsinhiseyes，andshebesoughthimtoclosethem。
　　'No，'saidEugene，againshakinghishead；'letmelookatyou，Lizzie，whileIcan。Youbravedevotedgirl！Youheroine！'
　　Herowneyesfilledunderhispraises。Andwhenhemusteredstrengthtomovehiswoundedheadaverylittleway，andlayitonherbosom，thetearsofbothfell。
　　'Lizzie，'saidEugene，afterasilence:'whenyouseemewanderingawayfromthisrefugethatIhavesoilldeserved，speaktomebymyname，andIthinkIshallcomeback。'
　　'Yes，dearEugene。'
　　'There！'heexclaimed，smiling。'Ishouldhavegonethen，butforthat！'
　　Alittlewhileafterwards，whenheappearedtobesinkingintoinsensibility，shesaid，inacalmlovingvoice:'Eugene，mydearhusband！'Heimmediatelyanswered:'Thereagain！Youseehowyoucanrecallme！'Andafterwards，whenhecouldnotspeak，hestillansweredbyaslightmovementofhisheaduponherbosom。
　　Thesunwashighinthesky，whenshegentlydisengagedherselftogivehimthestimulantsandnourishmentherequired。Theutterhelplessnessofthewreckofhimthatlaycastashorethere，nowalarmedher，buthehimselfappearedalittlemorehopeful。
　　'Ah，mybelovedLizzie！'hesaid，faintly。'HowshallIeverpayallIoweyou，ifIrecover！'
　　'Don'tbeashamedofme，'shereplied，'andyouwillhavemorethanpaidall。'
　　'Itwouldrequirealife，Lizzie，topayall；morethanalife。'
　　'Liveforthat，then；liveforme，Eugene；livetoseehowhardIwilltrytoimprovemyself，andnevertodiscredityou。'
　　'Mydarlinggirl，'hereplied，rallyingmoreofhisoldmannerthanhehadeveryetgottogether。'Onthecontrary，IhavebeenthinkingwhetheritisnotthebestthingIcando，todie。'
　　'Thebestthingyoucando，toleavemewithabrokenheart?'
　　'Idon'tmeanthat，mydeargirl。Iwasnotthinkingofthat。WhatI
　　wasthinkingofwasthis。Outofyourcompassionforme，inthismaimedandbrokenstate，youmakesomuchofme——youthinksowellofme——youlovemesodearly。'
　　'HeavenknowsIloveyoudearly！'
　　'AndHeavenknowsIprizeit！Well。IfIlive，you'llfindmeout。'
　　'Ishallfindoutthatmyhusbandhasamineofpurposeandenergy，andwillturnittothebestaccount?'
　　'Ihopeso，dearestLizzie，'saidEugene，wistfully，andyetsomewhatwhimsically。'Ihopeso。ButIcan'tsummonthevanitytothinkso。HowcanIthinkso，lookingbackonsuchatrifilingwastedyouthasmine！Ihumblyhopeit；butIdaren'tbelieveit。
　　ThereisasharpmisgivinginmyconsciencethatifIweretolive，I
　　shoulddisappointyourgoodopinionandmyown——andthatIoughttodie，mydear！'
　　Chapter12
　　THEPASSINGSHADOW
　　Thewindsandtidesroseandfellacertainnumberoftimes，theearthmovedroundthesunacertainnumberoftimes，theshipupontheoceanmadehervoyagesafely，andbroughtababy-Bellahome。ThenwhosoblestandhappyasMrsJohnRokesmith，savingandexceptingMrJohnRokesmith！
　　'WouldyounotliketoberichNOW，mydarling?'
　　'Howcanyouaskmesuchaquestion，Johndear?AmInotrich?'
　　ThesewereamongthefirstwordsspokennearthebabyBellaasshelayasleep。Shesoonprovedtobeababyofwonderfulintelligence，evincingthestrongestobjectiontohergrandmother'ssociety，andbeinginvariablyseizedwithapainfulacidityofthestomachwhenthatdignifiedladyhonouredherwithanyattention。
　　ItwascharmingtoseeBellacontemplatingthisbaby，andfindingoutherowndimplesinthattinyreflection，asifshewerelookingintheglasswithoutpersonalvanity。Hercherubicfatherjustlyremarkedtoherhusbandthatthebabyseemedtomakeheryoungerthanbefore，remindinghimofthedayswhenshehadapetdollandusedtotalktoitasshecarrieditabout。Theworldmighthavebeenchallengedtoproduceanotherbabywhohadsuchastoreofpleasantnonsensesaidandsungtoit，asBellasaidandsungtothisbaby；orwhowasdressedandundressedasofteninfour-and-twentyhoursasBelladressedandundressedthisbaby；orwhowasheldbehinddoorsandpokedouttostopitsfather'swaywhenhecamehome，asthisbabywas；or，inaword，whodidhalfthenumberofbabythings，throughthelivelyinventionofagayandproudyoungmother，thatthisinexhaustiblebabydid。
　　Theinexhaustiblebabywastwoorthreemonthsold，whenBellabegantonoticeaclouduponherhusband'sbrow。Watchingit，shesawagatheringanddeepeninganxietythere，whichcausedhergreatdisquiet。Morethanonce，sheawokehimmutteringinhissleep；and，thoughhemutterednothingworsethanherownname，itwasplaintoherthathisrestlessnessoriginatedinsomeloadofcare。Therefore，Bellaatlengthputinherclaimtodividethisload，andhearherhalfofit。
　　'Youknow，Johndear，'shesaid，cheerilyrevertingtotheirformerconversation，'thatIhopeImaysafelybetrustedingreatthings。
　　Anditsurelycannotbealittlethingthatcausesyousomuchuneasiness。It'sveryconsiderateofyoutotrytohidefrommethatyouareuncomfortableaboutsomething，butit'squiteimpossibletobedone，Johnlove。'
　　'IadmitthatIamratheruneasy，myown。'
　　'Thenpleasetotellmewhatabout，sir。'
　　Butno，heevadedthat。'Nevermind！'thoughtBella，resolutely。
　　'Johnrequiresmetoputperfectfaithinhim，andheshallnotbedisappointed。'
　　ShewentuptoLondononeday，tomeethim，inorderthattheymightmakesomepurchases。Shefoundhimwaitingforheratherjourney'send，andtheywalkedawaytogetherthroughthestreets。
　　Hewasingayspirits，thoughstillharpingonthatnotionoftheirbeingrich；andhesaid，nowletthemmakebelievethatyonderfinecarriagewastheirs，andthatitwaswaitingtotakethemhometoafinehousetheyhad；whatwouldBella，inthatcase，bestliketofindinthehouse?Well！Belladidn'tknow:alreadyhavingeverythingshewanted，shecouldn'tsay。But，bydegreesshewasledontoconfessthatshewouldliketohavefortheinexhaustiblebabysuchanurseryasneverwasseen。Itwastobe'averyrainbowforcolours'，asshewasquitesurebabynoticedcolours；
　　andthestaircasewastobeadornedwiththemostexquisiteflowers，asshewasabsolutelycertainbabynoticedflowers；andtherewastobeanaviarysomewhere，oftheloveliestlittlebirds，astherewasnotthesmallestdoubtintheworldthatbabynoticedbirds。Wastherenothingelse?No，Johndear。Thepredilectionsoftheinexhaustiblebabybeingprovidedfor，Bellacouldthinkofnothingelse。
　　Theywerechattingoninthisway，andJohnhadsuggested，'Nojewelsforyourownwear，forinstance?'andBellahadrepliedlaughing。O！ifhecametothat，yes，theremightbeabeautifulivorycaseofjewelsonherdressing-table；whenthesepictureswereinamomentdarkenedandblottedout。
　　Theyturnedacorner，andmetMrLightwood。
　　HestoppedasifhewerepetrifiedbythesightofBella'shusband，whointhesamemomenthadchangedcolour。
　　'MrLightwoodandIhavemetbefore，'hesaid。
　　'Metbefore，John?'Bellarepeatedinatoneofwonder。'MrLightwoodtoldmehehadneverseenyou。'
　　'IdidnotthenknowthatIhad，'saidLightwood，discomposedonheraccount。IbelievedthatIhadonlyheardof——MrRokesmith。'
　　Withanemphasisonthename。
　　'WhenMrLightwoodsawme，mylove，'observedherhusband，notavoidinghiseye，butlookingathim，'mynamewasJuliusHandford。'
　　JuliusHandford！ThenamethatBellahadsooftenseeninoldnewspapers，whenshewasaninmateofMrBoffin'shouse！JuliusHandford，whohadbeenpubliclyentreatedtoappear，andforintelligenceofwhomarewardhadbeenpubliclyoffered！
　　'Iwouldhaveavoidedmentioningitinyourpresence，'saidLightwoodtoBella，delicately；'butsinceyourhusbandmentionsithimself，Imustconfirmhisstrangeadmission。IsawhimasMrJuliusHandford，andIafterwardsunquestionablytohisknowledgetookgreatpainstotracehimout。'
　　'Quitetrue。Butitwasnotmyobjectormyinterest，'saidRokesmith，quietly，'tobetracedout。'
　　Bellalookedfromtheonetotheother，inamazement。
　　'MrLightwood，'pursuedherhusband，'aschancehasbroughtusfacetofaceatlast——whichisnottobewonderedat，forthewonderis，that，inspiteofallmypainstothecontrary，chancehasnotconfrontedustogethersooner——Ihaveonlytoremindyouthatyouhavebeenatmyhouse，andtoaddthatIhavenotchangedmyresidence。'
　　'Sir'returnedLightwood，withameaningglancetowardsBella，'mypositionisatrulypainfulone。Ihopethatnocomplicityinaverydarktransactionmayattachtoyou，butyoucannotfailtoknowthatyourownextraordinaryconducthaslaidyouundersuspicion。'
　　'Iknowithas，'wasallthereply。
　　'Myprofessionalduty，'saidLightwoodhesitating，withanotherglancetowardsBella，'isgreatlyatvariancewithmypersonalinclination；butIdoubt，MrHandford，orMrRokesmith，whetherI
　　amjustifiedintakingleaveofyouhere，withyourwholecourseunexplained。'
　　Bellacaughtherhusbandbythehand。
　　'Don'tbealarmed，mydarling。MrLightwoodwillfindthatheisquitejustifiedintakingleaveofmehere。Atallevents，'addedRokesmith，'hewillfindthatImeantotakeleaveofhimhere。'
　　'Ithink，sir，'saidLightwood，'youcanscarcelydenythatwhenI
　　cametoyourhouseontheoccasiontowhichyouhavereferred，youavoidedmeofasetpurpose。'
　　'MrLightwood，IassureyouIhavenodispositiontodenyit，orintentiontodenyit。Ishouldhavecontinuedtoavoidyou，inpursuanceofthesamesetpurpose，forashorttimelonger，ifwehadnotmetnow。Iamgoingstraighthome，andshallremainathometo-morrowuntilnoon。Hereafter，Ihopewemaybebetteracquainted。Good-day。'
　　Lightwoodstoodirresolute，butBella'shusbandpassedhiminthesteadiestmanner，withBellaonhisarm；andtheywenthomewithoutencounteringanyfurtherremonstranceormolestationfromanyone。
　　Whentheyhaddinedandwerealone，JohnRokesmithsaidtohiswife，whohadpreservedhercheerfulness:'Andyoudon'taskme，mydear，whyIborethatname?'
　　'No，Johnlove。Ishoulddearlyliketoknow，ofcourse；'whichheranxiousfaceconfirmed；'butIwaituntilyoucantellmeofyourownfreewill。YouaskedmeifIcouldhaveperfectfaithinyou，andIsaidyes，andImeantit。'
　　ItdidnotescapeBella'snoticethathebegantolooktriumphant。
　　Shewantednostrengtheninginherfirmness；butifshehadhadneedofany，shewouldhavederiveditfromhiskindlingface。
　　'Youcannothavebeenprepared，mydearest，forsuchadiscoveryasthatthismysteriousMrHandfordwasidenticalwithyourhusband?'
　　'No，Johndear，ofcoursenot。Butyoutoldmetopreparetobetried，andIpreparedmyself。'
　　Hedrewhertonestleclosertohim，andtoldheritwouldsoonbeover，andthetruthwouldsoonappear。'Andnow，'hewenton，'laystress，mydear，onthesewordsthatIamgoingtoadd。Istandinnokindofperil，andIcanbypossibilitybehurtatnoone'shand。'
　　'Youarequite，quitesureofthat，Johndear?'
　　'Notahairofmyhead！Moreover，Ihavedonenowrong，andhaveinjurednoman。ShallIswearit?'
　　'No，John！'criedBella，layingherhanduponhislips，withaproudlook。'Nevertome！'
　　'Butcircumstances，'hewenton'——Ican，andIwill，dispersetheminamoment——havesurroundedmewithoneofthestrangestsuspicionseverknown。YouheardMrLightwoodspeakofadarktransaction?'
　　'Yes，John。'
　　'Youarepreparedtohearexplicitlywhathemeant?'
　　'Yes，John。'
　　'Mylife，hemeantthemurderofJohnHarmon，yourallottedhusband。'
　　Withafastpalpitatingheart，Bellagraspedhimbythearm。'Youcannotbesuspected，John?'
　　'Dearlove，Icanbe——forIam！'
　　Therewassilencebetweenthem，asshesatlookinginhisface，withthecolourquitegonefromherownfaceandlips。'Howdarethey！'shecriedatlength，inaburstofgenerousindignation。'Mybelovedhusband，howdarethey！'
　　Hecaughtherinhisarmsassheopenedhers，andheldhertohisheart。'Evenknowingthis，youcantrustme，Bella?'
　　'Icantrustyou，Johndear，withallmysoul。IfIcouldnottrustyou，Ishouldfalldeadatyourfeet。'
　　Thekindlingtriumphinhisfacewasbrightindeed，ashelookedupandrapturouslyexclaimed，whathadhedonetodeservetheblessingofthisdearconfidingcreature'sheart！Againsheputherhanduponhislips，saying，'Hush！'andthentoldhim，inherownlittlenaturalpatheticway，thatifalltheworldwereagainsthim，shewouldbeforhim；thatifalltheworldrepudiatedhim，shewouldbelievehim；thatifhewereinfamousinothereyes，hewouldbehonouredinhers；andthat，undertheworstunmeritedsuspicion，shecoulddevoteherlifetoconsolinghim，andimpartingherownfaithinhimtotheirlittlechild。
　　Atwilightcalmofhappinessthensucceedingtotheirradiantnoon，theyremainedatpeace，untilastrangevoiceintheroomstartledthemboth。Theroombeingbythattimedark，thevoicesaid，'Don'tlettheladybealarmedbymystrikingalight，'andimmediatelyamatchrattled，andglimmeredinahand。ThehandandthematchandthevoicewerethenseenbyJohnRokesmithtobelongtoMrInspector，oncemeditativelyactiveinthischronicle。
　　'Itaketheliberty，'saidMrInspector，inabusiness-likemanner，'tobringmyselftotherecollectionofMrJuliusHandford，whogavemehisnameandaddressdownatourplaceaconsiderabletimeago。Wouldtheladyobjecttomylightingthepairofcandlesonthechimneypiece，tothrowafurtherlightuponthesubject?No?
　　Thankyou，ma'am。Now，welookcheerful。'
　　MrInspector，inadark-bluebuttoned-upfrockcoatandpantaloons，presentedaserviceable，half-pay，RoyalArmskindofappearance，asheappliedhispockethandkerchieftohisnoseandbowedtothelady。
　　'Youfavouredme，MrHandford，'saidMrInspector，'bywritingdownyournameandaddress，andIproducethepieceofpaperonwhichyouwroteit。Comparingthesamewiththewritingonthefly-leafofthisbookonthetable——andasweetprettyvolumeitis——I
　　findthewritingoftheentry，'MrsJohnRokesmith。Fromherhusbandonherbirthday“——andverygratifyingtothefeelingssuchmemorialsare——tocorrespondexactly。CanIhaveawordwithyou?'
　　'Certainly。Here，ifyouplease，'wasthereply。
　　'Why，'retortedMrInspector，againusinghispockethandkerchief，'thoughthere'snothingfortheladytobeatallalarmedat，still，ladiesareapttotakealarmatmattersofbusiness——beingofthatfragilesexthatthey'renotaccustomedtothemwhennotofastrictlydomesticcharacter——andIdogenerallymakeitaruletoproposeretirementfromthepresenceofladies，beforeenteringuponbusinesstopics。Orperhaps，'MrInspectorhinted，'iftheladywastostepup-stairs，andtakealookatbabynow！'
　　'MrsRokesmith，'——herhusbandwasbeginning；whenMrInspector，regardingthewordsasanintroduction，said，'HappyIamsure，tohavethehonour。'Andbowed，withgallantry。
　　'MrsRokesmith，'resumedherhusband，'issatisfiedthatshecanhavenoreasonforbeingalarmed，whateverthebusinessis。'
　　'Really?Isthatso?'saidMrInspector。'Butit'sasextoliveandlearnfrom，andthere'snothingaladycan'taccomplishwhensheoncefullygiveshermindtoit。It'sthecasewithmyownwife。
　　Well，ma'am，thisgoodgentlemanofyourshasgivenrisetoaratherlargeamountoftroublewhichmighthavebeenavoidedifhehadcomeforwardandexplainedhimself。Wellyousee！HeDIDN'Tcomeforwardandexplainhimself。Consequently，nowthatwemeet，himandme，you'llsay——andsayright——thatthere'snothingtobealarmedat，inmyproposingtohimTOcomeforward——or，puttingthesamemeaninginanotherform，tocomealongwithme——andexplainhimself。'
　　WhenMrInspectorputitinthatotherform，'tocomealongwithme，'therewasarelishingrollinhisvoice，andhiseyebeamedwithanofficiallustre。
　　'Doyouproposetotakemeintocustody?'inquiredJohnRokesmith，verycoolly。
　　'Whyargue?'returnedMrInspectorinacomfortablesortofremonstrance；'ain'titenoughthatIproposethatyoushallcomealongwithme?'
　　'Forwhatreason?'
　　Lordblessmysoulandbody！'returnedMrInspector，'Iwonderatitinamanofyoureducation。Whyargue?'
　　'Whatdoyouchargeagainstme?'
　　'Iwonderatyoubeforealady，'saidMrInspector，shakinghisheadreproachfully:'Iwonder，broughtupasyouhavebeen，youhaven'tamoredelicatemind！Ichargeyou，then，withbeingsomewayconcernedintheHarmonMurder。Idon'tsaywhetherbefore，orin，orafter，thefact。Idon'tsaywhetherwithhavingsomeknowledgeofitthathasn'tcomeout。'
　　'Youdon'tsurpriseme。Iforesawyourvisitthisafternoon。'
　　'Don't！'saidMrInspector。'Why，whyargue?It'smydutytoinformyouthatwhateveryousay，willbeusedagainstyou。'
　　'Idon'tthinkitwill。'
　　'ButItellyouitwill，'saidMrInspector。'Now，havingreceivedthecaution，doyoustillsaythatyouforesawmyvisitthisafternoon?'
　　'Yes。AndIwillsaysomethingmore，ifyouwillstepwithmeintothenextroom。'
　　WithareassuringkissonthelipsofthefrightenedBella，herhusbandtowhomMrInspectorobliginglyofferedhisarm，tookupacandle，andwithdrewwiththatgentleman。Theywereafullhalf-hourinconference。Whentheyreturned，MrInspectorlookedconsiderablyastonished。
　　'Ihaveinvitedthisworthyofficer，mydear，'saidJohn，'tomakeashortexcursionwithmeinwhichyoushallbeasharer。Hewilltakesomethingtoeatanddrink，Idaresay，onyourinvitation，whileyouaregettingyourbonneton。'
　　MrInspectordeclinedeating，butassentedtotheproposalofaglassofbrandyandwater。Mixingthiscold，andpensivelyconsumingit，hebrokeatintervalsintosuchsoliloquiesasthatheneverdidknowsuchamove，thatheneverhadbeensogravelled，andthatwhatagamewasthistotrythesortofstuffaman'sopinionofhimselfwasmadeof！Concurrentlywiththesecomments，hemorethanonceburstoutalaughing，withthehalf-
　　enjoyingandhalf-piquedairofaman，whohadgivenupagoodconundrum，aftermuchguessing，andbeentoldtheanswer。Bellawassotimidofhim，thatshenotedthesethingsinahalf-
　　shrinking，half-perceptiveway，andsimilarlynotedthattherewasagreatchangeinhismannertowardsJohn。Thatcoming-along-
　　with-himdeportmentwasnowlostinlongmusinglooksatJohnandatherselfandsometimesinslowheavyrubsofhishandacrosshisforehead，asifhewereironingcutthecreaseswhichhisdeepponderingmadethere。Hehadhadsomecoughingandwhistlingsatellitessecretlygravitatingtowardshimaboutthepremises，buttheywerenowdismissed，andheeyedJohnasifhehadmeanttodohimapublicservice，buthadunfortunatelybeenanticipated。WhetherBellamighthavenotedanythingmore，ifshehadbeenlessafraidofhim，shecouldnotdetermine；butitwasallinexplicabletoher，andnotthefaintestflashoftherealstateofthecasebrokeinuponhermind。MrInspector'sincreasednoticeofherselfandknowingwayofraisinghiseyebrowswhentheireyesbyanychancemet，asifheputthequestion'Don'tyousee?'
　　augmentedhertimidity，and，consequently，herperplexity。Forallthesereasons，whenheandsheandJohn，attowardsnineo'clockofawintereveningwenttoLondon，andbegandrivingfromLondonBridge，amonglow-lyingwater-sidewharvesanddocksandstrangeplaces，Bellawasinthestateofadreamer；perfectlyunabletoaccountforherbeingthere，perfectlyunabletoforecastwhatwouldhappennext，orwhithershewasgoing，orwhy；certainofnothingintheimmediatepresent，butthatsheconfidedinJohn，andthatJohnseemedsomehowtobegettingmoretriumphant。
　　Butwhatacertaintywasthat！
　　Theyalightedatlastatthecornerofacourt，wheretherewasabuildingwithabrightlampandwicketgate。Itsorderlyappearancewasveryunlikethatofthesurroundingneighbourhood，andwasexplainedbytheinscriptionPOLICESTATION。
　　'Wearenotgoinginhere，John?'saidBella，clingingtohim。
　　'Yes，mydear；butofourownaccord。Weshallcomeoutagainaseasily，neverfear。'
　　Thewhitewashedroomwaspurewhiteasofold，themethodicalbook-keepingwasinpeacefulprogressasofold，andsomedistanthowlerwasbangingagainstacelldoorasofold。Thesanctuarywasnotapermanentabiding-place，butakindofcriminalPickford's。Thelowerpassionsandviceswereregularlytickedoffinthebooks，warehousedinthecells，cartedawayasperaccompanyinginvoice，andleftlittlemarkuponit。
　　MrInspectorplacedtwochairsforhisvisitors，beforethefire，andcommunedinalowvoicewithabrotherofhisorderalsoofahalf-pay，andRoyalArmsaspect，who，judgedonlybyhisoccupationatthemoment，mighthavebeenawriting-master，settingcopies。Theirconferencedone，MrInspectorreturnedtothefireplace，and，havingobservedthathewouldsteproundtotheFellowshipsandseehowmattersstood，wentout。Hesooncamebackagain，saying，'Nothingcouldbebetter，forthey'reatsupperwithMissAbbeyinthebar；'andthentheyallthreewentouttogether。
　　Still，asinadream，Bellafoundherselfenteringasnugold-
　　fashionedpublic-house，andfoundherselfsmuggledintoalittlethree-corneredroomnearlyoppositethebarofthatestablishment。
　　MrInspectorachievedthesmugglingofherselfandJohnintothisqueerroom，calledCosyinaninscriptiononthedoor，byenteringinthenarrowpassagefirstinorder，andsuddenlyturningrounduponthemwithextendedarms，asiftheyhadbeentwosheep。Theroomwaslightedfortheirreception。
　　'Now，'saidMrInspectortoJohn，turningthegaslower；'I'llmixwith'eminacasualway，andwhenIsayIdentification，perhapsyou'llshowyourself。'
　　Johnnodded，andMrInspectorwentalonetothehalf-doorofthebar。FromthedimdoorwayofCosy，withinwhichBellaandherhusbandstood，theycouldseeacomfortablelittlepartyofthreepersonssittingatsupperinthebar，andcouldheareverythingthatwassaid。
　　ThethreepersonswereMissAbbeyandtwomaleguests。Towhomcollectively，MrInspectorremarkedthattheweatherwasgettingsharpforthetimeofyear。
　　'Itneedbesharptosuityourwits，sir，'saidMissAbbey。'Whathaveyougotinhandnow?'
　　'Thankingyouforyourcompliment:notmuch，MissAbbey，'wasMrInspector'srejoinder。
　　'WhohaveyougotinCosy?'askedMissAbbey。
　　'Onlyagentlemanandhiswife，Miss。'
　　'Andwhoarethey?Ifonemayaskitwithoutdetrimenttoyourdeepplansintheinterestsofthehonestpublic?'saidMissAbbey，proudofMrInspectorasanadministrativegenius。
　　'Theyarestrangersinthispartofthetown，MissAbbey。TheyarewaitingtillIshallwantthegentlemantoshowhimselfsomewhere，forhalfamoment。'
　　'Whilethey'rewaiting，'saidMissAbbey，'couldn'tyoujoinus?'
　　MrInspectorimmediatelyslippedintothebar，andsatdownatthesideofthehalf-door，withhisbacktowardsthepassage，anddirectlyfacingthetwoguests。'Idon'ttakemysuppertilllaterinthenight，'saidhe，'andthereforeIwon'tdisturbthecompactnessofthetable。ButI'lltakeaglassofflip，ifthat'sflipinthejuginthefender。'
　　'That'sflip，'repliedMissAbbey，'andit'smymaking，andifevenyoucanfindoutbetter，Ishallbegladtoknowwhere。'Fillinghim，withhospitablehands，asteamingtumbler，MissAbbeyreplacedthejugbythefire；thecompanynothavingyetarrivedattheflip-stageoftheirsupper，butbeingasyetskirmishingwithstrongale。
　　'Ah——h！'criedMrInspector。'That'sthesmack！There'snotaDetectiveintheForce，MissAbbey，thatcouldfindoutbetterstuffthanthat。'
　　'Gladtohearyousayso，'rejoinedMissAbbey。'Yououghttoknow，ifanybodydoes。'
　　'MrJobPotterson，'MrInspectorcontinued，'Idrinkyourhealth。
　　MrJacobKibble，Idrinkyours。Hopeyouhavemadeaprosperousvoyagehome，gentlemenboth。'
　　MrKibble，anunctuousbroadmanoffewwordsandmanymouthfuls，said，morebrieflythanpointedly，raisinghisaletohislips:'Sametoyou。'MrJobPotterson，asemi-seafaringmanofobligingdemeanour，said，'Thankyou，sir。'
　　'Lordblessmysoulandbody！'criedMrInspector。'Talkoftrades，MissAbbey，andthewaytheysettheirmarksonmen'asubjectwhichnobodyhadapproached；'whowouldn'tknowyourbrothertobeaSteward！There'sabrightandreadytwinkleinhiseye，there'saneatnessinhisaction，there'sasmartnessinhisfigure，there'sanairofreliabilityabouthimincaseyouwantedabasin，whichpointsoutthesteward！AndMrKibble；ain'thePassenger，allover?Whilethere'sthatmercantilecutuponhimwhichwouldmakeyouhappytogivehimcreditforfivehundredpound，don'tyouseethesaltseashiningonhimtoo?'
　　'YOUdo，Idaresay，'returnedMissAbbey，'butIdon't。Andasforstewarding，Ithinkit'stimemybrothergavethatup，andtookhisHouseinhandonhissister'sretiring。TheHousewillgotopiecesifhedon't。Iwouldn'tsellitforanymoneythatcouldbetoldout，toapersonthatIcouldn'tdependupontobeaLawtothePorters，asIhavebeen。'
　　'Thereyou'reright，Miss，'saidMrInspector。'Abetterkepthouseisnotknowntoourmen。WhatdoIsay?Halfsowellakepthouseisnotknowntoourmen。ShowtheForcetheSixJollyFellowshipPorters，andtheForce——toaconstable——willshowyouapieceofperfection，MrKibble。'
　　Thatgentleman，withaveryseriousshakeofhishead，subscribedthearticle。
　　'AndtalkofTimeslippingbyyou，asifitwasananimalatrusticsportswithitstailsoaped，'saidMrInspectoragain，asubjectwhichnobodyhadapproached；'why，wellyoumay。Wellyoumay。Howhasitslippedbyus，sincethetimewhenMrJobPottersonherepresent，MrJacobKibbleherepresent，andanOfficeroftheForceherepresent，firstcametogetheronamatterofIdentification！'
　　Bella'shusbandsteppedsoftlytothehalf-doorofthebar，andstoodthere。
　　'HowhasTimeslippedbyus，'MrInspectorwentonslowly，withhiseyesnarrowlyobservantofthetwoguests，'sincewethreeverymen，atanInquestinthisveryhouse——MrKibble?Takenill，sir?'