CHAPTERLXVIII。
　　LARKIE。
　　Itwasalovelydayinspring。
　　“Please，Mr。Grant，“saidDavie，“mayIhaveaholiday？”
　　Donallookedathimwithalittlewonder：theboyhadneverbeforemadesucharequest！Butheansweredhimatonce。
　　“Yes，certainly，Davie。ButIshouldliketoknowwhatyouwantitfor。“
　　“Arkiewantsverymuchtohavearideto-day。ShesaysLarkie——I
　　gavehimhisname，torimewithArkie——shesaysLarkiewillforgether，andshedoesnotwishtogooutwithForgue，soshewantsmetogowithheronmypony。“
　　“Youwilltakegoodcareofher，Davie？”
　　“Iwilltakecareofher，butyouneednotbeanxiousaboutus，Mr。
　　Grant。Arkieisasplendidrider，andmuchpluckierthansheusedtobe！”
　　Donaldid，however——hecouldnothavesaidwhy——feelalittleanxiety。Herepresseditasunfaithfulness，butitkeptreturning。
　　Hecouldnotgowiththem——therewasnohorseforhim，andtogoonfoot，would，hefeared，spoiltheirride。HewassomuchafraidalsoofpresumingonladyArctura'sregardforhim，thathewouldhaveshrunkfromofferinghaditbeenmorefeasible。Hegotabook，andstrolledintothepark，notevengoingtoseethemoff：Forguemightbeaboutthestable，andmakethingsunpleasant！
　　HadForguebeenaboutthestable，hewould，Ithink，havesomehowmanagedtopreventtheride，forLarkie，thoughmuchbetter，wasnotyetcuredofhislameness。Arcturadidnotknowhehadbeenlame，orthathehadthereforebeenverylittleexercised，andwasnowratherwild，withapastern-jointfarfromequaltohisspirit。Therewasbutaboyaboutthestable，whoeitherdidnotunderstand，orwasafraidtospeak：sherodeinadangerofwhichsheknewnothing。Theconsequencewasthat，jumpingthemerestlittleditchinafieldoutsidethepark，theyhadafall。Thehorsegotupandtrottedlimpingtothestable；hismistresslaywhereshefell。Davie，wildwithmisery，gallopedhome。FromtheheightoftheparkDonalsawhimtearingalong，andknewsomethingwasamiss。Heran，gotoverthewall，foundthepony'strack，andfollowingit，camewhereArcturalay。
　　Therewasalittleclearwaterintheditch：hewethishandkerchief，andbathedherface。Shecametoherself，openedhereyeswithafaintsmile，andtriedtoraiseherself，butfellbackhelpless，andclosedhereyesagain。
　　“IbelieveIamhurt！”shemurmurmed。“IthinkLarkiemusthavefallen！”
　　Donalwouldhavecarriedher，butshemoanedso，thathegaveuptheideaatonce。Daviewasgoneforhelp；itwouldbebettertowait！
　　Hepulledoffhiscoatandlaiditoverher，thenkneeling，raisedherheadalittlefromthedampgrounduponhisarm。Shelethimdoashepleased，butdidnotopenhereyes。
　　Theyhadnotlongtowait。Severalcamerunning，amongthemlordForgue。Hefellbesidehiscousinonhisknees，andtookherhandinhis。Sheneithermovednorspoke。Asinsteadofdoinganythinghemerelypersistedinclaimingherattention，Donalsawitwasforhimtogiveorders。
　　“Myladyismuchhurt，“hesaid：“oneofyougoatonceforthedoctor；theothersbringahand-barrow——Iknowthereisoneabouttheplace。Laythesquabofasofaonit，andmakehaste。LetmistressBrookesknow。“
　　“Mindyourownbusiness，“saidForgue。
　　“DoasMr。Granttellsyou，“saidladyArctura，withoutopeninghereyes。
　　Themendepartedrunning。Forguerosefromhisknees，andwalkedslowlytoalittledistance，wherehestoodgnawinghislip。
　　“Mylord，“saidDonal，“pleaserunandfetchalittlebrandyforherladyship。Shehasfainted。“
　　WhatcouldForguedobutobey！Hestartedatonce，andwithtolerablespeed。ThenArcturaopenedhereyes，andsmiled。
　　“Areyousufferingmuch，mylady？”askedDonal。
　　“Agooddeal，“sheanswered，“butIdon'tmindit——Thankyoufornotleavingme——ItisnomorethanIcanbear，onlybadwhenItrytomove。“
　　“Theywillnotbelongnow，“hesaid。
　　Againsheclosedhereyes，andwassilent。Donalwatchedthesweetface，whichacloudofsufferingwouldeverynowandthencross，andlifteduphishearttothesaviourofmen。
　　Hesawthemcomingwiththeextemporizedlitter，behindthemmistressBrookes，withForgueandoneofthemaids。
　　Whenshecameup，sheaddressedherselfinsilencetoDonal。Hetoldherhefearedherladyship'sspinewashurt，Afterhisdirectionsheputherhandsunderherandthemaidtookherfeet，whilehe，placinghisotherarmunderhershoulders，andgentlyrising，raisedherbody。Beingallstrongandgentle，theymanagedthemovingwell，andlaidherslowlyonthelitter。Exceptamoanortwo，andagatheringofthebrows，shegavenosignofsuffering；nothingtobecalledacryescapedher。
　　Donalattheheadandagroomatthefoot，liftedthelitter，andwithorderedstep，startedforthehouse。OnceortwicesheopenedhereyesandlookedupatDonal，then，asifsatisfied，closedthemagain。Beforetheyreachthehousethedoctormetthem，fortheyhadtowalkslowly。
　　Forguecamebehindinadevilishhumour。HeknewthatfirsthisillusageofLarkie，andthenhispreventinganythingbeingsaidaboutit，musthavebeenthecauseoftheaccident；buthefeltwithsomesatisfaction——forselfsimplymakesdevilsofus——thatifshehadnotrefusedtogooutwithhim，itwouldnothavehappened；hewouldnothaveallowedhertomountLarkie。“Servedherright！”hecaughthimselfsayingonce，andwasashamed——butpresentlysaiditagain。
　　Selfisasfullofwormsasitcanhold；Goddeliverusfromit！
　　CHAPTERLXIX。
　　THESICK-CHAMBER。
　　Shewascarriedtoherroomandlaidonherbed。ThedoctorrequestedMrs。BrookesandDonaltoremain，anddismissedtherest，thenproceededtoexamineher。Therewerenobonesbroken，hesaid，butshemustbekeptveryquiet。Thewindowsmustbedarkened，andshemustifpossiblesleep。ShegaveDonalafaintsmile，andapitifulglance，butdidnotspeak。Ashewasfollowingthedoctorfromtheroom，shemadeasigntoMrs。Brookeswithhereyesthatshewantedtospeaktohim。
　　Hecame，andbentovertohear，forshespokeveryfeebly。
　　“Youwillcomeandseeme，Mr。Grant？”
　　“Iwill，indeed，mylady。“
　　“Everyday？”
　　“Yes，mostcertainly，“hereplied。
　　Shesmiled，andsodismissedhim。Hewentwithhisheartfull。
　　AlittlewayfromthedoorstoodForgue，waitingforhimtocomeout。Hehadsentthedoctortohisfather。Donalpassedhimwithabendofthehead。Hefollowedhimtotheschoolroom。
　　“Itistimethisfarcewasover，Grant！”hesaid。
　　“Farce，mylord！”repeatedDonalindignantly。
　　“Theseattentionstomylady。“
　　“IhavepaidhernomoreattentionthanIwouldyourlordship，hadyourequiredit，“answeredDonalsternly。
　　“Thatwouldhavebeenconvenientdoubtless！Buttherehasbeenenoughofhumbug，andnowforanendtoit！Eversinceyoucamehere，youhavebeenatworkonthemindofthatinexperiencedgirl——withyourdamnedreligion！——forwhatendyouknowbest！andnowyou'vehalfkilledherbypersuadinghertogooutwithyouinsteadofme！Thebrutewaslameandnotfittoride！Anyfoolmighthaveseenthat！”
　　“Ihadnothingtodowithhergoing，mylord。SheaskedDavietogowithher，andhehadaholidayonpurpose。“
　　“Allveryfine，but——“
　　“Mylord，Ihavetoldyouthetruth，butnottojustifymyself：youmustbeawareyouropinionisofnovalueinmyeyes！Buttellmeonething，mylord：ifmylady'shorsewaslame，howwasitshedidnotknow？Youdid！”
　　ForguethoughtDonalknewmorethanhedid，andwastakenaback。
　　“Itistimetheplacewasclearofyou！”hesaid。
　　“Iamyourfather'sservant，notyours，“answeredDonal，“anddonottroublemyselfastoyourpleasureconcerningme。ButIthinkitisonlyfairtowarnyouthat，thoughyoucannothurtme，nothingbuthonestycantakeyououtofmypower。“
　　Forgueturnedonhisheel，wenttohisfather，andtoldhimheknewnowthatDonalwasprejudicingthemindofladyArcturaagainsthim；
　　butnotuntilitcameinthecourseoftheconversation，didhementiontheaccidentshehadhad。
　　Theearlprofessedhimselfgreatlyshocked，gotupwithsomethingalmostlikealacrityfromhissofa，andwentdowntoinquireafterhisniece。HewouldhavecompelledMrs。Brookestoadmithim，butshewasdeterminedherladyshouldnotbewakedfromasleepinvaluabletoher，forthesakeofreceivinghiscondolements，andhehadtoreturntohisroomwithoutgaininganything。
　　Ifsheweretogo，thepropertywouldbehis，andhecouldwillitashepleased——thatwas，ifsheleftnowill。Hesentforhissonandcautionedhimoverandovertodonothingtooffendher，butwait：whatmightcome，whocouldtell！Itmightproveaseriousaffair！
　　Forguetriedtofeelshockedatthecoolnessofhisfather'sspeculation，butallowedthat，ifshewasdeterminednottoreceivehimasherhusband，thenextbestthing，intheexigenceofaffairs，wouldcertainlybethatsheshouldleaveaworldforwhoseusesshewasillfitted，andgowhereshewouldbehappier。Thethingsshewouldthenhavenofartherneedof，wouldbewelcometothosetowhombyrighttheybelongedmorereallythantoher！Shewasapleasantthingtolookupon，andifshehadlovedhimhewouldratherhavehadthepropertywiththanwithouther；buttherewasthisadvantage，hewouldbeleftfreetochoose！
　　LadyArcturalaysuffering，feverish，andrestless。Mrs。Brookeswouldletnoonesitupwithherbutherself。Theearlwouldhavesentfor“asuitablenurse！”afriendofhisinLondonwouldfindone！butshewouldnothearofit。Andbeforethenightwasovershehadgreaterreasonstillforrefusingtoyieldherpost：itwasevidentheryoungmistresswasmoreoccupiedwithDonalGrantthanwiththepainshewassuffering！Inherdeliriumshewasconstantlydesiringhispresence。“Iknowhecanhelpme，“shewouldsay；“heisashepherd，liketheLordhimself！”AndmistressBrookes，thoughbynomeansdevoidoftheprejudicesoftherankwithwhichherlifehadbeensomuchassociated，couldnotbutallowthatanoblerlifemustbepossiblewithonelikeDonalGrantthanwithonelikelordForgue。
　　InthemiddleofthenightArcturabecamesounquiet，thathernurse，callingthemaidshehadinaroomnear，flewlikeabirdtoDonal，andaskedhimtocomedown。Hehadbutpartiallyundressed，thinkinghishelpmightbewanted，andwasdownalmostassoonasshe。Erehecame，however，shehaddismissedthemaid。
　　Donalwenttothebedside。Arcturawasmoaningandstarting，sometimesopeninghereyes，butdistinguishingnothing。Herhandlayonthecounterpane：helaidhisuponit。Shegaveasighasofonerelieved；asmilecameflickeringoverherface，andshelaystillforsometime。Donalsatdownbesideher，andwatched。Themomenthesawherbegintoberestlessorlookdistressed，helaidhishanduponhers；shewasimmediatelyquiet，andlayforatimeasifsheknewherselfsafe。Whensheseemedabouttowake，hewithdrew。
　　Sothingswentonformanynights。DonalsleptinsteadofworkingwhenhisdutieswithDaviewereover，andlayatnightinthecorridor，wraptinhisplaid。ForevenafterArcturabegantorecover，hernightsweresorelytroubled，andherrestorationwouldhavebeenmuchretarded，hadnotDonalbeenneartomakeherfeelshewasnotabandonedtotheterrorsshepassedthrough。
　　Onenighttheearl，wanderingaboutintheanomalousconditionofneitherghostnorgenuinemortal，camesuddenlyuponwhathetookforahugeanimalinwaittodevour。Hewasnotterrified，forhewasaccustomedtosuchthings，andthoughtatfirstitwasnotofthisworld：hehadnodoubtoftherealityofhisvisions，evenwhenheknewtheywereinvisibletoothers，andeveninhiswakingmomentshadbeguntobelieveinthemasmuchasinthethingsthenevidenttohim——orrather，perhaps，todisbelieveequallyinboth。
　　Heapproachedtoseewhatitwas，andstoodstaringdownuponthemass。Gentlyitroseandconfrontedhim——ifconfrontingthatmaybecalledwherethefaceremainedsoundefined——forDonaltookcaretokeephisplaidoverhishead：hehadhopeintheprobableconditionoftheearl！Heturnedfromhimandwalkedaway。
　　CHAPTERLXX。
　　APLOT。
　　Buthislordshiphadhissuspicions，andtookmeasurestoconfirmorsetthematrest——withtheresultthatheconcludedDonalmadlyinlovewithhisniece，andunable，whileshewasill，torestanywherebut，withthedevotionofasavage，outsideherdoor：ifhedidnottakeprecautions，theloutwouldoustthelord！EversinceDonalspokesoplainlyagainsthisself-indulgence，hehadnotmerelyhatedbutfearedthecountrylad。HerecognizedthatDonalfearednothing，hadnorespectofpersons，wouldspeakoutbeforetheworld。Hewasdoubtfulalsowhetherhehadnotallowedhimtoknowmorethanitwaswellheshouldknow。Itwastimetogetridofhim——onlyitmustbedonecautiously，withtheappearanceofagoodunderstanding！Ifhehadhimoutofthehousebeforeshewasabletoseehimagain，thatwoulddo！Andifinthemeantimesheshoulddie，allwouldbewell！Hisdistrust，onceroused，wentfartherthanthatofhisson。Hehadnotthesameconfidenceinblueblood；heknewafewthingsmorethanForgue——believeditquitepossiblethatthedaughterofalongdescentoflordsandladiesshouldfallinlovewithashepherd-lad。Andasnoonecouldtellwhatmighthavetobedoneifthelegalownerofthepropertypersistedinrefusingherhandtotherightfulownerofit，thefellowmightbeseriouslyintheway！
　　Arcturaslowlyrecovered。Shehadnotyetleftherroom，buthadbeenafewhoursonthecoucheverydayforafortnight，andthedoctor，nowsanguineofherfinalrecovery，begantotalkofcarryinghertothelibrary。Theearl，whoneversuspectedthatMrs。
　　Brookes，havinghithertokepthimselffromherroom，wouldadmitthetutor，themomenthelearnedthatthelibrarywasinviewforher，decidedthattheremustbenomoredelay。Hehadbythistimecontrivedaneatlittleplan。
　　HesentforDonal。Hehadbeenthinking，theearlsaid，thathemustwantaholiday：hehadnotseenhisparentssincehecametothecastle！andhehadbeenthinkingbesides，howdesirableitwasthatDavieshouldseesomeotherphasesoflifethanthosetowhichhehadhithertobeenaccustomed。Therewasgreatdangerofboysbroughtupinhispositiongettingnarrow，andcarelessofthelivesandfeelingsoftheirfellowmen！HewouldtakeitasagreatkindnessifDonal，whohadaregardtotherealeducationofhispupil，wouldtakehimtohishome，andlethimunderstandthewaysoflifeamongthehumblerclassesofthenation——sothat，ifeverhewentintoparliament，hemighthavetheadvantageofknowingtheheartofthepeopleforwhomhewouldhavetolegislate。
　　Donallistened，andcouldnotbutagreewiththeremarksofhislordship。Inhimselfhehadnottheleastfaith——wonderedindeedwhichofthemthoughttheotherthegreaterfooltoimaginethatafterallthathadpassedDonalwouldplaceanyconfidenceinwhattheearlsaid；buthelistened。WhatlordMorvenreallyhadinhismind，hecouldnotsurmise；butnotthelesstotakeDavietohisfatherandmotherwasadelightfulidea。Theboywasgrowingfast，andhadrevealedafacultyquiterareinonesoyoung，forlookingtotheheartofthings，andseeingtherelationofmantoman；
　　thereforesuchalessonastheearlproposedwouldindeedbeinvaluabletohim！Thenagain，thisfacultyhadbeenopenedinhimthroughawillingperceptionofthoseeternaltruths，inastillhigherrelationofpersons，whichareopenonlytothechildlikenature；whencehewouldbeespeciallyfittedforsuchcompanyasthatofhisfatherandmother，whocouldnoweasilyreceivetheboyaswellashimself，sincetheirhouseandtheirgeneralworldlyconditionhadbeensomuchbetteredbytheirfriend，sirGibbie！
　　WiththemDaviewouldseegenuinelife，simplicity，dignity，andunselfishness——theveryembodimentofthethingsheheldconstantlybeforehim！Theremightbesomeotherreasonbehindtheearl'srequestwhichitwouldbewellforhimtoknow；buthewouldsoonerdiscoverthatbyafreeconsentthanbyhangingback：anythingbaditcouldhardlybe！HeshrankindeedfromleavingladyArcturawhileshewasyetsofarfromwell，butshewasgettingwellmuchfasternow：forafortnighttherehadbeennonecessityforhispresencetosootheherwhilesheslept。Neitherdidsheyetknow，sofar，atleast，asheormistressBrookeswasaware，thathehadeverbeennearherinthenight！ItwaswellalsobecauseofthepositionofthingsbetweenhimandlordForgue，thatheshouldbeawayforawhile：itwouldgiveachanceforthatfoolishsoultosettledown，andletcommonsenseassumethereins，whileyetthebettercoachmanwasnotallowedtomountthebox！Hehad，ofcourse，heardnothingofthestrainedrelationsbetweenhimandladyArctura；hemightotherwisehavebeenalittlemoreanxious。Fortheearl，Davie，hethought，wouldbeakindofpledgeorhostage——inregardofwhat，hecouldnotspecify；but，thoughhelittlesuspectedwhatsuchamanwascapableofsacrificingtogainacherishedend，somesecurityforhim，someholdoverhim，seemedtoDonalnotundesirable。
　　WhenDavieheardtheproposal，hewaswildwithjoy。Actuallytoseethemountains，andthesheep，andthecolleys，ofwhichDonalhadtoldhimsuchwonderfulthings！Tobeoutallnight，perhaps，withDonalandthedogsandthestarsandthewinds！Perhapsastormwouldcome，andhewouldlieinDonal'splaidundersomegreatrock，andhearthewindroaringaroundthem，butnotabletogetatthem！
　　Andthesheepwouldcomeandhuddlecloseuptothem，andkeepthemwarmwiththeirwoollysides！andhewouldstroketheirheadsandlovethem！Daviewasnolongeramerechild——farfromit；butwhatisloveliestinthechild'sheartwasonlythestrongerinhim；andtheprospectofgoingwithDonalwasathingtobedreamedofdayandnighttillitcame！Norwerethedaysmanybeforetheirdeparturewasdefinitelysettled。
　　TheearlwouldhaveMr。Granttreathispupilpreciselyasoneofhisownstanding：hemighttakehimonfootifhepleased！
　　Thesuggestionwaseagerlyacceptedbyboth。Theygottheirboxesreadyforthecarrier，packedtheirwallets，andonelovelymorninglateinspring，justassummerwasshowingherwomanlyfacethroughitssmilesandtears，theysetouttogether。
　　ItwaswithnosmalldismaythatArcturaheardoftheproposal。Shesaidnothing，however——onlywhenDonalcametotakehisleaveshebrokedownalittle。
　　“Weshalloftenwish，DavieandI，thatyouwerewithus，mylady，“
　　hesaid。
　　“Why？”sheasked，unabletosaymore。
　　“Becauseweshalloftenfeelhappy，andwhatthencanwedobutwishyousharedourhappiness！”
　　Sheburstintotears，andpresentlywasabletospeak。
　　“Don'tthinkmesilly，“shesaid。“IknowGodiswithme，andassoonasyouaregoneIwillgotohimtocomfortme。ButIcannothelpfeelingasifyouwereleavingmelikealambamongwolves。I
　　cangivenoreasonforit；Ionlyfeelasifsomedangerwerenearme。ButIhaveyouyet，mistressBrookes：Godandyouwilltakecareofme！——Indeed，ifIhadn'tyou，“sheadded，laughingthroughhertears，“IshouldrunawaywithMr。GrantandDavie！”
　　“IfIhadknownyoufeltlikethat，“saidDonal，“Iwouldnothavegone。YetIhardlyseehowIcouldhaveavoidedit，beingDavie'stutor，andboundtodoashisfatherwisheswithhim。Only，dearladyArctura，thereisnochanceinthisorinanything！Wewillnotforgetyou，andinthreeweeksoramonthweshallbeback。“
　　“Thatisalongtime，“saidArctura，readytoweepagain。
　　Isitnecessarytosayshewasnotaweakwoman？Itisnotbetrayaloffeeling，butavoidanceofduty，thatconstitutesweakness。Afteranillnesshehasbornelikeahero，astrongmanmaybereadytoweeplikeachild。Whatthecommonpeopleofsocietythinkaboutstrengthandweakness，ispoorstuff，liketherestoftheirwisdom。
　　Shespeedilyrecoveredhercomposure，andwiththegentlestsmilebadeDonalgood-bye。Shewasinhersitting-roomnextthestate-chamberwhereshenowslept；thesunwasshininginattheopenwindow，andwithitcamethesongofalittlebird，clearandsweet。
　　“Youhearhim，“saidDonal。“——howhetrustsGodwithoutknowingit！
　　Wearemadeabletotrusthimknowinginwhomwebelieve！Ah，dearladyArctura！noheartevenyetcantellwhatthingsGodhasinstoreforthemwhowilljustlethimhavehiswaywiththem。
　　Good-bye。WritetomeifanythingcomestoyouthatIcanhelpyouin。AndbesureIwillmakehastetoyouthemomentyouletmeknowyouwantme。“
　　“Thankyou，Mr。Grant：Iknowyoumeaneverywordyousay！IfIneedyou，Iwillnothesitatetosendforyou——onlyifyoucome，itwillbeasmyfriend，andnot——“
　　“Itwillbeasyourservant，notlordMorven's，“saidDonal。“I
　　quiteunderstand。Goodbye。ThefatherofJesusChrist，whowassosureofhim，willtakecareofyou：donotbeafraid。“
　　Heturnedandwent；hecouldnolongerbearthelookofhereyes。
　　CHAPTERLXXI。
　　GLASHGAR。
　　OutofArctura'ssightDonalhadhisturnofso-calledweakness！
　　Thedaywasagloriousone，andDavie，fullofspirits，couldnotunderstandwhyheseemedsounlikehimself。
　　“Arkiewouldscoldyou，Mr。Grant！”hesaid。
　　Donalavoidedthetown，andwalkedalongwayroundtogetintotheroadbeyondit，hisheadbentasifhewereponderingapain。Atmomentshefeltasifhemustreturnatonce，andrefusetoleavethecastleforanyreason。ButhecouldnotseethatitwasthewillofGodheshoulddoso。Apresentimentisnotacommand。Aprophecymayfailoftheleastindicationofduty。HamletdefyingauguryistheconsistentreligiousmanShaksperetakespainstoshowhim。A
　　presentimentmaybetrue，maybefromGodhimself，yetinvolvenoreasonwhyamanshouldchangehisway，shouldturnastepasidefromthepathbeforehim。St。PaulreceivedwarningafterwarningonhisroadtoJerusalemthatbondsandimprisonmentawaitedhim，andthesewarningsheknewcamefromthespiritofprophecy，butheheededthemonlytosethisfacelikeaflint。Heknewbetterthanimaginedutydeterminedbyconsequences，ortakeforesightfordirection。Thereisahigherguide，andhefollowedthat。SodidDonalnow。Movedtogoback，hedidnotgoback——neitherafterwardsrepentedthathedidnot。
　　Iwillnotdescribethejourney。Sufficeittosaythat，afterafewdaysofsuchwalkingasbefittedanunaccustomedboy，theyclimbedthelasthill，crossedthethresholdofRobertGrant'scottage，andwerebothclaspedintheembraceofJanet。ForDavierushedintothearmsofDonal'smother，andshetookhimtothesamehearttowhichshehadtakenweesirGibbie：thebosomofthepeasantwomanwasindeedonetofeeto。
　　ThenfolloweddelightswhichmorethanequalledtheexpectationsofDavie。OneofthemwasseeinghowDonalwasloved。Anotherwasanewsenseoffreedom：hehadneverimaginedsuchlibertyashenowenjoyed。ItwasasifGodweregivingittohim。freshoutofhissky，hismountains，hiswinds。Thentherewasthetwilightonthehill-side，withthesheepgrowingduskyaroundhim；whenDonalwouldtalkabouttheshepherdofthehumansheep；andhearinghimDaviefeltnotonlythattherewasonce，butthatthereisnowamanaltogetherlovely——theheartofallbeautyeverywhere——amanwhogavehimselfuptohisperfectfatherandhisfather'smostimperfectchildren，thathemightbringhisbrothersandsistershometotheirfather；forallhisdelightisinhisfatherandhisfather'schildren。HeshowedhimhowtheheartofJesuswas，allthrough，theheartofason，asonthatadoredhisperfectfather；
　　andhowifhehadnothadhisperfectsontohelphim，Godcouldnothavemadeanyofus，couldneverhavegotustobehislittlesonsanddaughters，lovinghimwithallourmight。ThenDavie'sheartwouldglow，andhewouldfeelreadytodowhateverthatsonmightwanthimtodo；andDonalhoped，andhadgoodgroundforhoping，that，whenthehouroftrialcame，theyouthwouldbeabletohold，notmerelybytheunseen，butbytheseeminglyunpresentandunfelt，inthenameoftheeternallytrue。
　　Donal'syouthbegantoseemfarbehindhim。AllbitternesswasgoneoutofhismemoriesofladyGalbraith。Helovedhertenderly，butwaspleasedsheshouldbeGibbie's。
　　HowmuchofthishappychangewasowingtohisinterestinladyArcturahedidnotinquire：greatlyinterestedinher——moreinveryimportantwaysthanhehadeverbeeninladyGalbraith——hewassojealousofhisheart，shranksomuchfromthedangeroffolly，knewsowellhowsmallanamountofyieldingmightunfithimforthemanlyandfreshperformanceofhisduties——amongwhichcamefirstadueregardforherwell-beinglestheshouldhimselffailormisleadher——thatheoftenturnedhisthoughtsintoanotherchannel，lestinthattheyshouldruntooswiftly，deepenittoofast，andgofartoimprisonthemselvesinanotheragony。
　　ToladyGalbraithheconfidedhisuneasinessaboutladyArctura——notthathecouldexplain——hecouldonlyconfesshimselfinfectedwithheruneasiness，andtheratherthatheknewbetterthanshethenatureofthosewithwhomshemighthavetocope。IfMrs。Brookeshadnotbeenthere，hedarednothavecomeaway，hesaid，leavingherwithsuchadreaduponher。
　　SirGibbielistenedopen-mouthedtothetaleofthefindingofthelostchapel，hiddenawaybecauseitheldthedustofthedead，andperhapssometimestheirwanderingghosts。
　　Theyassuredhimthat，ifhewouldbringladyArcturatothem，theywouldtakecareofher：hadshenotbettergiveupthewearyproperty，theysaid，andcomeandlivewiththem，andbefreeasthelark？ButDonalsaid，that，ifGodhadgivenheraproperty，hewouldnothaveherforsakeherpost，butwaitforhimtorelieveher。Shemustadministerherownkingdomereshecouldhaveanabundantentranceintohis！Onlyhewishedhewerenearheragaintohelpher！
　　CHAPTERLXXII。
　　SENT，NOTCALLED。
　　Hehadbeenathomeabouttendays，duringwhichnotawordhadcometoDavieorhimselffromthecastle，andwasbeginningtogrow，notperhapsanxious，buthungryfornewsofladyArctura，whenfromasoundsleephestartedsuddenlyawakeonemidnighttofindhismotherbyhisbedside：shehadrousedhimwithdifficulty。
　　“Laddie，“shesaid，“I'mthinkinye'rewantit。“
　　“WhauramIwantit，mother？”heasked，rubbinghiseyes，butwithanxietyalreadythrobbingathisheart。
　　“Atthecastle，“shereplied。
　　“Hookenyethat？”heasked。
　　“Itwadbeilltellin'ye，“sheanswered。“ButgienIwasyou，Donal，Iwadbeaffaforethedaybrak，toseewhatthey'reduin'
　　wi'yonpuirleddyatthemuckleplaceyeleft。Myhert'sthatsairaboother，IcannarestamomenttillIhaeyeawa'upo'thero'dtilher！”
　　Longbeforehismotherhadended，Donalwasoutofbed，andhurryingonhisclothes。Hehadtheprofoundestfaithinwhateverhismothersaid。Wasitavisionshehadhad？Hehadneverbeentoldshehadthesecondsight！Itmighthavebeenonlyadream，oranimpressionsodeepshemustheedit！Onethingwasplain：therewasnotimetoaskquestions！Itwasenoughthathismothersaid“Go；“morethanenoughthatitwasforladyArctura！Howquickestcouldhego？TherewerehorsesatsirGibbie's：hewouldmakefreewithone！Heputacrustofbreadinhispocket，andsetoutrunning。Therewasalittlemoonlight，enoughforonewhokneweveryfootoftheway；andinhalfanhourofswiftdescent，hewasatthestabledoorofGlashruach。
　　Findinghimselfunabletorouseanyone，hecreptthroughawayheknew，openedthedoor，withoutamoment'shesitationsaddledandbridledsirGibbie'sfavouritemare，ledherout，andmountedher。
　　Safeinthesaddle，withfourlegsbusyunderhim，hehadtimetothink，andbegantoturnoverinhismindwhathemustdo。Buthesoonsawtherewasnoplanninganythingtillheknewwhatwasthematter——ofwhichhehaddreadfulforebodings。Hisimaginationstartedandspurredbyfear，hethoughtofmanydreadpossibilitiesconcerningwhichhewonderedthathehadneverthoughtofthembefore：ifhehadhecouldnothaveleftthecastle！Whatmightnotamaninthementalandmoralconditionoftheearl，unrestrainedbylaworconscience，risktosecurethepropertyforhisson？Mighthenotpoisonher，smotherher，killhersomehow，anyhowthatwassafest？Thenrushedintohismindwhatthehousekeeperhadtoldhimofhiscrueltytohiswife：amanlikethat，nolongerfeeling，howeverknowingthedifferencebetweenrightandwrong，hardlyknowingthedifferencebetweendreamingathinganddoingthething，wasnofittermemberofafamilythananydevilinoroutofhell！
　　Hewouldhaveblamedhimselfbitterlyhadhenotbeensurehewasnotfollowinghisownwillingoingaway。Iftherewereabetterwayithadnotbeenintendedheshouldtakeit，elseitwouldhavebeenshownhim！Butnowhewouldberestrainedbynodelicacytowardstheearl：whateverhishandfoundtodohewoulddo，regardlessofappearances！IfhecouldnotreachladyArctura，hewouldseekthehelpofthelaw，tellwhatheknew，andgetawarrantofsearch。Hedarednotthinkwhathedreaded，buthewouldtrustnothingbutseeingherwithhisowneyes，andhearingfromherownmouththatallwaswell——whichcouldnotbe，elsewhyshouldhismotherhavesenthimtoher？Doubtlessthewaywouldunfoldbeforehimashewenton；butifeverythingshouldseemtogoagainsthim，hewouldyetsaywithsirPhilipSidneythat，“sinceamanisboundnofarthertohimselfthantodowisely，chanceisonlytotroublethemthatstanduponchance。“Ifhisplansorattemptsshouldoneaftertheotherfail，“there'sadivinitythatshapesourends，rough-hewthemhowwewill“！Soherodeon，carefuloverhismare，lestmuchhasteshouldbelittlespeed。Theanimalwasstrongandingoodcondition，andbythetimeDonalhadseenthesunrise，ascendtheheavens，andgohalf-waydowntheirwesternslope，andhadstoppedthreetimestorefreshthemare，hefoundhimself，aftermuchclimbinganddescent，onagoodlevelroadthatpromisedbynightfalltobringhimtotheplaceofhisdesire。
　　Butthemarewasnowgettingtired，andnowonder，forshehadhadmorethanahardday'swork。Donaldismountedeverynowandthentorelieveher，thathemightgothefasterwhenhemountedagain，comfortinghimselfthatinthetruepaththedelaysareasimportantasthespeed；forthehouristhepoint，nottheswiftness：anhourtoosoonmayevenbemoredisastrousthananhourtoolate！Hewouldarriveattherighttimeforhimwhosewaysarenotasourwaysinasmuchastheyaregreatlybetter！Thesunwentdownandthestarscameout，andthelongtwilightbegan。Butbeforehewasamilefartherhebecameawarethattheskyhadcloudedover，thestarshadvanished，andrainwasathand。Thedayhadbeensultry，andreliefwascome。Lightningflamedout，anddarknessfullofthunderfollowed。Thestormwasdrawingnearer，buthismare，thoughyoungandhigh-spirited，wastoowearytobefrightened；therainrefreshedboth，andtheymadealittlemorespeed。Butitwasdarknight，withnowgrumblingnowragingstorm，beforetheycamewhere，haditbeenlight，Donalwouldhavelookedtoseethecastle。
　　CHAPTERLXXIII。
　　INTHENIGHT。
　　Whenhereachedthetown，herodeintotheyardoftheMorvenArms，andhavingfoundasleepyostler，gaveuphismare：hewouldbebetterwithoutheratthecastle！——whitherhewassettingouttowalkwhenthelandlordappeared。
　　“Wedidnaluiktoseeyou，sir，atthistime！”hesaid。
　　“Whynot？”returnedDonal。
　　“Wethouchtyewasawa'forthesimmer，seein'yetuiktheyoonggentlemanwi'ye，an'theyerlhimsel'followt！”
　　“Whereishegone？”askedDonal。
　　“Oh！dinnayeken，sir？haenayeh'ard？”
　　“Notaword。“
　　“That'sverrastrange，sir！——There'sacleanclearanceatthecastel。FirstgaedmylordForgue，an'synemylordhimsel'an'mylady，an'synegaedthehoosekeeper——hermitherwasdeein'，theysaid。I'mthinkin'theremaunbeaweddin'tothefore。Therewassomewordo'fittin'uptheauldhoosei'thetoon，'causelordForguedidnacareabootbein'atthecastelonylanger。It'sstrangeyehaenah'ard，sir！”
　　Donalstoodabsorbedinawfulhearing。Surelysomelettermusthavemiscarried！Thesureandfirm-setearthseemedgivingwayunderhisfeet。
　　“Iwillrunuptothecastle，andhearallaboutit，“hesaid。“Lookaftermymare，willyou？”
　　“ButI'mtellin'ye，sir，ye'llfin'naebodythere！”saidtheman。
　　“They'rea'ganefraethehooseonygait。There'snoasowlabootthatbutdeifBettyLobban，whawadnaheartheangelwi'thelasttrump。Mairbytoken，she'sthatfeartforrobbersshegangstilherbedtheminuteitbeginstogrowdark，an'sticksherheid'aneththebed-claes——no'atthatmaksheronydeifer！”
　　“Thenyouthinkthereisnouseingoingup？”
　　“Notthesmallest，“answeredtheinn-keeper。
　　“Getmesomesupperthen。Iwilltakealookatmymare。“
　　Hewentandsawthatshewasattendedto——thensetoffforthecastleasfastashislegswouldcarryhim。Therewasfoulplaybeyondadoubt！——ofwhatsorthecouldnottell！Iftheman'sreportwascorrect，hewouldgostraighttothepolice！Thenfirstheremembered，inadditiontotheotherreportedabsences，thatbeforeheleftwithDavie，thefactorandhissisterhadgonetogetherforaholiday：hadthisbeencontrived？
　　Hemountedthehillanddrewnearthecastle。Aterriblegloomfelluponhim：therewasnotalightinthesullenpile！Itwasdarksomeeventoterror！Hewenttothemainentrance，andrangthegreatbellasloudashecouldringit，buttherewasnoanswertothesummons，whichechoedandyelledhorribly，asifthehousewereactuallyempty。Herangagain，andagaincamethehorribleyellingecho，butnomoreanswerthanifithadbeenamausoleum。Hehadbeentoldwhattoexpect，yethisheartsankwithinhim。Oncemoreherangandwaited；buttherewasnosoundofhearing。Theplacegrewterribletohim。Buthismotherhadsenthimthere，andintoithemustgo！Hemustatleastlearnwhetheritwasindeedabandoned！
　　Therewasfalseplay！hekeptrepeatingtohimself；butwhatwasit？
　　whereandhowwasittobemet？
　　Astogettingintothehousetherewasnodifficulty。HehadbuttoclimbtwowallstogettothedoorofBaliol'stower，andthekeyofthathealwayscarried。Ifhehadnothadit，hewouldyetsoonhavegotin；heknewtheplacebetterthananyoneelseaboutit。Happilyhehadleftthedoorlockedwhenhewentaway，elseprobablytheywouldhavesecureditotherwise。Heenteredsoftly，and，withastrangefeelingofdread，wentwindingupthestairtohisroom——slowly，becausehedidnotyetknowatallwhathewastodo。
　　Iftherewerenofalseplay，surelyatleastMrs。Brookeswouldhavewrittentotellhimtheyweregoing！Ifonlyhecouldlearnwhereshewas！Beforehereachedthetophefoundhimselfveryweary。Hestaggeredin，andfellonhisbedinthedark。
　　Buthecouldnotrest。Theairseemedstifling。Thestormhadlulled，buttheatmospherewasfullofthunder。Hegotupandopenedthewindow。Alittlebreathcameinandrevivedhim；thencamealittlewind，andinthewindthemoanofitsharp。Itwokemanymemories。Thereagainwasthelightning！Thethunderbrokewithagreatbellowingroaramongtheroofsandchimneys。Itwastohismind！Hewentoutontheroof，andmechanicallytookhiswaytowardthenestofthemusic。Atthebaseofthechimneyshesatdown，andstaredintothedarkness。Thelightningcame；hesawthesealiewatchinglikeaperfectpeacetotakeupdriftsouls，andthelandborderingitlikeawasteofdread；thenthedarknessswallowedboth；andthethundercamesoloudthatitnotonlydeafenedbutseemedtoblindhimbeyondthedarkness，thathisbrainturnedtoalumpofclay。Thencameasilence，andthesilencewaslikeadeeperdeafness。Butfromthedeafnessburstandtrickledafaintdoubtfulstream：coulditbeavoice，calling，calling，fromagreatdistance？Washethefoolofwearinessandexcitement，ordidheactuallyhearhisownname？WhosevoicecoulditbebutladyArctura's，callingtohimfromthespiritworld！Theyhadkilledher，andshewascallingtolethimknowshewasinthelandofliberty！Withthatcameanotherflashandanotherroarofthunder——andtherewasthevoiceagain：“Mr。Grant！Mr。Grant！come，come！Youpromised！”Didheactuallyhearthewords？Theysoundedsofarawaythatitseemedasifheoughtnottohearthem。Butcouldthevoicebefromthespirit-land？Wouldsheclaimhispromisethence，temptinghimthither？Shewouldnot！Andsheknewhewouldnotgobeforehishour，ifallthespiritsontheothersidewerecallinghim。Buthehadheardofvoicesfromfaraway，whilethosewhocalledwereyetinthebody！Ifshewouldbutsaywhither，hewouldfollowherthatmoment！Oncemoreitcame，butveryfaint；hecouldnottellwhatitsaid。Awailoftheghost-musicfollowedclose——Godinheaven！couldshebedowninthechapel？Hesprangtohisfeet。Withsuperhumanenergyheleaptupandcaughttheedgeofthecleft，drewhimselfuptillhismouthreachedit，andcriedaloud，“LadyArctura！”
　　Therecamenoanswer。
　　“Iamstupidasdeath！”hesaidtohimself：“Ihavelethercallmeinvain！”
　　“Iamcoming！”hecriedagain，revivedwithsuddenjoy。Hedroppedontheroof，andspeddownthestairtothedoorthatopenedonthesecondfloor。Allwasdarkasunderground，butheknewthewaysowellheneededbutalittleguidancefromhishands。HehurriedtoladyArctura'schamber，andthespotwherethepressstood，readywithoneshovetosendityardsoutofhisway。Therewasnopressthere！——nothingbutasmooth，cold，dampwall！Hisheartsankwithinhim。Washeinaterribledream？No，no！hehadbutmadeamistake——hadtrustedtoomuchtohisknowledgeofthehouse，andwasnotwherehethoughthewas！Hestruckalight。Alas！alas！hewaswherehehadintended！Itwasherroom！Therewasthewardrobe，butnearerthedoor！Whereithadstoodwasnorecess！——nothingbutagreatpatchoffreshplaster！Itwasnodream，butatruehorror！
　　Instinctivelyclutchinghisskenedhu，hedartedtothegreatstair。
　　ItmusthavebeenthevoiceofArcturahehadheard！Shewaswalledupinthechapel！
　　Downthestair，withswiftnoiselessfoothesped，andstoppedatthedoorofthehalf-wayroom。Itwaslocked！
　　Therewasbutonewayleft！Tothefootofthestairheshot。Goodheavens！ifthatwayalsoshouldhavebeenknowntotheearl！Hecreptthroughthelittledoorunderneaththestair，feelingwithhishandserehisbodywasthrough：thearchwasopen！Inaninstanthewasinthecrypt。
　　Butnowtogetupthroughtheopeningintothepassageabove——stoppedwithaheavyslab！Hesprangatthesteepslopeofthewindow-sill，buttherewasnohold，andasoftenashesprangheslippeddownagain。Hetriedandtrieduntilhewaswornoutandalmostindespair。Shemightbedying！hewasclosetoher！hecouldnotreachher！Hestoodstillforamomenttothink。Tohismindcametheword，“Hethatbelievethshallnotmakehaste。“Hethoughtwithhimself，“Godcannothelpmenwithwisdomwhentheirmindsareintoogreatatumulttohearwhathesays！”Hetriedtoliftuphisheartandmakeasilenceinhissoul。
　　Ashestoodheseemedtosee，throughthedark，thegloomyplaceasitfirstappearedwhenhethrewinthelightedletter。Allatoncehestartedfromhisquiescence，droppedonhishandsandknees，andcrawleduntilhefoundtheflatstonelikeagravestone。Outcamehisknife，andhedugawaytheearthatoneend，untilhecouldgetbothhandsunderit。Thenheheaveditfromthefloor，andshiftingitalong，gotitundertheopeninginthewall。
　　CHAPTERLXXIV。
　　AMORALFUNGUS。
　　Spiritualinsanity，cupidity，cruelty，andpossiblyimmediatedemoniacaltemptationhadlongbeenworkinginandonamindthathadnowceasedalmosttodistinguishbetweentherealandtheunreal。Everymanwhobendstheenergiesofanimmortalspirittofurthertheendsandobjectsofhislowerbeing，failssotodistinguish；butwiththeearltheblindnesshadwroughtoutwardaswellasinwardly，sothathewasevenunable，duringconsiderableportionsofhislife，totellwhetherthingstookplaceoutsideorinsidehim。Nordidthistroublehim——hewaspastcaring。Hewouldarguethatwhatequallyaffectedhimhadanequalrighttobebyhimregardedasexistent。Hepaidnoheedtothedifferentnaturesofthetwokindsofexistence，theirdifferentlaws，andthedifferentdemandstheymadeuponthetwoconsciousnesses；hehadinfact，byalongcourseofdisobediencegrowingtoutterdisuseofconscience，arrivednearlyatnon-individuality。Inregardtowhatwasoutsidehimhewasbutamirror，inregardtowhatwasinsidehimamerevesselofimperfectlyinteractingforces。Andnowhiscapacitiesandincapacitiestogetherhadculminatedinahideousplot，inwhichitwouldbehardtosaywhetherthefolly，thecrime，orthecunningpredominated：hehadmadeuphismindthat，ifthedaughterofhisbrotherrefusedtowedhercousin，andsocarryoutwhatheassertedtohavebeenthedeclaredwishofherfather，sheshouldgoafterherfather，andleaveherpropertytothenextheir，sothatifnotinonewaytheninanotherthelawofnaturemightbefulfilled，andtitleandpropertyunitedwithouttheinterventionofamarriage。Astoanyevilthatthereinmightbeimaginedtobefallhisniece，hequotedthewordsofHamlet——“Sincenomanhasoughtofwhatheleaves，whatis'ttoleavebetimes？”——shewouldbenoworsethanshemusthavebeenwhenthefewyearsofhernaturalpilgrimagewereofnecessityover：thedifferencetoherwasnotworththinkingofbesidethedifferencetothefamily！Atthesametimeperhapsascaremightserve，andshewouldconsenttomarryForguetoescapeafrightfulend！
　　ThemomentDonalwasgone，hesentForguetoLondon，andsethimselftoovercomethedistrustofhimwhichhecouldnotbutseehadforsometimebeengrowinginher。Withthesweetprejudicesofalovingnaturetoassisthim，hesoonprevailedsofarthat，withoutmuchentreaty，sheconsentedtoaccompanyhimtoLondon——foramonthorso，hesaid，whileDaviewasgone。Theproposalhadcharmsforher：
　　shehadbeentherewithherfatherwhenamerechild，andneversince。ShewrotetoDonaltolethimknow：howitwasthatherletterneverreachedhim，itishardlyneedfultoinquire。
　　Theearl，inorder，hesaid，toshowhisrecognitionofhersweetcompliance，madearrangementsforpostingitalltheway。Hewouldtakeherbytheroadheusedtotravelhimselfwhenhewasayoungman：sheshouldjudgewhethermorehadnotbeenlostthangainedbyrapidity！Whatevershortenedanynaturalprocess，hesaid，simplyshortenedlifeitself。Simmonsshouldgobefore，andfindasuitableplaceforthem！
　　TheywerehardlygonewhenMrs。Brookesreceivedaletterpretendedlyfromtheclergymanoftheparish，inaremotepartofthesouth，wherehermother，nowaveryoldwoman，lived，sayingshewasatthepointofdeath，andcouldnotdieinpeacewithoutseeingherdaughter。Shewentatonce。
　　Theschemewasamadman's，excellentlycontrivedfortheinstantobject，butwithnooutlookforimmediatelyresultingperils。
　　Afterthefirstnightontheroad，heturnedacrosscountry，andalittletowardshome；afterthenextnight，hedrovestraightback，butasitwasbyadifferentroad，Arcturasuspectednothing。Whentheycamewithinafewhoursofthecastle，theystoppedatalittleinnfortea；therehecontrivedtogiveheracertaindose。Atthenextplacewheretheystopped，herepresentedherashisdaughtertakensuddenlyill：hemustgostraighthomewithher，howeverlatetheymightbe。Givinganimaginarynametotheirdestination，andkeepingonthelastpost-boywhoknewnothingofthecountry，hedirectedhimsoascompletelytobewilderhim，withtheresultthathesetthemdownatthecastlesupposingitadifferentplace，andinadifferentpartofthecountry。Thethingwasaftertheearl'sownheart；hedelightedinmakingafoolofafellow-mortal。Hesenthimawaysoasnottoenterthetown：itwasofimportancehisreturnshouldnotbeknown。
　　Itisamarvelhecouldeffectwhatfollowed；buthehadtheremnantsofgreatstrength，andwhenunderinfluencesheknewtoowellhowtomanage，wasforthetimealmostaspowerfulasever：hegothisvictimtohisroomonthestair，andthencethroughtheoakdoor。
　　CHAPTERLXXV。
　　THEPORCHOFHADES。
　　WhenArcturawokefromherunnaturalsleep，shelayawhilewithoutthought，thenbegantolocalizeherself。Thelastplacesherecalledwastheinnwheretheyhadtea：shemusthavebeentheretakenill，shethought，andwasnowinaroomofthesame。Itwasquitedark：
　　theymighthaveleftalightbyher！Shelaycomfortablyenough，buthadasuspicionthattheplacewasnotoverclean，andwasgladtofindherselfnotundrest。Sheturnedonherside：somethingpulledherbythewrist。Shemusthaveabraceleton，anditwasentangledinthecoverlet！Shetriedtounclaspit，butcouldnot：whichofherbraceletscoulditbe？Therewassomethingattachedtoit！——achain——athickchain！Howodd！Whatcoulditmean？Shelayquiet，slowlywakingtofullerconsciousness——Wastherenotastrangeair，adullodourintheroom？Undefinedasitwas，shehadsmeltitbefore，andnotlongsince！——Itwasthesmellofthelostchapel！——Butthatwasathomeinthecastle！shehadleftittwodaysbefore！Wasshegoingoutofhermind？
　　Thedewofagonyburstfromherforehead。Shewouldhavestartedup，butwaspulledhardbythewrist！ShecriedonGod——Yes，shewaslyingontheveryspotwherethatheapofwoman-dusthadlain！shewasmanacledwiththesameringfromwhichthatwoman'sarmhadwasted——thedecayofcenturiesherslowredeemer！Herbeingrecoiledsowildlyfromthehorror，thatforamomentsheseemedontheedgeofmadness。Butmadnessisnotthesolerefugefromterror！WherethedoorofthespirithasoncebeenopenedwidetoGod，thereishe，thepresenthelpintimeoftrouble！Withhiminthehouse，itisnotonlythatweneedfearnothing，butthatistherewhichinitsownbeingandnaturecastsoutfear。Godandfearcannotbetogether。ItisaGodfaroffthatcausesfear。“Inthypresenceisfulnessofjoy。“SuchasenseofabsolutehelplessnessoverwhelmedArcturathatshefeltawakeinheranendlessclaimupontheprotectionofheroriginal，thesourceofherbeing。Andwhatsoonerwouldanyfatherhaveofhischildrenthanactiononsuchclaim！Godisalwayscallingusashischildren，andwhenwecallhimasourfather，then，andnottillthen，doeshebegintobesatisfied。AndwiththattherefelluponArcturaakindofsleep，whichyetwasnotsleep；itwasareposesuchasperhapsisthesleepofaspirit。
　　Againtheexternalbegantointrude。Shepicturedtoherselfwhatthedarknesswashiding。Herfeelingswhenfirstshecamedownintotheplacereturnedonhermemory。Thetideofterrorbeganagaintorise。Itroseandrose，andthreatenedtobecomemonstrous。Shereasonedwithherself：hadshenotbeenbroughtinsafetythroughitsfirstandmostdangerousinroad？——butreasoncouldnotoutfaceterror。Itwasfear，themostterribleofallterrors，thatshefeared。Thenagainwokeherfaith：ifthenighthidethnotfromhim，neitherdoesthedarknessoffear！
　　Itbegantothunder，firstwithalowdistantmutteringroll，thenwithaloudandnearbellowing。WasitGodcomingtoher？Somearestrangelyterrifiedatthunder；Arcturahadthechild'sfeelingthatitwasGodthatthundered：itcomfortedheraswiththeassurancethatGodwasnear。Asshelayandheardthegreatorganoftheheavens，itsvoiceseemedtogrowarticulate；Godwascallingtoher，andsaying，“HereIam，mychild！benotafraid！”
　　Thenshebegantoreasonwithherselfthattheworstthatcouldhappentoherwastolietheretillshediedofhunger，andthatcouldnotbesoverybad！Andtherewithacrossthemutteringthundercameawailoftheghost-music。Shestarted：hadshenothearditahundredtimesbefore，asshelaythereinthedarkalone？Wassheonlynowforthefirsttimewakinguptoit——she，theladytheyhadshutuptheretodie——whereshehadlainforages，witheverynowandthenthatsoundoftheangelssinging，faraboveherinthebluesky？
　　Shewasbeginningtowander。Shereasonedwithherself，anddismissedthefancy；butitcameandcameagain，mingledwithrealmemories，mostlyoftheroof，andDonal。
　　Byandbyshefellasleep，andwokeinaterrorwhichseemedtohavebeengrowinginhersleep。Shesatup，andstaredintothedark。
　　>Fromwherestoodthealtar，seemedtoriseandapproachheraformofdeeperdarkness。Sheheardnothing，sawnothing，butsomethingwasthere。Itcamenearer。Itwasbutafancy；sheknewit；butthefancyassumedtobe：themomentshegaveway，andacknowledgedit，thatmomentitwouldhavetherealityithadbeenwaitingfor，andclaspherinitsskeleton-arms！Shecriedaloud，butitonlycamenearer；itwasabouttoseizeher！
　　Asudden，divinechange！——herfearwasgone，andinitsplaceasenseofabsolutesafety：therewasnothinginalltheuniversetobeafraidof！ItwasanightofJune，withroses，roseseverywhere！
　　GlorybetotheFather！Buthowwasit？Hadhesenthermothertothinkherfullofroses？Whyhermother？Godhimselfistheheartofeveryrosethateverbloomed！Shewouldhavesungaloudforjoy，butnovoicecame；shecouldnotutterasound。WhatathingthiswouldbetotellDonalGrant！Thispoorwomancried，andGodheardher，andsavedheroutofallherdistresses！Thefatherhadcometohischild！Thecryhadgonefromherheartintohis！
　　Ifshediedthere，wouldDonalcomeonedayandfindher？No！No！
　　Shewouldspeaktohiminadream，andbeghimnottogoneartheplace！Shewouldnothavehimseeherlielikethatheandshestandingtogetherhadtherelookedupon！
　　WiththatcameDonal'svoice，floatedandrolledinmusicandthunder。Itcamefromfaraway；shedidnotknowwhethershefanciedorreallyheardit。Shewouldhaverespondedwithagreatcry，buthervoicevanishedinherthroat。Herjoywassuchthatsherememberednothingmore。
　　CHAPTERLXXVI。
　　THEANGELOFTHELORD。
　　Standingupontheedgeofthestoneleanedagainstthewall，Donalseizedtheedgeoftheslabwhichcrossedtheopeningnearthetop，anddrewhimselfupintotheslopingwindow-sill。Pressingwithallhismightagainstthesidesofthewindow，hesucceededatlastinpushinguptheslabsofarastogetaholdwithonehandonthenexttoit。Thenslowlyturninghimselfonhisside，whilethewholeweightofthestonerestedonhisfingers，hegottheotherhandalsothroughthecrack。Thiseffected，hehauledandpushedhimselfupwithhiswholeforce，carelessofwhatmighthappentohishead。
　　Thetopofitcamebangagainstthestone，andlifteditsofarthathegotheadandneckthrough。Thethingwasdone！WithonemoreHerculeanliftofhisbodyandthestonetogether，likeamanrisingfromthedead，herosefromthecryptintothepassage。
　　Butthedoorofthechapelwouldnotyieldtoagentlepush。
　　“Mylady，“hecried，“don'tbeafraid。Imustmakeanoise。It'sonlyDonalGrant！I'mgoingtodrivethedooropen。“
　　Sheheardthewords！Theywokeherfromherswoonofjoy。“OnlyDonalGrant！”Whatlessofanonlycouldtherebeintheworldforher！Washenotthemessengerwhoraisedthedead！
　　Shetriedtospeak，butnotawordwouldcome。Donaldrewbackapace，andsentsuchashoulderagainstthedoorthatitflewtothewall，thenfellwithagreatcrashonthefloor。
　　“Whereareyou，mylady？”hecried。
　　Butstillshecouldnotspeak。
　　Hebeganfeelingabout。
　　“Notonthatterriblebed！”sheheardhimmurmur。
　　Fearlestinthedarknessheshouldnotfindher，gaveherbackhervoice。
　　“Idon'tminditnow！”shesaidfeebly。
　　“ThankGod！”criedDonal；“I'vefoundyouatlast！”
　　Wornout，hesankonhisknees，withhisheadonthebed，andfellasobbinglikeachild。
　　Shewouldhaveputoutherhandthroughthedarknesstofindhim，butthechaincheckedit。Heheardtherattleofit，andunderstood。
　　“Chainedtoo，mydove！”hesaid，butinGaelic。
　　Hisweaknesswasover。HethankedGod，andtookcourage。Newliferushedthrougheveryvein。Herosetohisfeetinconsciousstrength。
　　“Canyoustrikealight，andletmeseeyou，Donal？”saidArctura。
　　ThenfirstshecalledhimbyhisChristianname：ithadbeensoofteninherheartifnotonherlipsthatnight！
　　Thedimlightwastedthedarknessofthelongburiedplace，andforamomenttheylookedateachother。ShewasnotsochangedasDonalhadfearedtofindher——hardlysochangetohimashewastoher。
　　Terribleashadbeenhertrial，ithadnotlastedlong，andhadbeensucceededbyaheavenlyjoy。Shewaspalerthanusual，yettherewasarosyflushoverherbeautifulface。Herhandwasstretchedtowardshim，itswristclaspedbytherustyring，andtighteningthechainthatheldittothepost。
　　“Howpaleandtiredyoulook！”shesaid。
　　“Iamalittletired，“heanswered。“Icamealmostwithoutstopping。
　　Mymothersentme。ShesaidImustcome，butshedidnottellmewhy。“
　　“ItwasGodsentyou，“saidArctura。
　　Thenshebrieflytoldhimwhatsheknewofherownstory。
　　“Howdidhegettheringontoyourwrist？”saidDonal。
　　Helookedcloserandsawthatherhandwasswollen，andtheskinabraded。
　　“Heforcediton！”hesaid。“Howitmusthurtyou！”
　　“Itdoeshurtnowyouspeakofit，“shereplied。“Ididnotnoticeitbefore——Doyousupposeheleftmeheretodie？”
　　“Whocantell！”returnedDonal。“Isuspectheismoreofamadmanthanweknew。Iwonderifasoulcanbemad——Yes；thedevilmustbemadwithself-worship！Hellisthegreatmadhouseofcreation！”
　　“Takemeaway，“shesaid。
　　“Imustfirstgetyoufree，“answeredDonal。
　　Sheheardhimrise。
　　“Youarenotgoingtoleaveme？”shesaid。
　　“Onlytogetatoolortwo。“
　　“Andafterthat？”shesaid。
　　“Notuntilyouwishme，“heanswered。“Iamyourservantnow——hisnomore。“
　　CHAPTERLXXVII。
　　THEANGELOFTHEDEVIL。
　　Therecameagreatburstofthunder。Itwasthelastofthestorm。
　　Itbellowedandshuddered，went，andcamerollingupagain。Itdiedawayatlastinthegreatdistance，withalowcontinuousrumblingasifitwouldnevercease。ThesilencethatfollowedwasliketheEgyptiandarkness；itmightbefelt。
　　Outofthetenseheartofthesilencecameafaintsound。Itcameagainandagain，atregularintervals。
　　“Thatismyuncle'sstep！”saidArcturainascaredwhisperthroughthedark。
　　Itwasplainlyaslowstep——faroff，butapproaching。
　　“Iwonderifhehasalight！”sheaddedhurriedly。“Heoftengoesinthedarkwithoutone。Ifhehasyoumustgetbehindthealtar。“
　　“Donotspeakaword，“saidDonal；lethimthinkyouareasleep。Ifhehasnolight，Iwillstandsothathecannotcomenearthebedwithoutcomingagainstme。Donotbeafraid；heshallnottouchyou。“
　　Thestepswerecomingnearerallthetime。Adooropenedandshut。
　　Thentheywereloud——theywerecomingalongthegallery！Theyceased。Hewasstandingupthereinthethickdarkness！
　　“Arctura，“saidadeep，awfulvoice。
　　Itwasthatoftheearl。Arcturamadenoanswer。
　　“Deadoffright！”mutteredthevoice。“Allgoeswell。Iwillgodownandsee。Shemighthaveprovedasobstinateastheboys'mother！”
　　Againthestepsbegan。Theywerecomingdownthestair。Thedooratthefootofitopened。Theearlenteredasteportwo，thenstopped。
　　ThroughthedarknessDonalseemedtoknowexactlywherehestood。Heknewalsothathewasfumblingforamatch，andwatchedintentlyforthefirstspark。Therecameasputterandagleam，andthematchfailed。Erehecouldtryanother，Donalmadeaswiftblowathisarm。Itknockedtheboxfromhishand。
　　“Ha！”hecried，andtherewasterrorinthecry，“shestrikesatmethroughthedark！”
　　Donalkeptverystill。Arcturakeptasstillashe。Theearlturnedandwentaway。
　　“Iwillbringacandle！”hemuttered。
　　“Now，mylady，wemustmakehaste，“saidDonal。“DoyoumindbeingleftwhileIfetchmytools？”
　　“No——butmakehaste，“sheanswered。
　　“Ishallbebackbeforehim，“hereturned。
　　“Becarefulyoudonotmeethim，“saidArctura。
　　Therewasnodifficultynow，eitheringoingorreturning。Hesped，andinaspacethateventoArcturaseemedshort，wasback。Therewasnotimetousethefile：heattackedthestaple，anddrewitfromthebed-post，thenwoundthechainaboutherarm，andtieditthere。
　　Hehadalreadymadeuphismindwhattodowithher。Hehadbeeninclinedtocarryherawayfromthehouse：Doorywouldtakecareofher！Buthesawthattoleavetheenemyinpossessionwouldbetoyieldhimanadvantage。Awkwardthingsmightresultfromit！thetonguesofinventiveignoranceandstupiditywouldwagwildly！Hewouldtakehertoherroom，andtherewatchherashewouldthepearlofprice！
　　“There！youarefree，mylady，“hesaid。“Nowcome。“
　　Hetookherhands，andsheraisedherselfwearily。
　　“Theairissostifling！”shesaid。
　　“Weshallsoonhavebetter！”answeredDonal。
　　“Shallwegoontheroof？”shesaid，likeonetalkinginhersleep。
　　“Iwilltakeyoutoyourownroom，“repliedDonal。“——ButIwillnotleaveyou，“headdedquickly，seeingalookofanxietycloudherface，“——solongasyouruncleisinthehouse。“
　　“Takemewhereyouwill，“rejoinedArctura。
　　Therewasnowaybutthroughthecrypt：shefollowedhimwithouthesitation。Theycreptthroughthelittleclosetunderthestair，andwereinthehallofthecastle。
　　Astheywentsoftlyupthestair，Donalhadanidea。
　　“Heisnotbackyet！”hesaid：“wewilltakethekeyfromtheoakdoor；hewillthinkhehasmislaidit，andwillnotfindoutthatyouaregone。Iwonderwhathewilldo！”
　　Cautiouslylisteningtobesuretheearlwasnotthere，herantotheoakdoor，lockedit，andbroughtawaythekey。ThentheywenttotheroomArcturahadlastoccupied。
　　Thedoorwasajar；therewasalightintheroom。Theywentsoftly，andpeepedin。Theearlwasthere，turningoverthecontentsofherwriting-desk。
　　“Hewillfindnothing，“shewhisperedwithasmile。
　　Donalledheraway。
　　“Wewillgotoyouroldroom，“hesaid。“Thewholerecessisbuiltupwithstoneandlime：hecannotcomenearyouthatway！”
　　Shemadenoobjection。Donalsecuredthedoors，lightedafire，andwenttolookforfood。Theyhadagreeduponacertainknock，withoutwhichshewastoopentonone。
　　Whileshewasyetchangingthegarmentsinwhichshehadlainontheterriblebed，sheheardtheearlgoby，andthedoorofhisroomclose。Apparentlyhehadconcludedtoletherpassthenightwithoutanothervisit：hehadhimselfhadabadfright，andhadprobablynotgotoverit。AlittlelongerandsheheardDonal'sgentlesignalatthedoorofthesitting-room。Hehadbroughtsomebiscuitsandalittlewineinthebottomofadecanterfromthehousekeeper'sroom：
　　therewasliterallynothinginthelarder，hesaid。
　　Theysatdownandatethebiscuits。Donaltoldhisadventures。Theyagreedthatshemustwritetothefactortocomehomeatonce，andbringhissister。ThenDonalsettowithhisfileuponthering：herhandwasmuchtooswollentoadmitofitsbeingremovedasithadbeenputon。Itwasnoteasytocutit，partlyfromtheconstantdangerofhurtingherswollenhand，partlythattherustfilledandbluntedthefile。
　　“There！”hesaidatlast，“youarefree！Andnow，mylady，youmusttakesomerest。Thedoortothepassageissecure。Lockthisoneinside，andIwilldrawthesofaacrossitoutside：ifhecomewanderinginthenight，andgetintothisroom，hewillnotreachyourdoor。“
　　Wearyashewas，Donalcouldnotsleepmuch。Inthemiddleofthenightheheardtheearl'sdooropen，andwatchedandfollowedhim。
　　Hewenttotheoakdoor，andtriedinvaintoopenit。
　　“Shehastakenit！”hemuttered，inwhatseemedtoDonalanawe-struckvoice。
　　Allnightlongheroamedthehouseaspiritgrievouslytormented。Inthegrayofthemorning，havingperhapspersuadedhimselfthatthewholeaffairwasatrickofhisimagination，hewentbacktohisroom。
　　InthemorningDonalleftthehouse，havingfirstcalledtoArcturaandwarnedhertolockthedoorofthesitting-roomthemomenthewasgone。Heranallthewaydowntotheinn，paidhisbill，boughtsomethingsinthetownfortheirbreakfast，andtakingthemare，rodeuptothecastle，andrangthebell。Nonoticewastaken。Hewentandputuphisanimal，thenlethimselfintothehousebyBaliol'stower，andbegantosing。Sosinginghewentupthegreatstair，andintoandalongthecorridorwheretheearllay。
　　Thesingingrousedhim，andbroughthimtohisdoorinarage。ButthemomenthesawDonalhiscountenancefell。
　　“Whatthedevilareyoudoinghere？”hesaid。
　　“TheytoldmeinthetownyouwereinEngland，mylord！”
　　“Iwrotetoyou，“saidtheearl，“thatweweregonetoLondon，andthatyouneedbeinnohastetoreturn。ItrustyouhavenotbroughtDaviewithyou？”
　　“Ihavenot，mylord。“
　　“Thenmakewhathastebacktohimyoucan。Hemustnotbealonewithbumpkins！YoumaystaytherewithhimtillIsendforyou——onlymindyougoonwithyourstudies。Nowbeoff。Iamathomebutforafewhoursonbusiness，andleaveagainbytheafternooncoach！”
　　“Idonotgo，mylord，untilIhaveseenmymistress。“
　　“Yourmistress！Who，pray，isyourmistress！”
　　“Iamnolongerinyourservice，mylord。“
　　“Thenwhat，inthenameofGod，haveyoudonewithmyson？”
　　“Ingoodtime，mylord，whenyouhavetoldmewheremymistressis！
　　IaminthishouseasladyArctura'sservant；andIdesiretoknowwhereIshallfindher。“
　　“InLondon。“
　　“Whataddress，pleaseyourlordship？Iwillwaitherordershere。“
　　“Youwillleavethishouseatonce，“saidtheearl。“Iwillnothaveyouhereinbothherladyship'sabsenceandmyown。“
　　“Mylord，Iamnotignoranthowthingsstand：IaminladyArctura'shouse；andhereIremaintillIreceivehercommands。“
　　“Verywell！Byallmeans！”
　　“Iaskyouagainforheraddress，mylord。“
　　“Finditforyourself。Youwillnotobeymyorders：amItoobeyyours？”
　　Heturnedonhisheel，andflungtohisdoor。
　　DonalwenttoladyArctura。Shewasinthesitting-room，anxiouslywaitinghisreturn。Shehadheardtheirvoices，butnothingthatpassed。Hetoldherwhathehaddone；thenproducedhisprovisions，andtogethertheypreparedtheirbreakfast。Byandbytheyheardtheearlcomefromhisroom，gohereandtherethroughthestillhouse，andreturntohisapartment。
　　Intheafternoonheleftthehouse。Theywatchedhimaway——illable，apparently，eventocrawlalong。Hewentdownthehill，noronceliftedhishead。Theyturnedandlookedateachother。Profoundpityforthewretchedoldmanwasthefeelingofboth。Itwasfollowedbyoneofintensereliefandliberty。
　　“Youwouldliketoberidofmenow，mylady，“saidDonal；“butI
　　don'tseehowIcanleaveyou。ShallIgoandfetchMissCarmichael？”
　　“No，certainly，“answeredArctura。“Icannotapplytoher。“
　　“Itwouldbeapitytolosetheadvantageofyouruncle'snotknowingwhathasbecomeofyou。“
　　“Iwonderwhathewilldonext！IfIweretodienow，thepropertywouldbehis，andthenForgue's！”
　　“Youcanwillitaway，Isuppose，mylady！”answeredDonal。
　　Arcturastoodthoughtful。
　　“IsForgueabadman，Mr。Grant？”
　　“Idarenottrusthim，“answeredDonal。
　　“Doyouthinkhehadanyknowledgeofthisplotofhisfather's？”
　　“Icannottell。Idonotbelievehewouldhaveleftyoutodieinthechapel。“