CHAPTERLIII。
　　MISTRESSBROOKESUPONTHEEARL。
　　TheywerehardlyseatedwhenSimmonsappeared，sayinghehadbeenlookingeverywhereforherladyship，forhislordshipwastakenashehadneverseenhimbefore：hehadfaintedrightoutinthehalf-wayroom，andhecouldnotgethimto。
　　HavinggivenorderstosendatoncetoAucharsforthedoctor，ladyArcturahastenedwithDonaltotheroomonthestair。Theearlwasstretchedmotionlessandpaleonthefloor。Butforaslighttwitchinginonemuscleoftheface，theymighthaveconcludedhimdead。Theytriedtogetsomethingdownhisthroat，butwithoutsuccess。Themencarriedhimuptohischamber。
　　Hebegantocometohimself，andladyArcturalefthim，tellingSimmonstocometothelibrarywhenhecould，andletthemknowhowhewas。
　　Inaboutanhourhecame：thedoctorhadbeen，andhismasterwasbetter。
　　“Doyouknowanycausefortheattack？”askedherladyship。
　　“I'lltellyouallaboutit，mylady，sofarasIknow，“answeredthebutler。“——Iwasthereinthatroomwithhim——Ihadtakenhimsomeaccounts，andwasansweringsomequestionsaboutthem，whenallatoncetherecameacuriousnoiseinthewall。Ican'tthinkwhatitwas——aninwardrumblingitwas，thatseemedtogoupanddownthewallwithasortofgroaning，thenstoppedawhile，andcameagain。
　　Itsoundednothingverydreadfultome；perhapsifithadbeeninthemiddleofthenight，Imightn'thavelikedit。Hislordshipstartedatthefirstsoundofit，turnedpaleandgasped，thencriedout，laidhishandonhisheart，androlledoffhischair。IdidwhatIcouldforhim，butitwasn'tlikeoneofhisordinaryattacks，andsoIcametoyourladyship。He'ssuchaticklishsubject，yousee，mylady！It'squitealarmingtobeleftalonewithhim。It'shisheart；andyouknow，mylady——Ishouldbesorrytofrightenyou，butyouknow，Mr。Grant，agentlemanwiththatcomplaintmaygooffanymoment。Imustgobacktohimnow，mylady，ifyouplease。“
　　ArcturaturnedandlookedatDonal。
　　“Wemustbecareful，“hesaid。
　　“Wemust，“sheanswered。“Justthereaboutisoneofthefewplacesinthehousewhereyouhearthemusic。“
　　“Andthereaboutthemusic-chimneygoesdown！Thatissettled！Butwhyshouldmylordbefrightenedso？”
　　“Icannottell。Heisnotlikeotherpeople，youknow。“
　　“Whereelseisthemusicheard？Youandyouruncleseemtohearitoftenerthananyoneelse。“
　　“Inmyownroom。Butwewilltalkto-morrow。Goodnight。“
　　“Iwillremainheretherestoftheevening，“saidDonal，“incaseSimmonsmightwantmetohelpwithhislordship。“
　　Itwaswellintothenight，andhestillsatreadinginthelibrary，whenMrs。Brookescametohim。Shehadhadtogethislordship“whatheca'dacat——somethingorither，butwasnaethingbutmustardtothesoleso''sfeettodrawawa'thebluid。“
　　“He'sbetterthenoo，“shesaid。“He'staenadozeo'aneo'thaedrogueshe'sayepotterin'wi'——faintolearnthetradeo'livin'
　　forever，Ireckon！Butthat'sathingtheLordhaskeepitin'sainhan's。Thetreeo'lifewasneverateno'，an'neverwullbenooi'
　　thiswarl'；it'slangtransplantit。Buteh，astolivin'forever，orIwudbehislordship，Iwudgieuptheghostatance！”
　　“Whatmakesyousaythat，mistressBrookes？”askedDonal。
　　“It'snoilkaneIwudanswersicaquestontil，“shereplied；“butI'mweelassuredyehaesensean'herteneuchbaith，notohurtacratur'；an'I'lljistgangsaefarassaytoyersel'，an''atweenthetwao''s，'atIhaeh'ardfraethem'at'sawa'——them'atweelkent，bein'aboottheplacean'trustit——thatwhanthefitwasuponhim，hewasfellcrueltothebonniewifehemerrietabro'dan'
　　brouchthamewi'him——tilacauld-hertitcountry，puirthing，shemaunhaethouchtit！”
　　“Howcouldhehavebeencrueltoherinthehouseofhisbrother？
　　Evenifhewasthewretchtobeguiltyofit，hisbrotherwouldneverhaveconnivedattheill-treatmentofanywomanunderhisroof！”
　　“Hookenyetheauldyerlsaeweel？”askedMrs。Brookes，withaslyglance。
　　“Iken，“answeredDonal，directaswashiswont，butfindingsomehowalittleshelterinthedialect，“'atsicadauchtercouldillhaebeenborntoonybutaman'at——weel，'atwadatleastbehavetilawumanlikeaman。“
　　“Ye'rei'thericht！Hewastheten'erest-heartitman！Buthewasfarfraestoot，an'wasaheapbyhimsel'，nearhan'asmickleashislordshipthepresentyerl。An'theladywasthatprood，an'thatdewotittothemansheca'dherain，thatneverawordo'whatgaedoncamtotheearso'hisbrither，Idaurtosay，orIs'warran'yetherewudhaebeenafinesteer！Itcam，shesaid——myauldauntiesaid——o'somekin'o'madnesstheyhaenaanameforyet。Ithinkmysel'there'samadnesso'thehertasweel'so'theheid；an'i'
　　thatmadnessmentaktheirwomenforapropertyo'theirain，tobehan'ledonygaitthedeevilputsintilthem。Criesi'thedeido'
　　thenicht，an'neverashawi'themornin'butwhitecheeksan'reideen，tellsitsaintale。I'theen'，thepuirleddydee'd，'atmichthaelivedbutforhim；an'herbairniedee'daforeher；an'thewrangso'bairnsan'womensticklangtothewa'so'theuniverse！
　　Itwassaidshecamefterhimagain；——Ikenna；butIhaeseenan'
　　h'ardi'thishoosewhat——Is'haudmytongueaboot！——SureIamhewasnaaguidmantothepuirwuman！——whanitcomestothat，maisterGrant，it'snomyleddyan'mem，butwe'rea'womenthegither！Shedee'dnai'thishoose，Iun'erstan'；buti'thehoosedooni'thetoon——thoughthat'sneitherherenorthere。Iwadnawon'erbuttheconsciencemichtbewaukin'upintilhim！Somedayitmaunwaukup。
　　He'llbesorry，maybe，whanhekenshimsel'upo'theborderwhaurrespec'o'personsisower，an'awomans'aguid'saman——maybeawheenbetter！TheLord'llseta'thingricht，orhan''towertilanither！”
　　CHAPTERLIV。
　　LADYARCTURA'SROOM。
　　Thenextday，whenhesawladyArctura，Donalwasgladtolearnthat，foralltheexcitementofthedaybefore，shehadpassedagoodnight，andneverdreamedatall。
　　“I'vebeenthinkingitallover，mylady，“hesaid，“anditseemstomethat，ifyouruncleheardthenoiseofourplummetsonear，thechimneycanhardlyrisefromtheflooryousearched；forthatroom，youknow，ishalf-waybetweentheground-floorandfirstfloor。
　　Still，sounddoestravelso！Wemustbetakeourselvestomeasurement，Ifear——Butanotherthingcameintomyheadlastnightwhichmayservetogiveusasortofparallax。Yousaidyouheardthemusicinyourownroom：wouldyouletmelookaboutinitalittle？somethingmightsuggestitself！——IsittheroomIsawyouinonce？”
　　“Notthat，“answeredArctura，“butthebedroombeyondit。Ihearitsometimesineitherroom，butlouderinthebedroom。Youcanexamineitwhenyouplease——Ifonlyyoucouldfindmybaddream，anddriveitout！——Willyoucomenow？”
　　“Itisneartheearl'sroom：istherenodangerofhishearinganything？”
　　“Nottheleast。Theroomisnotfarfromhis，itistrue，butitisnotinthesameblock；therearethickwallsbetween。Besidesheistooilltobeup。“
　　Sheledtheway，andDonalfollowedherupthemainstaircasetothesecondfloor，andintothesmall，curious，ancientroom，evidentlyoneoftheoldestinthecastle，whichshehadchosenforhersitting-room。Perhapsifshehadlivedlessintheshadow，shemighthavechosenalessgloomyone：theskywasvisibleonlythroughalittlelaneofwallsandgablesandbattlements。Butitwasverycharming，withitsoddnooksandcorners，recessesandprojections。
　　Itlookedanafterthought，theutilizationofaspaceaccidentallydefinedbyrejection，asifeveryoneofitssideswerethewallofadistinctbuilding。
　　“Idowish，mylady，“saidDonal，“youwouldnotsitsomuchwhereissolittlesunlight！Outerandinnerthingsareintheiroriginone；thelightofthesunisthenaturalworld-clothingofthetruth，andwhoeversitsmuchinthephysicaldarkmissesagreathelptounderstandingthethingsofthelight。IfIwereyourdirector，“hewenton，“Iwouldcounselyoutochangethisroomforonewithabroad，fairoutlook；sothat，whengloomythoughtshidGodfromyou，theymighthavehiseternalcontradictioninthefaceofhisheavenandearth。“
　　“Itisbutfairtotellyou，“repliedArctura，“thatSophiawouldhavehadmedoso；butwhileIfeltaboutGodasshetaughtme，whatcouldthefairestsunlightbetome？”
　　“Yes，whatindeed！”returnedDonal。“Doyouknow，“headdedpresently，hiseyesstrayingabouttheroom，“IfeelalmostasifI
　　weretryingtounderstandahumancreature。Ahouseissolikeahumanmind，whichgraduallydisentanglesandexplainsitselfasyougoontoknowit！Itisnoaccidentalresemblance，for，asanunavoidablenecessity，everyhousemustbelikethosethatbuiltit。“
　　“Butinaveryoldhouse，“saidArctura，“somanyhandsofsomanygenerationshavebeenemployedinthebuilding，andsomanyfanciedaswellasrealnecessitieshavebeenatwork，thatitmustbeaconflictofmanynatures。“
　　“Butwherethehousecontinuesinthesamefamily，thebuildershavemoreorlesstransmittedtheirnature，aswellastheirhouse，tothosewhocomeafterthem。“
　　“Doyouthinkthen，“saidArctura，almostwithashudder，“thatI
　　inheritanaturelikethehouseleftme——thatthehouseisanoutsidetome——fitsmyveryselfastheshellfitsthesnail？”
　　“Therelationofouterandinneristhere，butthereisgivenwithitaninfinitepowertomodify。EveryoneisbornnearertoGodthantoanyancestor，anditrestswithhimtocultivateeitherthegodnessortheselfnessinhim，hisoriginalorhismereancestralnature。Thefightbetweenthenaturalandthespiritualmanisthehistoryoftheworld。Themanwhosetshisfaultsinherited，makesatonementforthesinsofthosewhowentbeforehim；heisbaptizedforthedead，notwithwaterbutwithfire。“
　　“Thatseemstomestrangedoctrine，“saidArctura，withtremulousobjection。
　　“Ifyoudonotlikeit，donotbelieveit。Weinheritfromourancestorsvicesnomorethanvirtues，buttendenciestoboth。Viceinmygreat-great-grandfathermayinmebeanimpulse。“
　　“Howhorrible！”criedArctura。
　　“TosaythatweinheritsinfromAdam，horrifiesnobody：thesourceissofarbackfromus，thatweletthestreamfillourcisternsunheeded；buttosayweinherititfromthisorthatnearerancestor，causesthefacttoassumeitsdefiniteandindividualreality，andmakeacorrespondentimpression。“
　　“Thenyouallowthatitishorribletothinkoneselfundertheinfluenceofthevicesofcertainwickedpeople，throughwhomwecomewhereweare？”
　　“Iwouldallowit，wereitnotthatGodisnearertousthananyvices，evenweretheyourown；heisbetweenusandthosevices。Butinustheyarenotvices——onlypossibilities，whichbecomeviceswhentheyareyieldedto。Thenthereareatthesametimeallsortsofcounteractingandredeeminginfluences。Itmaybethatwhereinacertainancestorwasmostwicked，hiswifewasespeciallylovely。Hemayhavebeencruel，andshetenderasthehenthatgathersherchickensunderherwing。Themaindangerisperhaps，ofbeingcaughtinsomesuddengustofunsuspectedimpulse，andcarriedawayoftheonetendencybeforetheotherhastimetoassertandthewilltorouseitself。Butthosewhodoubtthemselvesandtrytodorightmayhopeforwarning。Suchwillnot，Ithink，beallowedtogofaroutofthewayforwantofthat。Self-confidenceistheworsttraitor。“
　　“Youcomfortmealittle。“
　　“Andthenyoumustremember，“continuedDonal，“thatnothinginitsimmediaterootisevil；thatfrombesthumanrootsworstthingsspring。Noone，forinstance，willbesofullofindignation，offierceness，ofrevenge，astheselfishmanbornwithastrongsenseofjustice——Butyousaythisisnottheroominwhichyouhearthemusicbest？”
　　“No，itishere。“
　　CHAPTERLV。
　　HERBED-CHAMBER。
　　LadyArcturaopenedthedoorofherbedroom。Donalglancedroundit。
　　Itwasasold-fashionedastheother。
　　“Whatisbehindthatpressthere——wardrobe，Ithinkyoucallit？”heasked。
　　“Onlyarecess，“answeredladyArctura。“Thepress，Iamsorrytosay，istoohightogetintoit。“
　　Possiblyhadthepressstoodintherecess，thelatterwouldhavesuggestednothing；buthavingcaughtsightoftheopeningbehindthepress，Donalwasattractedbyit。Itwasinthesamewallwiththefireplace，butdidnotseemformedbytheprojectionofthechimney，foritdidnotgototheceiling。
　　“WouldyoumindifImovedthewardrobealittleononeside？”heasked。
　　“Dowhatyoulike，“sheanswered。
　　Donalmovedit，andfoundtherecessratherdeepforitssize。Thewallsoftheroomwerewainscottedtotheheightoffourfeetorso，buttherecesswasbare。Thereweresignsofhingesonone，andofaboltontheotherofthefrontedges：ithadseeminglybeenonceacloset，whosedoorcontinuedthewainscot。Therewerenosignsofshelvesinit；theplasterwassmooth。
　　ButDonalwasnotsatisfied。Hetookabigknifefromhispocket，andbegantappingallround。Themomenthecametotheright-handside，therewasachangeinthesound。
　　“Youdon'tmindifImakealittledust，mylady？”hesaid。
　　“Doanythingyouplease，“answeredArctura。
　　Hesoughtinseveralplacestodrivethepointofhisknifeintotheplaster；itwouldnowhereenteritmorethanaquarterofaninch：
　　herewasnobuiltwall，hebelieved，butonesmoothstone。Hefoundnothinglikeajointtillhecameneartheedgeoftherecess：therewasalimitofthestone，andhebeganatoncetoclearit。Itgavehimastraightlinefromthebottomtothetopoftherecess，whereitmetanotheratrightangles。
　　“Theredoesseem，mylady，“hesaid，“tobesomekindofclosinguphere，thoughitmayofcourseturnoutofnointeresttous！ShallI
　　goon，andseewhatitis？”
　　“Byallmeans，“sheanswered，butturnedpaleasshespoke。
　　Donallookedatheranxiously。Sheunderstoodhislook。
　　“Youmustnotmindmyfeelingalittlesilly，“shesaid。“Iamnotsillyenoughtogivewaytoit。“
　　Hewentonagainwithhisknife，andhadpresentlyclearedtheoutlinesofastonethatfillednearlyallthesideoftherecess。
　　Hepaused。
　　“Goon！goon！”saidArctura。
　　“Imustfirstgetabettertoolortwo，“answeredDonal。“Willyoumindbeingleft？”
　　“Icanbearit。Butdonotbelong。Afewminutesmayevaporatemycourage。“
　　Donalhurriedawaytogetahammerandchisel，andapailtoputthebrokenplasterin。LadyArcturastoodandwaited。Thesilenceclosedinuponher。Shebegantofeeleerie。Shefeltasifshehadbuttowillandseethroughthewalltowhatlaybeyondit。Tokeepherselffromsowilling，shehadallbutreducedherselftomentalinaction，whenshestartedtoherfeetwithasmotheredcry：aknocknotovergentlesoundedonthedooroftheouterroom。Shedartedtothebedroom-doorandflungitto——nexttothepress，andwithonepushhaditnearlyinitsplace。Thensheopenedagainthedoor，thinkingtowaitforasecondknockontheotherbeforesheanswered。Butassheopenedtheinner，theouterdooralsoopened——slowly——andafacelookedin。Shewouldratherhavehadavisitorfrombehindthepress！Itwasheruncle；hisfacecadaverous；hiseyesdull，butwithakindofglitterinthem；hislooklikethatofahousebreaker。Interrorofhimself，interrorlestheshoulddiscoverwhattheyhadbeenabout，interrorlestDonalshouldappear，wishingtowarnthelatter，andcertainthat，earlyasitwas，herunclewasnothimself，withintuitiveimpulse，themomentshesawhim，shecriedout，“Uncle！whatisthatbehindyou？”
　　Shefeltafterwards，andwasverysorry，thatitwasbothadeceitfulandcruelthingtodo；butshedidit，asIhavesaid，byaswift，unreflectinginstinct——whichsheconcluded，inthinkingaboutit，camefromthereadycraftofsomeancestor，andillustratedwhatDonalhadbeensaying。
　　Theearlturnedlikeonestruckontheback，imaginedsomethingofwhichArcturaknewnothing，coweredtotwo-thirdsofhisheight，andcreptaway。Thoughherselftremblingfromheadtofoot，Arcturawasseizedwithsuchapity，thatshefollowedhimtohisroom；butshedarednotgoin。Shestoodamomentinthepassagewithinsightofhisdoor，andthoughtsheheardhisbellring。NowSimmonsmightmeetDonal！Inamomentortwo，however，shewasrelieved。Donalcameroundaturn，carryinghisimplements。Shesignedtohimtomakehaste，andhewasjustsafeinsideherroomwhenSimmonscamealongonhiswaytohismaster's。Shedrewthedoorto，asifshehadbeenjustcomingout，andsaid，“Knockatmydoorasyoureturn，andtellmehowyourmasteris：I
　　heardhisbell。“
　　ShethenbeggedDonaltogoonwithhiswork，butstopitthemomentshemadeanoisewiththehandleofthedoor，andresumedherplaceoutsidetillSimmonsshouldre-appear。Fulltenminutesshestoodwaiting：itseemedanhour。ThoughsheheardDonalatworkwithin，andknewSimmonsmustsooncome，thoughtheroombehindherwasherown，andfamiliartoherfromchildhood，thelongemptypassageinfrontofherappearedfrightful。Whatmightnotcomepacingalongtowardsher！Atlastsheheardheruncle'sdoor——steps——andthebutlerapproached。Sheshookthehandleofthedoor，andDonal'sblowsceased。
　　“Ican'tmakehimout，mylady！”saidSimmons。“Itisnothingverybad，Ithink，thistime；buthegetsworseandworse——alwaystakingmoreandmoreo'themhorriddrugs。It'snousetryingtohideit：
　　he'lldropoffsuddenoneo'thesedays！I'veheardsaylaudanumdon'tshortenlife；butit'snotonenortwo，norhalfadozensortso'laudanumshekeepsmixinginthatpoorinsideo'his！Theendmustcome，andwhatwillitbe？It'sbetteryoushouldbepreparedforitwhenitdocome，mylady。I'vejustbeenagivingofhimsomeintohisskin——withalittlesharp-pointedthing，asyringe，youknow，mylady：hesaysit'stheonlywaytotakesomemedicines。
　　He'sjustaslavetohismedicines，mylady！”
　　Assoonashewasgone，ArcturareturnedtoDonal。Hehadknockedtheplasteraway，anduncoveredaslab，verylikeoneofthegreatstonesonsomeoftheroofs。Thenextthingwastoprizeitfromthemortar，andthatwasnotdifficult。Theinstanthedrewthestoneaway，adankchillassailedthem，accompaniedbyahumidsmell，asfromalong-closedcellar。Theystoodandlooked，nowateachother，nowattheopeninginthewall，wherewasnothingbutdarkness。Theroomgrewcoldandcolder。DonalwasanxiousastohowArcturamightstandwhatdiscoverylaybeforethem，andshewasanxioustoreadhissensations。Forhersakehetriedtohideallexpressionoftheawethatwascreepingoverhim，anditgavehimenoughtodo。
　　“Wearenotfarfromsomething，mylady！”hesaid。“ItmakesonethinkofwhatHesaidwhocarriesthelighteverywhere——thatthereisnothingcoveredthatshallnotberevealed，neitherhidthatshallnotbeknown。Shallweleaveitforthepresent？”
　　“Anythingbutthat！”saidArcturawithashiver；“——anythingbutanunknownterriblesomething！”
　　“Butwhatcanyoudowithit？”
　　“Letthedaylightinuponit。“
　　Hercolourreturnedasshespoke，andalookofdeterminationcameintohereyes。
　　“YouwillnotbeafraidtobeleftthenwhenIgodown？”
　　“Iamcowardlyenoughtobeafraid，butnotcowardlyenoughtoletyougoalone。Iwillsharewithyou。Ishallnotbeafraid——notmuch——nottoomuch，Imean——ifIamwithyou。“
　　Donalhesitated。
　　“See！”shewenton，“Iamgoingtolightacandle，andaskyoutocomedownwithme——ifdownitbe：itmaybeup！”
　　“Iamready，mylady，“saidDonal。
　　Shelightedthecandle。
　　“Hadwenotbetterlockthedoor，mylady？”
　　“Thatmightsetthemwondering，“sheanswered。“Weshouldhavetolockboththedoorsofthisroom，orelseboththepassage-doors！
　　Thebetterwaywillbetopullthepressafteruswhenwearebehindit。“
　　“Youareright，mylady。Pleasetakesomematcheswithyou。“
　　“Tobesure。“
　　“Youwillcarrythecandle，please。Imusthavemyhandsfree。Trytoletthelightshinepastmeasmuchasyoucan，thatImayseewhereIamgoing。ButIshalldependmostonmyhandsandfeet。“
　　CHAPTERLVI。
　　THELOSTROOM。
　　Donalthentookthelightfromherhand，andlookedin。Theopeningwentintothefurtherwallandturnedimmediatelytotheleft。Hegaveherbackthecandle，andwentin。Arcturafollowedclose。
　　Therewasastairinthethicknessofthewall，goingdownsteepandstraight。Itwasnotwideenoughtoletthemgoabreast。“Putyourhandonmyshoulder，mylady，“saidDonal。“Thatwillkeepustogether。IfIfall，youmuststandstock-still。“
　　Sheputherhandonhisshoulder，andtheybegantheirdescent。Thestepswerenarrowandhigh，thereforethestairwassteepTheyhadgonedownfromthirtytothirty-fivesteps，whentheycametoalevelpassage，turningagainatrightanglestotheleft。Itwastwicethewidthofthestair。Itssides，likethoseofthestair，wereofroughlydressedstones，andunplastered。Itledthemstraighttoastrongdoor。Itwaslocked，andintherustylocktheycouldseethekeyfromwithin。Totherightwasanotherdoor，asmallerone，whichstoodwideopen。Theywentthrough，andbyashortpassageenteredanopenerspace。Hereononesidethereseemedtobenowall，andtheystoodforamomentafraidtomovelesttheyshouldtumbleintodarkness。Butsendingthelightabout，andfeelingwithhandsandfeet，theysooncametoanideaoftheplacetheywerein。Itwasalittlegallery，witharchesononesideopeningintoalargerplace，thecharacterofwhichtheycouldonlyconjecture，fornearlyalltheycoulddeterminewas，thatitwentbelowandroseabovewheretheystood。Ontheothersidewasaplainwall，suchastheyhadhadonbothsidesofthem。
　　Theyhadbeenspeakinginawe-filledwhispers，andwerenowinsilenceendeavouringtosendtheirsightthroughthedarknessbeyondthearches。
　　“Listen，mylady，“saidDonal。
　　>Fromabovetheirheadscameachordoftheaerialmusic，softandfaintandwild！Astrangeeffectithad！itwaslikenewsofthestillairynightandthekeenstars，comedownthroughsecretwaysintothedarkplacesoftheearth，fromspacessowidethattheyseemthemostawfulofprisons！ItsweetlyfosteredArctura'scourage。
　　“Thatmustbehowthesongsofangelssounded，withnewsofhighheaven，tothepeopleofold！”shesaid。
　　Donalwasnotinsohighamood。Hewasoccupiedatthemomentwiththematerialsideofthings。
　　“Wecan'tbefar，“hesaid，“fromtheplacewhereourplummetcamedown！Butletustryalittlefurther。“
　　Thenextmomenttheycameagainstacord，andattheirfeetwastheweightoftheclock。
　　Attheotherendofthelittlegallerytheycameagaintoadoorandagaintoastair，turningtotheright；andagaintheywentdown。
　　Arcturakeptupbravely。Theairwasnotsobadasmighthavebeenfeared，thoughitwascoldanddamp。Thistimetheydescendedbutalittleway，andcametoalandingplace，ontherightofwhichwasadoor。Donalraisedarustylatchandpushed；thedoorswungopenagainstthewall，droppingfromonehingewiththeslightshock。Twostepsmoretheydescended，andstoodonastonefloor。
　　Donalthoughtatfirsttheymustbeinoneofthedungeons，butsoonbethoughthimselfthattheyhadnotdescendedfarenoughforthat。
　　Ahaloofdampsurroundedtheircandle；itsweaklightseemedscarcelytospreadbeyondit；forsomemomentstheytookinnothingofwhatwasaroundthem。ThefloorfirstbegantorevealitselftoDonal'seye：inthecircleofthelighthesaw，coveredwithdustasitwas，itssquaresofblackandwhitemarble。Thencametohimagleamofwhitefromthewall；itwasatablet；andattheotherendwassomethinglikeanaltar，oratomb。
　　“Weareintheoldchapelofthecastle！”hesaid。“——Butwhatisthat？”headdedinstantlywithaninvoluntarychangeofvoice，andashudderthroughhiswholenervousbeing。
　　Arcturaturned；herhandsoughthisandclaspeditconvulsively。
　　Theystoodclosetosomethingwhichthelightitselfhadconcealedfromthem。Eretheywereconsciousofanideaconcerningit，eachfeltthemusclesofneckandfacedrawn，asifanotherpowerthantheirowninvadedtheirpersons。Buttheywerelivewills，andwouldnotbeovercome。Theyforcedtheirgaze；perceptioncleareditself；
　　andslowlytheysawandunderstood。
　　Withstrangestdream-likeincongruityandunfitness，thethingbesidethemwasadarkbedstead，withcarvedpostsandlowwoodentester，richlycarved！——Thisinthemiddleofachapel！——Buttherewasnospeculationinthem；theycouldonlysee，notthink。Donaltookthecandle。Fromthetesterhunglargepiecesofstuffthathadoncemadeheavycurtains，butseemedhardlynowtohaveasmuchcohesionasthedustonacobweb；itheldtogetheronlyinvirtueofthelightnesstowhichdecayhadreducedit。Onthebedlayadarkmass，likebedclothesandbeddingnotquiteturnedtodust——theycouldyetseesomethinglikeembroideryinoneortwoplaces——darklikeburntpaperorhalf-burntflakyrags，horridasadreamofdeadlove！
　　Heavens！whatwasthatshapeinthemiddle？——whatwasthatontheblackpillow？——whatwasthatthicklinestretchingtowardsoneofthehead-posts？Theystaredspeechless。ArcturapressedclosetoDonal。Hisarmwentroundhertoprotectherfromwhatthreatenedalmosttooverwhelmhimself——theinroadofanunearthlyhorror。
　　Plaintotheeyesofboth，theforminthemiddleofthebedwasthatofahumanbody，slowlycrumblingwhereitlay。Bedandblanketsandquilt，sheetsandpillowshadcrumbledwithitthroughthelongwastingyears，butsomethingofitsoldshapeyetlingeredwiththedust：thatwasaheadthatlayonthepillow；thatwasthelineofalongarmthatpointedacrossthepillowtothepost——Whatwasthathangingfromthebedpostandmeetingthearm？Godinheaven！therewasastapleinthepost，andfromthestaplecameachain！——andthereatitsotherendaring，lyingonthepillow！——andthroughit——yesthroughit，thedust-armpassed！——Thiswasnomeredeath-bed；itwasatorturebed——mostlikelyamurder-bed；andonityetlaythebodythatdiedonit——hadlainforhundredsofyears，unliftedforkindlyburial：theplaceofitsdeceasehadbeenmadeitstomb——closedupandhiddenaway！
　　Abedinachapel，andonedeadthereon！——howcoulditbe？Hadthewoman——forDonalimaginedtheformyetshoweditthebodyofawoman——beencarriedthitherofherowndesire，todieinaholyplace？Thatcouldnotbe：therewasthechain！Hadshesoughtrefugetherefromsomepersecutor？Ifso，hehasfoundher！Shewasacaptive——madperhaps，morelikelyhatedandthevictimofaterriblerevenge；left，probablyenough，todieofhunger，ordisease——neglectedortended，whocouldtell？Onething，onlywasclear——thatthereshedied，andthereshewasburied！
　　Arcturawastrembling。Donaldrewhercloser，andwouldhavetakenheraway。Butshesaidinhisear，asifindreadofdisturbingthedust，“Iamnotfrightened——notvery。Itisonlythecold，Ithink。“
　　Theywentsoftlytotheotherendofthechapel，almostclingingtogetherastheywent。Theysawthreenarrowlancetwindowsontheirright，butnoglimmercamethroughthem。
　　Theycametowhathadseemedanaltar，andsuchitstillseemed。Butonitsmarble-toplaythedustplainlyofaninfant——sightsadasfearful，andfullofagonizingsuggestion！Theyturnedaway，noreitherlookedattheother。Theawfulsilenceoftheplaceseemedsettlingonthemlikeaweight。Donalmadehaste，nordidArcturaseemlessanxioustoleaveit。
　　Whentheyreachedthestair，hemadehergofirst：hemustbebetweenherandtheterror！Astheypassedthedoorontheothersideofthelittlegallery——downwhosespiraclehadcomenosecondbreath——Donalsaidtohimselfhemustquestionthatdoor，buttoArcturahesaidnothing：shehadhadenoughofinquiryforthemoment！
　　SlowlytheyascendedtoArctura'schamber。Donalreplacedtheslab，andproppeditinitsposition；gatheredtheplasterintothepail；
　　replacedthepress，andputascrewthroughthebottomofitintothefloor。Arcturastoodandwatchedhimallthetime。
　　“Youmustleaveyourroomagain，mylady！”saidDonal。
　　“Iwill。IshallspeaktomistressBrookesatonce。“
　　“Willyoutellherallaboutit？”
　　“Wemusttalkaboutthat！”
　　“Howwillshebearit，“thoughtDonal；“howaftersuchanexperience，canshespendtherestofthedayalone？Thereisallthelongafternoonandeveningtobemet！”
　　Hegavethelastturntothescrewinthefloor，androse。ThenfirsthesawthatArcturahadturnedverywhite。
　　“Dositdown，mylady！”hesaid。“IwouldrunformistressBrookes，butIdarenotleaveyou。“
　　“No，no；wewillgodowntogether！GivemethatbottleofeaudeCologne，please。“
　　DonaldidnotknoweithereaudeCologneoritsbottle，buthedartedtothedressing-tableandguessedcorrectly。Itrevivedher，andshebegantotakedeepbreaths。Thenwithastrongeffortsherosetogodown。
　　Thetimeforspeechconcerningwhattheyhadseen，wasnotcome！
　　“Wouldyounotlike，mylady，“saidDonal，“tocometotheschoolroomthisafternoon？YoucouldsitbesidewhileIgiveDaviehislessons！”
　　“Yes，“sheansweredatonce；“Ishouldlikeitmuch！——Istherenotsomethingyoucouldgivemetodo？——Willyounotteachmesomething？”
　　“IshouldliketobeginyouwithGreek，andteachyoualittlemathematics——geometryfirstofall。“
　　“Youfrightenme！”
　　“Yourfrightwouldn'toutlastthebeginning，“saidDonal。“Anyhow，youwillhaveDavieandmeforcompany！Youmustbelonelysometimes！YouseelittleofMissCarmichaelnow，Ifancy。“
　　“Shehasnotbeennearmesincethatdayintheavenue！Wesalutenowandthencomingoutofchurch。ShewillnotcomeagainexceptI
　　askher；andIshallbeinnohaste：shewouldonlyassumeIwassorry，andcouldnotdowithouther！”
　　“Ishouldletherwait，mylady！”saidDonal。“Shesorelywantshumbling！”
　　“Youdonotknowher，Mr。Grant，ifyouthinkanythingIcoulddowouldhavethateffectonher。“
　　“Pardonme，mylady；Ididnotimagineityourtasktohumbleher！
　　Butyouneednotletherrideoveryouassheusedtodo；sheknowsnothingreally，andagreatmanythingsunreally。Unrealknowledgeisworsethanignorance——WouldnotMissGraemebeabetterfriend？”
　　“Sheismuchmorelovable；butshedoesnottroubleherheadaboutthethingsIcarefor——Imeanreligion，“sheaddedhesitatingly。
　　“Somuchthebetter，——“
　　“Mr。Grant！”
　　“Youdidnotletmefinish，mylady！——Somuchthebetter，Iwasgoingtosay，tillshebeginstotroubleherheartaboutit——orrathertountroubleherheartwithit！Thephariseetroubledhishead，andnodoubthisconsciencetoo，anddidnotgoawayjustified；butthepoorpublican，aswewithourstupidpitywouldcallhim，troubledhisheartaboutit；andthattroubleoncesetagoing，thereisnofear。Headandallmustsoonfollow——ButhowamItogetridofthisplasterwithoutbeingseen？”
　　“Iwillshowyouthewaytoyourownstairwithoutgoingdown——thewaywecameonce，youmayremember。Youcantakeittothetopofthehousetillitisdark——ButIdonotfeelcomfortableaboutmyuncle'svisit。Canitbethathesuspectssomething？Perhapsheknowsallaboutthechapel——andthatstairtoo！”
　　“Heisamantoenjoyhavingasecret！——Butourdiscoverybearsoutwhatweweresayingastothelikenessofhouseandman——doesitnot？”
　　“Youdon'tmeanthereisanythinglikethatinme？”rejoinedArctura，lookingfrightened。
　　“You！”heexclaimed。“——ButImeannoindividualapplication，“headded，“exceptasreflectedfromthegeneraltruth。Thishouseislikeeveryhumansoul，andso，likemeandyouandallofus。Wehavefoundthechapelofthehouse，theplacetheyusedtopraytoGodin，builtup，lost，forgotten，filledwithdustanddamp——andthemoulderingdeadlyingtherebeforetheLord，waitingtobemadeliveagainandpraisehim！”
　　“Isaidyoumeantme！”murmuredArctura，withafaint，sadsmile。
　　“No；thetimeispastforthat。Itislongsincefirstyouwereawareofthedeadselfinthelostchapel；ahungrysoulsoonmissesboth，andknows，withoutbeingsureofit，thattheyaresomewhere。
　　Youhavekeptsearchingfortheminspiteofallpersuasionthatthequestwasfoolish。“
　　Arctura'seyesshoneinherpaleface；buttheyshonewithgatheringtears。Donalturnedaway，andtookupthepail。Sherose，andguidedhimtohistower-stair，wherehewentupandshewentdown。
　　CHAPTERLVII。
　　THEHOUSEKEEPER'SROOM。
　　Astheclockupontheschoolroomchimney-piecestruckthehour，Arcturaentered，andatoncetookherseatatthetablewithDavie——muchtotheboy'swonderandpleasure。DonalgaveheraEuclid，andsetheratask：shebeganatoncetolearnit——andafterawhilesobriefthatDaviestaredincredulous，said，“Ifyouplease，Mr。Grant，IthinkIcouldbequestioneduponitnow。“
　　LessthanaminutesufficedtoshowDonalthatshethoroughlyunderstoodwhatshehadbeenlearning，andhesetherthenalittlemore。Bythetimetheirworkwasoverhehadnotadoubtleftthatsuchlikeintellectualoccupationwouldgreatlysubserveallphasesofherhealth。Withentirenessshegaveherselftothethingshehadtodo；andDonalthoughthowstrongmustbehernature，toworksocalmly，andthinksoclearly，afterwhatshehadgonethroughthatmorning。
　　Schoolover，andDaviegonetohisrabbits。
　　“MistressBrookesinvitesustosupperwithher，“saidladyArctura。
　　“Iaskedhertoaskus。Idon'twanttogotobedtillIamquitesleepy。Youdon'tmind，doyou？”
　　“Iamveryglad，mylady，“respondedDonal。
　　“Don'tyouthinkwehadbettertellherallaboutit？”
　　“Asyouthinkfit。Thesecretisinnosensemine；itisonlyyours；
　　andthesooneritceasestobeasecretthebetterforallofus！”
　　“Ihavebutonereasonforkeepingit，“shereturned。
　　“Youruncle？”
　　“Yes；Iknowhewillbeannoyed。ButtheremaybeotherreasonswhyIshouldrevealthething。“
　　“Theremayindeed！”saidDonal。
　　“Still，IshouldbesorrytooffendhimmorethanIcannothelp。Ifhewereamanlikemyfather，Ishouldneverdreamofgoingagainsthim；Ishouldinfactleaveeverythingtohimhecaredtoattendto。
　　Butseeingheisthemanheis，itwouldbeabsurd。Idarenotlethimmanagemyaffairsformemuchlonger。Imustunderstandformyselfhowthingsaregoing。“
　　“Youwillnot，Ihope，arrangeanythingwithoutthepresenceofalawyer！IfearIhavelessconfidenceinyourunclethanyouhave！”
　　Arcturamadenoreply，andDonalwasafraidhehadhurther；butthenextmomentshelookedupwithasadsmile，andsaid，“Well，poorman！wewillnotcompareouropinionsofhim：heismyfather'sbrother，andIshallbegladnottooffendhim。ButmyfatherwouldhavereasontobedissatisfiedifIlefteverythingtomyuncleasifhehadnotlefteverythingtome。Ifhehadbeenanothersortofman，myfatherwouldsurelyhavelefttheestatetohim！”
　　Atnineo'clocktheymetinthehousekeeper'sroom——low-ceiled，large，linedalmostroundwithoakpresses，whichweremistressBrookes'sdelight。Shewelcomedthemastoherownhouse，andmadeanexcellenthostess。
　　ButDonalwouldnotmixthetumbleroftoddyshewouldhavehadhimtake。Foronethinghedidnotlikehishighertobeoperateduponfromhislower：itmadehimfeelasifpossessedbyanotaltogetherrealself。Buttherootofhisobjectionlayintheteachingofhismother。Thethingshehadlearnedofhisparentsweretohimhispatentofnobility，vouchersthathewashonourablydescended：ofhisbirthhewasasproudasanyman。Andhencethisnighthewasledtotalkofhisfatherandmother，andthethingsofhischildhood。HetoldArcturaallaboutthelifehehadled；howatonetimehekeptcattleinthefields，atanothersheeponthemountains；howitcamethathewassenttocollege，andallthestoryofsirGibbie。Thenightworeon。Arcturalistened——didnothingbutlisten；shewasenchanted。AnditsurprisedDonalhimselftofindhowcalmlyhecouldnowlookbackuponwhathadseemedtothreatenaneverlastingwinterofthesoul。ItwasindeedthebetterthingthatGinevrashouldbeGibbie'swife！
　　Apausehadcome，andhehadfallenintoabroodingmemoryofthingsgoneby，whenasuddensuccessionofquickknocksfellonhisear。
　　Hestarted——strangelyaffected。Neitherofhiscompanionstooknoticeofit，thoughitwasnowpastoneo'clock。Itwaslikeaknockingwithknucklesagainsttheothersideofthewalloftheroom。
　　“Whatcanthatbe？”hesaid，listeningformore。
　　“H'ardyeneverthat'afore，maisterGrant？”saidthehousekeeper。
　　“Ihaegrownsaeusedtil'tmyearshardlytaknoticeo''t！”
　　“Whatisit？”askedDonal。
　　“Ay，whatis't？Tellyemethatgienyecan！”shereturned“It'sjistachappin'，an'God'strowthit'sa'Ikenabootthesame！Itcomes，IbelieveI'msafetosay，ilkanicht；butIcouldnatakmyaithupo''t，Ihaesaeentirelydrappitpeyin'onyattentiontil't。
　　There'sthingsabootmonyanauldhoose，maisterGrant，'at'lltakthedayo'judgmenttoexplainthem。Butsaelangastheykeeptotheirainsideo'thewa'，IdinnaseeIneedtriblemyheidabootthem。EftertheexperrienceIhadasayoonglass，awa'dooninEnglan'yon'er，ataplacemyauntiegotmeintil——forshekennedaheapo'gran'fowkthrouwbein'hersel'saenearconneckitwi'themashoosekeeperi'thecastelhere——efterthat，I'msayin，'Iwadnaneedtobethateasyscaret？”
　　“Whatwasit？”saidladyArctura。“Idon'tthinkyouevertoldme。“
　　“No，mydearlady；Iwudneverhaethochto'tellin'yeonysicstorysaelangasyewasoweryoongnotobefrichtitatit；for'deedIthinkthey'remuckletoblame'attellsbairnsthevarrathingsthey'renofittohear，an'fixthedreid'aforethesense。
　　ButIs'tellyethenoo，gienyecaretohear。It'sasomeawsomestory，butthere'ssomethinguncofulish-likeintil'tasweel。I
　　cannasayIthinkmuckle'ocraturs'attribletheirheidsaboottheirheids！——Butthat'stellin''aforehan'！”
　　Herethegoodwomanpausedthoughtful。
　　“Iamlongingtohearyourstory，mistressBrookes，“saidDonal，supposingsheneededencouragement。
　　“I'mbutthinkin'hootobegin，“shereturned，“saeastogieyearichthaudo'thething——I'mthinkin'Icannadobetternorjisttell'tasitcamtomysel'！——Weel，yesee，Iwasbutayoonglass，aboot——weel，Imichtbetwenty，mairorless，whanIgaedtiltheplaceIspeako'。Itwasawa'upo'theborderso'Wales，likeasgienfolkowertherei'Perthwardoobtfu'whethersicorsicaplacewasi'thehielan'sorthelowlan's。Themaistero'thehoosewasayoongmanawa'upo''straivels，Ikennawhaur——somewhaurupo'
　　thecontinent，butthat'samickleword；an'ashehadtheintentiono'bein'awa'forsometimetocome，nocarin'tosettledoonaffhan'an'luikefterhisain，therewasbutanegeyauldwumantohoosekeep，an'metohelpher，an'amanortwaaboottheplacetoluikefterthegairden——an'thatwasa'。Hoosean'gairdenwastolet，an'wasintilthehan'so'aneo'thaeagents，astheyca'
　　them，forthatsamepurpose——tolet，thatis，foratermo'years。
　　Weel，aedaytherecamagentlemantoluikattheplace，an'hewassaeweelpleasedwi''t——asweelhemicht，foreh，itwasabonnyplace！——ayelauchin'like，whaurthisplaceisayei'thesulks！——na，noaye！Idinnameanthat，mylady，forgettin'atit'syours！——butyemaunownittaksaheapo'suntogarthisauldhoosehereluikonythingbutsomedour——an'Ibegyerpardon，mylady！”
　　“Youarequiteright，mistressBrookes！”saidArcturawithasmile。
　　“Ifitwerenotforyouitwouldbedourdour——Youdonotknow，Mr。
　　Grant——mistressBrookesherselfdoesnotknowhowmuchIoweher！I
　　shouldhavegoneoutofmymindforverydrearinessahundredtimesbutforher。“
　　“Theshortan'thelango''twas，“resumedmistressBrookes，“thattheplacewasletan'theplacewasta'en，mickletothesatisfactiono'a'pairtiesconcernt。Theauldhoosekeeper，shebein'afixturlike，wastobide，an'Iwastobideasweel，underthehoosekeeper，an'haein'nothingtodowi'thestrangerservan's。
　　“Theycam。Therewasagentlemano'amiddleage，an'hisleddysomeyoongernorhimsel'，han'somebutnobonnie——butthathasnaethingtodowi'mytale'atIshouldtakupyertimewi''t，an'itgrowin'somelate。“
　　“Nevermindthetime，mistressBrookes，“saidArctura；wecandojustaswepleaseaboutthat！Onetimeisasgoodasanother——isn'tit，Mr。Grant？”
　　“Isometimessituphalfthenightmyself，“saidDonal。“IliketoknowGod'snight。Onlyitwon'tdooften，lestwemakethebrain，whichisGod'stoo，likeawatchthatwon'tgo。“
　　“It'ssairupsettin'tothewark！”saidthehousekeeper。“WhatwouldthehousebelikeifIwastodothat！”
　　“Dogoon，please，mistressBrookes，“saidArctura。
　　“Pleasedo，“echoedDonal。
　　“Sir，an'mylady，I'mreadytosittillthecock'sbedunecrawin'，an'thedaydunedawin'，topleasurtheaneorthetwao'ye！——an'
　　saeformytruetale！——Theywarvarradacent，weel-behavetfowk，wi'
　　afinefaimly，somegrownan'somegrowin'。Itwasjistafawvourtoseesicahalesomeclan——fraeauchteenorthereawa'doontutheweetoddlin'lassiewasthevarraaippleo'thee'etoa'thee'enaboottheplace！Butthat'snaitherherenoryetthere！A'gaedonasa'
　　shouldgangonwhaurtheservan'sarenoowergran'fortheirainwark，norowermeddlesomewi'thewarko'theirneebours；naethingwasnegleckit，noronythinggirnedaboot；buta'waspeacean'
　　hermony，asquo'theauldsangaboutoutbonnyKilmeny——thatis，tillaenicht——YouseeI'mtellin'yeasitcam'tomysel'an'notilanither！
　　“AsIlayi'mybedthatnicht——an'yemaybesureatmyageIlaynaelangernorjisttoturnmeowerance，an'ingeneralnothatance——jistasIwasfa'in'asleep，upgatsicaromagei'theservan'ha'，straucht'anethwhaurIwaslyin'，thatIthouchttomysel'，whatupo'earth'scometotheplace！——'Gienitbenathedayo'judgment，trothit'snothedayo'sma'things！'Isaid。Itwasasgiena'thecheirsan'tablesthegitherwarbein'routitooto'
　　theirplaces，an'synesetbackagain，an'thetablesturntheelsowerheid，an'a'theglaissan'a'theplateforthedennerknockitabootasgientheyhadbeensaemonyhailstanesthatwarnawantitonymair，butmichtjistliewhaurtheyfell。Icouldnaforthelifeo'methinkwhatitmichtbetoken，savean'excep'ageneralfrenzyhadseizedupo'manan'wumani'thehoose！Igotupinahurry：
　　whateverwasgaein'on，Iwudnawullin'lygangwantin'myshareo'
　　thesicht！An'jistasIopenedmydoor，whashouldIhearbutthemaistercryin'attheheido'thestair，——'What，i'thenameo'a'
　　that'sholy，'sayshe，'isthemeanin'o'this？'An'Irantilhim，ooto'thepassage，an'throughtheswing-door，intothegreatcorridor；an'saysI，——''Deed，sir，Iwaswon'erin'！an'wi'yerleave，sir，I'llgangan'see，'Isaid，gaitherin'myshawlabootmeasweelasIcouldtohidewhatwas'anethit，orraitherwhatwasna'anethit，forIhadnathatmickleon。Butsayshe，'No，no，youmustnotgo；whoknowswhatitmaybe？I'llgomyself。Theymayberobbers，andthemenfightingthem。Youstopwhereyouare。'Sayin'
　　that，hewashalf-waysdoonthestair。IstoodwhaurIwas，lookin'
　　doonan'hearkenin'，an'thenoisestillgoin'on。Buthecouldbuthaewonthelen'tho'thehall，whanitstoppita'atancean'
　　a'thegither。Yemaythinkwhatadinitmaunhaebeen，whanItellyethequaietthatcamupo'theheelso''tjistseemedtostingmytwalugs。ThesamemomentIh'ardthemaistercryin'tilmetocomedoon。Iran，an'whanIreachedtheservan'sha'，whaurhestoodjistinsidethedoor，Istoodasidehiman'glowered。For，wadyebelieveme！theplacewasasdacentan'stillasonykirkyardi'themunelicht！Therewasnaathingooto'it'splace，noranairo'
　　dist，northesma'estdisordertobeseen！A'thethingsluikitasgientheyhadsattletthemsel'stosleepasusual，an'hadsleepittillwecaman'waukitthem。Themaisterglowertatme，an'I
　　glowertatthemaister。Buta'hesaidwas，——'Afalsealarm，yesee，Rose！'WhathethouchtIcannatell，butwithootanitherwordweturnt，an'gaedupthestairagainthegither。
　　“Atthetapo'thestair，thelangcorridorranawa'intilthedarkafore's，forthecan'lethemaistercarriedflangnalichthalftotheen'o''t；an'fraeooto'themirkonasuddentcamtomeet'sarampaugin'an'arattlin'likeo'ascoreo'nowtrinnin'awa'wi'
　　theirirontethersaboottheirnecks——sicarattlin'o'ironchainsasyeneverh'ard！an'agroanin'an'agruntin'jistfearsome。
　　Againwestoodan'luikitataneanither；an'myword！butthemaister'sfacewaseneuchtofrichtabodyo''tsel'，latalanethethingweh'ardan'sawnaethingtilaccoontfor！'Gangawa'backtoyerbed，Rose，'hesaid；'this'llneverdo！''An'hooareyetohelpit，sir？'saidI。'ThatIcannottell，'answeredhe；butIwouldn'tfortheworldyourmistressheardit！Ileftherfastasleep，andI
　　hopeshe'llsleepthroughit——Didyoueverhearanythingstrangeaboutthehousebeforewecame？''Never，sir，'saidI，'assureasI
　　stan'hereshiverin'！'——forthenichtwasi'thesimmer，an'warmtothatdegree！an'yetIwasshiverin'asi'thecauldfito'afivver；an'mymoo'wudhardlyconsenttomakthewordsIsouchttoframe！
　　“Westoodlikemice'aforethecatforaminuteortwa，buttherecamnaethingmair；an'bydegreeswegrewakin'o'ashamet，likeasgienwehadbeendoobtfu'astowhetherwehadh'ardonything；an'
　　whanagainhesaidtomegangtomybed，Igaedtomybed，an'wasnalangupo'thero'd，forfearIwudhearonythingmair——an'intilmybed，an'myheid'aneththeclaes，an'laytrim'lin'。Buttherewasnanemairo''tthatnicht，an'Iwasnaowersairowercometofa'
　　asleep。
　　“I'themornin'Itelltthehoosekeepera'abootit；butsheheldhertongueinamainnerthatwas，tosaytheleasto''t，varrastrange。Shedidnalauch，norshedidnagruenoryetglower，noryetshedidnasaythethingwasnonsense，butshejisth'ardan'h'ardan'saidnaaword。Ithouchtwi'mysel'，is'tpossibleshedisnabelieveme？butIcouldnamakthatootaither。Saeassheheildhertongue，Ijistpu'dthebridleo'mine，an'vooedthereshouldbeneveranitherwordsaidbymetillanceshespakhersel'。An'Iwudsunehaehadeneucho'haudin'mytongue，butIhadnatohaudittoonybodybuther；an'Icamtotheconclusionthatshewasfearto'
　　bein'speirtquestonsbythem'athadarichttospeirthem，forthatshehadh'ardo'something'afore，an'kennedmairnorshewasatleebertytospeakaboot。
　　“Butthatwasonlythebeginnin'，an'littletowhatfollowed！Forfraethatnichttherewasnaaenichtpassedbutsomeaneortwadisturbit，an'whilesitwaspasta'bidin。'Thenoises，an'therum'lin's，an'abunea'theclankin'o'chains，thatgaedoni'thathoose，an'thegroans，an'thecries，an'whilesthewhustlin'，an'
　　whatwas'maistwaurnora'，thelauchin'，wassomethingdreidfu'，an''ayontbelievin'toonybutthem'atwasintil't。Isometimesthinkmaybetheterroro''tmaksitluikwauri'therecollectionnoritwas；butIcannakeepmysensesan'nobelievetherewassomethinga'thegitherbyord'nari'theaffair。An'whan，orlang，itcamtotheknowledgeo'thelady，an'shewaswaukitupatnicht，an'h'ardthething，whateveritwas，an'synewhanthebairnswarwaukitup，an'ayetheromage，nooi'thisroom，nooi'that，saethattheleevin'wudbecryin'asloodasthedeid，thoughtheycouldillmaksicadin，itwasbeyonda'beirin'，an'themaistermadeuphismin'toflitatance，comeo''twhatmicht！
　　“For，asIouchttohaetelltye，hehadwrittentotheownero'thehoose，thatwasmyainmaister——foritwasnaahairo'usesayin'
　　onythingfurthertotheagent；heonlyleuch，an'declaretitmaunbesomeo'hisainfolkwasplayin'tricksuponhim——whichitangerthimtohear，bein'asimpossibleasitwasfause；saestrauchtawa'
　　tohislan'lordhewrote，asIsay；butashewastravellin'abootonthecontinent，hesupposedeithertheletterhadnotreachedhim，an'neverwudreachhimorhewasshelterin'himsel'undertheideatheywudthinkhehadneverhadit，nowantin'tomoveinthematter。Butthevarradayhehadmadeuphismin'thatnothingshouldmakehimspendanotherweekinthehouse，forMondaynightswerealwaystheworst，therecamaletterfromthegentleman，sayin'
　　thatonlythatsamehoorthathewaswritin'hadhereceivedthemaister'sletter；an'hewassorryhehadnothaditbefore，butprayedhimtoputupwiththingstillhegottohim，andhewouldstartatthefarthestintwodaysmore，andwouldsetthethingrightinlesstimethanitwouldtaketotellhimwhatwasamiss——A
　　strangeenoughlettertobesure！Mr。Harper，thatwastheirbutler，toldmehehadreadeverywordofit！Andso，as，nottomentiontheterrorsofthenicht，thewantofrestwasliketoruinusaltogether，wewereallontheoutlookfortheappearanceofoorpromiseddeliverer，saecock-sureo'settin'thingsstrauchtagain！
　　“Weel，atlast，an'thatwasinavarrafeowdays，thoughtheyluikitlangtosomei'thathoose，heappearit——aniceluikin'
　　gentleman，wi'saesweetasmileitwasnahardtobelievewhate'erhetelltye。An'hehadalichtairyw'ywi'him，thatwastousoppresstcratursstrangelycomfortin'，illasitwastobelievehecouldkenwhathadbeengoin'on，an'treatiti'thatfashion！
　　Hooever，——an'noo，mylady，an'Mr。Grant，Ihaetotellyewhatthebutlertoldme，forIwasnapresenttohearformysel'。Maybehewouldn'thavetoldme，butthathewasn'tanoldman，thoughtwicemyage，an'seemttohavetakenalikin'tome，thoughitnevercametoanything；an'asIwasalwaysceeviltoanypersonthatwasceeviltome，an'neverwentfartherthanwasbecomin'，hemademethereturno'talkin'tomeattimes，an'tellin'mewhatheknew。
　　“Theyounggentlemanwastostopan'lunchwiththemaster，an'i'
　　themeantimewouldhaveaglasso'winean'abiscuit；an'pullin'abuncho'keysfromhispocket，hedesiredMr。Harpertotakeacertainoneandgotothedoorthatwaslockedinsidethewine-cellar，andbringabottlefromacertainbin。Harpertookthekey，an'wasjustgoin'fromtheroom，whenheh'ardthevisitor——thoughintruthhewasmoreathametherethananyofus——h'ardhimsay，'I'lltellyouwhatyou'vebeendoing，sir，andyou'lltellmewhetherI'mnotright！'Hearin'that，thebutlerdrewthedoorto，butnotthatclose，andmadenohastetoleaveit，andsoh'ardwhatfollowed。
　　“'I'lltellyouwhatyou'vebeendoin'，'sayshe。'Didn'tyoufindaman'shead——askull，Imean，uponthepremises？''Well，yes，I
　　believewedid，whenIthinkofit！'saysthemaster；'formybutler'——an'therewasthebutleroutsidealistenin'tothewholetale！——'mybutlercametomeonemornin'，sayin'，“Lookhere，sir！
　　thatiswhatIfoundinalittlebox，closebythedoorofthewine-cellar！It'saskull！”“Oh，“saidI'——itwasthemasterthatwasspeakin'——'“it'llbesomemedicalstudenthasbroughtithometothehouse！”Soheaskedmewhathehadbetterdowithit。''Andyoutoldhim，'interruptedthegentleman，'toburyit！''Idid；itseemedtheproperthingtodo。''Ihadn'tadoubtofit！'saidthegentleman：'thatisthecauseofallthedisturbance。''That？'saysthemaster。'That，andnothingelse！'answersthegentleman。Andwiththat，asHarperconfessedwhenhetoldme，therecamowerhimsuchahorror，thathedaurednaelongerstan'atthedoor；butforgoin'doontothecellartofetchthebottleo'wine，thatwasmerelybeyondhishumanfaculty。Asithapped，Imethimonthestair，aswhiteasasheet，an'readytodrop。'What'sthematter，Mr。Harper？'saidI；andhetoldmeallaboutit。'Comealong，'I
　　said；'we'llgotothecellartogether！It'sbroaddaylight，an'
　　there'snothingtohurtus！'Sohewentdown。
　　“'There，that'stheboxthethingwaslyin'in！'saidhe，aswecamooto'thewine-cellar。An'wi'thatcamagroanooto'thevarragroundatoorfeet！Webothh'ardit，an'stoodshakin'an'dumb，grippin'aneanither。'I'msureIdon'tknowwhatinthenameo'
　　heavenitcanallmean！'saidhe——butthatwaswhenwewereonthewayupagain。'Didyeshow'tonydisrespec'？'saidI。'No，'saidhe；'Ibutburiedit，asIwouldanythingelsethathadtobeputtenouto'sight，'An'aswewurtalkin'together——thatwasatthetopo'thecellar-stair——therecamagreatringin'atthebell，an'saidhe，'They'rewon'erin'what'scomeo'mean'theirwine，an'weeltheymay！Imaunrin。'Assoonasheenteredtheroom——an'thisagain，yemaysee，myleddyan'maisterGrant，hetelltmeefterwards——'Whaurdidyeburytheheidyetuikfraethecellar？'
　　saidhismastertilhim，an'speirednaawordastohoohehadbeensaelangganeforthewine。'Iburiediti'thegarden，'answeredhe。'Ihopeyouknowthespot！'saidthestrangegentleman。'Yes，sir，Ido，'saidHarper。'Thencomeandshowme，'saidhe。
　　“Sothethreeofthemwentootthegither，an'gotaspade；an'
　　luckilythebutlerwasabletoshowthematoncethevarraspot。An'
　　thegentlemanhehowkituptheskullwi'hisainhan's，carefu'nottotouchitwiththespade，an'brouchtitbackinhishan'tothehoose，knockin'theearthaffitwithhisrouchtraivellin'gluves。
　　ButwhanHarperlookittobetoldtotakeitbacktotheplacewherehefoundit，an'trembledatthethoucht，wonderin'hoohewastogethaudo'mean'naebodythewiser，forhedidnawanttoshowfrichti'theday-time，tohisgritsurprisean'nosma'pleesur，thegentlemansettheskullonthechimley-piece。An'aslunchhadbeenlaidi'themeantime，forMr。Heywood——Ihaejistgottenagrupo'hisname——hadtobeawa'againdireckly，heh'ardthewholestoryashewaititupo'them。Isupposetheythouchtitbetterheshouldhearan'telltherest，thesoonertogarthemforgettheterrorswehadcomethrouw。
　　“Saidthegentleman，'Nowyou'llhavenomoretrouble。Ifyoudo，writetome，tothecareo'——soan'so——an'I'llreleaseyoufromyouragreement。Butpleasetorememberthatyoubroughtitonyourselfbyinterfering，Ican'texacklysaywithmyproperty，butwiththepropertyofonewhoknowshowtodefenditwithoutcallingintheaidofthelaw——whichindeedwouldprobablygivehimlittlesatisfaction——Itwastheburyingofthatskullthatbroughtonyoualltheannoyance。''Ialwaysthought，'saidthemaster，'thedeadpreferredhavingtheirbonesburied。Theirghostsindeed，accordingtoCocker，eitherwouldnaorcouldnaliequietuntiltheirbodieswereproperlyburied：wherethencouldbeouroffence？''Youmaysaywhatyouwill，'answeredMr。Heywood，'andIcannotansweryou，orpreten'toexplainthething；Ionlyknowthatwhenthatheadisburied，thesesamedisagreeablesalwaysbegin。''Thenistheheadinthewayofbeingburiedanddugupagain？'askedthemaster。'Iwilltellyouthewholestory，ifyoulike，'answeredhislandlord。'I
　　wouldgladlyhearit，'sayshe，'forIwouldfainseedaylightontheaffair！''ThatIcannotpromiseyou，'hesaid；'butthestory，asitishandeddowninthefamily，youshallhear。'
　　“Youmaybesure，myleddy，Harperwaswideawaketohearken，an'
　　themorethathemighttellitagaininthehall！
　　“'Somewhereaboutahundredandfiftyyearsago，'Mr。Heywoodbegan，'onacold，stormynight，therecametothehall-doorapoorpedlar，'——atravellingmerchant，youknow，myleddy——'withhispackonhisback，andwouldfainhavepartedwithsomeofhisgoodstothefolkofthehall。Thebutler，whomusthavebeenaroughsortofman——theywereroughtimesthose——toldhimtheywantednothinghecouldgivethem，andtogoabouthisbusiness。Buttheman，whowassomethingobstinate，Idaresay，and，itmayweelbe，anxioustogetshelter，asmuchforthenichtbein'gurlyastosellhisgoods，keepitonbeggin'an'implorin'tolatthewomen-folkattheleastluikatwhathehadbroucht。Atlastthebutler，ooto'a'patiencewi'theman，ga'ehimagreatshoveawa'fraethedoor，saethatthepoormanfelldoonthesteps，an'bangtthedoorto，noreverlookittoseewhetherthemangatupagainorno。
　　“'I'themornin'thepedlartheyfaundhimlyin'deidinalittlewudorshaw，nofarfraethehoose。An'wi'thatupgotthecry，an'
　　whatsaidtheybutthatthebutlerhadmurderthim！Saeuphewasta'enan'putupo''strialfor't。An'whetherthemanwasnotlikiti'thecountry-side，Icannottell，'saidthegentleman，'butthecrywasagainsthim，andthingswentthewrongwayforhim——andthatthoughnooneabootthehoosebelievedhehaddonethedeed，morethanhemichthaecausedhisdeathbypushin'himdoonthesteps。
　　An'eventhathecouldhardlyhaveintendit，butonlytogetquito'
　　him；an'likelyenoughthemanwasweak，perhapsill，an'theweichto'hispackonhisbackpulledhimashepushed。'Still，efteran'
　　a'——an'itsmysel''at'ssayin'this，nothegentleman，mylady——inapairto'thecountrylikethat，geyan'lanely，itwasnotthenichttoturnafallowcraturootin！'Thebutlerwas，atthesametime，anoldandtrustyservan'，'saidMr。Heywood，'an'hismasterwasgreatlyconcerntabootthething。Itisimpossibleatthistimeo'day，'hesaid，'toun'erstan'hoosuchathingcouldbe——i'thetotalabsenceo'direc'evidence，buttheshortan'thewearylango''twas，thatthemanwashangt，an'hunginironsforthedeed。
　　“'An'nooyemaybethinkin'theghaisto'thepuirpedlarbegantohauntthehoose；butnaethingo'thekin'！Therewasnaedisturbanceo'that，oronyithersort。Themanwasdeidan'buried，whaeverdidordidnakillhim，an'thebodyo'himthatwassaidtohaekilledhim，hungdanglin'i'thewin'，an'naithero'themsaidawordfororagainthething。
　　“'Buttheherto'theman'smaisterwassair。Hecouldnahelpayethinkin'thatmaybehewastoblame，an'michthaedonesomethingmairnorhethouchto'atthetimetogetthepuirmanaff；forhewasabsolutelycertainthat，hooeverrouchhemichthaebeen；an'
　　hooeverhemichthaebeenthecauseo'deithtothetroublesomepedlar，hehadnameanttokillhim；itwas，inpairtatleast，anaccident，an'hethouchtthehangin'o''imfor'twashardlines。