Whenallwasover，IcouldseehowmuchArthurwasweakened。
　　Idressedthewoundandtookhisarmtobringhimaway，whenVanHelsingspokewithoutturninground，themanseemstohaveeyesinthebackofhishead，“Thebravelover，Ithink，deserveanotherkiss，whichheshallhavepresently。“
　　Andashehadnowfinishedhisoperation，headjustedthepillowtothepatient'shead。Ashedidsothenarrowblackvelvetbandwhichsheseemsalwaystowearroundherthroat，buckledwithanolddiamondbucklewhichherloverhadgivenher，wasdraggedalittleup，andshowedaredmarkonherthroat。
　　Arthurdidnotnoticeit，butIcouldhearthedeephissofindrawnbreathwhichisoneofVanHelsing'swaysofbetrayingemotion。
　　Hesaidnothingatthemoment，butturnedtome，saying，“Nowtakedownourbraveyounglover，givehimoftheportwine，andlethimliedownawhile。
　　Hemustthengohomeandrest，sleepmuchandeatmuch，thathemayberecruitedofwhathehassogiventohislove。Hemustnotstayhere。
　　Holdamoment！Imaytakeit，sir，thatyouareanxiousofresult。
　　Thenbringitwithyou，thatinallwaystheoperationissuccessful。
　　Youhavesavedherlifethistime，andyoucangohomeandresteasyinmindthatallthatcanbeis。Ishalltellherallwhensheiswell。
　　Sheshallloveyounonethelessforwhatyouhavedone。Goodbye。“
　　WhenArthurhadgoneIwentbacktotheroom。
　　Lucywassleepinggently，butherbreathingwasstronger。
　　Icouldseethecounterpanemoveasherbreastheaved。
　　BythebedsidesatVanHelsing，lookingatherintently。
　　Thevelvetbandagaincoveredtheredmark。IaskedtheProfessorinawhisper，“Whatdoyoumakeofthatmarkonherthroat？”
　　“Whatdoyoumakeofit？”
　　“Ihavenotexaminedityet，“Ianswered，andthenandthereproceededtoloosetheband。Justovertheexternaljugularveinthereweretwopunctures，notlarge，butnotwholesomelooking。
　　Therewasnosignofdisease，buttheedgeswerewhiteandwornlooking，asifbysometrituration。Itatonceoccurredtomethatthatthiswound，orwhateveritwas，mightbethemeansofthatmanifestlossofblood。
　　ButIabandonedtheideaassoonasitformed，forsuchathingcouldnotbe。
　　Thewholebedwouldhavebeendrenchedtoascarletwiththebloodwhichthegirlmusthavelosttoleavesuchapallorasshehadbeforethetransfusion。
　　“Well？”saidVanHelsing。
　　“Well，“saidI。“Icanmakenothingofit。“
　　TheProfessorstoodup。“ImustgobacktoAmsterdamtonight，“
　　hesaid“TherearebooksandthingstherewhichIwant。
　　Youmustremainhereallnight，andyoumustnotletyoursightpassfromher。“
　　“ShallIhaveanurse？”Iasked。
　　“Wearethebestnurses，youandI。Youkeepwatchallnight。
　　Seethatsheiswellfed，andthatnothingdisturbsher。
　　Youmustnotsleepallthenight。Lateronwecansleep，youandI。Ishallbebackassoonaspossible。
　　Andthenwemaybegin。“
　　“Maybegin？”Isaid。“Whatonearthdoyoumean？”
　　“Weshallsee！”heanswered，ashehurriedout。Hecamebackamomentlaterandputhisheadinsidethedoorandsaidwithawarningfingerheldup，“Remember，sheisyourcharge。Ifyouleaveher，andharmbefall，youshallnotsleepeasyhereafter！”
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY——CONTINUED
　　8September——IsatupallnightwithLucy。Theopiateworkeditselfofftowardsdusk，andshewakednaturally。Shelookedadifferentbeingfromwhatshehadbeenbeforetheoperation。
　　Herspiritsevenweregood，andshewasfullofahappyvivacity，butI
　　couldseeevidencesoftheabsoluteprostrationwhichshehadundergone。
　　WhenItoldMrs。WestenrathatDr。VanHelsinghaddirectedthatIshouldsitupwithher，shealmostpooh-poohedtheidea，pointingoutherdaughter'srenewedstrengthandexcellentspirits。
　　Iwasfirm，however，andmadepreparationsformylongvigil。
　　WhenhermaidhadpreparedherforthenightIcamein，havinginthemeantimehadsupper，andtookaseatbythebedside。
　　Shedidnotinanywaymakeobjection，butlookedatmegratefullywheneverIcaughthereye。Afteralongspellsheseemedsinkingofftosleep，butwithaneffortseemedtopullherselftogetherandshookitoff。
　　Itwasapparentthatshedidnotwanttosleep，soItackledthesubjectatonce。
　　“Youdonotwanttosleep？”
　　“No。Iamafraid。“
　　“Afraidtogotosleep！Whyso？Itistheboonweallcravefor。“
　　“Ah，notifyouwerelikeme，ifsleepwastoyouapresageofhorror！”
　　“Apresageofhorror！Whatonearthdoyoumean？”
　　“Idon'tknow。Oh，Idon'tknow。Andthatiswhatissoterrible。
　　Allthisweaknesscomestomeinsleep，untilIdreadtheverythought。“
　　“But，mydeargirl，youmaysleeptonight。Iamherewatchingyou，andIcanpromisethatnothingwillhappen。“
　　“Ah，Icantrustyou！”shesaid。
　　Iseizedtheopportunity，andsaid，“IpromisethatifIseeanyevidenceofbaddreamsIwillwakeyouatonce。“
　　“Youwill？Oh，willyoureally？Howgoodyouaretome。
　　ThenIwillsleep！”Andalmostatthewordshegaveadeepsighofrelief，andsankback，asleep。
　　AllnightlongIwatchedbyher。Sheneverstirred，butsleptonandoninadeep，tranquil，life-giving，health-givingsleep。
　　Herlipswereslightlyparted，andherbreastroseandfellwiththeregularityofapendulum。Therewasasmileonherface，anditwasevidentthatnobaddreamshadcometodisturbherpeaceofmind。
　　Intheearlymorninghermaidcame，andIleftherinhercareandtookmyselfbackhome，forIwasanxiousaboutmanythings。IsentashortwiretoVanHelsingandtoArthur，tellingthemoftheexcellentresultoftheoperation。
　　Myownwork，withitsmanifoldarrears，tookmealldaytoclearoff。
　　ItwasdarkwhenIwasabletoinquireaboutmyzoophagouspatient。
　　Thereportwasgood。Hehadbeenquitequietforthepastdayandnight。
　　AtelegramcamefromVanHelsingatAmsterdamwhilstIwasatdinner，suggestingthatIshouldbeatHillinghamtonight，asitmightbewelltobeathand，andstatingthathewasleavingbythenightmailandwouldjoinmeearlyinthemorning。
　　9September——IwasprettytiredandwornoutwhenIgottoHillingham。
　　FortwonightsIhadhardlyhadawinkofsleep，andmybrainwasbeginningtofeelthatnumbnesswhichmarkscerebralexhaustion。
　　Lucywasupandincheerfulspirits。Whensheshookhandswithmeshelookedsharplyinmyfaceandsaid，“Nosittinguptonightforyou。Youarewornout。
　　Iamquitewellagain。Indeed，Iam，andifthereistobeanysittingup，itisIwhowillsitupwithyou。“
　　Iwouldnotarguethepoint，butwentandhadmysupper。
　　Lucycamewithme，and，enlivenedbyhercharmingpresence，Imadeanexcellentmeal，andhadacoupleofglassesofthemorethanexcellentport。ThenLucytookmeupstairs，andshowedmearoomnextherown，whereacozyfirewasburning。
　　“Now，“shesaid。“Youmuststayhere。Ishallleavethisdooropenandmydoortoo。YoucanlieonthesofaforIknowthatnothingwouldinduceanyofyoudoctorstogotobedwhilstthereisapatientabovethehorizon。
　　IfIwantanythingIshallcallout，andyoucancometomeatonce。“
　　Icouldnotbutacquiesce，forIwasdogtired，andcouldnothavesatuphadItried。So，onherrenewingherpromisetocallmeifsheshouldwantanything，Ilayonthesofa，andforgotallabouteverything。
　　LUCYWESTENRA'SDIARY
　　9September——Ifeelsohappytonight。Ihavebeensomiserablyweak，thattobeabletothinkandmoveaboutislikefeelingsunshineafteralongspellofeastwindoutofasteelsky。
　　SomehowArthurfeelsvery，veryclosetome。Iseemtofeelhispresencewarmaboutme。Isupposeitisthatsicknessandweaknessareselfishthingsandturnourinnereyesandsympathyonourselves，whilsthealthandstrengthgiveloverein，andinthoughtandfeelinghecanwanderwherehewills。
　　Iknowwheremythoughtsare。IfonlyArthurknew！
　　Mydear，mydear，yourearsmusttingleasyousleep，asminedowaking。Oh，theblissfulrestoflastnight！
　　HowIslept，withthatdear，goodDr。Sewardwatchingme。
　　AndtonightIshallnotfeartosleep，sinceheiscloseathandandwithincall。Thankeverybodyforbeingsogoodtome。
　　ThankGod！GoodnightArthur。
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY
　　10September——IwasconsciousoftheProfessor'shandonmyhead，andstartedawakeallinasecond。Thatisoneofthethingsthatwelearninanasylum，atanyrate。
　　“Andhowisourpatient？”
　　“Well，whenIlefther，orratherwhensheleftme，“Ianswered。
　　“Come，letussee，“hesaid。Andtogetherwewentintotheroom。
　　Theblindwasdown，andIwentovertoraiseitgently，whilstVanHelsingstepped，withhissoft，cat-liketread，overtothebed。
　　AsIraisedtheblind，andthemorningsunlightfloodedtheroom，IheardtheProfessor'slowhissofinspiration，andknowingitsrarity，adeadlyfearshotthroughmyheart。
　　AsIpassedoverhemovedback，andhisexclamationofhorror，“GottinHimmel！”needednoenforcementfromhisagonizedface。
　　Heraisedhishandandpointedtothebed，andhisironfacewasdrawnandashenwhite。Ifeltmykneesbegintotremble。
　　Thereonthebed，seeminglyinaswoon，laypoorLucy，morehorriblywhiteandwan-lookingthanever。Eventhelipswerewhite，andthegumsseemedtohaveshrunkenbackfromtheteeth，aswesometimesseeinacorpseafteraprolongedillness。
　　VanHelsingraisedhisfoottostampinanger，buttheinstinctofhislifeandallthelongyearsofhabitstoodtohim，andheputitdownagainsoftly。
　　“Quick！”hesaid。“Bringthebrandy。“
　　Iflewtothediningroom，andreturnedwiththedecanter。
　　Hewettedthepoorwhitelipswithit，andtogetherwerubbedpalmandwristandheart。Hefeltherheart，andafterafewmomentsofagonizingsuspensesaid，“Itisnottoolate。Itbeats，thoughbutfeebly。Allourworkisundone。Wemustbeginagain。ThereisnoyoungArthurherenow。
　　Ihavetocallonyouyourselfthistime，friendJohn。“Ashespoke，hewasdippingintohisbag，andproducingtheinstrumentsoftransfusion。
　　Ihadtakenoffmycoatandrolledupmyshirtsleeve。Therewasnopossibilityofanopiatejustatpresent，andnoneedofone。
　　andso，withoutamoment'sdelay，webegantheoperation。
　　Afteratime，itdidnotseemashorttimeeither，forthedrainingawayofone'sblood，nomatterhowwillinglyitbegiven，isaterriblefeeling，VanHelsingheldupawarningfinger。
　　“Donotstir，“hesaid。“ButIfearthatwithgrowingstrengthshemaywake，andthatwouldmakedanger，oh，somuchdanger。
　　ButIshallprecautiontake。Ishallgivehypodermicinjectionofmorphia。“Heproceededthen，swiftlyanddeftly，tocarryouthisintent。
　　TheeffectonLucywasnotbad，forthefaintseemedtomergesubtlyintothenarcoticsleep。ItwaswithafeelingofpersonalpridethatIcouldseeafainttingeofcolorstealbackintothepallidcheeksandlips。
　　Nomanknows，tillheexperiencesit，whatitistofeelhisownlifeblooddrawnawayintotheveinsofthewomanheloves。
　　TheProfessorwatchedmecritically。“Thatwilldo，“
　　hesaid。“Already？”Iremonstrated。“YoutookagreatdealmorefromArt。“Towhichhesmiledasadsortofsmileashereplied，“Heisherlover，herfiance。Youhavework，muchworktodoforherandforothers，andthepresentwillsuffice。
　　Whenwestoppedtheoperation，heattendedtoLucy，whilstIapplieddigitalpressuretomyownincision。
　　Ilaiddown，whileIwaitedhisleisuretoattendtome，forI
　　feltfaintandalittlesick。Byandbyheboundupmywound，andsentmedownstairstogetaglassofwineformyself。
　　AsIwasleavingtheroom，hecameafterme，andhalfwhispered。
　　“Mind，nothingmustbesaidofthis。Ifouryounglovershouldturnupunexpected，asbefore，nowordtohim。
　　Itwouldatoncefrightenhimandenjealoushim，too。
　　Theremustbenone。So！”
　　WhenIcamebackhelookedatmecarefully，andthensaid，“Youarenotmuchtheworse。Gointotheroom，andlieonyoursofa，andrestawhile，thenhavemuchbreakfastandcomeheretome。“
　　Ifollowedouthisorders，forIknewhowrightandwisetheywere。
　　Ihaddonemypart，andnowmynextdutywastokeepupmystrength。
　　Ifeltveryweak，andintheweaknesslostsomethingoftheamazementatwhathadoccurred。Ifellasleeponthesofa，however，wonderingoverandoveragainhowLucyhadmadesucharetrogrademovement，andhowshecouldhavebeendrainedofsomuchbloodwithnosignanywheretoshowforit。
　　IthinkImusthavecontinuedmywonderinmydreams，for，sleepingandwakingmythoughtsalwayscamebacktothelittlepuncturesinherthroatandtheragged，exhaustedappearanceoftheiredges，tinythoughtheywere。
　　Lucysleptwellintotheday，andwhenshewokeshewasfairlywellandstrong，thoughnotnearlysomuchsoasthedaybefore。
　　WhenVanHelsinghadseenher，hewentoutforawalk，leavingmeincharge，withstrictinjunctionsthatIwasnottoleaveherforamoment。Icouldhearhisvoiceinthehall，askingthewaytothenearesttelegraphoffice。
　　Lucychattedwithmefreely，andseemedquiteunconsciousthatanythinghadhappened。Itriedtokeepheramusedandinterested。
　　Whenhermothercameuptoseeher，shedidnotseemtonoticeanychangewhatever，butsaidtomegratefully，“Weoweyousomuch，Dr。Seward，forallyouhavedone，butyoureallymustnowtakecarenottooverworkyourself。Youarelookingpaleyourself。
　　Youwantawifetonurseandlookafteryouabit，thatyoudo！”
　　Asshespoke，Lucyturnedcrimson，thoughitwasonlymomentarily，forherpoorwastedveinscouldnotstandforlonganunwonteddraintothehead。
　　Thereactioncameinexcessivepallorassheturnedimploringeyesonme。
　　Ismiledandnodded，andlaidmyfingeronmylips。Withasigh，shesankbackamidherpillows。
　　VanHelsingreturnedinacoupleofhours，andpresentlysaidtome。
　　“Nowyougohome，andeatmuchanddrinkenough。Makeyourselfstrong。
　　Istayheretonight，andIshallsitupwithlittlemissmyself。
　　YouandImustwatchthecase，andwemusthavenoneothertoknow。
　　Ihavegravereasons。No，donotaskthe。Thinkwhatyouwill。
　　Donotfeartothinkeventhemostnot-improbable。Goodnight。“
　　Inthehalltwoofthemaidscametome，andaskediftheyoreitherofthemmightnotsitupwithMissLucy。
　　Theyimploredmetoletthem，andwhenIsaiditwasDr。VanHelsing'swishthateitherheorIshouldsitup，theyaskedmequitepiteouslytointercedewiththe`foreigngentleman'。I
　　wasmuchtouchedbytheirkindness。PerhapsitisbecauseIamweakatpresent，andperhapsbecauseitwasonLucy'saccount，thattheirdevotionwasmanifested。ForoverandoveragainhaveIseensimilarinstancesofwoman'skindness。
　　Igotbackhereintimeforalatedinner，wentmyrounds，allwell，andsetthisdownwhilstwaitingforsleep。
　　Itiscoming。
　　11September——ThisafternoonIwentovertoHillingham。
　　FoundVanHelsinginexcellentspirits，andLucymuchbetter。
　　ShortlyafterIhadarrived，abigparcelfromabroadcamefortheProfessor。Heopeneditwithmuchimpressment，assumed，ofcourse，andshowedagreatbundleofwhiteflowers。
　　“Theseareforyou，MissLucy，“hesaid。
　　“Forme？Oh，Dr。VanHelsing！”
　　“Yes，mydear，butnotforyoutoplaywith。Thesearemedicines。“
　　HereLucymadeawryface。“Nay，buttheyarenottotakeinadecoctionorinnauseousform，soyouneednotsnubthatsocharmingnose，orIshallpointouttomyfriendArthurwhatwoeshemayhavetoendureinseeingsomuchbeautythathesolovessomuchdistort。
　　Aha，myprettymiss，thatbringthesonicenoseallstraightagain。
　　Thisismedicinal，butyoudonotknowhow。Iputhiminyourwindow，Imakeprettywreath，andhanghimroundyourneck，soyousleepwell。
　　Oh，yes！They，likethelotusflower，makeyourtroubleforgotten。
　　ItsmellsolikethewatersofLethe，andofthatfountainofyouththattheConquistadoressoughtforintheFloridas，andfindhimalltoolate。“
　　Whilsthewasspeaking，Lucyhadbeenexaminingtheflowersandsmellingthem。Nowshethrewthemdownsaying，withhalflaughter，andhalfdisgust，“Oh，Professor，Ibelieveyouareonlyputtingupajokeonme。
　　Why，theseflowersareonlycommongarlic。“
　　Tomysurprise，VanHelsingroseupandsaidwithallhissternness，hisironjawsetandhisbushyeyebrowsmeeting，“Notriflingwithme！Ineverjest！ThereisgrimpurposeinwhatIdo，andIwarnyouthatyoudonotthwartme。
　　Takecare，forthesakeofothersifnotforyourown。“
　　ThenseeingpoorLucyscared，asshemightwellbe，hewentonmoregently，“Oh，littlemiss，mydear，donotfearme。
　　Ionlydoforyourgood，butthereismuchvirtuetoyouinthosesocommonflowers。See，Iplacethemmyselfinyourroom。
　　Imakemyselfthewreaththatyouaretowear。Buthush！
　　Notellingtoothersthatmakesoinquisitivequestions。
　　Wemustobey，andsilenceisapartofobedience，andobedienceistobringyoustrongandwellintolovingarmsthatwaitforyou。
　　Nowsitstillawhile。Comewithme，friendJohn，andyoushallhelpmedecktheroomwithmygarlic，whichisallthewarfromHaarlem，wheremyfriendVanderpoolraiseherbinhisglasshousesalltheyear。Ihadtotelegraphyesterday，ortheywouldnothavebeenhere。“
　　Wewentintotheroom，takingtheflowerswithus。
　　TheProfessor'sactionswerecertainlyoddandnottobefoundinanypharmacopeiathatIeverheardof。
　　Firsthefastenedupthewindowsandlatchedthemsecurely。
　　Next，takingahandfuloftheflowers，herubbedthemalloverthesashes，asthoughtoensurethateverywhiffofairthatmightgetinwouldbeladenwiththegarlicsmell。
　　Thenwiththewispherubbedalloverthejambofthedoor，above，below，andateachside，androundthefireplaceinthesameway。Itallseemedgrotesquetome，andpresentlyIsaid，“Well，Professor，Iknowyoualwayshaveareasonforwhatyoudo，butthiscertainlypuzzlesme。
　　Itiswellwehavenosceptichere，orhewouldsaythatyouwereworkingsomespelltokeepoutanevilspirit。“
　　“PerhapsIam！”HeansweredquietlyashebegantomakethewreathwhichLucywastowearroundherneck。
　　WethenwaitedwhilstLucymadehertoiletforthenight，andwhenshewasinbedhecameandhimselffixedthewreathofgarlicroundherneck。
　　Thelastwordshesaidtoherwere，“Takecareyoudonotdisturbit，andeveniftheroomfeelclose，donottonightopenthewindoworthedoor。“
　　“Ipromise，“saidLucy。“Andthankyoubothathousandtimesforallyourkindnesstome！Oh，whathaveIdonetobeblessedwithsuchfriends？”
　　Asweleftthehouseinmyfly，whichwaswaiting，VanHelsingsaid，“TonightIcansleepinpeace，andsleepIwant，twonightsoftravel，muchreadinginthedaybetween，andmuchanxietyonthedaytofollow，andanighttositup，withouttowink。Tomorrowinthemorningearlyyoucallforme，andwecometogethertoseeourprettymiss，somuchmorestrongformy`spell'whichIhavework。Ho，ho！”
　　HeseemedsoconfidentthatI，rememberingmyownconfidencetwonightsbeforeandwiththebanefulresult，feltaweandvagueterror。
　　Itmusthavebeenmyweaknessthatmademehesitatetotellittomyfriend，butIfeltitallthemore，likeunshedtears。
　　CHAPTER11
　　LUCYWESTENRA'SDIARY
　　12September——Howgoodtheyallaretome。IquitelovethatdearDr。VanHelsing。Iwonderwhyhewassoanxiousabouttheseflowers。
　　Hepositivelyfrightenedme，hewassofierce。Andyethemusthavebeenright，forIfeelcomfortfromthemalready。Somehow，Idonotdreadbeingalonetonight，andIcangotosleepwithoutfear。
　　Ishallnotmindanyflappingoutsidethewindow。Oh，theterriblestrugglethatIhavehadagainstsleepsooftenoflate，thepainofsleeplessness，orthepainofthefearofsleep，andwithsuchunknownhorrorsasithasforme！Howblessedaresomepeople，whoseliveshavenofears，nodreads，towhomsleepisablessingthatcomesnightly，andbringsnothingbutsweetdreams。Well，hereI
　　amtonight，hopingforsleep，andlyinglikeOpheliaintheplay，with`virgincrantsandmaidenstrewments。'Ineverlikedgarlicbefore，buttonightitisdelightful！Thereispeaceinitssmell。
　　Ifeelsleepcomingalready。Goodnight，everybody。
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY
　　13September——CalledattheBerkeleyandfoundVanHelsing，asusual，uptotime。Thecarriageorderedfromthehotelwaswaiting。
　　TheProfessortookhisbag，whichhealwaysbringswithhimnow。
　　Letallbeputdownexactly。VanHelsingandIarrivedatHillinghamateighto'clock。Itwasalovelymorning。
　　Thebrightsunshineandallthefreshfeelingofearlyautumnseemedlikethecompletionofnature'sannualwork。
　　Theleaveswereturningtoallkindsofbeautifulcolors，buthadnotyetbeguntodropfromthetrees。WhenweenteredwemetMrs。Westenracomingoutofthemorningroom。
　　Sheisalwaysanearlyriser。Shegreeteduswarmlyandsaid，“YouwillbegladtoknowthatLucyisbetter。Thedearchildisstillasleep。Ilookedintoherroomandsawher，butdidnotgoin，lestIshoulddisturbher。“TheProfessorsmiled，andlookedquitejubilant。Herubbedhishandstogether，andsaid，“Aha！IthoughtIhaddiagnosedthecase。
　　Mytreatmentisworking。“
　　Towhichshereplied，“Youmustnottakeallthecredittoyourself，doctor。
　　Lucy'sstatethismorningisdueinparttome。“
　　“Howdoyoumean，ma'am？”askedtheProfessor。
　　“Well，Iwasanxiousaboutthedearchildinthenight，andwentintoherroom。Shewassleepingsoundly，sosoundlythatevenmycomingdidnotwakeher。Buttheroomwasawfullystuffy。
　　Therewerealotofthosehorrible，strong-smellingflowersabouteverywhere，andshehadactuallyabunchofthemroundherneck。Ifearedthattheheavyodorwouldbetoomuchforthedearchildinherweakstate，soItookthemallawayandopenedabitofthewindowtoletinalittlefreshair。
　　Youwillbepleasedwithher，Iamsure。“
　　Shemovedoffintoherboudoir，wheresheusuallybreakfastedearly。Asshehadspoken，IwatchedtheProfessor'sface，andsawitturnashengray。
　　Hehadbeenabletoretainhisself-commandwhilstthepoorladywaspresent，forheknewherstateandhowmischievousashockwouldbe。Heactuallysmiledonherasheheldopenthedoorforhertopassintoherroom。
　　Buttheinstantshehaddisappearedhepulledme，suddenlyandforcibly，intothediningroomandclosedthedoor。
　　Then，forthefirsttimeinmylife，IsawVanHelsingbreakdown。
　　Heraisedhishandsoverhisheadinasortofmutedespair，andthenbeathispalmstogetherinahelplessway。
　　Finallyhesatdownonachair，andputtinghishandsbeforehisface，begantosob，withloud，drysobsthatseemedtocomefromtheveryrackingofhisheart。
　　Thenheraisedhisarmsagain，asthoughappealingtothewholeuniverse。“God！God！God！”hesaid。“Whathavewedone，whathasthispoorthingdone，thatwearesosorebeset？
　　Istherefateamongstusstill，senddownfromthepaganworldofold，thatsuchthingsmustbe，andinsuchway？
　　Thispoormother，allunknowing，andallforthebestasshethink，doessuchthingasloseherdaughterbodyandsoul，andwemustnottellher，wemustnotevenwarnher，orshedie，thenbothdie。Oh，howwearebeset！Howareallthepowersofthedevilsagainstus！”
　　Suddenlyhejumpedtohisfeet。“Come，“hesaid。“come，wemustseeandact。
　　Devilsornodevils，orallthedevilsatonce，itmattersnot。
　　Wemustfighthimallthesame。“Hewenttothehalldoorforhisbag，andtogetherwewentuptoLucy'sroom。
　　OnceagainIdrewuptheblind，whilstVanHelsingwenttowardsthebed。
　　Thistimehedidnotstartashelookedonthepoorfacewiththesameawful，waxenpallorasbefore。Heworealookofsternsadnessandinfinitepity。
　　“AsIexpected，“hemurmured，withthathissinginspirationofhiswhichmeantsomuch。Withoutawordhewentandlockedthedoor，andthenbegantosetoutonthelittletabletheinstrumentsforyetanotheroperationoftransfusionofblood。
　　Ihadlongagorecognizedthenecessity，andbeguntotakeoffmycoat，buthestoppedmewithawarninghand。
　　“No！”hesaid。“Todayyoumustoperate。Ishallprovide。
　　Youareweakenedalready。“Ashespokehetookoffhiscoatandrolleduphisshirtsleeve。
　　Againtheoperation。Againthenarcotic。Againsomereturnofcolortotheashycheeks，andtheregularbreathingofhealthysleep。
　　ThistimeIwatchedwhilstVanHelsingrecruitedhimselfandrested。
　　PresentlyhetookanopportunityoftellingMrs。WestenrathatshemustnotremoveanythingfromLucy'sroomwithoutconsultinghim。
　　Thattheflowerswereofmedicinalvalue，andthatthebreathingoftheirodorwasapartofthesystemofcure。Thenhetookoverthecareofthecasehimself，sayingthathewouldwatchthisnightandthenext，andwouldsendmewordwhentocome。
　　AfteranotherhourLucywakedfromhersleep，freshandbrightandseeminglynotmuchtheworseforherterribleordeal。
　　Whatdoesitallmean？Iambeginningtowonderifmylonghabitoflifeamongsttheinsaneisbeginningtotelluponmyownbrain。
　　LUCYWESTENRA'SDIARY
　　17September——Fourdaysandnightsofpeace。IamgettingsostrongagainthatIhardlyknowmyself。ItisasifIhadpassedthroughsomelongnightmare，andhadjustawakenedtoseethebeautifulsunshineandfeelthefreshairofthemorningaroundme。Ihaveadimhalfremembranceoflong，anxioustimesofwaitingandfearing，darknessinwhichtherewasnoteventhepainofhopetomakepresentdistressmorepoignant。
　　Andthenlongspellsofoblivion，andtherisingbacktolifeasadivercomingupthroughagreatpressofwater。Since，however，Dr。VanHelsinghasbeenwithme，allthisbaddreamingseemstohavepassedaway。
　　Thenoisesthatusedtofrightenmeoutofmywits，theflappingagainstthewindows，thedistantvoiceswhichseemedsoclosetome，theharshsoundsthatcamefromIknownotwhereandcommandedmetodoIknownotwhat，haveallceased。Igotobednowwithoutanyfearofsleep。
　　Idonoteventrytokeepawake。Ihavegrownquitefondofthegarlic，andaboxfularrivesformeeverydayfromHaarlem。TonightDr。VanHelsingisgoingaway，ashehastobeforadayinAmsterdam。
　　ButIneednotbewatched。Iamwellenoughtobeleftalone。
　　ThankGodforMother'ssake，anddearArthur's，andforallourfriendswhohavebeensokind！Ishallnotevenfeelthechange，forlastnightDr。VanHelsingsleptinhischairalotofthetime。
　　IfoundhimasleeptwicewhenIawoke。ButIdidnotfeartogotosleepagain，althoughtheboughsorbatsorsomethingflappedalmostangrilyagainstthewindowpanes。
　　THEPALLMALLGAZETTE18September。
　　THEESCAPEDWOLFPERILOUSADVENTUREOFOURINTERVIEWER
　　INTERVIEWWITHTHEKEEPERINTHEZOOLOGICALGARDENS
　　Aftermanyinquiriesandalmostasmanyrefusals，andperpetuallyusingthewords`PALLMALLGAZETTE'asasortoftalisman，ImanagedtofindthekeeperofthesectionoftheZoologicalGardensinwhichthewolddepartmentisincluded。ThomasBilderlivesinoneofthecottagesintheenclosurebehindtheelephanthouse，andwasjustsittingdowntohisteawhenIfoundhim。
　　Thomasandhiswifearehospitablefolk，elderly，andwithoutchildren，andifthespecimenIenjoyedoftheirhospitalitybeoftheaveragekind，theirlivesmustbeprettycomfortable。
　　Thekeeperwouldnotenteronwhathecalledbusinessuntilthesupperwasover，andwewereallsatisfied。
　　Thenwhenthetablewascleared，andhehadlithispipe，hesaid，“Now，Sir，youcangoonandarskmewhatyouwant。You'llexcoosemerefoosin'totalkofperfeshunalsubjuctsaforemeals。
　　IgivesthewolvesandthejackalsandthehyenasinalloursectiontheirteaaforeIbeginstoarskthemquestions。“
　　“Howdoyoumean，askthemquestions？”Iqueried，wishfultogethimintoatalkativehumor。
　　“`Ittin'ofthemoverthe`eadwithapoleisoneway。
　　Scratchin'oftheirearsinanother，whengentsasisflushwantsabitofashow-orftotheirgals。Idon'tsomuchmindthefust，the`ittinofthepolepartaforeIchucksintheirdinner，butIwaitstillthey've`adtheirsherryandkawffee，sotospeak，aforeItriesonwiththeearscratchin'。Mindyou，“headdedphilosophically，“there'sadealofthesamenatureinusasinthemtheeranimiles。
　　Here'syoua-comin'andarskin'ofmequestionsaboutmybusiness，andIthatgrump-likethatonlyforyourbloomin'
　　`arf-quidI'd`a'seenyoublowedfust`foreI'danswer。
　　NotevenwhenyouarskedmesarcasticlikeifI'dlikeyoutoarsktheSuperintendentifyoumightarskmequestions。
　　WithoutoffencedidItellyertogoto`ell？”
　　“Youdid。“
　　“An'whenyousaidyou'dreportmeforusin'obscenelanguagethatwas`ittin'
　　meoverthe`ead。Butthe`arf-quidmadethatallright。Iweren'ta-goin'
　　tofight，soIwaitedforthefood，anddidwithmy`owlasthewolvesandlionsandtigersdoes。But，lor'loveyer`art，nowthattheold`oomanhasstuckachunkofhertea-cakeinme，an'rinsedmeoutwithherbloomin'
　　oldteapot，andI'velithup，youmayscratchmyearsforallyou'reworth，andwon'tevengetagrowloutofme。Drivealongwithyourquestions。
　　Iknowwhatyera-comin'at，that`ereescapedwolf。“
　　“Exactly。Iwantyoutogivemeyourviewofit。
　　Justtellmehowithappened，andwhenIknowthefactsI'llgetyoutosaywhatyouconsiderwasthecauseofit，andhowyouthinkthewholeaffairwillend。“
　　“Allright，guv'nor。This`ereisaboutthe`olestory。
　　That`erewolfwhatwecalledBersickerwasoneofthreegrayonesthatcamefromNorwaytoJamrach's，whichweboughtoffhimfouryearsago。
　　Hewasanicewell-behavedwolf，thatnevergavenotroubletotalkof。
　　I'mmoresurprisedat`imforwantin'togetoutnoranyotheranimileintheplace。But，there，youcan'ttrustwolvesnomorenorwomen。“
　　“Don'tyoumindhim，Sir！”brokeinMrs。Tom，withacheerylaugh。
　　“`E'sgotmindin'theanimilessolongthatblestifheain'tlikeaoldwolf`isself！Butthereain'tno`armin`im。“
　　“Well，Sir，itwasabouttwohoursafterfeedin'
　　yesterdaywhenIfirsthearmydisturbance。Iwasmakin'
　　upalitterinthemonkeyhouseforayoungpumawhichisill。
　　ButwhenIheardtheyelpin'and`owlin'Ikemawaystraight。
　　TherewasBersickera-tearin'likeamadthingatthebarsasifhewantedtogetout。Therewasn'tmuchpeopleaboutthatday，andcloseathandwasonlyoneman，atall，thinchap，witha`ooknoseandapointedbeard，withafewwhitehairsrunnin'throughit。
　　Hehada`ard，coldlookandredeyes，andItookasortofmisliketohim，foritseemedasifitwas`imastheywashirritatedat。
　　He`adwhitekidgloveson`is`ands，andhepointedouttheanimilestomeandsays，`Keeper，thesewolvesseemupsetatsomething。'
　　“`Maybeit'syou，'saysI，forIdidnotliketheairsashegive`isself。Hedidn'tgetangry，asI`opedhewould，buthesmiledakindofinsolentsmile，withamouthfullofwhite，sharpteeth。
　　`Ohno，theywouldn'tlikeme，'`esays。
　　“`Owyes，theywould，'saysI，a-imitatin'ofhim。`Theyalwayslikeaboneortwotocleantheirteethonaboutteatime，whichyou`asabagful。'
　　“Well，itwasaoddthing，butwhentheanimilesseeusa-talkin'
　　theylaydown，andwhenIwentovertoBersickerheletmestrokehisearssameasever。Thattheremankemover，andblessedbutifhedidn'tputinhishandandstroketheoldwolf'searstoo！
　　“`Tykecare，'saysI。`Bersickerisquick。'
　　“`Nevermind，'hesays。I'musedto`em！'
　　“`Areyouinthebusinessyourself？”Isays，tykingoffmy`at，foramanwhattradesinwolves，anceterer，isagoodfriendtokeepers。
　　“`Nom'sayshe，`notexactlyinthebusiness，butI`avemadepetsofseveral。'andwiththatheliftshis`atasperliteasalord，andwalksaway。OldBersickerkep'a-lookin'
　　arter`imtill`ewasoutofsight，andthenwentandlaydowninacornerandwouldn'tcomehoutthe`olehevening。
　　Well，larstnight，sosoonasthemoonwashup，thewolveshereallbegana-`owling。Therewarn'tnothingforthemto`owlat。
　　Therewarn'tnoonenear，exceptsomeonethatwasevidentlya-callin'
　　adogsomewheresoutbackofthegardingsintheParkroad。
　　OnceortwiceIwentouttoseethatallwasright，anditwas，andthenthe`owlingstopped。Justbeforetwelveo'clockIjusttookalookroundaforeturnin'in，an'，bustme，butwhenIkemoppositetooldBersicker'scageIseetherailsbrokenandtwistedaboutandthecageempty。
　　Andthat'sallIknowforcerting。“
　　“Didanyoneelseseeanything？”
　　“Oneofourgard`nerswasa-comin'`omeaboutthattimefroma`armony，whenheseesabiggraydogcomin'outthroughthegarding`edges。Atleast，sohesays，butIdon'tgivemuchforitmyself，forifhedid`eneversaidawordaboutittohismissiswhen`egot`ome，anditwasonlyaftertheescapeofthewolfwasmadeknown，andwehadbeenupallnighta-huntin'
　　oftheParkforBersicker，thatherememberedseein'anything。Myownbeliefwasthatthe`armony`adgotintohis`ead。“
　　“Now，Mr。Bilder，canyouaccountinanywayfortheescapeofthewolf？”
　　“Well，Sir，“hesaid，withasuspicioussortofmodesty，“IthinkIcan，butIdon'tknowas`owyou'dbesatisfiedwiththetheory。“
　　“CertainlyIshall。Ifamanlikeyou，whoknowstheanimalsfromexperience，can'thazardagoodguessatanyrate，whoiseventotry？”
　　“wellthen，Sir，Iaccountsforitthisway。Itseemstomethat`erewolfescaped——simplybecausehewantedtogetout。“
　　FromtheheartywaythatbothThomasandhiswifelaughedatthejokeIcouldseethatithaddoneservicebefore，andthatthewholeexplanationwassimplyanelaboratesell。
　　Icouldn'tcopeinbadinagewiththeworthyThomas，butIthoughtIknewasurerwaytohisheart，soIsaid，“Now，Mr。Bilder，we'llconsiderthatfirsthalf-sovereignworkedoff，andthisbrotherofhisiswaitingtobeclaimedwhenyou'vetoldmewhatyouthinkwillhappen。“
　　“Righty`are，Sir，“hesaidbriskly。“Ye`llexcooseme，Iknow，fora-chaffin'ofye，buttheoldwomanherwinkedatme，whichwasasmuchastellingmetogoon。“
　　“Well，Inever！”saidtheoldlady。
　　“Myopinionisthis。That`erewolfisa`idin'of，somewheres。
　　Thegard`nerwotdidn'tremembersaidhewasa-gallopin'
　　northwardfasterthanahorsecouldgo，butIdon'tbelievehim，for，yersee，Sir，wolvesdon'tgallopnomorenordogsdoes，theynotbein'builtthatway。Wolvesisfinethingsinastorybook，andIdessaywhentheygetsinpacksanddoesbechivyin'somethin'that'smoreafearedthantheyistheycanmakeadevilofanoiseandchopitup，whateveritis。
　　But，Lor'blessyou，inreallifeawolfisonlyalowcreature，nothalfsocleverorboldasagooddog，andnothalfaquartersomuchfightin`im。Thisoneain'tbeenusedtofightin'
　　oreventoprovidin'forhisself，andmorelikehe'ssomewhereroundtheParka'hidin'an'a'shiverin'of，andifhethinksatall，wonderin'whereheistogethisbreakfastfrom。
　　Ormaybehe'sgotdownsomeareaandisinacoalcellar。
　　Myeye，won'tsomecookgetarumstartwhensheseeshisgreeneyesa-shinin'atheroutofthedark！
　　Ifhecan'tgetfoodhe'sboundtolookforit，andmayhaphemaychancetolightonabutcher'sshopintime。
　　Ifhedoesn't，andsomenursemaidgoesoutwalkin'ororfwithasoldier，leavin'ofthehinfantintheperambulator——
　　well，thenIshouldn'tbesurprisedifthecensusisonebabbytheless。That'sall。“
　　Iwashandinghimthehalf-sovereign，whensomethingcamebobbingupagainstthewindow，andMr。Bilder'sfacedoubleditsnaturallengthwithsurprise。
　　“Godblessme！”hesaid。“Ifthereain'toldBersickercomebackby`isself！”
　　Hewenttothedoorandopenedit，amostunnecessaryproceedingitseemedtome。Ihavealwaysthoughtthatawildanimalneverlookssowellaswhensomeobstacleofpronounceddurabilityisbetweenus。
　　Apersonalexperiencehasintensifiedratherthandiminishedthatidea。
　　Afterall，however，thereisnothinglikecustom，forneitherBildernorhiswifethoughtanymoreofthewolfthanIshouldofadog。
　　Theanimalitselfwasapeacefulandwell-behavedasthatfatherofallpicture-wolves，RedRidingHood'squondamfriend，whilstmovingherconfidenceinmasquerade。
　　Thewholescenewasaunutterablemixtureofcomedyandpathos。
　　ThewickedwolfthatforahalfadayhadparalyzedLondonandsetallthechildrenintownshiveringintheirshoes，wasthereinasortofpenitentmood，andwasreceivedandpettedlikeasortofvulpineprodigalson。
　　OldBilderexaminedhimalloverwithmosttendersolicitude，andwhenhehadfinishedwithhispenitentsaid，“There，Iknewthepooroldchapwouldgetintosomekindoftrouble。
　　Didn'tIsayitallalong？Here'shisheadallcutandfullofbrokenglass。
　　`E'sbeena-gettin'oversomebloomin'wallorother。It'sashymethatpeopleareallowedtotoptheirwallswithbrokenbottles。
　　This`ere'swhatcomesofit。Comealong，Bersicker。“
　　Hetookthewolfandlockedhimupinacage，withapieceofmeatthatsatisfied，inquantityatanyrate，theelementaryconditionsofthefattedcalf，andwentofftoreport。
　　Icameofftoo，toreporttheonlyexclusiveinformationthatisgiventodayregardingthestrangeescapadeattheZoo。
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY
　　17September——Iwasengagedafterdinnerinmystudypostingupmybooks，which，throughpressofotherworkandthemanyvisitstoLucy，hadfallensadlyintoarrear。Suddenlythedoorwasburstopen，andinrushedmypatient，withhisfacedistortedwithpassion。
　　Iwasthunderstruck，forsuchathingasapatientgettingofhisownaccordintotheSuperintendent'sstudyisalmostunknown。
　　Withoutaninstant'snoticehemadestraightatme。
　　Hehadadinnerknifeinhishand，andasIsawhewasdangerous，Itriedtokeepthetablebetweenus。Hewastooquickandtoostrongforme，however，forbeforeIcouldgetmybalancehehadstruckatmeandcutmyleftwristratherseverely。
　　Beforehecouldstrikeagain，however，Igotinmyrighthandandhewassprawlingonhisbackonthefloor。
　　Mywristbledfreely，andquitealittlepooltrickledontothecarpet。Isawthatmyfriendwasnotintentonfurthereffort，andoccupiedmyselfbindingupmywrist，keepingawaryeyeontheprostratefigureallthetime。
　　Whentheattendantsrushedin，andweturnedourattentiontohim，hisemploymentpositivelysickenedme。Hewaslyingonhisbellyonthefloorlickingup，likeadog，thebloodwhichhadfallenfrommywoundedwrist。Hewaseasilysecured，andtomysurprise，wentwiththeattendantsquiteplacidly，simplyrepeatingoverandoveragain，“Thebloodisthelife！
　　Thebloodisthelife！”
　　Icannotaffordtolosebloodjustatpresent。Ihavelosttoomuchoflateformyphysicalgood，andthentheprolongedstrainofLucy'sillnessanditshorriblephasesistellingonme。
　　Iamoverexcitedandweary，andIneedrest，rest，rest。
　　HappilyVanHelsinghasnotsummonedme，soIneednotforegomysleep。
　　TonightIcouldnotwelldowithoutit。
　　TELEGRAM，VANHELSING，ANTWERP，TOSEWARD，CARFAX
　　SenttoCarfax，Sussex，asnocountygiven，deliveredlatebytwenty-twohours。
　　17September——DonotfailtobeatHilllinghamtonight。
　　Ifnotwatchingallthetime，frequentlyvisitandseethatflowersareasplaced，veryimportant，donotfail。
　　Shallbewithyouassoonaspossibleafterarrival。
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY
　　18September——JustofftraintoLondon。ThearrivalofVanHelsing'stelegramfilledmewithdismay。Awholenightlost，andIknowbybitterexperiencewhatmayhappeninanight。
　　Ofcourseitispossiblethatallmaybewell，butwhatmayhavehappened？Surelythereissomehorribledoomhangingoverusthateverypossibleaccidentshouldthwartusinallwetrytodo。
　　Ishalltakethiscylinderwithme，andthenIcancompletemyentryonLucy'sphonograph。
　　MEMORANDUMLEFTBYLUCYWESTENRA
　　17September，Night——Iwritethisandleaveittobeseen，sothatnoonemaybyanychancegetintotroublethroughme。
　　Thisisanexactrecordofwhattookplacetonight。
　　IfeelIamdyingofweakness，andhavebarelystrengthtowrite，butitmustbedoneifIdieinthedoing。
　　Iwenttobedasusual，takingcarethattheflowerswereplacedasDr。VanHelsingdirected，andsoonfellasleep。
　　Iwaswakedbytheflappingatthewindow，whichhadbegunafterthatsleep-walkingonthecliffatWhitbywhenMinasavedme，andwhichnowIknowsowell。Iwasnotafraid，butIdidwishthatDr。Sewardwasinthenextroom，asDr。VanHelsingsaidhewouldbe，sothatImighthavecalledhim。
　　Itriedtosleep，butIcouldnot。Thentherecametometheoldfearofsleep，andIdeterminedtokeepawake。
　　PerverselysleepwouldtrytocomethenwhenIdidnotwantit。
　　So，asIfearedtobealone，Iopenedmydoorandcalledout。
　　“Isthereanybodythere？”Therewasnoanswer。
　　Iwasafraidtowakemother，andsoclosedmydooragain。
　　ThenoutsideintheshrubberyIheardasortofhowllikeadog's，butmorefierceanddeeper。Iwenttothewindowandlookedout，butcouldseenothing，exceptabigbat，whichhadevidentlybeenbuffetingitswingsagainstthewindow。
　　SoIwentbacktobedagain，butdeterminednottogotosleep。
　　Presentlythedooropened，andmotherlookedin。SeeingbymymovingthatIwasnotasleep，shecameinandsatbyme。
　　Shesaidtomeevenmoresweetlyandsoftlythanherwont，“Iwasuneasyaboutyou，darling，andcameintoseethatyouwereallright。“
　　Ifearedshemightcatchcoldsittingthere，andaskedhertocomeinandsleepwithme，soshecameintobed，andlaydownbesideme。
　　Shedidnottakeoffherdressinggown，forshesaidshewouldonlystayawhileandthengobacktoherownbed。Asshelaythereinmyarms，andIinherstheflappingandbuffetingcametothewindowagain。
　　Shewasstartledandalittlefrightened，andcriedout，“Whatisthat？”
　　Itriedtopacifyher，andatlastsucceeded，andshelayquiet。
　　ButIcouldhearherpoordearheartstillbeatingterribly。
　　Afterawhiletherewasthehowlagainoutintheshrubbery，andshortlyaftertherewasacrashatthewindow，andalotofbrokenglasswashurledonthefloor。
　　Thewindowblindblewbackwiththewindthatrushedin，andintheapertureofthebrokenpanestherewastheheadofagreat，gauntgraywolf。
　　Mothercriedoutinafright，andstruggledupintoasittingposture，andclutchedwildlyatanythingthatwouldhelpher。
　　Amongstotherthings，sheclutchedthewreathofflowersthatDr。VanHelsinginsistedonmywearingroundmyneck，andtoreitawayfromme。Forasecondortwoshesatup，pointingatthewolf，andtherewasastrangeandhorriblegurglinginherthroat。
　　Thenshefellover，asifstruckwithlightning，andherheadhitmyforeheadandmademedizzyforamomentortwo。
　　Theroomandallroundseemedtospinround。Ikeptmyeyesfixedonthewindow，butthewolfdrewhisheadback，andawholemyriadoflittlespecksseemstocomeblowinginthroughthebrokenwindow，andwheelingandcirclingroundlikethepillarofdustthattravellersdescribewhenthereisasimooninthedesert。Itriedtostir，buttherewassomespelluponme，anddearMother'spoorbody，whichseemedtogrowcoldalready，forherdearhearthadceasedtobeat，weighedmedown，andIrememberednomoreforawhile。
　　Thetimedidnotseemlong，butvery，veryawful，tillIrecoveredconsciousnessagain。Somewherenear，apassingbellwastolling。
　　Thedogsallroundtheneighborhoodwerehowling，andinourshrubbery，seeminglyjustoutside，anightingalewassinging。
　　Iwasdazedandstupidwithpainandterrorandweakness，butthesoundofthenightingaleseemedlikethevoiceofmydeadmothercomebacktocomfortme。Thesoundsseemedtohaveawakenedthemaids，too，forIcouldheartheirbarefeetpatteringoutsidemydoor。Icalledtothem，andtheycamein，andwhentheysawwhathadhappened，andwhatitwasthatlayovermeonthebed，theyscreamedout。Thewindrushedinthroughthebrokenwindow，andthedoorslammedto。
　　Theyliftedoffthebodyofmydearmother，andlaidher，coveredupwithasheet，onthebedafterIhadgotup。
　　TheywereallsofrightenedandnervousthatIdirectedthemtogotothediningroomandeachhaveaglassofwine。
　　Thedoorflewopenforaninstantandclosedagain。
　　Themaidsshrieked，andthenwentinabodytothediningroom，andIlaidwhatflowersIhadonmydearmother'sbreast。
　　WhentheywerethereIrememberedwhatDr。VanHelsinghadtoldme，butIdidn'tliketoremovethem，andbesides，Iwouldhavesomeoftheservantstositupwithmenow。
　　Iwassurprisedthatthemaidsdidnotcomeback。
　　Icalledthem，butgotnoanswer，soIwenttothediningroomtolookforthem。
　　MyheartsankwhenIsawwhathadhappened。Theyallfourlayhelplessonthefloor，breathingheavily。Thedecanterofsherrywasonthetablehalffull，buttherewasaqueer，acridsmellabout。Iwassuspicious，andexaminedthedecanter。
　　Itsmeltoflaudanum，andlookingonthesideboard，IfoundthatthebottlewhichMother'sdoctorusesforher——
　　oh！diduse——wasempty。WhatamItodo？WhatamItodo？
　　IambackintheroomwithMother。Icannotleaveher，andI
　　amalone，saveforthesleepingservants，whomsomeonehasdrugged。
　　Alonewiththedead！Idarenotgoout，forIcanhearthelowhowlofthewolfthroughthebrokenwindow。
　　Theairseemsfullofspecks，floatingandcirclinginthedraughtfromthewindow，andthelightsburnblueanddim。
　　WhatamItodo？Godshieldmefromharmthisnight！
　　Ishallhidethispaperinmybreast，wheretheyshallfinditwhentheycometolaymeout。Mydearmothergone！
　　ItistimethatIgotoo。Goodbye，dearArthur，ifIshouldnotsurvivethisnight。Godkeepyou，dear，andGodhelpme！
　　CHAPTER12
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY
　　18September——IdroveatoncetoHillinghamandarrivedearly。
　　Keepingmycabatthegate，Iwentuptheavenuealone。
　　Iknockedgentlyandrangasquietlyaspossible，forI
　　fearedtodisturbLucyorhermother，andhopedtoonlybringaservanttothedoor。Afterawhile，findingnoresponse，Iknockedandrangagain，stillnoanswer。Icursedthelazinessoftheservantsthattheyshouldlieabedatsuchanhour，foritwasnowteno'clock，andsorangandknockedagain，butmoreimpatiently，butstillwithoutresponse。
　　HithertoIhadblamedonlytheservants，butnowaterriblefearbegantoassailme。Wasthisdesolationbutanotherlinkinthechainofdoomwhichseemeddrawingtightroundus？
　　WasitindeedahouseofdeathtowhichIhadcome，toolate？
　　Iknowthatminutes，evensecondsofdelay，mightmeanhoursofdangertoLucy，ifshehadhadagainoneofthosefrightfulrelapses，andIwentroundthehousetotryifIcouldfindbychanceanentryanywhere。
　　Icouldfindnomeansofingress。Everywindowanddoorwasfastenedandlocked，andIreturnedbaffledtotheporch。
　　AsIdidso，Iheardtherapidpit-patofaswiftlydrivenhorse'sfeet。
　　Theystoppedatthegate，andafewsecondslaterImetVanHelsingrunninguptheavenue。Whenhesawme，hegaspedout，“Thenitwasyou，andjustarrived。Howisshe？Arewetoolate？