Wealldinedtogether，andIcouldseethatpoorArtwastryingtomakethebestofthings。VanHelsinghadbeensilentalldinnertime，butwhenwehadlitourcigarshesaid，“Lord……，butArthurinterruptedhim。
　　“No，no，notthat，forGod'ssake！Notyetatanyrate。
　　Forgiveme，sir。Ididnotmeantospeakoffensively。
　　Itisonlybecausemylossissorecent。“
　　TheProfessoransweredverysweetly，“IonlyusedthatnamebecauseIwasindoubt。Imustnotcallyou`Mr。'andIhavegrowntoloveyou，yes，mydearboy，toloveyou，asArthur。“
　　Arthurheldouthishand，andtooktheoldman'swarmly。
　　“Callmewhatyouwill，“hesaid。“IhopeImayalwayshavethetitleofafriend。AndletmesaythatIamatalossforwordstothankyouforyourgoodnesstomypoordear。“
　　Hepausedamoment，andwenton，“IknowthatsheunderstoodyourgoodnessevenbetterthanIdo。AndifIwasrudeorinanywaywantingatthattimeyouactedso，youremember，“——
　　theProfessornodded——“Youmustforgiveme。“
　　Heansweredwithagravekindness，“Iknowitwashardforyoutoquitetrustmethen，fortotrustsuchviolenceneedstounderstand，andItakeitthatyoudonot，thatyoucannot，trustmenow，foryoudonotyetunderstand。AndtheremaybemoretimeswhenIshallwantyoutotrustwhenyoucannot，andmaynot，andmustnotyetunderstand。
　　Butthetimewillcomewhenyourtrustshallbewholeandcompleteinme，andwhenyoushallunderstandasthoughthesunlighthimselfshonethrough。
　　Thenyoushallblessmefromfirsttolastforyourownsake，andforthesakeofothers，andforherdearsaketowhomIsworetoprotect。“
　　“Andindeed，indeed，sir，“saidArthurwarmly。“Ishallinallwaystrustyou。Iknowandbelieveyouhaveaverynobleheart，andyouareJack'sfriend，andyouwerehers。
　　Youshalldowhatyoulike。“
　　TheProfessorclearedhisthroatacoupleoftimes，asthoughabouttospeak，andfinallysaid，“MayIaskyousomethingnow？”
　　“Certainly。“
　　“YouknowthatMrs。Westenraleftyouallherproperty？”
　　“No，poordear。Ineverthoughtofit。“
　　“Andasitisallyours，youhavearighttodealwithitasyouwill。
　　IwantyoutogivemepermissiontoreadallMissLucy'spapersandletters。
　　Believeme，itisnoidlecuriosity。Ihaveamotiveofwhich，besure，shewouldhaveapproved。Ihavethemallhere。Itookthembeforeweknewthatallwasyours，sothatnostrangehandmighttouchthem，nostrangeeyelookthroughwordsintohersoul。Ishallkeepthem，ifImay。Evenyoumaynotseethemyet，butIshallkeepthemsafe。
　　Nowordshallbelost，andinthegoodtimeIshallgivethembacktoyou。
　　ItisahardthingthatIask，butyouwilldoit，willyounot，forLucy'ssake？”
　　Arthurspokeoutheartily，likehisoldself，“Dr。VanHelsing，youmaydowhatyouwill。IfeelthatinsayingthisIamdoingwhatmydearonewouldhaveapproved。Ishallnottroubleyouwithquestionstillthetimecomes。“
　　TheoldProfessorstoodupashesaidsolemnly，“Andyouareright。
　　Therewillbepainforusall，butitwillnotbeallpain，norwillthispainbethelast。Weandyoutoo，youmostofall，dearboy，willhavetopassthroughthebitterwaterbeforewereachthesweet。
　　Butwemustbebraveofheartandunselfish，anddoourduty，andallwillbewell！”
　　IsleptonasofainArthur'sroomthatnight。VanHelsingdidnotgotobedatall。Hewenttoandfro，asifpatrolingthehouse，andwasneveroutofsightoftheroomwhereLucylayinhercoffin，strewnwiththewildgarlicflowers，whichsentthroughtheodoroflilyandrose，aheavy，overpoweringsmellintothenight。
　　MINAHARKER'SJOURNAL
　　22September——InthetraintoExeter。Jonathansleeping。
　　Itseemsonlyyesterdaythatthelastentrywasmade，andyethowmuchbetweenthen，inWhitbyandalltheworldbeforeme，Jonathanawayandnonewsofhim，andnow，marriedtoJonathan，Jonathanasolicitor，apartner，rich，masterofhisbusiness，Mr。Hawkinsdeadandburied，andJonathanwithanotherattackthatmayharmhim。Somedayhemayaskmeaboutit。
　　Downitallgoes。Iamrustyinmyshorthand，seewhatunexpectedprosperitydoesforus，soitmaybeaswelltofreshenitupagainwithanexerciseanyhow。
　　Theservicewasverysimpleandverysolemn。Therewereonlyourselvesandtheservantsthere，oneortwooldfriendsofhisfromExeter，hisLondonagent，andagentlemanrepresentingSirJohnPaxton，thePresidentoftheIncorporatedLawSociety。
　　JonathanandIstoodhandinhand，andwefeltthatourbestanddearestfriendwasgonefromus。
　　Wecamebacktotownquietly，takingabustoHydeParkCorner。
　　JonathanthoughtitwouldinterestmetogointotheRowforawhile，sowesatdown。Buttherewereveryfewpeoplethere，anditwassad-lookinganddesolatetoseesomanyemptychairs。
　　Itmadeusthinkoftheemptychairathome。SowegotupandwalkeddownPiccadilly。Jonathanwasholdingmebythearm，thewayheusedtointheolddaysbeforeIwenttoschool。
　　Ifeltitveryimproper，foryoucan'tgoonforsomeyearsteachingetiquetteanddecorumtoothergirlswithoutthepedantryofitbitingintoyourselfabit。ButitwasJonathan，andhewasmyhusband，andwedidn'tknowanybodywhosawus，andwedidn'tcareiftheydid，soonwewalked。
　　Iwaslookingataverybeautifulgirl，inabigcart-wheelhat，sittinginavictoriaoutsideGuiliano's，whenIfeltJonathanclutchmyarmsotightthathehurtme，andhesaidunderhisbreath，“MyGod！”
　　IamalwaysanxiousaboutJonathan，forIfearthatsomenervousfitmayupsethimagain。SoIturnedtohimquickly，andaskedhimwhatitwasthatdisturbedhim。
　　Hewasverypale，andhiseyesseemedbulgingoutas，halfinterrorandhalfinamazement，hegazedatatall，thinman，withabeakynoseandblackmoustacheandpointedbeard，whowasalsoobservingtheprettygirl。Hewaslookingathersohardthathedidnotseeeitherofus，andsoIhadagoodviewofhim。
　　Hisfacewasnotagoodface。Itwashard，andcruel，andsensual，andbigwhiteteeth，thatlookedallthewhiterbecausehislipsweresored，werepointedlikeananimal's。
　　Jonathankeptstaringathim，tillIwasafraidhewouldnotice。
　　Ifearedhemighttakeitill，helookedsofierceandnasty。
　　IaskedJonathanwhyhewasdisturbed，andheanswered，evidentlythinkingthatIknewasmuchaboutitashedid，“Doyouseewhoitis？”
　　“No，dear，“Isaid。“Idon'tknowhim，whoisit？”
　　Hisanswerseemedtoshockandthrillme，foritwassaidasifhedidnotknowthatitwasme，Mina，towhomhewasspeaking。
　　“Itisthemanhimself！”
　　Thepoordearwasevidentlyterrifiedatsomething，verygreatlyterrified。
　　Idobelievethatifhehadnothadmetoleanonandtosupporthimhewouldhavesunkdown。Hekeptstaring。Amancameoutoftheshopwithasmallparcel，andgaveittothelady，whothendroveoff。
　　Thedarkmankepthiseyesfixedonher，andwhenthecarriagemovedupPiccadillyhefollowedinthesamedirection，andhailedahansom。
　　Jonathankeptlookingafterhim，andsaid，asiftohimself，“IbelieveitistheCount，buthehasgrownyoung。MyGod，ifthisbeso！Oh，myGod！MyGod！IfonlyIknew！IfonlyIknew！”
　　HewasdistressinghimselfsomuchthatIfearedtokeephismindonthesubjectbyaskinghimanyquestions，soIremainedsilent。
　　Idrewawayquietly，andhe，holdingmyarm，cameeasily。
　　Wewalkedalittlefurther，andthenwentinandsatforawhileintheGreenPark。Itwasahotdayforautumn，andtherewasacomfortableseatinashadyplace。
　　Afterafewminutes'staringatnothing，Jonathan'seyesclosed，andhewentquicklyintoasleep，withhisheadonmyshoulder。
　　Ithoughtitwasthebestthingforhim，sodidnotdisturbhim。
　　Inabouttwentyminuteshewokeup，andsaidtomequitecheerfully，“Why，Mina，haveIbeenasleep！Oh，doforgivemeforbeingsorude。
　　Come，andwe'llhaveacupofteasomewhere。“
　　Hehadevidentlyforgottenallaboutthedarkstranger，asinhisillnesshehadforgottenallthatthisepisodehadremindedhimof。Idon'tlikethislapsingintoforgetfulness。
　　Itmaymakeorcontinuesomeinjurytothebrain。
　　Imustnotaskhim，forfearIshalldomoreharmthangood，butImustsomehowlearnthefactsofhisjourneyabroad。
　　Thetimeiscome，Ifear，whenImustopentheparcel，andknowwhatiswritten。Oh，Jonathan，youwill，Iknow，forgivemeifIdowrong，butitisforyourowndearsake。
　　Later——Asadhomecomingineveryway，thehouseemptyofthedearsoulwhowassogoodtous。Jonathanstillpaleanddizzyunderaslightrelapseofhismalady，andnowatelegramfromVanHelsing，whoeverhemaybe。
　　“YouwillbegrievedtohearthatMrs。Westenradiedfivedaysago，andthatLucydiedthedaybeforeyesterday。
　　Theywerebothburiedtoday。“
　　Oh，whatawealthofsorrowinafewwords！PoorMrs。Westenra！
　　PoorLucy！Gone，gone，nevertoreturntous！Andpoor，poorArthur，tohavelostsuchasweetnessoutofhislife！
　　Godhelpusalltobearourtroubles。
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY-CONT。
　　22September——Itisallover。ArthurhasgonebacktoRing，andhastakenQuinceyMorriswithhim。WhatafinefellowisQuincey！IbelieveinmyheartofheartsthathesufferedasmuchaboutLucy'sdeathasanyofus，butheborehimselfthroughitlikeamoralViking。IfAmericacangoonbreedingmenlikethat，shewillbeapowerintheworldindeed。
　　VanHelsingislyingdown，havingarestpreparatorytohisjourney。
　　HegoestoAmsterdamtonight，butsayshereturnstomorrownight，thatheonlywantstomakesomearrangementswhichcanonlybemadepersonally。Heistostopwithmethen，ifhecan。
　　HesayshehasworktodoinLondonwhichmaytakehimsometime。
　　Pooroldfellow！Ifearthatthestrainofthepastweekhasbrokendownevenhisironstrength。Allthetimeoftheburialhewas，Icouldsee，puttingsometerriblerestraintonhimself。
　　Whenitwasallover，wewerestandingbesideArthur，who，poorfellow，wasspeakingofhispartintheoperationwherehisbloodhadbeentransfusedtohisLucy'sveins。
　　IcouldseeVanHelsing'sfacegrowwhiteandpurplebyturns。
　　Arthurwassayingthathefeltsincethenasiftheytwohadbeenreallymarried，andthatshewashiswifeinthesightofGod。
　　Noneofussaidawordoftheotheroperations，andnoneofusevershall。ArthurandQuinceywentawaytogethertothestation，andVanHelsingandIcameonhere。
　　Themomentwewerealoneinthecarriagehegavewaytoaregularfitofhysterics。Hehasdeniedtomesincethatitwashysterics，andinsistedthatitwasonlyhissenseofhumorassertingitselfunderveryterribleconditions。
　　Helaughedtillhecried，andIhadtodrawdowntheblindslestanyoneshouldseeusandmisjudge。Andthenhecried，tillhelaughedagain，andlaughedandcriedtogether，justasawomandoes。Itriedtobesternwithhim，asoneistoawomanunderthecircumstances，butithadnoeffect。
　　Menandwomenaresodifferentinmanifestationsofnervousstrengthorweakness！ThenwhenhisfacegrewgraveandsternagainIaskedhimwhyhismirth，andwhyatsuchatime。
　　Hisreplywasinawaycharacteristicofhim，foritwaslogicalandforcefulandmysterious。Hesaid，“Ah，youdon'tcomprehend，friendJohn。DonotthinkthatIamnotsad，thoughIlaugh。See，Ihavecriedevenwhenthelaughdidchokeme。ButnomorethinkthatIamallsorrywhenIcry，forthelaughhecomejustthesame。Keepitalwayswithyouthatlaughterwhoknockatyourdoorandsay，`MayIcomein？'
　　isnottruelaughter。No！Heisaking，andhecomewhenandhowhelike。Heasknoperson，hechoosenotimeofsuitability。
　　Hesay，`Iamhere。'Behold，inexampleIgrievemyheartoutforthatsosweetyounggirl。Igivemybloodforher，thoughIamoldandworn。Igivemytime，myskill，mysleep。
　　Iletmyothersuffererswantthatshemayhaveall。
　　AndyetIcanlaughatherverygrave，laughwhentheclayfromthespadeofthesextondropuponhercoffinandsay`Thud，thud！'
　　tomyheart，tillitsendbackthebloodfrommycheek。
　　Myheartbleedforthatpoorboy，thatdearboy，sooftheageofmineownboyhadIbeensoblessedthathelive，andwithhishairandeyesthesame。
　　“There，youknownowwhyIlovehimso。Andyetwhenhesaythingsthattouchmyhusband-hearttothequick，andmakemyfather-heartyearntohimastonootherman，notevenyou，friendJohn，forwearemorelevelinexperiencesthanfatherandson，yetevenatsuchamomentKingLaughhecometomeandshoutandbellowinmyear，`HereIam！
　　HereIam！'tillthebloodcomedancebackandbringsomeofthesunshinethathecarrywithhimtomycheek。
　　Oh，friendJohn，itisastrangeworld，asadworld，aworldfullofmiseries，andwoes，andtroubles。AndyetwhenKingLaughcome，hemakethemalldancetothetuneheplay。
　　Bleedinghearts，anddrybonesofthechurchyard，andtearsthatburnastheyfall，alldancetogethertothemusicthathemakewiththatsmilelessmouthofhim。Andbelieveme，friendJohn，thatheisgoodtocome，andkind。Ah，wemenandwomenarelikeropesdrawntightwithstrainthatpullusdifferentways。
　　Thentearscome，andliketherainontheropes，theybraceusup，untilperhapsthestrainbecometoogreat，andwebreak。
　　ButKingLaughhecomelikethesunshine，andheeaseoffthestrainagain，andwebeartogoonwithourlabor，whatitmaybe。“
　　Ididnotliketowoundhimbypretendingnottoseehisidea，butasIdidnotyetunderstandthecauseofhislaughter，Iaskedhim。
　　Asheansweredmehisfacegrewstern，andhesaidinquiteadifferenttone，“Oh，itwasthegrimironyofitall，thissolovelyladygarlandedwithflowers，thatlookedsofairaslife，tillonebyonewewonderedifsheweretrulydead，shelaidinthatsofinemarblehouseinthatlonelychurchyard，whererestsomanyofherkin，laidtherewiththemotherwholovedher，andwhomsheloved，andthatsacredbellgoing“Toll！Toll！Toll！'sosadandslow，andthoseholymen，withthewhitegarmentsoftheangel，pretendingtoreadbooks，andyetallthetimetheireyesneveronthepage，andallofuswiththebowedhead。Andallforwhat？
　　Sheisdead，so！Isitnot？”
　　“Well，forthelifeofme，Professor，“Isaid，“Ican'tseeanythingtolaughatinallthat。Why，yourexpressionmakesitaharderpuzzlethanbefore。Buteveniftheburialservicewascomic，whataboutpoorArtandhistrouble？
　　Whyhisheartwassimplybreaking。“
　　“Justso。Saidhenotthatthetransfusionofhisbloodtoherveinshadmadehertrulyhisbride？”
　　“Yes，anditwasasweetandcomfortingideaforhim。“
　　“Quiteso。Buttherewasadifficulty，friendJohn。
　　Ifsothat，thenwhatabouttheothers？Ho，ho！Thenthissosweetmaidisapolyandrist，andme，withmypoorwifedeadtome，butalivebyChurch'slaw，thoughnowits，allgone，evenI，whoamfaithfulhusbandtothisnow-no-wife，ambigamist。“
　　“Idon'tseewherethejokecomesinthereeither！”Isaid，andI
　　didnotfeelparticularlypleasedwithhimforsayingsuchthings。
　　Helaidhishandonmyarm，andsaid，“FriendJohn，forgivemeifIpain。Ishowednotmyfeelingtootherswhenitwouldwound，butonlytoyou，myoldfriend，whomIcantrust。
　　IfyoucouldhavelookedintomyheartthenwhenIwanttolaugh，ifyoucouldhavedonesowhenthelaugharrived，ifyoucoulddosonow，whenKingLaughhavepackuphiscrown，andallthatistohim，forhegofar，farawayfromme，andforalong，longtime，maybeyouwouldperhapspitymethemostofall。“
　　Iwastouchedbythetendernessofhistone，andaskedwhy。
　　“BecauseIknow！”
　　Andnowweareallscattered，andformanyalongdaylonelinesswillsitoverourroofswithbroodingwings。Lucyliesinthetombofherkin，alordlydeathhouseinalonelychurchyard，awayfromteemingLondon，wheretheairisfresh，andthesunrisesoverHampsteadHill，andwherewildflowersgrowoftheirownaccord。
　　SoIcanfinishthisdiary，andGodonlyknowsifIshalleverbeginanother。
　　IfIdo，orifIevenopenthisagain，itwillbetodealwithdifferentpeopleanddifferentthemes，forhereattheend，wheretheromanceofmylifeistold，ereIgobacktotakeupthethreadofmylife-work，Isaysadlyandwithouthope，“FINIS“。
　　THEWESTMINSTERGAZETTE，25SEPTEMBERAHAMPSTEADMYSTERY
　　TheneighborhoodofHampsteadisjustatpresentexercisedwithaseriesofeventswhichseemtorunonlinesparalleltothoseofwhatwasknowntothewritersofheadlinesand“TheKensingtonHorror，“or“TheStabbingWoman，“
　　or“TheWomaninBlack。“DuringthepasttwoorthreedaysseveralcaseshaveoccurredofyoungchildrenstrayingfromhomeorneglectingtoreturnfromtheirplayingontheHeath。
　　Inallthesecasesthechildrenweretooyoungtogiveanyproperlyintelligibleaccountofthemselves，buttheconsensusoftheirexcusesisthattheyhadbeenwitha“blooferlady。“
　　Ithasalwaysbeenlateintheeveningwhentheyhavebeenmissed，andontwooccasionsthechildrenhavenotbeenfounduntilearlyinthefollowingmorning。
　　Itisgenerallysupposedintheneighborhoodthat，asthefirstchildmissedgaveashisreasonforbeingawaythata“blooferlady“hadaskedhimtocomeforawalk，theothershadpickedupthephraseanduseditasoccasionserved。
　　Thisisthemorenaturalasthefavoritegameofthelittleonesatpresentisluringeachotherawaybywiles。
　　Acorrespondentwritesusthattoseesomeofthetinytotspretendingtobethe“blooferlady“issupremelyfunny。
　　Someofourcaricaturistsmight，hesays，takealessonintheironyofgrotesquebycomparingtherealityandthepicture。
　　Itisonlyinaccordancewithgeneralprinciplesofhumannaturethatthe“blooferlady“shouldbethepopularroleatthesealfrescoperformances。OurcorrespondentnaivelysaysthatevenEllenTerrycouldnotbesowinninglyattractiveassomeofthesegrubby-facedlittlechildrenpretend，andevenimaginethemselves，tobe。
　　Thereis，however，possiblyaserioussidetothequestion，forsomeofthechildren，indeedallwhohavebeenmissedatnight，havebeenslightlytornorwoundedinthethroat。
　　Thewoundsseemsuchasmightbemadebyaratorasmalldog，andalthoughofnotmuchimportanceindividually，wouldtendtoshowthatwhateveranimalinflictsthemhasasystemormethodofitsown。Thepoliceofthedivisionhavebeeninstructedtokeepasharplookoutforstrayingchildren，especiallywhenveryyoung，inandaroundHampsteadHeath，andforanystraydogwhichmaybeabout。
　　THEWESTMINSTERGAZETTE，25SEPTEMBEREXTRASPECIAL
　　THEHAMPSTEADHORROR
　　ANOTHERCHILDINJURED
　　THE“BLOOFERLADY“
　　Wehavejustreceivedintelligencethatanotherchild，missedlastnight，wasonlydiscoveredlateinthemorningunderafurzebushattheShooter'sHillsideofHampsteadHeath，whichisperhaps，lessfrequentedthantheotherparts。
　　Ithasthesametinywoundinthethroatashasbeennoticedinothercases。Itwasterriblyweak，andlookedquiteemaciated。
　　Ittoo，whenpartiallyrestored，hadthecommonstorytotellofbeingluredawaybythe“blooferlady“。
　　CHAPTER14
　　MINAHARKER'SJOURNAL
　　23September——Jonathanisbetterafterabadnight。
　　Iamsogladthathehasplentyofworktodo，forthatkeepshismindofftheterriblethings，andoh，Iamrejoicedthatheisnotnowweigheddownwiththeresponsibilityofhisnewposition。
　　Iknewhewouldbetruetohimself，andnowhowproudIamtoseemyJonathanrisingtotheheightofhisadvancementandkeepingpaceinallwayswiththedutiesthatcomeuponhim。Hewillbeawayalldaytilllate，forhesaidhecouldnotlunchathome。
　　Myhouseholdworkisdone，soIshalltakehisforeignjournal，andlockmyselfupinmyroomandreadit。
　　24September——Ihadn'tthehearttowritelastnight，thatterriblerecordofJonathan'supsetmeso。Poordear！
　　Howhemusthavesuffered，whetheritbetrueoronlyimagination。
　　Iwonderifthereisanytruthinitatall。Didhegethisbrainfever，andthenwriteallthoseterriblethings，orhadhesomecauseforitall？IsupposeIshallneverknow，forIdarenotopenthesubjecttohim。Andyetthatmanwesawyesterday！Heseemedquitecertainofhim，poorfellow！
　　Isupposeitwasthefuneralupsethimandsenthismindbackonsometrainofthought。
　　Hebelievesitallhimself。Irememberhowonourweddingdayhesaid“Unlesssomesolemndutycomeuponmetogobacktothebitterhours，asleeporawake，madorsane……“Thereseemstobethroughitallsomethreadofcontinuity。
　　ThatfearfulCountwascomingtoLondon。Ifitshouldbe，andhecametoLondon，withitsteemingmillions……Theremaybeasolemnduty，andifitcomewemustnotshrinkfromit。
　　Ishallbeprepared。Ishallgetmytypewriterthisveryhourandbegintranscribing。Thenweshallbereadyforothereyesifrequired。Andifitbewanted，then，perhaps，ifIamready，poorJonathanmaynotbeupset，forIcanspeakforhimandneverlethimbetroubledorworriedwithitatall。
　　IfeverJonathanquitegetsoverthenervousnesshemaywanttotellmeofitall，andIcanaskhimquestionsandfindoutthings，andseehowImaycomforthim。
　　LETTER，VANHELSINGTOMRS。HARKER
　　24SeptemberConfidence
　　“DearMadam，“Iprayyoutopardonmywriting，inthatIamsofarfriendasthatIsenttoyousadnewsofMissLucyWestenra'sdeath。
　　BythekindnessofLordGodalming，Iamempoweredtoreadherlettersandpapers，forIamdeeplyconcernedaboutcertainmattersvitallyimportant。InthemIfindsomelettersfromyou，whichshowhowgreatfriendsyouwereandhowyouloveher。
　　Oh，MadamMina，bythatlove，Iimploreyou，helpme。
　　Itisforothers'goodthatIask，toredressgreatwrong，andtoliftmuchandterribletroubles，thatmaybemoregreatthanyoucanknow。MayitbethatIseeyou？Youcantrustme。
　　IamfriendofDr。JohnSewardandofLordGodalmingthatwasArthurofMissLucy。Imustkeepitprivateforthepresentfromall。IshouldcometoExetertoseeyouatonceifyoutellmeIamprivilegetocome，andwhereandwhen。
　　Iimploreyourpardon，Madam。IhavereadyourletterstopoorLucy，andknowhowgoodyouareandhowyourhusbandsuffer。
　　SoIprayyou，ifitmaybe，enlightenhimnot，leastitmayharm。
　　Againyourpardon，andforgiveme。
　　“VANHELSING“
　　TELEGRAM，MRS。HARKERTOVANHELSING
　　25September——Cometodaybyquarterpasttentrainifyoucancatchit。
　　Canseeyouanytimeyoucall。“WILHELMINAHARKER“
　　MINAHARKER'SJOURNAL
　　25September——IcannothelpfeelingterriblyexcitedasthetimedrawsnearforthevisitofDr。VanHelsing，forsomehowIexpectthatitwillthrowsomelightuponJonathan'ssadexperience，andasheattendedpoordearLucyinherlastillness，hecantellmeallabouther。Thatisthereasonofhiscoming。
　　ItisconcerningLucyandhersleep-walking，andnotaboutJonathan。
　　ThenIshallneverknowtherealtruthnow！HowsillyIam。
　　Thatawfuljournalgetsholdofmyimaginationandtingeseverythingwithsomethingofitsowncolor。OfcourseitisaboutLucy。Thathabitcamebacktothepoordear，andthatawfulnightonthecliffmusthavemadeherill。
　　Ihadalmostforgotteninmyownaffairshowillshewasafterwards。
　　Shemusthavetoldhimofhersleep-walkingadventureonthecliff，andthatIknewallaboutit，andnowhewantsmetotellhimwhatIknow，sothathemayunderstand。
　　IhopeIdidrightinnotsayinganythingofittoMrs。Westenra。
　　Ishouldneverforgivemyselfifanyactofmine，wereitevenanegativeone，broughtharmonpoordearLucy。
　　Ihopetoo，Dr。VanHelsingwillnotblameme。
　　IhavehadsomuchtroubleandanxietyoflatethatIfeelI
　　cannotbearmorejustatpresent。
　　Isupposeacrydoesusallgoodattimes，clearstheairasotherraindoes。Perhapsitwasreadingthejournalyesterdaythatupsetme，andthenJonathanwentawaythismorningtostayawayfrommeawholedayandnight，thefirsttimewehavebeenpartedsinceourmarriage。Idohopethedearfellowwilltakecareofhimself，andthatnothingwilloccurtoupsethim。
　　Itistwoo'clock，andthedoctorwillbeheresoonnow。
　　IshallsaynothingofJonathan'sjournalunlessheasksme。
　　IamsogladIhavetypewrittenoutmyownjournal，sothat，incaseheasksaboutLucy，Icanhandittohim。
　　Itwillsavemuchquestioning。
　　Later——Hehascomeandgone。Oh，whatastrangemeeting，andhowitallmakesmyheadwhirlround。Ifeellikeoneinadream。Canitbeallpossible，orevenapartofit？
　　IfIhadnotreadJonathan'sjournalfirst，Ishouldneverhaveacceptedevenapossibility。Poor，poor，dearJonathan！
　　Howhemusthavesuffered。PleasethegoodGod，allthismaynotupsethimagain。Ishalltrytosavehimfromit。
　　Butitmaybeevenaconsolationandahelptohim，terriblethoughitbeandawfulinitsconsequences，toknowforcertainthathiseyesandearsandbraindidnotdeceivehim，andthatitisalltrue。Itmaybethatitisthedoubtwhichhauntshim，thatwhenthedoubtisremoved，nomatterwhich，wakingordreaming，mayprovethetruth，hewillbemoresatisfiedandbetterabletobeartheshock。
　　Dr。VanHelsingmustbeagoodmanaswellasacleveroneifheisArthur'sfriendandDr。Seward's，andiftheybroughthimallthewayfromHollandtolookafterLucy。Ifeelfromhavingseenhimthatheisgoodandkindandofanoblenature。
　　WhenhecomestomorrowIshallaskhimaboutJonathan。Andthen，pleaseGod，allthissorrowandanxietymayleadtoagoodend。
　　IusedtothinkIwouldliketopracticeinterviewing。
　　Jonathan'sfriendon“TheExeterNews“toldhimthatmemoryiseverythinginsuchwork，thatyoumustbeabletoputdownexactlyalmosteverywordspoken，evenifyouhadtorefinesomeofitafterwards。Herewasarareinterview。
　　Ishalltrytorecorditverbatim。
　　Itwashalf-pasttwoo'clockwhentheknockcame。
　　Itookmycourageadeuxmainsandwaited。InafewminutesMaryopenedthedoor，andannounced“Dr。VanHelsing“。
　　Iroseandbowed，andhecametowardsme，amanofmediumweight，stronglybuilt，withhisshoulderssetbackoverabroad，deepchestandaneckwellbalancedonthetrunkastheheadisontheneck。
　　Thepoiseoftheheadstrikesmeatonceasindicativeofthoughtandpower。
　　Theheadisnoble，well-sized，broad，andlargebehindtheears。
　　Theface，clean-shaven，showsahard，squarechin，alargeresolute，mobilemouth，agood-sizednose，ratherstraight，butwithquick，sensitivenostrils，thatseemtobroadenasthebigbushybrowscomedownandthemouthtightens。Theforeheadisbroadandfine，risingatfirstalmoststraightandthenslopingbackabovetwobumpsorridgeswideapart，suchaforeheadthatthereddishhaircannotpossiblytumbleoverit，butfallsnaturallybackandtothesides。Big，darkblueeyesaresetwidelyapart，andarequickandtenderorsternwiththeman'smoods。
　　Hesaidtome，“Mrs。Harker，isitnot？”Ibowedassent。
　　“ThatwasMissMinaMurray？”AgainIassented。
　　“ItisMinaMurraythatIcametoseethatwasfriendofthatpoordearchildLucyWestenra。MadamMina，itisonaccountofthedeadthatIcome。“
　　“Sir，“Isaid，“youcouldhavenobetterclaimonmethanthatyouwereafriendandhelperofLucyWestenra。“AndIheldoutmyhand。
　　Hetookitandsaidtenderly，“Oh，MadamMina，Iknowthatthefriendofthatpoorlittlegirlmustbegood，butIhadyettolearn……“Hefinishedhisspeechwithacourtlybow。
　　Iaskedhimwhatitwasthathewantedtoseemeabout，soheatoncebegan。
　　“IhavereadyourletterstoMissLucy。Forgiveme，butI
　　hadtobegintoinquiresomewhere，andtherewasnonetoask。
　　IknowthatyouwerewithheratWhitby。Shesometimeskeptadiary，youneednotlooksurprised，MadamMina。
　　Itwasbegunafteryouhadleft，andwasanimitationofyou，andinthatdiaryshetracesbyinferencecertainthingstoasleep-walkinginwhichsheputsdownthatyousavedher。
　　IngreatperplexitythenIcometoyou，andaskyououtofyoursomuchkindnesstotellmeallofitthatyoucanremember。“
　　“Icantellyou，Ithink，Dr。VanHelsing，allaboutit。“
　　“Ah，thenyouhavegoodmemoryforfacts，fordetails？
　　Itisnotalwayssowithyoungladies。“
　　“No，doctor，butIwroteitalldownatthetime。
　　Icanshowittoyouifyoulike。“
　　“Oh，MadamMina，Iwellbegrateful。Youwilldomemuchfavor。“
　　Icouldnotresistthetemptationofmystifyinghimabit，Isupposeitissometasteoftheoriginalapplethatremainsstillinourmouths，soIhandedhimtheshorthanddiary。
　　Hetookitwithagratefulbow，andsaid，“MayIreadit？”
　　“Ifyouwish，“IansweredasdemurelyasIcould。
　　Heopenedit，andforaninstanthisfacefell。
　　Thenhestoodupandbowed。
　　“Oh，yousocleverwoman！”hesaid。“IknewlongthatMr。Jonathanwasamanofmuchthankfulness，butsee，hiswifehaveallthegoodthings。
　　Andwillyounotsomuchhonormeandsohelpmeastoreaditforme？Alas！Iknownottheshorthand。“
　　Bythistimemylittlejokewasover，andIwasalmostashamed。
　　SoItookthetypewrittencopyfrommyworkbasketandhandedittohim。
　　“Forgiveme，“Isaid。“Icouldnothelpit，butIhadbeenthinkingthatitwasofdearLucythatyouwishedtoask，andsothatyoumightnothavetimetowait，notonmyaccount，butbecauseIknowyourtimemustbeprecious，Ihavewrittenitoutonthetypewriterforyou。“
　　Hetookitandhiseyesglistened。“Youaresogood，“hesaid。
　　“AndmayIreaditnow？ImaywanttoaskyousomethingswhenIhaveread。“
　　“Byallmeans，“Isaid。“readitoverwhilstIorderlunch，andthenyoucanaskmequestionswhilstweeat。“
　　Hebowedandsettledhimselfinachairwithhisbacktothelight，andbecamesoabsorbedinthepapers，whilstIwenttoseeafterlunchchieflyinorderthathemightnotbedisturbed。
　　WhenIcameback，Ifoundhimwalkinghurriedlyupanddowntheroom，hisfaceallablazewithexcitement。
　　Herusheduptomeandtookmebybothhands。
　　“Oh，MadamMina，“hesaid，“howcanIsaywhatIowetoyou？Thispaperisassunshine。Itopensthegatetome。Iamdazed，Iamdazzled，withsomuchlight，andyetcloudsrollinbehindthelighteverytime。
　　Butthatyoudonot，cannotcomprehend。Oh，butIamgratefultoyou，yousocleverwoman。Madame，“hesaidthisverysolemnly，“ifeverAbrahamVanHelsingcandoanythingforyouoryours，Itrustyouwillletmeknow。
　　ItwillbepleasureanddelightifImayserveyouasafriend，asafriend，butallIhaveeverlearned，allIcaneverdo，shallbeforyouandthoseyoulove。Therearedarknessesinlife，andtherearelights。
　　Youareoneofthelights。Youwillhaveahappylifeandagoodlife，andyourhusbandwillbeblessedinyou。“
　　“But，doctor，youpraisemetoomuch，andyoudonotknowme。“
　　“Notknowyou，I，whoamold，andwhohavestudiedallmylifemenandwomen，Iwhohavemademyspecialtythebrainandallthatbelongstohimandallthatfollowfromhim！
　　AndIhavereadyourdiarythatyouhavesogoodlywrittenforme，andwhichbreathesouttruthineveryline。I，whohavereadyoursosweetlettertopoorLucyofyourmarriageandyourtrust，notknowyou！Oh，MadamMina，goodwomentellalltheirlives，andbydayandbyhourandbyminute，suchthingsthatangelscanread。Andwemenwhowishtoknowhaveinussomethingofangels'eyes。Yourhusbandisnoblenature，andyouarenobletoo，foryoutrust，andtrustcannotbewherethereismeannature。
　　Andyourhusband，tellmeofhim。Ishequitewell？
　　Isallthatfevergone，andishestrongandhearty？”
　　IsawhereanopeningtoaskhimaboutJonathan，soIsaid，“Hewasalmostrecovered，buthehasbeengreatlyupsetbyMr。Hawkinsdeath。“
　　Heinterrupted，“Oh，yes。Iknow。Iknow。Ihavereadyourlasttwoletters。“
　　Iwenton，“Isupposethisupsethim，forwhenwewereintownonThursdaylasthehadasortofshock。“
　　“Ashock，andafterbrainfeversosoon！Thatisnotgood。
　　Whatkindofshockwasit？”
　　“Hethoughthesawsomeonewhorecalledsomethingterrible，somethingwhichledtohisbrainfever。“Andherethewholethingseemedtooverwhelmmeinarush。ThepityforJonathan，thehorrorwhichheexperienced，thewholefearfulmysteryofhisdiary，andthefearthathasbeenbroodingovermeeversince，allcameinatumult。
　　IsupposeIwashysterical，forIthrewmyselfonmykneesandheldupmyhandstohim，andimploredhimtomakemyhusbandwellagain。
　　Hetookmyhandsandraisedmeup，andmademesitonthesofa，andsatbyme。Heheldmyhandinhis，andsaidtomewith，oh，suchinfinitesweetness，“Mylifeisabarrenandlonelyone，andsofullofworkthatI
　　havenothadmuchtimeforfriendships，butsinceIhavebeensummonedtoherebymyfriendJohnSewardIhaveknownsomanygoodpeopleandseensuchnobilitythatIfeelmorethanever，andithasgrownwithmyadvancingyears，thelonelinessofmylife。
　　Believeme，then，thatIcomeherefullofrespectforyou，andyouhavegivenmehope，hope，notinwhatIamseekingof，butthattherearegoodwomenstilllefttomakelifehappy，goodwomen，whoselivesandwhosetruthsmaymakegoodlessonforthechildrenthataretobe。Iamglad，glad，thatI
　　mayherebeofsomeusetoyou。Forifyourhusbandsuffer，hesufferwithintherangeofmystudyandexperience。
　　IpromiseyouthatIwillgladlydoallforhimthatIcan，alltomakehislifestrongandmanly，andyourlifeahappyone。
　　Nowyoumusteat。Youareoverwroughtandperhapsover-anxious。
　　HusbandJonathanwouldnotliketoseeyousopale，andwhathelikenotwherehelove，isnottohisgood。
　　Thereforeforhissakeyoumusteatandsmile。YouhavetoldmeaboutLucy，andsonowweshallnotspeakofit，lestitdistress。
　　IshallstayinExetertonight，forIwanttothinkmuchoverwhatyouhavetoldme，andwhenIhavethoughtIwillaskyouquestions，ifImay。Andthentoo，youwilltellmeofhusbandJonathan'stroublesofarasyoucan，butnotyet。
　　Youmusteatnow，afterwardsyoushalltellmeall。“
　　Afterlunch，whenwewentbacktothedrawingroom，hesaidtome，“Andnowtellmeallabouthim。“
　　Whenitcametospeakingtothisgreatlearnedman，Ibegantofearthathewouldthinkmeaweakfool，andJonathanamadman，thatjournalisallsostrange，andIhesitatedtogoon。
　　Buthewassosweetandkind，andhehadpromisedtohelp，andItrustedhim，soIsaid，“Dr。VanHelsing，whatIhavetotellyouissoqueerthatyoumustnotlaughatmeoratmyhusband。
　　Ihavebeensinceyesterdayinasortoffeverofdoubt。
　　Youmustbekindtome，andnotthinkmefoolishthatIhaveevenhalfbelievedsomeverystrangethings。“
　　Hereassuredmebyhismanneraswellashiswordswhenhesaid，“Oh，mydear，ifyouonlyknowhowstrangeisthematterregardingwhichIamhere，itisyouwhowouldlaugh。
　　Ihavelearnednottothinklittleofanyone'sbelief，nomatterhowstrangeitmaybe。Ihavetriedtokeepanopenmind，anditisnottheordinarythingsoflifethatcouldcloseit，butthestrangethings，theextraordinarythings，thethingsthatmakeonedoubtiftheybemadorsane。“
　　“Thankyou，thankyouathousandtimes！Youhavetakenaweightoffmymind。
　　Ifyouwillletme，Ishallgiveyouapapertoread。Itislong，butIhavetypewrittenitout。ItwilltellyoumytroubleandJonathan's。
　　Itisthecopyofhisjournalwhenabroad，andallthathappened。
　　Idarenotsayanythingofit。Youwillreadforyourselfandjudge。
　　AndthenwhenIseeyou，perhaps，youwillbeverykindandtellmewhatyouthink。“
　　“Ipromise，“hesaidasIgavehimthepapers。“Ishallinthemorning，assoonasIcan，cometoseeyouandyourhusband，ifImay。“
　　“Jonathanwillbehereathalf-pasteleven，andyoumustcometolunchwithusandseehimthen。Youcouldcatchthequick3：34train，whichwillleaveyouatPaddingtonbeforeeight。“
　　Hewassurprisedatmyknowledgeofthetrainsoffhand，buthedoesnotknowthatIhavemadeupallthetrainstoandfromExeter，sothatImayhelpJonathanincaseheisinahurry。
　　Sohetookthepaperswithhimandwentaway，andIsitherethinking，thinkingIdon'tknowwhat。
　　LETTERbyhand，VANHELSINGTOMRS。HARKER
　　25September，6o'clock“DearMadamMina，“Ihavereadyourhusband'ssowonderfuldiary。Youmaysleepwithoutdoubt。
　　Strangeandterribleasitis，itistrue！Iwillpledgemylifeonit。
　　Itmaybeworseforothers，butforhimandyouthereisnodread。
　　Heisanoblefellow，andletmetellyoufromexperienceofmen，thatonewhowoulddoashedidingoingdownthatwallandtothatroom，aye，andgoingasecondtime，isnotonetobeinjuredinpermanencebyashock。
　　Hisbrainandhisheartareallright，thisIswear，beforeIhaveevenseenhim，sobeatrest。Ishallhavemuchtoaskhimofotherthings。
　　IamblessedthattodayIcometoseeyou，forIhavelearnallatoncesomuchthatagainIamdazzled，dazzledmorethanever，andImustthink。
　　“Yoursthemostfaithful，“AbrahamVanHelsing。“
　　LETTER，MRS。HARKERTOVANHELSING
　　25September，6：30P。M。
　　“MydearDr。VanHelsing，“Athousandthanksforyourkindletter，whichhastakenagreatweightoffmymind。Andyet，ifitbetrue，whatterriblethingsthereareintheworld，andwhatanawfulthingifthatman，thatmonster，bereallyinLondon！Ifeartothink。
　　Ihavethismoment，whilstwriting，hadawirefromJonathan，sayingthatheleavesbythe6：25tonightfromLauncestonandwillbehereat10：18，sothatIshallhavenofeartonight。
　　Willyou，therefore，insteadoflunchingwithus，pleasecometobreakfastateighto'clock，ifthisbenottooearlyforyou？
　　Youcangetaway，ifyouareinahurry，bythe10：30train，whichwillbringyoutoPaddingtonby2：35。Donotanswerthis，asIshalltakeitthat，ifIdonothear，youwillcometobreakfast。
　　“Believeme，“Yourfaithfulandgratefulfriend，“MinaHarker。“
　　JONATHANHARKER'SJOURNAL
　　26September——Ithoughtnevertowriteinthisdiaryagain，butthetimehascome。WhenIgothomelastnightMinahadsupperready，andwhenwehadsuppedshetoldmeofVanHelsing'svisit，andofherhavinggivenhimthetwodiariescopiedout，andofhowanxiousshehasbeenaboutme。
　　Sheshowedmeinthedoctor'sletterthatallIwrotedownwastrue。
　　Itseemstohavemadeanewmanofme。Itwasthedoubtastotherealityofthewholethingthatknockedmeover。
　　Ifeltimpotent，andinthedark，anddistrustful。
　　But，nowthatIknow，Iamnotafraid，evenoftheCount。
　　Hehassucceededafterall，then，inhisdesigningettingtoLondon，anditwasheIsaw。Hehasgotyounger，andhow？
　　VanHelsingisthemantounmaskhimandhunthimout，ifheisanythinglikewhatMinasays。Wesatlate，andtalkeditover。
　　Minaisdressing，andIshallcallatthehotelinafewminutesandbringhimover。
　　Hewas，Ithink，surprisedtoseeme。WhenIcameintotheroomwheehewas，andintroducedmyself，hetookmebytheshoulder，andturnedmyfaceroundtothelight，andsaid，afterasharpscrutiny，“ButMadamMinatoldmeyouwereill，thatyouhadhadashock。“
　　Itwassofunnytohearmywifecalled`MadamMina'bythiskindly，strong-facedoldman。Ismiled，andsaid，“Iwasill，Ihavehadashock，butyouhavecuredmealready。“
　　“Andhow？”
　　“ByyourlettertoMinalastnight。Iwasindoubt，andtheneverythingtookahueofunreality，andIdidnotknowwhattotrust，eventheevidenceofmyownsenses。Notknowingwhattotrust，Ididnotknowwhattodo，andsohadonlytokeeponworkinginwhathadhithertobeenthegrooveofmylife。Thegrooveceasedtoavailme，andImistrustedmyself。
　　Doctor，youdon'tknowwhatitistodoubteverything，evenyourself。
　　No，youdon't，youcouldn'twitheyebrowslikeyours。“
　　Heseemedpleased，andlaughedashesaid，“So！Youareaphysiognomist。
　　Ilearnmoreherewitheachhour。Iamwithsomuchpleasurecomingtoyoutobreakfast，and，oh，sir，youwillpardonpraisefromanoldman，butyouareblessedinyourwife。“
　　IwouldlistentohimgoonpraisingMinaforaday，soIsimplynoddedandstoodsilent。
　　“SheisoneofGod'swomen，fashionedbyHisownhandtoshowusmenandotherwomenthatthereisaheavenwherewecanenter，andthatitslightcanbehereonearth。
　　Sotrue，sosweet，sonoble，solittleanegoist，andthat，letmetellyou，ismuchinthisage，soscepticalandselfish。
　　Andyou，sir……IhavereadalltheletterstopoorMissLucy，andsomeofthemspeakofyou，soIknowyousincesomedaysfromtheknowingofothers，butIhaveseenyourtrueselfsincelastnight。Youwillgivemeyourhand，willyounot？
　　Andletusbefriendsforallourlives。“
　　Weshookhands，andhewassoearnestandsokindthatitmademequitechoky。
　　“andnow，“hesaid，“mayIaskyouforsomemorehelp？
　　Ihaveagreattasktodo，andatthebeginningitistoknow。
　　Youcanhelpmehere。CanyoutellmewhatwentbeforeyourgoingtoTransylvania？LateronImayaskmorehelp，andofadifferentkind，butatfirstthiswilldo。“
　　“Lookhere，Sir，“Isaid，“doeswhatyouhavetodoconcerntheCount？”
　　“Itdoes，“hesaidsolemnly。“
　　“ThenIamwithyouheartandsoul。Asyougobythe10：30train，youwillnothavetimetoreadthem，butIshallgetthebundleofpapers。
　　Youcantakethemwithyouandreadtheminthetrain。“
　　AfterbreakfastIsawhimtothestation。Whenwewerepartinghesaid，“PerhapsyouwillcometotownifIsendforyou，andtakeMadamMinatoo。“
　　“Weshallbothcomewhenyouwill，“Isaid。
　　IhadgothimthemorningpapersandtheLondonpapersofthepreviousnight，andwhileweweretalkingatthecarriagewindow，waitingforthetraintostart，hewasturningthemover。
　　Hiseyessuddenlyseemedtocatchsomethinginoneofthem，“TheWestminsterGazette“，Iknewitbythecolor，andhegrewquitewhite。Hereadsomethingintently，groaningtohimself，“MeinGott！MeinGott！Sosoon！
　　Sosoon！”Idonotthinkherememberedmeatthemoment。
　　Justthenthewhistleblew，andthetrainmovedoff。
　　Thisrecalledhimtohimself，andheleanedoutofthewindowandwavedhishand，callingout，“LovetoMadamMina。
　　IshallwritesosoonaseverIcan。“
　　DR。SEWARD'SDIARY
　　26September——Trulythereisnosuchthingasfinality。
　　NotaweeksinceIsaid“Finis，“andyethereIamstartingfreshagain，orrathergoingonwiththerecord。
　　UntilthisafternoonIhadnocausetothinkofwhatisdone。
　　Renfieldhadbecome，toallintents，assaneasheeverwas。
　　Hewasalreadywellaheadwithhisflybusiness，andhehadjuststartedinthespiderlinealso，sohehadnotbeenofanytroubletome。IhadaletterfromArthur，writtenonSunday，andfromitIgatherthatheisbearingupwonderfullywell。
　　QuinceyMorrisiswithhim，andthatismuchofahelp，forhehimselfisabubblingwellofgoodspirits。
　　Quinceywrotemealinetoo，andfromhimIhearthatArthurisbeginningtorecoversomethingofhisoldbuoyancy，soastothemallmymindisatrest。Asformyself，IwassettlingdowntomyworkwiththeenthusiasmwhichIusedtohaveforit，sothatImightfairlyhavesaidthatthewoundwhichpoorLucyleftonmewasbecomingcicatrised。
　　Everythingis，however，nowreopened，andwhatistobetheendGodonlyknows。IhaveanideathatVanHelsingthinksheknows，too，buthewillonlyletoutenoughatatimetowhetcuriosity。
　　HewenttoExeteryesterday，andstayedthereallnight。
　　Todayhecameback，andalmostboundedintotheroomatabouthalf-pastfiveo'clock，andthrustlastnight's“WestminsterGazette“
　　intomyhand。
　　“Whatdoyouthinkofthat？”heaskedashestoodbackandfoldedhisarms。
　　Ilookedoverthepaper，forIreallydidnotknowwhathemeant，buthetookitfrommeandpointedoutaparagraphaboutchildrenbeingdecoyedawayatHampstead。Itdidnotconveymuchtome，untilIreachedapassagewhereitdescribedsmallpuncturewoundsontheirthroats。
　　Anideastruckme，andIlookedup。
　　“Well？”hesaid。
　　“ItislikepoorLucy's。“
　　“Andwhatdoyoumakeofit？”
　　“Simplythatthereissomecauseincommon。Whateveritwasthatinjuredherhasinjuredthem。“Ididnotquiteunderstandhisanswer。
　　“Thatistrueindirectly，butnotdirectly。“
　　“Howdoyoumean，Professor？”Iasked。Iwasalittleinclinedtotakehisseriousnesslightly，for，afterall，fourdaysofrestandfreedomfromburning，harrowing，anxietydoeshelptorestoreone'sspirits，butwhenIsawhisface，itsoberedme。
　　Never，eveninthemidstofourdespairaboutpoorLucy，hadhelookedmorestern。
　　“Tellme！”Isaid。“Icanhazardnoopinion。Idonotknowwhattothink，andIhavenodataonwhichtofoundaconjecture。“
　　“Doyoumeantotellme，friendJohn，thatyouhavenosuspicionastowhatpoorLucydiedof，notafterallthehintsgiven，notonlybyevents，butbyme？”
　　“Ofnervousprostrationfollowingagreatlossorwasteofblood。“
　　“Andhowwasthebloodlostorwasted？”Ishookmyhead。
　　Hesteppedoverandsatdownbesideme，andwenton，“Youareacleverman，friendJohn。Youreasonwell，andyourwitisbold，butyouaretooprejudiced。Youdonotletyoureyesseenoryourearshear，andthatwhichisoutsideyourdailylifeisnotofaccounttoyou。
　　Doyounotthinkthattherearethingswhichyoucannotunderstand，andyetwhichare，thatsomepeopleseethingsthatotherscannot？
　　Buttherearethingsoldandnewwhichmustnotbecontemplatedbymen'seyes，becausetheyknow，orthinktheyknow，somethingswhichothermenhavetoldthem。Ah，itisthefaultofoursciencethatitwantstoexplainall，andifitexplainnot，thenitsaysthereisnothingtoexplain。
　　Butyetweseearounduseverydaythegrowthofnewbeliefs，whichthinkthemselvesnew，andwhichareyetbuttheold，whichpretendtobeyoung，likethefineladiesattheopera。Isupposenowyoudonotbelieveincorporealtransference。No？Norinmaterialization。No？Norinastralbodies。No？Norinthereadingofthought。No？Norinhypnotism……“
　　“Yes，“Isaid。“Charcothasprovedthatprettywell。“
　　Hesmiledashewenton，“Thenyouaresatisfiedastoit。Yes？Andofcoursethenyouunderstandhowitact，andcanfollowthemindofthegreatCharcot，alasthatheisnomore，intotheverysoulofthepatientthatheinfluence。No？Then，friendJohn，amItotakeitthatyousimplyacceptfact，andaresatisfiedtoletfrompremisetoconclusionbeablank？No？Thentellme，forIamastudentofthebrain，howyouaccepthypnotismandrejectthethoughtreading。Letmetellyou，myfriend，thattherearethingsdonetodayinelectricalsciencewhichwouldhavebeendeemedunholybytheverymanwhodiscoveredelectricity，whowouldthemselvesnotsolongbeforebeenburnedaswizards。
　　Therearealwaysmysteriesinlife。WhywasitthatMethuselahlivedninehundredyears，and`OldParr'onehundredandsixty-nine，andyetthatpoorLucy，withfourmen'sbloodinherpoorveins，couldnotliveevenoneday？For，hadsheliveonemoreday，wecouldsaveher。Doyouknowallthemysteryoflifeanddeath？
　　Doyouknowthealtogetherofcomparativeanatomyandcansaywhereforethequalitiesofbrutesareinsomemen，andnotinothers？
　　Canyoutellmewhy，whenotherspidersdiesmallandsoon，thatonegreatspiderlivedforcenturiesinthetoweroftheoldSpanishchurchandgrewandgrew，till，ondescending，hecoulddrinktheoilofallthechurchlamps？CanyoutellmewhyinthePampas，ayandelsewhere，therearebatsthatcomeoutatnightandopentheveinsofcattleandhorsesandsuckdrytheirveins，howinsomeislandsoftheWesternseastherearebatswhichhangonthetreesallday，andthosewhohaveseendescribeaslikegiantnutsorpods，andthatwhenthesailorssleeponthedeck，becausethatitishot，flitdownonthemandthen，andtheninthemorningarefounddeadmen，whiteasevenMissLucywas？”
　　“GoodGod，Professor！”Isaid，startingup。“DoyoumeantotellmethatLucywasbittenbysuchabat，andthatsuchathingishereinLondoninthenineteenthcentury？”
　　Hewavedhishandforsilence，andwenton，“Canyoutellmewhythetortoiselivesmorelongthangenerationsofmen，whytheelephantgoesonandontillhehaveseesdynasties，andwhytheparrotneverdieonlyofbiteofcatofdogorothercomplaint？Canyoutellmewhymenbelieveinallagesandplacesthattherearemenandwomenwhocannotdie？
　　Weallknow，becausesciencehasvouchedforthefact，thattherehavebeentoadsshutupinrocksforthousandsofyears，shutinonesosmallholethatonlyholdhimsincetheyouthoftheworld。
　　CanyoutellmehowtheIndianfakircanmakehimselftodieandhavebeenburied，andhisgravesealedandcornsowedonit，andthecornreapedandbecutandsownandreapedandcutagain，andthenmencomeandtakeawaytheunbrokensealandthattherelietheIndianfakir，notdead，butthatriseupandwalkamongstthemasbefore？”
　　HereIinterruptedhim。Iwasgettingbewildered。
　　Hesocrowdedonmymindhislistofnature'seccentricitiesandpossibleimpossibilitiesthatmyimaginationwasgettingfired。
　　Ihadadimideathathewasteachingmesomelesson，aslongagoheusedtodoinhisstudyatAmsterdam。
　　Butheusedthemtotellmethething，sothatIcouldhavetheobjectofthoughtinmindallthetime。
　　ButnowIwaswithouthishelp，yetIwantedtofollowhim，soIsaid，“Professor，letmebeyourpetstudentagain。Tellmethethesis，sothatImayapplyyourknowledgeasyougoon。
　　AtpresentIamgoinginmymindfrompointtopointasamadman，andnotasaneone，followsanidea。
　　Ifeellikeanovicelumberingthroughaboginamidst，jumpingfromonetussocktoanotherinthemereblindefforttomoveonwithoutknowingwhereIamgoing。“
　　“Thatisagoodimage，“hesaid。“Well，Ishalltellyou。
　　Mythesisisthis，Iwantyoutobelieve。“
　　“Tobelievewhat？”
　　“Tobelieveinthingsthatyoucannot。Letmeillustrate。
　　IheardonceofanAmericanwhosodefinedfaith，`thatfacultywhichenablesustobelievethingswhichweknowtobeuntrue。'
　　Forone，Ifollowthatman。Hemeantthatweshallhaveanopenmind，andnotletalittlebitoftruthchecktherushofthebigtruth，likeasmallrockdoesarailwaytruck。
　　Wegetthesmalltruthfirst。Good！Wekeephim，andwevaluehim，butallthesamewemustnotlethimthinkhimselfallthetruthintheuniverse。“
　　“Thenyouwantmenottoletsomepreviousconvictioninurethereceptivityofmymindwithregardtosomestrangematter。
　　DoIreadyourlessonaright？”
　　“Ah，youaremyfavoritepupilstill。Itisworthtoteachyou。Nowthatyouarewillingtounderstand，youhavetakenthefirststeptounderstand。
　　Youthinkthenthatthosesosmallholesinthechildren'sthroatsweremadebythesamethatmadetheholesinMissLucy？”
　　“Isupposeso。“
　　Hestoodupandsaidsolemnly，“Thenyouarewrong。Oh，woulditwereso！
　　Butalas！No。Itisworse，far，farworse。“
　　“InGod'sname，ProfessorVanHelsing，whatdoyoumean？”Icried。
　　Hethrewhimselfwithadespairinggestureintoachair，andplacedhiselbowsonthetable，coveringhisfacewithhishandsashespoke。
　　“TheyweremadebyMissLucy！”