"Yes。AssoonashehearsofthisgoodfortunetopoorlittleJean，hewillhastentomarit。Heismyfate;Icannotescapehim，andwhereverhegoesmyfriendsdesertme;forhehasthepowerandusesitformydestruction。Letmegoawayandhidebeforehecomes，for，havingsharedyourconfidence，itwillbreakmyhearttoseeyoudistrustandturnfromme，insteadoflovingandprotecting。"
　　"Mypoorchild，youaresuperstitious。Beeasy。Noonecanharmyounow，noonewoulddareattemptit。Andasformydesertingyou，thatwillsoonbeoutofmypower，ifIhavemyway。"
　　"How，dearSirJohn？"askedJean，withaflutterofintensereliefatherheart，forthewayseemedsmoothingbeforeher。
　　"Iwillmakeyoumywifeatonce，ifImay。ThiswillfreeyoufromGerald’slove，protectyoufromSydney’spersecution，giveyouasafehome，andmetherighttocherishanddefendwithheartandhand。Shallitbeso，mychild？"
　　"Yes;butoh，rememberthatIhavenofriendbutyou！Promisemetobefaithfultothelast——tobelieveinme，totrustme，protectandloveme，inspiteofallmisfortunes，faults，andfollies。
　　Iwillbetrueassteeltoyou，andmakeyourlifeashappyasitdeservestobe。Letuspromisethesethingsnow，andkeepthepromisesunbrokentotheend。"
　　HersolemnairtouchedSirJohn。Toohonorableanduprighthimselftosuspectfalsehoodinothers，hesawonlythenaturalimpulseofalovelygirlinJean’swords，and，takingthehandshegavehiminbothofhis，hepromisedallsheasked，andkeptthatpromisetotheend。Shepausedaninstant，withapale，absentexpression，asifshesearchedherself，thenlookedupclearlyintheconfidingfaceaboveher，andpromisedwhatshefaithfullyperformedinafteryears。
　　"Whenshallitbe，littlesweetheart？Ileavealltoyou，onlyletitbesoon，elsesomegayyoungloverwillappear，andtakeyoufromme，"saidSirJohn，playfully，anxioustochaseawaythedarkexpressionwhichhadstolenoverJean’sface。
　　"Canyoukeepasecret？"askedthegirl，smilingupathim，allhercharmingselfagain。
　　"Tryme。"
　　"Iwill。Edwardiscominghomeinthreedays。Imustbegonebeforehecomes。Tellnooneofthis;hewishestosurprisethem。
　　Andifyouloveme，tellnobodyofyourapproachingmarriage。DonotbetraythatyoucareformeuntilIamreallyyours。Therewillbesuchastir，suchremonstrances，explanations，andreproachesthatIshallbewornout，andrunawayfromyoualltoescapethetrial。IfIcouldhavemywish，Iwouldgotosomequietplacetomorrowandwaittillyoucomeforme。
　　Iknowsolittleofsuchthings，Icannottellhowsoonwemaybemarried;
　　notforsomeweeks，Ithink。"
　　"Tomorrow，ifwelike。Aspeciallicensepermitspeopletomarrywhenandwheretheyplease。Myplanisbetterthanyours。
　　Listen，andtellmeifitcanbecarriedout。Iwillgototowntomorrow，getthelicense，invitemyfriend，theReverendPaulFairfax，toreturnwithme，andtomorroweveningyoucomeatyourusualtime，and，inthepresenceofmydiscreetoldservants，makemethehappiestmaninEngland。
　　Howdoesthissuityou，mylittleLadyCoventry？"
　　Theplanwhichseemedmadetomeetherends，thenamewhichwastheheightofherambition，andtheblessedsenseofsafetywhichcametoherfilledJeanMuirwithsuchintensesatisfactionthattearsofrealfeelingstoodinhereyes，andthegladassentshegavewasthetruestwordthathadpassedherlipsformonths。
　　"WewillgoabroadortoScotlandforourhoneymoon，tillthestormblowsover，"saidSirJohn，wellknowingthatthishastymarriagewouldsurpriseoroffendallhisrelations，andfeelingasgladasJeantoescapethefirstexcitement。
　　"ToScotland，please。Ilongtoseemyfather’shome，"
　　saidJean，whodreadedtomeetSydneyonthecontinent。
　　Theytalkedalittlelonger，arrangingallthings，SirJohnsointentonhurryingtheeventthatJeanhadnothingtodobutgiveareadyassenttoallhissuggestions。Onefearalonedisturbedher。
　　IfSirJohnwenttotown，hemightmeetEdward，mighthearandbelievehisstatements。Thenallwouldbelost。Yetthisriskmustbeincurred，ifthemarriagewastobespeedilyandsafelyaccomplished;andtoguardagainstthemeetingwasJean’ssolecare。Astheywentthroughthepark——forSirJohninsistedupontakingherhome——shesaid，clingingtohisarm：
　　"Dearfriend，bearonethinginmind，elseweshallbemuchannoyed，andallourplansdisarranged。Avoidyournephews;youaresofrankyourfacewillbetrayyou。Theybothloveme，arebothhot-tempered，andinthefirstexcitementofthediscoverymightbeviolent。Youmustincurnodanger，nodisrespectformysake;soshunthembothtillwearesafe——particularlyEdward。Hewillfeelthathisbrotherhaswrongedhim，andthatyouhavesucceededwherehefailed。Thiswillirritatehim，andIfearastormyscene。Promisetoavoidbothforadayortwo;donotlistentothem，donotseethem，donotwritetoorreceivelettersfromthem。Itisfoolish，Iknow;butyouareallIhave，andIamhauntedbyastrangeforebodingthatIamtoloseyou。"
　　Touchedandflatteredbyhertendersolicitude，SirJohnpromisedeverything，evenwhilehelaughedatherfears。Loveblindedthegoodgentlemantothepeculiarityoftherequest;thenovelty，romance，andsecrecyoftheaffairratherbewilderedthoughitcharmedhim;andtheknowledgethathehadoutrivaledthreeyoungandardentloversgratifiedhisvanitymorethanhewouldconfess。Partingfromhegirlatthegardengate，heturnedhomeward，feelinglikeaboyagain，andloiteredback，hummingalovelay，quiteforgetfulofeveningdamps，gout，andthefive-and-fiftyyearswhichlaysolightlyonhisshoulderssinceJean’sarmshadrestedthere。Shehurriedtowardthehouse，anxioustoescapeCoventry;buthewaswaitingforher，andshewasforcedtomeethim。
　　"Howcouldyoulingersolong，andkeepmeinsuspense？"
　　hesaidreproachfully，ashetookherhandandtriedtocatchaglimpseofherfaceintheshadowofherhatbrim。"Comeandrestinthegrotto。
　　Ihavesomuchtosay，tohearandenjoy。"
　　"Notnow;Iamtootired。Letmegoinandsleep。
　　Tomorrowwewilltalk。Itisdampandchilly，andmyheadacheswithallthisworry。"Jeanspokewearily，yetwithatouchofpetulance，andCoventry，fancyingthatshewaspiquedathisnotcomingforher，hastenedtoexplainwitheagertenderness。
　　"MypoorlittleJean，youdoneedrest。Wewearyouout，amongus，andyounevercomplain。Ishouldhavecometobringyouhome，butLuciadetainedme，andwhenIgotawayIsawmyunclehadforestalledme。Ishallbejealousoftheoldgentleman，ifheissodevoted。Jean，tellmeonethingbeforewepart;Iamfreeasair，now，andhavearighttospeak。Doyouloveme？AmIthehappymanwhohaswonyourheart？I
　　daretothinkso，tobelievethatthistelltalefaceofyourshasbetrayedyou，andtohopethatIhavegainedwhatpoorNedandwildSydneyhavelost。"
　　"BeforeIanswer，tellmeofyourinterviewwithLucia。Ihavearighttoknow，"saidJean。
　　Coventryhesitated，forpityandremorsewerebusyathisheartwhenherecalledpoorLucia’sgrief。Jeanwasbentonhearingthehumiliationofherrival。Astheyoungmanpaused，shefrowned，thenliftedupherfacewreathedinsoftestsmiles，andlayingherhandonhisarm，shesaid，withmosteffectiveemphasis，halfshy，halffond，uponhisname，"Pleasetellme，Gerald！"
　　Hecouldnotresistthelook，thetouch，thetone，andtakingthelittlehandinhis，hesaidrapidly，asifthetaskwasdistastefultohim，"ItoldherthatIdidnot，couldnotloveher;thatIhadsubmittedtomymother’swish，and，foratime，hadfelttacitlyboundtoher，thoughnowordshadpassedbetweenus。ButnowIdemandedmyliberty，regrettingthattheseparationwasnotmutuallydesired。"
　　"Andshe——whatdidshesay？Howdidshebearit？"
　　askedJean，feelinginherownwoman’shearthowdeeplyLucia’smusthavebeenwoundedbythatavowal。
　　"Poorgirl！Itwashardtobear，butherpridesustainedhertotheend。Sheownedthatnopledgetiedme，fullyrelinquishedanyclaimmypastbehaviorhadseemedtohavegivenher，andprayedthatI
　　mightfindanotherwomantolovemeastruly，tenderlyasshehaddone。
　　Jean，Ifeltlikeavillain;andyetIneverplightedmywordtoher，neverreallylovedher，andhadaperfectrighttoleaveher，ifIwould。"
　　"Didshespeakofme？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Whatdidshesay？"
　　"MustItellyou？"
　　"Yes，tellmeeverything。IknowshehatesmeandIforgiveher，knowingthatIshouldhateanywomanwhomyouloved。"
　　"Areyoujealous，dear？"
　　"Ofyou，Gerald？"Andthefineeyesglancedupathim，fullofabrilliancythatlookedlikethelightoflove。
　　"Youmakeaslaveofmealready。Howdoyoudoit？
　　Ineverobeyedawomanbefore。Jean，Ithinkyouareawitch。Scotlandisthehomeofweird，uncannycreatures，whotakelovelyshapesforthebedevilmentofpoorweaksouls。Areyouoneofthosefairdeceivers？"
　　"Youarecomplimentary，"laughedthegirl。"Iamawitch，andonedaymydisguisewilldropawayandyouwillseemeasIam，old，ugly，badandlost。Bewareofmeintime。I’vewarnedyou。Nowlovemeatyourperil。"
　　Coventryhadpausedashespoke，andeyedherwithanunquietlook，consciousofsomefascinationwhichconqueredyetbroughtnohappiness。Afeverishyetpleasurableexcitementpossessedhim;arecklessmood，makinghimeagertoobliteratethepastbyanyrashact，anynewexperiencewhichhispassionbrought。Jeanregardedhimwithawistful，almostwoefulface，foroneshortmoment;thenastrangesmilebrokeoverit，asshespokeinatoneofmaliciousmockery，underwhichlurkedthebitternessofasadtruth。Coventrylookedhalfbewildered，andhiseyewentfromthegirl’smysteriousfacetoadimlylightedwindow，behindwhosecurtainspoorLuciahidherachingheart，prayingforhimthetenderprayersthatlovingwomengivetothosewhosesinsareallforgivenforlove’ssake。Hisheartsmotehim，andamomentaryfeelingofrepulsioncameoverhim，ashelookedatJean。Shesawit，feltangry，yetconsciousofasenseofrelief;fornowthatherownsafetywassonearlysecured，shefeltnowishtodomischief，butratheradesiretoundowhatwasalreadydone，andbeatpeacewithalltheworld。Torecallhimtohisallegiance，shesighedandwalkedon，sayinggentlyyetcoldly，"WillyoutellmewhatIaskbeforeIansweryourquestion，Mr。Coventry？"
　　"WhatLuciasaidofyou？Well，itwasthis。’BewareofMissMuir。Weinstinctivelydistrustedherwhenwehadnocause。Ibelieveininstincts，andminehaveneverchanged，forshehasnottriedtodeludeme。Herartiswonderful;Ifeelyetcannotexplainordetectit，exceptintheworkingofeventswhichherhandseemstoguide。Shehasbroughtsorrowanddissensionintothishithertohappyfamily。Weareallchanged，andthisgirlhasdoneit。Meshecanharmnofurther;youshewillruin，ifshecan。Bewareofherintime，oryouwillbitterlyrepentyourblindinfatuation！’"
　　"Andwhatanswerdidyoumake？"askedJean，asthelastwordscamereluctantlyfromCoventry’slips。
　　"ItoldherthatIlovedyouinspiteofmyself，andwouldmakeyoumywifeinthefaceofallopposition。Now，Jean，youranswer。"
　　"Givemethreedaystothinkofit。Goodnight。"
　　Andglidingfromhim，shevanishedintothehouse，leavinghimtoroamabouthalfthenight，tormentedwithremorse，suspense，andtheolddistrustwhichwouldreturnwhenJeanwasnottheretobanishitbyherart。
　　BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter8SUSPENSEAllthenextday，Jeanwasinastateofthemostintenseanxiety，aseveryhourbroughtthecrisisnearer，andeveryhourmightbringdefeat，forthesubtlesthumanskillisoftenthwartedbysomeunforeseenaccident。ShelongedtoassureherselfthatSirJohnwasgone，butnoservantscameorwentthatday，andshecoulddevisenopretextforsendingtogleanintelligence。Shedarednotgoherself，lesttheunusualactshouldexcitesuspicion，forsheneverwenttillevening。Evenhadshedeterminedtoventure，therewasnotime，forMrs。Coventrywasinoneofhernervousstates，andnoonebutMissMuircouldamuseher;Luciawasill，andMissMuirmustgiveorders;Bellahadastudiousfit，andJeanmusthelpher。
　　Coventrylingeredaboutthehouseforseveralhours，butJeandarednotsendhim，lestsomehintofthetruthmightreachhim。HehadriddenawaytohisnewdutieswhenJeandidnotappear，andthedaydraggedonwearisomely。
　　Nightcameatlast，andasJeandressedforthelatedinner，shehardlyknewherselfwhenshestoodbeforehermirror，excitementlentsuchcolorandbrilliancytohercountenance。Rememberingtheweddingwhichwastotakeplacethatevening，sheputonasimplewhitedressandaddedaclusterofwhiterosesinbosomandhair。Sheoftenworeflowers，butinspiteofherdesiretolookandseemasusual，Bella’sfirstwordsassheenteredthedrawingroomwereassheenteredthedrawingroomwere"Why，Jean，howlikeabrideyoulook;aveilandgloveswouldmakeyouquitecomplete！"
　　"Youforgetoneothertrifle，Bell，"saidGerald，witheyesthatbrightenedastheyrestedonMissMuir。
　　"Whatisthat？"askedhissister。
　　"Abridegroom。"
　　BellalookedtoseehowJeanreceivedthis，butsheseemedquitecomposedasshesmiledoneofhersuddensmiles，andmerelysaid，"Thattriflewilldoubtlessbefoundwhenthetimecomes。IsMissBeauforttooillfordinner？"
　　"Shebegstobeexcused，andsaidyouwouldbewillingtotakeherplace，shethought。"
　　AsinnocentBelladeliveredthismessage，JeanglancedatCoventry，whoevadedhereyeandlookedillatease。
　　Alittleremorsewilldohimgood，andpreparehimforrepentanceafterthegrandcoup，shesaidtoherself，andwasparticularlygayatdinnertime，thoughCoventrylookedoftenatLucia’semptyseat，asifhemissedher。Assoonastheyleftthetable，MissMuirsentBellatohermother;and，knowingthatCoventrywouldnotlingerlongathiswine，shehurriedawaytotheHall。Aservantwasloungingatthedoor，andofhimsheasked，inatonewhichwaseagerinspiteofalleffortstobecalm，"IsSirJohnathome？"
　　"No，miss，he’sjustgonetotown。"
　　"Justgone！Whendoyoumean？"criedJean，forgettingthereliefshefeltinhearingofhisabsenceinsurpriseathislatedeparture。
　　"Hewenthalfanhourago，inthelasttrain，miss。"
　　"Ithoughthewasgoingearlythismorning;hetoldmeheshouldbebackthisevening。"
　　"Ibelievehedidmeantogo，butwasdelayedbycompany。Thestewardcameuponbusiness，andaloadofgentlemencalled，soSirJohncouldnotgetofftillnight，whenhewasn’tfittogo，beingwornout，andfarfromwell。"
　　"Doyouthinkhewillbeill？Didhelookso？"AndasJeanspokeathrilloffearpassedoverher，lestdeathshouldrobherofherprize。
　　"Well，youknow，miss，hurryofanykindisbadforelderlygentlemeninclinedtoapoplexy。SirJohnwasinaworryallday，andnotlikehimself。Iwantedhimtotakehisman，buthewouldn’t，anddroveofflookingflushedandexcitedlike。I’manxiousabouthim，forIknowsomethingisamisstohurryhimoffinthisway。"
　　"Whenwillhebeback，Ralph？"
　　"Tomorrownoon，ifpossible;atnight，certainly，hebidmetellanyonethatcalled。"
　　"DidheleavenonoteormessageforMissCoventry，orsomeoneofthefamily？"
　　"No，miss，nothing。"
　　"Thankyou。"AndJeanwalkedbacktospendarestlessnightandrisetomeetrenewedsuspense。
　　Themorningseemedendless，butnooncameatlast，andunderthepretenseofseekingcoolnessinthegrotto，JeanstoleawaytoaslopewhencethegatetotheHallparkwasvisible。Fortwolonghoursshewatched，andnoonecame。ShewasjustturningawaywhenahorsemandashedthroughthegateandcamegallopingtowardtheHall。Heedlessofeverythingbuttheuncontrollablelongingtogainsometidings，sherantomeethim，feelingassuredthathebroughtillnews。Itwasayoungmanfromthestation，andashecaughtsightofher，hedrewbridle，lookingagitatedandundecided。
　　"Hasanythinghappened？"shecriedbreathlessly。
　　"Adreadfulaccidentontherailroad，justtheothersideofCroydon。Newstelegraphedhalfanhourago，"answeredtheman，wipinghishotface。
　　"Thenoontrain？WasSirJohninit？Quick，tellmeall！"
　　"Itwasthattrain，miss，butwhetherSirJohnwasinitornot，wedon’tknow;fortheguardiskilled，andeverythingisinsuchconfusionthatnothingcanbecertain。Theyareatworkgettingoutthedeadandwounded。WeheardthatSirJohnwasexpected，andIcameuptotellMr。Coventry，thinkinghewouldwishtogodown。Atrainleavesinfifteenminutes;whereshallIfindhim？IwastoldhewasattheHall。"
　　"Rideon，rideon！Andfindhimifheisthere。I’llrunhomeandlookforhim。Losenotime。Ride！Ride！"Andturning，Jeanspedbacklikeadeer，whilethemantoreuptheavenuetorousetheHall。
　　Coventrywasthere，andwentoffatonce，leavingbothHallandhouseindismay。Fearingtobetraythehorribleanxietythatpossessedher，Jeanshutherselfupinherroomandsuffereduntoldagoniesasthedayworeonandnonewscame。Atdarkasuddencryrangthroughthehouse，andJeanrusheddowntolearnthecause。Bellawasstandinginthehall，holdingaletter，whileagroupofexcitedservantshoverednearher。
　　"Whatisit？"demandedMissMuir，paleandsteady，thoughherheartdiedwithinherassherecognizedGerald’shandwriting。
　　Bellagaveherthenote，andhushedhersobbingtohearagaintheheavytidingsthathadcome。
　　DearBella：
　　Uncleissafe;hedidnotgointhenoontrain。ButseveralpersonsaresurethatNedwasthere。Notraceofhimasyet，butmanybodiesareintheriver，undertheruinsofthebridge，andIamdoingmybesttofindthepoorlad，ifheisthere。Ihavesenttoallhishauntsintown，andashehasnotbeenseen，Ihopeitisafalsereportandheissafewithhisregiment。Keepthisfrommymothertillwearesure。I
　　writeyou，becauseLuciaisill。MissMuirwillcomfortandsustainyou。
　　Hopeforthebest，dear。
　　Yours，G。C。
　　ThosewhowatchedMissMuirasshereadthesewordswonderedatthestrangeexpressionswhichpassedoverherface，forthejoywhichappearedthereasSirJohn’ssafetywasmadeknowndidnotchangetogrieforhorroratpoorEdward’spossiblefate。Thesmilediedonherlips，buthervoicedidnotfalter，andinherdowncasteyesshoneaninexplicablelookofsomethingliketriumph。Nowonder，forifthiswastrue，thedangerwhichmenacedherwasavertedforatime，andthemarriagemightbeconsummatedwithoutsuchdesperatehaste。Thissadandsuddeneventseemedtoherthemysteriousfulfilmentofasecretwish;andthoughstartledshewasnotdauntedbutinspirited，forfateseemedtofavorherdesigns。ShedidcomfortBella，controltheexcitedhousehold，andkeeptherumorsfromMrs。Coventryallthatdreadfulnight。
　　AtdawnGeraldcamehomeexhausted，andbringingnotidingofthemissingman。Hehadtelegraphedtotheheadquartersoftheregimentandreceivedareply，statingthatEdwardhadleftforLondonthepreviousday，meaningtogohomebeforereturning。ThefactofhishavingbeenattheLondonstationwasalsoestablished，butwhetherheleftbythetrainornotwasstilluncertain。Theruinswerestillbeingsearched，andthebodymightyetappear。
　　"IsSirJohncomingatnoon？"askedJean，asthethreesattogetherintherosyhushofdawn，tryingtohopeagainsthope。
　　"No，hehadbeenill，IlearnedfromyoungGower，whoisjustfromtown，andsohadnotcompletedhisbusiness。Isenthimwordtowaittillnight，forthebridgewon’tbepassabletillthen。NowImusttryandrestanhour;I’veworkedallnightandhavenostrengthleft。Callmetheinstantanymessengerarrives。"
　　WiththatCoventrywenttohisroom，Bellafollowedtowaitonhim，andJeanroamedthroughhouseandgrounds，unabletorest。
　　Themorningwasfarspentwhenthemessengerarrived。Jeanwenttoreceivehistidings，withthewickedhopestilllurkingatherheart。
　　"Ishefound？"sheaskedcalmly，asthemanhesitatedtospeak。
　　"Yes，ma’am。"
　　"Youaresure？"
　　"Iamcertain，ma’am，thoughsomewon’tsaytillMr。Coventrycomestolook。"
　　"Ishealive？"AndJean’swhitelipstrembledassheputthequestion。
　　"Ohno，ma’am，thatwarn’tpossible，underallthemstonesandwater。Thepooryounggentlemanissowet，andcrushed，andtorn，noonewouldknowhim，exceptfortheuniform，andthewhitehandwiththeringonit。"
　　Jeansatdown，verypale，andthemandescribedthefindingofthepoorshatteredbody。Ashefinished，Coventryappeared，andwithonelookofmingledremorse，shame，andsorrow，theelderbrotherwentaway，tofindandbringtheyoungerhome。Jeancreptintothegardenlikeaguiltything，tryingtohidethesatisfactionwhichstruggledwithawoman’snaturalpity，forsosadanendforthisbraveyounglife。
　　"WhywastetearsorfeignsorrowwhenImustbeglad？"
　　shemuttered，asshepacedtoandfroalongtheterrace。"Thepoorboyisoutofpain，andIamoutofdanger。"
　　Shegotnofurther，for，turningasshespoke，shestoodfacetofacewithEdward！Bearingnomarkofperilondressorperson，butstalwartandstrongasever，hestoodtherelookingather，withcontemptandcompassionstrugglinginhisface。Asifturnedtostone，sheremainedmotionless，withdilatedeyes，arrestedbreath，andpalingcheek。Hedidnotspeakbutwatchedhersilentlytillsheputoutatremblinghand，asiftoassureherselfbytouchthatitwasreallyhe。Thenhedrewback，andasiftheactconvincedasfullyaswords，shesaidslowly，"Theytoldmeyouweredead。"
　　"Andyouweregladtobelieveit。No，itwasmycomrade，youngCourtney，whounconsciouslydeceivedyouall，andlosthislife，asIshouldhavedone，ifIhadnotgonetoAscotafterseeinghimoffyesterday。"
　　"ToAscot？"echoedJean，shrinkingback，forEdward’seyewasonher，andhisvoicewassternandcold。
　　"Yes;youknowtheplace。Iwenttheretomakeinquiriesconcerningyouandwaswellsatisfied。Whyareyoustillhere？"
　　"Thethreedaysarenotoveryet。Iholdyoutoyourpromise。BeforenightIshallbegone;tillthenyouwillbesilent，ifyouhavehonorenoughtokeepyourword。"
　　"Ihave。"Edwardtookouthiswatchand，asheputitback，saidwithcoolprecision，"Itisnowtwo，thetrainleavesforLondonathalf-pastsix;acarriagewillwaitforyouatthesidedoor。
　　Allowmetoadviseyoutogothen，fortheinstantdinnerisoverIshallspeak。"Andwithabowhewentintothehouse，leavingJeannearlysuffocatedwithathrongofcontendingemotions。
　　Forafewminutessheseemedparalyzed;butthenativeenergyofthewomanforbadeutterdespair，tillthelasthopewasgone。
　　Frailasthatnowwas，shestillclungtoittenaciously，resolvingtowinthegameindefianceofeverything。Springingup，shewenttoherroompackedherfewvaluables，dressedherselfwithcare，andthensatdowntowait。Sheheardajoyfulstirbelow，sawCoventrycomehurryingback，andfromagarrulousmaidlearnedthatthebodywasthatofyoungCourtney。
　　TheuniformbeingthesameasEdward’sandthering，agiftfromhim，hadcausedthementobelievethedisfiguredcorpsetobethatoftheyoungerCoventry。Noonebutthemaidcamenearher;onceBella’svoicecalledher，butsomeonecheckedthegirl，andthecallwasnotrepeated。Atfiveanenvelopewasbroughther，directedinEdward’shand，andcontainingacheckwhichmorethanpaidayear’ssalary。Nowordaccompaniedthegift，yetthegenerosityofittouchedher，forJeanMuirhadtherelicsofaoncehonestnature，anddespiteherfalsehoodcouldstilladmirenoblenessandrespectvirtue。Atearofgenuineshamedroppedonthepaper，andrealgratitudefilledherheart，asshethoughtthatevenifallelsefailed，shewasnotthrustoutpennilessintotheworld，whichhadnopityforpoverty。
　　Astheclockstrucksix，sheheardacarriagedrivearoundandwentdowntomeetit。Aservantputonhertrunk，gavetheorder，"Tothestation，James，"andshedroveawaywithoutmeetinganyone，speakingtoanyone，orapparentlybeingseenbyanyone。Asenseofutterwearinesscameoverher，andshelongedtoliedownandforget。Butthelastchancestillremained，andtillthatfailed，shewouldnotgiveup。Dismissingthecarriage，sheseatedherselftowatchforthequarter-past-sixtrainfromLondon，forinthatSirJohnwouldcomeifhecameatallthatnight。
　　ShewashauntedbythefearthatEdwardhadmetandtoldhim。ThefirstglimpseofSirJohn’sfrankfacewouldbetraythetruth。Ifheknewall，therewasnohope，andshewouldgoherwayalone。Ifheknewnothing，therewasyettimeforthemarriage;andoncehiswife，sheknewshewassafe，becauseforthehonorofhisnamehewouldscreenandprotecther。
　　Uprushedthetrain，outsteppedSirJohn，andJean’sheartdiedwithinher。Grave，andpale，andwornhelooked，andleanedheavilyonthearmofaportlygentlemaninblack。TheReverendMr。Fairfax，whyhashecome，ifthesecretisout？thoughtJean，slowlyadvancingtomeetthemandfearingtoreadherfateinSirJohn’sface。Hesawher，droppedhisfriend’sarm，andhurriedforwardwiththeardorofayoungman，exclaiming，asheseizedherhandwithabeamingface，agladvoice，"Mylittlegirl！DidyouthinkIwouldnevercome？"
　　Shecouldnotanswer，thereactionwastoostrong，butsheclungtohim，regardlessoftimeorplace，andfeltthatherlasthopehadnotfailed。Mr。Fairfaxprovedhimselfequaltotheoccasion。
　　Askingnoquestions，hehurriedSirJohnandJeanintoacarriageandsteppedinafterthemwithablandapology。Jeanwassoonherselfagain，and，havingtoldherfearsathisdelay，listenedeagerlywhileherelatedthevariousmishapswhichhaddetainedhim。
　　"HaveyouseenEdward？"washerfirstquestion。
　　"Notyet，butIknowhehascome，andhaveheardofhisnarrowescape。Ishouldhavebeeninthattrain，ifIhadnotbeendelayedbytheindispositionwhichIthencursed，butnowbless。Areyouready，Jean？Doyourepentyourchoice，mychild？"
　　"No，no！Iamready，Iamonlytoohappytobecomeyourwife，dear，generousSirJohn，"criedJean，withagladalacrity，whichtouchedtheoldmantotheheart，andcharmedtheReverendMr。Fairfax，whoconcealedtheromanceofaboyunderhisclericalsuit。
　　TheyreachedtheHall。SirJohngaveorderstoadmitnooneandafterahastydinnersentforhisoldhousekeeperandhissteward，toldthemofhispurpose，anddesiredthemtowitnesshismarriage。Obediencehadbeenthelawoftheirlives，andMastercoulddonothingwrongintheireyes，sotheyplayedtheirpartswillingly，forJeanwasafavoriteattheHall。Paleashergown，butcalmandsteady，shestoodbesideSirJohn，utteringhervowsinacleartoneandtakinguponherselfthevowsofawifewithmorethanabride’susualdocility。Whentheringwasfairlyon，asmilebrokeoverherface。WhenSirJohnkissedandcalledherhis"littlewife，"sheshedatearortwoofsincerehappiness;andwhenMr。
　　Fairfaxaddressedheras"mylady，"shelaughedhermusicallaugh，andglancedupatapictureofGeraldwitheyesfullofexultation。Astheservantslefttheroom，amessagewasbroughtfromMrs。Coventry，beggingSirJohntocometoheratonce。
　　"Youwillnotgoandleavemesosoon？"pleadedJean，wellknowingwhyhewassentfor。
　　"Mydarling，Imust。"Andinspiteofitstenderness，SirJohn’smannerwastoodecidedtobewithstood。
　　"ThenIshallgowithyou，"criedJean，resolvingthatnoearthlypowershouldpartthem。
　　BehindaMask：or，AWoman’sPower。Chapter9LADYCOVENTRYWhenthefirstexcitementofEdward’sreturnhadsubsided，andbeforetheycouldquestionhimastothecauseofthisunexpectedvisit，hetoldthemthatafterdinnertheircuriosityshouldbegratified，andmeantimehebeggedthemtoleaveMissMuiralone，forshehadreceivedbadnewsandmustnotbedisturbed。Thefamilywithdifficultyrestrainedtheirtonguesandwaitedimpatiently。GeraldconfessedhisloveforJeanandaskedhisbrother’spardonforbetrayinghistrust。Hehadexpectedanoutbreak，butEdwardonlylookedathimwithpityingeyes，andsaidsadly，"Youtoo！Ihavenoreproachestomake，forIknowwhatyouwillsufferwhenthetruthisknown。"
　　"Whatdoyoumean？"demandedCoventry。
　　"Youwillsoonknow，mypoorGerald，andwewillcomfortoneanother。"
　　NothingmorecouldbedrawnfromEdwardtilldinnerwasover，theservantsgone，andallthefamilyalonetogether。Thenpaleandgrave，butveryself-possessed，fortroublehadmadeamanofhim，heproducedapacketofletters，andsaid，addressinghimselftohisbrother，"JeanMuirhasdeceivedusall。Iknowherstory;letmetellitbeforeIreadherletters。"
　　"Stop！I’llnotlistentoanyfalsetalesagainsther。Thepoorgirlhasenemieswhobelieher！"criedGerald，startingup。
　　"Forthehonorofthefamily，youmustlisten，andlearnwhatfoolsshehasmadeofus。IcanprovewhatIsay，andconvinceyouthatshehastheartofadevil。Sitstilltenminutes，thengo，ifyouwill。"
　　Edwardspokewithauthority，andhisbrotherobeyedhimwithaforebodingheart。
　　"ImetSydney，andhebeggedmetobewareofher。
　　Nay，listen，Gerald！Iknowshehastoldherstory，andthatyoubelieveit;butherownlettersconvicther。ShetriedtocharmSydneyasshedidus，andnearlysucceededininducinghimtomarryher。Rashandwildasheis，heisstillagentleman，andwhenanincautiouswordofhersrousedhissuspicions，herefusedtomakeherhiswife。Astormysceneensued，and，hopingtointimidatehim，shefeignedtostabherselfasifindespair。
　　Shedidwoundherself，butfailedtogainherpointandinsistedupongoingtoahospitaltodie。LadySydney，good，simplesoul，believedthegirl’sversionofthestory，thoughthersonwasinthewrong，andwhenhewasgone，triedtoatoneforhisfaultbyfindingJeanMuiranotherhome。ShethoughtGeraldwassoontomarryLucia，andthatIwasaway，sosentherhereasasafeandcomfortableretreat。"
　　"But，Ned，areyousureofallthis？IsSydneytobebelieved？"beganCoventry，stillincredulous。
　　"Toconvinceyou，I’llreadJean’slettersbeforeIsaymore。TheywerewrittentoanaccompliceandwerepurchasedbySydney。
　　Therewasacompactbetweenthetwowomen，thateachshouldkeeptheotherinformedofalladventures，plotsandplans，andsharewhatevergoodfortunefelltothelotofeither。ThusJeanwrotefreely，asyoushalljudge。
　　Thelettersconcernusalone。Thefirstwaswrittenafewdaysaftershecame。
　　"DearHortense：
　　"Anotherfailure。SydneyWASmorewilythanIthought。
　　Allwasgoingwell，whenonedaymyoldfaultbesetme，Itooktoomuchwine，andIcarelesslyownedthatIhadbeenanactress。Hewasshocked，andretreated。Igotupascene，andgavemyselfasafelittlewound，tofrightenhim。Thebrutewasnotfrightened，butcoollyleftmetomyfate。
　　I’dhavediedtospitehim，ifIdared，butasIdidn’t，Ilivedtotormenthim。Asyet，Ihavehadnochance，butIwillnotforgethim。Hismotherisapoor，weakcreature，whomIcoulduseasIwould，andthroughherIfoundanexcellentplace。Asickmother，sillydaughter，andtwoeligiblesons。Oneisengagedtoahandsomeiceberg，butthatonlyrendershimmoreinterestinginmyeyes，rivalryaddssomuchtothecharmofone’sconquests。
　　Well，mydear，Iwent，gotupinthemeekstyle，intendingtodothepathetic;
　　butbeforeIsawthefamily，IwassoangryIcouldhardlycontrolmyself。
　　ThroughtheindolenceofMonsieurtheyoungmaster，nocarriagewassentforme，andIintendheshallatoneforthatrudenessby-and-by。Theyoungerson，themother，andthegirlreceivedmepatronizingly，andIunderstoodthesimplesoulsatonce。Monsieur（asIshallcallhim，asnamesareunsafe）
　　wasunapproachable，andtooknopainstoconcealhisdislikeofgovernesses。
　　Thecousinwaslovely，butdetestablewithherpride，hercoldness，andherveryvisibleadorationofMonsieur，wholetherworshiphim，likeaninanimateidolasheis。Ihatedthemboth，ofcourse，andinreturnfortheirinsolenceshalltormentherwithjealousy，andteachhimhowtowooawomanbymakinghisheartache。Theyareanintenselyproudfamily，butIcanhumblethemall，Ithink，bycaptivatingthesons，andwhentheyhavecommittedthemselves，castthemoff，andmarrytheolduncle，whosetitletakesmyfancy。"
　　"Sheneverwrotethat！Itisimpossible。Awomancouldnotdoit，"criedLuciaindignantly，whileBellasatbewilderedandMrs。Coventrysupportedherselfwithsaltsandfan。Coventrywenttohisbrother，examinedthewriting，andreturnedtohisseat，saying，inatoneofsuppressedwrath，"Shedidwriteit。Ipostedsomeofthoselettersmyself。Goon，Ned。"
　　"Imademyselfusefulandagreeabletotheamiableones，andoverheardthechatofthelovers。Itdidnotsuitme，soIfaintedawaytostopit，andexciteinterestintheprovokingpair。IthoughtI
　　hadsucceeded，butMonsieursuspectedmeandshowedmethathedid。Iforgotmymeekroleandgavehimastagelook。Ithadagoodeffect，andIshalltryitagain。Themaniswellworthwinning，butIpreferthetitle，andastheuncleisahale，handsomegentlemanIcan’twaitforhimtodie，thoughMonsieurisverycharming，withhiselegantlanguor，andhisheartsofastasleepnowomanhashadpowertowakeityet。Itoldmystory，andtheybelievedit，thoughIhadtheaudacitytosayIwasbutnineteen，totalkScotch，andbashfullyconfessthatSydneywishedtomarryme。MonsieurknowsS。andevidentlysuspectssomething。Imustwatchhimandkeepthetruthfromhim，ifpossible。
　　"IwasverymiserablethatnightwhenIgotalone。
　　SomethingintheatmosphereofthishappyhomemademewishIwasanythingbutwhatIam。AsIsattheretryingtopluckupmyspirits，IthoughtofthedayswhenIwaslovelyandyoung，goodandgay。Myglassshowedmeanoldwomanofthirty，formyfalselockswereoff，mypaintgone，andmyfacewaswithoutitsmask。Bah！howIhatesentiment！Idrankyourhealthfromyourownlittleflask，andwenttobedtodreamthatIwasplayingLadyTartuffe——asIam。Adieu，moresoon。"
　　NoonespokeasEdwardpaused，andtakingupanotherletter，hereadon：
　　"MyDearCreature：
　　"Allgoeswell。NextdayIbeganmytask，andhavingcaughtahintofthecharacterofeach，triedmypoweroverthem。EarlyinthemorningIranovertoseetheHall。Approvedofithighlyandtookthefirststeptowardbecomingitsmistress，bypiquingthecuriosityandflatteringtheprideofitsmaster。Hisestateishisidol;Ipraiseditwithafewartlesscomplimentstohimself，andhewascharmed。Thecadetofthefamilyadoreshorses。Iriskedmynecktopethisbeast，andhewascharmed。Thelittlegirlisromanticaboutflowers;Imadeaposyandwassentimental，andshewascharmed。Thefairiciclelovesherdepartedmamma，Ihadrapturesoveranoldpicture，andshethawed。Monsieurisusedtobeingworshipped。Itooknonoticeofhint，andbythenaturalperversityofhumannature，hebegantotakenoticeofme。Helikesmusic;
　　Isang，andstoppedwhenhe’dlistenedlongenoughtowantmore。Heislazilyfondofbeingamused;Ishowedhimmyskill，butrefusedtoexertitinhisbehalf。Inshort，Igavehimnopeacetillhebegantowakeup。
　　Inordertogetridoftheboy，Ifascinatedhim，andhewassentaway。
　　Poorlad，Iratherlikedhim，andifthetitlehadbeennearerwouldhavemarriedhim。"
　　"Manythanksforthehonor。"AndEdward’slipcurledwithintensescorn。ButGeraldsatlikeastatue，histeethset，hiseyesfiery，hisbrowsbent，waitingfortheend。
　　"Thepassionateboynearlykilledhisbrother，butIturnedtheaffairtogoodaccount，andbewitchedMonsieurbyplayingnurse，tillVashti（theicicle）interfered。ThenIenactedinjuredvirtue，andkeptoutofhisway，knowingthathewouldmissme。ImystifiedhimaboutS。bysendingaletterwhereS。wouldnotgetit，andgotupallmannerofsoftscenestowinthisproudcreature。IgetonwellandmeanwhileprivatelyfascinateSirJ。bybeingdaughterlyanddevoted。Heisaworthyoldman，simpleasachild，honestastheday，andgenerousasaprince。
　　IshallbeahappywomanifIwinhim，andyoushallsharemygoodfortune;
　　sowishmesuccess。"
　　"Thisisthethird，andcontainssomethingwhichwillsurpriseyou，"Edwardsaid，asheliftedanotherpaper。
　　"Hortense：
　　"I’vedonewhatIonceplannedtodoonanotheroccasion。
　　Youknowmyhandsome，dissipatedfathermarriedaladyofrankforhissecondwife。IneversawLadyH_____dbutonce，forIwaskeptoutoftheway。FindingthatthisgoodSirJ。knewsomethingofherwhenagirl，andbeingsurethathedidnotknowofthedeathofherlittledaughter，I
　　boldlysaidIwasthechild，andtoldapitifultaleofmyearlylife。
　　Itworkedlikeacharm;hetoldMonsieur，andbothfeltthemostchivalrouscompassionforLadyHoward’sdaughter，thoughbeforetheyhadsecretlylookeddownonme，andmyrealpovertyandmylowliness。Thatboypitiedmewithanhonestwarmthandneverwaitedtolearnmybirth。Idon’tforgetthatandshallrepayitifIcan。WishingtobringMonsieur’saffairtoasuccessfulcrisis，Igotupatheatricaleveningandwasinmyelement。
　　OnelittleeventImusttellyou，becauseIcommittedanactionableoffenseandwasnearlydiscovered。Ididnotgodowntosupper，knowingthatthemothwouldreturntoflutteraboutthecandle，andpreferringthattheflutteringshouldbedoneinprivate，asVashti’sjealousyisgettinguncontrollable。
　　Passingthroughthegentlemen’sdressingroom，myquickeyecaughtsightofaletterlyingamongthecostumes。Itwasnostageaffair，andanoddsensationoffearranthroughmeasIrecognizedthehandofS。Ihadfearedthis，butIbelieveinchance;andhavingfoundtheletter，Iexaminedit。YouknowIcanimitatealmostanyhand。WhenIreadinthispaperthewholestoryofmyaffairwithS。，trulytold，andalsothathehadmadeinquiriesintomypastlifeanddiscoveredthetruth，Iwasinafury。
　　Tobesonearsuccessandfailwasterrible，andIresolvedtoriskeverything。
　　Iopenedtheletterbymeansofaheatedknifebladeundertheseal，thereforetheenvelopewasperfect;imitatingS。’shand，Ipennedafewlinesinhishastystyle，sayinghewasatBaden，sothatifMonsieuranswered，thereplywouldnotreachhim，forheisinLondon，itseems。ThisletterIputintothepocketwhencetheothermusthavefallen，andwasjustcongratulatingmyselfonthisnarrowescape，whenDean，themaidofVashti，appearedasifwatchingme。Shehadevidentlyseentheletterinmyhand，andsuspectedsomething。Itooknonoticeofher，butmustbecareful，forsheisonthewatch。Afterthistheeveningclosedwithstrictlyprivatetheatricals，inwhichMonsieurandmyselfweretheonlyactors。Tomakesurethathereceivedmyversionofthestoryfirst，ItoldhimaromanticstoryofS。’spersecution，andhebelievedit。ThisIfollowedupbyamoonlightepisodebehindarosehedge，andsenttheyounggentlemanhomeinahalf-dazedcondition。Whatfoolsmenare！"
　　"Sheisright！"mutteredCoventry，whohadflushedscarletwithshameandanger，ashisfollybecameknownandLucialistenedinastonishedsilence。
　　"Onlyonemore，andmydistastefultaskwillbenearlyover，"saidEdward，unfoldingthelastofthepapers。"Thisisnotaletter，butacopyofonewrittenthreenightsago。DeanboldlyransackedJeanMuir’sdeskwhileshewasattheHall，and，fearingtobetraythedeedbykeepingtheletter，shemadeahastycopywhichshegavemetoday，beggingmetosavethefamilyfromdisgrace。Thismakesthechaincomplete。Gonow，ifyouwill，Gerald。Iwouldgladlyspareyouthepainofhearingthis。"
　　"Iwillnotsparemyself;Ideserveit。Readon，"
　　repliedCoventry，guessingwhatwastofollowandnervinghimselftohearit。Reluctantlyhisbrotherreadtheselines：
　　"Theenemyhassurrendered！Givemejoy，Hortense;
　　Icanbethewifeofthisproudmonsieur，ifIwill。Thinkwhatanhonorforthedivorcedwifeofadisreputableactor。Ilaughatthefarceandenjoyit，forIonlywaittilltheprizeIdesireisfairlymine，toturnandrejectthisloverwhohasprovedhimselffalsetobrother，mistress，andhisownconscience。Iresolvedtoberevengedonboth，andIhavekeptmyword。Formysakehecastoffthebeautifulwomanwhotrulylovedhim;
　　heforgothispromisetohisbrother，andputbyhispridetobegofmetheworn-outheartthatisnotworthagoodman’slove。Ahwell，Iamsatisfied，forVashtihassufferedthesharpestpainaproudwomancanendure，andwillfeelanotherpangwhenItellherthatIscornherrecreantlover，andgivehimbacktoher，todealwithasshewill。"
　　Coventrystartedfromhisseatwithafierceexclamation，butLuciabowedherfaceuponherhands，weeping，asifthepanghadbeensharperthanevenJeanforesaw。
　　"SendforSirJohn！Iammortallyafraidofthiscreature。Takeheraway;dosomethingtoher。MypoorBella，whatacompanionforyou！SendforSirJohnatonce！"criedMrs。Coventryincoherently，andclaspedherdaughterinherarms，asifJeanMuirwouldburstintoannihilatethewholefamily。Edwardalonewascalm。
　　"Ihavealreadysent，andwhilewewait，letmefinishthisstory。ItistruethatJeanisthedaughterofLadyHoward’shusband，thepretendedclergyman，butreallyaworthlessmanwhomarriedherforhermoney。Herownchilddied，butthisgirl，havingbeauty，witandaboldspirit，tookherfateintoherownhands，andbecameanactress。Shemarriedanactor，ledarecklesslifeforsomeyears;quarreledwithherhusband，wasdivorced，andwenttoParis;leftthestage，andtriedtosupportherselfasgovernessandcompanion。YouknowhowshefaredwiththeSydneys，howshehasdupedus，andbutforthisdiscoverywouldhavedupedSirJohn。Iwasintimetopreventthis，thankheaven。Sheisgone;
　　nooneknowsthetruthbutSydneyandourselves;hewillbesilent，forhisownsake;wewillbeforours，andleavethisdangerouswomantothefatewhichwillsurelyovertakeher。"
　　"Thankyou，ithasovertakenher，andaveryhappyoneshefindsit。"
　　Asoftvoiceutteredthewords，andanapparitionappearedatthedoor，whichmadeallstartandrecoilwithamazement——
　　JeanMuirleaningonthearmofSirJohn。
　　"Howdareyoureturn？"beganEdward，losingtheself-controlsolongpreserved。"Howdareyouinsultusbycomingbacktoenjoythemischiefyouhavedone？Uncle，youdonotknowthatwoman！"
　　"Hush，boy，Iwillnotlistentoaword，unlessyourememberwhereyouare，"saidSirJohn，withacommandinggesture。
　　"Rememberyourpromise：loveme，forgiveme，protectme，anddonotlistentotheiraccusations，"whisperedJean，whosequickeyehaddiscoveredtheletters。
　　"Iwill;havenofears，mychild，"heanswered，drawinghernearerashetookhisaccustomedplacebeforethefire，alwayslightedwhenMrs。Coventrywasdown。
　　Gerald，whohadbeenpacingtheroomexcitedly，pausedbehindLucia’schairasiftoshieldherfrominsult;Bellaclungtohermother;andEdward，calminghimselfbyastrongeffort，handedhisuncletheletters，sayingbriefly，"Lookatthose，sir，andletthemspeak。"
　　"Iwilllookatnothing，hearnothing，believenothingwhichcaninanywaylessenmyrespectandaffectionforthisyounglady。
　　Shehaspreparedmeforthis。Iknowtheenemywhoisunmanlyenoughtobelieandthreatenher。Iknowthatyoubothareunsuccessfullovers，andthisexplainsyourunjust，uncourteoustreatmentnow。Weallhavecommittedfaultsandfollies。IfreelyforgiveJeanhers，anddesiretoknownothingofthemfromyourlips。Ifshehasinnocentlyoffended，pardonitformysake，andforgetthepast。"
　　"But，Uncle，wehaveproofsthatthiswomanisnotwhatsheseems。Herownlettersconvicther。Readthem，anddonotblindlydeceiveyourself，"criedEdward，indignantathisuncle’swords。
　　Alowlaughstartledthemall，andinaninstanttheysawthecauseofit。WhileSirJohnspoke，Jeanhadtakenthelettersfromthehandwhichhehadputbehindhim，afavoritegestureofhis，and，unobserved，haddroppedthemonthefire。Themockinglaugh，thesuddenblaze，showedwhathadbeendone。Bothyoungmensprangforward，butitwastoolate;theproofswereashes，andJeanMuir’sbold，brighteyesdefiedthem，asshesaid，withadisdainfullittlegesture，"Handsoff，gentlemen！Youmaydegradeyourselvestotheworkofdetectives，butI
　　amnotaprisoneryet。PoorJeanMuiryoumightharm，butLadyCoventryisbeyondyourreach。"
　　"LadyCoventry！"echoedthedismayedfamily，invaryingtonesofincredulity，indignation，andamazement。
　　"Aye，mydearandhonoredwife，"saidSirJohn，withaprotectingarmabouttheslenderfigureathisside;andintheact，thewords，therewasatenderdignitythattouchedthelistenerswithpityandrespectforthedeceivedman。"Receiveherassuch，andformysake，forbearallfurtheraccusation，"hecontinuedsteadily。"IknowwhatI
　　havedone。IhavenofearthatIshallrepentit。IfIamblind，letmeremainsotilltimeopensmyeyes。Wearegoingawayforalittlewhile，andwhenwereturn，lettheoldlifereturnagain，unchanged，exceptthatJeanmakessunshineformeaswellasforyou。"
　　Noonespoke，fornooneknewwhattosay。Jeanbrokethesilence，sayingcoolly，"MayIaskhowthoseletterscameintoyourpossession？"
　　"Intracingoutyourpastlife，SydneyfoundyourfriendHortense。Shewaspoor，moneybribedher，andyourlettersweregivenuptohimassoonasreceived。Traitorsarealwaysbetrayedintheend，"repliedEdwardsternly。
　　Jeanshruggedhershoulders，andshotaglanceatGerald，sayingwithhersignificantsmile，"Rememberthat，monsieur，andallowmetohopethatinweddingyouwillbehappierthaninwooing。Receivemycongratulations，MissBeaufort，andletmebegofyoutofollowmyexample，ifyouwouldkeepyourlovers。"
　　Hereallthesarcasmpassedfromhervoice，thedefiancefromhereye，andtheoneunspoiledattributewhichstilllingeredinthiswoman’sartfulnatureshoneinherface，assheturnedtowardEdwardandBellaattheirmother’sside。
　　"Youhavebeenkindtome，"shesaid，withgratefulwarmth。"Ithankyouforit，andwillrepayitifIcan。ToyouIwillacknowledgethatIamnotworthytobethisgoodman’swife，andtoyouIwillsolemnlypromisetodevotemylifetohishappiness。Forhissakeforgiveme，andlettherebepeacebetweenus。"
　　Therewasnoreply，butEdward’sindignanteyesfellbeforehers。Bellahalfputoutherhand，andMrs。Coventrysobbedasifsomeregretmingledwithherresentment。Jeanseemedtoexpectnofriendlydemonstration，andtounderstandthattheyforboreforSirJohn’ssake，notforhers，andtoaccepttheircontemptasherjustpunishment。
　　"Comehome，love，andforgetallthis，"saidherhusband，ringingthebell，andeagertobegone。"LadyCoventry’scarriage。"
　　Andashegavetheorder，asmilebrokeoverherface，forthesoundassuredherthatthegamewaswon。Pausinganinstantonthethresholdbeforeshevanishedfromtheirsight，shelookedbackward，andfixingonGeraldthestrangeglanceherememberedwell，shesaidinherpenetratingvoice，"Isnotthelastscenebetterthanthefirst？"