"YoureallylikemysweetLena？"shesaid。"Iamsoglad。Whatwereyoutalkingabout，withher？Shemadeyouexertallyourpowersofconversation，andsheseemedtobedeeplyinterested。"
　　Moreover-acting！Anothermistake！AndIcouldseethroughit！WithnoEnglishsubjectwhichwecoulddiscussincommon，LadyLena’sreadytactalludedtomypastlife。Mrs。RoylakehadtoldherthatIwaseducatedataGermanUniversity。Shehadheardvaguelyofstudentswithlonghair，whoworeHessianboots，andfoughtduels;andsheappealedtomyexperiencetotellhersomethingmore。Ididmybesttointeresther，withveryindifferentsuccess，andwasundeservedlyrewardedbyapatientattention，whichpresentedtheunselfishrefinementsofcourtesyundertheirmostperfectform。
　　Butletmedomystep-motherjustice。Shecontrivedtobendmetoherwill，beforesheleftthesmoking-room——IamsureIdon’tknowhow。
　　"Youhaveentertainedthecharmingdaughtersatdinner，"sheremindedme;
　　"andtheleastyoucando，afterthat，istopayyourrespectstotheirnoblefather。Inyourposition，mydearboy，youcannotneglectourEnglishcustomswithoutproducingtheworstpossibleimpression。"
　　Intwowords，Ifoundmyselfpledged，underpretenceofvisitingmylord，toimprovemyacquaintancewithLadyLenaonthenextday。
　　"Andpraybecareful，"Mrs。Roylakeproceeded，stillbravingtheatmosphereofthesmoking-room，"nottolooksurprisedifyoufindLordUppercliff’shousepresentingratherapoorappearancejustnow。"
　　Iwasdyingforanothercigar，andIentirelymisunderstoodthewordsofwarningwhichhadjustbeenaddressedtome。Itriedtobringourinterviewtoaclosebymakingagenerousproposal。
　　"Doeshewantmoney？"Iasked。"I’lllendhimsomewiththegreatestpleasure。"
　　Mrs。Roylake’shorrorexpresseditselfinalittlethinwiryscream。
　　"Oh，Gerard，whatpeopleyoumusthavelivedamong！Whatshockingignoranceofmylord’senormousfortune！Heandhisfamilyhaveonlyjustreturnedtotheircountryseat，afteralongabsence——parliamentyouknow，andforeignbaths，andsoon——andtheirEnglishestablishmentisnotyetcomplete。Idon’tknowwhatmistakeyoumaynotmakenext。DolistentowhatIwanttosaytoyou。"
　　Listening，Imustacknowledge，withanabsentmind，myattentionwassuddenlyseizedbyMrs。Roylake——withouttheslightestconsciousefforttowardsthatend，onthepartoftheladyherself。
　　Thefirstwordsthatstartledme，inherflowofspeech，werethese：
　　"AndImustnotforgettotellyouofpoorLordUppercliff’smisfortune。
　　Hehadafall，sometimesince，andbrokehisleg。AsIthink，hewassounwiseastoletaplausibleyoungsurgeonsetthebrokenbone。Anyway，theendofitisthatmylordslightlylimpswhenhewalks;andprayrememberthathehatestoseeitnoticed。LadyRacheldoesn’tagreewithmeinattributingherfather’slamenesstohissurgeon’swantofexperience。Betweenourselves，themanseemstohaveinterestedher。Veryhandsome，veryclever，veryagreeable，andthemannersofagentleman。
　　Whenhismedicalservicescametoanend，hewasquiteanacquisitionattheirpartiesinLondon——withonedrawback：hemysteriouslydisappeared，andhasneverbeenheardofsince。AskLadyLenaaboutit。Shewillgiveyouallthedetails，withouthereldersister’sbiasinfavourofthehandsomeyoungman。Whataprettycomplimentyouarepayingme！YoureallylookasifIhadinterestedyou。"
　　KnowingwhatIknew，Iwasunquestionablyinterested。
　　AlthoughtherecentreturnofLordUppercliffandhisdaughtertotheircountryhomehad，asyet，allowednoopportunityofameeting，outofdoors，betweenthedeafLodgerandthefriendswhomhehadlostsightof——nodoubtatthetimeofhisseriousillness——still，theinevitablediscoverymighthappenonanyday。Whatresultwouldfollow？AndwhatwouldbetheeffectonLadyRachel，whenshemetwiththefascinatingyoungsurgeon，anddiscoveredtheterriblechangeinhim？
　　CHAPTERX
　　WARNED！
　　Wewerealoneintheglade，bythesideofthespring。Atthatearlyhourtherewerenointerruptionstodread;butCristelwasillatease。Sheseemedtobeeagertogetbacktothecottageassoonaspossible。
　　"Fathertellsme，"shebeganabruptly，"hesawyouattheboathouse。Anditseemedtohim，thatyouwerebehavingyourselflikeafriendtothatterribleman。"
　　Iremindedherofmyhavingexpressedthefearthatwehadbeenneedlesslyhardonhim;and，Iaddedthathehadwrittenaletterwhichconfirmedmeinthatopinion。Shelooked，notonlydisappointed，butevenalarmed。
　　"Ihadhoped，"shesaidsadly，"thatfatherwasmistaken。"
　　"Solittlemistaken，"Iassuredher，"thatIamgoingtodrinkteawiththemanwhoseemstofrightenyou。IhopehewillaskyoutomeetSherecoiledfromthebareideaofaninvitation。
　　"WillyouhearwhatIwanttotellyou？"shesaidearnestly。"YoumayalteryouropinionifyouknowwhatIhavebeenfoolishenoughtodo，whenyousawmegototheothersideofthecottage。"
　　"DearCristel，IknowwhatIowetoyourkindinterestinmeonthatoccasion！"BeforeIcouldsayawordofapologyforhavingwrongedherbymysuspicions，sheinsistedonanexplanationofwhatIhadjustsaid。
　　"Didhementionitinhisletter？"sheasked。
　　IownedthatIhadobtainedmyinformationinthisway。AndIdeclaredthathehadexpressedhisadmirationofher，andhisbeliefinher，intermswhichmadeitasubjectofregrettomenottobeabletoshowwhathehadwritten。
　　Cristelforgotherfearofourbeinginterrupted。Herdismayexpresseditselfinacrythatrangthroughthewood。
　　"Youevenbelieveinhisletter？"sheexclaimed。"Mr。Gerard！HiswritinginthatwaytoYouaboutMeisaproofthathelies;andI’llmakeyouseeit。Ifyouwereanybodyelsebutyourself，Iwouldleaveyoutoyourfate。Yes，yourfate，"shepassionatelyrepeated。"Oh，forgiveme，sir！
　　I’mbehavingdisrespectfully;Ibegyourpardon。No，no;letmegoon。
　　WhenIspoketohiminyourbestinterests（asIdidmosttrulybelieve）
　　IneversuspectedwhatmischiefIhaddone，tillIlookedinhisface。
　　Then，Isawhowhehatedyou，andhowvilelyhewasthinkinginsecretofme——"
　　Puredelusion！HowcouldIallowittogoon？Iinterruptedher。
　　"Mydear，youhavequitemistakenhim。AsIhavealreadysaid，hesincerelyrespectsyou——andheownsthathemisjudgedmewhenheandI
　　firstmet。"
　　"What！Is_that_inhislettertoo？It’sworseeventhanIfeared。Again，andagain，andagain，Isayit"——shestampedonthegroundinthefervorofherconviction——"hehatesyouwiththehatredthatneverforgivesandneverforgets。Youthinkhimagoodman。DoyousupposeIwouldhavebeggedandprayedofmyfathertosendhimaway，withouthavingreasonsthatjustifiedme？Mr。Gerard，youforcemetotellyouwhatmyunluckyvisitdidputintohishead。Yes，hedoesbelieve——believesfirmly——thatyouhaveforgottenwhatisduetoyourrank;thatIhavebeenwickedenoughtoforgetittoo;andthatyouaregoingtotakemeawayfromhim。
　　Saywhathemay，andwritewhathemay，heisdeceivingyouforhisownwickedends。Ifyougotodrinkteawithhim，Godonlyknowswhatcauseyoumayhavetoregretit。Forgivemeforbeingsoviolent，sir;Ihavedonenow。Youhavemademeverywretched，butyouaretoogoodandkindtomeanit。Good-bye。"
　　Itookherhand，Ipressedittenderly;Iwastouched，deeplytouched。
　　No！letmewritehonestly。Hereyesbetrayedher，hervoicebetrayedher，whileshesaidherpartingwords。WhatIsaw，whatIheard，wasnolongerwithinthelimitsofdoubt。Thesweetgirl’sinterestinmywelfarewasnotthemerelyfriendlyinterestwhichsheherselfbelievedittobe。AndIsaidjustnowthatIwas"touched。"Cant！Lies！IlovedhermoredearlythanIhadeverlovedheryet。Thereisthetruth——strippedofpoorprudery，andthemeanfearofbeingcalledVain！
　　WhatImighthavesaidtoher，iftheopportunityhadoffereditself，maybeeasilyimagined。BeforeIcouldopenmylips，amanappearedonthepathwhichledfromthemilltothespring——themanwhomCristelhadsecretlysuspectedofadesigntofollowher。
　　Ifeltherhandtremblinginmyhand，andgaveitalittleencouragingsqueeze。"Letusjudgehim，"Isuggested，"bywhathesaysanddoes，onfindingustogether。"
　　Withoutanattemptatconcealmentonhispart，headvancedtowardsusbriskly，smilingandwavinghishand。
　　"What，Mr。Roylake，youhavealreadyfoundoutthevirtuesofyourwonderfulspring，andyouaredrinkingthewaterbeforebreakfast！IhaveoftendoneitmyselfwhenIwasnottoolazytogetup。Andthischarminggirl，"hewenton，turningtoCristel，"hasshebeentryingthevirtuesofthespringbyyouradvice？Shewon’tlistentome，orIshouldhaverecommendeditlongsince。Seemesettheexample。"
　　Hetookasilvermugfromhispocket，anddescendedthefewstepsthatledtothespring。Allowingforthedreadfuldeafmonotonyinhisvoice，nomancouldhavebeenmoreinnocentlyjoyousandagreeable。Whilehewastakinghismorningdraught，IappealedtoCristel’sbettersense。
　　"Isthisthehypocrite，whoisdeceivingmeforhisownwickedends？"I
　　asked。"Doeshelooklikethejealousmonsterwhoisplottingmydestruction，andwhowillsucceedifIamfoolenoughtoaccepthisinvitation？"
　　Poordear，shewasasobstinateasever！"ThinkoverwhatIhavesaidtoyou——think，foryourownsake，"washeronlyreply。
　　"Andalittlefor_your_sake？"Iventuredtoadd。
　　Sheranawayfromme，takingthepathwhichwouldleadherhomeagain。
　　ThedeafmanandIwerelefttogether。Helookedafterheruntilshewasoutofsight。Thenheproducedhisbookofblankleaves。But，insteadofhandingittomeasusual，hebegantowriteinithimself。
　　"Ihavesomethingtosaytoyou，"heexplained。
　　Itwasonlypossible，whilethebookwasinhispossession，toremindhimthatIcouldhear，andthathecouldspeak，byusingthelanguageofsigns。Itouchedmylips，andpointedtohim;Itouchedmyear，andpointedtomyself。
　　"Yes，"hesaid，understandingmewithhiscustomaryquickness;"butI
　　wantyoutorememberaswellastohear。WhenIhavefilledthisleaf，I
　　shallbegyoutokeepitaboutyou，andtorefertoitfromtimetotime。"
　　Hewroteonsteadily，untilhehadfilledbothsidesoftheslipofpaper。
　　"Quitealittleletter，"hesaid。"Prayreadit。"
　　ThisiswhatIread：
　　"YoumusthaveseenforyourselfthatIwasincapableofinsultingyouandMissCristelbyanoutbreakofjealousy，whenIfoundyoutogetherjustnow。Onlyrememberthatweallhaveourweaknesses，andthatitismyhardlottobeinastateofcontestwiththeinheritedevilwhichisthecalamityofmylife。Withyourencouragement，Imayresisttemptationinthefuture，andkeepthebetterpartofmeinauthorityovermythoughtsandactions。But，beonyourguard，andadviseMissCristeltobeonherguard，againstfalseappearances。Asweallknow，theylieliketruth。Considerme。Pityme。Iasknomore。"
　　Straightforwardandmanlyandmodest——IappealtoanyunprejudicedmindwhetherIshouldnothavecommittedameanaction，ifIhadplacedanevilconstructiononthis？
　　"AmIunderstood？"heasked。
　　Isignedtohimtogivemehisbook，andrelievedhimofanxietyinthesewords：
　　"IfIhadfailedtounderstandyou，Ishouldhavefeltashamedofmyself。
　　MayIshowwhatyouhavewrittentoCristel？"
　　Hesmiled，moresweetlyandpleasantlythanIhadseenhimsmileyet。
　　"Ifyouwishit，"heanswered。"Ileaveitentirelytoyou。Thankyou——andgoodmorning。"
　　Havingadvancedafewstepsonhiswaytothecottage，hepaused，andremindedmeofthetea-drinking："Don’tforgetto-morrowevening，atseveno’clock。"
　　CHAPTERXI
　　WARNEDAGAIN！
　　ThebreakfasthourhadnotyetarrivedwhenIgothome。Iwentintothegardentorefreshmyeyes——alittlewearyofthesolemnuniformityofcolorinFordwitchWood——bylookingattheflowers。
　　Reachingtheterrace，inthefirstplace，Iheardbelowmeaman’svoice，speakingintonesofangryauthority，andusinglanguagewhichexpressedanintentionofturningsomebodyoutofthegarden。Iatoncedescendedthestepswhichledtotheflower-beds。Themaninauthorityprovedtobeoneofmygardeners;andthemanthreatenedwithinstantexpulsionwastheoddly-dressedservantofthefriendwhomIhadjustleft。
　　Thepoorfellow’suglyfacepresentedapictureofshameandcontrition，themomentIshowedmyself。Hepiteouslyentreatedmetolookoverit，andtoforgivehim。
　　"Waitalittle，"Isaid。"LetmeseeifIhaveanythingtoforgive。"I
　　turnedtothegardener。"Whatisyourcomplaintofthisman？"
　　"He’satrespasseronyourgrounds，sir。And，hisimpudence，tosaytheleastofit，issuchasInevermetwithbefore。"
　　"Whatharmhashedone？"
　　"Harm，sir？"
　　"Yes——harm。Hashebeenpickingtheflowers？"
　　Thegardenerlookedroundhim，longingtorefermetothenecessaryevidence，andfailingtodiscoveritanywhere。Thewretchedtrespassertookheartofgrace，andsaidawordinhisowndefence。
　　"Nobodyeverknewmetomisbehavemyselfinagentleman’sgarden，"hesaid;"Iown，sir，tohavingtakenapeepattheflowers，overthewall。"
　　"Andtheytemptedyoutolookalittlecloseratthem？"
　　"That’sthetruth，sir。"
　　"Soyouarefondofflowers？"
　　"Yes，sir。Ioncefailedinbusinessasanurseryman——butIdon’tblametheflowers。"
　　Thedelightfulsimplicityofthiswaslostonthegardener。Iheardthebrutemuttertohimself："Gammon！"ForonceIassertedmyauthorityovermyservant。
　　"Understandthis，"Isaidtohim："Idon’tconfinetheenjoymentofmygardentomyselfandmyfriends。Anywell-behavedpersonsarewelcometocomehereandlookattheflowers。Rememberthat。Nowyoumaygo。"
　　Havingissuedtheseinstructions，Inextaddressedmyselftomyfriendintheshabbyshootingjacket;tellinghimtoroamwhereverheliked，andtostayaslongashepleased。Insteadofthankingmeandusinghisliberty，hehesitated，andlookedthoroughlyillatease。
　　"What’sthematternow？"Iasked。
　　"I’mafraidyoudon’tknow，sir，whoitisyouaresokindto。I’vebeensomethingelseinmytime，besidesanurseryman。"
　　"Whathaveyoubeen？"
　　"Aprize-fighter。"
　　Ifheexpectedmetoexhibitindignationorcontempt，hewasdisappointed。Myignorancetreatedhimascivillyasever。
　　"Whatisaprize-fighter？"Iinquired。
　　Theunfortunatepugilistlookedatmeinspeechlessbewilderment。ItoldhimthatIhadbeenbroughtupamongforeigners，andthatIhadneverevenseenanEnglishnewspaperforthelasttenyears。Thisexplanationseemedtoencouragethemanoffewwords：itsethimtalkingfreelyatlast。Hedeliveredatreatiseontheartofprizefighting，andhedidsomethingelsewhichIfoundmoreamusing——hetoldmehisname。Tomysmallsenseofhumorhisname，sotospeak，completedthisdelightfullyoddman：itwasGloody。Astothelistofhismisfortunes，theendlesslengthofitbecamesounendurablydroll，thatwebothindulgedinunfeelingfitsoflaughteroverthesorrowsofGloody。Thefirstluckyaccidentofthepoorfellow’slifehadbeen，literally，thediscoveryofhimbyhispresentmaster。
　　Thiseventinterestedme。IsaidIshouldliketohearhowithadhappened。
　　Gloodymodestlydescribedhimselfas"oneofthestarvinglot，sir，thatlooksoutforsmallerrands。Igotmyfirstdinnerforthreedays，bycarryingagentleman’sportmanteauforhim。Andhe，ifyouplease，wasafterwardsmymaster。Helivedalone。Blessyou，hewasasdeafthenasheisnow。Hesaystome，’Ifyoubawlinmyears，I’llknockyoudown。’
　　Ithoughttomyself，youwouldn’tsaythat，master，ifyouknewhowIwasemployedtwentyyearsago。Hetookmeintohisservice，sir，becauseI
　　wasugly。’I’msohandsomemyself;’hesays，’Iwantacontrastofsomethinguglyaboutme。’Youmayhavenoticedthathe’sabitterone——andbitterlyenoughhesometimesbehavedtome。Butthere’sagoodsidetohim。Hegivesmehisoldclothes，andsometimeshespeaksalmostaskindlytomeasyoudo。Butforhim，IbelieveIshouldhaveperishedofstarvation——"
　　Hesuddenlycheckedhimself。Whetherhewasafraidofwearyingme，orwhethersomepainfulrecollectionhadoccurredtohim，itwasofcourseimpossibletosay。
　　Theuglyface，towhichheowedhisfirstpoorlittlemorselofprosperity，becameovercloudedbycareanddoubt。BurstingintoexpressionsofgratitudewhichIhadcertainlynotdeserved——expressions，soevidentlysincere，thattheyborewitnesstoconstantill-usagesufferedinthecourseofhishardlife——heleftmewithaheadlonghasteofmovement，drivenawayasIfanciedbyanunquietmind。
　　Iwatchedhimretreatingalongthepath，andsawhimstopabruptly，stillwithhisbacktome。Hisdeepstrongvoicetravelledfartherthanhesupposed。Iheardhimsaytohimself："WhataninfernalrascalIam！"Hewaitedalittle，andturnedmywayagain。Slowlyandreluctantly，hecamebacktome。AsheapproachedIsawtheman，whohadlivedbythepublicexhibitionofhiscourage，lookingatmewithfearplainlyvisibleinthechangeofhiscolor，andtheexpressionofhisface。
　　"Anythingwrong？"Iinquired。
　　"Nothingwrong，sir。MightIbesoboldastoask——"
　　Wewaitedalittle;Igavehimtimetocollecthisthoughts。Perhapsthesilenceconfusedhim。Anyhow，Iwasobligedtohelphimtogeton。
　　"Whatdoyouwishtoaskofme？"Isaid。
　　"Iwishedtospeak，sir——"
　　Hestoppedagain。
　　"Aboutwhat？"Iasked。
　　"Aboutto-morrowevening。"
　　"Well？"
　　Heburstoutwithit，atlast。"Areyoucomingtodrinkteawithmymaster？"
　　"Ofcourse，Iamcoming！Mr。Gloody，doyouknowthatyourathersurpriseme？"
　　"Ihopenooffence，sir。"
　　"Nonsense！Itseemsodd，mygoodfellow，thatyourmastershouldn’thavetoldyouIwascomingtodrinkteawithhim。Isn’tityourbusinesstogetthethingsready？"
　　Heshiftedfromonefoottoanother，andlookedasifhewishedhimselfoutofmyway。Atalatertimeofmylife，Ihaveobservedthatthesearesignsbywhichanhonestmanisapttoconfessthathehastold，orisgoingtotell，alie。Asitwas，Ionlynoticedthatheansweredconfusedly。
　　"Ican’tquitesay，Mr。Roylake，thatmymasterdidn’tmentionthethingtome。"
　　"Butyoufailedtounderstandhim——isthatit？"
　　"Well，sir，ifIwanttoaskhimanythingIhavetowriteit。I’mslowatwriting，andbadatwriting，andheisn’talwayspatient。However，asyouremindedmejustnow，Ihavegottogetthethingsready。Tocutitshort，perhapsImightsaythatIdidn’tquiteexpectthetea-partywouldcomeoff。"
　　"Whyshouldn’titcomeoff？"
　　"Well，sir，youmighthavesomeotherengagement。"
　　Wasthisahint？oronlyanexcuse？Ineithercaseitwashightime，ifhestillrefusedtospeakout，thatIshouldsethimtheexample。
　　"Youhavegivenmesomecuriousinformation，"Isaid，"onthesubjectoffightingwiththefists;andyouhavemademeunderstandthedifferencebetween’fairhitting’and’foulhitting’。Areyouhittingfairnow？VerylikelyIammistaken——butyouseemtometobetryingtopreventmyacceptingyourmaster’sinvitation。"
　　Hepulledoffhishatinahurry。
　　"Ibegyourpardon，sir;Iwon’tdetainyouanylonger。Ifyouwillallowme，I’lltakemyleave。"
　　"Don’tgo，Mr。Gloody，withouttellingmewhetherIamrightorwrong。Istherereallysomeobjectiontomycomingtoteatomorrow？"
　　"Quiteamistake，sir，"hesaid，stillinahurry。"I’veledyouwrongwithoutmeaningit——beinganignorantman，andnotknowinghowtoexpressmyself。Don’tthinkmeungrateful，Mr。Roylake！Afteryourkindnesstome，I’dgothroughfireandwaterforyou——Iwould！"
　　Hissunkeneyesmoistened，hisbigvoicefaltered。Ilethimleaveme，inmercytothestrongfeelingwhichIhadinnocentlyroused。ButIshookhandswithhimfirst。Yieldingtooneofmyheadlongimpulses？Yes。Anddoingaveryindiscreetthing？Waitalittle——andweshallsee。
　　CHAPTERXII
　　WARNEDFORTHELASTTIME！
　　Myloyaltytowardstheafflictedman，whosefriendlyadvancesIhadseengoodreasontoreturn，wasinnosenseshaken。Hisundeservedmisfortunes，hismanlyappealtomeatthespring，hishopelessattachmenttothebeautifulgirlwhoseaversiontowardshimIhadunhappilyencouraged，allpleadedwithmeinhisfavour。Ihadacceptedhisinvitation;andIhadnootherengagementtoclaimme：itwouldhavebeenanactofmeannessamountingtoaconfessionoffear，ifIhadsentanexcuse。Still，whileCristel’sentreatiesandCristel’sinfluencehadfailedtoshakeme，Gloody’sstrangelanguageandGloody’sincomprehensibleconducthadtroubledmymind。Ifeltvaguelyuneasy;
　　irritatedbymyowndepressionofspirits。IfIhadbeenaphilosopher，I
　　shouldhaverecognizedthesymptomsofaverycommonattackofaverywidely-spreadmoralmalady。Themeanestofallhumaninfirmitiesisalsothemostuniversal;andthenameofitisSelf-esteem。
　　Itisperhapsonlyrighttoaddthatmypatiencehadbeentriedbytheprogressofdomesticevents，whichaffectedLadyLenaandmyself——viewedasvictims。
　　Calling，withmystepmother，atLordUppercliff’shouselaterintheday，IperceivedthatLadyRachelandMrs。Roylakefound（ormade）anopportunityoftalkingtogetherconfidentiallyinacorner;and，onceortwice，IcaughtthemlookingatLadyLenaandatme。EvenLordUppercliff（perhapsnotyettakenintotheirconfidence）noticedtheproceedingsofthetwoladies，andseemedtobeatalosstounderstandthem。
　　WhenMrs。RoylakeandIweretogetheragain，onourwayhome，IwaspreparedtohearthepraiseofLadyLena，followedbyadelicateexaminationintothestateofmyheart。Neitheroftheseanticipationswasrealized。Oncemore，mycleverstepmotherhadpuzzledme。
　　Mrs。Roylaketalkedasfluentlyasever;exhaustingonecommon-placesubjectafteranother，withouttheslightestallusiontomylord’sdaughter，tomymatrimonialprospects，ortomyvisitsatthemill。Iwassecretlyannoyed，feelingthatmystepmother’ssingularindifferencetodomesticinterestsofparamountimportance，atothertimes，musthavesomeobjectinview，entirelybeyondthereachofmypenetration。IfI
　　haddaredtocommitsuchanactofrudeness，Ishouldhavejumpedoutofthecarriage，andhavetoldMrs。RoylakethatImeanttowalkhome。
　　ThedaywasSunday。Iloiteredaboutthegarden，listeningtothedistantchurch-bellringingfortheafternoonservice。WithoutanycausethatI
　　knewoftoaccountforit，IwassorestlessthatnothingIcoulddoattractedmeorquietedme。
　　Returningtothehouse，Itriedtooccupymyselfwithmycollectionofinsects，sadlyneglectedoflate。Useless！Myownmothsfailedtointerestme。
　　Iwentbacktothegarden。Passingtheopenwindowofoneofthelowerroomswhichlookedoutontheterrace，IsawMrs。Roylakereadingabookinsad-coloredbinding。Shewasyawningoveritfearfully，whenshediscoveredthatIwaslookingather。Equaltoanyemergency，thisremarkablewomaninstantlyhandedtomeasecondandsimilarvolume。"Themostprecioussermons，Gerard，thathavebeenwritteninourtime。"I
　　lookedatthebook;Iopenedthebook;Irecoveredmypresenceofmind，andhandeditback。Ifafemalehumbugwasononesideofthewindow，amalehumbugwasontheother。"Pleasekeepitformetilltheevening，"I
　　said;"Iamgoingforawalk。"
　　WhichwaydidIturnmysteps？
　　Menwillwonderwhatpossessedme——womenwillthinkitaproceedingthatdidmecredit——Itookthefamiliarroadwhichledtothegloomywoodandtheguiltyriver。ThelonginginmetoseeCristelagain，wasmorethanI
　　couldresist。NotbecauseIwasinlovewithher;onlybecauseIhadleftherindistress。
　　Beyondthespring，andwithinashortdistanceoftheriver，Isawaladyadvancingtowardsmeonthepathwhichledfromthemill。
　　Brisk，smiling，trippingalonglikeayounggirl，beholdthemock-republican，knowninourneighborhoodasLadyRachel！Sheheldoutbothhandstome。Butforherpetticoats，IshouldhavethoughtIhadmetwithajollyyoungman。
　　"Ihavebeenwanderinginyourgloriouswood，Mr。Roylake。AnythingtoescapetherespectableclassesonSunday，patronizingpietyonthewaytoafternoonchurch。Imustpositivelymakeasketchofthecottagebythemill——Imean，ofcourse，thepicturesquesideofit。ThatfinegirlofToller’swasstandingatthedoor。Sheisreallyhandsomerthanever。Areyougoingtoseeher，youwickedman？Whichdoyouadmire——thatgypsycomplexion，orLena’slovelyskin？Both，Ihavenodoubt，atyourage。
　　Good-bye。"
　　Whenwehadlefteachother，IthoughtoftheabsentCaptainintheNavywhowasLadyRachel’shusband。Hewasaperfectstranger——butIputmyselfinhisplace，andfeltthatItooshouldhavegonetosea。
　　OldTollerwasaloneinhiskitchen，evidentlyannoyedandangry。
　　"Weareallatsixesandsevens，Mr。Gerard。I’vehadanotherrowwiththatdeaf-devil——mynewnameforhim，andIthinkit’sratherclever。Heswears，sir，thathewon’tgoattheendofhisweek’snotice。Says，ifI
　　thinkI’mlikelytogetridofhimbeforehehasmarriedCristy，I’mmistaken。Threatens，ifanymanattemptstotakeheraway，he’llshoother，andshoottheman，andshoothimself。Aha！oldasIam，ifhebelieveshe’sgoingtohaveitallhisownway，he’smistaken。I’llbeevenwithhim。Youmarkmywords：I’llbeevenwithhim。"
　　ThatoldToller——themostexasperatingofmen，judgedbyaquicktemper——hadirritatedmyfriendintospeakingrashlywasplainenough。
　　Nevertheless，Ifeltsomeanxiety（jealousanxiety，Iamafraid）aboutCristel。Afterlookingroundthekitchenagain，Iaskedwhereshewas。
　　"Sittingforlorninherbedroom，crying，"herfathertoldme。"Iwentoutforawalkbytheriver，andIsatdown，and（beingSunday）Ifellasleep。WhenIwoke，andgothomeagainjustnow，thatwashowIfoundher。Idon’tliketohearmygirlcrying;she’sasgoodasgoldandbetter。No，sir;ourdeaf-devilisnottoblameforthis。HehasgivenCristynoreasontocomplainofhim。Shesayssoherself——andshenevertoldalieyet。"
　　"But，Mr。Toller，"Iobjected，"somethingmusthavehappenedtodistressher。Hasshenottoldyouwhatitis？"
　　"Notshe！Obstinateaboutit。Leavesmetoguess。It’scleartomymind，Mr。Gerard，thatsomebodyhasgotatherinmyabsence，andsaidsomethingtoupsether。Youwillaskmewhothepersonis。Ican’tsayI
　　havefoundthatoutyet。"
　　"Butyoumeantotry？"
　　"Yes;Imeantotry。"
　　Heansweredmewithlittleoftheenergywhichgenerallydistinguishedhim。Perhapshewasfatigued，orperhapshehadsomethingelsetothinkof。Iofferedasuggestion。
　　"Whenweareinwantofhelp，"Isaid，"wesometimesfindit，nearerthanwehadventuredtoexpect——atourowndoors。"
　　Theancientmillerroseatthathintlikeafishatafly。
　　"Gloody！"hecried。
　　"Findhimatonce，Mr。Toller。"
　　Hehobbledtothedoor——andlookedroundatme。"I’vegotburdensonmymind，"heexplained，"orIshouldhavethoughtofittoo。"Havingdonejusticetohisownabilities，hebustledout。Inlessthanaminute，hewasbackagaininastateofbreathlesstriumph。"Gloodyhasseentheperson，"heannounced;"and（whatdoyouthink，sir？）it’sawoman！"
　　IbeckonedtoGloody，waitingmodestlyatthedoor，tocomein，andtellmewhathehaddiscovered。
　　"Isawheroutside，sir——rappingatthedoorhere，withherparasol。"
　　Thatwastheservant’sreport。
　　Herparasol？NotbeingacquaintedwiththedevelopmentofdressamongfemaleservantsinEngland，Iaskedifshewasalady。Thereseemedtobenodoubtofitintheman’smind。Shewasalso，asGloodysupposed，apersonwhomhehadneverseenbefore。
　　"Howisityouarenotsureofthat？"Isaid。
　　"Well，sir，shewaswaitingtobeletin;andIwasbehindher，comingoutofthewood。"
　　"Wholetherin？"
　　"MissCristel。"Hisfacebrightenedwithanexpressionofinterestwhenhementionedthemiller’sdaughter。Hewentonwithhisstorywithoutwantingquestionstohelphim。"MissCristellookedlikeapersonsurprisedatseeingastranger——what_I_shouldcallafreeandeasystranger。Shewalkedin，sir，asiftheplacebelongedtoher。"
　　Iamnotsuspiciousbynature，asIhopeandbelieve。ButIbegantoberemindedofLadyRachelalready。
　　"Didyounoticethelady’sdress？"Iasked。
　　Awomanwhohadseenherwouldhavebeenabletodescribeeverymorselofherdressfromheadtofoot。Themanhadonlyobservedherhat;andallhecouldsaywasthathethoughtit"asmartishone。"
　　"Anyparticularcolor？"Iwenton。
　　"NotthatIknowof。Darkgreen，Ithink。"
　　"Anyornamentinit？"
　　"Yes！Apurplefeather。"
　　ThehatIhadseenontheheadofthathatefulwomanwasnowsufficientlydescribed——foraman。SlyoldToller，leavingGloodyunnoticed，andkeepinghiseyeonme，sawthesignsofconvictioninmyface，andsaidwithhiscustomaryaudacity："Whoisshe？"
　　Ifollowed，atmyhumbledistance，theexampleofSirWalterScott，wheninquisitivepeopleaskedhimifhewastheauthoroftheWaverleyNovels。
　　InplainEnglish，Ideniedallknowledgeofthestrangerwearingthegreenhat。But，IwasnaturallydesirousofdiscoveringnextwhatLadyRachelhadsaid;andIaskedtospeakwithCristel。Herfar-seeingfathermightormightnothaveperceivedachanceoflisteningtoourconversation。Heledmetothedoorofhisdaughter’sroom;andstoodcloseby，whenIknockedsoftly，andbeggedthatshewouldcomeout。
　　Thetoneofthepoorgirl’svoice——answering，"Forgiveme，sir;Ican’tdoit"——convictedtheshe-socialist（asIthought）ofmercilessconductofsomesort。Assumingthisconclusiontobetherightone，Idetermined，thenandthere，thatLadyRachelshouldnotpassthedoorsofTrimleyDeenagain。Ifherbosom-friendresentedthatwiseactofseveritybyleavingthehouse，Ishouldsubmitwithresignation，andshouldrememberthecircumstancewithpleasure。
　　"Iamafraidyouareill，Cristel？"wasallIcouldfindtosay，underthedoubledisadvantageofspeakingthroughadoor，andhavingafatherlisteningatmyside。
　　"Ohno，Mr。Gerard，notill。Alittlelowinmymind，that’sall。Idon’tmeantoberude，sir——praybekindertomethanever！prayletmebe！"
　　IsaidIwouldreturnonthenextday;andlefttheroomwithasoreheart。
　　OldTollerhighlyapprovedofmyconduct。Herubbedhisfleshlesshands，andwhispered："You’llgetitoutofCristyto-morrow，andI’llhelpyou。"
　　IfoundGloodywaitingformeoutsidethecottage。HewasanxiousaboutMissCristel;hisonlyexcuse，hetoldme，beingthefearthatshemightbeill。Havingsethimatease，inthatparticular，Isaid："YouseemtobeinterestedinMissCristel。"
　　Hisanswerraisedhimastephigherinmyestimation。
　　"HowcanIhelpit，sir？"
　　Anoddman，withapersonalappearancethatmightexciteaprejudiceagainsthim，insomeminds。Ifailedtoseeitmyselfinthatlight。Itstruckme，asIwalkedhome，thatCristelmighthavemademanyaworsefriendthantheretiredprize-fighter。
　　AchangeinmymannerwasofcourseremarkedbyMrs。Roylake’sreadyobservation。ItoldherthatIhadbeenannoyed，andofferednootherexplanation。Wonderfultorelate，sheshowednocuriosityandnosurprise。Morewonderfulstill，ateveryfairopportunitythatoffered，shekeptoutofmyway。
　　Mynextday’sengagementbeingforseveno’clockintheevening，IputMrs。Roylake’sself-controltoanewtest。Withprefatoryexcuses，I
　　informedherthatIshouldnotbeabletodineathomeasusual。
　　Impossibleasitwasthatshecouldhavebeenpreparedtohearthis，herpresenceofmindwasequaltotheoccasion。Ileftthehouse，followedbymystepmother’sbestwishesforapleasantevening。
　　HopingtospeakwithCristelalone，Ihadarrangedtoreachthecottagebeforeseveno’clock。
　　Ontheriver-marginofthewood，Iwasconfrontedbyawildgleamofbeautyinthefamiliarview，forwhichpreviousexperiencehadnotpreparedme。AmIwronginbelievingthatallscenery，nomatterhowmagnificentorhowhomelyitmaybe，derivesasplendornotitsownfromfavouringconditionsoflightandshade？Ourgloomytreesandourrepellentriverpresentedanaspectsuperblytransfigured，undertheshadowsofthetoweringclouds，thefantasticwreathsofthemist，andtheluridreddeningofthesunasitstoopedtoitssetting。Lovelyinterfusionsofsoberedcolorrested，faded，returnedagain，ontheupperleavesofthefoliageastheylightlymoved。Themist，rollingcapriciouslyoverthewaters，revealedthegrandlydeliberatecourseoftheflowingcurrent，whileitdimmedtheturbidearthyyellowthatdiscoloredanddegradedthestreamunderthefullglareofday。Whilemyeyesfollowedthesuccessivetransformationsoftheview，asthehouradvanced，tenderandsolemninfluencesbreathedtheirbalmovermymind。
　　Days，happydaysthatwerepast，revived。Again，Iwalkedhandinhandwithmymother，amongthescenesthatwereroundme，andlearntfromhertobegratefulforthebeautyoftheearth，withaheartthatfeltit。Weweretracingourwayalongourfavoritewoodlandpath;andwefoundacompanionoftenderyears，hidingfromus。Sheshowedherself;blushing，hesitating，offeringanosegayofwildflowers。Mymotherwhisperedtome——Ithankedthelittlemill-girl，andgaveherakiss。DidIfeelthechild’sbreath，inmyday-dream，stillflutteringonmycheek？WasI
　　consciousofhertouch？Istarted，trembled，returnedreluctantlytomypresentself。Avisiblehandtouchedmyarm。AsIturnedsuddenly，alivingbreathplayedonmyface。Thechildhadfadedintoavanishingshade：theperfectedwomanwhohadgrownfromherhadstolenonmeunawares，andwasaskingmetopardonher。"Mr。Gerard，youwerelostinyourthoughts;Ispoke，andyouneverheardme。"
　　Ilookedatherinsilence。
　　WasthisthedearCristelsowellknowntome？Orwasitamockeryofherthathadtakenherplace？
　　"IhopeIhavenotoffendedyou？"shesaid。
　　"Youhavesurprisedme，"Ianswered。"Somethingmusthavehappened，sinceIsawyoulast。Whatisit？"
　　"Nothing。"
　　Iadvancedastep，anddrewherclosertome。Adarkflushdiscoloredherface。Anoverpoweringbrilliancyflashedfromhereyes;therewasanhystericaldefianceinhermanner。"Areyouexcited？areyouangry？areyoutryingtostartlemebyactingapart？"Iurgedthosequestionsonher，oneafteranother;andIwasloudlyandconfidentlyanswered。
　　"IdaresayIamexcited，Mr。Gerard，bythehonorthathasbeendoneme。
　　Youaregoingtokeepyourengagement，ofcourse？Well，yourfriend，yourfavoritefriend，hasinvitedmetomeetyou。No！that’snotquitetrue。I
　　invitedmyself——thedeafgentlemansubmitted。"
　　"Whydidyouinviteyourself？"
　　"Becauseatea-partyisnotcompletewithoutawoman。"
　　Hermannerwasasstrangelyalteredasherlooks。Thatshewasbesideherselfforthemoment，Iclearlysaw。Thatshehadansweredmeunreservedly，itwasimpossibletobelieve。Ibegantofeelangry，whenI
　　oughttohavemadeallowancesforher。
　　"IsthisLadyRachel’sdoing？"Isaid。
　　"WhatdoyouknowofLadyRachel，sir？"
　　"Iknowthatshehasvisitedyou，andspokentoyou。"
　　"Doyouknowwhatshehassaid？"
　　"Icanguess。"
　　"Mr。Gerard，don’tabusethatgoodandkindlady。Shedeservesyourgratitudeaswellasmine。"
　　Hermannerhadbecomequieter;herfacewasmorecomposed;herexpressionalmostrecovereditsnaturalcharmwhileshespokeofLadyRachel。Iwasstupefied。
　　"Try，sir，toforgetitandforgiveit，"sheresumedgently，"ifIhavemisbehavedmyself。Idon’trightlyknowwhatIamsayingordoing。"
　　Ipointedtothenewsideofthecottage，behindus。
　　"Isthecausethere？"Iasked。
　　"No！noindeed！Ihavenotseenhim;Ihavenotheardfromhim。Hisservantoftenbringsmemessages。Notonemessageto-day。"
　　"HaveyouseenGloodyto-day？"
　　"Oh，yes！There’sonething，ifImaymakesobold，Ishouldliketoknow。Mr。Gloodyisasgoodtomeasgoodcanbe;weseeeachothercontinually，livinginthesameplace。Butyouaredifferent;andhetellsmehimselfhehasonlyseenyoutwice。Whathaveyoudone，Mr。
　　Gerard，tomakehimlikeyousowell，inthatshorttime？"
　　Itoldherthathehadbeenfoundinmygarden，lookingattheflowers。
　　"Ashehaddonenoharm，"Isaid，"Iwouldn’tallowtheservanttoturnhimout;andIwalkedroundtheflower-bedswithhim。Littleenoughtodeservesuchgratitudeasthepoorfellowexpressed——andfelt，Idon’tdoubtit。"
　　Ihadintendedtosaynomorethanthis。ButtheremembranceofGloody’smysteriousprevarication，andoftheuneasinesswhichIhadundoubtedlyfeltwhenIthoughtofitafterwards，ledme（Icannotpretendtosayhow）intoassociatingCristel’sagitationwithsomethingwhichthismanmighthavesaidtoher。Iwasonthepointofputtingthequestion，whensheheldupherhand，andsaid，"Hush！"
　　Thewindwasblowingtowardsusfromtheriver-sidevillage，towhichI
　　havealreadyalluded。IamnotsurewhetherIhavementionedthatthenameoftheplacewasKylam。Itwassituatedbehindapromontoryoftheriver-bank，clothedthicklywithtrees，andwasnotvisiblefromthemill。Inthepresentdirectionofthewind，wecouldhearthestrikingofthechurchclock。Cristelcountedthestrokes。
　　"Seven，"shesaid。"Areyoudeterminedtokeepyourengagement？"
　　Shehadrepeated——inanunsteadyvoice，andwithasuddenchangeinhercolortopaleness——thestrangequestionputtomebyGloody。InhiscaseIhadfailedtotracethemotive。Itriedtodiscoveritnow。
　　"TellmewhyIoughttobreakmyengagement，"Isaid。
　　"RememberwhatItoldyouatthespring，"sheanswered。"Youaredeceivedbyafalsefriendwholiestoyouandhatesyou。"
　　Themanshewasspeakingofturnedthecornerofthenewcottage。Hewavedhishandgaily，andapproachedusalongtheroad。
　　"Go！"shesaid。"Yourguardianangelhasforgottenyou。It’stoolatenow。"
　　Insteadoflettingmeprecedeher，asIhadanticipated，sheranonbeforeme——madeasigntothedeafman，asshepassedhim，nottostopher——anddisappearedthroughtheopendoorofherfather’ssideofthecottage。
　　Iwaslefttodecideformyself。WhatshouldIhavedone，ifIhadbeentwentyyearsolder？
　　Saythatmymoralcouragewouldhaverisensuperiortothepoorestofallfears，thefearofappearingtobeafraid，andthatIshouldhavemademyexcusestomyhostoftheevening——howwouldmymoralcouragehaveansweredhim，ifhehadaskedforanexplanation？Uselesstospeculateonit！HadIpossessedthewisdomofmiddlelife，hisbookofleaveswouldnothavetoldhim，inmyownhandwriting，thatIbelievedinhisbetternature，andacceptedhisfriendlyletterinthespiritinwhichhehadwrittenExplainitwhocan——IknewthatIwasgoingtodrinkteawithhim，andyetIwasunwillingtoadvanceafewsteps，andmeethimontheroad！
　　"Ifindanewbondofunionbetweenus，"hesaid，ashejoinedme。"Webothfeel_that。_"Hepointedtothegrandlydarkeningview。"Thetwomenwhocouldhavepaintedthemysteryofthosegrowingshadowsandfadinglights，lieinthegravesofRembrandtandTurner。Shallwegototea？"
　　Onourwaytohisroomwestoppedatthemiller’sdoor。
　　"Will_you_inquire，"hesaid，"ifMissCristelisready？"
　　Iwentin。OldTollerwasinthekitchen，smokinghispipewithoutappearingtoenjoyit。
　　"What’scometomygirl？"heasked，themomenthesawme。"Yesterdayshewasinherroom，crying。To-dayshe’sinherroom，praying。"
　　ThewarningswhichIhadneglectedroseinjudgmentagainstme。Iwassilent;Iwasawed。BeforeIrecoveredmyself，Cristelenteredthekitchen。Herfatherwhispered，"Lookather！"
　　Oftheexcitementwhichhaddisturbed——Ihadalmostsaid，profaned——herbeautifulface，notavestigeremained。Pale，composed，resolute，shesaid，"Iamready，"andledthewayout。
　　Themanwhomshehatedofferedhisarm。Shetookit！
　　CHAPTERXIII
　　THECLARETJUG
　　IperceivedbutonechangeintheLodger’smiserableroom，sinceIhadseenitlast。
　　Asecondtablewassetagainstoneofthewalls。Ourboilingwaterfortheteawaskeptthere，inasilverkettleheatedbyaspirit-lamp。I
　　nextobservedadelicatelittlechinavasewhichheldthetea，andafinely-designedglassclaretjug，withasilvercover。Othermen，possessingthatbeautifulobject，wouldhavethoughtitworthyofthepurestBordeauxwinewhichtheartsofmodernadulterationpermitustodrink。Thismanhadfilledtheclaretjugwithwater。
　　"Allmyvaluableproperty，ostentatiouslyexposedtoview，"hesaid，inhisbitterlyfacetiousmanner。"Mylandlord’spropertymatchesitonthebigtable。"
　　Thebigtablepresentedacoarseearthenwareteapot;cupsandsaucerswithpieceschippedoutofthem;acrackedmilkjug;atumblerwhichservedasasugarbasin;andanoldvegetabledish，honoredbyholdingdelicateFrenchsweet-meatsforthefirsttimesinceithadlefttheshop。
　　Mydeaffriend，inboisterouslygoodspirits，pointedbackwardsandforwardsbetweenthepreciousandtheworthlessobjectsonthetwotables，asifhesawaprospectthatdelightedhim。
　　"Idon’tbelievethemanlives，"hesaid，"whoenjoysContrastasI
　　do。——Whatdoyouwantnow？"
　　ThisquestionwasaddressedtoGloody，whohadjustenteredtheroom。Hetouchedtheearthenwareteapot。Hismasteranswered："Letitalone。"
　　"Imaketheteaatothertimes，"themanpersisted，lookingatme。
　　"Whatdoeshesay？Writeitdownforme，Mr。Roylake。Ibegyouwillwriteitdown。"
　　Therewasangerinhiseyesashemadethatrequest。Itookhisbook，andwrotethewords——harmlesswords，surely？Hereadthem，andturnedsavagelytohisunfortunateservant。
　　"Inthedayswhenyouwerearuffianintheprize-ring，didtheothermen’sfistsbeatallthebrainsoutofyourhead？DoyouthinkyoucanmaketeathatisfitforMr。Roylaketodrink？"
　　Hepointedtoanopendoor，communicatingwithanotherbedroom。Gloody’seyesrestedsteadilyonCristel：shefailedtonoticehim，beingoccupiedatthemomentinreplacingthepinofabroochwhichhadslippedoutofherdress。Themanwithdrewintothesecondbedroom，andsoftlyclosedthedoor。
　　Ourhostrecoveredhisgoodhumor。Hetookawoodenstool，andseatedhimselfbyCristel。
　　"Borrowedfurniture，"hesaid，"aswellasborrowedtea-things。WhatadebtofobligationIowetoyourexcellentfather。Howquietyouare，deargirl。Doyouregrethavingfollowedtheimpulsewhichmadeyoukindlyoffertodrinkteawithus？"Hesuddenlyturnedtome。"Anotherproof，Mr。Roylake，ofthesisterlyinterestthatshefeelsinyou;shecan’thearofyourcomingtomyroom，withoutwantingtobewithyou。Ah，youpossessthemysteriousattractionswhichfascinatethesex。Oneofthesedays，_some_womanwillloveyouasnevermanwaslovedyet。"HeaddressedhimselfagaintoCristel。"Stilloutofspirits？Idaresayyouaretiredofwaitingforyourtea。No？Youhavehadteaalready？It’sGloody’sfault;heoughttohavetoldmethatseveno’clockwastoolateforyou。Thepoordevildeservedthatyoushouldtakenonoticeofhimwhenhelookedatyoujustnow。Areyouoneofthefewwomenwhodislikeanuglyman？Womeningeneral，Icantellyou，preferuglymen。A
　　handsomemanmatchesthemontheirownground，andtheydon’tlikethat。
　　’Wearesofondofouruglyhusbands;theysetusofftosuchadvantage。’
　　Oh，Idon’treportwhattheysay;Ispeakthelanguageinwhichtheythink。——Mr。Roylake，doesitstrikeyouthattheCurisasadcynic？
　　By-the-by，doyoucallme’theCur’（asIsuggested）whenyouspeakofmetootherpeople——toMissCristel，forinstance？Mycharmingyoungfriends，youbothlookshocked;youbothshakeyourheads。PerhapsIaminoneofmytoleranthumorsto-day;IseenothingdisgracefulinbeingaCur。Heisadogwhorepresentsdifferentbreeds。Verywell，theEnglishareapeoplewhorepresentdifferentbreeds：Saxons，Normans，Danes。Theconsequence，inonecase，isagreatnation。Theconsequence，intheothercase，isthecleverestmemberofthewholedogfamily——asyoumayfindoutforyourselfifyouwillonlyteachhim。Ha——howIamrunningon。Mygueststrytoslipinawordortwo，andcan’tfindtheiropportunity。Enjoyment，MissCristel。Excitement，Mr。Roylake。Formorethanayearpast，Ihavenotluxuriatedinthepleasuresofsociety。I
　　feelthesocialglow;Ilovethehumanfamily;Inever，never，neverwassuchagoodmanasIamnow。Letvileslangexpressmyemotions：isn’titjolly？"
　　CristelandIstoppedhim，atthesamemoment。Weinstinctivelyliftedourhandstoourears。
　　Inhisdeliriumofhighspirits，hehadburstthroughtheinvariablemonotonyofhisarticulation。Withouttheslightestgradationofsound，hisvoicebrokesuddenlyintoascreech，prolongedinitsowndiscorduntilitbecameperfectlyunendurabletohear。Theeffectthathehadproduceduponuswasnotlostonhim。Hisheadsankonhisbreast;horridshudderingsshookhimwithoutmercy;hesaidtohimselfnottous：
　　"IhadforgottenIwasdeaf。"
　　Therewasawholeworldofmiseryinthosesimplewords。Cristelkeptherplace，unmoved。Irose，andputmyhandkindlyonhisshoulder。ItwasthebestwayIcoulddeviseofassuringhimofmysympathy。
　　Helookedupatme，insilence。
　　Hisbookofleaveswasonthetable;hedidoncemore，whathehadalreadydoneatthespring。Insteadofusingthebookasusual，hewroteinithimself，andthenhandedittome。
　　"Letmespareyournervesarepetitionofmydeafdiscord。Sight，smell，touch，taste——Iwouldgivethemalltobeabletohear。Inremindingmeofthatvainaspiration，myinfirmityrevengesitself：mydeafnessisnotaccustomedtobeforgotten。Well！Icanbesilentlyuseful;Icanmakethetea。"
　　Herose，and，takingtheteapotwithhim，wenttothetablethathadbeenplacedagainstthewall。Inthatposition，hisbackwasturnedtowardsus。
　　Atthesametime，Ifelthisbookgentlytakenoutofmyhand。Cristelhadbeenreading，whileIread，overmyshoulder。Shewroteonthenextblankleaf："ShallImakethetea？"
　　"Now，"shesaidtome，"noticewhathappens。"
　　Followinghim，shetouchedhisarm，andpresentedherrequest。Heshookhisheadintokenofrefusal。Shecamebacktoherplacebyme。
　　"Youexpectedthat？"Isaid。
　　"Yes。"
　　"Whydidyouaskmetonoticehisrefusal？"
　　"BecauseImaywanttoremindyouthathewouldn’tletmemakethetea。"
　　"Mysteries，mydear？"
　　"Yes：mysteries。"
　　"Nottobementionedmoreparticularly？"
　　"Iwillmentiononeofthemmoreparticularly。Aftertheteahasbeenmade，youmaypossiblyfeelmetouchyourkneeunderthetable。"
　　Iwasfoolenoughtosmileatthis，andwiseenoughafterwardstoseeinherfacethatIhadmadeamistake。
　　"Whatisyourtouchintendedtomean？"Iasked。
　　"Itmeans，’Wait，’shesaid。"
　　Mysenseofhumorwas，bythistime，completelyheldincheck。Thatsomesurprisewasinstoreforme，andthatCristelwasresolvednottotakemeintoherconfidence，wereconclusionsatwhichInaturallyarrived。I
　　felt，andsurelynotwithoutgoodcause，alittleannoyed。TheLodgercamebacktouswiththeteamade。Asheputtheteapotonthetable，heapologizedtoCristel。
　　"Don’tthinkmerude，inrefusingyourkindoffer。IfthereisonethingIknowIcandobetterthananybodyelse，thatthingismakingtea。Doyoutakesugarandmilk，Mr。Roylake？"
　　Imadetheaffirmativesign。Hepouredoutthetea。Whenhehadfilledtwocups，thesupplywasexhausted。CristelandInoticedthis。Hesawit，andatoncegratifiedourcuriosity。
　　"Itisarule，"hesaid，"withmastersintheartofmakingtea，thatoneinfusionoughtnevertobeusedtwice。Ifwewantanymore，wewillmakemore;andifyoufeelinclinedtojoinus，MissCristel，wewillfillthethirdcup。"
　　Whatwasthereinthis（Iwondered）tomakeherturnpale？Andwhy，afterwhathehadjustsaid，didIseehereyeswillinglyrestonhim，forthefirsttimeinmyexperience？Entirelyatalosstounderstandher，I
　　resignedlystirredmytea。Onthepointoftastingitnext，feltherhandonmyknee，underthetable。
　　BewilderedasIwas，Iobeyedmyinstructions，andwentonstirringmytea。Ourhostsmiled。
　　"Yoursugartakesalongtimetomelt，"hesaid——anddrankhistea。Asheemptiedthecup，thetouchwastakenoffme。Ifollowedhisexample。
　　Inspiteofhisboasting，theteawastheworstIevertasted。Ishouldhavethrownitoutofthewindow，iftheyhadofferedussuchnastystuffatTrimleyDeen。WhenIsetdownmycup，heaskedfacetiouslyifIwishedhimtobrewanymore。Mynegativeanswerwasamasterpieceofstrongexpression，inthelanguageofsigns。
　　InsteadofsendingforGloodytoclearthetable，hemovedawaytheobjectsnearhim，soastoleaveanemptyspaceathisdisposal。
　　"Ioughtperhapstohavehesitated，beforeIaskedyoutospendtheeveningwithme，"hesaid，speakingwithagentlenessandamiabilityofmanner，stronglyincontrastwithhisbehavioruptothistime。"Itismymisfortune，asyoubothwellknow，tobeacheckonconversation。Idaresayyouhaveaskedyourselves：Howishegoingtoamuseus，aftertea？Ifyouwillallowme，Iproposetoamuseyoubyexhibitingthedexterityofmyfingersandthumbs。BeforeIwasdeaf，Ishouldhavepreferredthepianoforthispurpose。Asitis，aninferioraccomplishmentmustservemyturn。"
　　Heopenedacupboardinthewall，closebythesecondtable，andreturnedwithapackofcards。
　　Cristelimitatedtheactionofdealingcardsforagame。"No，"hesaid，"thatisnottheamusementwhichIhaveinview。Allowmetopresentmyselfinanewcharacter。IamnolongertheLodger，andnolongertheCur。Mynewnameismorehonorablestill——IamtheConjurer。"
　　Heshuffledthepackbypouringitbackwardsandforwardsfromonehandtotheother，inacascadeofcards。Thewonderfuleasewithwhichhediditpreparedmeforsomethingworthseeing。Cristel’sadmirationofhisdexterityexpresseditselfbyaprolongedclappingofhands，andastrangeuneasylaugh。Ashisexcitementsubsided，heragitationbrokeout。Isawtheflushagainonherface，andthefierybrightnessinhereyes。Once，whenhisattentionwasengaged，shestolealookatthedoorbywhichGloodyhadlefttheroom。Didthisindicateanotherofthemysterieswhich，byherownconfession，shehadinpreparationforme？Mylateexperiencehadnotinclinedmefavorablytowardsmysteries。I
　　devotedmywholeattentiontotheConjurer。
　　WhetherhechosetheeasiestexamplesofskillinsleightofhandismorethanIknow。IcanonlysaythatIneverwasmorecompletelymystifiedbyanyprofessoroflegerdemainonthepublicplatform。Aftertheperformanceofeachtrick，heaskedleaveto"timehimselfbylookingathiswatch;beinganxioustodiscoverifhehadlosthiscustomaryquicknessofexecutionthroughrecentneglectofthenecessarypractice。
　　OfCristel’sconduct，whilehewasamusingus，IcanonlysaythatitjustifiedMrs。Roylake’sspitefuldescriptionofherasaboldgirl。Themorecleverlythetrickswereperformed，themoretheyseemedtoannoyandprovokeher。
　　"Ihatebeingpuzzled！"shesaid，addressingherselfofcoursetome。
　　"Yes，yes;hisfingersarequickerthanmyeyes——Ihaveheardthatexplanationbefore。Whenhehasdoneoneofhistricks，Iwanttoknowhowhedoesit。Conjurersarepeoplewhoaskriddles，and，whenonecan’tguessthem，refusetosaywhattheansweris。It’sasbadascallingmeafool，tosupposethatIlikebeingdeceived。Ah，"shecried，withashockinginsolenceoflookandmanner，"ifourfriendcouldonlyhearwhatIamsaying！"
　　Hehadpausedwhileshewasspeaking，observingherattentively。"Yourfacedoesn’tencourageme，"hesaid，withapatienceandcourtesyofmannerwhichitwasimpossiblenottoadmire。"Iamcominggraduallytomygreatesttriumph;andIthinkIcansurpriseandpleaseyou。"
　　Hetimedhislasttrick，andreturnedtothetableplacedagainstthewall。
　　"Excusemeforamoment，"heresumed;"Iamsufferingasusual，afterdrinkingtea。Isodelightinitthatthetemptationto-nightwasmorethanIcouldresist。Teadisagreeswithmyweakstomach。Italwaysproducesthirst。"
　　"Whatnonsensehetalks！"Cristelexclaimed。"Allmerefancy！Heremindsmeoftheoldsongcalled’TheNervousMan。’Doyouknowit，Mr。
　　Roylake？"
　　Inspiteofmyeffortstopreventher，sheburstoutwiththefirstverseofastupidcomicsong。Sparedbyhisdeafnessfromthisinflictionofvulgarity，ourhostfilledatumblerfromthewaterintheclaretjug，anddrankit。
　　Ashesetthetumblerdown，wewerestartledbyanaccidentinthenextroom。Thefloorwassuddenlyshakenbythesoundofaheavyfall。Thefallwasfollowedbyagroanwhichinstantlybroughtmetomyfeet。
　　Althoughhisinfirmitymadehimunconsciousofthegroan，myfriendfeltthevibrationofthefloor，andsawmestartupfrommychair。HelookedevenmorealarmedthanIwas，judgingbytheghastlychangethatIsawinhiscolor;andhereachedthedoorofthesecondroomassoonasIdid。
　　ItisneedlesstosaythatIallowedhimtoenterfirst。
　　Onthepointoffollowinghim，Ifeltmyselfroughlypulledback。WhenI
　　turnedround，andsawCristel，Ididreallyandtrulybelievethatshewasmad。Thefuriousimpatienceinhereyes，thefrenziedstrengthofhergrasponmyarm，wouldhaveledmostothermentoformthesameconclusion。
　　"Come！"shecried。"No！notaword。Thereisn’tamomenttolose。"Shedraggedmeacrosstheroomtothetableonwhichtheclaretjugstood。
　　Shefilledthetumblerfromit，as_he_hadfilledthetumbler。Thematerialofwhichthejughadbeenmadewassosolid（crystal，notglassasIhadsupposed）thatthefillingofthetwotumblersemptiedit。
　　Cristelheldthewaterouttome，gaspingforbreath，tremblingasifshesawsomefrightfulreptilebeforeherinsteadofmyself。
　　"Drinkit，"shesaid，"ifyouvalueyourlife！"
　　Ishouldofcoursehavefounditperfectlyeasytoobeyher，strangeasherlanguagewas，ifIhadbeeninfullpossessionofmyself。Betweendistressandalarm，mymind（Isuppose）hadlostitsbalance。Withorwithoutacause，Ihesitated。
　　Shecrossedtheroom，andthrewopenthewindowwhichlookedoutontheriver。
　　"Youshan’tdiealone，"shesaid。"Ifyoudon’tdrinkit，I’llthrowmyselfout！"
　　Idrankfromthetumblertothelastdrop。
　　Itwasnotwater。
　　IthadatastewhichIcancomparetonodrink，andtonomedicine，knowntome。Ithoughtoftheotherstrangetastepeculiartothetea。Atlast，thetremendoustruthforceditselfonmymind。Themaninwhommyboyishgenerosityhadsofaithfullybelievedhadattemptedmylife。
　　Cristeltookthetumblerfromme。Mypoorangelclaspedherfreearmroundmyneck，andpressedherlips，inanecstasyofjoy，onmycheek。
　　Thenextinstant，sheseizedtheclaretjug，anddasheditintopiecesonthefloor。"Getthejugfromhiswashhand-stand，"shesaid。WhenIgaveittoher，shepouredsomeofthewateruponthebrokenfragmentsofcrystalscatteredonthefloor。Ihadputthejugbackinitsplace，andwasreturningtoCristel，whenthepoisonershowedhimself，enteringfromtheservant’sroom。
　　"Don’tbealarmed，"hesaid。"Gloody’snameoughttobeGlutton。Anattackofgiddiness，thoroughlywelldeserved。Ihaverelievedhim。Youremember，Mr。Roylake，thatIwasonceasurgeon——"
　　Thebrokenclaretjugcaughthiseye。
　　Wehaveallreadofmenwhowerepetrifiedbyterror。Ofthefewpersonswhohavereallywitnessedthatspectacle，Iamone。Theutterstillnessofhimwasreallyterribletosee。Cristelwroteinhisbookanexcuse，nodoubtpreparedbeforehand："Thatfallinthenextroomfrightenedme，andIfeltfaint。Iwenttogetsomewaterfromthejugyoudrankoutof，anditslippedfrommyhand。"
　　Sheplacedthosewordsunderhiseyes——shemightjustaswellhaveshownthemtothedog。Adeadman，erectonhisfeet——sohelookedtooureyes。
　　Sohestilllooked，whenItookCristel’sarm，andledheroutofthatdreadfulpresence。
　　"Takemeintotheair！"shewhispered。
　　Aburstoftearsrelievedher，aftertheunutterablesuspensethatshehadsobravelyendured。Whenshewasinsomedegreecomposedagain，wewalkedgentlyupanddownforaminuteortwointhecoolnightair。
　　"Don’tspeaktome，"shesaid，aswestoppedbeforeherfather’sdoor。"I
　　amnotfitforityet;Iknowwhatyoufeel。"Ipressedhertomyheart，andlettheembracespeakforme。Sheyieldedtoit，faintlysighing。
　　"To-morrow？"Iwhispered。Shebentherhead，andleftme。
　　Walkinghomethroughthewood，Ibecameaware，littlebylittle，thatmythoughtswerenotunderthecustomarycontrol。Overandoveragain，I
　　triedtoreviewtheeventsofthatterribleevening，andfailed。
　　Fragmentsofothermemoriespresentedthemselves——andthendesertedme。
　　Nonsense，absolutenonsense，founditswayintomymindnext，androseinidioticwordstomylips。Igrewtoolazyeventotalktomyself。I
　　strayedfromthepath。Themossyearthbegantoriseandsinkundermyfeet，likethewatersinaground-swellatsea。Istoodstill，inastateofidiot-wonder。Thegroundsuddenlyroserightuptomyface。Iremembernomore。
　　Myfirstconsciousexerciseofmysenses，whenIrevived，cametomebywayofmyears。Leadenweightsseemedtoclosemyeyes，tofettermymovements，tosilencemytongue，toparalyzemytouch。ButIheardawailingvoice，speakingclosetome，soclosethatitmighthavebeenmyownvoice：Idistinguishedthewords;Iknewthetones。
　　"Oh，mymaster，mylord，whoamIthatIshouldlive——andyoudie！andyoudie！"
　　Wasitherwarmyoungbreaththatquickenedmewithitsvigorouslife？I
　　onlyknowthattherevivalofmysenseoftouchdidcertainlyspringfromthecontactofherlips，pressedtomineintherecklessabandonmentofgriefwithouthope。Hercryofjoy，whenmyfirstsightoldherthatI
　　wasstillalivingcreature，ranthroughmelikeanelectricshock。I
　　openedmyeyes;Iheldoutmyhand;Itriedtohelpherwhensheraisedmyhead，andsetmeagainstthetreeunderwhichIhadbeenstretchedhelpless。WithaneffortIcouldcallherbyhername。Eventhatexhaustedme。MymindwassoweakthatIshouldhavebelievedher，ifshehaddeclaredherselftobeaspiritseeninadream，keepingwatchovermeinthewood。
　　WiserthanIwas，shesnatchedupmyhat，ranonbeforeme，andwaslostinthedarkness。
　　Aninterval，anunendurableinterval，passed。Shereturned，havingfilledmyhatfromthespring。Butfortheexquisitecoolnessofthewaterfallingonmyface，tricklingdownmythroat，Ishouldhavelostmysensesagain。Inafewminutesmore，Icouldtakethatdearhand，andholdittomeasifIwasholdingtomylife。Wecouldonlyseeeachotherobscurely，andinthatverycircumstance（asweconfessedtoeachotherafterwards）wefoundtheneedfulcomposurebeforewecouldspeak。