June19th——Theeventsofyesterdaywarnedmetobeready，soonerorlater，tomeettheworst。Todayisnotyetatanend，andtheworsthascome。
JudgingbytheclosestcalculationoftimethatLauraandIcouldmake，wearrivedattheconclusionthatAnneCatherickmusthaveappearedattheboat-houseathalf-pasttwoo’clockontheafternoonofyesterday。IaccordinglyarrangedthatLaurashouldjustshowherselfattheluncheon-cabletoday，andshouldthenslipoutatthefirstopportunity，leavingmebehindtopreserveappearances，andtofollowherassoonasIcouldsafelydoso。Thismodeofproceeding，ifnoobstaclesoccurredtothwartus，wouldenablehertobeattheboat-housebeforehalf-pasttwo，and(whenIleftthetable，inmyturn)wouldtakemetoasafepositionintheplantationbeforethree。
Thechangeintheweather，whichlastnight’swindwarnedustoexpect，camewiththemorning。ItwasrainingheavilywhenIgotup，anditcontinuedtorainuntiltwelveo’clock——whenthecloudsdispersed，theblueskyappeared，andthesunshoneagainwiththebrightpromiseofafineafternoon。
MyanxietytoknowhowSirPercivalandtheCountwouldoccupytheearlypartofthedaywasbynomeanssetatrest，sofarasSirPercivalwasconcerned，byhisleavingusimmediatelyafterbreakfast，andgoingoutbyhimself，inspiteoftherain。Heneithertolduswherehewasgoingnorwhenwemightexpecthimback。Wesawhimpassthebreakfast-roomwindowhastily，withhishighbootsandhiswaterproofcoaton——andthatwasall。
TheCountpassedthemorningquietlyindoors，somepartofitinthelibrary，somepartinthedrawing-room，playingoddsandendsofmusiconthepiano，andhummingtohimself。Judgingbyappearances，thesentimentalsideofhischaracterwaspersistentlyinclinedtobetrayitselfstill。Hewassilentandsensitive，andreadytosighandlanguishponderously(asonlyfatmenFansighandlanguish)onthesmallestprovocation。
Luncheon-timecameandSirPercivaldidnotreturn。TheCounttookhisfriend’splaceatthetable，plaintivelydevouredthegreaterpartofafruittart，submergedunderawholejugfulofcream，andexplainedthefullmeritoftheachievementtousassoonashehaddone。`Atasteforsweets，’hesaidinhissoftesttonesandhistenderestmanner，`istheinnocenttasteofwomenandchildren。Ilovetoshareitwiththem——itisanotherbond，dearladies，betweenyouandme。’
Lauraleftthetableintenminutes’time。Iwassorelytemptedtoaccompanyher。Butifwehadbothgoneouttogetherwemusthaveexcitedsuspicion，andworsestill，ifweallowedAnneCathericktoseeLaura，accompaniedbyasecondpersonwhowasastrangertoher，weshouldinallprobabilityforfeitherconfidencefromthatmoment，nevertoregainitagain。
Iwaited，therefore，aspatientlyasIcould，untiltheservantcameintoclearthetable。WhenIquittedtheroom，therewerenosigns，inthehouseoroutofit，ofSirPercival’sreturn。IlefttheCountwithapieceofsugarbetweenhislips，andtheviciouscockatooscramblinguphiswaistcoattogetatit，whileMadameFosco，sittingoppositetoherhusband，watchedtheproceedingsofhisbirdandhimselfasattentivelyasifshehadneverseenanythingofthesortbeforeinherlife。OnmywaytotheplantationIkeptcarefullybeyondtherangeofviewfromtheluncheon-roomwindow。Nobodysawmeandnobodyfollowedme。Itwasthenaquartertothreeo’clockbymywatch。
OnceamongthetreesIwalkedrapidly，untilIhadadvancedmorethanhalf-waythroughtheplantation。AtthatpointIslackenedmypaceandproceededcautiously，butIsawnoone，andheardnovoices。BylittleandlittleIcamewithinviewofthebackoftheboat-house——stoppedandlistened——thenwenton，tillIwasclosebehindit，andmusthaveheardanypersonswhoweretalkinginside。Stillthesilencewasunbroken——stillfarandnearnosignofalivingcreatureappearedanywhere。
Afterskirtingroundbythebackofthebuilding，firstononesideandthenontheother，andmakingnodiscoveries，Iventuredinfrontofit，andfairlylookedin。Theplacewasempty。
Icalled，`Laura！’——atfirstsoftly，thenlouderandlouder。Nooneansweredandnooneappeared。ForallthatIcouldseeandhear，theonlyhumancreatureintheneighbourhoodofthelakeandtheplantationwasmyself。
Myheartbegantobeatviolently，butIkeptmyresolution，andsearched，firsttheboat-houseandthenthegroundinfrontofit，foranysignswhichmightshowmewhetherLaurahadreallyreachedtheplaceornot。Nomarkofherpresenceappearedinsidethebuilding，butIfoundtracesofheroutsideit，infootstepsonthesand。
Idetectedthefootstepsoftwopersons——largefootstepslikeaman’s，andsmallfootsteps，which，byputtingmyownfeetintothemandtestingtheirsizeinthatmanner，IfeltcertainwereLaura’s。Thegroundwasconfusedlymarkedinthiswayjustbeforetheboat-house。Closeagainstonesideofit，undershelteroftheprojectingroof，Idiscoveredalittleholeinthesand——aholeartificiallymade，beyondadoubt。Ijustnoticedit，andthenturnedawayimmediatelytotracethefootstepsasfarasIcould，andtofollowthedirectioninwhichtheymightleadme。
Theyledme，startingfromtheleft-handsideoftheboat-house，alongtheedgeofthetrees，adistance，Ishouldthink，ofbetweentwoandthreehundredyards，andthenthesandygroundshowednofurthertraceofthem。FeelingthatthepersonswhosecourseIwastrackingmustnecessarilyhaveenteredthePlantationatthispoint，Ienteredittoo。AtfirstIcouldfindnopath，butIdiscoveredoneafterwards，justfaintlytracedamongthetrees，andfollowedit。Ittookme，forsomedistance，inthedirectionofthevillage，untilIstoppedatapointwhereanotherfoot-trackcrossedit。Thebramblesgrewthicklyoneithersideofthissecondpath。Istoodlookingdownit，uncertainwhichwaytotakenext，andwhileIlookedIsawononethornybranchsomefragmentsoffringefromawoman’sshawl。AcloserexaminationofthefringesatisfiedmethatithadbeentornfromashawlofLaura’s，andIinstantlyfollowedthesecondpath。Itbroughtmeoutatlast，tomygreatrelief，atthebackofthehouse。Isaytomygreatrelief，becauseIinferredthatLauramust，forsomeunknownreason，havereturnedbeforemebythisroundaboutway。Iwentinbythecourt-yardandtheoffices。ThefirstpersonwhomImetincrossingtheservants’hallwasMrsMichelson，thehousekeeper。
`Doyouknow，’Iasked，`whetherLadyGlydehascomeinfromherwalkornot？’
`MyladycameinalittlewhileagowithSirPercival，’answeredthehousekeeper。`Iamafraid，MissHalcombe，somethingverydistressinghashappened。’
Myheartsankwithinme。`Youdon’tmeananaccident？’Isaidfaintly。
`No，no——thankGod，noaccident。Butmyladyranupstairstoherownroomintears，andSirPercivalhasorderedmetogiveFannywarningtoleaveinanhour’stime。’
FannywasLaura’smaid——agoodaffectionategirlwhohadbeenwithherforyears——theonlypersoninthehousewhosefidelityanddevotionwecouldbothdependupon。
`WhereisFanny？’Iinquired。
`Inmyroom，MissHalcombe。Theyoungwomanisquiteovercome，andItoldhertositdownandtrytorecoverherself。’
IwenttoMrsMichelson’sroom，andfoundFannyinacorner，withherboxbyherside，cryingbitterly。
Shecouldgivemenoexplanationwhateverofhersuddendismissal。SirPercivalhadorderedthatsheshouldhaveamonth’swages，inplaceofamonth’swarning，andgo。Noreasonhadbeenassigned——noobjectionhadbeenmadetoherconduct。Shehadbeenforbiddentoappealtohermistress，forbiddeneventoseeherforamomenttosaygood-bye。Shewastogowithoutexplanationsorfarewells，andtogoatonce。
Aftersoothingthepoorgirlbyafewfriendlywords，Iaskedwheresheproposedtosleepthatnight。Sherepliedthatshethoughtofgoingtothelittleinninthevillage，thelandladyofwhichwasarespectablewoman，knowntotheservantsatBlackwaterPark。Thenextmorning，byleavingearly，shemightgetbacktoherfriendsinCumberlandwithoutstoppinginLondon，whereshewasatotalstranger。
IfeltdirectlythatFanny’sdepartureofferedusasafemeansofcommunicationwithLondonandwithLimmeridgeHouse，ofwhichitmightbeveryimportanttoavailourselves。Accordingly，Itoldherthatshemightexpecttohearfromhermistressorfrommeinthecourseoftheevening，andthatshemightdependonourbothdoingallthatlayinourpowertohelpher，underthetrialofleavingusforthepresent。Thosewordssaid，Ishookhandswithherandwentupstairs。
ThedoorwhichledtoLaura’sroomwasthedoorofanantechamberopeningontothepassage。WhenItriedit，itwasboltedontheinside。
Iknocked，andthedoorwasopenedbythesameheavy，overgrownhousemaidwhoselumpishinsensibilityhadtriedmypatiencesoseverelyonthedaywhenIfoundthewoundeddog。Ihad，sincethattime，discoveredthathernamewasMargaretPorcher，andthatshewasthemostawkward，slatternly，andobstinateservantinthehouse。
Onopeningthedoorsheinstantlysteppedouttothethreshold，andstoodgrinningatmeinstolidsilence。
`Whydoyoustandthere？’Isaid`Don’tyouseethatIwanttocomein？’
`Ah，butyoumustn’tcomein，’wastheanswer，withanotherandabroadergrinstill。
`Howdareyoutalktomeinthatway？Standbackinstantly！’
Shestretchedoutagreatredhandandarmoneachsideofher，soastobarthedoorway，andslowlynoddedheraddleheadatme。
`Master’sorders，’shesaid，andnoddedagain。
Ihadneedofallmyself-controltowarnmeagainstcontestingthematterwithher，andtoremindmethatthenextwordsIhadtosaymustbeaddressedtohermaster。Iturnedmybackonher，andinstantlywentdownstairstofindhim。MyresolutiontokeepmytemperunderalltheirritationsthatSirPercivalcouldofferwas，bythistime，ascompletelyforgotten——Isaysotomyshame——asifIhadnevermadeit。Itdidmegood，afterallIhadsufferedandsuppressedinthathouse——itactuallydidmegoodtofeelhowangryIwas。
Thedrawing-roomandthebreakfast-roomwerebothempty。Iwentontothelibrary，andthereIfoundSirPercival，theCount，andMadameFosco。Theywereallthreestandingup，closetogether，andSirPercivalhadalittleslipofpaperinhishand。AsIopenedthedoorIheardtheCountsaytohim，`No——athousandtimesover，no。’
Iwalkedstraightuptohim，andlookedhimfullintheface。
`AmItounderstand，SirPercival，thatyourwife’sroomisaprison，andthatyourhousemaidisthegaolerwhokeepsit？’Iasked。
`Yes，thatiswhatyouaretounderstand，’heanswered。`Takecaremygaolerhasn’tgotdoubledutytodo——takecareyourroomisnotaprisontoo。’
`Takeyoucarehowyoutreatyourwife，andhowyouthreatenme，’Ibrokeoutintheheatofmyanger。`TherearelawsinEnglandtoprotectwomenfromcrueltyandoutrage。IfyouhurtahairofLaura’shead，ifyoudaretointerferewithmyfreedom，comewhatmay，tothoselawsIwillappeal。’
InsteadofansweringmeheturnedroundtotheCount。
`WhatdidItellyou？’heasked。`Whatdoyousaynow？’
`WhatIsaidbefore，’repliedtheCount——`No。’
EveninthevehemenceofmyangerIfelthiscalm，cold，greyeyesonmyface。Theyturnedawayfrommeassoonashehadspoken，andlookedsignificantlyathiswife。MadameFoscoimmediatelymovedclosetomyside，andinthatpositionaddressedSirPercivalbeforeeitherofuscouldspeakagain。
`Favourmewithyourattentionforonemoment，’shesaid，inherclearicily-suppressedtones。`Ihavetothankyou，SirPercival，foryourhospitality，andtodeclinetakingadvantageofitanylonger。IremaininnohouseinwhichladiesaretreatedasyourwifeandMissHalcombehavebeentreatedheretoday！’
SirPercivaldrewbackastep。andstaredatherindeadsilence。Thedeclarationhehadjustheard——adeclarationwhichhewellknew，asIwellknew，MadameFoscowouldnothaveventuredtomakewithoutherhusband’spermission——seemedtopetrifyhimwithsurprise。TheCountstoodby，andlookedathiswifewiththemostenthusiasticadmiration。
`Sheissublime！’hesaidtohimself。Heapproachedherwhilehespoke，anddrewherhandthroughhisarm。`Iamatyourservice，Eleanor，’hewenton，withaquietdignitythatIhadnevernoticedinhimbefore。`AndatMissHalcombe’sservice，ifshewillhonourmebyacceptingalltheassistanceIcanofferher。’
`Damnit！whatdoyoumean？’criedSirPercival，astheCountquietlymovedawaywithhiswifetothedoor。
`AtothertimesImeanwhatIsay，butatthistimeImeanwhatmywifesays，’repliedtheimpenetrableItalian。`Wehavechangedplaces，Percival，foronce，andMadameFosco’sopinionis——mine。’
SirPercivalcrumpledupthepaperinhishand，andpushingpasttheCount，withanotheroath，stoodbetweenhimandthedoor。
`Haveyourownway，’hesaid，withbaffledrageinhislow，half-whisperingtones。`Haveyourownway——andseewhatcomesofit。’Withthosewordshelefttheroom。
MadameFoscoglancedinquiringlyatherhusband。`Hehas
goneawayverysuddenly，’shesaid。`Whatdoesitmean？’
`ItmeansthatyouandItogetherhavebroughttheworst-temperedmaninallEnglandtohissenses，’answeredtheCount。`Itmeans，MissHalcombe，thatLadyGlydeisrelievedfromagrossindignity，andyoufromtherepetitionofanunpardonableinsult。Suffermetoexpressmyadmirationofyourconductandyourcourageataverytryingmoment。’
`Sincereadmiration，’suggestedMadameFosco。
`Sincereadmiration，’echoedtheCount。
Ihadnolongerthestrengthofmyfirstangryresistancetooutrageandinjurytosupportme。Myheart-sickanxietytoseeLaura，mysenseofmyownhelplessignoranceofwhathadhappenedattheboat-house，pressedonmewithanintolerableweight。ItriedtokeepupappearancesbyspeakingtotheCountandhiswifeinthetonewhichtheyhadchosentoadoptinspeakingtome，butthewordsfailedonmylips——mybreathcameshortandthick——myeyeslookedlongingly，insilence，atthedoor。TheCount，understandingmyanxiety，openedit，wentout，andpulledittoafterhim。AtthesametimeSirPercival’sheavystepdescendedthestairs。Iheardthemwhisperingtogetheroutside，whileMadameFoscowasassuringme，inhercalmestandmostconventionalmanner，thatsherejoiced，foralloursakes，thatSirPercival’sconducthadnotobligedherhusbandandherselftoleaveBlackwaterPark。Beforeshehaddonespeakingthewhisperingceased，thedooropened，andtheCountlookedin。
`MissHalcombe，’hesaid，`IamhappytoinformyouthatLadyGlydeismistressagaininherownhouse。IthoughtitmightbemoreagreeabletoyoutohearofthischangeforthebetterfrommethanfromSirPercival，andIhavethereforeexpresslyreturnedtomentionit。’
`Admirabledelicacy！’saidMadameFosco，payingbackherhusband’stributeofadmirationwiththeCount’sowncoin，intheCount’sownmanner。Hesmiledandbowedasifhehadreceivedaformalcomplimentfromapolitestranger，anddrewbacktoletmepassoutfirst。
SirPercivalwasstandinginthehall。AsIhurriedtothestairsIheardhimcallimpatientlytotheCounttocomeoutofthelibrary。
`Whatareyouwaitingtherefor？’hesaid。`Iwanttospeaktoyou。’
`AndIwanttothinkalittlebymyself，’repliedtheother。`Waittilllater，Percival，waittilllater。’
Neitherhenorhisfriendsaidanymore。Igainedthetopofthestairsandranalongthepassage。InmyhasteandmyagitationIleftthedooroftheante-chamberopen，butIclosedthedoorofthebedroomthemomentIwasinsideit。
Laurawassittingaloneatthefarendoftheroom，herarmsrestingwearilyonatable，andherfacehiddeninherhands。Shestartedupwithacryofdelightwhenshesawme。
`Howdidyougethere？’sheasked。`Whogaveyouleave？NotSirPercival？’
Inmyoverpoweringanxietytohearwhatshehadtotellme，Icouldnotanswerher——Icouldonlyputquestionsonmyside。Laura’seagernesstoknowwhathadpasseddownstairsproved，however，toostrongtoberesisted。Shepersistentlyrepeatedherinquiries。
`TheCount，ofcourse，’Iansweredimpatiently。`Whoseinfluenceinthehouse——’
Shestoppedmewithagestureofdisgust。
`Don’tspeakofhim，’shecried。`TheCountisthevilestcreaturebreathing！TheCountisamiserableSpy！’
Beforewecouldeitherofussayanotherwordwewerealarmedbyasoftknockingatthedoorofthebedroom。
Ihadnotyetsatdown，andIwentfirsttoseewhoitwas。WhenIopenedthedoorMadameFoscoconfrontedmewithmyhandkerchiefinherhand。
`Youdroppedthisdownstairs，MissHalcombe，’shesaid，`andIthoughtIcouldbringittoyou，asIwaspassingbytomyownroom。
Herface，naturallypale，hadturnedtosuchaghastlywhitenessthatIstartedatthesightofit。Herhands，sosureandsteadyatallothertimes，trembledviolently，andhereyeslookedwolfishlypastmethroughtheopendoor，andfixedonLaura。
Shehadbeenlisteningbeforesheknocked！Isawitinherwhiteface，Isawitinhertremblinghands，IsawitinherlookatLaura。
Afterwaitinganinstantsheturnedfrommeinsilence，andslowlywalkedaway。
Iclosedthedooragain。`Oh，LauraILaura！WeshallbothruethedaywhenyoucalledtheCountaSpy！’
`Youwouldhavecalledhimsoyourself，Marian，ifyouhadknownwhatIknow。AnneCatherickwasright。Therewasathirdpersonwatchingusintheplantationyesterday，andthatthirdperson——
`AreyousureitwastheCount？’
`Iamabsolutelycertain。HewasSirPercival’sspy——hewasSirPercival’sinformer——hesetSirPercivalwatchingandwaiting，allthemorningthrough，forAnneCatherickandforme。’
`IsAnnefound？Didyouseeheratthelake？’
`No。Shehassavedherselfbykeepingawayfromtheplace。WhenIgottotheboat-housenoonewasthere。’
`Yes？Yes？’
`Iwentinandsatwaitingforafewminutes。Butmyrestlessnessmademegetupagain，towalkaboutalittle。AsIpassedoutIsawsomemarksonthesand，closeunderthefrontoftheboat-house。Istoopeddowntoexaminethem，anddiscoveredawordwritteninlargelettersonthesand。Thewordwas——LOOK。’
`Andyouscrapedawaythesand，anddugahollowplaceinit？’
`Howdoyouknowthat，Marian？’
`IsawthehollowplacemyselfwhenIfollowedyoutotheboat-house。Goon——goon！’
`Yes，Iscrapedawaythesandonthesurface，andinalittlewhileIcametoastripofpaperhiddenbeneath，whichhadwritingonit。ThewritingwassignedwithAnneCatherick’sinitials。’
`Whereisit？’
`SirPercivalhastakenitfromme。’
`Canyourememberwhatthewritingwas？Doyouthinkyoucanrepeatittome？’
`InsubstanceIcan，Marian。Itwasveryshort。Youwouldhaverememberedit。wordforword。’
`Trytotellmewhatthesubstancewasbeforewegoanyfurther。’
Shecomplied。Iwritethelinesdownhereexactlyassherepeatedthemtome。Theyranthus——andhadtoruntosavemyself。Hewasnotquickenoughonhisfeettofollowme，andhelostmeamongthetrees。Idarenotriskcomingbackheretodayatthesametime。Iwritethis，andhideitinthesand，atsixinthemorning，totellyouso。Whenwespeaknextofyourwickedhusband’sSecretwemustspeaksafely，ornotatall。Trytohavepatience。Ipromiseyoushallseemeagainandthatsoon——A。C。’
Thereferencetothe`tall，stoutoldman’(thetermsofwhichLaurawascertainthatshehadrepeatedtomecorrectly)leftnodoubtastowhotheintruderhadbeen。IcalledtomindthatIhadtoldSirPercival，intheCount’spresencethedaybefore，thatLaurahadgonetotheboat-housetolookforherbrooch。Inallprobabilityhehadfollowedherthere，inhisofficiousway，torelievehermindaboutthematterofthesignature，immediatelyafterhehadmentionedthechangeinSirPercival’splanstomeinthedrawing-room。Inthiscasehecouldonlyhavegottotheneighbourhoodoftheboat-houseattheverymomentwhenAnneCatherickdiscoveredhim。ThesuspiciouslyhurriedmannerinwhichshepartedfromLaurahadnodoubtpromptedhisuselessattempttofollowher。Oftheconversationwhichhadpreviouslytakenplacebetweenthemhecouldhaveheardnothing。Thedistancebetweenthehouseandthelake，andthetimeatwhichheleftmeinthedrawing-room，ascomparedwiththetimeatwhichLauraandAnneCatherickhadbeenspeakingtogether，provedthatfacttousatanyrate，beyondadoubt。
Havingarrivedatsomethinglikeaconclusionsofar，mynextgreatinterestwastoknowwhatdiscoveriesSirPercivalhadmadeafterCountFoscohadgivenhimhisinformation。
`Howcameyoutolosepossessionoftheletter？’Iasked。`Whatdidyoudowithitwhenyoufounditinthesand？’
`Afterreadingitoncethrough，’shereplied，`Itookitintotheboat-housewithmetositdownandlookoveritasecondtime。WhileIwasreadingashadowfellacrossthepaper。Ilookedup，andsawSirPercivalstandinginthedoorwaywatchingme。’
`Didyoutrytohidetheletter？’
`Itried，buthestoppedme。``Youneedn’ttroubletohidethat，’’hesaid。``Ihappentohavereadit。’’Icouldonlylookathimhelplessly——Icouldsaynothing。``Youunderstand？’’hewenton；``Ihavereadit。Idugitupoutofthesandtwohourssince，andburieditagain，andwrotethewordaboveitagain，andleftitreadytoyourhands。Youcan’tlieyourselfoutofthescrapenow。YousawAnneCatherickinsecretyesterday，andyouhavegotherletterinyourhandatthismoment。Ihavenotcaughtheryet，butIhavecaughtyou。Givemetheletter。’’Hesteppedcloseuptome——Iwasalonewithhim，Marian——whatcouldIdo？——Igavehimtheletter。’
`Whatdidhesaywhenyougaveittohim？’
`Atfirsthesaidnothing。Hetookmebythearm，andledmeoutoftheboat-house，andlookedabouthimonallsides，asifhewasafraidofourbeingseenorheard。Thenheclaspedhishandfastroundmyarm，andwhisperedtome，``WhatdidAnneCathericksaytoyouyesterday？Iinsistonhearingeveryword，fromfirsttolast。’’’
`Didyoutellhim？’
`Iwasalonewithhim，Marian——hiscruelhandwasbruisingmyarm——whatcouldIdo？’
`Isthemarkonyourarmstill？Letmeseeit。’
`Whydoyouwanttoseeit？’
`Iwanttoseeit，Laura，becauseourendurancemustend，andourresistancemustbegintoday。Thatmarkisaweapontostrikehimwith。Letmeseeitnow——Imayhavetosweartoitatsomefuturetime。’
`Oh，Marian，don’tlookso——don’ttalksoIItdoesn’thurtmenow！’
`Letmeseeit！’
Sheshowedmethemarks。Iwaspastgrievingoverthem，pastcryingoverthem，pastshudderingoverthem。Theysayweareeitherbetterthanmen，orworse。Ifthetemptationthathasfalleninsomewomen’sway，andmadethemworse，hadfalleninmineatthatmoment——ThankGod！myfacebetrayednothingthathiswifecouldread。Thegentle，innocent，affectionatecreaturethoughtIwasfrightenedforherandsorryforher，andthoughtnomore。
`Don’tthinktooseriouslyofit，Marian，’shesaidsimply，asshepulledhersleevedownagain。`Itdoesn’thurtmenow。’
`Iwilltrytothinkquietlyofit，mylove，foryoursake——Well！well！AndyoutoldhimallthatAnneCatherickhadsaidtoyou——allthatyoutoldme？
`Yes，all。Heinsistedonit——Iwasalonewithhim——Icouldconcealnothing。’
`Didhesayanythingwhenyouhaddone？’
`Helookedatme，andlaughedtohimselfinmocking，bitterway。``Imeantohavetherestoutofyou，’’hesaid，``doyouhear？——therest。’’IdeclaredtohimsolemnlythatIhadtoldhimeverythingIknew。``Notyou，`heanswered，``youknowmorethanyouchoosetotell。Won’tyoutellit？Youshall！I’llwringitoutofyouathomeifIcan’twringitoutofyouhere——Heledmeawaybyastrangepaththroughtheplantation——apathwheretherewasnohopeofourmeetingyou——andhespokenomoretillwecamewithinsightofthehouse。Thenhestoppedagain，andsaid，``Willyoutakeasecondchance，ifIgiveittoyou？Willyouthinkbetterofit。andtellmetherest？’’IcouldonlyrepeatthesamewordsIhadspokenbefore。Hecursedmyobstinacy，andwenton，andtookmewithhimtothehouse。``Youcan’tdeceiveme，’’hesaid，``youknowmorethanyouchoosetotell。I’llhaveyoursecretoutofyou，andI’llhaveitoutofthatsisterofyoursaswell。Thereshallbenomoreplottingandwhisperingbetweenyou。Neitheryounorsheshallseeeachotheragaintillyouhaveconfessedthetruth。I’llhaveyouwatchedmorning，noon，andnight，tillyouconfessthetruth。’’HewasdeaftoeverythingIcouldsay。Hetookmestraightupstairsintomyownroom。Fannywassittingthere，doingsomeworkforme，andheinstantlyorderedherout。``I’lltakegoodcareyou’renotmixedupintheconspiracy，`hesaid。``Youshallleavethishousetoday。Ifyourmistresswantsamaid。sheshallhaveoneofmychoosing。’’Hepushedmeintotheroom，andlockedthedooronme。Hesetthatsenselesswomantowatchmeoutside，Marian！Helookedandspokelikeamadman。Youmayhardlyunderstandit——hedidindeed。’
`Idounderstandit，Laura。Heismad——madwiththeterrorsofaguiltyconscience。EverywordyouhavesaidmakesmepositivelycertainthatwhenAnneCatherickleftyouyesterdayyouwereontheeveofdiscoveringasecretwhichmighthavebeenyourvilehusband’sruin，andhethinksyouhavediscoveredit。Nothingyoucansayordowillquietthatguiltydistrust，andconvincehisfalsenatureofyourtruth。Idon’tsaythis，mylove，toalarmyou。Isayittoopenyoureyestoyourposition，andtoconvinceyouoftheurgentnecessityoflettingmeact，asIbestcan，foryourprotectionwhilethechanceisourown。CountFosco’sinterferencehassecuredmeaccesstoyoutoday，buthemaywithdrawthatinterferencetomorrow。SirPercivalhasalreadydismissedFannybecausesheisaquick-wittedgirl，anddevotedlyattachedtoyou，andhaschosenawomantotakeherplacewhocaresnothingforyourinterests，andwhosedullintelligencelowershertothelevelofthewatch-dogintheyard。Itisimpossibletosaywhatviolentmeasureshemaytakenext，unlesswemakethemostofouropportunitieswhilewehavethem。’
`Whatcanwedo，Marian？Oh，ifwecouldonlyleavethishouse，nevertoseeitagain！’
`Listentome，mylove，andtrytothinkthatyouarenotquitehelplesssolongasIamherewithyou。’
`Iwillthinkso——Idothinkso。Don’taltogetherforgetpoorFannyinthinkingofme。Shewantshelpandcomforttoo。’
`Iwillnotforgether。IsawherbeforeIcameuphere，andIhavearrangedtocommunicatewithhertonight。Lettersarenotsafeinthepost-bagatBlackwaterPark，andIshallhavetwotowritetoday，inyourinterests，whichmustpassthroughnohandsbutFanny’s。’
`Whatletters？’
`Imeantowritefirst，Laura，toMrGilmore’spartner，whohasofferedtohelpusinanyfreshemergency。LittleasIknowofthelaw，Iamcertainthatitcanprotectawomanfromsuchtreatmentasthatruffianhasinflictedonyoutoday。IwillgointonodetailsaboutAnneCatherick，becauseIhavenocertaininformationtogive。Butthelawyershallknowofthosebruisesonyourarm，andoftheviolenceofferedtoyouinthisroom——heshall，beforeIresttonight！’
`Butthinkoftheexposure，Marian！’
`Iamcalculatingontheexposure。SirPercivalhasmoretodreadfromitthanyouhave。Theprospectofanexposuremaybringhimtotermswhennothingelsewill。’
IroseasIspoke，butLauraentreatedmenottoleaveher。`Youwilldrivehimtodesperation，`shesaid，`andincreaseourdangerstenfold。’
Ifeltthetruth——thedishearteningtruth——ofthosewords。ButIcouldnotbringmyselfplainlytoacknowledgeittoher。Inourdreadfulpositiontherewasnohelpandnohopeforusbutinriskingtheworst。Isaidsoinguardedterms。Shesighedbitterly，butdidnotcontestthematter。SheonlyaskedaboutthesecondletterthatIhadproposedwriting。Towhomwasittobeaddressed？
`ToMrFairlie，’Isaid。`Youruncleisyournearestmalerelative，andtheheadofthefamily。Hemustandshallinterfere。’
Laurashookherheadsorrowfully。
`Yes，yes，’Iwenton，`youruncleisaweak，selfish，worldlyman，Iknow，butheisnotSirPercivalGlyde，andhehasnosuchfriendabouthimasCountFosco。Iexpectnothingfromhiskindnessorhistendernessoffeelingtowardsyouortowardsme，buthewilldoanythingtopamperhisownindolence，andtosecurehisownquiet。Letmeonlypersuadehimthathisinterferenceatthismomentwillsavehiminevitabletroubleandwretchednessandresponsibilityhereafter，andhewillbestirhimselfforhisownsake。Iknowhowtodealwithhim，Laura——Ihavehadsomepractice。’
`IfyoucouldonlyprevailonhimtoletmegobacktoLimmeridgeforalittlewhileandstaytherequietlywithyou，Marian，IcouldbealmostashappyagainasIwasbeforeIwasmarried！’
Thosewordssetmethinkinginanewdirection。WoulditbepossibletoplaceSirPercivalbetweenthetwoalternativesofeitherexposinghimselftothescandaloflegalinterferenceonhiswife’sbehalf，orofallowinghertobequietlyseparatedfromhimforatimeunderpretextofavisittoheruncle’shouse？Andcouldhe，inthatcase，bereckonedonaslikelytoacceptthelastresource？Itwasdoubtful——morethandoubtful。Andyet，hopelessastheexperimentseemed，surelyitwasworthtrying。Iresolvedtotryitinsheerdespairofknowingwhatbettertodo。
`Youruncleshallknowthewishyouhavejustexpressed，’Isaid，`andIwillaskthelawyer’sadviceonthesubjectaswell。Goodmaycomeofit——andwillcomeofit，Ihope。’
SayingthatIroseagain，andagainLauratriedtomakemeresumemyseat。
`Don’tleaveme，’shesaiduneasily。`Mydeskisonthattable。Youcanwritehere。’
Ittriedmetothequicktorefuseher，eveninherowninterests。Butwehadbeentoolongshutupalonetogetheralready。Ourchanceofseeingeachotheragainmightentirelydependonournotexcitinganyfreshsuspicions。Itwasfulltimetoshowmyself，quietlyandunconcernedly，amongthewretcheswhowereatthatverymoment，perhaps，thinkingofusandtalkingofusdownstairs。IexplainedthemiserablenecessitytoLaura，andprevailedonhertorecogniseitasIdid。
`lwillcomebackagain，love，inanhourorless，’Isaid。`Theworstisoverfortoday。Keepyourselfquietandfearnothing。’
`Isthekeyinthedoor，Marian？CanIlockitontheinside？’
`Yes，hereisthekey。Lockthedoor，andopenittonobodyuntilIcomeupstairsagain。’
Ikissedherandlefther。ItwasarelieftomeasIwalkedawaytohearthekeyturnedinthelock，andtoknowthatthedoorwasatherowncommand。
June19th——IhadonlygotasfarasthetopofthestairswhenthelockingofLaura’sdoorsuggestedtometheprecautionofalsolockingmyowndoor，andkeepingthekeysafelyaboutmewhileIwasoutoftheroom。Myjournalwasalreadysecuredwithotherpapersinthetabledrawer，butmywritingmaterialswereleftout。Theseincludedaseal，bearingthecommondeviceoftwodovesdrinkingoutofthesamecup，andsomesheetsofblotting-paper，whichhadtheimpressiononthemoftheclosinglinesofmywritinginthesepagestracedduringthepastnight。Distortedbythesuspicionwhichhadnowbecomeapartofmyself，evensuchtriflesastheselookedtoodangeroustobetrustedwithoutaguard——eventhelockedtabledrawerseemedtobenotsufficientlyprotectedinmyabsenceuntilthemeansofaccesstoithadbeencarefullysecuredaswell。
IfoundnoappearanceofanyonehavingenteredtheroomwhileIhadbeentalkingwithLaura。Mywritingmaterials(whichIhadgiventheservantinstructionsnevertomeddlewith)werescatteredoverthetablemuchasusual。TheonlycircumstanceinconnectionwiththemthatatallstruckmewasthattheseallaytidilyinthetraywiththePencilsandthewax。Itwasnotinmycarelesshabits(lamsorrytosay)toputitthere，neitherdidIrememberputtingitthere。ButasIcouldnotcalltomind，ontheotherhand，whereelseIhadthrownitdown，andasIwasalsodoubtfulwhetherImightnotforoncehavelaiditmechanicallyintherightplace，Iabstainedfromaddingtotheperplexitywithwhichtheday’seventshadfilledmymindbytroublingitafreshaboutatrifle。Ilockedthedoor，putthekeyinmyPocket，andwentdownstairs。
MadameFoscowasaloneinthehalllookingattheweatherglass。
`Stillfalling，’shesaid。`Iamafraidwemustexpectmorerain。’
Herfacewascomposedagaintoitscustomaryexpressionanditscustomarycolour。Butthehandwithwhichshepointedtothedialoftheweather-glassstilltrembled。
CouldshehavetoldherhusbandalreadythatshehadoverheardLaurarevilinghim，inmycompany，asa`spy？’Mystrongsuspicionthatshemusthavetoldhim，myirresistibledread(allthemoreoverpoweringfromitsveryvagueness)oftheconsequenceswhichmightfollow，myfixedconviction，derivedfromvariouslittleself-betrayalswhichwomennoticeineachother，thatMadameFosco，inspiteofherwell-assumedexternalcivility，hadnotforgivenhernieceforinnocentlystandingbetweenherandthelegacyoftenthousandpounds——allrusheduponmymindtogether，allimpelledmetospeakinthevainhopeofusingmyowninfluenceandmyownpowersofpersuasionfortheatonementofLaura’soffence。
`MayItrusttoyourkindnesstoexcuseme，MadameFosco，ifIventuretospeaktoyouonanexceedinglypainfulsubject？’
Shecrossedherhandsinfrontofherandbowedherheadsolemnly，withoututteringaword，andwithouttakinghereyesoffmineforamoment。
`Whenyouweresogoodastobringmebackmyhandkerchief，’Iwenton，`lamvery，verymuchafraidyoumusthaveaccidentallyheardLaurasaysomethingwhichIamunwillingtorepeat，andwhichIwillnotattempttodefend。IwillonlyventuretohopethatyouhavenotthoughtitofsufficientimportancetobementionedtotheCount？’
`Ithinkitofnoimportancewhatever，’saidMadameFoscosharplyandsuddenly。`But，’sheadded，resuminghericymannerinamoment，`Ihavenosecretsfrommyhusbandevenintrifles。WhenhenoticedjustnowthatIlookeddistressed，itwasmypainfuldutytotellhimwhyIwasdistressed，andIfranklyacknowledgetoyou，MissHalcombe，thatIhavetoldhim。’
Iwaspreparedtohearit，andyetsheturnedmecoldalloverwhenshesaidthosewords。
`Letmeearnestlyentreatyou，MadameFosco——letmeearnestlyentreattheCount——tomakesomeallowancesforthesadpositioninwhichmysisterisplaced。Shespokewhileshewassmartingundertheinsultandinjusticeinflictedonherbyherhusband，andshewasnotherselfwhenshesaidthoserashwords。MayIhopethattheywillbeconsideratelyandgenerouslyforgiven？’
`Mostassuredly，’saidtheCount’squietvoicebehindme。Hehadstolenonuswithhisnoiselesstreadandhisbookinhishandfromthelibrary。
`WhenLadyGlydesaidthosehastywords，’hewenton，`shedidmeaninjusticewhichIlament——andforgive。Letusneverreturntothesubject，MissHalcombe；letusallcomfortablycombinetoforgetitfromthismoment’
`Youareverykind，’Isaid，`yourelievemeinexpressibly。~’’
Itriedtocontinue，buthiseyeswereonme；hisdeadlysmilethathideseverythingwasset，hard，andunwaveringonhisbroad，smoothface。Mydistrustofhisunfathomablefalseness，mysenseofmyowndegradationinstoopingtoconciliatehiswifeandhimself，sodisturbedandconfusedme，thatthenextwordsfailedonmylips，andIstoodthereinsilence。
`Ibegyouonmykneestosaynomore，MissHalcombe——Iamtrulyshockedthatyoushouldhavethoughtitnecessarytosaysomuch。’Withthatpolitespeechhetookmyhand——oh，howIdespisemyself！oh，howlittlecomfortthereiseveninknowingthatIsubmittedtoitforLaura’ssake！——hetookmyhandandputittohispoisonouslips。NeverdidIknowallmyhorrorofhimtillthen。Thatinnocentfamiliarityturnedmybloodasifithadbeenthevilestinsultthatamancouldofferme。YetIhidmydisgustfromhim——Itriedtosmile——I，whooncemercilesslydespiseddeceitinotherwomen，wasasfalseastheworstofthem，asfalseastheJudaswhoselipshadtouchedmyhand。
Icouldnothavemaintainedmydegradingself-control——itisallthatredeemsmeinmyownestimationtoknowthatIcouldnot——ifhehadstillcontinuedtokeephiseyesonmyface。Hiswife’stigerishjealousycametomyrescueandforcedhisattentionawayfrommethemomenthepossessedhimselfofmyhand。Hercoldblueeyescaughtlight，herdullwhitecheeksflushedintobrightcolour，shelookedyearsyoungerthanherageinaninstant。
`Count！’shesaid。`YourforeignformsofpolitenessarenotunderstoodbyEnglishwomen。’
`Pardonme，myangel！ThebestanddearestEnglishwomanintheworldunderstandsthem。’Withthosewordshedroppedmyhandandquietlyraisedhiswife’shandtohislipsinplaceofit。
Iranbackupthestairstotakerefugeinmyownroom。Iftherehadbeentimetothink，mythoughts，whenIwasaloneagain，wouldhavecausedmebittersuffering。Buttherewasnotimetothink。Happilyforthepreservationofmycalmnessandmycouragetherewastimefornothingbutaction。
TheletterstothelawyerandtoMrFairliewerestilltobewritten，andIsatdownatoncewithoutamoment’shesitationtodevotemyselftothem。
Therewasnomultitudeofresourcestoperplexme——therewasabsolutelynoonetodependon，inthefirstinstance，butmyself。SirPercivalhadneitherfriendsnorrelativesintheneighbourhoodwhoseintercessionIcouldattempttoemploy。Hewasonthecoldestterms——insomecasesontheworsttermswiththefamiliesofhisownrankandstationwholivednearhim。Wetwowomenhadneitherfathernorbrothertocometothehouseandtakeourparts。Therewasnochoicebuttowritethosetwodoubtfulletters，ortoputLaurainthewrongandmyselfinthewrong，andtomakeallpeaceablenegotiationinthefutureimpossiblebysecretlyescapingfromBlackwaterPark。Nothingbutthemostimminentpersonalperilcouldjustifyourtakingthatsecondcourse。Thelettersmustbetriedfirst，andIwrotethem。
IsaidnothingtothelawyeraboutAnneCatherick，because(asIhadalreadyhintedtoLaura)thattopicwasconnectedwithamysterywhichwecouldnotyetexplain，andwhichitwouldthereforebeuselesstowriteabouttoaprofessionalman。IleftmycorrespondenttoattributeSirPercival’sdisgracefulconduct，ifhepleased，tofreshdisputesaboutmoneymatters，andsunplyconsultedhimonthepossibilityoftakinglegalproceedingsforLaura’sprotectionintheeventofherhusband’srefusaltoallowhertoleaveBlackwaterParkforatimeandreturnwithmetoLimmeridge。IreferredhimtoMrFairlieforthedetailsofthislastarrangement——IassuredhimthatIwrotewithLaura’sauthority——andIendedbyentreatinghimtoactinhernametotheutmostextentofhispowerandwiththeleastpossiblelossoftime。
ThelettertoMrFairlieoccupiedmenext。IappealedtohimonthetermswhichIhadmentionedtoLauraasthemostlikelytomakehimbestirhimself；Ienclosedacopyofmylettertothelawyertoshowhimhowseriousthecasewas，andIrepresentedourremovaltoLimmeridgeastheonlycompromisewhichwouldpreventthedangeranddistressofLaura’spresentpositionfrominevitablyaffectingheruncleaswellasherselfatnoverydistanttime。
WhenIhaddone，andhadsealedanddirectedthetwoenvelopes，IwentbackwiththeletterstoLaura’sroom，toshowherthattheywerewritten。
`Hasanybodydisturbedyou？’Iasked，whensheopenedthedoortome。
`Nobodyhasknocked，’shereplied。`ButIheardsomeoneintheouterroom。’
`Wasitamanorawoman？’
`Awoman。Iheardtherustlingofhergown。’
`Arustlinglikesilk？’
`Yes，likesilk。’
MadameFoscohadevidentlybeenwatchingoutside。Themischiefshemightdobyherselfwaslittletobefeared。Butthemischiefshemightdo，asawillinginstrumentinherhusband’shands，wastooformidabletobeoverlooked。
`Whatbecameoftherustlingofthegownwhenyounolongerhearditintheante-room？’Iinquired。`Didyouhearitgopastyourwall，alongthepassage？’
`Yes。Ikeptstillandlistened，andjustheardit。’
`Whichwaydiditgo？’
`Towardsyourroom。’
Iconsideredagain。Thesoundhadnotcaughtmyears。ButIwasthendeeplyabsorbedinmyletters，andIwritewithaheavyhandandaquillpen，scrapingandscratchingnoisilyoverthepaper。ItwasmorelikelythatMadameFoscowouldhearthescrapingofmypenthanthatIshouldheartherustlingofherdress。Anotherreason(ifIhadwantedone)fornottrustingmyletterstothepost-baginthehall。
Laurasawmethinking。`Moredifficulties！’shesaidwearily；`moredifficultiesandmoredangers！’
`Nodangers，’Ireplied。`Somelittledifficulty，perhaps。IamthinkingofthesafestwayofputtingmytwolettersintoFanny’shands。’
`Youhavereallywrittenthem，then？Oh，Marian，runnorisks——pray，pray，runnorisks！’
`No，no——nofear。Letmesee——whato’clockisitnow？’
Itwasaquartertosix。Therewouldbetimeformetogettothevillageinn，andtocomebackagainbeforedinner。IfIwaitedtilltheeveningImightfindnosecondopportunityofsafelyleavingthehouse。
`Keepthekeyturnedinthelock，Laura，’Isaid，`anddon’tbeafraidaboutme。Ifyouhearanyinquiriesmade，callthroughthedoor，andsaythatIamgoneoutforawalk。’
`Whenshallyoubeback？’
`Beforedinner，withoutfail。Courage，mylove。Bythistimetomorrowyouwillhaveaclear-headed，trustworthymanactingforyourgood。MrGilmore’spartnerisournextbestfriendtoMrGilmorehimself。’
Amoment’sreflection，assoonasIwasalone，convincedmethatIhadbetternotappearinmywalking-dressuntilIhadfirstdiscoveredwhatwasgoingoninthelowerpartofthehouse。IhadnotascertainedyetwhetherSirPercivalwasindoorsorout。
Thesingingofthecanariesinthelibrary，andthesmelloftobacco-smokethatcamethroughthedoor，whichwasnotclosed，toldmeatoncewheretheCountwas。IlookedovermyshoulderasIpassedthedoorway，andsawtomysurprisethathewasexhibitingthedocilityofthebirdsinhismostengaginglypolitemannertothehousekeeper。Hemusthavespeciallyinvitedhertoseethem——forshewouldneverhavethoughtofgoingintothelibraryofherownaccord。Theman’sslightestactionshadapurposeofsomekindatthebottomofeveryoneofthem。Whatcouldbehispurposehere？
Itwasnotimethentoinquireintohismotives。IlookedaboutforMadameFosconext，andfoundherfollowingherfavouritecircleroundandroundthefish-pond。
Iwasalittledoubtfulhowshewouldmeetme，aftertheoutbreakofjealousyofwhichIhadbeenthecausesoshortatimesince。Butherhusbandhadtamedherintheinterval，andshenowspoketomewiththesamecivilityasusual。MyonlyobjectinaddressingmyselftoherwastoascertainifsheknewwhathadbecomeofSirPercival。Icontrivedtorefertohimindirectly，andafteralittlefencingoneithersidesheatlastmentionedthathehadgoneout。
`Whichofthehorseshashetaken？’Iaskedcarelessly。
`Noneofthem，’shereplied。`Hewentawaytwohourssinceonfoot。AsIunderstoodit，hisobjectwastomakefreshinquiriesaboutthewomannamedAnneCatherick。Heappearstobeunreasonablyanxiousabouttracingher。Doyouhappentoknowifsheisdangerouslymad，MissHalcombe？’
`Idonot，Countess。’
`Areyougoingin？’
`Yes，Ithinkso。Isupposeitwillsoonbetimetodressfordinner。’
Weenteredthehousetogether。MadameFoscostrolledintothelibrary，anddosedthedoor。Iwentatoncetofetchmyhatandshawl。Everymomentwasofimportance，ifIwastogettoFannyattheinnandhebackbeforedinner。
WhenIcrossedthehallagainnoonewasthere，andthesingingofthebirdsinthelibraryhadceased。Icouldnotstoptomakeanyfreshinvestigations。Icouldonlyassuremyselfthatthewaywasclear，andthenleavethehousewiththetwoletterssafeinmypocket。
OnmywaytothevillageIpreparedmyselfforthepossibilityofmeetingSirPercival。AslongasIhadhimtodealwithaloneIfeltcertainofnotlosingmypresenceofmind。Anywomanwhoissureofherownwitsisamatchatanytimeforamanwhoisnotsureofhisowntemper。IhadnosuchfearofSirPercivalasIhadoftheCount。Insteadoffluttering，ithadcomposedme，tohearoftheerrandonwhichhehadgoneout。WhilethetracingofAnneCatherickwasthegreatanxietythatoccupiedhim，LauraandImighthopeforsomecessationofanyactivepersecutionathishands。Foroursakesnow，aswellasforAnne’s，Ihopedandprayedferventlythatshemightstillescapehim。
IwalkedonasbrisklyastheheatwouldletmetillIreachedthecross-roadwhichledtothevillage，lookingbackfromtimetotimetomakesurethatIwasnotfollowedbyanyone。
Nothingwasbehindmeallthewaybutanemptycountrywaggon。Thenoisemadebythelumberingwheelsannoyedme，andwhenIfoundthatthewaggontooktheroadtothevillage，aswellasmyself，Istoppedtoletitgobyandpassoutofhearing。AsIlookedtowardit，moreattentivelythanbefore，Ithoughtldetectedatintervalsthefeetofamanwalkingclosebehindit，thecarterbeinginfront，bythesideofhishorses。Thepartofthecross-roadwhichIhadjustpassedoverwassonarrowthatthewaggoncomingaftermebrushedthetreesandthicketsoneitherside，andIhadtowaituntilitwentbybeforeIcouldtestthecorrectnessofmyimpression。Apparentlythatimpressionwaswrong，forwhenthewaggonhadpassedmetheroadbehinditwasquiteclear。
IreachedtheinnwithoutmeetingSirPercival，andwithoutnoticinganythingmore，andwasgladtofindthatthelandladyhadreceivedFannywithallpossiblekindness。Thegirlhadalittleparlourtositin，awayfromthenoiseofthetaproom，andacleanbedchamberatthetopofthehouse。Shebegancryingagainatthesightofme，andsaid，poorsoul，trulyenough，thatitwasdreadfultofeelherselfturnedoutintotheworldasifshehadcommittedsomeunpardonablefault，whennoblamecouldbelaidatherdoorbyanybody——notevenbyhermaster，whohadsentheraway。
`Trytomakethebestofit，Fanny，’Isaid。`YourmistressandIwillstandyourfriends，andwilltakecarethatyourcharactershallnotsuffer。Now，listentome。Ihaveverylittletimetospare，andIamgoingtoputagreattrustinyourhands。Iwishyoutotakecareofthesetwoletters。TheonewiththestamponityouaretoputintothepostwhenyoureachLondontomorrow。Theother，directedtoMrFairlie，youaretodelivertohimyourselfassoonasyougethome。Keepboththelettersaboutyouandgivethemuptonoone。Theyareofthelastimportancetoyourmistress’sinterests。’
Fannyputthelettersintothebosomofherdress。`Theretheyshallstop，miss，’shesaid，`tillIhavedonewhatyoutellme。’
`Mindyouareatthestationingoodtimetomorrowmorning，’Icontinued。`AndwhenyouseethehousekeeperatLimmeridgegivehermycompliments，andsaythatyouareinmyserviceuntilLadyGlydeisabletotakeyouback。Wemaymeetagainsoonerthanyouthink。Sokeepagoodheart，anddon’tmisstheseveno’clocktrain。’
`Thankyou，miss——thankyoukindly。Itgivesonecouragetohearyourvoiceagain。Pleasetooffermydutytomylady，andsayIleftallthethingsastidyasIcouldinthetime。Oh，dear！dear！whowilldressherfordinnertoday？Itreallybreaksmyheart，miss，tothinkofit。’
WhenIgotbacktothehouseIhadonlyaquarterofanhourtosparetoputmyselfinorderfordinner，andtosaytwowordstoLaurabeforeIwentdownstairs。
`ThelettersareinFanny’shands，’Iwhisperedtoheratthedoor。`Doyoumeantojoinusatdinner？’
`Oh，no，no——notfortheworld。’
`Hasanythinghappened？Hasanyonedisturbedyou？’
`Yes——justnow——SirPercival——’
`Didhecomein？’
`No，hefrightenedmebyathumponthedooroutside。Isaid，``Who’sthere？’’``Youknow，’’heanswered。``Willyoualteryourmind，andtellmetherest？Youshall！SoonerorlaterI’llwringitoutofyou。YouknowwhereAnneCatherickisatthismoment。’’``Indeed，indeed，’’Isaid，``Idon’t。’’``Youdo！’’hecalledback。``I’llcrushyourobstinacy——mindthat！——I’llwringitoutofyou！’’Hewentawaywiththosewords——wentaway，Marian，hardlyfiveminutesago。’hadnotfoundheryet。
`Youaregoingdownstairs，Marian？Comeupagainintheevening。’
`Yes，yes。Don’tbeuneasyifIamalittlelate——Imustbecarefulnottogiveoffencebyleavingthemtoosoon。’
Thedinner-bellrangandIhastenedaway。
SirPercivaltookMadameFoscointothedining-room，andtheCountgavemehisann。Hewashotandflushed，andwasnotdressedwithhiscustomarycareandcompleteness。Hadhe，too，beenoutbeforedinner，andbeenlateingettingback？orwasheonlysufferingfromtheheatalittlemoreseverelythanusual？
Howeverthismightbe，hewasunquestionablytroubledbysomesecretannoyanceoranxiety，which，withallhispowersofdeception，hewasnotableentirelytoconceal。ThroughthewholeofdinnerhewasalmostassilentasSirPercivalhimself，andhe，everynowandthen，lookedathiswifewithanexpressionoffurtiveuneasinesswhichwasquitenewinmyexperienceofhim。Theonesocialobligationwhichheseemedtobeself-possessedenoughtoperformascarefullyaseverwastheobligationofbeingpersistentlycivilandattentivetome。WhatvileobjecthehasinviewIcannotstilldiscover，butbethedesignwhatitmay，invariablepolitenesstowardsmyself，invariablehumilitytowardsLaura，andinvariablesuppression(atanycost)ofSirPercival’sclumsyviolence，havebeenthemeanshehasresolutelyandimpenetrablyusedtogettohisendeversincehesetfootinthishouse。Isuspecteditwhenhefirstinterferedinourfavour，onthedaywhenthedeedwasproducedinthelibrary，andIfeelcertainofitnow。
WhenMadameFoscoandIrosetoleavethetable，theCountrosealsotoaccompanyusbacktothedrawing-room。
`Whatareyougoingawayfor？’askedSirPercival——`Imeanyou，Fosco。’
`IamgoingawaybecauseIhavehaddinnerenough，andwineenough，’answeredtheCount。`Besokind，Percival，astomakeallowancesformyforeignhabitofgoingoutwiththeladies，aswellascominginwiththem。’
`Nonsense！Anotherglassofclaretwon’thurtyou。SitdownagainlikeanEnglishman。Iwanthalfanhour’squiettalkwithyouoverourwine。’
`Aquiettalk，Percival，withallmyheart，butnotnow，andnotoverthewine。Laterintheevening，ifyouplease——laterintheevening。’
`Civil！’saidSirPercivalsavagely。`Civilbehaviour，uponmysoul，toamaninhisownhouse！’
IhadmorethanonceseenhimlookattheCountuneasilyduringdinner-time，andhadobservedthattheCountcarefullyabstainedfromlookingathiminreturn。Thiscircumstance，coupledwiththehost’sanxietyforalittlequiettalkoverthewine，andtheguest’sobstinateresolutionnottositdownagainatthetable，revivedinmymemorytherequestwhichSirPercivalhadvainlyaddressedtohisfriendearlierintheday，tocomeoutofthelibraryandspeaktohim。TheCounthaddeferredgrantingthatprivateinterview，whenitwasfirstaskedforintheafternoon，andhadagaindeferredgrantingit，whenitwasasecondtimeaskedforatthedinner-table。Whateverthecomingsubjectofdiscussionbetweenthemmightbe，itwasclearlyanimportantsubjectinSirPercival’sestimation——andperhaps(judgingfromhisevidentreluctancetoapproachit)adangeroussubjectaswell，intheestimationoftheCount。
Theseconsiderationsoccurredtomewhilewewerepassingfromthedining-roomtothedrawing-room。SirPercival’sangrycommentaryonhisfriend’sdesertionofhimhadnotproducedtheslightesteffect。TheCountobstinatelyaccompaniedustothetea-table——waitedaminuteortwointheroom——wentoutintothehall——andreturnedwiththepost-baginhishands。Itwastheneighto’clock——thehouratwhichtheletterswerealwaysdespatchedfromBlackwaterPark。
`Haveyouanyletterforthepost，MissHalcombe？’heasked，approachingmewiththebag。
IsawMadameFosco，whowasmakingthetea，pause，withthesugar-tongsinherhand，tolistenformyanswer。
`No，Count，thankyou。Noletterstoday。’
Hegavethebagtotheservant，whowasthenintheroom；satdownatthepiano，andplayedtheairofthelivelyNeapolitanstreet-song，`LamiaCarolina，’twiceover。Hiswife，whowasusuallythemostdeliberateofwomeninallhermovements，madeteaasquicklyasIcouldhavemadeitmyself——finishedherowncupintwominutes，andquietlyglidedoutoftheroom。
Irosetofollowherexample——partlybecauseIsuspectedherofattemptingsometreacheryupstairswithLaura，partlybecauseIwasresolvednottoremainaloneinthesameroomwithherhusband。
BeforeIcouldgettothedoortheCountstoppedme，byarequestforacupoftea。Igavehimthecupoftea，andtriedasecondtimetogetaway。Hestoppedmeagain——thistimebygoingbacktothepiano，andsuddenlyappealingtomeonamusicalquestioninwhichhedeclaredthatthehonourofhiscountrywasconcerned。
Ivainlypleadedmyowntotalignoranceofmusic，andtotalwantoftasteinthatdirection。Heonlyappealedtomeagainwithavehemencewhichsetallfurtherprotestonmypartatdefiance。`TheEnglishandtheGermans(heindignantlydeclared)werealwaysrevilingtheItaliansfortheirinabilitytocultivatethehigherkindsofmusic。WewereperpetuallytalkingofourOratorios，andtheywereperpetuallytalkingoftheirSymphonies。Didweforgetanddidtheyforgethisimmortalfriendandcountryman，Rossini？WhatwasMosesinEgyptbutasublimeoratorio，whichwasactedonthestageinsteadofbeingcoldlysunginaconcert-room？WhatwastheoverturetoGuillaumeTellbutasymphonyunderanothername？HadIheardMosesinEgypt？WouldIlistentothis，andthis，andthis，andsayifanythingmoresublimelysacredandgrandhadeverbeencomposedbymortalman？’——Andwithoutwaitingforawordofassentordissentonmypart，lookingmehardinthefaceallthetime，hebeganthunderingonthepiano，andsingingtoitwithloudandloftyenthusiasm——onlyinterruptinghimself，atintervals，toannouncetomefiercelythetitlesofthedifferentpiecesofmusic:`ChorusofEgyptiansinthePlagueofDarkness，MissHalcombe！’——`RecitativoofMoseswiththetablesoftheLaw。’——`PrayerofIsraelites，atthepassageoftheRedSea。Aha！Aha！Isthatsacred？isthatsublime？’Thepianotrembledunderhispowerfulhands，andtheteacupsonthetablerattled，ashisbigbassvoicethunderedoutthenotes，andhisheavyfootbeattimeonthefloor。
Therewassomethinghorrible——somethingfierceanddevilish——intheoutburstofhisdelightathisownsingingandplaying，andinthetriumphwithwhichhewatcheditseffectuponmeasIshranknearerandnearertothedoor。Iwasreleasedatlast，notbymyownefforts，butbySirPercival’sinterposition。Heopenedthedining-roomdoor，andcalledoutangrilytoknowwhat`thatinfernalnoise’meant。TheCountinstantlygotupfromthepiano。`AhIifPercivaliscoming，’hesaid，`harmonyandmelodyarebothatanend。TheMuseofMusic，MissHalcombe，desertsusindismay，andI，thefatoldminstrel，exhaletherestofmyenthusiasmintheopenair！’Hestalkedoutintotheverandah，puthishandsinhispockets，andresumedtheRecitativoofMoses，sottovoce，inthegarden。
IheardSirPercivalcallafterhimfromthedining-roomwindow。Buthetooknonotice——heseemeddeterminednottohear。Thatlong-deferredquiettalkbetweenthemwasstilltobeputoff，wasstilltowaitfortheCount’sabsolutewillandpleasure。
Hehaddetainedmeinthedrawing-roomnearlyhalfanhourfromthetimewhenhiswifeleftus。Wherehadshebeen，andwhathadshebeendoinginthatinterval？
Iwentupstairstoascertain，butImadenodiscoveries，andwhenIquestionedLaura，Ifoundthatshehadnotheardanything。Nobodyhaddisturbedher，nofaintrustlingofthesilkdresshadbeenaudible，eitherintheante-roomorinthepassage。
Itwasthentwentyminutestonine。Aftergoingtomyroomtogetmyjournal，Ireturned，andsatwithLaura，sometimeswriting，sometimesstoppingtotalkwithher。Nobodycamenearus，andnothinghappened。Weremainedtogethertillteno’clock。Ithenrose，saidmylastcheeringwords，andwishedhergoodnight。ShelockedherdooragainafterwehadarrangedthatIshouldcomeinandseeherthefirstthinginthemorning。
Ihadafewsentencesmoretoaddtomydiarybeforegoingtobedmyself，andasIwentdownagaintothedrawing-roomafterleavingLauraforthelasttimethatwearyday，Iresolvedmerelytoshowmyselfthere，tomakemyexcuses，andthentoretireanhourearlierthanusualforthenight。
SirPercival，andtheCountandhiswife，weresittingtogether。SirPercivalwasyawninginaneasy-chair，theCountwasreading，MadameFoscowasfanningherself。Strangetosay，herfacewasflushednow。She。whohadneversufferedfromtheheat，wasmostundoubtedlysufferingfromittonight。
`Iamafraid，Countess，youarenotquitesowellasusual？’Isaid。
`TheveryremarkIwasabouttomaketoyou，’shereplied。`Youarelookingpale，mydear。’
Mydear！Itwasthefirsttimeshehadeveraddressedmewiththatfamiliarity！Therewasaninsolentsmiletooonherfacewhenshesaidthewords。
`Iamsufferingfromoneofmybadheadaches，’Iansweredcoldly。
`Ah，indeed？Wantofexercise，Isuppose？Awalkbeforedinnerwouldhavebeenjustthethingforyou。’Shereferredtothe`walk’withastrangeemphasis。Hadsheseenmegoout？Nomatterifshehad。ThelettersweresafenowinFanny’shands。
`Comeandhaveasmoke，Fosco，’saidSirPercival，rising，withanotheruneasylookathisfriend。
`Withpleasure，Percival，whentheladieshavegonetobed，’repliedtheCount。
`Excuseme，Countess，ifIsetyoutheexampleofretiring，’Isaid。`Theonlyremedyforsuchaheadacheasmineisgoingtobed。’
Itookmyleave。Therewasthesameinsolentsmileonthewoman’sfacewhenIshookhandswithher。SirPercivalpaidnoattentiontome。HewaslookingimpatientlyatMadameFosco，whoshowednosignsofleavingtheroomwithme。TheCountsmiledtohimselfbehindhisbook。TherewasyetanotherdelaytothatquiettalkwithSirPercival——andtheCountesswastheimpedimentthistime。
June19th——Oncesafelyshutintomyownroom，Iopenedthesepages，andpreparedtogoonwiththatpartoftheday’srecordwhichwasstilllefttowrite。
FortenminutesormoreIsatidle，withthepeninmyhand，thinkingovertheeventsofthelasttwelvehours。WhenIatlastaddressedmyselftomytask，IfoundadifficultyinproceedingwithitwhichIhadneverexperiencedbefore。Inspiteofmyeffortstofixmythoughtsonthematterinhand，theywanderedawaywiththestrangestpersistencyintheonedirectionofSirPercivalandtheCount，andalltheinterestwhichItriedtoconcentrateonmyjournalcentredinsteadinthatprivateinterviewbetweenthemwhichhadbeenputoffallthroughtheday，andwhichwasnowtotakeplaceinthesilenceandsolitudeofthenight。
Inthisperversestateofmymind，therecollectionofwhathadpassedsincethemorningwouldnotcomebacktome，andtherewasnoresourcebuttoclosemyjournalandtogetawayfromitforalittlewhile。
Iopenedthedoorwhichledfrommybedroomintomysitting-room，andhavingpassedthrough，pulledittoagain，topreventanyaccidentincaseofdraughtwiththecandleleftonthedressing-table。Mysitting-roomwindowwaswideopen，andIleanedoutlistlesslytolookatthenight。
Itwasdarkandquiet。Neithermoonnorstarswerevisible。Therewasasmelllikeraininthestill，heavyair，andIputmyhandoutofthewindow。No。Therainwasonlythreatening，ithadnotcomeyet。
