ThestoryofmyfirstinquiriesinHampshireissoontold。
MyearlydeparturefromLondonenabledmetoreachMrDawson’shouseintheforenoon。Ourinterview，sofarastheobjectofmyvisitwasconcerned，ledtonosatisfactoryresult。
MrDawson’sbookscertainlyshowedwhenhehadresumedhisattendanceonMissHalcombeatBlackwaterPark，butitwasnotpossibletocalculatebackfromthisdatewithanyexactness，withoutsuchhelpfromMrsMichelsonasIknewshewasunabletoafford。Shecouldnotsayfrommemory(who，insimilarcases，evercan？)howmanydayshadelapsedbetweentherenewalofthedoctor’sattendanceonhispatientandthepreviousdepartureofLadyGlyde。ShewasalmostcertainofhavingmentionedthecircumstanceofthedeparturetoMissHalcombe，onthedayafterithappened——butthenshewasnomoreabletofixthedateofthedayonwhichthisdisclosuretookplace，thantofixthedateofthedaybefore，whenLadyGlydehadleftforLondon。Neithercouldshecalculate，withanynearerapproachtoexactness，thetimethathadpassedfromthedepartureofhermistress，tothePeriodwhentheundatedletterfromMadameFoscoarrived。ly，asiftocompletetheseriesofdifficulties，thedoctorhimself，havingbeenillatthetime，hadomittedtomakehisusualentryofthedayoftheweekandmonthwhenthegardenerfromBlackwaterParkhadcalledonhimtodeliverMrsMichelson’smessage。
HopelessofobtainingassistancefromMrDawson，IresolvedtotrynextifIcouldestablishthedateofSirPercival’sarrivalatKnowlesbury。
Itseemedlikeafatality！WhenIreachedKnowlesburytheinnwasshutup，andbillswerepostedonthewalls。Thespeculationhadbeenabadone，asIwasinformed，eversincethetimeoftherailway。Thenewhotelatthestationhadgraduallyabsorbedthebusiness，19andtheoldinn(whichweknewtobetheinnatwhichSirPercivalhadputup)，hadbeenclosedabouttwomonthssince。Theproprietorhadleftthetownwithallhisgoodsandchattels，andwherehehadgoneIcouldnotpositivelyascertainfromanyone。ThefourpeopleofwhomIinquiredgavemefourdifferentaccountsofhisplansandprojectswhenheleftKnowlesbury。
TherewerestillsomehourstosparebeforethelasttrainleftforLondon，andIdrovebackagaininaflyfromtheKnowlesburystationtoBlackwaterPark，withthepurposeofquestioningthegardenerandthepersonwhokeptthelodge。Ifthey，too，provedunabletoassistme，myresourcesforthepresentwereatanend，andImightreturntotown。
Idismissedtheflyamiledistantfromthepark，andgettingmydirectionsfromthedriver，proceededbymyselftothehouse。
AsIturnedintothelanefromthehigh-road，Isawaman，withacarpet-bag，walkingbeforemerapidlyonthewaytothelodge。Hewasalittleman，dressedinshabbyblack，andwearingaremarkablylargehat。Isethimdown(aswellasitwaspossibletojudge)foralawyer’sclerk，andstoppedatoncetowidenthedistancebetweenus。Hehadnotheardme，andhewalkedonoutofsight，withoutlookingback。WhenIpassedthroughthegatesmyself，alittlewhileafterwards，hewasnotvisible——hehadevidentlygoneontothehouse。
Thereweretwowomeninthelodge。Oneofthemwasold，theotherIknewatonce，byMarian’sdescriptionofher，tobeMargaretPorcher。
IaskedfirstifSirPercivalwasatthePark，andreceivingareplyinthenegative，inquirednextwhenhehadleftit。Neitherofthewomencouldtellmemorethanthathehadgoneawayinthesummer。IcouldextractnothingfromMargaretPorcherbutvacantsmilesandshakingsofthehead。Theoldwomanwasalittlemoreintelligent，andImanagedtoleadherintospeakingofthemannerofSirPercival’sdeparture，andofthealarmthatitcausedher。Sherememberedhermastercallingheroutofbed，andrememberedhisfrighteningherbyswearing——butthedateatwhichtheoccurrencehappenedwas，asshehonestlyacknowledged，`quitebeyondher。’
OnleavingthelodgeIsawthegardeneratworknotfaroff。WhenIfirstaddressedhim，helookedatmeratherdistrustfully，butonmyusingMrsMichelson’sname，withacivilreferencetohimself，heenteredintoconversationreadilyenough。Thereisnoneedtodescribewhatpassedbetweenus——itended，asallmyotherattemptstodiscoverthedatehadended。Thegardenerknewthathismasterhaddrivenaway，atnight，`sometimeinJuly，thelastfortnightorthelasttendaysinthemonth’——andknewnomore。
WhilewewerespeakingtogetherIsawthemaninblack，withthelargehat，comeoutfromthehouse，andstandatsomelittledistanceobservingus。
CertainsuspicionsofhiserrandatBlackwaterParkhadalreadycrossedmymind。Theywerenowincreasedbythegardener’sinability(orunwillingness)totellmewhothemanwas，andIdeterminedtoclearthewaybeforeme，ifpossible，byspeakingtohim。TheplainestquestionIcouldputasastrangerwouldbetoinquireifthehousewasallowedtobeshowntovisitors。Iwalkeduptothemanatonce，andaccostedhiminthosewords。
HislookandmannerunmistakablybetrayedthatheknewwhoIwas，andthathewantedtoirritatemeintoquarrellingwithhim。Hisreplywasinsolentenoughtohaveansweredthepurpose，ifIhadbeenlessdeterminedtocontrolmyself。Asitwas，Imethimwiththemostresolutepoliteness，apologisedformyinvoluntaryintrusion(whichhecalleda`trespass，’)andleftthegrounds。ItwasexactlyasIsuspected。TherecognitionofmewhenIleftMrKyrle’sofficehadbeenevidentlycommunicatedtoSirPercivalGlyde，andthemaninblackhadbeensenttotheParkinanticipationofmymakinginquiriesatthehouseorintheneighbourhood。IfIhadgivenhimtheleastchanceoflodginganysortoflegalcomplaintagainstme，theinterferenceofthelocalmagistratewouldnodoubthavebeenturnedtoaccountasaclogonmyproceedings，andameansofseparatingmefromMarianandLauraforsomedaysatleast。
IwaspreparedtobewatchedonthewayfromBlackwaterParktothestation，exactlyasIhadbeenwatchedinLondonthedaybefore-ButIcouldnotdiscoveratthetime，whetherIwasreallyfollowedonthisoccasionornot。ThemaninblackmighthavehadmeansoftrackingmeathisdisposalofwhichIwasnotaware，butIcertainlysawnothingofhim，inhisownperson，eitheronthewaytothestation，orafterwardsonmyarrivalattheLondonterminusintheevening。Ireachedhomeonfoot，takingtheprecaution，beforeIapproachedourowndoor，ofwalkingroundbythelonelieststreetintheneighbourhood，andtherestoppingandlookingbackmorethanonceovertheopenspacebehindme。IhadfirstlearnttousethisstratagemagainstsuspectedtreacheryinthewildsofCentralAmerica——andnowIwaspractisingitagain，withthesamepurposeandwithevengreatercaution，intheheartofcivilisedLondonI
NothinghadhappenedtoalarmMarianduringmyabsence。SheaskedeagerlywhatsuccessIhadmetwith。WhenItoldhershecouldnotconcealhersurpriseattheindifferencewithwhichIspokeofthefailureofmyinvestigationsthusfar。
Thetruthwas，thattheill-successofmyinquirieshadinnosensedauntedme。Ihadpursuedthemasamatterofduty，andIhadexpectednothingfromthem。Inthestateofmymindatthattime，itwasalmostarelieftometoknowthatthestrugglewasnownarrowedtoatrialofstrengthbetweenmyselfandSirPercivalGlyde。Thevindictivemotivehadmingleditselfallalongwithmyotherandbettermotives，andIconfessitwasasatisfactiontometofeelthatthesurestway，theonlywayleft，ofservingLaura’scause，wastofastenmyholdfirmlyonthevillainwhohadmarriedher。
WhileIacknowledgethatIwasnotstrongenoughtokeepmymotivesabovethereachofthisinstinctofrevenge，Icanhonestlysaysomethinginmyownfavourontheotherside。NobasespeculationonthefuturerelationsofLauraandmyself，andontheprivateandpersonalconcessionswhichImightforcefromSirPercivalifIoncehadhimatmymercy，everenteredmymind。Ineversaidtomyself，`IfIdosucceed，itshallbeoneresultofmysuccessthatIputitoutofherhusband’spowertotakeherfrommeagain。’Icouldnotlookatherandthinkofthefuturewithsuchthoughtsasthose。Thesadsightofthechangeinherfromherformerself，madetheoneinterestofmyloveaninterestoftendernessandcompassionwhichherfatherorherbrothermighthavefelt，andwhichIfelt，Godknows，inmyinmostheart。Allmyhopeslookednofartheronnowthantothedayofherrecovery。There，tillshewasstrongagainandhappyagain——there，tillshecouldlookatmeasshehadoncelooked，andspeaktomeasshehadoncespoken——thefutureofmyhappiestthoughtsandmydearestwishesended。
Thesewordsarewrittenundernopromptingofidleself-contemplation。Passagesinthisnarrativearesoontocomewhichwillsetthemindsofothersinjudgmentonmyconduct。Itisrightthatthebestandtheworstofmeshouldbefairlybalancedbeforethattime。
OnthemorningaftermyreturnfromHampshireItookMarianupstairsintomyworking-room，andtherelaidbeforehertheplanthatIhadmaturedthusfar，formasteringtheoneassailablepointinthelifeofSirPercivalGlyde。
ThewaytotheSecretlaythroughthemystery，hithertoimpenetrabletoallofus，ofthewomaninwhite。TheapproachtothatinitsturnmightbegainedbyobtainingtheassistanceofAnneCatherick’smother，andtheonlyascertainablemeansofprevailingonMrsCathericktoactortospeakinthematterdependedonthechanceofmydiscoveringlocalparticularsandfamilyparticularsfirstofallfromMrsClements。Afterthinkingthesubjectovercarefully，IfeltcertainthatIcouldonlybeginthenewinquiriesbyplacingmyselfincommunicationwiththefaithfulfriendandprotectressofAnneCatherick。
ThefirstdifficultythenwastofindMrsClements。
IwasindebtedtoMarian’squickperceptionformeetingthisnecessityatoncebythebestandsimplestmeans。SheproposedtowritetothefarmnearLimmeridge(Todd’sCorner)，toinquirewhetherMrsClementshadcommunicatedwithMrsToddduringthepastfewmonths。HowMrsClementshadbeenseparatedfromAnneitwasimpossibleforustosay，butthatseparationonceeffected，itwouldcertainlyoccurtoMrsClementstoinquireafterthemissingwomanintheneighbourhoodofallotherstowhichshewasknowntobemostattached——theneighbourhoodofLimmeridge。IsawdirectlythatMarian’sproposalofferedusaprospectofsuccess，andshewrotetoMrsToddaccordinglybythatday’spost。
Whilewewerewaitingforthereply，ImademyselfmasterofalltheinformationMariancouldaffordonthesubjectofSirpercival’sfamily，andofhisearlylife。Shecouldonlyspeakonthesetopicsfromheresay，butshewasreasonablycertainofthetruthofwhatlittleshehadtotell。
SirPercivalwasanonlychild。Hisfather，SirfelixGlyde，hadsufferedfromhisbirthunderapainfulandincurabledeformity，andhadshunnedallsocietyfromhisearliestyears。Hissolehappinesswasintheenjoymentofmusic，andhehadmarriedaladywithtastessimilartohisown，whowassaidtobeamostaccomplishedmusician。HeinheritedtheBlackwaterpropertywhilestillayoungman。Neitherhenorhiswife，aftertakingpossession，madeadvancesofanysorttowardsthesocietyoftheneighbourhood，andnooneendeavouredtotemptthemintoabandoningtheirreserve，withtheonedisastrousexceptionoftherectoroftheparish。
Therectorwastheworstofallinnocentmischief-makers——anover-zealousman。HehadheardthatSirFelixhadleftCollegewiththecharacterofbeinglittlebetterthanarevolutionistinpoliticsandaninfidelinreligion，andhearrivedconscientiouslyattheconclusionthatitwashisboundendutytosummonthelordofthemanortohearsoundviewsenunciatedintheparishchurch。SirFelixfiercelyresentedtheclergyman’swell-meantbutill-directedinterference，insultinghimsogrosslyandsopublicly，thatthefamiliesintheneighbourhoodsentlettersofindignantremonstrancetothePark，andeventhetenantsoftheBlackwaterpropertyexpressedtheiropinionasstronglyastheydared。Thebaronet，whohadnocountrytastesofanykind，andnoattachmenttotheestateortoanyonelivingonit，declaredthatsocietyatBlackwatershouldneverhaveasecondchanceofannoyinghim，andlefttheplacefromthatmoment。
AfterashortresidenceinLondonheandhiswifedepartedfortheContinent，andneverreturnedtoEnglandagain。TheylivedpartofthetimeinFranceandpartinGermany——alwayskeepingthemselvesinthestrictretirementwhichthemorbidsenseofhisownpersonaldeformityhadmadeanecessitytoSirFelix。Theirson，Percival，hadbeenbornabroad，andhadbeeneducatedtherebyprivatetutors。Hismotherwasthefirstofhisparentswhomhelost。Hisfatherhaddiedafewyearsafterher，eitherin1825or1826。SirPercivalhadbeeninEngland，asayoungman，onceortwicebeforethatperiod，buthisacquaintancewiththelateMrFairliedidnotbegintillafterthetimeofhisfather’sdeath。Theysoonbecameveryintimate，althoughSirPercivalwasseldom，ornever，atLimmeridgeHouseinthosedays。MrFrederickFairliemighthavemethimonceortwiceinMrPhilipFairlie’scompany，buthecouldhaveknownlittleofhimatthatoratanyothertime。SirPercival’sonlyintimatefriendintheFairliefamilyhadbeenLaura’sfather。
ThesewerealltheparticularsthatIcouldgainfromMarian。Theysuggestednothingwhichwasusefultomypresentpurpose，butInotedthemdowncarefully，intheeventoftheirprovingtobeofimportanceatanyfutureperiod。
MrsTodd’sreply(addressed，byourownwish，toapost-officeatsomedistancefromus)hadarrivedatitsdestinationwhenIwenttoapplyforit。Thechances，whichhadbeenallagainstushitherto，turnedfromthismomentinourfavour。MrsTodd’slettercontainedthefirstitemofinformationofwhichwewereinsearch。
MrsClements，itappeared，had(aswehadconjectured)writtentoTodd’sCorner，askingpardoninthefirstplacefortheabruptmannerinwhichsheandAnnehadlefttheirfriendsatthefarm-house(onthemorningafterIhadmetthewomaninwhiteinLimmeridgechurchyard)，andtheninformingMrsToddofAnne’sdisappearance，andentreatingthatshewouldcauseinquiriestobemadeintheneighbourhood，onthechancethatthelostwomanmighthavestrayedbacktoLimmeridge。Inmakingthisrequest，MrsClementshadbeencarefultoaddtoittheaddressatwhichshemightalwaysbeheardof，andthataddressMrsToddnowtransmittedtoMarian。ItwasinLondon，andwithinhalfanhour’swalkofourownlodging。
Inthewordsoftheproverb，Iwasresolvednottoletthegrassgrowundermyfeet。ThenextmorningIsetforthtoseekaninterviewwithMrsClements。Thiswasmyfirststepforwardintheinvestigation。ThestoryofthedesperateattempttowhichInowstoodcommittedbeginshere。
TheaddresscommunicatedbyMrsToddtookmetoalodging-housesituatedinarespectablestreetneartheGray’sInnRoad。
WhenIknockedthedoorwasopenedbyMrsClementsherself。Shedidnotappeartorememberme，andaskedwhatmybusinesswas。IrecalledtoherourmeetinginLimmeridgechurchyardatthecloseofmyinterviewtherewiththewomaninwhite，takingspecialcaretoremindherthatIwasthepersonwhoassistedAnneCatherick(asAnnehadherselfdeclared)toescapethepursuitfromtheAsylum。ThiswasmyonlyclaimtotheconfidenceofMrsClements。SherememberedthecircumstancethemomentIspokeofit，andaskedmeintotheparlour，inthegreatestanxietytoknowifIhadbroughtheranynewsofAnne。
Itwasimpossibleformetotellherthewholetruthwithout，atthesametime，enteringintoparticularsonthesubjectoftheconspiracywhichitwouldhavebeendangeroustoconfidetoastranger。Icouldonlyabstainmostcarefullyfromraisinganyfalsehopes，andthenexplainthattheobjectofmyvisitwastodiscoverthepersonswhowerereallyresponsibleforAnne’sdisappearance。Ievenadded，soastoexoneratemyselffromanyafter-reproachofmyownconscience，thatIentertainednottheleasthopeofbeingabletotraceher——thatIbelievedweshouldneverseeheraliveagain——andthatmymaininterestintheaffairwastobringtopunishmenttwomenwhomIsuspectedtobeconcernedinluringheraway，andatwhosehandsIandsomedearfriendsofminehadsufferedagrievouswrong。WiththisexplanationIleftittoMrsClementstosaywhetherourinterestinthematter(whateverdifferencetheremightbeinthemotiveswhichactuatedus)wasnotthesame，andwhethershefeltanyreluctancetoforwardmyobjectsbygivingmesuchinformationonthesubjectofmyinquiriesasshehappenedtopossess。
ThePoorwomanwasatfirsttoomuchconfusedandagitatedtounderstandthoroughlywhatIsaidtoher。ShecouldonlyreplythatIwaswelcometoanythingshecouldtellmeinreturnforthekindnessIhadshowntoAnne；butasshewasnotveryquickandready，atthebestoftimes，intalkingtostrangers，shewouldbegmetoputherintherightway，andtosaywhereIwishedhertobegin。
Knowingbyexperiencethattheplainestnarrativeattainablefrompersonswhoarenotaccustomedtoarrangetheirideas，isthenarrativewhichgoesfarenoughbackatthebeginningtoavoidallimpedimentsofretrospectioninitscourse，IaskedMrsClementstotellmefirstwhathadhappenedaftershehadleftLimmeridge，andso，bywatchfulquestioning，carriedheronfrompointtopoint，tillwereachedtheperiodofAnne’sdisappearance。
ThesubstanceoftheinformationwhichIthusobtainedwasasfollows:——
OnleavingthefarmatTodd’sCorner，MrsClementsandAnnehadtravelledthatdayasfarasDerby，andhadremainedthereaweekonAnne’saccount。TheyhadthengoneontoLondon，andhadlivedinthelodgingoccupiedbyMrsClementsatthattimeforamonthormore，whencircumstancesconnectedwiththehouseandthelandlordhadobligedthemtochangetheirquarters。Anne’sterrorofbeingdiscoveredinLondonoritsneighbourhood，whenevertheyventuredtowalkout，hadgraduallycommunicateditselftoMrsClements，andshehaddeterminedonremovingtooneofthemostout-of-the-wayplacesinEngland——tothetownofGrimsbyinLincolnshire，whereherdeceasedhusbandhadpassedallhisearlylife。Hisrelativeswererespectablepeoplesettledinthetown——theyhadalwaystreatedMrsClementswithgreatkindness，andshethoughtitimpossibletodobetterthangothereandtaketheadviceofherhusband’sfriends。AnnewouldnothearofreturningtohermotheratWelmingham，becauseshehadbeenremovedtotheAsylumfromthatplace，andbecauseSirPercivalwouldbecertaintogobackthereandfindheragain。Therewasseriousweightinthisobjection，andMrsClementsfeltthatitwasnottobeeasilyremoved。
AtGrimsbythefirstserioussymptomsofillnesshadshownthemselvesinAnne。TheyappearedsoonafterthenewsofLadyGlyde’smarriagehadbeenmadepublicinthenewspapers，andhadreachedherthroughthatmedium。
Themedicalmanwhowassentfortoattendthesickwomandiscoveredatoncethatshewassufferingfromaseriousaffectionoftheheart。Theillnesslastedlong，leftherveryweak，andreturnedatintervals，thoughwithmitigatedseverity，againandagain。TheyremainedatGrimsby，inconsequence，duringthefirsthalfofthenewyear，andtheretheymightprobablyhavestayedmuchlonger，butforthesuddenresolutionwhichAnnetookatthistimetoventurebacktoHampshire，forthepurposeofobtainingaprivateinterviewwithLadyGlyde。
MrsClementsdidallinherpowertoopposetheexecutionofthishazardousandunaccountableproject。NoexplanationofhermotiveswasofferedbyAnne，exceptthatshebelievedthedayofherdeathwasnotfaroff，andthatshehadsomethingonhermindwhichmustbecommunicatedtoLadyGlyde，atanyrisk，insecret。HerresolutiontoaccomplishthispurposewassofirmlysettledthatshedeclaredherintentionofgoingtoHampshirebyherselfifMrsClementsfeltanyunwillingnesstogowithher。Thedoctor，onbeingconsulted，wasofopinionthatseriousoppositiontoherwisheswould，inallprobability，produceanotherandperhapsafatalfitofillness，andMrsClements，underthisadvice，yieldedtonecessity，andoncemore，withsadforebodingsoftroubleanddangertocome，allowedAnneCathericktohaveherownway。
OnthejourneyfromLondontoHampshireMrsClementsdiscoveredthatoneoftheirfellow-passengerswaswellacquaintedwiththeneighbourhoodofBlackwater，andcouldgiveheralltheinformationsheneededonthesubjectoflocalities。Inthiswayshefoundoutthattheonlyplacetheycouldgoto，whichwasnotdangerouslyneartoSirPercival’sresidence，wasalargevillagecalledSandon。ThedistanceherefromBlackwaterParkwasbetweenthreeandfourmiles——andthatdistance，andbackagain，Annehadwalkedoneachoccasionwhenshehadappearedintheneighbourhoodofthelake。
ForthefewdaysduringwhichtheywereatSandonwithoutbeingdiscoveredtheyhadlivedalittleawayfromthevillage，inthecottageofadecentwidow-womanwhohadabedroomtolet，andwhosediscreetsilenceMrsClementshaddoneherbesttosecure，forthefirstweekatleast。ShehadalsotriedhardtoinduceAnnetobecontentwithwritingtoLadyGlyde，inthefirstinstance；butthefailureofthewarningcontainedintheanonymouslettersenttoLimmeridgehadmadeAnneresolutetospeakthistime，andobstinateinthedeterminationtogoonhererrandalone。
MrsClements，nevertheless，followedherprivatelyoneachoccasionwhenshewenttothelake，without，however，venturingnearenoughtotheboat-housetobewitnessofwhattookplacethere。WhenAnnereturnedforthelasttimefromthedangerousneighbourhood，thefatigueofwalking，dayafterday，distanceswhichwerefartoogreatforherstrength，addedtotheexhaustingeffectoftheagitationfromwhichshehadsuffered，producedtheresultwhichMrsClementshaddreadedallalong。TheoldpainovertheheartandtheothersymptomsoftheillnessatGrimsbyreturned，andAnnewasconfinedtoherbedinthecottage。
Inthisemergencythefirstnecessity，asMrsClementsknewbyexperience，wastoendeavourtoquietAnne’sanxietyofmind，andforthispurposethegoodwomanwentherselfthenextdaytothelake，totryifshecouldfindLadyGlyde(whowouldbesure，asAnnesaid，totakeherdailywalktotheboat-house)，andprevailonhertocomebackprivatelytothecottagenearSandon。OnreachingtheoutskirtsoftheplantationMrsClementsencountered，notLadyGlyde，butatall，stout，elderlygentleman，withabookinhishand——inotherwords，CountFosco。
TheCount，afterlookingatherveryattentivelyforamoment，askedifsheexpectedtoseeanyoneinthatplace，andadded，beforeshecouldreply，thathewaswaitingtherewithamessagefromLadyGlyde，butthathewasnotquitecertainwhetherthepersonthenbeforehimansweredthedescriptionofthepersonwithwhomhewasdesiredtocommunicate。
UponthisMrsClementsatonceconfidedhererrandtohim，andentreatedthathewouldhelptoallayAnne’sanxietybytrustinghismessagetoher。TheCountmostreadilyandkindlycompliedwithherrequest。Themessage，hesaid，wasaveryimportantone。LadyGlydeentreatedAnneandhergoodfriendtoreturnimmediatelytoLondon，asshefeltcertainthatSirPercivalwoulddiscoverthemiftheyremainedanylongerintheneighbourhoodofBlackwater。ShewasherselfgoingtoLondoninashorttime，andifMrsClementsandAnnewouldgotherefirst，andwouldletherknowwhattheiraddresswas，theyshouldhearfromherandseeherinafortnightorless。TheCountaddedthathehadalreadyattemptedtogiveafriendlywarningtoAnneherself，butthatshehadbeentoomuchstartledbyseeingthathewasastrangertolethimapproachandspeaktoher。
TothisMrsClementsreplied，inthegreatestalarmanddistress，thatsheaskednothingbetterthantotakeAnnesafelytoLondon，butthattherewasnopresenthopeofremovingherfromthedangerousneighbourhood，asshelayillinherbedatthatmoment。TheCountinquiredifMrsClementshadsentformedicaladvice，andhearingthatshehadhithertohesitatedtodoso，fromthefearofmakingtheirpositionpubliclyknowninthevillage，informedherthathewashimselfamedicalman，andthathewouldgobackwithherifshepleased，andseewhatcouldbedoneforAnne。MrsClements(feelinganaturalconfidenceintheCount，asapersontrustedwithasecretmessagefromLadyGlyde)gratefullyacceptedtheoffer，andtheywentbacktogethertothecottage。
Annewasasleepwhentheygotthere。TheCountstartedatthesightofher(evidentlyfromastonishmentatherresemblancetoLadyGlyde)。PoorMrsClementssupposedthathewasonlyshockedtoseehowillshewas。Hewouldnotallowhertobeawakened——hewascontentedwithputtingquestionstoMrsClementsabouthersymptoms，withlookingather，andwithlightlytouchingherpulse。Sandonwasalargeenoughplacetohaveagrocer’sanddruggist’sshopinit，andthithertheCountwenttowritehisprescriptionandtogetthemedicinemadeup。Hebroughtitbackhimself，andtoldMrsClementsthatthemedicinewasapowerfulstimulant，andthatitwouldcertainlygiveAnnestrengthtogetupandbearthefatigueofajourneytoLondonofonlyafewhours。Theremedywastobeadministeredatstatedtimesonthatdayandonthedayafter。Onthethirddayshewouldbewellenoughtotravel，andhearrangedtomeetMrsClementsattheBlackwaterstation，andtoseethemoffbythemid-daytrain。IftheydidnotappearhewouldassumethatAnnewasworse，andwouldproceedatoncetothecottage。
Aseventsturnedout，nosuchemergencyasthisoccurred。
ThismedicinehadanextraordinaryeffectonAnne，andthegoodresultsofitwerehelpedbytheassuranceMrsClementscouldnowgiveherthatshewouldsoonseeLadyGlydeinLondon。Attheappointeddayandtime(whentheyhadnotbeenquitesolongasaweekinHampshirealtogether)，theyarrivedatthestation。TheCountwaswaitingthereforthem，andwastalkingtoanelderlylady，whoappearedtobegoingtotravelbythetraintoLondonalso。Hemostkindlyassistedthem，andputthemintothecarriagehimself，beggingMrsClementsnottoforgettosendheraddresstoLadyGlyde。Theelderlyladydidnottravelinthesamecompartment，andtheydidnotnoticewhatbecameofheronreachingtheLondonterminus。MrsClementssecuredrespectablelodgingsinaquietneighbourhood，andthenwrote，asshehadengagedtodo，toinformLadyGlydeoftheaddress。
Alittlemorethanafortnightpassed，andnoanswercame。
Attheendofthattimealady(thesameelderlyladywhomtheyhadseenatthestation)calledinacab，andsaidthatshecamefromLadyGlyde，whowasthenatanhotelinLondon，andwhowishedtoseeMrsClements，forthepurposeofarrangingafutureinterviewwithAnne。MrsClementsexpressedherwillingness(Annebeingpresentatthetime，andentreatinghertodoso)toforwardtheobjectinview，especiallyasshewasnotrequiredtobeawayfromthehouseformorethanhalfanhouratthemost。Sheandtheelderlylady(clearlyMadameFosco)thenleftinthecab。Theladystoppedthecab，afterithaddrivensomedistance，atashopbeforetheygottothehotel，andbeggedMrsClementstowaitforherforafewminuteswhileshemadeapurchasethathadbeenforgotten。Sheneverappearedagain。
AfterwaitingsometimeMrsClementsbecamealarmed，andorderedthecabmantodrivebacktoherlodgings。Whenshegotthere，afteranabsenceofrathermorethanhalfanhour，Annewasgone。
Theonlyinformationtobeobtainedfromthepeopleofthehousewasderivedfromtheservantwhowaitedonthelodgers。Shehadopenedthedoortoaboyfromthestreet，whohadleftaletterfor`theyoungwomanwholivedonthesecondfloor’(thepartofthehousewhichMrsClementsoccupied)。Theservanthaddeliveredtheletter，hadthengonedownstairs，andfiveminutesafterwardshadobservedAnneopenthefrontdoorandgooutdressedinherbonnetandshawl。Shehadprobablytakentheletterwithher，foritwasnottobefound，anditwasthereforeimpossibletotellwhatinducementhadbeenofferedtomakeherleavethehouse。Itmusthavebeenastrongone，forshewouldneverstiroutaloneinLondonofherownaccord。IfMrsClementshadnotknownthisbyexperiencenothingwouldhaveinducedhertogoawayinthecab，evenforsoshortatimeashalfanhouronly。
Assoonasshecouldcollectherthoughts，thefirstideathatnaturallyoccurredtoMrsClementswastogoandmakeinquiriesattheAsylum，towhichshedreadedthatAnnehadbeentakenback。
Shewenttherethenextday，havingbeeninformedofthelocalityinwhichthehousewassituatedbyAnneherself。Theanswershereceived(herapplicationhavinginallprobabilitybeenmadeadayortwobeforethefalseAnneCatherickhadreallybeenconsignedtosafekeepingintheAsylum)was，thatnosuchpersonhadbeenbroughtbackthere。ShehadthenwrittentoMrsCatherickatWelminghamtoknowifshehadseenorheardanythingofherdaughter，andhadreceivedananswerinthenegative。Afterthatreplyhadreachedher，shewasattheendofherresources，andperfectlyignorantwhereelsetoinquireorwhatelsetodo。FromthattimetothisshehadremainedintotalignoranceofthecauseofAnne’sdisappearanceandoftheendofAnne’sstory。
ThusfartheinformationwhichIhadreceivedfromMrsClements——thoughitestablishedfactsofwhichIhadnotpreviouslybeenaware——wasofapreliminarycharacteronly。
ItwasclearthattheseriesofdeceptionswhichhadremovedAnneCathericktoLondon，andseparatedherfromMrsClements，hadbeenaccomplishedsolelybyCountFoscoandtheCountess，andthequestionwhetheranypartoftheconductofhusbandorwifehadbeenofakindtoplaceeitherofthemwithinreachofthelawmightbewellworthyoffutureconsideration。ButthepurposeIhadnowinviewledmeinanotherdirectionthanthis。TheimmediateobjectofmyvisittoMrsClementswastomakesomeapproachatleasttothediscoveryofSirPercival’ssecret，andshehadsaidnothingasyetwhichadvancedmeonmywaytothatimportantend。Ifeltthenecessityoftryingtoawakenherrecollectionsofothertimes，persons，andeventsthanthoseonwhichhermemoryhadhithertobeenemployed，andwhenInextspokeIspokewiththatobjectindirectlyinview。
`IwishIcouldbeofanyhelptoyouinthissadcalamity，’Isaid。`AllIcandoistofeelheartilyforyourdistress。IfAnnehadbeenyourownchild，MrsClements，youcouldhaveshownhernotruerkindness——youcouldhavemadenoreadiersacrificesforhersake。’
`There’snogreatmeritinthat，sir，’saidMrsClementssimply。`Thepoorthingwasasgoodasmyownchildtome。Inursedherfromababy，sir，bringingherupbyhand——andahardjobitwastorearher。Itwouldn’tgotomyheartsotoloseherifIhadn’tmadeherfirstshortclothesandtaughthertowalk。Ialwayssaidshewassenttoconsolemeforneverhavingchickorchildofmyown。Andnowshe’slosttheoldtimeskeepcomingbacktomymind，andevenatmyageIcan’thelpcryingabouther——Ican’tindeed，sir！’
IwaitedalittletogiveMrsClementstimetocomposeherself。WasthelightthatIhadbeenlookingforsolongglimmeringonme——faroff，asyet——inthegoodwoman’srecollectionsofAnne’searlylife？
`DidyouknowMrsCatherickbeforeAnnewasborn？’Iasked。
`Notverylong，sir——notabovefourmonths。Wesawagreatdealofeachotherinthattime，butwewereneververyfriendlytogether。’
Hervoicewassteadierasshemadethatreply。Painfulasmanyofherrecollectionsmightbe，Iobservedthatitwasunconsciouslyarelieftohermindtoreverttothedimly-seentroublesofthepast，afterdwellingsolongonthevividsorrowsofthepresent。
`WereyouandMrsCatherickneighbours？’Iinquired，leadinghermemoryonasencouraginglyasIcould。
`Yes，sir——neighboursatOldWelmingham。’
`OldWelmingham？Therearetwoplacesofthatname，then，inHampshire？’
`Well，sir，thereusedtobeinthosedays——betterthanthree-and-twentyyearsago。Theybuiltanewtownabouttwomilesoff，convenienttotheriver——andOldWelmingham，whichwasnevermuchmorethanavillage，gotintimetobedeserted。ThenewtownistheplacetheycallWelminghamnow——buttheoldparishchurchistheparishchurchstill。Itstandsbyitself，withthehousespulleddownorgonetoruinallroundit。I’velivedtoseesadchanges。Itwasapleasant，prettyplaceinmytime。’
`Didyoulivetherebeforeyourmarriage，MrsClements？’
`No，sir——I’maNorfolkwoman。Itwasn’ttheplacemyhusbandbelongedtoeither。HewasfromGrimsby，asItoldyou，andheservedhisapprenticeshipthere。Buthavingfriendsdownsouth，andhearingofanopening，hegotintobusinessatSouthampton。Itwasinasmallway，buthemadeenoughforaplainmantoretireon，andsettledatOldWelmingham。Iwenttherewithhimwhenhemarriedme。Wewereneitherofusyoung，butwelivedveryhappytogether——happierthanourneighbour，MrCatherick，livedalongwithhiswifewhentheycametoOldWelminghamayearortwoafterwards。’
`Wasyourhusbandacquaintedwiththembeforethat？’
`WithCatherick，sir——notwithhiswife。Shewasastrangertobothofus。SomegentlemenhadmadeinterestforCatherick，andhegotthesituationofclerkatWelminghamchurch，whichwasthereasonofhiscomingtosettleinourneighbourhood。Hebroughthisnewly-marriedwifealongwithhim，andweheardincourseoftimeshehadbeenlady’s-maidinafamilythatlivedatVarneckHall，nearSouthampton。Catherickhadfounditahardmattertogethertomarryhim，inconsequenceofherholdingherselfuncommonlyhigh。Hehadaskedandasked，andgiventhethingupatlast，seeingshewassocontraryaboutit。Whenhehadgivenitupsheturnedcontraryjusttheotherway，andcametohimofherownaccord，withoutrhymeorreasonseemingly。Mypoorhusbandalwayssaidthatwasthetimetohavegivenheralesson。ButCatherickwastoofondofhertodoanythingofthesort——henevercheckedhereitherbeforetheyweremarriedorafter。Hewasaquickmaninhisfeelings，lettingthemcarryhimadealtoofar，nowinonewayandnowinanother，andhewouldhavespoiltabetterwifethanMrsCatherickifabetterhadmarriedhim。Idon’tliketospeakillofanyone，sir，butshewasaheartlesswoman，withaterriblewillofherown——fondoffoolishadmirationandfineclothes，andnotcaringtoshowsomuchasdecentoutwardrespecttoCatherick，kindlyashealwaystreatedher。Myhusbandsaidhethoughtthingswouldturnoutbadlywhentheyfirstcametolivenearus，andhiswordsprovedtrue。Beforetheyhadbeenquitefourmonthsinourneighbourhoodtherewasadreadfulscandalandamiserablebreak-upintheirhousehold。Bothofthemwereinfault——Iamafraidbothofthemwereequallyinfault。’
`Youmeanbothhusbandandwife？’
`Oh，no，sir！Idon’tmeanCatherick——hewasonlytobepitied。Imeanthiswifeandtheperson——’
`Andthepersonwhocausedthescandal？’
`Yes，sir。Agentlemanbornandbroughtup，whooughttohavesetabetterexample。Youknowhim，sir——andmypoordearAnneknewhimonlytoowell。’
`SirPercivalGlyde？’
`Yes，SirPercivalGlyde。’
Myheartbeatfast——IthoughtIhadmyhandontheclue。HowlittleIknewthenofthewindingsofthelabyrinthswhichwerestilltomisleadme！
`DidSirPercivalliveinyourneighbourhoodatthattime？’Iasked。
`No，sir。Hecameamongusasastranger。Hisfatherhaddiednotlongbeforeinforeignparts。Irememberhewasinmourning。Heputupatthelittleinnontheriver(theyhavepulleditdownsincethattime)，wheregentlemenusedtogotofish。Hewasn’tmuchnoticedwhenhefirstcame——itwasacommonthingenoughforgentlementotravelfromallpartsofEnglandtofishinourriver。’
`DidhemakehisappearanceinthevillagebeforeAnnewasborn？’
`Yes，sir。AnnewasbornintheJunemonthofeighteenhundredandtwenty-seven——andIthinkhecameattheendofAprilorthebeginningofMay。’
`Cameasastrangertoallofyou？AstrangertoMrsCatherickaswellastotherestoftheneighbours？’
`Sowethoughtatfirst，sir。Butwhenthescandalbrokeout，nobodybelievedtheywerestrangers。Irememberhowithappenedaswellasifitwasyesterday。Catherickcameintoourgardenonenight，andwokeusbythrowingupahandfulofgravelfromthewalkatourwindow。Iheardhimbegmyhusband，fortheLord’ssake，tocomedownandspeaktohim。Theywerealongtimetogethertalkingintheporch。Whenmyhusbandcamebackupstairshewasallofatremble。Hesatdownonthesideofthebedandhesaystome，``Lizzie！Ialwaystoldyouthatwomanwasabadone——Ialwayssaidshewouldendill，andI’mafraidinmyownmindthattheendhascomealready。Catherickhasfoundalotoflacehandkerchiefs，andtwofinerings，andanewgoldwatchandchain，hidawayinhiswife’sdrawer——thingsthatnobodybutabornladyoughtevertohave——andhiswifewon’tsayhowshecamebythem。’’``Doeshethinkshestolethem？’’saysI。``No，’’sayshe，``stealingwouldbebadenough。Butit’sworsethanthat，she’shadnochanceofstealingsuchthingsasthose，andshe’snotawomantotakethemifshehad。They’regifts，Lizzie——there’sherowninitialsengravedinsidethewatch——andCatherickhasseenhertalkingprivately，andcarryingonasnomarriedwomanshould，withthatgentlemaninmourning，SirPercivalGlyde。Don’tyousayanythingaboutit——I’vequietedCatherickfortonight。I’vetoldhimtokeephistonguetohimself，andhiseyesandhisearsopen，andtowaitadayortwo，tillhecanbequitecertain。’’``Ibelieveyouarebothofyouwrong，’’saysI。``It’snotinnature，comfortableandrespectableassheishere，thatMrsCatherickshouldtakeupwithachancestrangerlikeSirPercivalGlyde。’’``Ay，butisheastrangertoher？’’saysmyhusband。``YouforgethowCatherick’swifecametomarryhim。Shewenttohimofherownaccord，aftersayingNooverandoveragainwhenheaskedher。Therehavebeenwickedwomenbeforehertime，Lizzie，whohaveusedhonestmenwholovedthemasameansofsavingtheircharacters，andI’msorelyafraidthisMrsCatherickisaswickedastheworstofthem。Weshallsee，’’saysmyhusband，``weshallsoonsee。’’Andonlytwodaysafterwardswedidsee。’
MrsClementswaitedforamomentbeforeshewenton。Eveninthatmoment，IbegantodoubtwhetherthecluethatIthoughtIhadfoundwasreallyleadingmetothecentralmysteryofthelabyrinthafterall。Wasthiscommon，toocommon，storyofaman’streacheryandawoman’sfrailtythekeytoasecretwhichhadbeenthelife-longterrorofSirPercivalGlyde？
`Well，sir，Cathericktookmyhusband’sadviceandwaited，’MrsClementscontinued。`AndasItoldyou，hehadn’tlongtowait。OntheseconddayhefoundhiswifeandSirPercivalwhisperingtogetherquitefamiliar，closeunderthevestryofthechurch。Isupposetheythoughttheneighbourhoodofthevestrywasthelastplaceintheworldwhereanybodywouldthinkoflookingafterthem，but，howeverthatmaybe，theretheywere。SirPercival，beingseeminglysurprisedandconfounded，defendedhimselfinsuchaguiltywaythatPoorCatherick(whosequicktemperIhavetoldyouofalready)fellintoakindoffrenzyathisowndisgrace，andstruckSirPercival。Hewasnomatch(andIamsorrytosayit)forthemanwhohadwrongedhim，andhewasbeateninthecruellestmanner，beforetheneighbours，whohadcometotheplaceonhearingthedisturbance，couldrunintopartthem。Allthishappenedtowardsevening，andbeforenightfall，whenmyhusbandwenttoCatherick’shouse，hewasgone，nobodyknewwhere。Nolivingsoulinthevillageeversawhimagain。Heknewtoowell，bythattime，whathiswife’svilereasonhadbeenformarryinghim，andhefelthismiseryanddisgrace，especiallyafterwhathadhappenedtohimwithSirPercival，tookeenly。Theclergymanoftheparishputanadvertisementinthepaperbegginghimtocomeback，andsayingthatheshouldnotlosehissituationorhisfriends。ButCatherickhadtoomuchprideandspirit，assomepeoplesaid——toomuchfeeling，asIthink，sir——tofacehisneighboursagain，andtrytolivedownthememoryofhisdisgrace。MyhusbandheardfromhimwhenhehadleftEngland，andheardasecondtime，whenhewassettledanddoingwellinAmerica。Heisalivetherenow，asfarasIknow，butnoneofusintheoldcountry——hiswickedwifeleastofall——areeverlikelytoseteyesonhimagain。’
`WhatbecameofSirPercival？’Iinquired。`Didhestayintheneighbourhood？’
`Nothe，sir。Theplacewastoohottoholdhim。HewasheardathighwordswithMrsCatherickthesamenightwhenthescandalbrokeout，andthenextmorninghetookhimselfoff。’
`AndMrsCatherick？SurelysheneverremainedinthevillageamongthePeoplewhoknewofherdisgrace？’
`Shedid，sir。Shewashardenoughandheartlessenoughtosettheopinionsofallherneighboursatflatdefiance。Shedeclaredtoeverybody，fromtheclergymandownwards，thatshewasthevictimofadreadfulmistake，andthatallthescandal-mongersintheplaceshouldnotdriveheroutofit，asifshewasaguiltywoman。AllthroughmytimeshelivedatOldWelmingham，andaftermytime，whenthenewtownwasbuilding，andtherespectableneighboursbeganmovingtoit，shemovedtoo，asifshewasdeterminedtoliveamongthemandscandalisethemtotheverylast。Theresheisnow，andthereshewillstop，indefianceofthebestofthem，toherdyingday。’
`Buthowhasshelivedthroughalltheseyears？’Iasked。`Washerhusbandableandwillingtohelpher？’
`Bothableandwilling，sir，’saidMrsClements。`Inthesecondletterhewrotetomygoodman，hesaidshehadbornehisname，andlivedinhishome，and，wickedasshewas，shemustnotstarvelikeabeggarinthestreet。HecouldaffordtomakeherplaceinLondon。’
`Didsheaccepttheallowance？’
`Notafarthingofit，sir。ShesaidshewouldneverbebeholdentoCatherickforbitordrop，ifshelivedtobeahundred。Andshehaskeptherwordeversince。Whenmypoordearhusbanddied，andleftalltome，Catherick’sletterwasputinmypossessionwiththeotherthings，andItoldhertoletmeknowifshewaseverinwant。``I’llletallEnglandknowI’minwant，’’shesaid，``beforeItellCatherick，oranyfriendofCatherick’s。Takethatforyouranswer，andgiveittohimforananswer，ifheeverwritesagain。’’’
`Doyousupposethatshehadmoneyofherown？’
`Verylittle，ifany，sir。Itwassaid，andsaidtruly，Iamafraid，thathermeansoflivingcameprivatelyfromSirPercivalGlyde。’
AfterthatlastreplyIwaitedalittle，toreconsiderwhatIhadheard。IfIunreservedlyacceptedthestorysofar，itwasnowplainthatnoapproach，directorindirect，totheSecrethadyetbeenrevealedtome，andthatthepursuitofmyobjecthadendedagaininleavingmefacetofacewiththemostpalpableandthemostdishearteningfailure。
Buttherewasonepointinthenarrativewhichmademedoubttheproprietyofacceptingitunreservedly，andwhichsuggestedtheideaofsomethinghiddenbelowthesurface。
Icouldnotaccounttomyselfforthecircumstanceoftheclerk’sguiltywifevoluntarilylivingoutallherafter-existenceonthesceneofherdisgrace。Thewoman’sownreportedstatementthatshehadtakenthisstrangecourseasapracticalassertionofherinnocencedidnotsatisfyme。Itseemed，tomymind，morenaturalandmoreprobabletoassumethatshewasnotsocompletelyafreeagentinthismatterasshehadherselfasserted。Inthatcase，whowasthelikeliestpersontopossessthepowerofcompellinghertoremainatWelmingham？Thepersonunquestionablyfromwhomshederivedthemeansofliving。Shehadrefusedassistancefromherhusband，shehadnoadequateresourcesofherown，shewasafriendless，degradedwoman——fromwhatsourceshouldshederivehelpbutfromthesourceatwhichreportpointed——SirPercivalGlyde？
Reasoningontheseassumptions，andalwaysbearinginmindtheonecertainfacttoguideme，thatMrsCatherickwasinpossessionoftheSecret，IeasilyunderstoodthatitwasSirPercival’sinteresttokeepheratWelmingham，becausehercharacterinthatplacewascertaintoisolateherfromallcommunicationwithfemaleneighbours，andtoallowhernoopportunitiesoftalkingincautiouslyinmomentsoffreeintercoursewithinquisitivebosomfriends。Butwhatwasthemysterytobeconcealed？NotSirPercival’sinfamousconnectionwithMrsCatherick’sdisgrace，fortheneighboursweretheverypeoplewhoknewofit——notthesuspicionthathewasAnne’sfather，forWelminghamwastheplaceinwhichthatsuspicionmustinevitablyexist。IfIacceptedtheguiltyappearancesdescribedtomeasunreservedlyasothershadacceptedthem，ifIdrewfromthemthesamesuperficialconclusionwhichMrCatherickandallhisneighbourshaddrawn，wherewasthesuggestion，inallthatIhadheard，ofadangeroussecretbetweenSirPercivalandMrsCatherick，whichhadbeenkepthiddenfromthattimetothis？
Andyet，inthosestolenmeetings，inthosefamiliarwhisperingsbetweentheclerk’swifeand`thegentlemaninmourning，’thecluetodiscoveryexistedbeyondadoubt。
Wasitpossiblethatappearancesinthiscasehadpointedonewaywhilethetruthlayallthewhileunsuspectedinanotherdirection？CouldMrsCatherick’sassertion，thatshewasthevictimofadreadfulmistake，byanypossibilitybetrue？Or，assumingittobefalse，couldtheconclusionwhichassociatedSirPercivalwithherguilthavebeenfoundedinsomeinconceivableerror？HadSirPercival，byanychance，courtedthesuspicionthatwaswrongforthesakeofdivertingfromhimselfsomeothersuspicionthatwasright？Here——ifIcouldfindit——herewastheapproachtotheSecret，hiddendeepunderthesurfaceoftheapparentlyunpromisingstorywhichIhadjustheard。
MynextquestionswerenowdirectedtotheoneobjectofascertainingwhetherMrCatherickhadorhadnotarrivedtrulyattheconvictionofhiswife’smisconduct。TheanswersIreceivedfromMrsClementsleftmeinnodoubtwhateveronthatpoint。MrsCatherickhad，ontheclearestevidence，compromisedherreputation，whileasinglewoman，withsomepersonunknown，andhadmarriedtosavehercharacter。Ithadbeenpositivelyascertained，bycalculationsoftimeandplaceintowhichIneednotenterparticularly，thatthedaughterwhoboreherhusband’snamewasnotherhusband’schild。
Thenextobjectofinquiry，whetheritwasequallycertainthatSirPercivalmusthavebeenthefatherofAnne，wasbesetbyfargreaterdifficulties。Iwasinnopositiontotrytheprobabilitiesononesideorontheotherinthisinstancebyanybettertestthanthetestofpersonalresemblance。
`IsupposeyouoftensawSirPercivalwhenhewasinyourvillage？’Isaid。
`Yes，sir，veryoften，’repliedMrsClements。
`DidyoueverobservethatAnnewaslikehim？’
`Shewasnotatalllikehim，sir。’
`Wasshelikehermother，then？’
`Notlikehermothereither，sir。MrsCatherickwasdark，andfullintheface。’
Notlikehermotherandnotlikeher(supposed)father。Iknewthatthetestbypersonalresemblancewasnottobeimplicitlytrusted，but，ontheotherhand，itwasnottobealtogetherrejectedonthataccount。WasitpossibletostrengthentheevidencebydiscoveringanyconclusivefactsinrelationtothelivesofMrsCatherickandSirPercivalbeforetheyeitherofthemappearedatOldWelmingham？WhenIaskedmynextquestionsIputthemwiththisview。
`WhenSirPercivalfirstarrivedinyourneighbourhood，’Isaid，`didyouhearwherehehadcomefromlast？’
`No，sir。SomesaidfromBlackwaterPark，andsomesaidfromScotland——butnobodyknew。’
`WasMrsCathericklivinginserviceatVarneckHallimmediatelybeforehermarriage？’
`Yes，sir。’
`Andhadshebeenlonginherplace？’
`Threeorfouryears，sir；Iamnotquitecertainwhich。’
`DidyoueverhearthenameofthegentlemantowhomVarneckHallbelongedatthattime？’
`Yes，sir。HisnamewasMajorDonthorne。’
`DidMrCatherick，ordidanyoneelseyouknew，everhearthatSirPercivalwasafriendofMajorDonthorne’s，oreverseeSirPercivalintheneighbourhoodofVarneckHall？’
`Catherickneverdid，sir，thatIcanremember——noranyoneelseeither，thatIknowof。’
InoteddownMajorDonthorne’snameandaddress，onthechancethathemightstillbealive，andthatitmightbeusefulatsomefuturetimetoapplytohim。Meanwhile，theimpressiononmymindwasnowdecidedlyadversetotheopinionthatSirPercivalwasAnne’sfather，anddecidedlyfavourabletotheconclusionthatthesecretofhisstoleninterviewswithMrsCatherickwasentirelyunconnectedwiththedisgracewhichthewomanhadinflictedonherhusband’sgoodname。IcouldthinkofnofurtherinquirieswhichImightmaketostrengthenthisimpression——IcouldonlyencourageMrsClementstospeaknextofAnne’searlydays，andwatchforanychance-suggestionwhichmightinthiswayofferitselftome。
`Ihavenotheardyet，’Isaid，`howthepoorchild，borninallthissinandmisery，cametobetrusted，MrsClements，toyourcare。’
`Therewasnobodyelse，sir，totakethelittlehelplesscreatureinhand，’repliedMrsClements。`Thewickedmotherseemedtohateit——asifthepoorbabywasinfault！——fromthedayitwasborn。Myheartwasheavyforthechild，andImadetheoffertobrineitupastenderlyasifitwasmyown。’
`DidAnneremainentirelyunderyourcarefromthattime？’
`Notquiteentirely，sir。MrsCatherickhadherwhimsandfanciesaboutitattimes，andusednowandthentolayclaimtothechild，asifshewantedtospitemeforbringingitup。Butthesefitsofhers，neverlastedforlong。PoorlittleAnnewasalwaysreturnedtome，andwasalwaysgladtogetback——thoughsheledbutagloomylifeinmyhouse，havingnoplay-mates，likeotherchildren，tobrightenherup。OurlongestseparationwaswhenhermothertookhertoLimmeridge。rustatthattimeIlostmyhusband，andIfeltitwasaswell，inthatmiserableaffliction，thatAnneshouldnotbeinthehouse。Shewasbetweentenandelevenyearsoldthen，slowatherlessons，poorsoul，andnotsocheerfulasotherchildren——butasprettyalittlegirltolookatasyouwouldwishtosee。Iwaitedathometillhermotherbroughtherback，andthenImadetheoffertotakeherwithmetoLondon——thetruthbeing，sir，thatIcouldnotfinditinmyhearttostopatOldWelminghamaftermyhusband’sdeath，theplacewassochangedandsodismaltome。’
`AnddidMrsCatherickconsenttoyourproposal？’
`No，sir。Shecamebackfromthenorthharderandbittererthanever。FolksdidsaythatshehadbeenobligedtoaskSirPercival’sleavetogo，tobeginwith；andthatsheonlywenttonurseherdyingsisteratLimmeridgebecausethepoorwomanwasreportedtohavesavedmoney——thetruthbeingthatshehardlyleftenoughtoburyher。ThesethingsmayhavesouredMrsCathericklikelyenough，buthoweverthatmaybe，shewouldn’thearofmytakingthechildaway。Sheseemedtolikedistressingusbothbypartingus。AllIcoulddowastogiveAnnemydirection，andtotellherprivately，ifshewaseverintrouble，tocometome。Butyearspassedbeforeshewasfreetocome。Ineversawheragain，poorsoul，tillthenightsheescapedfromthemad-house。’
`Youknow，MrsClements，whySirPercivalGlydeshutherup？’
`IonlyknowwhatAnneherselftoldme，sir。Thepoorthingusedtorambleandwanderaboutitsadly。ShesaidhermotherhadGotsomesecretofSirPercival’stokeep，andhadletitouttoherlongafterIleftHampshire——andwhenSirPercivalfoundsheknewit，heshutherup。ButshenevercouldsaywhatitwaswhenIaskedher。Allshecouldtellmewas，thathermothermightbetheruinanddestructionofSirPercivalifshechose。MrsCatherickmayhaveletoutjustasmuchasthat，andnomore。I’mnexttocertainIshouldhaveheardthewholetruthfromAnne，ifshehadreallyknownitasshepretendedtodo，andassheverylikelyfanciedshedid，poorsoul。’
Thisideahadmorethanonceoccurredtomyownmind。IhadalreadytoldMarianthatIdoubtedwhetherLaurawasreallyonthepointofmakinganyimportantdiscoverywhensheandAnneCatherickweredisturbedbyCountFoscoattheboat-house。ItwasperfectlyincharacterwithAnne’smentalafflictionthatsheshouldassumeanabsoluteknowledgeofthesecretonnobettergroundsthanvaguesuspicion，derivedfromhintswhichhermotherhadincautiouslyletdropinherpresence。SirPercival’sguiltydistrustwould，inthatcase，infalliblyinspirehimwiththefalseideathatAnneknewallfromhermother，justasithadafterwardsfixedinhismindtheequallyfalsesuspicionthathiswifeknewallfromAnne。
Thetimewaspassing，themorningwaswearingaway。Itwasdoubtful，ifIstayedlonger，whetherIshouldhearanythingmorefromMrsClementsthatwouldbeatallusefultomypurpose。Ihadalreadydiscoveredthoselocalandfamilyparticulars，inrelationtoMrsCatherick，ofwhichIhadbeeninsearch，andIhadarrivedatcertainconclusions，entirelynewtome，whichmightimmenselyassistindirectingthecourseofmyfutureproceedings。Irosetotakemyleave，andtothankMrsClementsforthefriendlyreadinessshehadshowninaffordingmeinformation。
`Iamafraidyoumusthavethoughtmeveryinquisitive，’Isaid。`Ihavetroubledyouwithmorequestionsthanmanypeoplewouldhavecaredtoanswer。’
`Youareheartilywelcome，sir，toanythingIcantellyou，’answeredMrsClements。Shestoppedandlookedatmewistfully。`ButIdowish，’saidthepoorwoman，`youcouldhavetoldmealittlemoreaboutAnne，sir。IthoughtIsawsomethinginyourfacewhenyoucameinwhichlookedasifyoucould。Youcan’tthinkhowharditisnoteventoknowwhethersheislivingordead。IcouldbearitbetterifIwasonlycertain。Yousaidyouneverexpectedweshouldseeheraliveagain。Doyouknow，sir——doyouknowfortruth——thatithaspleasedGodtotakeher？’
Iwasnotproofagainstthisappeal，itwouldhavebeenunspeakablymeanandcruelofmeifIhadresistedit。
`Iamafraidthereisnodoubtofthetruth，’Iansweredgently；`Ihavethecertaintyinmyownmindthathertroublesinthisworldareover。’
Thepoorwomandroppedintoherchairandhidherfacefromme。`Oh，sir，’shesaid，`howdoyouknowit？Whocanhavetoldyou？’
`Noonehastoldme，MrsClements。ButIhavereasonsforfeelingsureofit——reasonswhichIpromiseyoushallknowassoonasIcansafelyexplainthem。Iamcertainshewasnotneglectedinherlastmoments——Iamcertaintheheartcomplaintfromwhichshesufferedsosadlywasthetruecauseofherdeath。YoushallfeelassureofthisasIdo，soon——youshallknow，beforelong，thatsheisburiedinaquietcountrychurchyard——inaprettypeacefulplace，whichyoumighthavechosenforheryourself。’
`Dead！’saidMrsClements，`deadsoyoung，andIamlefttohearit！Imadeherfirstshortfrocks。Itaughthertowalk。ThefirsttimesheeversaidMothershesaidittome——andnowIamleftandAnneistaken！Didyousay，sir，’saidthepoorwoman，removingthehandkerchieffromherface，andlookingupatmeforthefirsttime，`didyousaythatshehadbeennicelyburied？Wasitthesortoffuneralshemighthavehadifshehadreallybeenmyownchild？’
Iassuredherthatitwas。Sheseemedtotakeaninexplicableprideinmyanswer——tofindacomfortinitwhichnootherandhigherconsiderationscouldafford。`Itwouldhavebrokenmyheart，’shesaidsimply，`ifAnnehadnotbeennicelyburied——buthowdoyouknowit，sir？whotoldyou？’IoncemoreentreatedhertowaituntilIcouldspeaktoherunreservedly。`Youaresuretoseemeagain，’Isaid。`forIhaveafavourtoaskwhenyouarealittlemorecomposed——perhapsinadayortwo。’
`Don’tkeepitwaiting，sir，onmyaccount，’saidMrsClements。`NevermindmycryingifIcanbeofuse。Ifyouhaveanythingonyourmindtosaytome，sir，pleasetosayitnow。’
`Ionlywishtoaskyouonelastquestion，’Isaid。`IonlywanttoknowMrsCatherick’saddressatWelmingham。’
MyrequestsostartledMrsClements，that，forthemoment，eventhetidingsofAnne’sdeathseemedtobedrivenfromhermind。Hertearssuddenlyceasedtoflow，andshesatlookingatmeinblankamazement。
`FortheLord’ssake，sir！’shesaid，`whatdoyouwantwithMrsCatherick！’
`Iwantthis，MrsClements，’Ireplied，`IwanttoknowthesecretofthoseprivatemeetingsofherswithSirPercivalGlyde。Thereissomethingmoreinwhatyouhavetoldmeofthatwoman’spastconduct，andofthatman’spastrelationswithher，thanyouoranyofyourneighbourseversuspected。Thereisasecretwenoneofusknowbetweenthosetwo，andIamgoingtoMrsCatherickwiththeresolutiontofinditout。’
`Thinktwiceaboutit，sir！’saidMrsClements，risinginherearnestnessandlayingherhandonmyarm。`She’sanawfulwoman——youdon’tknowherasIdo。Thinktwiceaboutit。’
`Iamsureyourwarningiskindlymeant，MrsClements。ButIamdeterminedtoseethewoman，whatevercomesofit。’
MrsClementslookedmeanxiouslyintheface。
`Iseeyourmindismadeup，sir，’shesaid。`Iwillgiveyoutheaddress。’
Iwroteitdowninmypocket-bookandthentookherhandtosayfarewell。
`Youshallhearfrommesoon，’Isaid；`youshallknowallthatIhavepromisedtotellyou。’
MrsClementssighedandshookherheaddoubtfully。
`Anoldwoman’sadviceissometimesworthtaking，sir，’shesaid。`ThinktwicebeforeyougotoWelmingham。’
WhenIreachedhomeagainaftermyinterviewwithMrsClements，IwasstruckbytheappearanceofachangeinLaura。
Theunvaryinggentlenessandpatiencewhichlongmisfortunehadtriedsocruellyandhadneverconqueredyet，seemednowtohavesuddenlyfailedher。InsensibletoallMarian’sattemptstosootheandamuseher，shesatwithherneglecteddrawingpushedawayonthetable，hereyesresolutelycastdown，herfingerstwininganduntwiningthemselvesrestlesslyinherlap。MarianrosewhenIcamein，withasilentdistressinherface，waitedforamomenttoseeifLaurawouldlookupatmyapproach，whisperedtome，`Tryifyoucanrouseher，’andlefttheroom。
Isatdowninthevacantchair——gentlyunclaspedthepoor，worn，restlessfingers，andtookbothherhandsinmine。
`Whatareyouthinkingof，Laura？Tellme，mydarling——tryandtellmewhatitis。’
Shestruggledwithherself，andraisedhereyestomine。`Ican’tfeelhappy，’shesaid，`Ican’thelpthinking——’Shestopped，bentforwardalittle，andlaidherheadonmyshoulder，withaterriblemutehelplessnessthatstruckmetotheheart。
`Trytotellme，’Irepeatedgently；`trytotellmewhyyouarenothappy。’
`Iamsouseless——Iamsuchaburdenonbothofyou，’sheanswered，withaweary，hopelesssigh。`Youworkandgetmoney，Walter，andMarianhelpsyou。WhyistherenothingIcando！YouwillendinlikingMarianbetterthanyoulikeme——youwill，becauseIamsohelpless！Oh，don’t，don’t，don’ttreatmelikeachild！’
Iraisedherhead，andsmoothedawaythetangledhairthatfelloverherfaceandkissedher——mypoor，fadedflower！mylost，afflictedsister！`Youshallhelpus，Laura，’Isaid，`youshallbegin，mydarling，today。’
Shelookedatmewithafeverisheagerness，withabreathlessinterest，thatmademetrembleforthenewlifeofhopewhichIhadcalledintobeingbythosefewwords。
Irose，andsetherdrawingmaterialsinorder，andplacedthemnearheragain。
`YouknowthatIworkandgetmoneybydrawing，’Isaid。`Nowyouhavetakensuchpains，nowyouaresomuchimproved，youshallbegintoworkandgetmoneytoo。Trytofinishthislittlesketchasnicelyandprettilyasyoucan。WhenitisdoneIwilltakeitawaywithme，andthesamepersonwillbuyitwhobuysallthatIdo。Youshallkeepyourownearningsinyourownpurse，andMarianshallcometoyoutohelpus，asoftenasshecomestome。Thinkhowusefulyouaregoingtomakeyourselftobothofus，andyouwillsoonbeashappy，Laura，asthedayislong。’
Herfacegreweager，andbrightenedintoasmile。Inthemomentwhileitlasted。inthemomentwhensheagaintookupthepencilsthathadbeenlaidaside，shealmostlookedliketheLauraofpastdays。
Ihadrightlyinterpretedthefirstsignsofanewgrowthandstrengthinhermind，unconsciouslyexpressingthemselvesinthenoticeshehadtakenoftheoccupationswhichfilledhersister’slifeandmine。Marian(whenItoldherwhathadpassed)saw，aslsaw，thatshewaslongingtoassumeherownlittlepositionofimportance，toraiseherselfinherownestimationandinours——and，fromthatday，wetenderlyhelpedthenewambitionwhichgavepromiseofthehopeful，happierfuture，thatmightnownotbefaroff。Herdrawings，asshefinishedthem，ortriedtofinishthem，wereplacedinmyhands。Mariantookthemfrommeandhidthemcarefully，andIsetasidealittleweeklytributefrommyearnings，tobeofferedtoherasthepricepaidbystrangersforthepoor，faint，valuelesssketches，ofwhichIwastheonlypurchaser。Itwashardsometimestomaintainourinnocentdeception，whensheproudlybroughtoutherpursetocontributehersharetowardstheexpenses，andwonderedwithseriousinterest，whetherIorshehadearnedthemostthatweek。Ihaveallthosehiddendrawingsinmypossessionstill——theyaremytreasuresbeyondprice——thedearremembrancesthatIlovetokeepalive——thefriendsinpastadversitythatmyheartwillneverpartfrom，mytendernessneverforget。
AmItrifling，here，withthenecessitiesofmytask？amIlookingforwardtothehappiertimewhichmynarrativehasnotyetreached？Yes。Backagain——backtothedaysofdoubtanddread，whenthespiritwithinmestruggledhardforitslife，intheicystillnessofperpetualsuspense。Ihavepausedandrestedforawhileonmyforwardcourse。Itisnot，perhaps，timewasted，ifthefriendswhoreadthesepageshavepausedandrestedtoo。
ItookthefirstopportunityIcouldfindofspeakingtoMarianinprivate，andofcommunicatingtohertheresultoftheinquirieswhichIhadmadethatmorning。SheseemedtosharetheopiniononthesubjectofmyproposedjourneytoWelmingham，whichMrsClementshadalreadyexpressedtome。
`Surely，Walter，’shesaid，`youhardlyknowenoughyettogiveyouanyhopeofclaimingMrsCatherick’sconfidence？Isitwisetoproceedtotheseextremities，beforeyouhavereallyexhaustedallsaferandsimplermeansofattainingyourobject？WhenyoutoldmethatSirPercivalandtheCountweretheonlytwopeopleinexistencewhoknewtheexactdateofLaura’sjourney，youforgot，andIforgot，thattherewasathirdpersonwhomustsurelyknowit——ImeanMrsRubelle。Woulditnotbefareasier，andfarlessdangerous，toinsistonaconfessionfromher，thantoforceitfromSirPercival？’
`Itmightbeeasier，’Ireplied，`butwearenotawareofthefullextentofMrsRubelle’sconnivanceandinterestintheconspiracy，andwearethereforenotcertainthatthedatehasbeenimpressedonhermind，asithasbeenassuredlyimpressedonthemindsofSirPercivalandtheCount。Itistoolate，now，towastethetimeonMrsRubelle，whichmaybeall-importanttothediscoveryoftheoneassailablepointinSirPercival’slife。Areyouthinkingalittletooseriously，Marian，oftheriskImayruninreturningtoHampshire？AreyoubeginningtodoubtwhetherSirPercivalGlydemaynotintheendbemorethanamatchforme？’
`Hewillnotbemorethanyourmatch，’shereplieddecidedly，`becausehewillnotbehelpedinresistingyoubytheimpenetrablewickednessoftheCount。’
`Whathasledyoutothatconclusion？’Iasked，insomesurprise。
`MyownknowledgeofSirPercival’sobstinacyandimpatienceoftheCount’scontrol，’sheanswered。`Ibelievehewillinsistonmeetingyousingle-handed——justasheinsistedatfirstonactingforhimselfatBlackwaterPark。ThetimeforsuspectingtheCount’sinterferencewillbethetimewhenyouhaveSirPercivalatyourmercy。Hisowninterestswillthenbedirectlythreatened，andhewillact，Walter，toterriblepurposeinhisowndefence。’
`Wemaydeprivehimofhisweaponsbeforehand，’Isaid。`SomeoftheparticularsIhaveheardfromMrsClementsmayyetbeturnedtoaccountagainsthim，andothermeansofstrengtheningthecasemaybeatourdisposal。TherearepassagesinMrsMichelson’snarrativewhichshowthattheCountfounditnecessarytoplacehimselfincommunicationwithMrFairlie，andtheremaybecircumstanceswhichcompromisehiminthatproceeding。WhileIamaway，Marian，writetoMrFairlieandsaythatyouwantananswerdescribingexactlywhatpassedbetweentheCountandhimself，andinformingyoualsoofanyparticularsthatmayhavecometohisknowledgeatthesametimeinconnectionwithhisniece。Tellhimthatthestatementyourequestwill，soonerorlater，beinsistedon，ifheshowsanyreluctancetofurnishyouwithitofhisownaccord。’
`Thelettershallbewritten，Walter。ButareyoureallydeterminedtogotoWelmingham？’
`Absolutelydetermined。Iwilldevotethenexttwodaystoearningwhatwewantfortheweektocome，andonthethirddayIgotoHampshire。’
WhenthethirddaycameIwasreadyformyjourney。
AsitwaspossiblethatImightbeabsentforsomelittletime，IarrangedwithMarianthatweweretocorrespondeveryday——ofcourseaddressingeachotherbyassumednames，forcaution’ssake。AslongasIheardfromherregularly，Ishouldassumethatnothingwaswrong。Butifthemorningcameandbroughtmenoletter，myreturntoLondonwouldtakeplace，asamatterofcourse，bythefirsttrain。IcontrivedtoreconcileLauratomydeparturebytellingherthatIwasgoingtothecountrytofindnewpurchasersforherdrawingsandformine，andIleftheroccupiedandhappy。Marianfollowedmedownstairstothestreetdoor。
`Rememberwhatanxiousheartsyouleavehere，’shewhispered，aswestoodtogetherinthepassage。`Rememberallthehopesthathangonyoursafereturn。Ifstrangethingshappentoyouonthisjourney——ifyouandSirPercivalmeet——’
`Whatmakesyouthinkweshallmeet？’Iasked。
`Idon’tknow——IhavefearsandfanciesthatIcannotaccountfor。Laughatthem，Walter，ifyoulike——but，forGod’ssake，keepyourtemperifyoucomeincontactwiththatman！’
`Neverfear，Marian！Ianswerformyself-control。’
Withthosewordsweparted。
Iwalkedbrisklytothestation。Therewasaglowofhopeinme。Therewasagrowingconvictioninmymindthatmyjourneythistimewouldnotbetakeninvain。Itwasafine，clear，coldmorning。Mynerveswerefirmlystrung，andIfeltallthestrengthofmyresolutionstirringinmevigorouslyfromheadtofoot。
AsIcrossedtherailwayplatform，andlookedrightandleftamongthepeoplecongregatedonit，tosearchforanyfacesamongthemthatIknew，thedoubtoccurredtomewhetheritmightnothavebeentomyadvantageifIhadadoptedadisguisebeforesettingoutforHampshire。Buttherewassomethingsorepellenttomeintheidea——somethingsomeanlylikethecommonherdofspiesandinformersinthemereactofadoptingadisguise——thatIdismissedthequestionfromconsiderationalmostassoonasithadriseninmymind。Evenasamerematterofexpediencytheproceedingwasdoubtfulintheextreme。IfItriedtheexperimentathomethelandlordofthehousewouldsoonerorlaterdiscoverme，andwouldhavehissuspicionsarousedimmediately。IfItrieditawayfromhomethesamepersonsmightseeme，bythecommonestaccident，withthedisguiseandwithoutit，andIshouldinthatwaybeinvitingthenoticeanddistrustwhichitwasmymostpressinginteresttoavoid。InmyowncharacterIhadactedthusfar——andinmyowncharacterIwasresolvedtocontinuetotheend。
ThetrainleftmeatWelminghamearlyintheafternoon。
IsthereanywildernessofsandinthedesertsofArabia，isthereanyprospectofdesolationamongtheruinsofPalestine，whichcanrivaltherepellingeffectontheeye，andthedepressinginfluenceonthemind，ofanEnglishcountrytowninthefirststageofitsexistence，andinthetransitionstateofitsprosperity？IaskedmyselfthatquestionasIpassedthroughthecleandesolation，theneatugliness，theprimtorPorofthestreetsofWelmingham。Andthetradesmenwhostaredaftermefromtheirlonelyshops——thetreesthatdroopedhelplessintheiraridexileofunfinishedcrescentsandsquares——thedeadhouse-carcassesthatwaitedinvainforthevivifyinghumanelementtoanimatethemwiththebreathoflife——everycreaturethatIsaw，everyobjectthatIpassed，seemedtoanswerwithoneaccord:ThedesertsofArabiaareinnocentofourciviliseddesolation——theruinsofPalestineareincapableofourmoderngloom！
IinquiredmywaytothequarterofthetowninwhichMrsCathericklived，andonreachingitfoundmyselfinasquareofsmallhouses，onestoryhigh。Therewasabarelittleplotofgrassinthemiddle，protectedbyacheapwirefence。Anelderlynursemaidandtwochildrenwerestandinginacorneroftheenclosure，lookingataleangoattetheredtothegrass。Twofoot-passengersweretalkingtogetherononesideofthepavementbeforethehouses，andanidlelittleboywasleadinganidlelittledogalongbyastringontheother。Iheardthedulltinklingofapianoatadistance，accompaniedbytheintermittentknockingofahammernearerathand。ThesewereallthesightsandsoundsoflifethatencounteredmewhenIenteredthesquare。
IwalkedatoncetothedoorofNumberThirteen——thenumberofMrsCatherick’shouse——andknocked，withoutwaitingtoconsiderbeforehandhowImightbestpresentmyselfwhenIgotin。ThefirstnecessitywastoseeMrsCatherick。Icouldthenjudge，frommyownobservation，ofthesafestandeasiestmannerofapproachingtheobjectofmyvisit。
Thedoorwasopenedbyamelancholymiddle-agedwomanservant。Igavehermycard，andaskedifIcouldseeMrsCatherick。Thecardwastakenintothefrontparlour，andtheservantreturnedwithamessagerequestingmetomentionwhatmybusinesswas。
`Say，ifyouplease，thatmybusinessrelatestoMrsCatherick’sdaughter，’Ireplied。ThiswasthebestpretextIcouldthinkof，onthespurofthemoment，toaccountformyvisit。
Theservantagainretiredtotheparlour，againreturned，andthistimebeggedme，withalookofgloomyamazement，towalkin。
Ienteredalittleroom，withaflaringpaperofthelargestpatternonthewalls。Chairs，tables，chiffonier，andsofa，allgleamedwiththeglutinousbrightnessofcheapupholstery。Onthelargesttable，inthemiddleoftheroom，stoodasmartBible，placedexactlyinthecentreonaredandyellowwoollenmat；andatthesideofthetablenearesttothewindow，withalittleknitting-basketonherlap，andawheezing，blear-eyedoldspanielcrouchedatherfeet，theresatanelderlywoman，wearingablacknetcapandablacksilkgown，andhavingslate-colouredmittensonherhands。Heriron-greyhairhunginheavybandsoneithersideofherface——herdarkeyeslookedstraightforward，withahard，defiant，implacablestare。Shehadfullsquarecheeks，along，firmchin，andthick，sensual，colourlesslips。Herfigurewasstoutandsturdy，andhermanneraggressivelyself-possessed。ThiswasMrsCatherick。
`Youhavecometospeaktomeaboutmydaughter，’shesaid，beforeIcouldutterawordonmyside。`Besogoodastomentionwhatyouhavetosay。’
Thetoneofhervoicewasashard，asdefiant，asimplacableastheexpressionofhereyes。Shepointedtoachair，andlookedmealloverattentively，fromheadtofoot，asIsatdowninit。Isawthatmyonlychancewiththiswomanwastospeaktoherinherowntone，andtomeether，attheoutsetofourinterview，onherownground。
`Youareaware，’Isaid，`thatyourdaughterhasbeenlost？’
`Iamperfectlyawareofit。’
`Haveyoufeltanyapprehensionthatthemisfortuneofherlossmightbefollowedbythemisfortuneofherdeath？’
`Yes。Haveyoucomeheretotellmesheisdead？’
`Ihave。’
`Why？’
Sheputthatextraordinaryquestionwithouttheslightestchangeinhervoice，herface，orhermaimer。ShecouldnothaveappearedmoreperfectlyunconcernedifIhadtoldherofthedeathofthegoatintheenclosureoutside。
`Why？’Irepeated。`DoyouaskwhyIcomeheretotellyouofyourdaughter’sdeath？’
`Yes。Whatinteresthaveyouinme，orinher？Howdoyoucometoknowanythingaboutmydaughter？’
`Inthisway。ImetheronthenightwhensheescapedfromtheAsylum，andIassistedherinreachingaplaceofsafety。’
`Youdidverywrong。’
`Iamsorrytohearhermothersayso。’
`Hermotherdoessayso。Howdoyouknowsheisdead？’
`IamnotatlibertytosayhowIknowit-butIdoknowit。’
`Areyouatlibertytosayhowyoufoundoutmyaddress？’
`Certainly。IgotyouraddressfromMrsClements。’
`MrsClementsisafoolishwoman。Didshetellyoutocomehere？’
`Shedidnot。’
`Then，Iaskyouagain，whydidyoucome？’
Asshewasdeterminedtohaveheranswer，Igaveittoherintheplainestpossibleform。
`Icame，’Isaid，`becauseIthoughtAnneCatherick’smothermighthavesomenaturalinterestinknowingwhethershewasaliveordead。’
`Justso，’saidMrsCatherick，withadditionalself-possession。`Hadyounoothermotive？’
Ihesitated。Therightanswertothatquestionwasnoteasytofindatamoment’snotice。
`Ifyouhavenoothermotive，’shewenton，deliberatelytakingoffherslate-colouredmittens，androllingthemup，`Ihaveonlytothankyouforyourvisit，andtosaythatIwillnotdetainyouhereanylonger。Yourinformationwouldbemoresatisfactoryifyouwerewillingtoexplainhowyoubecamepossessedofit。However，itjustifiesme，Isuppose，ingoingintomourning。Thereisnotmuchalterationnecessaryinmydress，asyousee。WhenIhavechangedmymittens，Ishallbeallinblack。’
Shesearchedinthepocketofhergown，drewoutapairofblacklacemittens，putthemonwiththestoniestandsteadiestcomposure，andthenquietlycrossedherhandsinherlap。
`Iwishyougoodmorning，’shesaid。
Thecoolcontemptofhermannerirritatedmeintodirectlyavowingthatthepurposeofmyvisithadnotbeenansweredyet。
`Ihaveanothermotiveincominghere，’Isaid。
`Ah！Ithoughtso，’remarkedMrsCatherick。
`Yourdaughter’sdeath——’
`Whatdidshedieof？’
`Ofdiseaseoftheheart。’
`Yes。Goon。’
`Yourdaughter’sdeathhasbeenmadethepretextforinflictingseriousinjuryonapersonwhoisverydeartome。Twomenhavebeenconcerned，tomycertainknowledge，indoingthatwrong。OneofthemisSirPercivalGlyde。’
`Indeed！’
Ilookedattentivelytoseeifsheflinchedatthesuddenmentionofthatname。Notamuscleofherstirred——thehard，defiant，implacablestareinhereyesneverwaveredforaninstant。
`Youmaywonder，’Iwenton，`howtheeventofyourdaughter’sdeathcanhavebeenmadethemeansofinflictinginjuryonanotherperson。’
`No。’saidMrsCatherick；`Idon’twonderatall。Thisappearstobeyouraffair。Youareinterestedinmyaffairs。Iamnotinterestedinyours。’
`Youmayask，then，’Ipersisted，`whyImentionthematterinyourpresence。’
`Yes，Idoaskthat。’
`ImentionitbecauseIamdeterminedtobringSirPercivalGlydetoaccountforthewickednesshehascommitted。’
`WhathaveItodowithyourdetermination？’
`Youshallhear。TherearecertaineventsinSirPercival’spastlifewhichitisnecessaryformypurposetobefullyacquaintedwith。Youknowthem——andforthatreasonIcometoyou。’
`Whateventsdoyoumean？’
`EventsthatoccurredatOldWelminghamwhenyourhusbandwasparish-clerkatthatplace，andbeforethetimewhenyourdaughterwasborn。’
Ihadreachedthewomanatlastthroughthebarrierofimpenetrablereservethatshehadtriedtosetupbetweenus。Isawhertempersmoulderinginhereyes——asplainlyasIsawherhandsgrowrestless，thenunclaspthemselves，andbeginmechanicallysmoothingherdressoverherknees。
`Whatdoyouknowofthoseevents？’sheasked。
`AllthatMrsClementscouldtellme，’Ianswered。
Therewasamomentaryflushonherfirmsquareface，amomentarystillnessinherrestlesshands，whichseemedtobetokenacomingoutburstofangerthatmightthrowheroffherguard。Butno——shemasteredtherisingirritation，leanedbackinherchair，crossedherarmsonherbroadbosom，andwithasmileofgrimsarcasmonherthicklips，lookedatmeassteadilyasever。
`Ah！Ibegintounderstanditallnow，’shesaid，hertamedanddisciplinedangeronlyexpressingitselfintheelaboratemockeryofhertoneandmanner。`YouhavegotagrudgeofyourownagainstSirPercivalGlyde，andImusthelpyoutowreakit。Imusttellyouthis，that，andtheotheraboutSirPercivalandmyself，mustI？Yes，indeed？Youhavebeenpryingintomyprivateaffairs。Youthinkyouhavefoundalostwomantodealwith，wholiveshereonsufferance，andwhowilldoanythingyouaskforfearyoumayinjureherintheopinionsofthetown’speople。Iseethroughyouandyourpreciousspeculation——Ido！anditamusesme。Ha！ha！’
Shestoppedforamoment，herarmstightenedoverherbosom，andshelaughedtoherself——ahard，harsh，angrylaugh。
`Youdon’tknowhowIhavelivedinthisplace，andwhatIhavedoneinthisplace，MrWhat’s-your-name，’shewenton。`I’lltellyou，beforeIringthebellandhaveyoushownout。Icamehereawrongedwoman——Icamehererobbedofmycharacteranddeterminedtoclaimitback。I’vebeenyearsandyearsaboutIt——andIhaveclaimeditback。Ihavematchedtherespectablepeoplefairlyandopenlyontheirownground。Iftheysayanythingagainstmenowtheymustsayitinsecret——theycan’tsayit，theydaren’tsayit，openly。Istandhighenoughinthistowntobeoutofyourreach。Theclergymanbowstome。Aha！youdidn’tbargainforthatwhenyoucamehere。Gotothechurchandinquireaboutme——youwillfindMrsCatherickhashersittingliketherestofthem，andpaystherentonthedayit’sdue。Gotothetown-hall。There’sapetitionlyingthere——apetitionoftherespectableinhabitantsagainstallowingacircustocomeandperformhereandcorruptourmorals——yes！ourmorals。Isignedthatpetitionthismorning。Gotothebookseller’sshop。Theclergyman’sWednesdayeveningLecturesonJustificationbyFaitharepublishingtherebysubscription——I’mdownonthelist。Thedoctor’swifeonlyputashillingintheplateatourlastcharitysermon——Iputhalf-a-crown。MrChurchwardenSowardheldthePlate，andbowedtome。TenyearsagohetoldPigrumthechemistIoughttobewhippedoutofthetownatthecart’stail。Isyourmotheralive？HasshegotabetterBibleonhertablethanIhavegotonmine？Doesshestandbetterwithhertrades-peoplethanIdowithmine？Hasshealwayslivedwithinherincome？Ihavealwayslivedwithinmine。Ah！thereistheclergymancomingalongthesquare。Look，MrWhat’s-your-name——look，ifyouplease！’
Shestartedupwiththeactivityofayoungwoman，wenttothewindow，waitedtilltheclergymanpassed，andbowedtohimsolemnly。Theclergymanceremoniouslyraisedhishat，andwalkedon。MrsCatherickreturnedtoherchair，andlookedatmewithagrimmersarcasmthanever。
`There！’shesaid。`Whatdoyouthinkofthatforawomanwithalostcharacter？Howdoesyourspeculationlooknow？’
Thesingularmannerinwhichshehadchosentoassertherself，theextraordinarypracticalvindicationofherpositioninthetownwhichshehadjustoffered，hadsoperplexedmethatIlistenedtoherinsilentsurprise。Iwasnotthelessresolved，however，tomakeanotherefforttothrowheroffherguard。Ifthewoman’sfiercetemperoncegotbeyondhercontrol，andonceflamedoutonme，shemightyetsaythewordswhichwouldputtheclueinmyhands。
`Howdoesyourspeculationlooknow？’sherepeated。
`ExactlyasitlookedwhenIfirstcamein，’Ianswered。`Idon’tdoubtthepositionyouhavegainedinthetown，andIdon’twishtoassailitevenifIcould。IcameherebecauseSirPercivalGlydeis，tomycertainknowledge，yourenemy，aswellasmine。IfIhaveagrudgeagainsthim，youhaveagrudgeagainsthimtoo。Youmaydenyitifyoulike，youmaydistrustmeasmuchasyouplease，youmaybeasangryasyouwill——but，ofallthewomeninEngland，you，ifyouhaveanysenseofinjury，arethewomanwhooughttohelpmetocrushthatman。’
`Crushhimforyourself，’shesaid；`thencomebackhere，andseewhatIsaytoyou。’
Shespokethosewordsasshehadnotspokenyet，quickly，fiercely，vindictively。Ihadstirredinitslairtheserpent-hatredofyears，butonlyforamoment。LikealurkingreptileitleapedupatmeassheeagerlybentforwardtowardstheplaceinwhichIwassitting。Likealurkingreptileitdroppedoutofsightagainassheinstantlyresumedherformerpositioninthechair。
`Youwon’ttrustme？’Isaid。
`No。’
`Youareafraid？’
`DoIlookasifIwas？’
`YouareafraidofSirPercivalGlyde。’
`AmI？’
Hercolourwasrising，andherhandswereatworkagainsmoothinghergown。Ipressedthepointfartherandfartherhome，Iwentonwithoutallowingheramomentofdelay。
`SirPercivalhasahighpositionintheworld，’Isaid；`itwouldbenowonderifyouwereafraidofhim。SirPercivalisapowerfulman，abaronet，thepossessorofafineestate，thedescendantofagreatfamily——’
Sheamazedmebeyondexpressionbysuddenlyburstingoutlaughing。
`Yes，’sherepeated，intonesofthebitterest，steadiestcontempt。`Abaronet，thepossessorofafineestate，thedescendantofagreatfamily。Yes，indeed！agreatfamily——especiallybythemother’sside。’
Therewasnotimetoreflectonthewordsthathadjustescapedher，therewasonlytimetofeelthattheywerewellworththinkingoverthemomentIleftthehouse。
`Iamnotheretodisputewithyouaboutfamilyquestions，’Isaid。`IknownothingofSirPercival’smother——’
`AndyouknowaslittleofSirPercivalhimself，’sheinterposedsharply，
`Iadviseyounottobetoosureofthat，’Irejoined。`Iknowsomethingsabouthim，andIsuspectmanymore。’
`Whatdoyoususpect？’
`I’lltellyouwhatIdon’tsuspect。Idon’tsuspecthimofbeingAnne’sfather。’
Shestartedtoherfeet，andcamecloseuptomewithalookoffury。
`HowdareyoutalktomeaboutAnne’sfather！Howdareyousaywhowasherfather，orwhowasn’t！’shebrokeout，herfacequivering，hervoicetremblingwithpassion。
`ThesecretbetweenyouandSirPercivalisnotthatsecret，’Ipersisted。`ThemysterywhichdarkensSirPercival’slifewasnotbornwithyourdaughter’sbirth，andhasnotdiedwithyourdaughter’sdeath。’
Shedrewbackastep。`Go！’shesaid，andpointedsternlytothedoor。
`Therewasnothoughtofthechildinyourheartorinhis，’Iwenton，determinedtopressherbacktoherlastdefences。`Therewasnobondofguiltylovebetweenyouandhimwhenyouheldthosestolenmeetings，whenyourhusbandfoundyouwhisperingtogetherunderthevestryofthechurch。’
Herpointinghandinstantlydroppedtoherside，andthedeepflushofangerfadedfromherfacewhileIspoke。Isawthechangepassoverher——Isawthathard，firm，fearless，self-possessedwomanquailunderaterrorwhichherutmostresolutionwasnotstrongenoughtoresistwhenIsaidthosefivelastwords，`thevestryofthechurch。’
Foraminuteormorewestoodlookingateachotherinsilence。Ispokefirst。
`Doyoustillrefusetotrustme？’Iasked。
Shecouldnotcallthecolourthathadleftitbacktoherface，butshehadsteadiedhervoice，shehadrecoveredthedefiantself-possessionofhermannerwhensheansweredme。
`Idorefuse，’shesaid。
`Doyoustilltellmetogo？’
`Yes。Go——andnevercomeback。’
Iwalkedtothedoor，waitedamomentbeforeIopenedit，andturnedroundtolookatheragain。
`ImayhavenewstobrineyouofSirPercivalwhichyoudon’texpect，’Isaid，`andinthatcaseIshallcomeback。’
`ThereisnonewsofSirPercivalthatIdon’texpect，except——’
Shestopped，herpalefacedarkened，andshestolebackwithaquiet，stealthy，cat-likesteptoherchair。
`Exceptthenewsofhisdeath，’shesaid，sittingdownagain，withthemockeryofasmilejusthoveringonhercruellips，andthefurtivelightofhatredlurkingdeepinhersteadyeyes。
AsIopenedthedooroftheroomtogoout，shelookedroundatmequickly。Thecruelsmileslowlywidenedherlips——sheeyedme，withastrangestealthyinterest，fromheadtofoot——anunutterableexpectationshoweditselfwickedlyalloverherface。Wasshespeculating，inthesecrecyofherownheart，onmyyouthandstrength，ontheforceofmysenseofinjuryandthelimitsofmyself-control，andwassheconsideringthelengthstowhichtheymightcarryme，ifSirPercivalandIeverchancedtomeet？Thebaredoubtthatitmightbesodrovemefromherpresence，andsilencedeventhecommonformsoffarewellonmylips。Withoutawordmore，onmysideoronhers，Ilefttheroom。
AsIopenedtheouterdoor，Isawthesameclergymanwhohadalreadypassedthehouseonce，abouttopassitagain，onhiswaybackthroughthesquare。Iwaitedonthedoor-steptolethimgoby，andlookedround，asIdidso，attheparlourwindow。
MrsCatherickhadheardhisfootstepsapproaching，inthesilenceofthatlonelyplace，andshewasonherfeetatthewindowagain，waitingforhim。NotallthestrengthofalltheterriblepassionsIhadrousedinthatwoman’sheart，couldloosenherdesperateholdontheonefragmentofsocialconsiderationwhichyearsofresoluteefforthadjustdraggedwithinhergrasp。Thereshewasagain，notaminuteafterIhadlefther，placedpurposelyinapositionwhichmadeitamatterofcommoncourtesyonthepartoftheclergymantobowtoherforasecondtime。Heraisedhishatoncemore。Isawthehardghastlyfacebehindthewindowsoften，andlightupwithgratifiedpride——Isawtheheadwiththegrimblackcapbendceremoniouslyinreturn。Theclergymanhadbowedtoher，andinmypresence，twiceinoneday！
