English
Thenexteventthatoccurredwasofsosingularanaturethatitmighthavecausedmeafeelingofsuperstitioussurprise,ifmymindhadnotbeenfortifiedbyprincipleagainstanypaganweaknessofthatsort.
TheuneasysenseofsomethingwronginthefamilywhichhadmademewishmyselfawayfromBlackwaterPark,wasactuallyfollowed,strangetosay,bymydeparturefromthehouse.
Itistruethatmyabsencewasforatemporaryperiodonly,butthecoincidencewas,inmyopinion,notthelessremarkableonthataccount.
Mydeparturetookplaceunderthefollowingcircumstances—
AdayortwoaftertheservantsallleftIwasagainsentfortoseeSirPercival.
Theundeservedslurwhichhehadcastonmymanagementofthehouseholddidnot,Iamhappytosay,preventmefromreturninggoodforeviltothebestofmyability,bycomplyingwithhisrequestasreadilyandrespectfullyasever.
Itcostmeastrugglewiththatfallennature,whichweallshareincommon,beforeIcouldsuppressmyfeelings.
Beingaccustomedtoself-discipline,Iaccomplishedthesacrifice.
IfoundSirPercivalandCountFoscosittingtogetheragain.Onthisoccasionhislordshipremainedpresentattheinterview,andassistedinthedevelopmentofSirPercival’sviews.
ThesubjecttowhichtheynowrequestedmyattentionrelatedtothehealthychangeofairbywhichweallhopedthatMissHalcombeandLadyGlydemightsoonbeenabledtoprofit.
SirPercivalmentionedthatboththeladieswouldprobablypasstheautumn(byinvitationofFrederickFairlie,Esquire)atLimmeridgeHouse,Cumberland.
Butbeforetheywentthere,itwashisopinion,confirmedbyCountFosco(whoheretookuptheconversationandcontinuedittotheend),thattheywouldbenefitbyashortresidencefirstinthegenialclimateofTorquay.
Thegreatobject,therefore,wastoengagelodgingsatthatplace,affordingallthecomfortsandadvantagesofwhichtheystoodinneed,andthegreatdifficultywastofindanexperiencedpersoncapableofchoosingthesortofresidencewhichtheywanted.
InthisemergencytheCountbeggedtoinquire,onSirPercival’sbehalf,whetherIwouldobjecttogivetheladiesthebenefitofmyassistance,byproceedingmyselftoTorquayintheirinterests.
Itwasimpossibleforapersoninmysituationtomeetanyproposal,madeintheseterms,withapositiveobjection.
IcouldonlyventuretorepresenttheseriousinconvenienceofmyleavingBlackwaterParkintheextraordinaryabsenceofalltheindoorservants,withtheoneexceptionofMargaretPorcher.
ButSirPercivalandhislordshipdeclaredthattheywerebothwillingtoputupwithinconvenienceforthesakeoftheinvalids.
InextrespectfullysuggestedwritingtoanagentatTorquay,butIwasmetherebybeingremindedoftheimprudenceoftakinglodgingswithoutfirstseeingthem.
IwasalsoinformedthattheCountess(whowouldotherwisehavegonetoDevonshireherself)couldnot,inLadyGlyde’spresentcondition,leaveherniece,andthatSirPercivalandtheCounthadbusinesstotransacttogetherwhichwouldobligethemtoremainatBlackwaterPark.
Inshort,itwasclearlyshownmethatifIdidnotundertaketheerrand,nooneelsecouldbetrustedwithit.
Underthesecircumstances,IcouldonlyinformSirPercivalthatmyserviceswereatthedisposalofMissHalcombeandLadyGlyde.
ItwasthereuponarrangedthatIshouldleavethenextmorning,thatIshouldoccupyoneortwodaysinexaminingallthemostconvenienthousesinTorquay,andthatIshouldreturnwithmyreportassoonasIconvenientlycould.
Amemorandumwaswrittenformebyhislordship,statingtherequisiteswhichtheplaceIwassenttotakemustbefoundtopossess,andanoteofthepecuniarylimitassignedtomewasaddedbySirPercival.
Myownideaonreadingovertheseinstructionswas,thatnosuchresidenceasIsawdescribedcouldbefoundatanywatering-placeinEngland,andthat,evenifitcouldbychancebediscovered,itwouldcertainlynotbepartedwithforanyperiodonsuchtermsasIwaspermittedtooffer.
Ihintedatthesedifficultiestoboththegentlemen,butSirPercival(whoundertooktoanswerme)didnotappeartofeelthem.
Itwasnotformetodisputethequestion.
Isaidnomore,butIfeltaverystrongconvictionthatthebusinessonwhichIwassentawaywassobesetbydifficultiesthatmyerrandwasalmosthopelessatstarting.
BeforeIleftItookcaretosatisfymyselfthatMissHalcombewasgoingonfavourably.
Therewasapainfulexpressionofanxietyinherfacewhichmademefearthathermind,onfirstrecoveringitself,wasnotatease.
ButshewascertainlystrengtheningmorerapidlythanIcouldhaveventuredtoanticipate,andshewasabletosendkindmessagestoLadyGlyde,sayingthatshewasfastgettingwell,andentreatingherladyshipnottoexertherselfagaintoosoon.
IleftherinchargeofMrs.Rubelle,whowasstillasquietlyindependentofeveryoneelseinthehouseasever.
WhenIknockedatLadyGlyde’sdoorbeforegoingaway,Iwastoldthatshewasstillsadlyweakanddepressed,myinformantbeingtheCountess,whowasthenkeepinghercompanyinherroom.
SirPercivalandtheCountwerewalkingontheroadtothelodgeasIwasdrivenbyinthechaise.
Ibowedtothemandquittedthehouse,withnotalivingsoulleftintheservants’officesbutMargaretPorcher.
EveryonemustfeelwhatIhavefeltmyselfsincethattime,thatthesecircumstancesweremorethanunusual—theywere!almostsuspicious.
Letme,however,sayagainthatitwasimpossibleforme,inmydependentposition,toactotherwisethanIdid.
TheresultofmyerrandatTorquaywasexactlywhatIhadforeseen.
NosuchlodgingsasIwasinstructedtotakecouldbefoundinthewholeplace,andthetermsIwaspermittedtogiveweremuchtoolowforthepurpose,evenifIhadbeenabletodiscoverwhatIwanted.
IaccordinglyreturnedtoBlackwaterPark,andinformedSirPercival,whometmeatthedoor,thatmyjourneyhadbeentakeninvain.
Heseemedtoomuchoccupiedwithsomeothersubjecttocareaboutthefailureofmyerrand,andhisfirstwordsinformedmethatevenintheshorttimeofmyabsenceanotherremarkablechangehadtakenplaceinthehouse.
TheCountandCountessFoscohadleftBlackwaterParkfortheirnewresidenceinSt.John’sWood.
Iwasnotmadeawareofthemotiveforthissuddendeparture—IwasonlytoldthattheCounthadbeenveryparticularinleavinghiskindcomplimentstome.
WhenIventuredonaskingSirPercivalwhetherLadyGlydehadanyonetoattendtohercomfortsintheabsenceoftheCountess,herepliedthatshehadMargaretPorchertowaitonher,andheaddedthatawomanfromthevillagehadbeensentfortodotheworkdownstairs.
Theanswerreallyshockedme—therewassuchaglaringimproprietyinpermittinganunder-housemaidtofilltheplaceofconfidentialattendantonLadyGlyde.
Iwentupstairsatonce,andmetMargaretonthebedroomlanding.
Herserviceshadnotbeenrequired(naturallyenough),hermistresshavingsufficientlyrecoveredthatmorningtobeabletoleaveherbed.
IaskednextafterMissHalcombe,butIwasansweredinaIslouching,sulkyway,whichleftmenowiserthanIwasbefore.
Ididnotchoosetorepeatthequestion,andperhapsprovokeanimpertinentreply.ItwasineveryrespectmorebecomingtoapersoninmypositiontopresentmyselfimmediatelyinLadyGlyde’sroom.
Ifoundthatherladyshiphadcertainlygainedinhealthduringthelastfewdays.
Althoughstillsadlyweakandnervous,shewasabletogetupwithoutassistance,andtowalkslowlyaboutherroom,feelingnoworseeffectfromtheexertionthanaslightsensationoffatigue.
ShehadbeenmadealittleanxiousthatmorningaboutMissHalcombe,throughhavingreceivednonewsofherfromanyone.
IthoughtthisseemedtoimplyablamablewantofattentiononthepartofMrs.Rubelle,butIsaidnothing,andremainedwithLadyGlydetoassisthertodress.
WhenshewasreadywebothlefttheroomtogethertogotoMissHalcombe.
WewerestoppedinthepassagebytheappearanceofSirPercival.Helookedasifhehadbeenpurposelywaitingtheretoseeus.
“Whereareyougoing?”hesaidtoLadyGlyde.
“ToMarian’sroom,”sheanswered.
“Itmayspareyouadisappointment,”remarkedSirPercival,“ifItellyouatoncethatyouwillnotfindherthere.”
“Notfindherthere!”
“No.SheleftthehouseyesterdaymorningwithFoscoandhiswife.”
LadyGlydewasnotstrongenoughtobearthesurpriseofthisextraordinarystatement.Sheturnedfearfullypale,andleanedbackagainstthewall,lookingatherhusbandindeadsilence.
IwassoastonishedmyselfthatIhardlyknewwhattosay.IaskedSirPercivalifhereallymeantthatMissHalcombehadleftBlackwaterPark.
“Icertainlymeanit,”heanswered.
“Inherstate,SirPercival!WithoutmentioningherintentionstoLadyGlyde!”
Beforehecouldreplyherladyshiprecoveredherselfalittleandspoke.
“Impossible!”shecriedoutinaloud,frightenedmanner,takingasteportwoforwardfromthewall.“Wherewasthedoctor?wherewasMr.DawsonwhenMarianwentaway?”
“Mr.Dawsonwasn’twanted,andwasn’there,”saidSirPercival.
“Heleftofhisownaccord,whichisenoughofitselftoshowthatshewasstrongenoughtotravel.Howyoustare!
Ifyoudon’tbelieveshehasgone,lookforyourself.
Openherroomdoor,andalltheotherroomdoorsifyoulike.”
Shetookhimathisword,andIfollowedher.
TherewasnooneinMissHalcombe’sroombutMargaretPorcher,whowasbusysettingittorights.
Therewasnooneinthespareroomsorthedressing-roomswhenwelookedintothemafterwards.
SirPercivalstillwaitedforusinthepassage.
AswewereleavingthelastroomthatwehadexaminedLadyGlydewhispered,“Don’tgo,Mrs.Michelson!don’tleaveme,forGod’ssake!”
BeforeIcouldsayanythinginreturnshewasoutagaininthepassage,speakingtoherhusband.
“Whatdoesitmean,SirPercival?Iinsist—Ibegandprayyouwilltellmewhatitmeans.”
“Itmeans,”heanswered,“thatMissHalcombewasstrongenoughyesterdaymorningtositupandbedressed,andthatsheinsistedontakingadvantageofFosco’sgoingtoLondontogotheretoo.”
“ToLondon!”
“Yes—onherwaytoLimmeridge.”
LadyGlydeturnedandappealedtome.
“YousawMissHalcombelast,”shesaid.“Tellmeplainly,Mrs.Michelson,didyouthinkshelookedfittotravel?”
“NotinMYopinion,yourladyship.”
SirPercival,onhisside,instantlyturnedandappealedtomealso.
“Beforeyouwentaway,”hesaid,“didyou,ordidyounot,tellthenursethatMissHalcombelookedmuchstrongerandbetter?”
“Icertainlymadetheremark,SirPercival.”
HeaddressedherladyshipagainthemomentIofferedthatreply.
“SetoneofMrs.Michelson’sopinionsfairlyagainsttheother,”hesaid,“andtrytobereasonableaboutaperfectlyplainmatter.
Ifshehadnotbeenwellenoughtobemoveddoyouthinkweshouldanyofushaveriskedlettinghergo?
Shehasgotthreecompetentpeopletolookafterher—Foscoandyouraunt,andMrs.Rubelle,whowentawaywiththemexpresslyforthatpurpose.
Theytookawholecarriageyesterday,andmadeabedforherontheseatincaseshefelttired.
To-day,FoscoandMrs.RubellegoonwithherthemselvestoCumberland”
“WhydoesMariangotoLimmeridgeandleavemeherebymyself?”saidherladyship,interruptingSirPercival.
“Becauseyourunclewon’treceiveyoutillhehasseenyoursisterfirst,”hereplied.
“Haveyouforgottentheletterhewrotetoheratthebeginningofherillness?
Itwasshowntoyou,youreadityourself,andyououghttorememberit.”
“Idorememberit.”
“Ifyoudo,whyshouldyoubesurprisedatherleavingyou?YouwanttobebackatLimmeridge,andshehasgonetheretogetyouruncle’sleaveforyouonhisownterms.”
PoorLadyGlyde’seyesfilledwithtears.
“Marianneverleftmebefore,”shesaid,“withoutbiddingmegood-bye.”
“Shewouldhavebidyougood-byethistime,”returnedSirPercival,“ifshehadnotbeenafraidofherselfandofyou.
Sheknewyouwouldtrytostopher,sheknewyouwoulddistressherbycrying.
Doyouwanttomakeanymoreobjections?
Ifyoudo,youmustcomedownstairsandaskquestionsinthedining-room.Theseworriesupsetme.Iwantaglassofwine.”
Heleftussuddenly.
Hismannerallthroughthisstrangeconversationhadbeenveryunlikewhatitusuallywas.
Heseemedtobealmostasnervousandfluttered,everynowandthen,ashisladyherself.
Ishouldneverhavesupposedthathishealthhadbeensodelicate,orhiscomposuresoeasytoupset.
ItriedtoprevailonLadyGlydetogobacktoherroom,butitwasuseless.Shestoppedinthepassage,withthelookofawomanwhosemindwaspanic-stricken.
“Somethinghashappenedtomysister!”shesaid.
“Remember,mylady,whatsurprisingenergythereisinMissHalcombe,”Isuggested.
“Shemightwellmakeaneffortwhichotherladiesinhersituationwouldbeunfitfor.
Ihopeandbelievethereisnothingwrong—Idoindeed.”
“ImustfollowMarian,”saidherladyship,withthesamepanic-strickenlook.
“Imustgowhereshehasgone,Imustseethatsheisaliveandwellwithmyowneyes.Come!comedownwithmetoSirPercival.”
Ihesitated,fearingthatmypresencemightbeconsideredanintrusion.
Iattemptedtorepresentthistoherladyship,butshewasdeaftome.
Sheheldmyarmfastenoughtoforcemetogodownstairswithher,andshestillclungtomewithallthelittlestrengthshehadatthemomentwhenIopenedthedining-roomdoor.
SirPercivalwassittingatthetablewithadecanterofwinebeforehim.
Heraisedtheglasstohislipsaswewentinanddraineditatadraught.
Seeingthathelookedatmeangrilywhenheputitdownagain,Iattemptedtomakesomeapologyformyaccidentalpresenceintheroom.
“Doyousupposethereareanysecretsgoingonhere?”
hebrokeoutsuddenly;“therearenone—thereisnothingunderhand,nothingkeptfromyouorfromanyone.”
Afterspeakingthosestrangewordsloudlyandsternly,hefilledhimselfanotherglassofwineandaskedLadyGlydewhatshewantedofhim.
“IfmysisterisfittotravelIamfittotravel”saidherladyship,withmorefirmnessthanshehadyetshown.
“IcometobegyouwillmakeallowancesformyanxietyaboutMarian,andletmefollowheratoncebytheafternoontrain.”
“Youmustwaittillto-morrow,”repliedSirPercival,“andthenifyoudon’theartothecontraryyoucango.
Idon’tsupposeyouareatalllikelytoheartothecontrary,soIshallwritetoFoscobyto-night’spost.”
Hesaidthoselastwordsholdinghisglassuptothelight,andlookingatthewineinitinsteadofatLadyGlyde.
Indeedheneveroncelookedatherthroughouttheconversation.
Suchasingularwantofgoodbreedinginagentlemanofhisrankimpressedme,Iown,verypainfully.
“WhyshouldyouwritetoCountFosco?”sheasked,inextremesurprise.
“Totellhimtoexpectyoubythemiddaytrain,”saidSirPercival.“HewillmeetyouatthestationwhenyougettoLondon,andtakeyouontosleepatyouraunt’sinSt.John’sWood.”
LadyGlyde’shandbegantotrembleviolentlyroundmyarm—whyIcouldnotimagine.
“ThereisnonecessityforCountFoscotomeetme,”shesaid.“IwouldrathernotstayinLondontosleep.”
“Youmust.Youcan’ttakethewholejourneytoCumberlandinoneday.
YoumustrestanightinLondon—andIdon’tchooseyoutogobyyourselftoanhotel.
Foscomadetheoffertoyouruncletogiveyouhouse-roomonthewaydown,andyourunclehasacceptedit.Here!
hereisaletterfromhimaddressedtoyourself.
Ioughttohavesentitupthismorning,butIforgot.
ReaditandseewhatMr.Fairliehimselfsaystoyou.”
LadyGlydelookedattheletterforamomentandthenplaceditinmyhands.
“Readit,”shesaidfaintly.“Idon’tknowwhatisthematterwithme.Ican’treaditmyself.”
Itwasanoteofonlyfourlines—soshortandsocarelessthatitquitestruckme.IfIremembercorrectlyitcontainednomorethanthesewords—
“DearestLaura,Pleasecomewheneveryoulike.Breakthejourneybysleepingatyouraunt’shouse.GrievedtohearofdearMarian’sillness.Affectionatelyyours,FrederickFairlie.”
“Iwouldrathernotgothere—IwouldrathernotstayanightinLondon,”saidherladyship,breakingouteagerlywiththosewordsbeforeIhadquitedonereadingthenote,shortasitwas.“Don’twritetoCountFosco!Pray,praydon’twritetohim!”
SirPercivalfilledanotherglassfromthedecantersoawkwardlythatheupsetitandspiltallthewineoverthetable.
“Mysightseemstobefailingme,”hemutteredtohimself,inanodd,muffledvoice.
Heslowlysettheglassupagain,refilledit,anddraineditoncemoreatadraught.
Ibegantofear,fromhislookandmanner,thatthewinewasgettingintohishead.
“Praydon’twritetoCountFosco,”persistedLadyGlyde,moreearnestlythanever.
“Whynot,Ishouldliketoknow?”criedSirPercival,withasuddenburstofangerthatstartledusboth.
“WherecanyoustaymoreproperlyinLondonthanattheplaceyourunclehimselfchoosesforyou—atyouraunt’shouse?AskMrs.Michelson.”
Thearrangementproposedwassounquestionablytherightandtheproperone,thatIcouldmakenopossibleobjectiontoit.
MuchasIsympathisedwithLadyGlydeinotherrespects,IcouldnotsympathisewithherinherunjustprejudicesagainstCountFosco.
Ineverbeforemetwithanyladyofherrankandstationwhowassolamentablynarrow-mindedonthesubjectofforeigners.
Neitherheruncle’snotenorSirPercival’sincreasingimpatienceseemedtohavetheleasteffectonher.
ShestillobjectedtostayinganightinLondon,shestillimploredherhusbandnottowritetotheCount.
“Dropit!”saidSirPercival,rudelyturninghisbackonus.
“Ifyouhaven’tsenseenoughtoknowwhatisbestforyourselfotherpeoplemustknowitfoeyou.
Thearrangementismadeandthereisanendofit.
YouareonlywantedtodowhatMissHalcombehasdoneforyou—-”
“Marian?”repeatedherLadyship,inabewilderedmanner;“MariansleepinginCountFosco’shouse!”
“Yes,inCountFosco’shouse.Sheslepttherelastnighttobreakthejourney,andyouaretofollowherexample,anddowhatyouruncletellsyou.
YouaretosleepatFosco’sto-morrownight,asyoursisterdid,tobreakthejourney.
Don’tthrowtoomanyobstaclesinmyway!
don’tmakemerepentoflettingyougoatall!”
Hestartedtohisfeet,andsuddenlywalkedoutintotheverandahthroughtheopenglassdoors.
“Willyourladyshipexcuseme,”Iwhispered,“ifIsuggestthatwehadbetternotwaitheretillSirPercivalcomesback?Iamverymuchafraidheisover-excitedwithwine.”
Sheconsentedtoleavetheroominaweary,absentmanner.
Assoonasweweresafeupstairsagain,IdidallIcouldtocomposeherladyship’sspirits.
IremindedherthatMr.Fairlie’sletterstoMissHalcombeandtoherselfdidcertainlysanction,andevenrendernecessary,soonerorlater,thecoursethathadbeentaken.
Sheagreedtothis,andevenadmitted,ofherownaccord,thatbothletterswerestrictlyincharacterwithheruncle’speculiardisposition—butherfearsaboutMissHalcombe,andherunaccountabledreadofsleepingattheCount’shouseinLondon,stillremainedunshakeninspiteofeveryconsiderationthatIcouldurge.
IthoughtitmydutytoprotestagainstLadyGlyde’sunfavourableopinionofhislordship,andIdidso,withbecomingforbearanceandrespect.
“Yourladyshipwillpardonmyfreedom,”Iremarked,inconclusion,“butitissaid,‘bytheirfruitsyeshallknowthem.’
IamsuretheCount’sconstantkindnessandconstantattention,fromtheverybeginningofMissHalcombe’sillness,meritourbestconfidenceandesteem.
Evenhislordship’sseriousmisunderstandingwithMr.DawsonwasentirelyattributabletohisanxietyonMissHalcombe’saccount.”
“Whatmisunderstanding?”inquiredherladyship,withalookofsuddeninterest.
IrelatedtheunhappycircumstancesunderwhichMr.Dawsonhadwithdrawnhisattendance—mentioningthemallthemorereadilybecauseIdisapprovedofSirPercival’scontinuingtoconcealwhathadhappened(ashehaddoneinmypresence)fromtheknowledgeofLadyGlyde.
Herladyshipstartedup,witheveryappearanceofbeingadditionallyagitatedandalarmedbywhatIhadtoldher.
“Worse!worsethanIthought!”
shesaid,walkingabouttheroom,inabewilderedmanner.
“TheCountknewMr.DawsonwouldneverconsenttoMarian’stakingajourney—hepurposelyinsultedthedoctortogethimoutofthehouse.”
“Oh,mylady!mylady!”Iremonstrated.
“Mrs.Michelson!”shewentonvehemently,“nowordsthateverwerespokenwillpersuademethatmysisterisinthatman’spowerandinthatman’shousewithherownconsent.
Myhorrorofhimissuch,thatnothingSirPercivalcouldsayandnolettersmyunclecouldwrite,wouldinduceme,ifIhadonlymyownfeelingstoconsult,toeat,drink,orsleepunderhisroof.
PutmymiseryofsuspenseaboutMariangivesmethecouragetofollowheranywhere,tofollowherevenintoCountFosco’shouse.”
Ithoughtitright,atthispoint,tomentionthatMissHalcombehadalreadygoneontoCumberland,accordingtoSirPercival’saccountofthematter.
“Iamafraidtobelieveit!”answeredherladyship.
“Iamafraidsheisstillinthatman’shouse.
IfIamwrong,ifshehasreallygoneontoLimmeridge,IamresolvedIwillnotsleepto-morrownightunderCountFosco’sroof.
Mydearestfriendintheworld,nexttomysister,livesnearLondon.
Youhaveheardme,youhaveheardMissHalcombe,speakofMrs.Vesey?
Imeantowrite,andproposetosleepatherhouse.
Idon’tknowhowIshallgetthere—Idon’tknowhowIshallavoidtheCount—buttothatrefugeIwillescapeinsomeway,ifmysisterhasgonetoCumberland.
AllIaskofyoutodo,istoseeyourselfthatmylettertoMrs.VeseygoestoLondonto-night,ascertainlyasSirPercival’slettergoestoCountFosco.
Ihavereasonsfornottrustingthepost-bagdownstairs.
Willyoukeepmysecret,andhelpmeinthis?
itisthelastfavour,perhaps,thatIshalleveraskofyou.”
Ihesitated,Ithoughtitallverystrange,Ialmostfearedthatherladyship’smindhadbeenalittleaffectedbyrecentanxietyandsuffering.
Atmyownrisk,however,Iendedbygivingmyconsent.
Iftheletterhadbeenaddressedtoastranger,ortoanyonebutaladysowellknowntomebyreportasMrs.Vesey,Imighthaverefused.
IthankGod—lookingtowhathappenedafterwards—IthankGodIneverthwartedthatwish,oranyother,whichLadyGlydeexpressedtome,onthelastdayofherresidenceatBlackwaterPark.
Theletterwaswrittenandgivenintomyhands.Imyselfputitintothepost-boxinthevillagethatevening.
WesawnothingmoreofSirPercivalfortherestoftheday.
Islept,byLadyGlyde’sowndesire,inthenextroomtohers,withthedooropenbetweenus.
Therewassomethingsostrangeanddreadfulinthelonelinessandemptinessofthehouse,thatIwasglad,onmyside,tohaveacompanionnearme.
Herladyshipsatuplate,readinglettersandburningthem,andemptyingherdrawersandcabinetsoflittlethingssheprized,asifsheneverexpectedtoreturntoBlackwaterPark.
Hersleepwassadlydisturbedwhensheatlastwenttobed—shecriedoutinitseveraltimes,oncesoloudthatshewokeherself.
Whateverherdreamswere,shedidnotthinkfittocommunicatethemtome.
Perhaps,inmysituation,Ihadnorighttoexpectthatsheshoulddoso.Itmatterslittlenow.
Iwassorryforher,Iwasindeedheartilysorryforherallthesame.
Thenextdaywasfineandsunny.SirPercivalcameup,afterbreakfast,totellusthatthechaisewouldbeatthedoorataquartertotwelve—thetraintoLondonstoppingatourstationattwentyminutesafter.
HeinformedLadyGlydethathewasobligedtogoout,butaddedthathehopedtobebackbeforesheleft.
Ifanyunforeseenaccidentdelayedhim,Iwastoaccompanyhertothestation,andtotakespecialcarethatshewasintimeforthetrain.
SirPercivalcommunicatedthesedirectionsveryhastily—walkinghereandthereabouttheroomallthetime.
Herladyshiplookedattentivelyafterhimwhereverhewent.Heneveroncelookedatherinreturn.
Sheonlyspokewhenhehaddone,andthenshestoppedhimasheapproachedthedoor,byholdingoutherhand.
“Ishallseeyounomore,”shesaid,inaverymarkedmanner.“Thisisourparting—ourparting,itmaybeforever.Willyoutrytoforgiveme,Percival,asheartilyasIforgiveYOU?”
Hisfaceturnedofanawfulwhitenessallover,andgreatbeadsofperspirationbrokeoutonhisbaldforehead.
“Ishallcomeback,”hesaid,andmadeforthedoor,ashastilyasifhiswife’sfarewellwordshadfrightenedhimoutoftheroom.
IhadneverlikedSirPercival,butthemannerinwhichheleftLadyGlydemademefeelashamedofhavingeatenhisbreadandlivedinhisservice.
IthoughtofsayingafewcomfortingandChristianwordstothepoorlady,buttherewassomethinginherface,asshelookedafterherhusbandwhenthedoorclosedonhim,thatmademealtermymindandkeepsilence.
Atthetimenamedthechaisedrewupatthegates.Herladyshipwasright—SirPercivalnevercameback.Iwaitedforhimtillthelastmoment,andwaitedinvain.
Nopositiveresponsibilitylayonmyshoulders,andyetIdidnotfeeleasyinmymind.
“Itisofyourownfreewill,”Isaid,asthechaisedrovethroughthelodge-gates,“thatyourladyshipgoestoLondon?”
“Iwillgoanywhere,”sheanswered,“toendthedreadfulsuspensethatIamsufferingatthismoment.”
ShehadmademefeelalmostasanxiousandasuncertainaboutMissHalcombeasshefeltherself.
Ipresumedtoaskhertowritemealine,ifallwentwellinLondon.
Sheanswered,“Mostwillingly,Mrs.Michelson.”
“Weallhaveourcrossestobear,mylady,”Isaid,seeinghersilentandthoughtful,aftershehadpromisedtowrite.
Shemadenoreply—sheseemedtobetoomuchwrappedupinherownthoughtstoattendtome.
“Ifearyourladyshiprestedbadlylastnight,”Iremarked,afterwaitingalittle.
“Yes,”shesaid,“Iwasterriblydisturbedbydreams.”
“Indeed,mylady?”Ithoughtshewasgoingtotellmeherdreams,butno,whenshespokenextitwasonlytoaskaquestion.
“YoupostedthelettertoMrs.Veseywithyourownhands?”
“Yes,mylady.”
“DidSirPercivalsay,yesterday,thatCountFoscowastomeetmeattheterminusinLondon?”
“Hedid,mylady.”
ShesighedheavilywhenIansweredthatlastquestion,andsaidnomore.
Wearrivedatthestation,withhardlytwominutestospare.
Thegardener(whohaddrivenus)managedabouttheluggage,whileItooktheticket.
ThewhistleofthetrainwassoundingwhenIjoinedherladyshipontheplatform.
Shelookedverystrangely,andpressedherhandoverherheart,asifsomesuddenpainorfrighthadovercomeheratthatmoment.
“Iwishyouweregoingwithme!”shesaid,catchingeagerlyatmyarmwhenIgavehertheticket.
Iftherehadbeentime,ifIhadfeltthedaybeforeasIfeltthen,Iwouldhavemademyarrangementstoaccompanyher,eventhoughthedoingsohadobligedmetogiveSirPercivalwarningonthespot.
Asitwas,herwishes,expressedatthelastmomentonly,wereexpressedtoolateformetocomplywiththem.
SheseemedtounderstandthisherselfbeforeIcouldexplainit,anddidnotrepeatherdesiretohavemeforatravellingcompanion.Thetraindrewupattheplatform.
Shegavethegardenerapresentforhischildren,andtookmyhand,inhersimpleheartymanner,beforeshegotintothecarriage.
“Youhavebeenverykindtomeandtomysister,”shesaid—“kindwhenwewerebothfriendless.Ishallrememberyougratefully,aslongasIlivetorememberanyone.Good-bye—andGodblessyou!”
Shespokethosewordswithatoneandalookwhichbroughtthetearsintomyeyes—shespokethemasifshewasbiddingmefarewellforever.
“Good-bye,mylady,”Isaid,puttingherintothecarriage,andtryingtocheerher;“good-bye,forthepresentonly;good-bye,withmybestandkindestwishesforhappiertimes.”
Sheshookherhead,andshudderedasshesettledherselfinthecarriage.Theguardclosedthedoor.“Doyoubelieveindreams?”shewhisperedtomeatthewindow.
“Mydreams,lastnight,weredreamsIhaveneverhadbefore.
Theterrorofthemishangingovermestill.”
ThewhistlesoundedbeforeIcouldanswer,andthetrainmoved.
Herpalequietfacelookedatmeforthelasttime—lookedsorrowfullyandsolemnlyfromthewindow.
Shewavedherhand,andIsawhernomore.
Towardsfiveo’clockontheafternoonofthatsameday,havingalittletimetomyselfinthemidstofthehouseholddutieswhichnowpresseduponme,Isatdownaloneinmyownroom,totryandcomposemymindwiththevolumeofmyhusband’sSermons.
ForthefirsttimeinmylifeIfoundmyattentionwanderingoverthosepiousandcheeringwords.
ConcludingthatLadyGlyde’sdeparturemusthavedisturbedmefarmoreseriouslythanIhadmyselfsupposed,Iputthebookaside,andwentouttotakeaturninthegarden.
SirPercivalhadnotyetreturned,tomyknowledge,soIcouldfeelnohesitationaboutshowingmyselfinthegrounds.
Onturningthecornerofthehouse,andgainingaviewofthegarden,Iwasstartledbyseeingastrangerwalkinginit.
Thestrangerwasawoman—shewasloungingalongthepathwithherbacktome,andwasgatheringtheflowers.
AsIapproachedsheheardme,andturnedround.
Mybloodcurdledinmyveins.ThestrangewomaninthegardenwasMrs.Rubelle!
Icouldneithermovenorspeak.Shecameuptome,ascomposedlyasever,withherflowersinherhand.
“Whatisthematter,ma’am?”shesaidquietly.
“Youhere!”Igaspedout.“NotgonetoLondon!NotgonetoCumberland!”
Mrs.Rubellesmeltatherflowerswithasmileofmaliciouspity.
“Certainlynot,”shesaid.“IhaveneverleftBlackwaterPark.”
Isummonedbreathenoughandcourageenoughforanotherquestion.
“WhereisMissHalcombe?”
Mrs.Rubellefairlylaughedatmethistime,andrepliedinthesewords—
“MissHalcombe,ma’am,hasnotleftBlackwaterParkeither.”
WhenIheardthatastoundinganswer,allmythoughtswerestartledbackontheinstanttomypartingwithLadyGlyde.
IcanhardlysayIreproachedmyself,butatthatmomentIthinkIwouldhavegivenmanyayear’shardsavingstohaveknownfourhoursearlierwhatIknewnow.
Mrs.Rubellewaited,quietlyarranginghernosegay,asifsheexpectedmetosaysomething.
Icouldsaynothing.IthoughtofLadyGlyde’sworn-outenergiesandweaklyhealth,andItrembledforthetimewhentheshockofthediscoverythatIhadmadewouldfallonher.
Foraminuteormoremyfearsforthepoorladiessilencedme.
AttheendofthattimeMrs.Rubellelookedupsidewaysfromherflowers,andsaid,“HereisSirPercival,ma’am,returnedfromhisride.”
Isawhimassoonasshedid.Hecametowardsus,slashingviciouslyattheflowerswithhisriding-whip.
Whenhewasnearenoughtoseemyfacehestopped,struckathisbootwiththewhip,andburstoutlaughing,soharshlyandsoviolentlythatthebirdsflewaway,startled,fromthetreebywhichhestood.
“Well,Mrs.Michelson,”hesaid,“youhavefounditoutatlast,haveyou?”
Imadenoreply.HeturnedtoMrs.Rubelle.
“Whendidyoushowyourselfinthegarden?”
“Ishowedmyselfabouthalfanhourago,sir.YousaidImighttakemylibertyagainassoonasLadyGlydehadgoneawaytoLondon.”
“Quiteright.Idon’tblameyou—Ionlyaskedthequestion.”
Hewaitedamoment,andthenaddressedhimselfoncemoretome.“Youcan’tbelieveit,canyou?”hesaidmockingly.“Here!comealongandseeforyourself.”
Heledthewayroundtothefrontofthehouse.
Ifollowedhim,andMrs.Rubellefollowedme.
Afterpassingthroughtheirongateshestopped,andpointedwithhiswhiptothedisusedmiddlewingofthebuilding.
“There!”hesaid.“Lookupatthefirstfloor.YouknowtheoldElizabethanbedrooms?
MissHalcombeissnugandsafeinoneofthebestofthematthismoment.
Takeherin,Mrs.Rubelle(youhavegotyourkey?)
;takeMrs.Michelsonin,andletherowneyessatisfyherthatthereisnodeceptionthistime.”
Thetoneinwhichhespoketome,andtheminuteortwothathadpassedsinceweleftthegarden,helpedmetorecovermyspiritsalittle.
WhatImighthavedoneatthiscriticalmoment,ifallmylifehadbeenpassedinservice,Icannotsay.
Asitwas,possessingthefeelings,theprinciples,andthebringingupofalady,Icouldnothesitateabouttherightcoursetopursue.
Mydutytomyself,andmydutytoLadyGlyde,alikeforbademetoremainintheemploymentofamanwhohadshamefullydeceivedusbothbyaseriesofatrociousfalsehoods.
“Imustbegpermission,SirPercival,tospeakafewwordstoyouinprivate,”Isaid.“Havingdoneso,IshallbereadytoproceedwiththispersontoMissHalcombe’sroom.”
Mrs.Rubelle,whomIhadindicatedbyaslightturnofmyhead,insolentlysniffedathernosegayandwalkedaway,withgreatdeliberation,towardsthehousedoor.
“Well,”saidSirPercivalsharply,“whatisitnow?”
“Iwishtomention,sir,thatIamdesirousofresigningthesituationInowholdatBlackwaterPark.”ThatwasliterallyhowIputit.
Iwasresolvedthatthefirstwordsspokeninhispresenceshouldbewordswhichexpressedmyintentiontoleavehisservice.
Heeyedmewithoneofhisblackestlooks,andthrusthishandssavagelyintothepocketsofhisriding-coat.
“Why?”hesaid,“why,Ishouldliketoknow?”
“Itisnotforme,SirPercival,toexpressanopiniononwhathastakenplaceinthishouse.Idesiretogivenooffence.
ImerelywishtosaythatIdonotfeelitconsistentwithmydutytoLadyGlydeandtomyselftoremainanylongerinyourservice.”
“Isitconsistentwithyourdutytometostandthere,castingsuspiciononmetomyface?”
hebrokeoutinhismostviolentmanner.“Iseewhatyou’redrivingat.
Youhavetakenyourownmean,underhandviewofaninnocentdeceptionpractisedonLadyGlydeforherowngood.
Itwasessentialtoherhealththatsheshouldhaveachangeofairimmediately,andyouknowaswellasIdoshewouldneverhavegoneawayifshehadbeentoldMissHalcombewasstilllefthere.
Shehasbeendeceivedinherowninterests—andIdon’tcarewhoknowsit.
Go,ifyoulike—thereareplentyofhousekeepersasgoodasyoutobehadfortheasking.
Gowhenyouplease—buttakecarehowyouspreadscandalsaboutmeandmyaffairswhenyou’reoutofmyservice.
Tellthetruth,andnothingbutthetruth,oritwillbetheworseforyou!
SeeMissHalcombeforyourself—seeifshehasn’tbeenaswelltakencareofinonepartofthehouseasintheother.
Rememberthedoctor’sownordersthatLadyGlydewastohaveachangeofairattheearliestpossibleopportunity.
Bearallthatwellinmind,andthensayanythingagainstmeandmyproceedingsifyoudare!”
Hepouredoutthesewordsfiercely,allinabreath,walkingbackwardsandforwards,andstrikingabouthimintheairwithhiswhip.
Nothingthathesaidordidshookmyopinionofthedisgracefulseriesoffalsehoodsthathehadtoldinmypresencethedaybefore,orofthecrueldeceptionbywhichhehadseparatedLadyGlydefromhersister,andhadsentheruselesslytoLondon,whenshewashalfdistractedwithanxietyonMissHalcombe’saccount.
Inaturallykeptthesethoughtstomyself,andsaidnothingmoretoirritatehim;butIwasnotthelessresolvedtopersistinmypurpose.
Asoftanswerturnethawaywrath,andIsuppressedmyownfeelingsaccordinglywhenitwasmyturntoreply.
“WhileIaminyourservice,SirPercival,”Isaid,“IhopeIknowmydutywellenoughnottoinquireintoyourmotives.
WhenIamoutofyourservice,IhopeIknowmyownplacewellenoughnottospeakofmatterswhichdon’tconcernme”
“Whendoyouwanttogo?”heasked,interruptingmewithoutceremony.
“Don’tsupposeIamanxioustokeepyou—don’tsupposeIcareaboutyourleavingthehouse.
Iamperfectlyfairandopeninthismatter,fromfirsttolast.Whendoyouwanttogo?”
“Ishouldwishtoleaveatyourearliestconvenience,SirPercival.”
“Myconveniencehasnothingtodowithit.
Ishallbeoutofthehouseforgoodandallto-morrowmorning,andIcansettleyouraccountsto-night.
Ifyouwanttostudyanybody’sconvenience,ithadbetterbeMissHalcombe’s.
Mrs.Rubelle’stimeisupto-day,andshehasreasonsforwishingtobeinLondonto-night.
Ifyougoatonce,MissHalcombewon’thaveasoulleftheretolookafterher.”
IhopeitisunnecessaryformetosaythatIwasquiteincapableofdesertingMissHalcombeinsuchanemergencyashadnowbefallenLadyGlydeandherself.
AfterfirstdistinctlyascertainingfromSirPercivalthatMrs.RubellewascertaintoleaveatonceifItookherplace,andafteralsoobtainingpermissiontoarrangeforMr.Dawson’sresuminghisattendanceonhispatient,IwillinglyconsentedtoremainatBlackwaterParkuntilMissHalcombenolongerrequiredmyservices.
ItwassettledthatIshouldgiveSirPercival’ssolicitoraweek’snoticebeforeIleft,andthathewastoundertakethenecessaryarrangementsforappointingmysuccessor.
Thematterwasdiscussedinveryfewwords.
AtitsconclusionSirPercivalabruptlyturnedonhisheel,andleftmefreetojoinMrs.Rubelle.
Thatsingularforeignpersonhadbeensittingcomposedlyonthedoorstepallthistime,waitingtillIcouldfollowhertoMissHalcombe’sroom.
Ihadhardlywalkedhalf-waytowardsthehousewhenSirPercival,whohadwithdrawnintheoppositedirection,suddenlystoppedandcalledmeback.
“Whyareyouleavingmyservice?”heasked.
Thequestionwassoextraordinary,afterwhathadjustpassedbetweenus,thatIhardlyknewwhattosayinanswertoit.
“Mind!Idon’tknowwhyyouaregoing,”hewenton.“Youmustgiveareasonforleavingme,Isuppose,whenyougetanothersituation.Whatreason?Thebreakingupofthefamily?Isthatit?”
“Therecanbenopositiveobjection,SirPercival,tothatreason——”
“Verywell!That’sallIwanttoknow.Ifpeopleapplyforyourcharacter,that’syourreason,statedbyyourself.Yougoinconsequenceofthebreakingupofthefamily.”
HeturnedawayagainbeforeIcouldsayanotherword,andwalkedoutrapidlyintothegrounds.Hismannerwasasstrangeashislanguage.Iacknowledgehealarmedme.
EventhepatienceofMrs.Rubellewasgettingexhausted,whenIjoinedheratthehousedoor.
“Atlast!”shesaid,withashrugofherleanforeignshoulders.
Sheledthewayintotheinhabitedsideofthehouse,ascendedthestairs,andopenedwithherkeythedoorattheendofthepassage,whichcommunicatedwiththeoldElizabethanrooms—adoorneverpreviouslyused,inmytime,atBlackwaterPark.
TheroomsthemselvesIknewwell,havingenteredthemmyselfonvariousoccasionsfromtheothersideofthehouse.
Mrs.Rubellestoppedatthethirddooralongtheoldgallery,handedmethekeyofit,withthekeyofthedoorofcommunication,andtoldmeIshouldfindMissHalcombeinthatroom.
BeforeIwentinIthoughtitdesirabletomakeherunderstandthatherattendancehadceased.
Accordingly,Itoldherinplainwordsthatthechargeofthesickladyhenceforthdevolvedentirelyonmyself.
“Iamgladtohearit,ma’am,”saidMrs.Rubelle.“Iwanttogoverymuch.”
“Doyouleaveto-day?”Iasked,tomakesureofher.
“Nowthatyouhavetakencharge,ma’am,Ileaveinhalfanhour’stime.
SirPercivalhaskindlyplacedatmydispositionthegardener,andthechaise,wheneverIwantthem.
Ishallwanttheminhalfanhour’stimetogotothestation.Iampackedupinanticipationalready.Iwishyougood-day,ma’am.”
Shedroppedabriskcurtsey,andwalkedbackalongthegallery,hummingalittletune,andkeepingtimetoitcheerfullywiththenosegayinherhand.
IamsincerelythankfultosaythatwasthelastIsawofMrs.Rubelle.
WhenIwentintotheroomMissHalcombewasasleep.
Ilookedatheranxiously,asshelayinthedismal,high,old-fashionedbed.
ShewascertainlynotinanyrespectalteredfortheworsesinceIhadseenherlast.
Shehadnotbeenneglected,Iamboundtoadmit,inanywaythatIcouldperceive.
Theroomwasdreary,anddusty,anddark,butthewindow(lookingonasolitarycourt-yardatthebackofthehouse)wasopenedtoletinthefreshair,andallthatcouldbedonetomaketheplacecomfortablehadbeendone.
ThewholecrueltyofSirPercival’sdeceptionhadfallenonpoorLadyGlyde.
Theonlyill-usagewhicheitherheorMrs.RubellehadinflictedonMissHalcombeconsisted,sofarasIcouldsee,inthefirstoffenceofhidingheraway.
Istoleback,leavingthesickladystillpeacefullyasleep,togivethegardenerinstructionsaboutbringingthedoctor.
Ibeggedtheman,afterhehadtakenMrs.Rubelletothestation,todriveroundbyMr.Dawson’s,andleaveamessageinmyname,askinghimtocallandseeme.
Iknewhewouldcomeonmyaccount,andIknewhewouldremainwhenhefoundCountFoscohadleftthehouse.
Induecourseoftimethegardenerreturned,andsaidthathehaddrivenroundbyMr.Dawson’sresidence,afterleavingMrs.Rubelleatthestation.
Thedoctorsentmewordthathewaspoorlyinhealthhimself,butthathewouldcall,ifpossible,thenextmorning.
Havingdeliveredhismessagethegardenerwasabouttowithdraw,butIstoppedhimtorequestthathewouldcomebackbeforedark,andsitupthatnight,inoneoftheemptybedrooms,soastobewithincallincaseIwantedhim.
Heunderstoodreadilyenoughmyunwillingnesstobeleftaloneallnightinthemostdesolatepartofthatdesolatehouse,andwearrangedthatheshouldcomeinbetweeneightandnine.
Hecamepunctually,andIfoundcausetobethankfulthatIhadadoptedtheprecautionofcallinghimin.
BeforemidnightSirPercival’sstrangetemperbrokeoutinthemostviolentandmostalarmingmanner,andifthegardenerhadnotbeenonthespottopacifyhimontheinstant,Iamafraidtothinkwhatmighthavehappened.
Almostalltheafternoonandeveninghehadbeenwalkingaboutthehouseandgroundsinanunsettled,excitablemanner,having,inallprobability,asIthought,takenanexcessivequantityofwineathissolitarydinner.
Howeverthatmaybe,Iheardhisvoicecallingloudlyandangrilyinthenewwingofthehouse,asIwastakingaturnbackwardsandforwardsalongthegallerythelastthingatnight.
Thegardenerimmediatelyrandowntohim,andIclosedthedoorofcommunication,tokeepthealarm,ifpossible,fromreachingMissHalcombe’sears.
Itwasfullhalfanhourbeforethegardenercameback.
Hedeclaredthathismasterwasquiteoutofhissenses—notthroughtheexcitementofdrink,asIhadsupposed,butthroughakindofpanicorfrenzyofmind,forwhichitwasimpossibletoaccount.
HehadfoundSirPercivalwalkingbackwardsandforwardsbyhimselfinthehall,swearing,witheveryappearanceofthemostviolentpassion,thathewouldnotstopanotherminutealoneinsuchadungeonashisownhouse,andthathewouldtakethefirststageofhisjourneyimmediatelyinthemiddleofthenight.
Thegardener,onapproachinghim,hadbeenhuntedout,withoathsandthreats,togetthehorseandchaisereadyinstantly.
InaquarterofanhourSirPercivalhadjoinedhimintheyard,hadjumpedintothechaise,and,lashingthehorseintoagallop,haddrivenhimselfaway,withhisfaceaspaleasashesinthemoonlight.
Thegardenerhadheardhimshoutingandcursingatthelodge-keepertogetupandopenthegate—hadheardthewheelsrollfuriouslyonagaininthestillnight,whenthegatewasunlocked—andknewnomore.
Thenextday,oradayortwoafter,Iforgetwhich,thechaisewasbroughtbackfromKnowlesbury,ournearesttown,bytheostlerattheoldinn.
SirPercivalhadstoppedthere,andhadafterwardsleftbythetrain—forwhatdestinationthemancouldnottell.
Ineverreceivedanyfurtherinformation,eitherfromhimselforfromanyoneelse,ofSirPercival’sproceedings,andIamnotevenaware,atthismoment,whetherheisinEnglandoroutofit.
HeandIhavenotmetsincehedroveawaylikeanescapedcriminalfromhisownhouse,anditismyferventhopeandprayerthatwemaynevermeetagain.
Myownpartofthissadfamilystoryisnowdrawingtoanend.
IhavebeeninformedthattheparticularsofMissHalcombe’swaking,andofwhatpassedbetweenuswhenshefoundmesittingbyherbedside,arenotmaterialtothepurposewhichistobeansweredbythepresentnarrative.
Itwillbesufficientformetosayinthisplace,thatshewasnotherselfconsciousofthemeansadoptedtoremoveherfromtheinhabitedtotheuninhabitedpartofthehouse.
Shewasinadeepsleepatthetime,whethernaturallyorartificiallyproducedshecouldnotsay.
InmyabsenceatTorquay,andintheabsenceofalltheresidentservantsexceptMargaretPorcher(whowasperpetuallyeating,drinking,orsleeping,whenshewasnotatwork),thesecrettransferofMissHalcombefromonepartofthehousetotheotherwasnodoubteasilyperformed.
Mrs.Rubelle(asIdiscoveredformyself,inlookingabouttheroom)hadprovisions,andallothernecessaries,togetherwiththemeansofheatingwater,broth,andsoon,withoutkindlingafire,placedatherdisposalduringthefewdaysofherimprisonmentwiththesicklady.
ShehaddeclinedtoanswerthequestionswhichMissHalcombenaturallyput,buthadnot,inotherrespects,treatedherwithunkindnessorneglect.
ThedisgraceoflendingherselftoaviledeceptionistheonlydisgracewithwhichIcanconscientiouslychargeMrs.Rubelle.
Ineedwritenoparticulars(andIamrelievedtoknowit)oftheeffectproducedonMissHalcombebythenewsofLadyGlyde’sdeparture,orbythefarmoremelancholytidingswhichreachedusonlytoosoonafterwardsatBlackwaterPark.
InbothcasesIpreparedhermindbeforehandasgentlyandascarefullyaspossible,havingthedoctor’sadvicetoguideme,inthelastcaseonly,throughMr.Dawson’sbeingtoounwelltocometothehouseforsomedaysafterIhadsentforhim.
Itwasasadtime,atimewhichitafflictsmetothinkofortowriteofnow.
ThepreciousblessingsofreligiousconsolationwhichIendeavouredtoconveywerelonginreachingMissHalcombe’sheart,butIhopeandbelievetheycamehometoheratlast.
Ineverlefthertillherstrengthwasrestored.
Thetrainwhichtookmeawayfromthatmiserablehousewasthetrainwhichtookherawayalso.WepartedverymournfullyinLondon.
IremainedwitharelativeatIslington,andshewentontoMr.Fairlie’shouseinCumberland.
IhaveonlyafewlinesmoretowritebeforeIclosethispainfulstatement.Theyaredictatedbyasenseofduty.
Inthefirstplace,Iwishtorecordmyownpersonalconvictionthatnoblamewhatever,inconnectionwiththeeventswhichIhavenowrelated,attachestoCountFosco.
Iaminformedthatadreadfulsuspicionhasbeenraised,andthatsomeveryseriousconstructionsareplaceduponhislordship’sconduct.
MypersuasionoftheCount’sinnocenceremains,however,quiteunshaken.
IfheassistedSirPercivalinsendingmetoTorquay,heassistedunderadelusion,forwhich,asaforeignerandastranger,hewasnottoblame.
IfhewasconcernedinbringingMrs.RubelletoBlackwaterPark,itwashismisfortuneandnothisfault,whenthatforeignpersonwasbaseenoughtoassistadeceptionplannedandcarriedoutbythemasterofthehouse.
Iprotest,intheinterestsofmorality,againstblamebeinggratuitouslyandwantonlyattachedtotheproceedingsoftheCount.
Inthesecondplace,IdesiretoexpressmyregretatmyowninabilitytoremembertheprecisedayonwhichLadyGlydeleftBlackwaterParkforLondon.
Iamtoldthatitisofthelastimportancetoascertaintheexactdateofthatlamentablejourney,andIhaveanxiouslytaxedmymemorytorecallit.Theefforthasbeeninvain.
IcanonlyremembernowthatitwastowardsthelatterpartofJuly.
Weallknowthedifficulty,afteralapseoftime,offixingpreciselyonapastdateunlessithasbeenpreviouslywrittendown.
ThatdifficultyisgreatlyincreasedinmycasebythealarmingandconfusingeventswhichtookplaceabouttheperiodofLadyGlyde’sdeparture.
IheartilywishIhadmadeamemorandumatthetime.
Iheartilywishmymemoryofthedatewasasvividasmymemoryofthatpoorlady’sface,whenitlookedatmesorrowfullyforthelasttimefromthecarriagewindow.
Share this article to
FINISH