accidentallycontained
the
two
last
persons
on
earth
who
would
have
wished
to
meet
.
When
Lord
Towercliffe
received
Agnes
with
friendly
cordiality
at
the
door
,
he
had
not
yet
relinquished
her
hand
before
he
suddenly
felt
his
own
grasped
with
a
convulsive
start
,
and
when
he
hastily
looked
up
,
the
countenance
of
his
newly
arrived
guest
had
grown
pale
as
that
of
a
spectre
,
her
eyes
were
closed
,
and
he
felt
her
hand
become
as
cold
and
heavy
as
lead
.
Too
well-bred
to
notice
her
strange
emotion
,
which
there
was
an
evident
effort
to
conceal
,
he
naturally
ascribed
it
to
the
remembrance
of
recent
family
affliction
,
when
now
,
for
the
first
time
,
entering
society
again
,
and
he
silently
led
Agnes
to
a
seat
beside
Lady
Charlotte
Malcolm
and
Miss
Howard
Smytheson
.
Agnes
did
not
once
look
round
the
room
,
but
she
heard
the
low
,
deep
tones
of
a
voice
with
which
she
had
too
long
been
familiar
,
though
now
it
must
for
ever
be
to
her
the
voice
of
a
stranger
.
Captain
De
Crespigny
had
been
,
some
time
previously
,
dividing
his
fascinations
between
the
only
two
young
ladies
in
the
room
,
and
he
continued
still
,
with
the
same
light
laugh
as
before
,
to
exhibit
his
rare
gift
of
conversational
humor
and
vivacity
,
after
giving
a
slight
bow
to
Agnes
,
which
she
did
not
even
see
.
A
mist
was
before
her
sight
—
a
ringing
in
her
ears
—
her
very
heart
seemed
benumbed
—
and
her
only
desire
being
to
avoid
notice
,
while
her
parched
lips
refused
to
articulate
,
she
silently
fixed
her
large
eyes
on
Lady
Caroline
Malcolm
,
assuming
an
aspect
of
attention
,
and
inwardly
thankful
that
there
was
something
in
the
room
at
which
she
could
look
,
while
circumstances
had
thus
so
painfully
and
so
very
unexpectedly
"
awoke
the
nerve
where
agony
was
born
.
"
The
world
,
usually
one
great
"
School
for
Scandal
,
"
had
not
yet
circulated
the
story
of
Captain
De
Crespigny
's
inconstancy
,
and
Agnes
'
disappointment
;
therefore
,
dreading
above
all
things
the
contemptuous
pity
bestowed
on
a
case
like
hers
,
she
now
exerted
herself
,
from
the
fear
of
ridicule
more
than
even
of
censure
.
The
strongest
emotions
of
existence
are
concealed
in
the
great
drama
of
life
;
and
though
Agnes
felt
herself
grow
blind
when
dinner
was
announced
,
yet
she
afterwards
retained
a
confused
recollection
of
having
walked
down
stairs
,
leaning
on
the
arm
of
an
officer
whom
she
had
never
seen
before
,
discussing
the
hue
of
a
ribbon
,
or
the
probability
of
a
war
,
while
her
whole
heart
,
mind
,
and
spirit
,
were
torn
with
contending
emotions
.
Strange
is
the
ignorance
in
which
people
may
live
respecting
the
real
thoughts
and
feelings
of
those
with
whom
they
are
at
the
moment
in
actual
contact
!
Agnes
possessed
an
energy
and
pride
of
spirit
which
supported
her
now
,
while
with
flushed
cheeks
,
and
eyes
brightened
by
agitation
,
her
volubility
became
like
a
delirium
.
What
she
said
to
the
stranger
might
be
sense
or
nonsense
,
she
neither
cared
nor
knew
,
while
her
own
laugh
sounded
unnatural
in
her
ears
;
but
still
her
companion
listened
and
smiled
,
looking
even
more
admiration
than
he
felt
,
and
while
Agnes
rattled
on
with
apparent
recklessness
,
he
was
inwardly
conjecturing
whether
this
could
possibly
be
the
beautiful
Miss
Dunbar
who
had
endeavord
to
"
entrap
"
his
brother
officer
De
Crespigny
,
artfully
attempting
what
she
had
not
been
artful
enough
to
achieve
.
When
the
endless
dinner
was
ended
at
last
,
and
the
ladies
rose
to
withdraw
,
Agnes
could
willingly
have
fled
from
the
house
for
solitude
;
but
Lady
Towercliffe
,
to
beguile
the
interval
,
importunately
begged
for
music
,
and
persecuted
her
to
sing
.
It
was
weeks
since
Agnes
had
attempted
a
note
,
but
,
anxious
to
avoid
notice
,
she
tried
to
remember
the
songs
best
known
to
her
.
Each
as
it
rose
to
memory
,
seemed
filled
with
remembrances
in
which
she
dared
not
indulge
.
Who
but
the
unhappy
can
tell
the
power
of
music
in
recalling
vanished
years
and
vanished
joys
!
One
song
Captain
De
Crespigny
had
formerly
accompanied
,
another
he
had
admired
,
a
third
he
had
copied
out
for
her
.
All
their
sentiments
of
love
and
constancy
he
had
with
ready
flattery
applied
to
herself
,
and
each
had
been
played
or
sung
only
for
him
.
Hopes
and
feelings
now
for
ever
extinct
,
crowded
into
her
memory
;
a
cold
,
curdling
anguish
gathered
round
her
heart
;
the
notes
died
away
inaudibly
,
and
Agnes
at
length
,
leaning
her
forehead
on
the
music-desk
,
burst
into
an
irresistible
flood
of
tears
,
while
her
eyes
rested
at
these
words
,
—
"
Long
hours
have
passed
on
Since
that
name
was
too
dear
;
Now
its
music
is
gone
,
It
is
death
to
my
ear
!
"
"
Poor
thing
!
"
whispered
Lady
Towercliffe
,
"
Her
uncle
's
death
makes
a
sad
change
in
their
circumstances
,
and
she
lives
too
much
alone
now
.
People
rave
about
the
pleasures
of
solitude
,
but
I
never
could
find
them
out
!
They
are
excellent
for
poetry
,
but
,
like
the
Arabian
apple
,
they
turn
to
ashes
when
tried
.
I
never
could
keep
up
the
shuttle-cock
with
only
one
battle-dore
.
"
"
Nor
I
!
particularly
in
conversation
,
"
said
Captain
De
Crespigny
,
entering
.
"
There
is
old
Crawford
below
stairs
,
with
single-handed
diligence
,
stringing
off
his
whole
book
of
anecdotes
;
I
left
him
at
No.
5
,
so
he
has
three
yet
to
come
,
before
the
gentlemen
escape
!
The
last
he
told
was
perfectly
stupendiferous
!
That
man
's
mind
is
like
an
old
chest
,
but
there
is
an
end
to
all
agreeable
conversation
,
when
people
begin
drawing
for
it
on
their
memories
!
I
am
so
wearied
now
,
that
I
shall
give
any
one
£
5
who
can
amuse
me
for
half
an
hour
!
"
The
solitude
at
Seabeach
Cottage
was
not
destined
to
remain
much
longer
uninterrupted
,
as
the
very
evening
subsequent
to
Lady
Towercliffe
's
party
,
after
Agnes
had
retired
in
feverish
dejection
to
spend
some
time
in
her
own
room
,
Marion
was
startled
by
a
loud
impatient
peal
at
the
bell
,
and
the
next
moment
her
hand
was
eagerly
clasped
in
that
of
Henry
De
Lancey
,
whose
countenance
,
in
returning
thus
to
his
altered
home
,
was
pale
and
haggard
with
strong
emotion
.
Marion
started
up
,
giving
an
exclamation
of
sudden
joy
at
his
unexpected
appearance
,
while
a
momentary
smile
flashed
on
her
countenance
,
like
a
gleam
of
sunshine
on
the
dark
face
of
a
wintry
cloud
;
but
his
eye
sadly
wandered
towards
the
portrait
of
Sir
Arthur
,
with
a
long
lingering
look
of
deep
affection
,
and
,
covering
his
face
with
his
hands
,
he
threw
himself
on
a
sofa
,
remaining
for
some
time
buried
in
silence
while
his
whole
frame
shook
with
emotion
,
one
burst
of
grief
following
another
.
It
was
long
,
very
long
before
Henry
could
listen
to
the
mournful
detail
of
all
Sir
Arthur
had
said
and
suffered
in
his
short
and
fatal
illness
;
but
the
feelings
of
Marion
were
soothed
thus
to
meet
at
last
with
one
who
thought
and
felt
like
herself
.
Grief
that
disperses
itself
in
words
and
tears
is
speedily
over
;
but
theirs
was
of
that
calm
,
concentrated
nature
which
consumes
the
heart
,
though
Marion
assured
Henry
that
nothing
had
yet
done
her
so
much
good
,
as
this
happy
,
but
most
unexpected
meeting
.
"
Did
you
suppose
,
Marion
,
that
I
could
remain
absent
at
a
time
like
this
!
Impossible
!
I
no
sooner
heard
all
,
than
I
applied
for
leave
.
It
is
sad
,
indeed
,
to
find
so
changed
a
home
.
I
cannot
speak
of
that
!
He
was
too
good
for
this
world
,
and
is
gone
to
a
better
!
I
can
only
weep
to
look
around
me
here
,
where
his
affectionate
smile
can
welcome
me
no
more
.
"
"
Yes
!
"
faltered
Marion
.
"
But
memory
,
like
a
miracle
,
restores
him
to
me
every
day
!
I
seem
to
behold
his
face
,
to
hear
his
voice
,
to
know
his
thoughts
.
That
calm
and
cheerful
portrait
appears
to
tell
me
sometimes
how
gladly
he
is
done
with
all
the
weary
business
and
heart-sinking
trials
of
this
vain
,
perplexing
world
.
"
"
When
such
friends
part
,
'
tis
the
survivor
dies
,
"
observed
Henry
,
mournfully
.
"
But
it
has
been
hinted
to
me
,
Marion
,
that
the
man
I
esteem
the
most
in
this
world
has
trifled
with
your
affections
!
I
cannot
believe
it
!
I
was
long
in
his
confidence
,
and
if
there
be
truth
in
man
,
he
loves
you
with
an
attachment
which
nothing
can
alter
.
Half
the
miseries
in
life
proceed
from
a
want
of
explanation
.
No
!
there
is
some
mystery
we
cannot
solve
.
A
thousand
mistakes
may
occur
in
the
absence
of
friends
;
but
for
his
sake
,
as
much
as
your
's
,
and
for
my
own
sake
,
most
of
all
,
I
shall
outstrip
the
swiftest
courier
,
and
return
with
his
entire
justification
.
But
there
is
another
business
also
to
be
discussed
,
"
added
Henry
,
with
a
sudden
change
of
tone
and
countenance
,
while
his
face
glowed
with
a
look
of
strong
excitement
,
and
he
bit
his
lip
till
the
very
blood
seemed
ready
to
spring
out
.
"
Your
sister
,
Marion
!
Agnes
has
been
made
the
sport
of
an
unprincipled
,
heartless
,
coxcomb
.
His
conduct
embittered
the
last
days
of
my
benefactor
and
friend
!
He
must
and
shall
be
made
to
repent
it
!
"
"
Henry
!
what
do
you
mean
?
"
interrupted
Marion
,
startled
and
alarmed
by
his
evident
irritation
.
"
Do
not
make
me
regret
having
entrusted
you
with
all
our
girlish
fancies
and
follies
!
Such
things
happen
every
day
!
"
"
No
,
Marion
!
Had
the
insult
been
only
to
Sir
Patrick
,
he
considers
the
happiness
of
others
,
and
even
his
own
honor
,
as
trifles
compared
with
immediate
convenience
.
His
sister
's
peace
of
mind
might
be
destroyed
without
his
having
the
wish
,
or
me
the
right
to
interfere
,
but
,
in
respect
to
Agnes
,
as
the
niece
of
Sir
Arthur
,
it
is
not
so
.
I
know
how
her
heart
was
gained
,
and
has
been
crushed
.
It
is
said
that
ten
years
of
ordinary
suffering
would
not
have
made
such
ravages
as
are
already
visible
in
the
countenance
of
Agnes
,
and
she
must
not
be
so
treated
with
impunity
.
But
a
day
of
retribution
may
come
upon
him
,
yet
!
"
"
Dear
Henry
!
"
interrupted
Marion
,
anxiously
,
"
Do
not
add
to
what
we
have
already
suffered
,
by
imprudence
on
your
part
.
I
little
thought
that
any
circumstance
could
ever
make
me
otherwise
than
happy
to
meet
you
,
but
your
impetuosity
now
really
alarms
me
!
"
"
It
does
no
such
thing
!
at
least
it
should
not
,
"
said
Henry
,
assuming
for
a
moment
his
old
vivacity
of
manner
,
but
it
would
not
do
.
A
tone
of
cheerfulness
in
that
house
,
now
jarred
painfully
on
his
ear
,
and
again
fixing
his
eyes
on
the
portrait
of
Sir
Arthur
,
he
added
,
in
a
low
,
deep
tone
of
intense
feeling
:
"
No
,
Marion
!
—
in
this
room
,
consecrated
to
kindness
and
affection
,
—
on
this
seat
,
so
long
occupied
by
the
most
generous
of
benefactors
,
and
before
that
Holy
Bible
in
which
be
instructed
us
both
,
I
promise
to
speak
,
act
,
and
think
,
as
he
would
have
dictated
.
My
situation
now
is
most
perplexing
!
De
Crespigny
has
acted
the
part
of
a
brother
towards
me
since
I
joined
his
regiment
.
He
has
courted
my
friendship
and
intimacy
to
a
degree
for
which
I
can
scarcely
account
,
but
for
which
I
felt
most
grateful
,
till
within
these
few
days
,
when
a
strange
and
most
perplexing
communication
has
been
made
to
me
.
"
An
air
of
deep
and
anxious
thought
gathered
over
the
countenance
of
Henry
;
he
covered
his
face
with
his
hands
,
and
Marion
listened
in
silence
,
when
he
continued
in
a
rapid
,
agitated
voice
.
"
The
unhappy
madman
,
Howard
,
wrote
me
lately
a
long
,
incoherent
letter
,
in
which
he
accused
De
Crespigny
of
having
instigated
him
twelve
years
ago
,
to
that
dreadful
deed
which
made
me
motherless
;
adding
,
that
the
very
peculiar
weapon
then
found
on
the
bed
,
had
been
furnished
by
him
;
and
I
have
ascertained
since
from
Martin
,
that
De
Crespigny
,
when
a
boy
,
had
precisely
such
a
knife
given
to
him
.
I
am
told
that
he
has
been
making
many
secret
inquiries
lately
,
respecting
the
papers
found
in
my
mother
's
bureau
;
and
he
frankly
mentioned
the
subject
once
to
me
himself
,
saying
,
I
little
knew
the
deep
interest
he
still
had
in
investigating
that
affair
.
He
is
a
man
I
cannot
,
and
do
not
suspect
of
a
dishonorable
thought
in
his
transactions
with
gentlemen
;
but
though
entirely
acquitting
him
on
that
point
,
Marion
,
I
am
determined
to
speak
my
whole
mind
to
De
Crespigny
this
night
.
He
is
now
at
Mrs.
Smytheson
's
,
in
the
next
house
,
and
we
are
going
to
town
together
,
when
his
ears
shall
ring
with
my
opinion
of
his
conduct
to
Agnes
!
"
"
Then
,
dear
Henry
,
be
prudent
!
It
would
not
benefit
us
,
if
you
and
Captain
De
Crespigny
were
to
get
into
an
Irish
rage
,
and
shoot
each
other
.
Love
once
extinguished
can
never
be
forced
back
,
and
we
cannot
bring
repentance
to
those
who
are
destitute
of
feeling
;
therefore
,
for
our
sakes
,
be
silent
.
"
Young
De
Lancey
strode
a
few
hasty
turns
up
and
down
the
room
,
in
agitated
silence
,
and
seemed
preparing
to
depart
,
when
the
door
was
slowly
opened
,
and
Agnes
glided
into
the
room
,
while
Henry
started
,
looking
doubtfully
at
first
,
as
if
he
scarcely
recognised
her
;
and
then
advancing
,
he
received
Agnes
with
an
expression
of
warm-hearted
kindness
,
which
brought
the
hectic
color
for
a
moment
to
her
cheek
.
When
Henry
glanced
at
the
expression
of
settled
melancholy
on
the
beautiful
features
of
Agnes
,
a
gleam
of
indignant
emotion
flashed
across
his
countenance
,
but
it
was
succeeded
by
an
effort
to
appear
cheerful
;
and
by
"
smiles
that
might
as
well
be
tears
,
"
when
he
extended
his
hand
,
saying
,
with
all
the
vivacity
he
could
assume
,
"
Here
I
am
,
quite
unexpectedly
,
Agnes
!
like
snow
in
summer
,
or
a
burst
of
sunshine
at
midnight
!
A
little
surprise
will
do
you
and
Marion
good
!
It
acts
like
an
electric
shock
!
I
remember
the
time
,
Agnes
,
when
you
never
gave
me
above
three
fingers
to
shake
,
and
now
your
whole
hand
is
presented
,
therefore
I
may
feel
really
welcome
.
"
"
Yes
,
Henry
!
"
replied
Marion
,
seeing
her
sister
unable
yet
to
speak
;
"
we
shall
now
endeavor
to
get
up
our
spirits
!
"
"
That
may
be
easy
for
those
who
have
any
spirits
to
get
up
!
"
added
Agnes
,
in
a
tone
of
peevish
melancholy
.
"
But
if
Marion
chooses
to
look
through
a
Claude-Loraine
glass
,
and
declare
that
the
whole
earth
and
sky
are
couleur
de
rose
,
must
I
wipe
my
eyes
with
my
elbow
,
and
say
the
same
?
All
I
can
do
is
,
if
possible
,
to
forget
myself
to
stone
.
You
were
always
a
light-hearted
being
,
Henry
!
Would
it
make
you
serious
to
be
told
of
one
like
me
whose
heart
is
turned
to
ashes
!
The
world
is
a
Castle
of
Desolation
now
,
with
not
a
tie
that
binds
me
to
the
earth
—
not
one
!
"
added
she
bitterly
,
while
her
eyes
were
purposely
averted
from
the
reproachful
kindness
of
Marion
's
expression
.
"
Agnes
,
"
interrupted
Henry
,
in
his
kindest
manner
,
"
you
wasted
much
good
advice
on
me
formerly
,
but
now
it
is
my
turn
.
As
an
old
French
lady
once
judiciously
remarked
,
'
Il
n'y
a
pas
de
plus
grande
folie
,
que
d'etre
malheureux
.
'
For
Marion
's
sake
and
your
own
,
do
not
treasure
up
grief
as
if
it
were
gold
!
When
one
plan
of
happiness
fails
,
we
should
always
change
horses
,
and
drive
on
with
another
!
It
is
a
fatal
mistake
to
throw
up
the
game
of
life
,
if
our
favorite
hope
fails
!
Try
pleasure
now
,
on
some
new
pattern
!
We
should
look
on
both
sides
of
existence
,
and
keep
hold
of
it
with
the
best
handle
!
"
"
I
will
!
I
will
!
"
exclaimed
Agnes
,
flinging
back
the
long
entangled
ringlets
from
her
pallid
face
,
and
forcing
a
wild
,
haggard
smile
into
her
distorted
features
.
"
Does
that
please
you
,
Henry
?
Do
I
look
sufficiently
happy
?
Why
are
you
so
disconcerted
?
Let
us
all
be
cheerful
again
!
Shall
I
sing
to
you
,
or
how
shall
we
be
merriest
?
"
"
Surely
,
Agnes
,
as
we
cannot
mend
the
past
,
or
direct
the
future
,
you
might
make
some
of
the
present
.
Remember
the
old
proverb
,
'
There
is
a
silver
lining
to
every
cloud
,
'
"
continued
Henry
,
assuming
a
tone
of
animation
.
"
You
might
find
a
thousand
occupations
which
become
an
excellent
substitute
for
what
people
call
happiness
.
Try
geology
,
or
book-making
,
or
worsted
work
!
But
,
Agnes
,
"
added
he
,
more
seriously
,
"
above
all
,
take
the
strong
staff
of
religion
,
rather
than
the
feeble
reed
of
earthly
hope
,
which
has
pierced
you
,
as
it
will
pierce
all
who
trust
in
it
.
Why
are
we
placed
on
earth
?
Not
to
contrive
a
plan
of
life
for
ourselves
,
but
to
learn
from
above
what
is
the
real
meaning
of
happiness
—
its
surest
source
—
its
brightest
fountain
!
Behind
the
machinery
of
all
human
events
,
God
is
at
work
for
our
real
good
,
and
every
misfortune
may
be
transformed
into
a
blessing
,
if
we
receive
it
as
a
Fatherly
correction
,
and
take
the
good
it
is
intended
to
do
us
.
"
With
absent
,
listless
indifference
,
Agnes
took
leave
of
Henry
when
he
was
about
to
depart
;
but
Marion
's
eye
glistened
with
emotion
,
as
she
wished
him
good-night
,
entreating
that
he
would
return
soon
and
often
.
"
Trust
me
for
that
,
Marion
!
It
can
never
become
a
mere
duty
to
visit
here
,
"
replied
Henry
,
hastily
dashing
away
a
tear
.
"
This
room
is
my
home
,
more
than
any
other
on
earth
.
Every
chair
and
every
table
is
endeared
to
me
,
and
how
much
more
the
living
inhabitants
.
Even
that
old
geranium
,
all
run
to
wood
,
and
covered
with
dust
,
is
consecrated
by
a
thousand
old
recollections
.
Adieu
!
"
CHAPTER
XLV
.
After
Henry
left
the
room
,
Agnes
,
having
inveighed
with
more
than
her
usual
bitterness
against
all
persons
,
good
or
bad
,
and
all
events
,
past
,
present
,
or
to
come
,
retired
to
bed
,
leaving
Marion
to
muse
with
saddened
feelings
on
the
untoward
turn
which
her
sister
's
mind
was
likely
to
take
for
the
future
,
which
rendered
her
every
day
a
more
uncongenial
companion
,
as
now
Agnes
had
come
to
the
final
conclusion
that
she
was
herself
the
victim
of
unmerited
and
unmitigated
misfortune
.
About
ten
o'clock
,
Marion
lighted
her
candle
to
retire
,
and
was
slowly
leaving
the
room
,
when
she
became
startled
by
suddenly
hearing
,
immediately
below
her
window
,
in
the
street
,
a
noise
of
scuffling
and
shouting
,
mingled
with
vehement
cries
for
help
,
and
dreadful
oaths
,
till
at
length
a
wild
and
horrid
shriek
arose
,
which
thrilled
to
her
very
heart
.
Having
hastily
summoned
Martin
,
who
hurried
to
the
door
,
she
paused
some
moments
in
an
agony
of
alarm
,
and
then
rushing
to
the
window
,
threw
it
open
,
and
gazed
out
,
being
so
close
to
the
combatants
that
she
could
almost
have
touched
them
.
Two
men
were
engaged
,
apparently
,
in
desperate
conflict
,
while
Marion
's
eyes
became
fixed
on
them
with
the
fascination
of
fear
.
She
could
not
scream
—
she
could
not
move
:
she
seemed
to
have
lost
all
power
of
motion
,
while
watching
the
whole
scene
with
harrowing
interest
,
yet
with
the
vague
indistinctness
of
a
dream
.
It
seemed
as
if
some
frightful
night-mare
were
upon
her
,
and
as
if
she
were
chained
to
the
spot
,
yet
there
was
a
frightful
reality
in
all
that
followed
.
It
was
a
fierce
and
deadly
struggle
,
carried
on
with
the
energetic
strength
of
despair
.
Again
and
again
,
in
a
hoarse
,
deep
voice
,
the
fearful
cry
arose
on
the
night
air
,
of
"
Murder
!
"
mingled
with
agonizing
cries
for
help
.
Marion
clung
to
the
window
for
support
,
and
shivered
from
head
to
foot
;
while
she
still
heard
the
loud
trampling
of
feet
,
the
fierce
tones
of
defiance
,
threatening
,
groans
of
suppressed
anguish
,
and
then
a
loud
,
delirious
shriek
of
agony
,
followed
by
a
sharp
,
gasping
cry
,
when
one
of
the
combatants
fell
suddenly
to
the
ground
,
as
if
a
hundred
daggers
had
pierced
him
.
Windows
were
now
thrown
open
on
every
side
,
the
watchman
's
rattle
became
audible
,
there
was
a
tread
of
many
feet
,
the
sound
of
many
voices
,
and
all
seemed
to
promise
speedy
aid
,
when
,
amidst
the
death-like
silence
beside
her
window
,
Marion
heard
a
strange
,
unearthly
laugh
,
which
sounded
more
appalling
in
a
such
a
scene
than
all
she
had
yet
beheld
.
A
mysterious
dread
fell
over
her
heart
,
her
eyes
swam
,
her
brain
reeled
,
a
faint
sickness
came
upon
her
,
she
made
a
feeble
attempt
to
support
herself
against
the
window
,
and
,
with
a
convulsive
sigh
,
sank
almost
insensible
on
a
seat
.
When
Marion
recovered
,
a
low
,
murmuring
sound
of
many
voices
became
audible
.
Martin
hastily
opened
the
door
,
and
a
crowd
of
strange
faces
appeared
,
pale
and
full
of
horror
;
while
several
men
almost
staggered
beneath
the
weight
of
a
shutter
,
on
which
lay
a
motionless
figure
,
partly
concealed
by
a
cloak
,
with
a
bloody
napkin
over
the
face
;
while
the
stillness
,
the
stiff
and
rigid
look
of
that
immovable
form
,
could
indicate
nothing
but
death
.
There
was
that
in
the
voices
of
those
who
entered
which
caused
Marion
's
nerves
to
creep
with
apprehension
.
A
low
murmur
stole
through
the
crowd
,
while
,
shivering
with
apprehension
,
she
silently
gazed
on
the
stone-like
,
lifeless
image
before
her
.
The
hair
was
damp
and
matted
with
gore
,
the
hands
were
clenched
in
agony
,
the
dress
soiled
with
clay
and
blood
;
but
the
tall
figure
retained
a
look
of
solemn
dignity
;
and
Marion
felt
a
cold
thrill
shoot
through
her
heart
,
while
her
eyes
became
riveted
on
that
ghastly
object
.
Though
unable
to
speak
,
or
to
ask
a
single
question
,
her
mind
was
intensely
conscious
of
all
that
passed
;
while
many
surmises
were
whispered
around
respecting
the
cause
and
origin
of
this
fearful
catastrophe
,
and
much
impatience
was
expressed
for
the
proper
authorities
to
arrive
and
take
cognizance
of
the
circumstances
.
Marion
,
at
length
,
feeling
herself
alone
among
so
great
a
concourse
of
strangers
,
had
slowly
turned
to
leave
the
room
,
when
her
ear
was
caught
by
hearing
the
name
of
De
Lancey
,
and
,
turning
hastily
round
,
she
started
to
find
Lord
Wigton
close
beside
her
,
in
earnest
conference
with
an
officer
,
who
remarked
,
in
low
,
ominous
accents
,
"
I
am
perfectly
well
aware
that
several
discussions
took
place
between
them
lately
,
respecting
the
circumstances
of
his
childhood
,
though
I
understood
them
to
be
of
a
friendly
nature
;
but
this
very
evening
,
at
Mrs.
Smytheson
's
,
some
very
high
words
,
passed
relating
to
a
young
lady
.
"
A
faint
chill
came
over
Marion
as
she
heard
these
words
,
and
turning
,
with
a
bewildered
look
,
to
the
speaker
,
she
asked
,
in
a
low
,
deep
voice
,
if
he
knew
anything
of
Henry
De
Lancey
.
"
Yes
!
only
too
much
,
if
all
be
as
we
suspect
,
"
replied
the
stranger
sternly
.
"
I
always
liked
De
Lancey
;
but
if
he
had
any
hand
in
this
business
,
great
as
the
provocation
may
have
been
,
he
would
be
more
like
an
Italian
assassin
than
a
British
officer
.
He
was
heard
once
to
declare
the
greatest
abhorrence
to
duelling
;
but
these
canting
sort
of
speeches
never
come
to
any
good
.
At
Mrs.
Smytheson
's
,
not
two
hours
ago
,
he
seemed
very
violently
irritated
against
my
unfortunate
friend
who
lies
murdered
there
.
"
Marion
's
countenance
became
pale
and
terror-stricken
;
she
looked
irresolutely
round
,
and
then
,
with
faltering
steps
,
approached
a
table
on
which
the
corpse
had
been
laid
.
She
could
not
speak
,
and
her
hand
trembled
convulsively
;
but
she
grasped
a
napkin
which
shrouded
the
features
of
the
deceased
.
Slowly
and
fearfully
she
raised
it
,
gave
one
shrinking
glance
,
and
,
with
a
broken
shriek
of
astonishment
,
beheld
,
stained
with
blood
,
and
rigid
as
marble
,
the
well-known
features
of
Captain
De
Crespigny
.
Marion
's
heart
stood
still
,
a
cold
shiver
ran
through
her
frame
,
and
,
tottering
back
,
with
a
gasp
of
pallid
horror
,
she
sank
upon
a
seat
,
where
her
blanched
cheek
and
quivering
lip
revealed
the
agony
of
her
amazement
and
horror
.
Conscious
at
once
that
this
must
be
the
work
of
Ernest
Anstruther
,
still
the
world
seemed
to
rock
beneath
her
feet
,
with
the
vibration
of
crime
and
misery
;
while
,
covering
her
face
with
her
hands
,
she
tried
to
shut
out
the
very
thought
of
all
she
had
beheld
.
Martin
had
sent
an
express
instantly
to
Lord
Doncaster
;
and
,
meanwhile
,
the
dreadful
tale
flew
far
and
wide
;
while
the
universal
appetite
for
horror
seemed
on
this
occasion
more
than
satiated
.
A
young
,
handsome
,
and
talented
officer
,
thus
brought
down
,
by
some
mysterious
agency
,
to
the
dust
of
death
!
It
was
appalling
;
and
throughout
the
whole
neighborhood
,
a
spirit
of
eager
,
burning
,
impatient
curiosity
,
became
general
.
A
summons
at
length
arrived
,
for
all
present
to
proceed
instantly
to
Kilmarnock
Abbey
,
that
depositions
might
be
taken
before
Lord
Doncaster
and
the
nearest
magistrates
,
while
Marion
as
a
witness
was
obliged
immediately
to
appear
there
,
that
her
testimony
might
assist
with
that
of
others
in
clearing
up
the
tragical
mystery
.
The
unwarrantable
suspicions
which
had
been
expressed
respecting
Henry
,
formed
a
strong
additional
motive
to
Marion
for
consenting
to
accompany
the
melancholy
cavalcade
,
as
she
was
anxious
at
once
publicly
to
acquit
him
,
knowing
that
,
as
the
proverb
says
,
"
if
a
lie
has
no
feet
on
which
to
stand
,
it
has
always
wings
with
which
to
fly
round
the
world
.
"
Marion
hastened
into
a
carriage
which
had
been
sent
,
that
she
might
follow
the
body
to
Kilmarnock
Abbey
,
where
she
was
ushered
before
long
within
the
house
.
It
was
a
solemn
scene
!
That
large
,
old
hall
hung
with
antique
armour
,
spears
,
horns
,
cross-bows
,
and
portraits
of
many
a
long-forgotten
ancestor
.
The
gothic
stained
window
,
magnificent
in
its
proportions
,
the
ancient
grained
roof
,
the
black
oaken
panels
,
the
cumbrous
,
carved
woodwork
,
the
marble
floor
,
and
the
faded
tapestry
,
all
dimly
illuminated
by
the
glimmering
of
a
single
lamp
hastily
lighted
for
the
occasion
.
An
uncertain
,
mysterious
gleam
was
cast
on
the
nearest
objects
,
while
the
more
distant
recesses
were
thrown
into
gloomy
shadow
,
and
the
tumultuous
agitation
of
those
around
contrasted
strangely
with
the
locked
and
riveted
limbs
of
that
motionless
figure
to
which
all
eyes
were
directed
,
the
rigid
stillness
and
stern
composure
of
that
countenance
now
invested
with
all
the
majesty
of
death
,
from
which
Marion
turned
with
shuddering
sympathy
and
amazement
,
while
the
multitude
of
servants
and
spectators
continued
in
a
state
of
wild
excitement
,
uttering
on
every
side
subdued
exclamations
of
horror
.
At
length
Lord
Doncaster
himself
slowly
entered
,
with
several
gentlemen
,
some
of
whom
looked
deeply
concerned
,
while
others
were
evidently
no
more
affected
than
if
they
had
come
to
see
the
fifth
act
of
a
well-performed
tragedy
.
Among
the
first
to
appear
was
Henry
De
Lancey
,
to
whom
Marion
had
instantly
sent
an
express
,
and
,
totally
unconscious
of
exciting
more
than
ordinary
notice
,
he
advanced
to
Lord
Doncaster
with
an
expression
of
heartfelt
sorrow
,
wishing
to
volunteer
his
services
in
unraveling
the
appalling
and
mysterious
events
of
the
night
.
While
some
eyes
were
turned
on
Henry
with
eager
and
intense
scrutiny
,
an
anxious
investigation
was
commenced
,
though
without
success
,
for
no
clue
could
be
obtained
which
threw
any
light
upon
this
treacherous
and
unaccountable
murder
.
Not
a
whisper
was
heard
,
while
Henry
at
once
related
all
which
had
passed
that
night
between
himself
and
Captain
De
Crespigny
,
during
the
angry
dialogue
which
had
been
overheard
between
them
;
but
as
delicacy
to
Agnes
prevented
him
from
being
perfectly
explicit
respecting
the
cause
of
their
dissension
,
several
questions
were
asked
,
which
he
felt
obliged
to
decline
answering
,
though
a
cloud
of
suspicion
gradually
gathered
over
the
countenances
of
several
spectators
,
when
he
acknowledged
having
been
in
company
with
the
deceased
a
very
few
minutes
before
the
catastrophe
,
and
that
they
had
separated
in
anger
.
All
that
could
be
ascertained
for
certain
was
,
that
Captain
De
Crespigny
had
passed
the
evening
at
Mrs.
Smytheson
's
—
that
he
seemed
in
unusual
spirits
,
which
is
always
remembered
to
have
been
the
case
with
those
who
suffer
some
sudden
calamity
—
that
he
had
spoken
of
plans
involving
many
years
of
life
and
health
—
that
he
had
mentioned
to
Lord
Wigton
differences
having
arisen
lately
between
him
and
Henry
De
Lancey
—
and
that
some
one
had
been
observed
lurking
near
the
door
,
when
he
took
leave
at
night
of
his
cousin
,
Miss
Howard
,
to
whom
he
said
in
his
usual
tone
of
characteristic
gallantry
,
"
I
shall
count
the
minutes
till
we
meet
to-morrow
.
"
Little
did
he
then
,
in
the
bright
glow
of
youth
,
health
,
and
spirits
,
foresee
what
that
to-morrow
should
produce
!
No
farther
information
could
be
elicited
except
the
evidence
of
Marion
,
who
described
,
in
faltering
accents
,
the
deadly
conflict
she
had
witnessed
;
but
,
being
unable
to
see
the
assassin
,
she
could
afford
no
assistance
in
identifying
him
;
though
she
declared
in
the
strongest
terms
,
that
in
height
and
form
he
bore
no
resemblance
to
any
one
she
had
ever
seen
before
,
unless
it
were
the
madman
,
Ernest
Anstruther
.
To
have
explicitly
denied
that
it
was
Henry
,
would
have
seemed
like
a
tacit
acknowledgment
that
such
a
thing
might
have
been
conjectured
;
and
Marion
abhorred
the
very
thought
of
his
name
being
at
all
implicated
in
a
catastrophe
so
revolting
.
Some
time
elapsed
before
it
occurred
to
the
imagination
of
Henry
,
that
the
eye
of
suspicion
could
for
a
moment
rest
upon
him
;
and
when
the
idea
flashed
into
his
mind
,
it
seemed
so
perfectly
preposterous
,
as
to
be
scarcely
worth
a
thought
;
but
he
now
perceived
with
indignant
astonishment
,
that
there
were
those
among
the
spectators
who
cast
on
him
dark
glances
of
doubt
and
suspicion
;
therefore
feeling
that
to
be
accused
,
even
in
momentary
thought
,
of
a
deed
from
which
his
very
soul
would
have
shrunk
,
was
intolerable
,
he
advanced
without
a
moment
's
hesitation
towards
the
table
before
which
Lord
Doncaster
was
seated
;
and
,
placing
his
hand
upon
that
of
the
corpse
beside
him
,
he
spoke
in
a
firm
and
decided
tone
,
though
evidently
with
deep
emotion
,
while
the
spectators
crushed
forward
to
hear
him
,
and
the
dead
silence
around
gave
a
solemn
distinctness
to
his
words
,
uttered
,
as
they
were
,
in
a
low
,
impressive
tone
.
"
I
perceive
—
with
what
degree
of
astonishment
no
words
can
describe
—
that
I
—
the
last
man
on
earth
who
would
seek
the
life
of
another
,
even
in
open
and
honorable
conflict
—
that
I
,
who
had
for
my
benefactor
and
instructor
the
most
upright
and
excellent
of
men
—
am
now
,
by
a
strange
combination
of
circumstances
,
likely
to
become
suspected
of
a
dastardly
and
treacherous
assassination
!
I
disdain
to
make
any
paltry
asseverations
of
innocence
!
yet
,
let
me
not
blame
any
man
for
what
he
thinks
!
This
is
a
time
of
sudden
and
mysterious
alarm
!
The
calamitous
event
is
as
little
to
be
accounted
for
,
as
it
is
deeply
to
be
deplored
.
Already
I
have
buried
in
oblivion
every
cause
of
irritation
which
had
recently
arisen
between
us
.
Nothing
personal
to
myself
had
caused
our
alienation
.
The
deceased
acted
on
many
occasions
towards
me
formerly
with
the
kindest
consideration
,
which
I
am
as
ready
now
to
remember
,
as
I
am
also
to
forget
all
that
ever
was
painful
or
unsatisfactory
between
us
.
"
Henry
bent
his
head
to
Lord
Doncaster
with
an
air
of
resolute
but
melancholy
composure
,
and
stood
back
while
several
other
persons
gave
their
evidence
,
and
Marion
observed
with
surprise
,
that
,
instead
of
being
occupied
in
attending
to
their
depositions
,
young
De
Lancey
gazed
with
a
look
of
wondering
perplexity
all
around
the
large
,
old-fashioned
hall
,
while
,
with
an
expression
of
absent
astonishment
,
his
eye
wandered
over
the
gigantic
chimney-piece
of
quaint
device
,
the
rusty
armour
and
trophies
of
the
chase
,
the
old
historical
furniture
,
the
tapestried
chairs
,
the
statues
,
and
the
richly
sculptured
ceiling
.
At
length
he
glanced
towards
Lord
Doncaster
,
who
had
been
for
some
time
keenly
observing
him
,
but
whose
looks
were
now
hastily
averted
,
while
apparently
occupied
in
arranging
some
papers
,
and
it
was
evident
that
the
aged
peer
's
hand
shook
with
agitation
.
Much
might
,
of
course
,
be
attributed
to
the
fearful
event
of
the
night
,
and
yet
Marion
felt
that
this
emotion
did
not
originate
from
the
same
cause
,
for
the
Marquis
cast
frequently
a
furtive
glance
at
Henry
,
though
avoiding
observation
,
and
his
excitement
obviously
increased
.
Young
De
Lancey
seemed
evidently
struggling
with
some
painful
,
agitating
perplexity
!
Again
he
perused
the
room
with
a
scrutinizing
gaze
,
and
again
his
eye
became
fastened
on
the
aged
features
of
Lord
Doncaster
with
a
steady
,
earnest
examination
;
while
still
the
expression
of
doubt
and
wonder
on
his
countenance
became
more
obvious
,
as
if
he
were
attempting
to
stir
up
some
recollections
which
would
not
come
at
his
bidding
.
Turning
at
length
to
Marion
,
he
whispered
in
a
low
,
almost
dreaming
tone
,
"
It
is
long
,
—
very
long
since
I
have
been
here
!
When
did
I
see
this
apartment
last
?
"
"
You
,
Henry
!
never
!
My
uncle
ceased
to
visit
Lord
Doncaster
ages
ago
!
Indeed
,
they
rather
disliked
each
other
than
otherwise
!
We
never
were
in
this
old
hall
before
!
"
"
And
yet
,
Marion
,
"
replied
Henry
,
in
a
tone
of
increasing
decision
,
while
his
eye
still
wandered
round
with
a
look
of
intense
curiosity
,
"
I
could
swear
that
every
object
in
this
room
is
familiar
to
my
memory
.
That
oak
roof
blackened
with
age
;
those
time-stained
walls
;
those
strange
old
portraits
and
their
massy
frames
!
I
seem
to
look
back
through
a
dark
mist
,
and
to
remember
scenes
and
circumstances
which
occurred
in
this
apartment
long
ages
ago
!
"
"
Yes
,
Henry
!
every
person
living
is
subject
to
these
unaccountable
delusions
!
It
has
often
been
mentioned
as
extraordinary
,
that
,
when
any
very
agitated
scenes
occur
,
people
are
apt
to
feel
that
sort
of
dreaming
fancy
you
describe
,
as
if
the
whole
had
been
acted
over
in
their
sight
before
.
"
"
No
,
Marion
,
it
is
not
so
!
The
whole
is
a
distinct
reality
!
A
hundred
recollections
arise
like
phantoms
,
and
struggle
in
my
memory
.
Yes
!
I
have
stood
upon
this
floor
in
former
years
!
I
have
gazed
upon
every
object
you
see
there
!
This
was
once
my
home
!
There
,
in
that
large
old
chair
,
I
have
sat
on
my
mother
's
knee
,
and
the
aged
countenance
of
Lord
Doncaster
himself
is
indelibly
imprinted
on
my
recollection
.
"
"
Impossible
!
"
"
True
,
Marion
!
most
true
!
A
thousand
remembrances
pour
in
like
a
flood
upon
me
!
This
room
has
often
appeared
before
my
eyes
in
a
dream
!
it
is
connected
with
my
earliest
years
!
Look
at
the
farthest
corner
of
this
hall
,
—
behind
that
damask
curtain
stands
a
secret
door
,
and
it
leads
to
a
room
where
I
could
swear
that
some
hours
of
my
life
were
formerly
passed
,
when
or
why
I
cannot
even
guess
.
Marion
,
the
house
is
crowded
at
present
,
and
we
shall
not
be
remarked
,
let
us
verify
my
recollection
,
by
gradually
approaching
the
concealed
door
,
and
then
you
will
be
convinced
that
memory
has
not
deceived
me
.
"
When
Henry
,
by
a
slow
and
difficult
progress
,
had
piloted
Marion
through
the
dense
mass
of
persons
who
filled
the
hall
,
they
reached
at
length
the
spot
he
had
indicated
,
where
,
lifting
the
tapestry
,
he
at
once
opened
a
door
,
so
nearly
resembling
the
paneling
as
scarcely
to
be
discernible
,
and
they
entered
a
small
,
low
room
,
which
seemed
to
Marion
no
larger
than
a
four-post
bed
,
so
dusty
,
dark
,
and
neglected-looking
,
that
it
had
evidently
not
been
occupied
for
years
.
Long
cobwebs
hung
like
banners
from
the
roof
,
—
it
was
almost
destitute
of
furniture
—
and
they
found
a
picture
placed
on
the
floor
,
its
face
towards
the
wall
,
representing
a
lady
,
young
and
dazzlingly
beautiful
,
and
a
boy
beside
her
,
playing
with
a
large
Newfoundland
dog
.
Henry
silently
strode
across
the
room
,
and
,
as
if
perfectly
familiar
with
its
arrangements
,
he
threw
open
a
small
cupboard
,
into
which
had
been
thrown
the
broken
fragments
of
several
childish
playthings
.
He
paused
and
gave
an
agitated
look
towards
Marion
.
His
countenance
had
become
pale
,
and
wore
the
same
expression
as
at
first
,
of
almost
agonizing
perplexity
,
while
he
was
evidently
groping
through
the
darkest
recesses
of
his
memory
for
that
which
still
eluded
his
grasp
.
Leaning
his
head
on
his
hand
,
with
eyes
fixed
on
the
portrait
before
him
,
Henry
remained
long
in
this
agitating
reverie
,
his
countenance
flushed
by
the
inward
tumult
,
while
hunting
through
his
recollection
for
a
more
defined
shadow
of
that
which
flickered
in
his
brain
,
and
Marion
silently
observed
him
.
She
did
not
speak
,
she
scarcely
even
breathed
,
for
now
it
seemed
to
her
as
if
some
mystery
were
there
too
deep
for
her
to
fathom
,
connected
probably
with
Henry
's
early
history
,
and
a
secret
hope
glimmered
on
her
mind
that
possibly
the
time
had
come
at
last
when
a
clue
might
be
obtained
to
the
mystery
of
Henry
's
birth
and
misfortunes
.
The
child
,
whose
portrait
they
had
here
discovered
,
bore
an
obvious
resemblance
to
Henry
De
Lancey
,
as
she
first
remembered
him
.
The
very
dress
was
similar
,
and
all
around
brought
to
mind
what
Henry
had
once
described
of
his
early
home
.
It
seemed
to
Marion
as
if
this
were
the
very
crisis
of
his
existence
,
and
she
waited
in
silent
hope
,
expecting
that
the
moment
might
come
,
when
he
would
again
speak
to
tell
her
his
thoughts
;
but
a
deep
oppression
seemed
gathering
over
his
spirit
,
he
riveted
his
hands
over
his
face
,
as
if
anxious
thus
to
shut
out
the
world
,
and
every
thing
in
it
,
from
his
shrinking
memory
,
and
there
was
a
silence
around
like
death
itself
.
CHAPTER
XLVI
.
While
Henry
continued
thus
entranced
with
perplexity
,
Marion
's
attention
was
gradually
attracted
by
a
noise
at
her
side
,
and
,
looking
suddenly
round
,
she
was
startled
to
behold
crouching
in
the
remotest
corner
of
the
room
,
the
figure
of
a
human
being
,
which
filled
her
with
horror
and
dismay
,
so
haggard
,
so
emaciated
,
so
unlike
anything
she
had
ever
looked
upon
before
,
that
scarcely
could
she
suppress
a
shriek
of
dismay
.
It
was
a
face
of
woe
and
wretchedness
,
once
seen
never
to
be
forgotten
,
and
she
had
formerly
seen
it
.
The
sunken
temples
,
the
hollow
eyes
,
the
lurid
glare
of
insanity
in
the
eye
,
and
the
clusters
of
hair
,
black
as
death
,
blown
by
the
night-wind
in
large
damp
masses
on
his
forehead
,
all
brought
the
wretched
Howard
instantaneously
to
her
mind
;
and
,
grasping
Henry
's
arm
,
with
an
exclamation
of
terror
,
she
attempted
to
hurry
with
him
out
of
the
room
.
Scarcely
,
however
,
had
she
made
a
step
towards
the
door
,
when
the
madman
darted
forward
,
and
closed
it
,
then
wheeling
round
,
he
said
,
in
a
low
,
husky
voice
,
while
his
strength
seemed
so
subdued
,
that
the
grasp
of
an
infant
might
have
mastered
him
,
—
"
You
have
discovered
me
,
and
there
is
no
escape
!
Be
it
so
!
'
Welcome
death
,
'
as
the
rat
said
,
when
the
trap
fell
down
.
Here
the
tragedy
began
,
and
here
let
it
end
!
"
He
paused
for
several
minutes
,
and
gradually
his
face
assumed
a
look
of
ungovernable
anguish
,
while
he
added
,
in
a
dreary
,
desolate
tone
,
unlike
any
human
voice
,
—
"
I
could
weep
for
my
own
ruin
,
—
for
my
sister
's
,
—
but
the
time
is
past
.
Never
shall
I
shed
another
tear
!
Our
sin
be
on
the
Abbe
Mordaunt
's
head
!
The
withering
curse
of
a
dying
man
be
on
his
head
!
The
misery
of
eternal
ruin
be
on
his
head
,
as
it
is
on
mine
!
For
his
own
purposes
he
nurtured
every
wild
passion
in
our
young
blood
.
He
taught
me
the
mad
ambition
that
was
my
ruin
,
—
promised
me
impunity
here
and
hereafter
,
if
I
assisted
in
his
schemes
;
and
now
,
after
being
his
tool
,
I
am
,
like
a
useless
tool
,
cast
aside
!
But
could
he
silence
my
outraged
conscience
?
No
!
The
gibbet
is
forever
hovering
before
my
sight
,
and
the
curse
of
heaven
is
borne
to
my
soul
in
every
blast
!
"
"
Yet
you
are
still
in
this
world
of
hope
,
where
none
can
be
finally
condemned
,
"
said
Henry
,
solemnly
.
"
Till
the
grave
closes
over
your
head
,
mercy
and
pardon
may
yet
be
asked
,
and
may
yet
be
granted
!
Ernest
Anstruther
,
from
the
hour
of
my
mother
's
death
until
now
,
you
have
most
barbarously
injured
me
,
but
mortal
man
must
not
keep
up
immortal
anger
.
I
only
obey
our
beneficent
Creator
in
saying
,
that
if
you
repent
,
I
heartily
forgive
you
.
Your
life
is
probably
forfeited
to
the
outraged
laws
of
man
,
but
may
your
soul
find
mercy
in
its
utmost
need
.
"
"
I
have
been
your
deadliest
foe
,
De
Lancey
,
and
haunted
your
steps
with
my
hatred
from
childhood
;
but
it
is
done
,
"
continued
Anstruther
,
with
a
look
of
bleak
and
barren
agony
.
"
I
will
not
live
to
be
caged
in
prison
,
a
spectacle
of
scorn
and
infamy
,
to
die
a
death
of
shame
.
How
different
from
what
I
once
hoped
!
There
shall
be
no
to-morrow
for
me
in
this
world
!
A
fire
is
at
my
heart
,
which
can
only
be
quenched
by
death
!
It
is
better
not
to
be
,
than
to
be
miserable
!
I
shall
give
my
body
to
the
beasts
of
the
field
,
or
the
birds
in
the
air
.
I
shall
find
a
bed
where
no
dreams
shall
haunt
me
,
and
a
sleep
from
which
there
is
no
awakening
!
A
wolf
may
lose
his
teeth
,
but
you
cannot
change
his
nature
!
As
a
madman
I
have
lived
,
and
as
a
madman
I
shall
die
!
We
must
sleep
in
the
bed
we
prepare
for
ourselves
!
Before
that
sun
shall
have
traveled
another
hour
,
you
,
Henry
De
Lancey
,
shall
be
raised
to
honor
,
and
I
shall
have
died
,
covered
with
infamy
and
disgrace
.
I
never
stir
now
,
without
the
fatal
means
of
release
.
"
Marion
shivered
from
head
to
foot
,
at
the
ghastly
sound
of
Anstruther
's
voice
,
but
paralyzed
with
terror
,
she
dared
not
stir
,
for
already
a
loaded
pistol
was
in
his
hand
.
A
fearful
ghastly
smile
distorted
his
countenance
,
—
the
smile
of
a
maniac
,
—
a
smile
such
as
may
be
seen
on
the
lips
of
a
corpse
,
and
an
expression
gleamed
in
his
eye
,
which
it
curdled
her
blood
to
look
upon
,
and
might
have
struck
terror
into
the
strongest
mind
;
but
Henry
,
in
a
calm
,
deliberate
voice
,
replied
,
—
"
There
is
no
such
dreamless
sleep
,
Anstruther
,
as
you
describe
!
Even
Satan
himself
believes
in
futurity
!
Whatever
be
your
sorrow
,
and
worse
than
sorrow
,
your
sin
,
do
not
madly
hasten
to
that
world
where
there
is
no
peace
and
no
pardon
.
Take
pity
upon
yourself
.
"
"
Mine
has
been
a
desperate
life
,
and
it
shall
have
a
desperate
end
,
"
replied
Ernest
,
with
a
sullen
,
deadly
smile
on
his
bloodless
lips
;
but
trying
to
assume
a
tone
of
reckless
indifference
,
he
added
,
"
I
never
was
one
to
choke
upon
the
tail
!
I
have
gazed
at
the
moon
,
and
fallen
in
the
gutter
,
but
,
De
Lancey
,
for
the
sake
of
that
good
old
man
,
Sir
Arthur
,
who
was
your
benefactor
and
mine
,
I
will
not
die
without
doing
you
justice
.
The
wax
of
secrecy
may
now
be
broken
,
and
here
are
papers
clearly
and
indisputably
to
prove
that
you
are
the
legitimate
son
of
Lord
Doncaster
.
They
purify
your
mother
's
character
from
every
aspersion
,
and
testify
without
doubt
your
title
to
be
Lord
Dunraven
.
"
Had
an
apparition
arisen
through
the
floor
,
or
had
a
cannon
gone
off
at
Henry
's
ear
,
he
could
scarcely
have
been
more
startled
and
astonished
,
while
,
with
an
exclamation
of
joy
and
rapture
,
Marion
rushed
up
to
him
,
saying
,
in
accents
of
tremulous
joy
,
while
he
stood
bewildered
with
surprise
,
and
then
grasping
the
packet
in
his
hand
,
staggered
to
a
seat
,
"
It
is
then
as
uncle
Arthur
once
almost
believed
!
Oh
,
Henry
,
what
joy
!
If
he
had
but
lived
to
hear
it
!
Can
this
be
possible
!
"
After
a
few
moments
given
to
emotion
and
wonder
,
while
Henry
seemed
almost
as
if
his
spirit
had
taken
wing
from
the
body
,
Marion
having
in
some
degree
recovered
herself
,
looked
round
,
and
observed
with
surprise
that
they
were
alone
!
The
madman
,
taking
advantage
of
Henry
's
agitation
,
had
rushed
wildly
from
the
house
,
to
be
seen
and
heard
of
no
more
.
Henry
rose
,
intending
instantly
to
give
an
alarm
,
and
to
follow
in
pursuit
of
Anstruther
;
but
scarcely
had
he
stirred
a
step
,
before
he
and
Marion
were
startled
by
hearing
,
in
the
adjoining
room
,
a
shriek
so
shrill
and
appalling
,
so
heart-broken
and
delirious
,
that
in
an
agony
of
alarm
,
they
hurried
forward
to
the
hall
.
A
confused
murmur
,
a
buzz
of
suppressed
astonishment
had
arisen
among
the
assembled
crowd
,
in
which
were
many
countenances
expressing
strong
fear
,
others
wearing
only
an
air
of
gaping
curiosity
,
many
with
their
hands
clasped
in
amazement
,
and
others
expanding
them
in
terror
,
but
all
listening
with
looks
of
motionless
attention
,
while
every
eye
was
turned
towards
the
table
on
which
the
murdered
body
had
been
laid
,
and
a
deep
silence
ensued
,
of
hushed
expectation
,
as
if
the
stage
were
about
to
exhibit
a
tragedy
of
exciting
interest
.
Henry
glanced
rapidly
around
,
and
saw
standing
beside
the
corpse
a
tall
female
,
whose
aspect
filled
all
present
with
surprise
.
Her
worn
and
haggard
countenance
seemed
cold
and
rigid
as
the
figure
on
a
tomb-stone
,
and
her
cheek
had
become
overspread
with
a
damp
and
leaden
paleness
;
while
in
speechless
horror
,
which
seemed
as
if
it
amounted
almost
to
insanity
,
she
pointed
her
long
,
ghastly
finger
towards
the
body
.
A
hundred
eyes
were
now
bent
on
hers
,
and
her
bewildered
glance
swept
for
a
moment
round
the
assembled
crowd
,
with
a
look
of
unutterable
wretchedness
,
till
at
length
her
eye
fell
on
Lord
Doncaster
.
On
him
she
now
fixed
an
unshrinking
gaze
,
while
she
spoke
in
a
low
,
hoarse
whisper
,
which
sounded
with
terrifying
distinctness
through
the
large
old
hall
,
and
fell
upon
every
ear
with
a
solemnity
and
awfulness
like
the
knell
of
death
.
"
I
knew
all
,
but
could
not
hinder
it
!
No
!
I
would
have
died
to
prevent
this
!
There
was
death
in
my
brother
's
eye
when
he
left
me
!
I
pursued
him
,
but
it
was
too
late
!
Day
by
day
,
step
by
step
,
we
have
sunk
into
deeper
crime
and
misery
!
Who
would
think
that
I
had
ever
been
young
,
innocent
,
and
happy
?
The
barrier
was
first
thrown
down
by
him
who
lies
here
!
Hour
by
hour
the
deepening
shadows
grew
darker
!
Long
,
long
have
these
eyes
been
drenched
with
the
tears
of
a
broken
heart
!
My
wretched
brother
swore
that
every
pang
I
suffered
should
be
avenged
!
I
would
have
pardoned
,
I
would
have
forgotten
all
,
if
I
might
but
have
saved
my
brother
,
and
sheltered
him
from
death
.
I
have
warned
,
I
have
wept
,
implored
!
I
have
prayed
on
my
very
knees
;
but
in
vain
!
All
is
now
over
!
Every
law
of
God
and
man
has
been
violated
!
None
in
all
this
assembly
can
see
as
I
do
the
horror
of
our
guilt
—
none
can
hate
it
more
!
The
past
maddens
me
,
and
the
future
—
oh
!
what
is
there
in
the
future
for
me
!
"
With
a
shuddering
groan
,
Mary
Anstruther
sunk
back
on
a
chair
,
and
she
trembled
like
a
leaf
in
the
blast
of
autumn
,
while
a
mortal
silence
ensued
.
Lord
Doncaster
with
brows
knit
,
and
lips
firmly
compressed
,
seemed
resolute
to
conceal
the
emotions
evidently
struggling
and
boiling
within
his
breast
;
and
the
by-standers
,
in
dismay
,
had
all
shrunk
back
from
the
unhappy
woman
;
but
Henry
now
,
with
an
irresistible
impulse
of
pity
,
approached
,
and
spoke
a
few
soothing
words
to
her
,
when
she
suddenly
looked
up
,
and
seeing
the
expression
of
unfeigned
commiseration
with
which
he
gazed
at
her
,
burning
tears
forced
themselves
into
her
eyes
,
and
,
with
a
look
of
piercing
woe
,
she
added
in
a
low
,
husky
,
choking
voice
—
"
I
have
asked
pity
,
and
all
are
not
pitiless
!
I
am
used
to
misery
—
that
cannot
draw
tears
from
me
now
,
but
kindness
does
,
—
your
kindness
especially
.
My
heart
was
dumb
and
frozen
!
I
never
thought
to
weep
again
.
Many
is
the
long
day
since
I
have
been
pitied
!
Many
is
the
long
day
since
I
have
deserved
it
!
Yes
!
"
added
she
,
grasping
Henry
's
arm
with
almost
iron
force
,
while
she
spoke
in
a
voice
so
strange
and
deep
,
it
thrilled
to
every
heart
.
"
The
time
is
come
for
me
to
tell
all
and
die
.
The
secret
of
your
life
was
begun
with
bloodshed
,
and
here
in
bloodshed
it
has
ended
.
The
thought
that
your
mother
died
by
my
brother
's
hand
has
,
from
that
fatal
hour
,
gnawed
like
a
fiery
serpent
at
my
heart
.
My
soul
is
shaken
to
the
very
dust
;
but
while
I
have
breath
to
speak
,
let
me
confess
how
we
slandered
your
mother
—
how
we
caused
her
to
be
driven
as
an
outcast
from
this
house
—
how
we
deceived
your
father
,
and
cheated
you
,
Henry
De
Lancey
,
of
your
birthright
.
"
At
this
moment
Lord
Doncaster
,
who
had
seemed
almost
paralyzed
with
agitation
,
and
as
if
the
springs
of
life
were
drying
up
within
him
,
suddenly
rose
,
and
waving
back
the
Abbe
Mordaunt
and
others
who
were
crowding
around
him
,
he
placed
himself
opposite
the
wretched
woman
,
and
fixed
a
look
of
searching
examination
on
her
death-struck
countenance
,
while
he
seemed
afraid
to
trust
his
own
voice
,
lest
it
should
betray
the
tumult
of
his
feelings
;
but
after
a
momentary
struggle
,
he
passed
his
hand
across
his
eyes
,
and
said
in
a
low
tone
of
doubt
and
uncertainty
,
—
"
It
seems
like
a
resurrection
from
the
dead
!
It
cannot
be
!
Is
Mary
Anstruther
yet
in
being
?
"
"
I
have
dreamed
of
such
a
man
once
,
"
replied
she
,
casting
a
desolate
look
around
.
"
My
heart
was
not
then
bursting
,
as
it
is
now
,
because
none
can
help
me
.
"
Henry
's
eye
became
fastened
with
a
look
of
settled
intensity
on
the
countenance
of
Lord
Doncaster
,
who
walked
a
few
agitated
steps
about
the
room
,
and
then
added
,
in
a
voice
of
stern
astonishment
:
"
You
speak
of
a
deception
!
Let
me
know
all
?
What
of
Laura
Mordaunt
?
"
"
Not
of
Laura
Mordaunt
,
my
Lord
,
but
your
lawful
wife
!
The
story
of
your
previous
marriage
,
invented
by
the
Abbe
,
was
a
hideous
lie
.
Had
she
been
told
the
reason
why
you
spurned
her
from
the
house
,
she
could
have
disproved
it
.
We
told
her
only
that
your
affections
had
been
changed
.
She
was
too
proud
to
complain
;
yet
she
did
at
last
write
a
letter
,
which
never
reached
you
.
She
there
made
a
solemn
appeal
to
your
justice
and
compassion
,
claiming
for
her
son
the
affection
and
the
station
to
which
he
is
entitled
.
She
became
persuaded
,
by
the
Abbe
's
contrivance
,
that
her
marriage
had
been
illegal
.
All
—
all
was
foul
and
horrid
falsehood
.
We
each
had
our
various
interests
to
serve
!
the
Abbe
to
embezzle
his
niece
's
fortune
—
Ernest
to
keep
his
place
near
the
succession
—
and
I
—
—
"
Mary
Anstruther
's
almost
unearthly
voice
,
which
sounded
unlike
the
voice
of
a
human
being
,
now
entirely
failed
;
her
teeth
chattered
,
she
shivered
from
head
to
foot
,
and
her
eyes
became
fixed
on
the
stiffened
corpse
by
her
side
,
while
Lord
Doncaster
,
with
a
scarcely
audible
groan
of
bitter
regret
,
locked
his
hands
over
his
heart
,
as
if
to
still
its
